MA5 series: Difference between revisions

{{Era|UNSC|HCW|Post}}

The '''MA5 series''', collectively known as the '''MA5 Individual Combat Weapon System''', is a series of air-cooled, gas-operated assault rifles produced by [[Misriah Armory]]. Part of the larger [[MA Series]], the MA5 is the workhorse of the [[United Nations Space Command]]. Having been in service for more than fifty years,<ref name="EVG">'''[[Halo: The Essential Visual Guide]]''', ''page 16''</ref><ref name="Waypoint">[http://halo.xbox.com/en-us/intel/related/gallery/assault-rifle/7b27101b-fec7-41d9-9fe3-c4dcc04f01b1 '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Assault Rifle''] (defunct, backup on [https://web.archive.org/web/20111004174237/http://halo.xbox.com/en-us/intel/related/gallery/assault-rifle/7b27101b-fec7-41d9-9fe3-c4dcc04f01b1 Archive.org])</ref> the MA5 series is the oldest rifle platform currently utilized by the UNSC, with more than a dozen models still in use.<ref>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/community/blog-posts/canon-fodder-locke-load '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Canon Fodder - Locke & Load'']</ref> While the [[UNSC Marine Corps]] and the [[UNSC Navy|Navy]] use the MA5 designation, the [[UNSC Army|Army]] refers to the weapon as the '''MA37'''.

The MA5 series is a family of air-cooled, gas-operated, magazine-fed weapons designed for automatic fire. They typically feature an attached electronics suite that provides information on rounds remaining in the magazine and a compass heading, as well as fulfilling several other "housekeeping" functions. These rifles are rugged and sturdy, and perform exceptionally well in a variety of environments, especially given the perceived delicacy of the attached electronics suite. MA5-series weapons generally come configured with a standard-issue flashlight mounted beneath the barrel, but can be fit with an [[M301 Grenade Launcher|grenade launcher]] or an [[underslung shotgun]].<ref name="McLees">[http://halo.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&link=BAGAssaultRifle '''Bungie.net''': ''MA5C Assault Rifle'']</ref><ref>'''Halo: Silent Storm''', ''Chapter 25''</ref>

The MA5 entered service with the UNSC Armed Forces in [[2395]] and has remained the primary service rifle ever since.<ref name="HOSFM">'''[[Halo: Official Spartan Field Manual]]''', ''page 188''</ref> In [[2437]], it was adopted by the [[UNSC Army]].<ref name="Waypoint"/><ref name="katprofile">[http://gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2010/01/27/feature-Noble-Team-Profile-3.aspx '''GameInformer''': ''Noble Team Profile #3'']</ref><ref name="MA37">[http://halo.bungie.net/projects/reach/article.aspx?ucc=ordnance&cid=24580 '''Bungie.net''': ''MA37 ICWS'']</ref>

The MA5 series was preceded in service by the [[MA3A assault rifle|MA3A Individual Combat Weapon System]],<ref name="HFS">'''Halo: First Strike'''</ref> which itself was preceded by the [[MA2B assault rifle|MA2B]] and the [[MA1 assault rifle|MA1]].<ref name="Waypoint"/>

*[[MA37 assault rifle|MA37 Individual Combat Weapon System]] - The MA37, the [[UNSC Army]]'s designation of the MA5, was introduced in 2437 and is still favored heavily by the Army despite newer iterations of the series due to its ruggedness and simplicity. The MA37 has a more skeletal cowling than other MA5 variants.<ref name="Waypoint"/>

*[[MA5B assault rifle|MA5B Individual Combat Weapon System]] - Much less accurate in comparison to the MA5C and MA5D, it is often relegated to use in short-range combat. The MA5B receives a sixty-round magazine.<ref name="Waypoint"/>

*[[MA5C assault rifle|MA5C Individual Combat Weapon System]] - An improvement upon the MA5B, featuring a heavier barrel with a one-in-seven twist, a stronger magazine spring mechanism, a lower-profile electronics housing, and a sturdier, more ergonomically designed trigger guard. It receives a shortened thirty-two round magazine; the reduced magazine capacity in relation to the MA5B is part of an effort to prevent wearing of the magazine spring.<ref name="McLees"/> It is used by the Marine Corps and the Navy in short-to-mid range combat.<ref name="Waypoint"/>

*[[MA5K carbine|MA5K Carbine]] - The MA5K is a carbine variant of the MA5 that used almost exclusively by [[UNSC Special Forces|Special Forces]] units. It receives a thirty-round magazine<ref name="Waypoint"/> and is fairly modular, capable of being assembled in various configurations.<ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''' cover art</ref>

File:HCEA-MA5B-AR-FirstPerson.png|[[John-117]] with an MA5B at the ready. The weapon's ammunition counter and HUD readout are visible.

**''[[The Package]]''

**''[[Palace Hotel (short story)|Palace Hotel]]''

**''[[Terminal/Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary|Terminals]]''

**''[[Terminal/Halo 2: Anniversary|Terminals]]''

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