What distinguishes a single-shot firearm from a repeating firearm?

The distinguishing feature of a single-shot firearm is that it must be reloaded each time it is fired. This means that after pulling the trigger and shooting a round, the shooter must manually insert another cartridge into the chamber before being able to fire again. This design is straightforward and often preferred for certain types of hunting and shooting activities where precision is key.

In contrast, repeating firearms are designed to allow multiple shots to be fired in succession without the need for manual reloading after each shot, thanks to mechanisms such as magazines or clips. This capacity for rapid fire makes repeating firearms particularly useful in scenarios where multiple shots may be required quickly.

Understanding this distinction helps clarify the types of firearms available and their intended uses, whether for recreational shooting, hunting, or competitive shooting events.