Plasma Rifle
Any of several styles of medium- to long-range plasma based projectile weapons. Most operate by superheating an ammunition material and then expelling it down a firing barrel at high speeds using concepts of Plasma Kinetics.
Plasma Rifles come in a variety of styles from multiple manufacturers, but all are based on ancient powder based weapons from millinia ago.
Handheld or Pistol Style
A lighter weight, single hand operation style. Usually uses a Plasma Cartridge filled with ammunition material. The material is then heated in single shot quantities.
Plasma Rifle, Multi-shot
A medium sized rifle, this style quickly heats multiple rounds at once, allowing for a rapid succession of shots. Depending on manufacturer, can fire one shot per trigger pull, or be set to a burst that fires three to five shots per trigger pull.
Plasma Rifle, Long
Developed with a longer and heavier kinetic chamber, this type of long range rifle relies on single load jacketed rounds, which are heated and held at temp until fired. Capable of ranges of over 1500 meters.
Plasma Rifle, Continuous
A heavy, Multi-part style of rifle. A large amount of ammunition material is heated and then seperated into shots during the firing process. Are extremly prone to over heat due to near continuous heating of material.
Sub-Classes
There are four broad sub-classes of Plasma Rifles:
Item type
Weapon, Ranged
I like how you've considered both the operation and the different types of plasma rifle. :D
It's honestly the first time my military background has kicked in on my worldbuilding.