Final answer:
The statement is true; high-powered semiautomatic rifles and shotguns are used for hunting and in target shooting tournaments, and advancements in firearms technology have influenced their use both historically in military and in current civilian contexts.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement is true: high-powered semiautomatic rifles and shotguns are indeed used in hunting and target shooting tournaments. Semiautomatic rifles, which fire one round with each pull of the trigger, have been commonly used by hunters and sports enthusiasts for many years. The .30-06 cartridge rifles, used extensively by U.S. forces during World War I and allowed to be kept by veterans, became popular among hunters and for sporting purposes due to the postwar surplus. Throughout history, advancements in firearms technology have played significant roles both in military applications and civilian use. From the early machine guns like the Gatling and Maxim guns to modern-day semiautomatic rifles, these weapons have been instrumental in shaping both military conflicts and leisure activities, such as hunting and sport shooting.