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A rifle is a firearm featuring a long, spirally grooved bore intended to make a bullet spin and therefore have greater accuracy over a long distance. The spin of the fired projectile averages out curve from imperfections similar to a properly thrown football. The weapon is generally fired from the shooter's shoulder. 

Rifles typically use the contained deflagration of an explosive compound to propel the bullet. The compound has evolved from black powder to cordite to nitrocellulose over time. Rifles were created as an improvement to smooth bore muskets.

Bolt-action, lever-action, and semi-automatic are three popular rifle actions. Fully automatic rifles exist as well. Generally, the difference between a fully-automatic rifle and a machine gun is found in its weight and feed system. Rifles cannot sustain automatic fire in the way that machine guns can because they overheat quickly and hold smaller magazines.

Rifles are used recreationally in hunting and target shooting. Rifles are best known for being used in warfare.