COMPENDIUM OF MODERN FIREARMS
Part IV: Sniper & Specialty Rifles
Light Sniper Rifles
Medium Sniper Rifles
Heavy Sniper Rifles
Very Heavy Sniper Rifles
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LIGHT SNIPER RIFLES

GAME STATISTICS

DESCRIPTIONS

SIG 550 Sniper
	The SIG 550 is fairly typical of 5.56mm sniper-upgraded assault rifles. A longer bull-barrel grants a slightly increased range and the addition of a telescopic sight and tripod allow highly accurate fire to just under half a kilometer. Unfortunately, the 5.56mm round loses energy very rapidly beyond this range.

Mitchell 2257
	The Mitchell 2206, unlike many of the other rifles in this category, is designed for comparatively close-in work where overpenetration is a potential issue. Chambered for the .22 Remington Jet cartridge (5.7x30mm), the weapon has lines very similar to the common M16, but is substantially more compact.

DPMS Model 500

The Defense Procurement Manufacturing Service M500 is another combat rifle upgraded and heavily modified to fit the sniper role. The PS500, based on the AR15/M16 frame, has been given a free-floating match-grade heavy barrel, integral bipod as well as an available tripod in the buttstock. The barrel is also designed to accept any of a number of compatible suppressors. As with most upgrade-type rifles, the PS500 retains its burst-fire capabilities. Shown with variable 3-12X tactical scope (Capable of XX range, no peripheral vision penalties), that is an available option for an additional $1000.

Ruger 1006 & 1006S
	The Ruger 1006 is a semi-automatic sniper rifle chambered for the 6x48mm round, and fired from an exceptionally heavy bull barrel. The 1006S (S for Suppressed, pictured) variant has an integral suppressor mounted, and like the Mitchell 2206, is designed for close-in sniper work. Both the 1006 and 1006S have an integral bipod as standard.

MEDIUM SNIPER RIFLES

GAME STATISTICS

DESCRIPTIONS

VSK-94 Vintorez

The VSK-94 Vintorez is rumored to be the newest standard-issue Russian Federation/CIS mid-range sniper rifle. The VSK-94 has a completely composite construction with alloy barrel, integral suppressor, and full-automatic capability. The VSK-94 is also incredibly lightweight (4kg loaded) and can be broken down to fit in a conventional briefcase. The new 9x39mm round was optimized for suppressed firing, and maintains impressive stopping power even when suppressed. The VSK-94 is destined to become a favorite weapon of many freelance units worldwide.

HEAVY SNIPER RIFLES

GAME STATISTICS

Scopes not included in list price unless the weapon description mentions the inclusion. See Modifications page for details.

DESCRIPTIONS

Arasaka PS400
	Arasaka Security Corporation's product aimed for the private security and ESWAT markets. Standard equipment includes adjustable cheekpiece and adjustable grips. An optional 8x telescopic sight is available for $600 (Sniper System to 600m).

Ares M42A

The Ares M42A Scope Rifle is the Free Western States' special-issue sniper rifle. A bullpup chambered for the 7.62x51mm round, the M42A also features integral flash suppression, and removable bipod (not shown). A specialized multi-spectrum scope is also available ($1000, includes Low Lite, IR, and acts as a Sniper System). The M42A is also capable of utilizing a PARGET target-acquisition scope ($8000), capable of interfacing with and controlling sentry guns and other field sensors.

CWI C-29 Mephisto

The Coalition's special-issue sniper system, manufactured by Coalition Weapon Industries, the Mephisto is chambered for the powerful .300 Weatherby round. Nearly 1.5 meters long, this massive rifle can be used as a battle rifle if necessary (burst-fire capability is available). The Mephisto is usually deployed with a COS-29 All Environ Optical Scope (Thermal, Low Lite, Active IR, $1000), and can optionally be outfitted with a Smartchip.

HK G3 SG/1
	This weapon is a sniper version of the standard G3A8 battle rifle selected for accuracy and suitably modified at the factory. The G3 SG/1 is one of the few production sniper weapons capable of full-automatic fire. Includes integral bipod and adjustable stock. Scope not included.

HK PSG-2

This weapon, the Prazisions Schutzen Gewehr Zwei (PSG-2) was developed specifically as a police and military snipers' weapon and as such, it is not a modified production weapon. The barrel is a smooth bull-barrel design with the HK polygonal rifling for extended life and accuracy. The action is the same roller-locked delayed blowback system used in most HK weapons with even tighter operating tolerances. The pistol grip is ergonomically shaped and has an adjustable palmrest to help eliminate fatique. The stock is fully adjustable for length and height to fit any shooter. A silent bolt closure device is fitted to the right side allowing for the weapon to be quietly reloaded if the situation demands. A special aluminum carrying case is made for the PSG-2 and it weighs 10.4kg empty. Filled with the weapon, scope, tripod, 2 filled 20rd and 2 filled 5rd magazines, the case weighs 22kg. Sold separately, the PSG-2 sells for approximately $6000. With the kit and listed equipment, a mere $10000.

Ultima Ratio

The ultimate argument of kings! The Ultima Ratio is Poseidon Public Security's premier sniper system, featuring a bolt-action mechanism, recoil-absorbing stock and gyrostabilized mount. However, the real beauty of this weapon is its targeting system. The "Full Sensing" version (Standard version with 12x Zeiss scope ($800) shown; Full Sensing scope is seen in the upper-left) is equipped with a full-spectrum computer controlled targeting system which offers unparalleled accuracy. This system can see through most walls as well as detect thermoptic camouflage. The "Full Sensing" scope must be interfaced with a smartgun-enhanced shooter. Full Sensing scope acts as a +1 Active Sensor system, and retails for $5000.

Accuracy International Precis

The Accuracy International Precis is a good, lightweight, reliable bolt-action sniper rifle, popular with many freelances and other independents. Combining a floating barrel with an ergonomic frame and a manual bolt, the Precis lives up to its name for precise field sniping. Also available in 5.56x45mm ($1000), and integrally silenced version ($2500, BR15, x25 (7.62), x18 (5.56), Avail 5). Scope not included.

Remington M40A6

The M40 was the USMC sniper rifle of choice for three decades prior to the Collapse, and though it is no longer in active service, it remains highly popular for its accuracy and ruggedness. The rifle is also usually issued with the special Unertl 10x sight customized for the M118 match round. However, the rifle only has a capacity of 5 rounds in its integral magazine, and each round must be hand-loaded through the top of the rifle, a very slow process (2rds may be loaded per action). The Unertl scope is available for an additional $500.

Steyr Scout Rifle

The Steyr Scout Rifle, the brainchild of Col. Jeff Cooper, was developed in cooperation with Steyr-Mannlicher AG of Switzerland. The weapon was designed to be a general-purpose bolt-action long arm intended to perform duties ranging from hunting to sniper-work. The weapon is sleek and lightweight, and is fitted with a 5rd magazine (optionally 10rd) as standard, and a second magazine fits in a special recess in the stock. The weapon also features an integral folding bipod, and a customizable buttstock (via spacers), a standard 8x scope (Standard Sniper System to 600m), and backup folding iron-sights.

Walther WA-2000 (Update)

The Walther WA-2000 Sniper Weapons System was developed specifically for use as a sniper weapon, rather than a modified production weapon. The WA-2000 design yielded a bullpup-configured rifle nominally chambered for the .300 Winchester Magnum cartridge, chosen for its exceptional penetration and terminal ballistics. The weapon may be easily reconfigured to other calibers, by simply replacing the barrel and bolt assemblies. The fluted free-floating barrel adds strength, reduces vibration, as well as enhances barrel-cooling. The weapon is fully ambidextrous, with the ejection port configurable for either right- or left-handed firers. There are no iron sights, as the standard Schmidt & Bender variable telescopic (2.5-10x) sight is issued as standard.

Blaser R93
	The Blaser R93 is typical of many modern sniper weapons platforms -- lightweight composite construction, free-floating, fluted alloy barrel with high-efficiency compenastor/flash hider, integral bipod with "tripod" rest on stock, and fully adjustable cheekpieces and buttplate. The bolt-action R93 is chambered for the common 7.62x51mm cartridge, and has a 10rd magazine.

SVD

The SVD (Snayperskaya Vinyokvka Dragunov), is a very heavily modified Kalishnikov AK-47, first seen in 1963. The SVD is chambered for the 7.62x54mm cartridge, and the SVD is outfitted with a 10-round magazine. The barrel is also fitted with a combination flash suppressor/compensator, aiding in accurate 2nd-shot placement. The SVD is intended for use with the PSO-1 4x telescope with passive IR, illuminated reticle, and range finder that is good to 1300 meters ($4000, acts as Sniper System to 1000m). Many "westernized" SVDs have been rechambered for 7.62x51mm.

VERY HEAVY SNIPER RIFLES

GAME STATISTICS

DESCRIPTIONS

Accuracy International Model 338 SM
	The Accuracy International Model 338 SM, chambered for the .338 Lapua Magnum cartridge is essentially a scaled-up version of their bolt-action AWP sniper rifle. The M338 also features an integral bipod, adjustable buttstock, and muzzle brake.

Ultima Hellcat
	The Ultima Hellcat is a bolt-action very heavy sniper rifle based on the Ultima Ratio, chambered for the 11x95mm Ares Machine Gun (AMG) round. The power of the 11mm AMG round required substantial modifications to be a viable design. Intended to be fired from the integral tripod, the Hellcat also has a significant recoil-absorbing stock as well as a high-efficiency muzzle brake.

Barrett M82A9
	One of the world's heaviest sniper rifles, this is a development of the old Barrett BMG rifle. It can fire both standard or accurized .50 caliber rounds (+1 ACC at Long & Extreme), and is nearly useless without a scope (~$1200). A smartlinked version is available for $3500 (Avail 6)

Barrett M95A4
	A modified bolt-action bullpup version of the Barrett M82 "Light 50,", the M95 substantially decreased the operating mass from the original 12kg (over 25lbs!), as well as decreasing the overall weapon length. The other significant difference between the M82 and M95 is the latter's use of a bolt-operated action, compared to the former's gas-blowback system.

Barrett M98

The Model 98 is the latest addition to the Barret line of semi-automatic heavy caliber rifles. Barrett is a recognized leader of semi-automatic heavy caliber weapons, it was natural for introduction of a semi-auto chambered for the .338 Lapua Magnum cartridge. This cartridge, generally speaking, is intermediate between the 7.62mm NATO and the .50 caliber BMG. The rifle is designed around the receiver of a traditional bolt action rifle with its heavy receiver and free floating barrel mounted on an aluminum base. All of the gas mechanisms are in the butt stock of the gun to eliminate any disturbances to the harmonics of the barrel. Gas is delivered to the rear mechanisms via a gas tube from the barrel into a tappet system behind the firing mechanism.

Mauser TK50

The Mauser TK50 is an enormous bolt-action .50 caliber heavy sniper rifle, designed primarily for anti-light armor work, but the sheer stopping power of the immense .50 Browning round has also found a niche in ESWAT and other special security units for use against augmented criminals, exo-suited terrorists, in addition to the occasional cyberpsycho. The TK50 also features an integral forward bipod, reinforced with a rear monopod (effectively making the system a very stable tripod), fully adjustable buttplate and cheekpiece, free-floating rifled barrel, and a very large overbarrel mount that can be used for a Full Sensing System. Additionally, Mauser has developed a specialized targeting interlink system, allowing the weapon's scope to use sensory feeds from a vehicle! Ideal for airborne helicopter sniper teams! Mauser Sensor Interlink System (MSIS) upgrade adds $5000, and allows the user Active Sensor capabilities of the parent unit.

Windrunner 50

The Windrunner .50 is fairly typical of many "homebrewed" high-caliber rifles. This particular item is the manufacturer's sole and namesake product. The weapon consists of a mechanically simple bolt-action, fluted and compensated barrel, integral forward bipod, and a marginally efficient shock-absorbing buttstock. Substantially less expensive than most mass-produced weapons of its caliber, the Windrunner also masses significantly higher than similar bolt-action .50's.

Harris M96
	The M96 heavy sniper rifle, was developed by Harris Armaments for a number of sniper weapon system trials in the late 1990s. The M96 is a semiautomatic design with an 8-round magazine, and a heavy barrel with an integral high-efficiency muzzle brake. The M96 sold in limited numbers to the military and security, as well as non-military (civilians and independents).

Images & relevant names/titles copyright their respective owners. Sources include R.Talsorian Games (Bubblegum Crisis RPG, Cyberpunk 2020, etc.), FASA (Shadowrun), Palladium Books (RIFTS), Colonial Marines Tech Manual, Masamune Shirow (Appleseed, Ghost in the Shell, Dominion Tank Police), Gundam, Autumn Blade, The Blackhammer Project, Moon-Net and various other online resources. No infringements of said copyrights intended.