Semi-automatic firearms are guns that automatically reload after each shot but require the shooter to pull the trigger for each round fired. This means that after firing one bullet, the firearm uses the energy from that shot to eject the spent cartridge and load a new round into the chamber, allowing for quicker follow-up shots compared to manual-action firearms. These firearms come in various types, including handguns and rifles, and are popular for both sport shooting and self-defense. Unlike fully automatic firearms, which continue to fire as long as the trigger is held down, semi-automatic firearms provide a balance between rapid fire and control.