Editing Rate of fire (section)

{{Short description|Firearm actions}}
{{Redirect|Firing rate|firing rate in neurons|Action potential}}

'''Rate of fire''' is the frequency at which a specific [[weapon]] can fire or launch its projectiles. This can be influenced by several factors, including operator training level, mechanical limitations, ammunition availability, and weapon condition. In modern weaponry, it is usually measured in rounds per minute (RPM or round/min) or rounds per second (RPS or round/s).<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.forgottenweapons.com/rate-of-fire-what-determines-it-and-how-to-change-it/ | title=Rate of Fire: What Determines it and How to Change It - Forgotten Weapons | date=17 January 2025 }}</ref>

There are three different measurements for the rate of fire: cyclic, sustained, and rapid. Cyclic is the maximum rate of fire given only mechanical function, not taking into account degradation of function due to heat, wear, or ammunition constraints. Sustained is the maximum efficient rate of fire given the time taken to load the weapon and keep it cool enough to operate. Finally, rapid is the maximum reasonable rate of fire in an emergency when the rate of fire need not be upheld for long periods.