Editing Gauss rifle

{{InfoBoxWeapon
| image = [[File:Gauss Rifle.jpg|191px]]
| name = Gauss rifle
| Type = ballistic (direct-fire)
| Tech Base = [[Clan]] / [[Inner Sphere]] (IS)
| Year Availability = 
Clan = [[2828]] 
IS = [[3040]] 
| Year Introduced = 
Clan = [[2828]] [[Clan Burrock|CBR]]
IS = [[2587]] [[Terran Hegemony|TH]]<ref name="IOp71">''Interstellar Operations'', p. 72: "Gauss Rifle-P"</ref>
| Year Extinction = 
IS = [[2865]]<ref name="TM289"> ''TechManual'' p. 289, "Heavy Weapons And Equipment - Table"</ref> <ref name=SSWp102>''Second Succession War'', p. 102: "Rules Annex - Weapons and Equipment Extinction Table"</ref>
| Year Reintroduced = 
IS = [[3040]] [[Free Worlds League|FWL]]<ref name="TM289"/>
| Tech Rating = 
[[Technology Rating#E|E]]<ref name="TM289"/>
| Availability Rating =
| Age of War–Star League = [[Availability Rating#D|D]]<ref name="TM289"/>
| Succession Wars = [[Availability Rating#E|E]]<ref name="TM289"/>
| Clan Invasion – Present = [[Availability Rating#D|D]]<ref name="TM289"/>
| Legality Rating = [[Legality Rating#A - F|A - F]]
| Heat = 1<ref name="TRO:2750p7"/>
| Damage = 15<ref name="TRO:2750p7"/>
| Minimum Range = 2<ref name="TRO:2750p7"/>
| Short Range = 1-7<ref name="TRO:2750p7"/>
| Medium Range = 8-15<ref name="TRO:2750p7"/>
| Long Range = 16-22<ref name="TRO:2750p7"/>
| Tons = 
Clan = 12
IS = 15<ref name="TRO:2750p7"/>
| Critical Slots = 
Clan = 6
IS = 7<ref name="TRO:2750p7"/>
Proto = 8
| Ammo Per Ton = 8
| Cost (unloaded) = 300,000<ref name="TM289"/>
| Ammo cost (per ton) = 20,000
| BV (1.0) = 321
| BV (2.0) = 320<ref name="TMp317">''TechManual'', p. 317: "Inner Sphere Weapons and Equipment BV Table"</ref><br> 40 (Ammo)<ref name="TMp317"/>
}}

== Description ==
Introduced in [[2590]] by the [[Terran Hegemony]], the '''Gauss rifle''' utilizes a series of electromagnets to propel slugs of ferrous nickel-iron alloy at extremely high velocities, making it a devastating and lethal long-range weapon.<ref name="TMp219">''TechManual'', p. 219: "Standard Gauss Rifle"</ref> So powerful is it that one hit from a Gauss rifle is capable of killing nearly any [[Light 'Mech]].<ref>''Technical Readout: 3055'', p. 26</ref> Unlike most traditional ballistic weapons, the Gauss rifle does not use combustible propellant, so its firing generates very little heat. However, the sheer mass and bulk of the weapon limits its applications.<ref name="TMp219"/>  The Gauss rifle also has fairly heavy power requirements which, if used at the same time as similarly energy-intensive systems, forces the unit's computer to cycle and allocate power to meet the demands.  If for example a [[MechWarrior (pilot)|pilot]] tried to fire both a Gauss rifle and several [[lasers]] at once, there would be a delay in the time it would take to get the entire salvo off.<ref name=BL19>''Blood Legacy'', ch. 19</ref>

Since the Gauss rifle fires solid metal slugs, with neither propellant nor explosive, Gauss rifle magazines are not susceptible to ammunition explosions. However, if the weapon itself is struck by enemy fire, the capacitors that power the electromagnets will release their stored energy, with an effect similar to an ammo explosion. (In game terms, a critical hit on a Gauss rifle is equivalent to a 20-point ammo explosion.) Some 'Mechs employ [[CASE]] in the section containing the Gauss rifle to protect internal components in the event the weapon explodes.<ref name="TMp219"/><ref name="BT:MRp128">''BattleTech Master Rules'', p. 219: "Gauss Rifle"</ref>

Though Gauss rifles fire standardized rounds, described as being melon-shaped and 30cm in diameter,<ref name=BL19/> they are technically capable of utilizing any object which can be propelled by magnets as "ammunition."  In an emergency a 'Mech could even muzzle-load their weapon with something like a steel girder if their ammunition feed was disabled.  Using the Gauss rifle in this way however has a high chance of causing damage to the weapon.<ref>''Blood Legacy'', ch. 24</ref> 

The Gauss rifle was found on a number of heavier [[Star League Defense Force]] 'Mechs, but fell out of use in the [[Inner Sphere]] during the technological decline of the [[Succession Wars (History)|Succession Wars]]. It was revived following the discovery of the [[Helm Memory Core]]. The [[Clans]] never lost the technology, and continued to refine the Star League-era weapon. Although the Clan Gauss rifle is similar in performance and operation to its Inner Sphere counterpart, it is 20% lighter and somewhat more compact. 

''Note: The original description of the Gauss rifle that appeared in the first printing of ''[[Technical Readout: 2750]]'' listed the ammunition load as 10 shots per ton. This figure was later amended to eight shots per ton.''<ref name="TRO:2750p7">''Technical Readout: 2750'', p. 7: "Gauss Rifle"</ref>

==Models==
The Gauss rifle is manufactured on the following planets:

===Dragon's Fire===
{|class="wikitable" style="background: #gray; text-align:center; border: 2px solid black;"
|'''Manufactured on'''  
|'''Manufactured by'''
|'''Typically used in'''
|'''References'''
|----
| [[Atreus]]
| [[Imperator Automatic Weaponry]]
| [[Victor]] [[Atlas (BattleMech)|Atlas]] [[Slayer]]
| <ref>''Objective Raids'', p. 120</ref>
|}

===Grizzard===
{|class="wikitable" style="background: #gray; text-align:center; border: 2px solid black;"
|'''Manufactured on'''  
|'''Manufactured by'''
|'''Typically used in'''
|'''References'''
|----
| [[Outreach]]
| [[Blackwell Corporation]]
| [[War Dog]]
| <ref name="TRO:3055Up69">''Technical Readout: 3055 Upgrade'', p. 68: "WR-DG-02FC ''War Dog''"</ref>
|}

===Grizzard 200===
{|class="wikitable" style="background: #gray; text-align:center; border: 2px solid black;"
|'''Manufactured on'''  
|'''Manufactured by'''
|'''Typically used in'''
|'''References'''
|----
| [[New Earth]]
| [[Yankee Weapons Systems]]
| [[Cerberus_(BattleMech)|Cerberus]] [[Sasquatch]] [[Excalibur_(BattleMech)|Excalibur]]
| <ref name="TRO;3055Up76">''Technical Readout: 3055 Upgrade'', p. 76: "MR-V2 ''Cerberus''"</ref> <ref name="TRO;3055Up168">''Technical Readout: 3055 Upgrade'', p. 168: "SQS-TH-002 ''Sasquatch''"</ref> <ref name="TRO;3058Up216">''Technical Readout: 3058 Upgrade'', p. 216: ''Excalibur''"</ref>
|----
| [[Quentin]]
| [[Independence Weaponry]]
| [[Excalibur_(BattleMech)|Excalibur]] 
| <ref name=TRO3058p216>''Technical Readout: 3058 Upgrade'', p. 216</ref>
|}

===Grizzard 210===
A highly modified version of the standard Grizzard Gauss rifle, the 210 trades width for length. Though featuring a much longer barrel, the resulting weapon is slender enough to fit within the tight confines of the ''Huron Warrior'''s right arm.<ref name=TRO3055-42>''Technical Readout: 3055'', p. 42: "HUR-WO-R4L ''Huron Warrior''"</ref>
{|class="wikitable" style="background: #gray; text-align:center; border: 2px solid black;"
|'''Manufactured on'''  
|'''Manufactured by'''
|'''Typically used in'''
|'''References'''
|----
| [[Corey]]
| [[Hollis Incorporated]]
| [[Huron Warrior]]
| <ref name="TRO:3055Up38">''Technical Readout: 3055 Upgrade'', p. 38: "HUR-WO-R4L ''Huron Warrior''"</ref>
|----
| [[New Earth]]
| [[Yankee Weapons Systems]]
| [[Huron Warrior]]
| <ref name="TRO:3055Up38"/>
|}

===Inokuma===
{|class="wikitable" style="background: #gray; text-align:center; border: 2px solid black;"
|'''Manufactured on'''  
|'''Manufactured by'''
|'''Typically used in'''
|'''References'''
|----
| [[Betelgeuse]]
| [[Aldis Industries]]
| [[Regulator II]]
| <ref name="TRO:3085p30">''Technical Readout: 3085'', p. 30: "Regulator II Hover Tank"</ref>
|}

===Imperator Dragon's Fire===
{|class="wikitable" style="background: #gray; text-align:center; border: 2px solid black;"
|'''Manufactured on'''  
|'''Manufactured by'''
|'''Typically used in'''
|'''References'''
|----
| [[Atreus]]
| [[Imperator Automatic Weaponry]]
| [[Victor]] [[Atlas (BattleMech)|Atlas]] [[Slayer]]
| <ref name=OR1120>''Objective Raids'', p. 120</ref>
|}

===M-7===
{|class="wikitable" style="background: #gray; text-align:center; border: 2px solid black;"
|'''Manufactured on'''  
|'''Manufactured by'''
|'''Typically used in'''
|'''References'''
|----
| [[Terra]]
| [[Leopard Armor]]
| [[Demon]]
| <ref name=TRO3050p170>''Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade'', p. 170</ref>
|----
| [[Son Hoa]]
| [[StarCorps Industries]]
| [[Highlander]] [[King Crab]]
| <ref name=TRO3050p220>''Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade'', p. 220</ref> <ref name=TRO3050p222>''Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade'', p. 222</ref>
|----
| [[Northwind]]
| [[Cosara]]
| [[King Crab]]
| <ref name=TRO3050p222/>
|----
| [[Terra]]
| [[Aldis Industries]]
| [[Regulator II]]
| <ref name=TRO3085p30>''Technical Readout: 3085'', p. 30</ref>
|----
| [[Terra]] 
| [[Skobel MechWorks]]
| [[Osprey]]
| <ref name=TRO3085p82>''Technical Readout: 3085'', p. 82</ref>
|----
| [[Corey]] 
| [[Hollis Industries]]
| [[Osprey]]
| <ref name=TRO3085p82/>
|----
| [[Terra]] 
| [[Pandora 'Mech Works]]
| [[Marksman M1|Marksman]]
| <ref name=TRO3085p17>''Technical Readout: 3085 Supplemental'', p. 17</ref>
|}

===MilDouglas===
{|class="wikitable" style="background: #gray; text-align:center; border: 2px solid black;"
|'''Manufactured on'''  
|'''Manufactured by'''
|'''Typically used in'''
|'''References'''
|----
| [[Warlock]]
| [[Ceres Metals Industries]]
| [[Helios (BattleMech)|Helios]]
| <ref name=TRO3060p104>''Technical Readout: 3060 Revised'', p. 104</ref>
|}
===Mydron Concussor===
{|class="wikitable" style="background: #gray; text-align:center; border: 2px solid black;"
|'''Manufactured on'''  
|'''Manufactured by'''
|'''Typically used in'''
|'''References'''
|----
| 
| [[Hellespont 'Mech Works]]
| [[Tian-Zong]]
| <ref name=TRO:CCp44>''Technical Readout: 3145 Capellan Confederation'', p. 44</ref>
|}

===Norse-Storm  M-7D===
{|class="wikitable" style="background: #gray; text-align:center; border: 2px solid black;"
|'''Manufactured on'''  
|'''Manufactured by'''
|'''Typically used in'''
|'''References'''
|----
| [[New Earth]]
| [[Norse-Storm Technologies Incorporated ]]
| [[Alacorn]]
| <ref name=TRO3058p202>''Technical Readout: 3058 Upgrade'', p. 202</ref>
|----
| [[Kathil]]
| [[General Motors]]
| [[Nightstar]]
| <ref name=TRO3058p226>''Technical Readout: 3058 Upgrade'', p. 226</ref>
|----
| [[Solaris VII]]
| [[Norse-Storm Technologies Incorporated]]
| [[Nightstar]]
| <ref name=TRO3058p226/>
|----
| [[Loxley]]
| [[Norse-Storm Technologies Incorporated]]
| [[Thunder Hawk]]
| <ref name=TRO3058p230>''Technical Readout: 3058 Upgrade'', p. 230</ref>
|}

===Poland Main Model A===
Developed under the Poland brand by Johnston Industries, the Main Model A is one of the most common and popular post–Helm Memory Core Gauss rifles available in [[Federated Suns]] space. Matching the spec of Star League era Gauss rifles used by the SLDF, the Main Model A has an excellent track record and a well deserved reputation as both an accurate and reliable weapon.<ref name=SSaD-55>''Starterbook: Sword and Dragon'', p. 55: "Rules Annex - Prototype Weapons and Equipment - Gauss Rifle"</ref> <ref name=TM-92>''TechManual'', pp. 92–93: "The Mechanized Battlefield - Battlefield Roles - Main Battle Tanks"</ref> <ref name=TM-219>''TechManual'', p. 219: "Weapons and Heavy Equipment - Gauss Rifles"</ref>
	 
Following the legal fallout surrounding the BattleMech scale [[Magshot]], as part of the settlement between Johnston and [[Federated Industries]], Federated received the perpetual rights to produce the Poland Main A, which is manufactured and marketed by its heavy weapon [[Hurricane Defense Systems]] division primary to the [[Lyran Commonwealth]] market.<ref name=HHD-171>''Handbook: House Davion'', p. 171: "Economics - Just Business"</ref>
{|class="wikitable" style="background: #gray; text-align:center; border: 2px solid black;"
|'''Manufactured on'''  
|'''Manufactured by'''
|'''Typically used in'''
|'''References'''
|----
| [[Coventry]]
| [[Norse-Storm Technologies Incorporated]]
| [[Devastator]] 
| <ref name=TRO3058p158>''Technical Readout: 3058 Upgrade'', p. 158</ref>
|----
| [[Loxley]]
| [[Coventry Metal Works]]
| [[Hollander]] 
| | <ref name=TRO3057p28>''Technical Readout: 3055 Revised'', p. 26</ref>
|----
| [[Tharkad]]
| [[TharHes Industries]]
| [[Falconer]]
| <ref name=TRO3055p62>''Technical Readout: 3055 Upgrade'', p. 62</ref>
|----
| [[New Valencia]]
| [[General Motors]]
| [[Falconer]]
| <ref name=TRO3055p62/>
|-
| [[Hesperus II]]
| [[Defiance Industries]]
| [[Gunslinger]],<br>[[Gürteltier]]
| <ref name=TRO3055p72>''Technical Readout: 3055 Upgrade'', p. 72</ref> <ref name=TRO3085p50>''Technical Readout: 3085'', p. 50</ref>
|-
| [[Quentin]]
| [[Independence Weaponry]]
| [[Gunslinger]],<br>[[Marauder II]]
| <ref name=TRO3055p72/>
|----
| [[New Syrtis]]
| [[Johnston Industries]]
| ''[[Caesar]]''
| <ref name=TRO3050p76>''Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade'', p. 76</ref>
|----
| [[Kathil]] [[Salem]]
| [[General Motors]]
| [[Challenger]]
| <ref name=TRO3058p234>''Technical Readout: 3058 Upgrade'', p. 234</ref>
|----
| [[Kirklin]] 
| [[Kallon Industries]] 
| [[Challenger]]
| <ref name=TRO3058p234/>
|----
| [[Kathil]] 
| [[General Motors]] 
| [[Cestus]]
| <ref name=TRO3058p214>''Technical Readout: 3058 Upgrade'', p. 214</ref>
|----
| [[Solaris VII]] 
| [[Blue Shot Weapons]] 
| [[Cestus]]
| <ref name=TRO3058p214/>
|----
| [[Sian]]  
| [[Hellespont Industrials]]
| [[Pillager]]
| <ref name=TRO3058p228>''Technical Readout: 3058 Upgrade'', p. 228</ref>
|----
| [[St. Ives]] 
| [[HildCo Interplanetary]] 
| [[Pillager]]
| <ref name=TRO3058p228/>
|}

===Poland Main Model C===
{|class="wikitable" style="background: #gray; text-align:center; border: 2px solid black;"
|'''Manufactured on'''  
|'''Manufactured by'''
|'''Typically used in'''
|'''References'''
|----
| [[Bristol]]
| [[Jolassa-Kumbold Armored Weapons]]
| [[Fury]]
| <ref name=TRO3050p178>''Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade'', p. 178</ref>
|----
| [[Ruchbah]]
| [[Michaelson Heavy Industries]]
| [[Yellow Jacket]]
| <ref name=TRO3058p74>''Technical Readout: 3058 Upgrade'', p. 74</ref>
|}

===Poland Main Model R===
{|class="wikitable" style="background: #gray; text-align:center; border: 2px solid black;"
|'''Manufactured on'''  
|'''Manufactured by'''
|'''Typically used in'''
|'''References'''
|----
| [[New Syrtis]]
| [[Johnston Industries]]
| ''Caesar'', [[Banshee (BattleMech)|Banshee]] [[Marauder]] [[Victor]]
| <ref>''Objective Raids'', p. 90,</ref>
|}

===Thunderstroke Series 2b===
Built to Clan spec.
{|class="wikitable" style="background: #gray; text-align:center; border: 2px solid black;"
|'''Manufactured on'''  
|'''Manufactured by'''
|'''Typically used in'''
|'''References'''
|----
| [[Tokasha]]
| [[Tokasha MechWorks]]
| [[Behemoth (BattleMech)#Variants|Behemoth 2]]
| <ref name="TRO:3085p120">''Technical Readout: 3085'', p. 120: "''Behemoth'' 2"</ref>
|}

===Zeus Slingshot===
Manufactured in the Free Worlds League, the Zeus Slingshot matches the spec of Star League-era Gauss rifles used by the SLDF.<ref name=SSaD-55/><ref name=TM-219/>
{|class="wikitable" style="background: #gray; text-align:center; border: 2px solid black;"
|'''Manufactured on'''  
|'''Manufactured by'''
|'''Typically used in'''
|'''References'''
|----
| [[Irian]]
| [[Irian BattleMechs Unlimited]]
| [[Tempest]]
| <ref>''Technical Readout: 3055 Upgrade'', p. 50: "TMP-3M Tempest"</ref>
|-
| [[Stewart]]
| [[Corean Enterprises]]
| [[Cyclops]] [[Goliath]]
| <ref name=TRO3055p100>''Technical Readout: 3055 Upgrade'', p. 100</ref>
|-
| [[Caph]]
| [[Stormvanger Assemblies Unlimited]]
| [[Cyclops]]
| <ref name=TRO3055p173>''Technical Readout: 3055 Revised'', p. 173</ref>
|-
| [[Storfors]]
| [[J.B. BattleMechs Incorporated]]
| [[Dragon Fire]]
| <ref name=TRO3058p146>''Technical Readout: 3058 Upgrade'', p. 146</ref>
|}

===Zhi-tong-yao===
{|class="wikitable" style="background: #gray; text-align:center; border: 2px solid black;"
|'''Manufactured on'''  
|'''Manufactured by'''
|'''Typically used in'''
|'''References'''
|----
| [[Victoria (CC)|Victoria]]
| [[Shengli Arms]]
| [[Jinggau]]
| <ref name=TRO3060p112>''Technical Readout: 3060 Revised'', p. 112</ref>
|}

==Variants==
* Prototype Gauss rifle (GR-P): prior to the introduction of the standard Gauss rifle the [[Star League Defense Force]] fielded prototypes of the weapon design during the [[Reunification War]]. These prototypes were functionally identical to the standard Gauss rifle, with two exceptions: the prototypes took up one additional critical slot, and jammed in a fashion identical to that of the [[Ultra Autocannon]] on a to-hit roll of 2.<ref name="H:RWp179">''Historical: Reunification War'', pp. 179–180: "Gauss Rifle (GR-P)"</ref>

* Gauss-X: The [[Federated Commonwealth]] field-tested experimental versions of the Gauss rifle during the closing months of the [[War of 3039]].  Employed by elite units of the [[AFFS]] and [[LCAF]], these prototypes required an additional critical slot and could jam in certain cases.<ref>''Historical: War of 3039'', p. 145</ref>  The [[Draconis Combine]]'s [[9th Ghost]] regiment was also able to jury-rig two of their ''[[Hunchback]]'' [['Mechs]] with prototype Gauss rifles during combat on [[Elidere IV]].  While providing the design with superior long-range firepower, the recoil was too much for the machines and they were removed after the end of the war.<ref>''Technical Readout: 3039'', p. 136</ref>

* [[Silver Bullet Gauss Rifle|Silver Bullet]]: An early attempt to introduce cluster functionality to the Gauss rifle family, the Silver Bullet Gauss rifle had some major drawbacks that were difficult to overcome, and did not see widespread use.

* [[Light Gauss Rifle]]: The light Gauss rifle was invented to be smaller and lighter, that way it could be carried on lighter 'Mechs. It had the obvious consequence of doing less damage, but carried twice as much ammunition and had a slightly longer range to make up for it.

* [[Heavy Gauss Rifle]]: The polar opposite of the light Gauss rifle, the heavy Gauss rifle trades range and a large ammunition capacity for raw damage output, but it has the downsides of mass, enormous bulk, and so on most notably a sharp decrease in damage as the distance increases. An improved version would be developed later on which trades in the raw damage output and increased weight for consistent performance across its effective range.

* Hyper-Assault Gauss rifles: Coming in sizes [[HAG 20|20]], [[HAG 30|30]] and [[HAG 40|40]], these are cluster-firing weapons which are able to do an incredible amount of damage for their size. 

* [[MagShot]] and [[Anti-Personnel Gauss Rifle]]: These small, lightweight defensive weapons are usually mounted on BattleMechs for long-range anti-infantry work, but are also useful against 'Mechs (though not by much).

* [[Naval Gauss Rifle]]: The naval Gauss rifle is a considerably upsized version of the Gauss rifle for use on [[WarShips]], but what makes the design especially notable is that it has what is essentially a built-in version of [[CASE]], making it suitable for protecting the vessel and crew from a Gauss rifle explosion. Interestingly, there is no sub-capital version of the weapon, which would be ideal for [[DropShip]]s.

* [[Mass Driver]]: Just when mankind thought Gauss weapons wouldn't get any bigger, they did just that, and it can be rather terrifying what these will do to a planet.

===Towed Gauss rifle===
Towed Gauss rifles cannot move, so they must be paired up with friendly transports to keep up the pace of a moving battle, but they are a cheap unit capable to deal significant damage at a long range.<ref name=MWDASPp92>''MechWarrior: Dark Age - Sneak Peeks'', p. 92: "Towed Gauss Rifle"</ref>

==Gallery==
<gallery>
Towed-Gauss-Rifle.png|Towed Gauss Rifle<ref name=MWDASPp92/>
</gallery>

==Notes==
* This article refers to a common object canonically known with a mixed proper ("Gauss") and common ("rifle") term for a name. The preferred usage is "Gauss rifle" (except on section titles & table headings, where "Gauss Rifle" is favored).<ref name=Dis_consensus>[https://discord.com/channels/845495550803705886/992054758753972234/993632542571901058 Sarna consensus on Gauss rifle presentation]</ref>

==References==
<references />

==Bibliography==
{{div col|colwidth=25em}}
* ''[[BattleTech (Video Game)|BattleTech]]'' (Video Game)
* ''[[BattleTech Master Rules]]''
* ''[[Blood Legacy]]''
* ''[[Historical: Reunification War]]''
* ''[[Historical: War of 3039]]''
* ''[[The Lance Killer]]''
* ''[[MechWarrior: Dark Age - Sneak Peeks]]''
* ''[[Second Succession War (sourcebook)|Second Succession War]]''
* ''[[TechManual]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 2750]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3039]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3050]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3055]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3060]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3145 Free Worlds League]]''
{{div col end}}

[[Category:Technology]]
[[Category:Weapons]]
[[Category:Ballistic Weapons]]
[[Category:Ballistic Weapons (Heavy)]]
[[Category:Gauss Weapons]]