Hierarchy classification:

1. top of the aat hierarchies
2. Physical Attributes Facet
3. Attributes and Properties (hierarchy name)
4. [attributes and properties by specific type]
5. operational attributes
6. [operational attributes for firearms]
7. self-loading

Anotations

Scope note:

Describes automatic and semiautomatic firearms in which the pressure of the propellant gas is used to force the barrel forward from a standing breech to open the action and eject the fired case. A spring brings the barrel back to firing position and also reloads and cocks the firearm.