Special Ops Weapons of Today

by Hans-Christian Vortisch

This article deals with a number of small arms issued to special operations units around the year 2000, to update and expand the list found in GURPS Special Ops (and, to a lesser extent, High-Tech). Many of these weapons are completely new developments, while some are mere improvements of older weapons.

Pistols

Heckler & Koch P11, 7.62x36mm, Germany, 1976 (Holdout -2)
An underwater weapon developed for combat divers, similar in intention to the Soviet 4.5x39mm Tzniitochmash SPP-1 (p. SO99). It fires special darts from a pre-loaded 5-round, 5-barreled pepperbox-style cylinder via electric ignition. Two 9V batteries are located in the grip. After firing all five shots the complete cylinder has to be replaced by a new one (and the used one returned to the factory for reloading). The P11 can be used submerged to a range of some 15 yards. Outside of the water, it has an effective range of 30 yards, with a low firing signature (-4 to hear). Dam is impaling. The P11 was adopted by German Kampfschwimmer (combat diver) units as well as amphibious assets of both the KSK and GSG9. In addition, it was supplied to the naval commando units of Denmark (Frømandskorpset), France (COFUSCO), Israel (Kommando Yami), Italy (COMSUBIN), the Netherlands (SBS), Norway (Jæger), the United Kingdom (SBS) and the USA (SEALs).

Tzniitochmash P-9 Gurza, 9x21mm Gurza, Russia, 1994 (Holdout -1)
The Gurza (snake) is a SpecOps weapon firing armor-piercing ammunition intended to be used against opponents wearing body armor. It is one of the first Russian pistols using a synthetic frame. The P-9 is in service with Russian SpecOps units and is apparently the standard sidearm of the MVD OMON.

Glock 27, 10x21mm (.40 S&W), Austria, 1995 (Holdout +1)
This is a sub-compact version of the Glock 22 (p. HT109), with a corresponding shorter barrel and grip, which makes it very concealable. It has a 9-round magazine, but will also take the 13-round (AWt 0.6) and 15-round (AWt 0.65) magazines of its larger cousins (Glock 22, 23, 24 and 35), although of course those will make it harder to conceal. The Glock 27 is currently used as off-duty and backup gun by the FBI.

The Glock 26 is practically identical, but chambered for the 9x19mm Parabellum round; Dam 2d+1, Wt 1.6, Shots 10. A variant of the Glock 26 is issued by the Swedish Air Force together with a B&T sound suppressor as an aircrew self-defense weapon.

Fabrique Nationale Five-seveN, 5.7x28mm FN, Belgium, 1997 (Holdout -1)
This double-action-only pistol was designed as a companion to the P90 personal defense weapon (p. HT116). It fires the same round, which has good penetration. A mounting rail beneath the barrel will accept a flashlight or targeting laser (+0.25 lbs.).

Izhmash MR-443 Grach, 9x19mm Parabellum, Russia, 1999 (Holdout -1)
This weapon is the most serious contender to become the new Russian Army sidearm, replacing the 9x18mm Izhmash PM and PMM-12 pistols designed by Makarov. It is a conventional pistol chambered for the 9mm Parabellum round, using a double-action system based on the Browning. In contrast to many of the latest handgun designs, it has a steel frame.

Shotguns

Benelli M4 Super 90, 18.5x76mmR (12-gauge 3" Magnum), Italy, 1996 (Holdout -5 with stock collapsed)
The latest in a line of basically similar semi-automatic shotguns, which are very popular with SpecOps and law enforcement units. The M4 can fire both standard 2.75" shot shells or the longer 3" Magnum shells (Dam 5d, Shots 6+1, Rcl -3). It has a collapsible stock and a mount for optical sights such as the Aimpoint M68 Close Combat Optic (CCO) red dot collimator (SS 10, +1.5 lbs.). A compact version with short barrel and folding stock is available (Shots 5+1, Holdout -4, $1,050). The M4 Super 90 was selected by the U.S. military to replace the 12-gauge Mossberg M590 and older pump-action shotguns as the M1014 for the year 2000.

Submachine Guns

KBP OTs-23 Drotik, 5.45x18mm MPTs, Russia, 1997 (Holdout -1)
This machine pistol fires the 5.45x18mm round of the Izhmash PSM pistol, which is low-powered but has good penetration. It was designed by Igor Stechkin, inventor of the 9x18mm APS machine pistol of the 1950s. The Drotik (javelin) can fire 3-round limited bursts at a cyclic rate of 1,700 shots per minute. The low recoil of the round and an integral muzzle compensator keep it controllable (RS -1 in burst fire). After penetration a bullet multiplier of 0.5 applies. The gun was adopted by Russian internal security troops.

Heckler & Koch UMP, 11.43x23mm (.45ACP), Germany, 1999 (Holdout -4 with stock folded)
The Universelle Maschinenpistole (universal submachine gun) in .45ACP is the first example of the new submachine gun generation by Heckler & Koch. It was designed specifically for American police SWAT units. It is a light, simple blowback weapon with most components made of synthetics. The UMP has a folding stock and integral mounting rails for a vertical foregrip (reduce Rcl to -1 if fitted), targeting laser, flashlight and optical sight. A Swiss B&T sound suppressor can be clipped on in no time at all (Dam 2d+, +1.0 lbs., $700, Hearing -7).

The UMP is also available in 10x21mm (.40S&W); Dam 2d+1+, 1/2D 160, Max 1,900, Wt 5.7, AWt 1.2, Shots 30, ST 10, Rcl -1.

Heckler & Koch NBW, 4.6x30mm Royal Ordnance, Germany, 2000 (Holdout -2)
Nahbereichswaffe means "close-quarter weapon" and is the German term for the type of firearm called a Personal Defense Weapon in English. This weapon will soon enter production, to take the place of the 9x19mm MP5K. It looks like a large black plastic pistol, with the magazine in the grip. It is a fully ambidextrous gas-loading weapon based on the G36 rifle (see below). Beneath the barrel is a folding foregrip for two-handed firing. An extended 40-round magazine is available, but sticks well out of the grip (AWt 0.9, Holdout -3). Although it is easily overlooked at first sight, there is also a retractable stock for aimed shots (+3 Acc, using Rifle skill). However, normal use would be with the stock retracted, using the foregrip. The NBW has only small iron sights, but on the rear of the receiver is a mounting rail for optical sights. The standard sight is a very small self-illuminated electronic collimating sight made by Hensoldt. It provides rapid target acquisition with both eyes open (already figured into SS and Wt) and adds +3 Acc to negate darkness penalties.

Rifles

Special Ops Weapons of Today

Heckler & Koch HK53A3, 5.56x45mm NATO, Germany, 1970 (Holdout -4 with stock retracted)
This assault carbine is a very compact version of the 5.56x45mm HK33A2 assault rifle, which itself is only a smaller variant of the 7.62x51mm G3A3 rifle (p. HT115). It has a telescoping stock like the MP5A3 submachine gun. It is possible to have it with a fixed stock (HK53A2; Wt 7.25, Holdout -5) or a stockless butt cap (HK53A1; Wt 6.7, Rcl -2). Originally available with 25-round (AWt 1.2) and 40-round (AWt 2.0) magazines, H&K have since changed production to a 30-round magazine. The C-MAG double drum magazine holding 100 rounds is also available for this weapon (AWt 5.0, -2 Holdout). Since 1982 it can be bought with a 3-round-burst setting in addition to single shots and full auto (the designation then changing to HK53A5). It is often found with a flashlight mounted under the muzzle for close-quarter combat. The HK53A5 was adopted by a number of elite units, among them the Danish Frømandskorpset, the Mexican Zorro special forces, the Norwegian Jæger, the Senegalese marine commandos, the Mobile Security Division (MSD) teams of the U.S. State Department's Diplomatic Security Service (DSS), and some German SWAT units.

(In GURPS Special Ops it is wrongly called a variant of the MP5 (p. SO106). The stats also seem to be rather off.)

Heckler & Koch G8, 7.62x51mm NATO, Germany, 1982 (Holdout -7)
A heavy automatic rifle developed from the HK21A1 machine gun (p. HT120). Classified as a sniper support rifle, it has a match-grade quick-change barrel, a bipod and a Hensoldt 4X scope (+2 Acc). The standard feed device is the 20-round magazine of the G3 rifle, but a 50-round drum magazine is available (AWt 4.3). By installing an adapter, it can use disintegrating belts of the 7.62x51mm Rheinmetall MG3 or other NATO machine guns instead (AWt 6.6 for a 100-round belt). The G8 is capable of precision single shots, 3-round controlled bursts and full automatic fire. The weapon is used by all German military SpecOps units (Fernspäher, Kampfschwimmer and KSK), as well as the German border police, GSG9 and some SWAT units.

Colt M4, 5.56x45mm NATO, USA, 1986 (Holdout -5)
The Colt M4 (CAR-15A2 Model 720) assault carbine with its short barrel and telescopic stock is the linear descendent of the M177E2 Commando (CAR-15A1 Model 629) dating to 1967 (p. HT115). Like the full-size M16A2, it is incapable of full automatic fire, but will fire 3-round limited bursts instead. The barrel will mount the 40x46mmR Colt M203A1 underbarrel grenade launcher (p. HT121) or the 12-gauge KAC Master Key S underbarrel shotgun (a cut-down Remington Model 870, p. HT112, Shots 3+1). In 1986 the M4 was adopted as a service weapon for vehicle crews, radio operators, forward observers, etc. by the U.S. Marines, but not until 1994 by the U.S. Army.

Basically similar carbines capable of full automatic fire at RoF 15* (e.g. the CAR-15A2 Model 723) had been in use with the U.S. Navy SEALs and U.S. Army 1st SFOD-Delta since the mid-1980s, until they were replaced by the M4A1 (below). SpecOps units in France, Greece, Guatemala, Kuwait, Mexico, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and others have also adopted full auto variants, as did some American SWAT units like those of the LAPD, the DEA and the U.S. Marshals Service. Semi-automatic versions (RoF 3~) have been likewise popular with U.S. law enforcement units in recent years.

Diemaco of Canada produce a licensed full auto copy of the M4 as the C8 (CAR-15A2 Model 725), which was adopted by the Canadian, Danish and Dutch military and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

The M4A1 (CAR-15A3 Model 927) of 1994 is intended for SpecOps personnel only. Unlike the M4, it can fire full automatic instead of 3-round bursts and in addition its carrying handle can be removed as on the M16A3, to allow the easy installation of optical sights; RoF 15*. Optronics used with the M4A1 include the AN/PVS-4 image-intensifying night sight (+2 Acc, +3.3 lbs.), AN/PAS-13 thermal imaging sight (+2 Acc, +4.5 lbs.), AN/PAQ-4C IR-targeting laser (U.S. Army, +0.25 lbs.), AN/PEQ-2 IR-targeting laser/illuminator (U.S. Navy, +0.7 lbs.), ACOG reflex sight (SS 8, +0.5 lbs.), ACOG 4X scope (+2 Acc, +0.6 lbs.) and the Aimpoint M68 Close Combat Optic (CCO) red dot sight (SS 8, +1.5 lbs.). A quick-detachable sound suppressor by KAC is in service with U.S. SpecOps units (Dam 3d, +1.0 lbs., -1 Holdout, Hearing -5). The M4A1 has been adopted by all U.S. SpecOps units, and the export version Model 977 has been bought by the Israeli Sayeret Mat'kal and some French military SpecOps units such as the Pathfinders of the 2e RÉP and the RAID antiterrorist unit of the French national police.

Since 1997 the aircrews of SOCOM, including the pilots of AFSOC and Delta Force, use the M4K. Hand-built by KAC from M4A1s, it is a further shortened M4A1, heavily modified for the specialized needs of an aircrew survival weapon. It has no carrying handle, using flip-up front and rear sights instead. It can mount all optical sights as above. All protrusions like the case deflector and the forward-assist handle were removed, to streamline the gun for fast exit from a crashed aircraft. It has a new, simpler telescoping stock and an integral rudimentary sound suppressor (Hearing -3), which is good for a limited number of shots only; Dam 3d, SS 10, Acc 7, 1/2D 200, Max 1,500, Wt 6.5, RoF 10*, Holdout -4.

All of these CAR-15 variants can take the 100-round C-MAG double drum magazine (AWt 5.0), which was adopted by a number of SpecOps units, including the French marines and naval commandos, the U.S. Navy SEALs and the Hostage Rescue Team of the FBI.

Tzniitochmash ASS Val, 9x39mm SP-6, Russia, 1988 (Holdout -5 with stock folded)
This assault rifle is based on the Kalashnikov action. The Val (shaft) is a silenced weapon with built-in sound suppressor, firing a 9mm round with low muzzle velocity, but good armor penetration. It has a folding stock.

The VSS Vintorez (thread-cutter) is the sniper rifle variant of the ASS. It has a wooden skeleton stock like the SVD and a mount for a 4X telescope (+2 Acc, +1.3 lbs.) or night vision sight (+2 Acc, +2.9 lbs.). Like the ASS, it is selective fire. It usually feeds from a 10-round magazine, but can use the 20-round magazine of the ASS (and vice-versa). Stats of the VSS are as follows: Dam 2d(2)+, SS 12, Acc 11+2, 1/2D 200, Max 2,000, Wt 6.5 (w/o scope), AWt 0.8, RoF 10*, Shots 10, ST 9, Rcl -1, Holdout -6.

Both weapons have been adopted by the SpecOps units of the Russian Ministry of the Internal Affairs by 1994 at the latest, and probably also by Army and Navy units.

NORINCO Type 89, 5.8x42mm Type 89, People's Republic of China, 1990 (Holdout -5)
The new Chinese service rifle is a bullpup design and seems to be inspired by the French 5.56x45mm GIAT FA-MAS rifle. It has a similar large carrying handle and a special pistol grip. The Type 89 is chambered for an unique round and offers 3-round bursts in addition to semi- and full-automatic fire. It can mount the 40x46mmR Type 89 underbarrel grenade launcher, which is a copy of the Colt M203 (p. HT121) and uses interchangeable grenades. There are also carbine, sniper rifle and squad automatic weapon versions of this gun. It is in service with elite units of the Chinese Army, notably those stationed in Hong Kong since 1997.

Accuracy International AW, 7.62x51mm NATO, UK, 1993 (Holdout -8)
In 1986 the British Army adopted the L96A1 (commercial designation PM) as its standard sniper rifle, replacing the Enfield L42A1. It is a modern bolt-action sniper rifle with synthetic stock, floating barrel, detachable 10-round magazine, folding bipod and Hensoldt 6X telescopic sight.

An improved, if basically similar model known as the AW became available in 1993. Developed in cooperation with the Swedish Army, it features a Hensoldt 10X scope and a new barrel with muzzle brake. The AW was adopted by Australia, Belgium, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Oman, Spain and Sweden (as Psg90). The Swedes also issue APDS rounds (Dam 9d(2), 1/2D 1,500).

A further development, the AWM, is chambered for the 8.6x70mm (.338 Lapua Magnum) cartridge. It is slightly longer and has a 4-round magazine, but otherwise similar to the AW. It was adopted by Dutch and Italian SpecOps units; Dam 9d+1, SS 15, Acc 12+3, 1/2D 1,500, Max 5,500, Wt 17.5, AWt 0.7, RoF 1/2, Shots 4, ST 13B, Rcl -3, Holdout -8.

The AWM-F was developed for the German KSK units. Adopted as the G22 in 1997, it is chambered for the 7.62x66mmB (.300 Winchester Magnum) round, has a folding stock and a variable 3-12X scope; Dam 8d+1, SS 15, Acc 12+3, 1/2D 1,300, Max 5,000, Wt 15.8, AWt 0.7, RoF 1/2, Shots 5, ST 12B, Rcl -2, Holdout -7 with stock folded.

Izhmash AK-105, 5.45x39mm M-74, Russia, 1993 (Holdout -4 with stock folded)
One of the latest Kalashnikov weapons is an assault carbine adopted to replace the 5.45x39mm AKS-74U (p. SO100) with Russian Spetsnaz, helicopter pilots, tank crews etc. It has a shortened barrel and a folding stock. The magazines are identical with those of the AK-74 series. (Despite the official adoption it is unclear if it is actually in service.)

The almost identical AK-102 in 5.56x45mm NATO is offered for export; Dam 4d.

Colt M16A3, 5.56x45mm NATO, USA, 1994 (Holdout -6)
The standard full-size rifle of U.S. SpecOps units, commercial designation AR-15A3 Model 901. It differs from the common service rifle, the M16A2 (AR-15A2 Model 645), in the provision of the same detachable carrying handle/rear sight with integral optics mount as the M4A1 (see above). Also, it fires full auto instead of 3-round limited bursts. The M16A4 is identical except for its 3-round burst limiter.

KBP OTs-14 Groza, 9x39mm SP-4, Russia, 1994 (Holdout -4)
A new modular design fielded by internal security troops of the Russian MVD. The Groza (thunderstorm) uses components of the 5.45x39mm Izhmash AKS-74U carbine, but is a compact bullpup-configuration weapon chambered for the 9x39mm cartridge. The basic version has a carrying handle and a vertical frontgrip like the Steyr AUG for better control. It is often found with a 4X telescopic sight (+2 Acc, +0.8 lbs.).

A sound suppressor can be readily fitted; Dam 2d(2)+, 1/2D 200, Max 1,500, Wt 8.4, Holdout -5, Hearing -5.

Alternatively, the rifle can integrate a modified 40mm BP-30 underbarrel grenade launcher, which uses the same trigger as the rifle; Dam 1d+2 [3d], SS 10, Acc 5, Min 50, Max 440, Wt 10.2 (rifle + launcher), AWt 0.5, RoF 1/4, Shots 1, ST 11, Rcl -1, Holdout -5. HE and smoke grenades are used, which are not interchangeable with those used by Western designs patterned on the 40x46mmR Colt M79.

The same weapon chambered for the old 7.62x39mm M-43 cartridge was adopted in 1998 by Russian airborne (including Spetsnaz) and combat engineer troops. It is slightly longer and employs the magazine of the AK-47 series; Dam 5d+1, SS 11, Acc 7, 1/2D 400, Max 3,000, Wt 8.6, AWt 1.9, RoF 12*, Shots 30, ST 10, Rcl -1, Holdout -5.

With sound suppressor: Dam 3d, 1/2D 200, Max 2,000, Wt 9.9, Holdout -6.

With grenade launcher: see above, Wt 11.2, Holdout -6.

KBP SVU (OTs-03AS), 7.62x54mmR Mosin-Nagant, Russia, 1994 (Holdout -6)
A sniper rifle developed from the 7.62x54mmR Izhmash SVD (p. SO100). It is of bullpup configuration, but uses the same action, 10-round magazine and 4X telescopic sight as the SVD. However, it is capable of full automatic fire for emergencies! In addition, it has an integral sound suppressor (Hearing -5). The SVU was adopted by SpecOps units of the Russian MVD.

SIG SG551-SWAT, 5.56x45mm NATO, Switzerland, 1994 (Holdout -4 with stock folded)
This is a special carbine version of the SG550 assault rifle (used by the Swiss Army as the Stgw 90). It has a folding stock and 3-round burst option. The magazines are made from translucent plastic and can be clipped together side-by-side, to speed up reloading (-1 sec). The steel components are stainless and coated with plastic, while other parts are made of corrosion-resistant synthetics for use in maritime or tropical environments. It has a scope mount, popular sights including a Hensoldt 6X scope (+2 Acc, +1.0 lbs.) or the ACOG 3.5X red dot sight (SS 9, +1 Acc, +0.6 lbs.). The SG551-SWAT was adopted by the German GSG9 as the G37, and also by the French naval commandos and GIGN.

Heckler & Koch G36, 5.56x45mm NATO, Germany, 1996 (Holdout -5 with stock folded)
The new assault rifle of the German Bundeswehr is a conventional gas-loading rifle with folding stock, replacing the 7.62x51mm H&K G3A3 and G3A4. Widespread usage of synthetic materials keep it light and rugged. The magazines are made from translucent plastic and can be clipped together side-by-side, to speed up reloading (-1 sec). Its unique features are its twin optical sights: a non-magnifying red dot sight is used for snapshots at short ranges (SS 10, +3 Acc in darkness only). Beneath this is an integral 3X telescopic sight for aimed shots at longer distances (SS 12, +1 Acc). An electronic image-intensifier for use at night can be attached in front of the telescope, negating darkness penalties (+2.6 lbs.). Only the scope can be used when the night sight attachment is fitted.

The G36E was adopted by Spain in 1998. It differs in having a simple 1.5X sight instead of the twin optics; SS 11, Acc 12, Wt 8.3.

The G36K assault carbine used by the KSK has a shortened barrel and mounting rails for both a flashlight and a targeting laser in addition to the optical sights; Dam 4d+2, SS 8/10, Acc 8/8+1, 1/2D 300, Max 2.000, Wt 9.6 (incl. laser and light), Holdout -4 with stock folded.

The MG36 squad automatic weapon is almost identical to the G36, but has a heavy barrel and folding bipod. It is usually issued with a 100-round C-MAG double drum magazine, but can of course also use the 30-round magazine; Wt 13.9, AWt 5.0, ST 10B.

Barrett M107, 12.7x99mm Browning (.50 BMG), USA, 1999 (Holdout -9)
This is a bullpup-configuration anti-material/sniper rifle based on the company's commercial Model 95. It uses a bolt-action and is more accurate than the old Model 82A1 (p. HT115). Features include a factory-fitted Swarovski 10X scope, a folding bipod, and a very effective muzzlebrake. It is usually issued with APEI ammunition: 11d(2) plus 1d-4 [2d]. The rifle was adopted by the U.S. Army in 1999 as the M107.

Alliant-Heckler & Koch OICW, 20x28mm and 5.56x45mm NATO, USA, 2006, (Holdout -7)
The Objective Individual Combat Weapon is the U.S. military's key infantry weapon for the next decades, replacing the 40x46mmR Colt M203 grenade launcher and some 5.56x45mm Colt M4 carbines and 5.56x45mm Colt M16A2 and M16A4 assault rifles with front-line troops. The SABR design selected in 1998 was developed by an international consortium headed by Alliant and including Contraves-Brashear of the USA, Octec of the UK and H&K and Dynamit-Nobel of Germany. It will be manufactured by the U.S. subsidiary of H&K. The fully ambidextrous system consists of a semi-automatic 20mm grenade launcher, a detachable, underbarrel 5.56mm carbine for close defense and the most sophisticated fire control system ever developed for a small arm.

The semi-automatic grenade launcher with its very short barrel is built in bullpup configuration and feeds from a 6-round plastic magazine behind the pistol grip. The 20x28mm HE grenade has four fuse modes: airburst, impact, delayed impact and "window". The airburst mode is especially important, as it allows the attack of foes behind cover. The grenade explodes 1 yard above the ground, the shooter being able to select the distance at which it explodes. In impact mode it works like the old 40x46mmR grenades. The delayed impact mode is used to shoot through light doors etc, exploding immediately behind the obstacle. The "window" mode is used to shoot inside rooms, the grenade detonating 1.5 yards behind the window. Each grenade weighs 0.2 lbs. and will cost about $25. With an accessory pistol grip, the grenade launcher can be used as a stand-alone weapon; SS 12, Wt 7.0 (w/o sight), Holdout -5. The grenade has a minimum range of 30 yards.

The underbarrel weapon is a medium-barreled 5.56x45mm assault carbine based on the H&K G36 rifle (see above). It takes all M16-type magazines and the M9 multi-purpose bayonet. Fire modes include single shots and 2-round limited bursts. The weapon can be used on its own, with an accessory pistol grip. It then lacks a shoulder stock, but makes a compact and light self-defense weapon; SS 10, Wt 5.1 (w/o sight), ST 10, Rcl -2, Holdout -4.

The Fire Control System on top of the weapon includes a red dot collimator with 3X magnification (+1 Acc), a video channel with 6X magnification (+2 Acc), a sensor package to measure air temperature, crosswind velocity, weapon angles etc, a laser rangefinder (not a targeting laser!) and a ballistic computer, which computes flight path and moves the aiming reticle accordingly. The video channel includes a thermal imager and video motion tracker. The thermal imager completely negates all darkness penalties, and has limited detection abilities in smoke, fog and through thin walls. The video tracker automatically tracks all moving objects in the scope, allowing quick engagement of multiple targets (same technique as on fighter aircraft!). The camera can be used to send the images to the soldier's HUD or via radio to upper echelons. The shooter chooses the grenade mode, lases the target for range, the grenades are programmed by an induction ring in the chamber, the computer displays the new aiming point, and the grenadier can fire the weapon (with +4 to Guns/TL8 (Grenade Launcher) skill), all within 1 second. The sight is responsible for about $7,500 of the unit cost.

The forearm of the carbine has attachment points for targeting lasers and white light flashlights. The gun is scheduled to enter service in about 2006, although prototypes are already in pre-production. The designation is certain to change.

Machine Guns

Saco M60E3, 7.62x51mm NATO, USA, 1983
Contrary to the euphemistic description on p. HT119, the M60 did in fact leave quite a lot to be desired. Thus a product-improved version was developed, the M60E3. It features a second pistol grip under the barrel, a detachable, light bipod and a simplified feeder and barrel change system. The gun is delivered with a long and a short barrel. Stats with short barrel: Dam 6d+2, SS 15, Acc 9, 1/2D 900, Max 4,000, Wt 25.0. It can be mounted on the M122 tripod (15.0 lbs.) and various vehicle mounts. The M60E3 entered service with the U.S. Marine Corps in 1985, and was also adopted by the U.S. Navy (including the SEALs). The U.S. Navy partially replaced it by the M60E4 in 1994 (Wt 29.1), while the Marines selected the FNMI M240G instead, a variant of the FN MAG (p. HT120). The U.S. Army Rangers and Special Forces use the M240B.

General Electric GAU-19/A, 12.7x99mm Browning (.50 BMG), USA, 1991
The latest addition to the minigun family. Originally known as the GECAL50 and available for production since 1983, it was put into full production after its adoption by the U.S. Air Force in 1990 as door gun on SpecOps helicopters (specifically, the Sikorsky MH-60G Pave Hawk, p. SO82). It has three rotating barrels and two selectable firing rates, either RoF 16 or 33. The power requirement is 3 kW at RoF 33. It can fire 10-round controlled bursts or full automatic. The GAU-19/A feeds from linked belts or unlinked ammunition tanks, depending on installation. It is not found on a tripod. On the pintle mounts in the cabin doors of the MH-60G it feeds from a 750-round belt in the rear of the cabin. Apart from standard ball/tracer mix, the gun will usually fire APEI-T ammunition; Dam 12d(2) plus 1d-4 [2d]. APDS-T rounds are available since 1994; Dam 16d(2), 1/2D 2,000. The current manufacturer is General Dynamics.

FNMI M249E4 SPW, 5.56x45mm NATO, USA, 1995 (Holdout -5 with stock retracted)
A modified variant of the M249E3 SAW (better known as the FN MINIMI-Para), which is the improved paratrooper's version of the M249E1 SAW or MINIMI (p. HT120). The M249E4 Special Purpose Weapon was designed by FNMI, FN of Belgium's U.S. subsidiary, for special warfare units of the U.S. military. It has a shortened barrel and the M5 telescoping stock to make it more compact. The troublesome magazine feeder was removed, so that it can only use belts. An optical sight mount was included, and the forearm was fitted with mounting rails for various accessories, including a light bipod, a foregrip and a targeting laser device.

Rocket Launchers

Talley M141 BDM, 83mm, USA, 1996 (Holdout -5)
Military units tasked with urban combat missions have a requirement for a weapon with good performance against concrete and brick fortifications. The U.S. Army Rangers and Navy SEALs have used the Swedish 84mm FFV M3 MAAWS (a variant of the Carl Gustav Grg48, p. HT122) for this, while the Marines adopted the 83mm McDonnell Douglas MK153 MOD 0 SMAW (pp. SO103-104). However, both weapons are rather heavy, and the Army began to look for a disposable single-shot weapon. The M141 was classified in 1996 as the Army's new Bunker Defeat Munition. It combines a disposable launching tube with the 83mm MK118-0 HEDP warhead of the MK153-0 SMAW, which will breach 8 inches of reinforced concrete. Minimum range is 15 yards, but a longer safety distance is advisable.

Selected References

Notes

Damage: Some of the guns have an armor divisor of (2). This is usually because the standard bullet that the gun in question fires has superior armor penetration against body armor (flexible armor and light metal plates). The rounds are not necessarily as effective against heavier armor such as ceramic plates or vehicular plating.

RoF: Weapons marked with two asterixes (**) are capable of limited bursts. These consist of a preset number of rounds (see descriptions). Up to three bursts can be fired per second. Add +3 to the effective skill of the shooter when determining the number of hits in a burst. Note that in burst mode the shooter cannot hose down his target.

Wt: Loaded weight of the gun, in pounds. Wt of the GAU-19/A is given without ammunition, as it depends on the installation.

AWt: The weight of the standard ammunition container. Optional magazines are listed in the descriptions.

Cost: Cost with one empty magazine, unloaded, including any sighting devices as per description. Weapons marked with an asterix (*) don't have optical sights included in their costs, although they are usually used with such!


Pistols
WeaponMalTypeDamageSSAcc1/2DMaxWtAWtRoFShotsCostSTRclTL
H&K P11, 7.62x36mm, Guns (Ptl)critImp1d+1102305002.61.13~5$1,0009-17
Tzniitochmash P-9 Gurza, 9x21mm, Guns (Ptl)critCr2d+1(2)1031501,9002.90.73~18$50010-27
Glock 27, 10x21mm, Guns (Ptl)critCr2d+911401,8001.70.43~9$60011-27
FN Five-seveN, 5.7x28mm, Guns (Ptl)critCr2d+2(2)1031501,9001.70.43~20$6459-17
Izhmash MR-444 Grach, 9x19mm, Guns (Ptl)critCr2d+21031501,8002.50.73~17$4009-17

Shotguns
WeaponMalTypeDamageSSAcc1/2DMaxWtAWtRoFShotsCostSTRclTL
Benelli M4 Super 90, 18.5x70mmR, Guns (Shg)critCr4d125251508.61.13~7+1$95011-27

Submachine Guns
WeaponMalTypeDamageSSAcc1/2DMaxWtAWtRoFShotsCostSTRclTL
KBP OTs-23 Drotik, 5.45x18mm, Guns (MPtl)critCr1d+1(2)-1031001,1002.40.53**24$4508-1/27
H&K UMP, 11.43x23mm, Guns (LtAu)critCr2d+2+1081801,7005.81.310*25$90011-27
H&K NBW, 4.6x30mm, Guns (MPtl)critCr3d-1(2)962002,2003.90.515*20$9507-17

Rifles
WeaponMalTypeDamageSSAcc1/2DMaxWtAWtRoFShotsCostSTRclTL
H&K HK53A3, 5.56x45mm, Guns (LtAu)critCr4d1083002,0008.11.412*30$1,2509-17
H&K G8, 7.62x51mm, Guns (LtAu)critCr7d1711+21,0004,20021.81.6513**20$4,80011B-27
Colt M4, 5.56x45mm, Guns (LtAu)critCr5d-11194002,5007.251.03**30$7509-17
Tzniitochmash ASS Val, 9x39mm, Guns (LtAu)critCr2d(2)+1282002,0007.01.410*20$7509-17
NORINCO Type 89, 5.8x42mm, Guns (LtAu)critCr5d1185003,6008.61.410**30$4009-17
AI AW, 7.62x51mm, Guns (Rfl)verCr7d1512+31,2004,200 16.21.01/29$4,350*12B-27
Izhmash AK-105, 5.45x39mm, Guns (LtAu)critCr4d-11053002,0007.21.210*30$2509-17
Colt M16A3, 5.56x45mm, Guns (LtAu)critCr5d12118003,9008.51.015*30$9009-17
KBP OTs-14 Groza, 9x39mm, Guns (LtAu)critCr3d-1(2)+1084002,5007.31.411*20$50010-17
KBP SVU, 7.62x54mmR, Guns (Rfl)critCr7d1211+29004,00012.80.715*10$1,200*9-1/27
SIG SG551-SWAT, 5.56x45mm, Guns (LtAu)critCr5d-11194002,5008.71.011**30$1,5009-17
H&K G36, 5.56x45mm, Guns (LtAu)critCr5d1211+18003,9009.01.112*30$1,0009-17
Barrett M107, 12.7x99mm, Guns (Rfl)verCr11d+1+1513+31,2006,80022.52.015$7,50013B-37
Alliant-H&K OICW, 20x28mm, Guns (GL)critExp1d+1 [2d]1210+21,0002,20014.01.62~6$10,00011-27
Alliant-H&K OICW, 5.56x45mm, Guns (LtAu)critCr4d128+23002,00014.01.03**30$10,00011-1/27

Machine Guns
WeaponMalTypeDamageSSAcc1/2DMaxWtAWtRoFShotsCostSTRclTL
Saco M60E3, 7.62x51mm, Guns (LtAu)critCr7d19101,0004,20025.36.610100$3,20012B-17
General Electric GAU-19/A, 12.7x99mm, Gunner (MG)ver(crit)Cr12d+2+20141,5006,800(74.0)0.25 per round16/33**750$12,000n/a-17
FNMI M249E4 SPW, 5.56x45mm, Guns (LtAu)verCr5d-11475003,50019.57.012200$2,50010-17

Rocket Launchers
WeaponMalTypeDamageSSAcc1/2DMaxWtAWtRoFShotsCostSTRclTL
Talley M141 BDM, 83mm, Guns (LAW)critExp6dx6(5) [6d]1465001,00015.7-11$5,2009-7


Article publication date: June 23, 2000

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