Cyclic Rate
Definition
The rate of repeated firing-mechanism cycles under stated conditions, commonly expressed in cycles or rounds per minute. It differs from sustained practical rate and a measured incident shot sequence. Loose-case number or distribution does not independently measure an event’s duration.
Nominal cyclic rate is a mechanism characteristic under specified conditions, not the sustained rate achieved over a prolonged event. Heating, ammunition supply, interruptions and other conditions separate those quantities. No universal number applies to every model or historical incident.
Related terms
- Assault Rifle
- A conventional technical term for a selective-fire rifle chambered for an intermediate cartridge. It is distinct from jurisdiction-specific legal terms such as...
- Light Machine Gun
- A machine gun associated with a mobile support role, with varied feed arrangements and cartridge classes. It is not limited to full-power...
- Roller-Delayed Blowback
- An operating arrangement using roller-related mechanical geometry to regulate breech opening rather than the same positive-locking sequence used in roller-locked systems. The...
- Selective Fire
- A firearm capability allowing selection between specified firing modes, which may include semi-automatic, burst or automatic operation. The options depend on the...
- Submachine Gun
- A conventional technical category for a relatively compact automatic firearm using a pistol cartridge. Related semi-automatic designs may resemble it without sharing...