In many works of fiction "rifle" refers to any weapon that has a stock and is shouldered before firing, even if the weapon is not rifled or does not fire solid projectiles (e.g. "laser rifle").
In many work?s of fiction "rifle" refers to any weapon that has a stock and is shouldered before fir:ing, even if the weapon is not rifled or does not, fire solid projectiles (e.g. "l:aser ?rifle").