The Spacepiress of Chaos
Intent: Updating the previous Tau Rifle Mk I for CIS use
Image Source: [HERE]
Canon Link: N/a
Permissions: N/a
Primary Source:
Manufacturer:
Affiliation:
- Closed-Market
- M58-T2
- No
- Minor
- Alusteel
- Blaster Components
Classification: Blaster
Size: Large
Weight: Heavy
Ammunition Type:
- Power Cell
- Gas Canister
- Very Low
- Power Cell (5 Shots)
- Gas Canister (5 Shots)
Rate of Fire: Very Low
Stopping Power: Very High
Recoil: High
Ergonomic Grip
Internal Inertia Dampener
Removable Top Sights
Removable Bi-Pod
- Ergonomic Grip - The Tau Mark II retains the design of its predecessor; keeping in mind the need to outfit a variety of species whose manipulative appendages may not be the same as the being standing next to them. The location of the trigger and forward grip on the underside of the barrel is designed so that a Geonosian or an Aqualish would be just as comfortable firing the weapon as a Human or a Twiliek.
- Internal Inertia Dampener - Housed in the shoulder butt of the weapon is an inertia dampener; a device that assists in mitigating the rather large recoil of the weapon - which otherwise would have enough force to dislocate a Wookiee's shoulder. Even with this device in place, the weapon's recoil is still substantial, and improper use or shouldering is still more than capable of injuring the individual attempting to utilize the weapon.
- Long Range Capabilities - 'Reach out and touch someone' - The weapon's primary role is a long-range rifle capable of covering the length of a battlefield or similar distance.
- Increased Stopping Power - While the Tau Rifle Mark I was designed to lay down extensive fire; the Mark II design was refitted to provide additional stopping power to the blaster bolt over extended distances. This was accomplished through the limiting of its munitions, opening up space within the weapon to double the size of the primary propelling components that accelerate the blaster bolt towards a target when fired. Additional systems, predominately in the barrel to aid in accelerating the bolt further, account for the increase of the weapon's size and weight.
- Unwieldy - The weapon's size and weight make it otherwise inefficient to utilize in distances short of long-range engagements.
- Limited Munitions - The Tau Rifle Mark II was designed with the idea of increasing the acceleration of the blaster bolt to provide the additional stopping power. This saw a drastic cut back of the weapons munitions to provide additional space within the weapon for the needed components. Due to this, the Tau Rifle Mark II is only capable of firing five shots before both the power cell and gas canister require replacing.
- Special Training - The weapon's size, weight, length, and recoil all account for the need to be specially trained in utilizing the weapon. The training is done so to provide the individual with the necessary skills to properly handle the weapon on the field of battle as well as properly address its high recoil to prevent injuries to self.
- Slow Fire - The Tau Rifle Mark II requires a cool-down period between each shot to ensure that the weapon is not placed under any unneeded stress, and to prevent both the weapon and operator from undue harm. If the weapon were fired immediately after the first shot without permitting it time to cool down, it has the potential to catastrophically damage the weapon or potentially cause harm to the operator.
The M58 Tau Rifle Mark II is the continuation of the Tau series of weapons; with some seeing the Mark II as an improvement on its predecessor, others see it as a step back. The Tau Mark II is designed as a long-range weapon specifically for reconnaissance and sniper teams - which is vastly different than its predecessor, the Tau Mark I which was utilized as the main weapon for combat infantry. The weapon's size remains the same between the Mark II and its predecessor, though the differences included limited munitions, a slower firing rate, and a higher stopping power. However, some of its improvements come with drawbacks as well, specifically its limited munitions - with the Mark II capable of firing five shots before both the power cell and gas canister require reloading. This is partially due to the design to provide it with higher stopping power, with more of the weapon's energy going towards increasing the velocity of the blaster bolt and ensuring that it does not degrade over larger distances and still impart the full force of its burst to the enemy.
Another major drawback of the weapon is the time that it takes to properly train and individual in utilizing the weapon; mainly in managing its kickback - which is still substantial even with the internal inertia dampener assisting in mitigating some of the force. Its size and weight also contribute to its unwieldy size which furthers the need for specialized training in utilizing the weapon; with its increase in weight accounted for the weapon being constructed of Alusteel. The primary material is known for its durability - much more so than standard Durasteel - which ensures that the weapon can take a beating and still fire, provided that debris and other elements don't damage the internal workings of the weapon.
Even with these major drawbacks; its ergonomic design and the high stopping power supplant the otherwise problematic features of the weapon. The Tau Rifle Mark II is more than capable of providing the additional fire support and extra stopping power that any small scouting unit or sniper team would require in some of the direst situations they could potentially find themselves.
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