Editing M99 Stanchion

{{Era|UNSC|HCW|Post}}

{{Weapon

| manufacturer=

| length= (o/a): {{Convert|68.90|in|cm}}

| weight= {{Convert|20.0|kg|lb}}

| feed=10 rounds

| ammotype=5.4mm/.21 caliber

| velocity=15,000 meters/second (9.3 miles/second)

| range= {{Convert|4.5|km|mi}}<ref name="HGN122"/>

The '''M99 Special Application Scoped Rifle''', also referred to as the '''M99 Stanchion Gauss rifle''' or simply the '''Stanchion''', is a [[United Nations Space Command]] anti-matériel rifle.<ref name="HGN122">'''Halo Graphic Novel''', ''Page 122''</ref><ref name="CH">'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 16''</ref>

The M99 works on the same operational principles as other magnetic weapons such as [[mass driver]]s and [[Magnetic Accelerator Cannon]]s, albeit on a much smaller scale. This system works through using a series of electromagnetic coils (an asynchronous linear induction motor) rather than chemical propellants as a source of kinetic energy. The M99's weight and bulk limit the weapon's use to highly specialized long-range precision sniping roles.<ref>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/weapons/railgun '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Railgun'']</ref> It is typically used in extreme-range sniping and anti-materiel roles, but the recoilless nature of the weapon makes it ideal for fighting in microgravity as it does not send the wielder into an uncontrollable spin, such as during boarding actions and [[Extra-vehicular activity|EVA]].<ref name="HSS2"/>

The M99 can be used with a [[portable computer]] to provide the ballistic calculations necessary to engage long range targets. The rifle can also be integrated with other systems, such as [[ARGUS drone]]s for trajectory and ballistic data. The M99 also uses the [[ATLAS+]] system developed by [[Ohana Prescient Systems]].<ref name="HGN122" />

The 5.4mm/.21 caliber round is very small in comparison to most standard firearms of the era, but using the Gauss technology, the small rounds have the ability to rip targets apart, even through office buildings.<ref name="CHP"/> This is due to the high force imparted on the round via the Gauss acceleration method. The round creates shockwaves as it passes through the target. In the case of material targets, this is a minor explosion and the creation of structural fractures. In the case of personnel targets, it simultaneously rips apart and pulverizes the body around the impact area. Even hits in an extremity or near-misses can be deadly.

The M99 Special Application Scoped Rifle entered production in [[2491]].<ref name="HGN122" /> Production was ceased in [[2521]].<ref name="HGN122" /> Though it was used mainly for anti-matériel operations, the .21 caliber round (with a muzzle velocity of 15,000 meters per second) proved very effective against "soft" targets such as personnel.<ref name="CHP">'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''Prologue''</ref>

In [[2502|March 2502]], then-[[Corporal]] [[Avery Johnson]] used an M99 Stanchion to [[Operation: KALEIDOSCOPE|assassinate]] [[Jerald Ander]], the leader of the [[Secessionist Union]] cell on [[Harvest]]. Johnson took the shot as the terrorist leader was driven by in an open-topped truck; Ander's head and upper torso were severed by the impact.<ref name="HGN122"/> In [[2524]] during [[Operation: TREBUCHET]], Johnson used a Stanchion mounted on a shock-absorbing armature while flying in an [[AV-14 Hornet]], to kill an [[Insurrectionist]] terrorist driving a bomb-rigged truck; his first target was torn apart by the impact force. However, Johnson's second target detonated a bomb inside a [[Jim Dandy]] restaurant, killing herself, three [[UNSC Special Forces#Naval Special Warfare|Special Warfare]] Marines, and 38 civilians.<ref name="CH"/><ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 86''</ref> Early on during the [[Human-Covenant War]] in March [[2526]] [[Blue Team]], [[Gold Team]], and [[Green Team]] utilized M99 Stanchions during an attempt to capture the [[Covenant frigate]] ''[[Radiant Arrow]]''.<ref name="HSS2">'''[[Halo: Silent Storm]]''', ''Chapter 2''</ref>

Shortly after the [[Subjugation of Earth]] [[Spartan-IV]] [[Kojo Agu]] used an M99 Stanchion given to him by the [[United Rebel Front]] while on [[Cassidy III]] to destroy the [[data pad]] that the [[Created]] [[Smart AI]] [[Leonidas]] was stored in. Production of the rifle had since ceased and Agu considered the weapon to be "old-school." <ref name="HBB">'''[[Halo: Bad Blood]]'''</ref> [[Snipers]] assigned to the {{UNSCShip|Spirit of Fire}} continued to use the Stanchion as late as April [[2559]], as the ship had been lost in space for [[2531#Febuary|the past 28 years]].<ref>'''[[Halo Wars 2]]'''</ref>

*'''[[M99A2S3 Stanchion]]''': The M99A2S3 is a variant of the M99 created by [[Isabel]].<ref>[https://twitter.com/JeremyCook3D/status/950541458829844480 '''Twitter''' ''- Jeremy Cook M99A2S3 breakdown'']</ref> It has an inertia buffer that helps manage recoil.<ref>[https://twitter.com/JeremyCook3D/status/950592593376628741 '''Twitter''' ''- Jeremy Cook on the inertia buffer'']</ref>

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