COMPENDIUM OF MODERN FIREARMS
Part III: Rifles
Light Rifles
Medium Rifles
Heavy Rifles
Sporting Rifles
Shotguns
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LIGHT RIFLES

GAME STATISTICS

DESCRIPTIONS

Heckler & Koch G11

The HK G11 assault rifle was a pioneer in its field: the first general-issue military weapon to use caseless ammunition. The penetration of the 4.7mm round compares favorably with other calibers of its class, with the added bonus of being substantially lighter. This allows the G11 to carry not one, but three 45rd magazines and still keep the weight well below 5kg! Only 1 magazine is loaded at a time; the other two magazines are held in special clamps alongside the loaded magazine.

Heckler & Koch HK53K

The Heckler & Koch HK53K is a carbine-variant of their 5.56mm G33 rifle (itself a variant of the 7.62mm G3), that is only slightly larger than the HK MP5 submachinegun. The HK53, considered an SMG by the manufacturer, is designed as a close-quarters high-powered submachinegun. The roller-delayed blowback mechanism keeps recoil to a manageable level, but the muzzle blast and report is substantial. Optional collapsing or fixed stock available (not shown) at no added cost.

Heckler & Koch G36/G36K

The first "next-generation" assault rifle to reach general issue in the 21st century was the HK G36. Developed from the earlier G3 mechanism, the G36 was issued to the German Bundeswehr during the first few years of the new century. The shortened G36K, shown at left, is a variant in which the barrel and shroud have been somewhat reduced in order to make the weapon more manageable for airborne and other specialty troops.

GIAT FAMAS

The French FAMAS has the distinction of being the first bullpup-configured weapon to see acceptance as the standard-issue rifle with a major military force. Developed and perfected during the 1970s, the FAMAS was issued to the French Army, and with modern updates remains the standard French Army kit rifle. The FAMAS also is fully ambidextrous, as the ejection port can be easily switched from right- to left-side ejection in a matter of minutes.

Steyr AUG
	The Steyr All Use Gun (AUG), though many decades old, still finds itself a common service rifle in many nations. The lightweight bullpup is very rugged, and Steyr has also kept up with the system upgrades, so the AUG is still a very competitive mainline assault rifle. The AUG/T variant replaces the integral scope with a modular option rail, capable of mounting more powerful sighting equipment.

Seburo MN-23

Seburo once again proves that they are the Ferrari of Firearms with the MN-23. Each weapon is constructed by hand to exacting standards, making this weapon exceptionally reliable and stylish. For those that like their big guns to coordinate with their Armani-Gibson tailored kevlar bodysuits, the gun's for you! The MN-23 features completely ergonomic forward and rear grips, recoil-absorbing adjustable buttstock and cheekpiece, barrel conpensators, a mounting rail for sighting accessories, and comes smartchipped from the factory! The MN-23 uses standard M16-type magazines.

Seburo MN-10
	The Seburo MN-10 is a modification of the MN-23 designed for close-quarters fighting at the request of Poseidon's Public Security. The MN-10 is substantially shorter than the MN-23, and ideal for ESWAT and other special security forces. The MN-10 also possesses all of the accessories as the MN-23, including the integral smartlink.

SIG 551 & 552

The SIG 551 is a fairly popular and efficient light assault rifle used primarily in Europe. The folding buttstock greatly decreases the overall size o the rifle, making it easy to conceal (but drops ACC by 1). Model shown is fitted with an optional 4x scope ($400). The SIG 552 is nearly identical, but specially modified for Special Forces needs with a much shorter barrel and a slightly lower weight (BR30, $500, 3.5kg)

Ares Ronin Light Assault Rifle (LAR)
	A light, all purpose update, similar to the M-16B, the Ronin was the standard Free States' assault rifle for over two decades. A serviceable bullpup design, firing cased 5.56mm ammunition, it quickly became a benchmark against which other assault rifles are measured. Though rarely seen in the Army, the surplus Ronins have been "adopted" by most police units along the Pacific coast.

IMI Galil Compact
	Israeli Military Industries also made an entry into the PDW market: the Galil Compact. This carbine-style assault rifle adds a folding stock to an otherwise small-framed assault rifle. High firepower in a tiny package! Popular with many private security forces for concealable firepower! As with most carbine-sized rifles, the muzzle flash and report are impressive.

IMI Tavor

The Tavor assault rifle, chambered in 5.56x45mm is the 21st century replacement for the Galil rifle currently in service with the Israeli Armed Forces. The Tavor did not see complete distribution until 2006. The Tavor, manufactured by Israeli Military Industries, is a polymer-framed bullpup-configured assault rifle. Additionally, the Tavor features a red-dot reflex sight mounted on an option rail as standard. The weapon also has backup iron sights should the primary optics fail.

Zastaba Nosle 9-Weapon
	Zastaba Nosle of Czechoslovakia has manufactured a very lightweight and efficient bullpup chambered for the 5.56x45mm cartridge. With lines very similar to the FN P90, the 9-Weapon uses a mechanically simpler spring-feeding box magazine, rather than the P90s complex loading mechanism. As in the P90, the 9-Weapon has excellent ergonomics, as well as an integral scope.

5.56x45mm Carbine-Pistols
Olympic Arms M95	Rocky Mountain Arms Patriot .223	Colt XM231
The above 3 models are typical of a new breed of hybrid carbine pistols. Each of the above models are effectively shortened and modified M16/AR15s, but still firing the 5.56x45mm cartridge. These weapons handle more like large-framed handgun or SMGs than the rifles they are based upon. All models are available in a standard full-auto version (listed price) or as semi-auto only ($500). Unfortunately, the design has limited range (BR10), and the short barrel results in enormous muzzle flash and report.

Abakan AN-102

The Abakan AN-102 design was finalized during the final years of the 20th century as a replacement for the aging Kalishnikov AK-74. The Abakan retains the same chambering as its predecessor, the 5.45x39mm Soviet round. Other significant changes in the AN-102 include a redesigned action, modified blowback system, and an offset magazine. The model shown at left is the shortened "special use" version, the AK-102S.

Colt M16B/AR-15

The Colt M16B was yet another product upgrade of the original M16A1, produced in the early 2000s, utilizing more lightening composites in the body, and a slightly modified and upgraded action. A substantial surplus of M16Bs has come into existence as a result of the turmoil of the Collapse as well as the adoption of the Ares Ronin by the WFS in 2018 making the M16B one of the most common and inexpensive military rifles in the world. The AR-15 is the civilian version of the M16, modified for semi-automatic fire only, and typically retail for ~$200-$300 (Avail 2).

Colt M16B Carbine

The Colt M16B frame has seen extensive modification by several different organizations within the past 4 decades, with some of the most common and popular variants being the tactical carbine. These shortened "Commando" versions typically replace the original composite stock with a collapsible version and shorten the barrel. The Bushmaster-15 pictured at left is typical of these M16 carbines, and is manufactured under license by Bushmaster. Again, semiautomatic AR-15 civilian versions are available for reduced cost ($200-300, Avail 2).

Armalite AR-18 "Shorty"

The Armalite AR-18 is another M16 derivative, designed in the late 20th century. The AR-18, chambered in 5.56x45mm was developed to fulfill a tactical niche of a compact assault rifle for use by paratroopers, vehicle crews, and other units with a need for a short but effective weapon. The AR-18 was never reached mass-production under Armalite, but many small-run gunsmiths are able to replicate the weapon.

AWC G2A

The first prototype of AWC's G2 bullpup assault rifle was produced in the late 1990s, offered as a specialty weapon for security and police organizations throughout the world. The G2A, the production version, features a heavier barrel for accuracy, in addition to a redesigned scope mount. Due to the weapon's small overall size, it became very popular for close-combat and paratroop units. The G2 is also available in a variant rechambered for the 7.62x51mm NATO cartridge (x30, 20rd, 4.5kg, $550).

Armitage M16Z "Snake"

The Armitage Arms M16Z "Snake" is a heavily customized M16 for Special Forces units. The M16Z is a very compact rifle that has seen significant popularity in the freelance market. The M16Z features a patented high-recoil absorption stock, underbarrel option mount (shown with high-intensity xenon flashlight; IR and UV sources also available) and a patented mechanism that allows the firer the option of unsuppressed or suppressed fire via the integral barrel silencer at the flip of a switch. Additionally, the custom Nikon-Zeiss MT-12 variable magnification optical scope with lowlite and passive IR capabilities (adds $1000, acts as Sniper System to 400m). Use of integral silencer reduces BR to 10m, damage to x18.

MEDIUM RIFLES

GAME STATISTICS

DESCRIPTIONS

CWI C-14 "Firebreather"

Coalition Weapon Industries' C-14, nicknamed "Fire Breather," is an over-under heavy infantry weapons, known for high marks for durability and reliability in the field. The weapon comprises of a 7x48mm assault rifle with an integrated underbarrel pump-action 25mm grenade launcher or 12ga shotgun, typically issued with the COS-4 passive nightvision scope. Pictured at left is a C-14 with underbarrel 5rd shotgun and 100rd drum magazine. The shotgun version costs $900. The COS-4 is available for $400, and the drum magazines cost $100. The C-14 and associated equipment are availability 3 within the Coalition States, and availability 4 (or worse) elsewhere.

Federated Arms Light Assault 15

Federated arms' bid for the polymer-frame, bullpup-configured combat rifle pioneered by HK's G-8/9 and Sternmeyer's M-95A. As with all Federated products, this is a durable and efficient lightweight rifle, with good accuracy and reliability. The LA-15 has all but replaced the Ares Ronin as the standard combat rifle of New Olympus and the Western Free States frontline troops. Federated also manufactures a version for Special Forces, on which the forward barrel assembly is removable to make the weapon shorter ($750). However, this has an adverse effect on range, as well as increasing muzzle flash and report.

Heckler & Koch HK77UK

A new assault carbine in use by private military units worldwide. HK's British subsidiary has installed the latest in autostabilizers and compensators, making it more accurate than most competitors. There's also a wide range of attachments available: a full-spectrum electronic sight for use with SmartGoggles ($600), a removable suppressor system ($200), and an extended magazine (45rd U-drum, $60). Another favorite of security and antiterrorist forces the world over!

AKR-20
	A plastic and carbon-fiber update of the AKM, distributed throughout the remains of the Soviet Bloc and client states. Easy to get, even easier to maintain, the AKR-20 is a popular battle rifle of many nations.

AK-47

The original and oft-duplicated Automat Kalashnikova was one of the most common and widely distributed combat rifles the world had ever seen. There are an estimated to be an excess of 50 million such rifles and their derivatives since the rifle's design in 1947. The AK-47 was a comparatively simple design that was blessed with an incredible reliability. The AK-47 still offers one of the best bangs for the buck, as they can often be purchased for about $250.

HEAVY RIFLES

GAME STATISTICS

DESCRIPTIONS

Fabrique National FAL
	A massive and reliable battle rifle, the FN-FAL 00 is used in nearly 40 countries in various configurations. Made in both semi-automatic ($500, Avail 2) and selective fire models, the FAL is very robust and will continue to operate for extended periods under hostile conditions.

Heckler & Koch G3KA8

This is one of the final variants of the G3 battle rifle to reach production. The barrel and forearm have been shortened with the front sight moved back and the flash suppressor mounted just in front of the sight. The shortness of the exposed barrel prevents the use of rifle grenades. The G3K is a compact carbine version of the G3 series with a barrel as short as is practical while still keeping muzzle flash and report at a reasonable level.

Colt AR-10
	The Colt AR-10 is essentially the M16 mechanism upgraded to fire the substantially more powerful 7.62x51mm caliber. The mechanical similarity between the AR-10 and the familiar M16 make the AR-10 popular with many paramilitary organizations and other independents around the world. As with all battle rifles, the AR-10s large bulk and mass are its largest hindrance.

SPORTING RIFLES

GAME STATISTICS

DESCRIPTIONS

KAC SR25 Match Rifle

The Knight's Armament Corporation SR25 Match rifle is one of many civilian-grade variants of the ubiquitous M16/AR-15 family of rifles. The KAC SR25 features a floating barrel, NATO-standardized STANAG scope mount, and an optional bipod (adds $300). The SR-25, and many of the other civilian variant M16s are very popular for target shooting, many of which have been optimized for this purpose. The SR25 is typically used with a short 5-round magazine, though larger 20- and 30-round magazines are also available ($25, $30).

Heckler & Koch SL8

The HK SL8 is a recently developed civilian and police-grade semiautomatic rifle based on HK's G36 weapons system. The SL8 is chambered for the 5.56x45mm cartridge, as was the G36, and also features a reinforced polymer body and stock, thumbhole grip, adjustable cheekpiece, and a ghost-ring iron foresight and the standard HK adjustable rearsight. The SL8 will also mount any STANAG-compatible optics system. The SL8 comes with two 5rd magazines as standard; larger 20- and 30-round mags are also available. There is also a variant chambered for 7.62x51mm (x30, $1000, 5 or 20rd magazines)

Heckler & Koch SR9
	The HK SR9 is a semiautomatic rifle typical of those that can be purchased by civilians in most nations around the world. Reliable and accurate, the SR9 was designed especially for the civilian market. 30rd magazines are also available ($30). There is also a variant chambered for 7.62x51mm (x30, $500, 5 or 20rd magazines).

IMI Hadar
	The IMI Hadar is a common sporting rifle, manufactured in Israel. The Hadar is typically fitted with a telescopic scope and a 5- or 25-round magazine (not shown). The large iron-sights are very sturdy, and provide a necessary backup to more sophisticated optical systems.

Ruger Mini-14

The Ruger Mini-14 is one of the popular semiautomatic rifles available in North America in the civilian and police sectors. The Mini-14 is a tried-and-true design, with recent variants capitalizing on over the 50 years of the Mini-14's existence. The modern variant is a very lightweight and rugged rifle with a corrosion- and wear-resistant barrel and reinforced polymer stocks. Variants are also available with folding stocks (+$100), as well as a fully automatic version for police sales, called the AC-556 ($400, ROF+1). The Mini-14 is typically equipped with 5rd magazines, though 10- and 30-round mags are also easily available ($15, $30)

SIG SSG69
	The SIG SSG69 is a 5.56mm-chambered sporting rifle designed for the civilian market, but also qualifies for police and competition applications as well. The SSG69 is a substantially lower-cost alternative for a lightweight "scout" rifle than the equivalent Steyr Scout.

Steyr USR

The Steyr USR is the 21st century revision of Steyr's AUG bullpup, redesigned for civilian and police markets. The USR possesses a vestigial thumbhole stock, and is sold without a flash suppressor. The USR is fitted standard with the same 1.5x optical scope as the AUG, but can be fitted with a STANAG-compatible "Picatinny" rail mount (+$100). The USR's design makes it an exceptional and compact weapon for civilians and security personnel when automatic weapons are unavailable or illegal.

Browning BAR-2
	Browning BAR-2 is typical of a modern hunting rifle, available in a number of different chamberings. The BAR-2 features a specialized recoil-compensation mechanism, designed to enhance long-range accuracy. The pictured scope is optional, see Modifications for details of Scope systems.

Remington PSS
	The Remington PSS is a fairly typical large-bore hunting rifle available to most civilians. Similar to the Remington M40 sniper rifle, the PSS loses some magazine capacity in lieu of the increased power of the .300 Winchester Magnum round. The PSS is also available in .308 (7.62x51mm), increasing capacity to 5rds. The magazine is rather difficult to load, and only 2rds may be loaded per action.

Pauza FB-50

The Pauza Manufacturing FB-50 is a semiautomatic .50-caliber rifle, feeding from a massive 3-round rotary magazine. The weapon is comparatively lightweight, especially when compared to larger automatic heavy rifles such as the Barrett M82 and M95 rifles. The FB-50 features a custom high-efficiency recoil-absorption pad in the buttstock, as well as a large muzzle brake. As with most .50cal rifles, the FB-50 is nearly useless without a scope system. A basic scope (no Sniper System bonus) is available for a discounted price of $100 from the manufacturer.

Budget Arms Budget-50

The Budget Arms Budget-50 is one of the last alternate options for those needing a high-caliber long-range "sporting" rifle. The Budget-50 is a simpl blowback-operated autoloading rifle, feeding from a standard 3-round magazine which lies flush with the magazine well. The Budget-50 is incredibly uncomfortable to shoot, as there are no other recoil-absorption systems besides the simple 6-vent muzzle brake. However, for those wanting the intimidation value of a "look-alike" high-power rifle, there are several variants rechambered for lighter and more reasonable cartridges, down to the .308 Winchester (7.62x51).

SHOTGUNS

* The damage listed to the left of the slash is for Fragmentation (buckshot), the right is for Slugs.

GAME STATISTICS

All Shotguns listed above have stats based on shotshell (fragmentation) ammunition. Slugs reduce ACC by 1 and double the listed damage.
Generic shotguns of higher and lower caliber are also available for +/-$100 of the listed 12-ga price.

Shotguns may also use modified Burst fire rules -- only 5rds are required per ROF point in standard burst (walking fire, etc) and 15rds per ROF point when used in Saturation Fire.

DESCRIPTIONS

Ares RAS-12
	The high-powered Ares Rapid Assault Shotgun 12 (RAS-12) used by private and military security units worldwide! Feeding from a large "saddle" drum clip allows the RAS-12 a substantially longer combat endurance than similar autoshotguns. The RAS-12 is also equipped with a specialized high-recoil absorption buttstock, making burst fire both very controllable and comfortable.

Benelli M1 S90
	Utilizing a unique system of recoil operation, the Benelli is the fastest operating semiautomatic shotgun available: an expert operator can fire all eight shots before the first shell has hit the ground. This weapon also has excellent reliability.

Benelli M3 S90
	The Benelli M1 interested the British SAS so much that they requested a custom model to be designed, consisting of a slightly longer barrel, pistol grips, a folding buttstock, and slightly modified iron sights.

Franchi SPAS-10
	The SPAS-10 is a massive 10-gauge heavy shotgun of very lethal intentions. The action can be switched from gas-operated semiautomatic to pump action repeater at the flip of a switch. This allows for the firing of lower-power shells that may not have the energy to cycle the action. Also available in 12-gauge (8rds).

Franchi SPAS-15

The SPAS-15 is a substantially modified version of the SPAS-12, designed primarily for military sales. The SPAS-15 replaces the tubular magazine with a more conventional removable box magazine, and the gas operation system was placed over the barrel. The semiautomatic and pump action systems of the SPAS-12 are retained, and the mode of operation is selected via a thumb switch on the slide, and the cocking handle for semiautomatic fire is located within the carrying handle.

Poseidon Arms Gong
	The Poseidon Arms Gong is a 20-gauge whippet-styled shotgun with a 6-round box magazine. The size of a very large handgun or submachinegun, this weapon is excellent in close-quarters fighting. As with other shotguns, the Gong is capable of firing some very specialized ammunition types.

Arasaka M29

The Arasaka M29 shotgun is commonly seen in use by several police and ESWAT units worldwide. The small overall size of the weapon makes the M29 ideal for squad car stowage and a heavy backup weapon for many vehicle drivers (military and civilian) as well. The M29 is designed for use with and without the skeletal buttstock. The M29 is also available in 10-gauge, reducing ammunition capacity to 3rds, and receives a -1 ACC penalty for firing without the buttstock extended due to the massive recoil.

Armscor Striker

The unusual Striker shotgun is another design hailing from South Africa. Similar to the Pancor Jackhammer (see below), the Striker utilizes a 12-round cylindrical magazine, however in the Striker, the cylinder is not removable. The design is very reliable, as in a standard revolver, if a "dud" round should occur, pulling the trigger will index a fresh round. Modern updates of the Striker exist, adding a selector and a motorized system that will index any chamber, thus allowing for a truly multi-ammunition system ($2000). Unfortunately, the Striker is very slow to reload, as each round must be individually reloaded, taking 4 actions total (3 shells/action).

Mossberg 500/590

The Mossberg 500-series is a very popular and common model of pump-action shotgun, available to civilians in most countries. The standard model (above left) has a seven-round magazine and available in barrel lengths from 45 to 50cm. Mossberg also makes a tactical entry weapon based on the 500, designated the 590C, in which the buttstock is removed, and the barrel shortened to a mere 33cm, pistol grips, and a 5 round capacity. Needless to say, the entry model is substantially more concealable than the original. Stats on the 590C: +1 Acc, x11, BR10m, ROF0, 3kg, $350, Avail 3

Mossberg CMDT

The Mossberg CMDT combat shotgun chambered for 12-gauge was developed for a military close-range assault weapon, and thus was designed to be highly reliable in a great variety of conditions. Additionally, the weapon has an integral laser sight, which projects a single dot with a circle around it, designating the point-of-aim as well as the impact zone for a standard buckshot round. Larger 10, 15, and 20rd magazines are also available ($25, $35, $50). The largest magazine increases the mass of the weapon to 5kg total.

AAI CAWS

The AAI CAWS (Close-Assault Weapons System) was developed during the mid-1980s in competition for a US military contract for a close-quarters assault shotgun. The AAI weapons system is designed to be similar to standard military rifles, with a low line of recoil to reduce muzzle climb during automatic fire. The AAI CAWS has the recoil impulse similar to that of the M16 rifle, thanks to the stock design, recoil suppression systems and muzzle brakes. The AAI design even has a custom-built reflex sight (shown, $200) for rapid target acquisition. Though no longer manufactured (in 2040), many second-party manufacturers reproduce the weapon.

HK CAWS

The Heckler & Koch CAWS model was AAI's competitor in the US military trials. The HK system utilized a bullpup configuration coupled with a lightweight polymer composite frame. Though neither company received the contract (the US cancelled the program), HK has continued development independently for the security sector and private sales. Though the HK weapon originally utilized special ammunition (19.5x76mm brass-cased shotshells), HK's modern version is able to use standard polymer-cased shells. The HK CAWS is issued standard with a 1X optical sight built into the handle, with a rapid-acquisition illuminated circle designating shot spread. 1xOptical sight does not grant any Sniper System bonus.

Pancor Jackhammer

The Jackhammer is a unique combat shotgun, in that it utilizes a rotating cylindrical cassette that contains 10 standard 12-gauge shotgun shells. This means of loading solves the heating problem many autoshotguns were vulnerable to. The trigger is of the progressive type, with a slight pull giving semiautomatic fire, and a long pull giving fully-automatic fire. The Jackhammer also possesses a decocking/cocking lever that allows for the striker to be lowered on a loaded cartridge, and silently cocked before use.

Saiga 410

The Saiga 410 is a automatic shotgun developed in the Russian Federation during the 1990s. The Saiga 410 is chambered for the western .410 shotgun shell (x8 damage w/ buckshot), but variants are also chambered for 20-, 16-, and 12-gauge, designated the Saiga 20, Saiga 16, and Saiga 12. The Saiga shotguns are rugged, and possess a fairly large ammunition capacity (20rds in .410, 15rds in 20ga, and 10 in 16- and 12-gauge). Saiga weapons are fairly easy to find in Eastern Europe, but are relatively uncommon in the West (Avail 4). Civilian models (no autofire) are more easily accessible (reduce Avail threshold by 1).

Sawn-Off Shotgun

The shotgun is an excellent close-range weapon, but it is often too long to be used effectively in especially closed quarters (e.g. hallways) A qualified gunsmith is easily able to fix this problem -- at the expense of range, ammo capacity and about $100 of his time. GM's call: listed availability is assumed to be the minimum. Apply a modifier based on how legal and easy it is to find a willing (?) gunsmith.

Shortened Pump-Action Shotgun
	The shortened pump-action is another modification tot he typical shotgun, also sacrificing some ammunition capacity and range for concealability.

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