Burst fire refers to a type of firing mechanism used in firearms. The word "burst" is pronounced /bɜrst/ (berst) and is spelled with the letter "u", even though it may seem more intuitive to spell it with an "o" as in "borst". This is because the letter "u" is used to represent the short sound of the vowel in American English, as in the word "hurt" /hɜrt/, which is similar to the sound in "burst". The word "fire" is pronounced /faɪər/ (fy-uhr) and is spelled phonetically, with the letters representing the individual sounds in the word.
Burst fire refers to a shooting mode commonly found in firearms, where the weapon discharges a series of rounds in quick succession. This mode is distinct from single fire and full automatic fire. In burst fire, a fixed number of rounds is discharged with each squeeze of the trigger, typically ranging from three to five rounds. It is designed to strike a balance between accuracy and firepower, offering greater control over the rate of fire compared to full automatic mode.
The burst fire mode is predominantly seen in military and law enforcement firearms, which allows for controlled bursts of rapid fire during engagements. By limiting the number of rounds per burst, the shooter can maintain accuracy and conserve ammunition, particularly in close quarters combat situations. Burst fire has been largely employed in assault rifles, submachine guns, and modern carbines.
To engage burst fire mode, the shooter selects it on the weapon's fire selector switch and squeezes the trigger. The internal mechanism of the firearm releases the predetermined number of rounds, providing a short burst of rapid fire. This mode is often used for suppression purposes, where the shooter lays down a controlled hail of bullets to suppress enemy fire or force the opposition to take cover.
In summary, burst fire mode is a shooting mode found in firearms that allows for the discharge of a fixed number of rounds with each trigger pull. It offers a compromise between single fire accuracy and full automatic firepower, making it a versatile option for military and law enforcement personnel.
The etymology of the term "burst fire" can be traced back to the individual words "burst" and "fire".
"Burst", as a noun, originated in Old English as "berstan" which meant "to break" or "to shatter". It evolved over time, and in Middle English, it took on the form "bursten" which referred to a sudden breaking or rupture. Eventually, "burst" emerged as the noun we know today, indicating a sudden and violent release of energy.
"Fire" comes from the Old English word "fȳr" which simply meant "fire". This term was derived from the Proto-Germanic word "fūr" and is also related to the Latin word "ignis".
When combined, "burst fire" describes a mode of firing a weapon, usually a firearm, where multiple rounds are fired in quick succession with a brief pause or interval between bursts.