Canon

MA40 assault rifle

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MA40 assault rifle
The MA40's product logo.

A transparent crop of the MA40 Longshot in-game model. Courtesy of User:BaconShelf.

Production overview

Manufacturer:

Misriah Armory[1]

Model series:

MA series[1]

Type:

Assault rifle[1]

Variants:

MA40 Longshot[2]

Specifications

Length:

96.5 centimeters (38 in)[1]

Ammunition type:

M118 7.62x51mm FMJ-AP[1]

Feed system:

36-round detachable box magazine[1]

Operation:

Fully-automatic[1][3]

Rate of fire:

High[4]

Effective range:

Close-quarters[1]

Service history

In service:

 
“ Built on the proven Misriah ICWS platform, the MA40 is the standard-issue heavy rifle of the UNSC assault troops. It is an ideal weapon for stripping enemy shields because of its high rate of fire and heavy round, though the rifle is not renowned for accuracy or low ammunition consumption.[4] ”

The MA40 Individual Combat Weapon System (ICWS), or MA40 assault rifle, is a weapon in service with the United Nations Space Command. Built on Misriah's proven ICWS platform, the MA40 incorporates a number of updates made to the MA5 production lines during the Human-Covenant War. As of 2560, it is considered the standard-issue heavy rifle of the Marine Corps and Army.[1][4]

Overview[edit]

clear cover art
John-117 and Frederic-104 using the MA40 assault rifles during Operation: WOLFE.

Design details[edit]

Produced by Misriah Armory,[1] the MA40 is a part of the same lineage as the MA37.[7] Improvements over the MA37 are subtle, but significantly increase mechanical reliability and durability in extreme conditions, including vacuum.[1]

The rifle feeds from 36-round detachable box magazines. Present above the trigger guard on both sides of the weapon's body are fire selectors, with three dots for positions. One is black, and the others are red, indicating safe and two firing modes,[8] one of which is fully-automatic.[9] The MA40's charging handle is positioned on the left side of its body, and its ejection port is situated on the right. Beneath the end of its barrel is located a multifunction receiver into which devices that grant supplemental functionality, such as infrared laser designators, can be mounted.[10] The MA40 is also capable of being fitted with a sound-suppressor on the fly, to reduce its firing signature.[11] Although it lacks a built-in ammunition indicator like the later models in the MA series, the MA40 is typically equipped with the EVOS-J attachment instead.[8]

The MA40's appearance heavily resembles the MA37, featuring a dark grey and black finish, with a bright yellow stripe running across the cowling. The weapon is stamped with various decals including a QR code that, when translated, lists the weapon's name.[8] The sides of the upper receiver contain a proof mark indicating the weapon's year of manufacture and a certification that the weapon is safe to fire with nitrocellulose-based gunpowder. In the case of the MA40s supplied to UNSC Infinity forces in 2560, the weapons have the proof code FI, which translates to a manufacture year of 2558.

Usage[edit]

"Misriah Armory stock increase."
— A Superintendent-class artificial intelligence after a Spartan-IV got a kill with a MA40 in a War Games simulation.[12]

Although the MA40 assault rifle was in service as early as the Battle for Earth in late 2552,[5] the MA40 has been not seen widespread service until at least during the Created conflict. Although the MA40 has recently eclipsed the MA5 series in service, the latter still dominates most armories in sheer volume.[13] The MA40 was used extensively by Blue Team during the mission to Reach in 2559,[7] and saw widespread usage among Marine personnel stranded on Installation 07 during the Battle for Zeta Halo later that year.[6] An MA40 was kept in the cockpit of Fernando Esparza’s Pelican dropship in 2560, and the rifle was later used by John-117 on Installation 07.[14]

Variants[edit]

  • MA40 Flashblind: A modified variant of the MA40 chemically treated for corrosion and bioadhesion resistance. The gun's firing components can be sterilized while the weapon furniture is replaced.[15]
  • MA40 Longshot: A modified variant of the MA40 with a reduced magazine size from 36 to 25, though has increased precision capabilities, raising its performance at long-range.[16]
  • MA40 MODE MS: A custom manufactured version of the MA40, with microbial and CBRN-resistant nanodiamond coatings.[17]
  • MA40 Flashblind

    MA40 Flashblind

  • MA40 Longshot

    MA40 Longshot

  • MA40 MODE MS

    MA40 MODE MS

MA40 attachments[edit]

  • Type 2A Barrel Shroud: A muzzle attachment, design for better heat distribution.[18]
  • Type 2A Barrel Shroud

    Type 2A Barrel Shroud

In-game information[edit]

Main article: Assault Rifle
“ Reliable, fully automatic assault rifle at short to medium range.[19][20] ”

The MA40 holds 36 rounds ready, with 216 rounds in reserve. The base version of the MA40 assault rifle has lowered damage per round and its bloom gradually increases as the trigger is held. The reticle is very similar to the MA5D's reticle in Halo 5: Guardians. The MA40 is highly effective in close-quarters combat. The weapon, when compared to other recent incarnations of the assault rifle, fires at a significantly faster rate, akin to the MA5B assault rifle.[6]

MA40 assault rifle
v • d • e
Weapon Model Manufacturer Lore Rarity Introduced In Unlock Requirements
Icon of the Dragonbark Adornment Weapon Model.
Dragonbark Adornment 		Fracture: Tenrai Protective cover made of scales salvaged from a fallen warrior. Legendary Season 01: Heroes of Reach Purchase either:
  • "Blacksteel Katana" for 1,500 cR
  • "Dragonbark Adornment" for 300 cR
Icon of the Golden Eagle Weapon Model.
Golden Eagle 		FOTUS Limited edition MA40 collectible. Legendary Season 01: Heroes of Reach Purchase either:
  • "Honorbound Weapon" for 1,500 cR (or 800 cR during a sale)
  • "Golden Eagle" for 500 cR
Icon of the Shinobi Wrap Weapon Model.
Shinobi Wrap 		Fracture: Tenrai Carefully crafted to capture the sound of violence, but not dampen killing intent. Epic Season 01: Heroes of Reach Purchase the "Shinobi Wrap" bundle from the Shop for 400 cR (Formerly 1,000 cR)
Icon of the Type 2A Barrel Shroud Weapon Model.
Type 2A Barrel Shroud 		Misriah Armory For improved heat distribution. Epic Season 01: Heroes of Reach Purchase the "Maltese Mayhem Weapon Set" from the Shop for 1,500 cR (or 800 cR during a sale)
Icon of the Crimson Sun weapon model.
Crimson Sun 		Fracture: Tenrai Protecting against evil spirits with a wall of lead. Legendary Season 04: Infection Tenrai II Event Pass level 10
Icon of the MA40 Flashblind weapon model.
MA40 Flashblind 		Misriah Armory Chemically-treated for maximum corrosion resistance and low bioadhesion. The core firing components can be quickly sterilized while the weapon furniture is incinerated between missions. Epic Season 04: Infection Purchase Season 04: Infection Premium Battle Pass for 1,000 cR
Icon of the MA40 MODE MS weapon model.
MA40 MODE MS 		Misriah Armory Custom-manufactured MA40 assault rifles with microbial-resistant and CBRN-resistant nanodiamond coatings in key locations. Legendary Season 04: Infection Purchase either:
  • "Warning Signs" for 1,500 cR
  • "Hazmat Haven" for 3,400 cR
Legendary, 343 Industries: With integral fluid recovery system.
Life Thief 		343 Industries With integral fluid recovery system. Legendary Season 05: Reckoning Purchase the "Sanguine Gift" bundle from the Shop for 2,200 cR
Icon of the Evolved MA5 weapon model.
Evolved MA5 		UNSC No pressure, but the mother of all assault rifles has arrived. Reforged in the fires of an exploding Halo ring and quenched on the ichor of a thousand fallen Elites, feast your eyes on the finest bit of battle rattle to ever grace your dirty paws! Now, don't go asking too many questions about ammo capacity this or aim assist that. The only numbers you need to know are seven, six, and two. Now get out there and give those Covenant a belly full of lead! Legendary Spirit of Fire Purchase the Spirit of Fire Premium Pass for 500 cR
Icon for the MA35 BAR weapon model.
MA35 BAR 		Fracture: Entrenched The Misriah Bathworks Automatic Rifle was the standard UNSC infantry rifle throughout the Final War. Legendary Snowbound Purchase the "Lancejack" bundle from the Shop for 2,200 cR

Non-canon and dubious canon appearances[edit]

Silver Timeline[edit]

HTV-SilverTeam logo.png
 This article contains information about the Silver Timeline, and is not a part of the established Halo canon.

MA40 assault rifles were used by UNSC personnel, including John-117, during the Human-Covenant War.[21]

Production notes[edit]

The MA40 was first seen during the Discover Hope trailer for Halo Infinite, which was shown at E3 2019.[22] Its name was first revealed when the NERF toy based on the weapon was announced on February 18, 2020. Purchases of the NERF MA40 come with a code that unlocks a skin for the weapon in Halo Infinite.[23]

The MA40 received a visual upgrade to its textures first seen in the January 2021 edition of Inside Infinite. The color scheme appears much darker with a yellow strip along the barrel, paying homage to the MA37. The ammo counter visual is brighter and the munition counter itself is highlighted by a bright blue box.[24]

Gallery[edit]

Main-Superintendent.png Browse more images in this article's gallery page.

Developmental images[edit]

  • An early render of the MA40 assault rifle.

    An early render of the MA40 assault rifle.

  • An early render of the MA40, featuring the Adrenal coating.

    An early render of the MA40, featuring the Adrenal coating.

  • Halo Infinite in-engine render of the MA40 from the January 2021 edition of Inside Infinite.

    Halo Infinite in-engine render of the MA40 from the January 2021 edition of Inside Infinite.

  • Third person view of the MA40 in the Halo Infinite Campaign Gameplay Premiere.

    Third person view of the MA40 in the Halo Infinite Campaign Gameplay Premiere.

  • First person view of the MA40 in the Halo Infinite Campaign Gameplay Premiere.

    First person view of the MA40 in the Halo Infinite Campaign Gameplay Premiere.

  • First-person view of an MA40 being reloaded in the Halo Infinite Campaign Gameplay Premiere, with a cartridge being visible in the magazine.

    First-person view of an MA40 being reloaded in the Halo Infinite Campaign Gameplay Premiere, with a cartridge being visible in the magazine.

  • Alternate first-person view of an MA40 being reloaded in the Halo Infinite Campaign Gameplay Premiere, displaying more of the magazine.

    Alternate first-person view of an MA40 being reloaded in the Halo Infinite Campaign Gameplay Premiere, displaying more of the magazine.

  • First-person view of an MA40's charging handle being cycled whilst reloading the weapon during the Halo Infinite Campaign Gameplay Premiere.

    First-person view of an MA40's charging handle being cycled whilst reloading the weapon during the Halo Infinite Campaign Gameplay Premiere.

  • First-person view of an MA40 being used to engage an Elite during the Halo Infinite Campaign Gameplay Premiere.

    First-person view of an MA40 being used to engage an Elite during the Halo Infinite Campaign Gameplay Premiere.

  • A study of the decals on the MA40 assault rifle.

    A study of the decals on the MA40 assault rifle.

  • Concept exploration of the MA40 Flashblind model.

    Concept exploration of the MA40 Flashblind model.

  • Finalized concept art of the MA40 Flashblind model.

    Finalized concept art of the MA40 Flashblind model.

Promotional images[edit]

  • John-117 using a Grappleshot while wielding an MA40.

    John-117 using a Grappleshot while wielding an MA40.

  • John-117 using the weapon within the Silent Auditorium.

    John-117 using the weapon within the Silent Auditorium.

  • A promotional image featuring the MA40, adorned with the Warmaster's Prize coating.

    A promotional image featuring the MA40, adorned with the Warmaster's Prize coating.

  • Achievement art featuring various attachments for the MA40.

    Achievement art featuring various attachments for the MA40.

  • John-117 wielding an MA40 in vacuum.

    John-117 wielding an MA40 in vacuum.

Screenshots[edit]

  • HUD icon for the MA40.

    HUD icon for the MA40.

  • An angled view of the MA40.

    An angled view of the MA40.

  • John-117 firing an MA40.

    John-117 firing an MA40.

  • First-person view of the MA40 firing in the final build of Halo Infinite.

    First-person view of the MA40 firing in the final build of Halo Infinite.

  • First-person view of the zooming in with the MA40.

    First-person view of the zooming in with the MA40.

  • First-person view of the melee attacking with the MA40.

    First-person view of the melee attacking with the MA40.

  • First-person view of the MA40 firing in multiplayer.

    First-person view of the MA40 firing in multiplayer.

  • First-person view of the MA40 being reloaded.

    First-person view of the MA40 being reloaded.

  • The MA40's magazine of M118 7.62x51mm FMJ-AP.

    The MA40's magazine of M118 7.62x51mm FMJ-AP.

  • A Recon-clad Spartan-IV sprinting with the MA40.

    A Recon-clad Spartan-IV sprinting with the MA40.

  • Close-up of an MA40, featuring the Platinum Anniversary coating.

    Close-up of an MA40, featuring the Platinum Anniversary coating.

  • An MA40 equipped with a Type-2A barrel shroud on Live Fire.

    An MA40 equipped with a Type-2A barrel shroud on Live Fire.

  • A Yoroi-clad Spartan using the Shinobi Wrap weapon model on Aquarius.

    A Yoroi-clad Spartan using the Shinobi Wrap weapon model on Aquarius.

  • A Stormfall-clad Spartan using a MA40 with the Golden Eagle attachment on Streets.

    A Stormfall-clad Spartan using a MA40 with the Golden Eagle attachment on Streets.

  • A Yoroi-clad Spartan utilizing the Dragonbark Adornment weapon model on Deadlock.

    A Yoroi-clad Spartan utilizing the Dragonbark Adornment weapon model on Deadlock.

  • First-person view of the MA40 MODE MS on Forest.

    First-person view of the MA40 MODE MS on Forest.

  • A Hakushika-clad Spartan (right) with a MA40 MODE MS on Scarr.

    A Hakushika-clad Spartan (right) with a MA40 MODE MS on Scarr.

  • A Project CORSAC-clad Spartan with a MA40 Flashblind.

    A Project CORSAC-clad Spartan with a MA40 Flashblind.

  • A Yoroi-clad Spartan wielding the Crimson Sun MA40 weapon model on Live Fire.

    A Yoroi-clad Spartan wielding the Crimson Sun MA40 weapon model on Live Fire.

  • The Season Two MA40 prop in comparison to the Season One MA5C prop.

    The Season Two MA40 prop in comparison to the Season One MA5C prop.

Merchandise[edit]

  • NERF version of the MA40.

    NERF version of the MA40.

List of appearances[edit]

Sources[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 162
  2. ^ Halo Infinite, Forge - MA40 Longshot description: "Precision MA40 with improved long-range performance."
  3. ^ Halo Support, Halo Infinite Weapon, Equipment, and Vehicle Inventory: "M40 assault rifle. Versatile fully automatic rifle that excels at close-to-medium range engagements." (Retrieved on May 5, 2023) [archive]
  4. ^ a b c Halo Infinite, Forge - MA40 Assault Rifle description: "Built on the proven Misriah ICWS platform, the MA40 is the standard-issue heavy rifle of the UNSC assault troops. It is an ideal weapon for stripping enemy shields because of its high rate of fire and heavy round, though the rifle is not renowned for accuracy or low ammunition consumption."
  5. ^ a b Halo Infinite Multiplayer Season 1 Cinematic Intro
  6. ^ a b c Halo Infinite, gameplay
  7. ^ a b Halo: Shadows of Reach, chapter 2
  8. ^ a b c Halo Infinite, In-game weapon model
  9. ^ Halo: Shadows of Reach, chapter 12
  10. ^ Halo: Shadows of Reach, chapter 19
  11. ^ Halo: Shadows of Reach, chapter 11
  12. ^ Halo Infinite, Personal AI dialogue
  13. ^ Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 163
  14. ^ Halo Infinite, campaign level Warship Gbrakkon
  15. ^ Halo Infinite, MA40 Flashblind - Description: "Chemically-treated for maximum corrosion resistance and low bioadhesion. The core firing components can be quickly sterilized while the weapon furniture is incinerated between missions."
  16. ^ Halo Infinite, Forge - MA40 Longshot description: "Precision MA40 with improved long-range performance."
  17. ^ Halo Infinite, MA40 MODE MS - Description: "Custom-manufactured MA40 assault rifles with microbial-resistant and CBRN-resistant nanodiamond coatings in key locations."
  18. ^ Halo Infinite, Type 2A Barrel Shroud - Description: "For improved heat distribution."
  19. ^ Halo Infinite, Weapons Bench description
  20. ^ Halo Infinite, Academy - Weapon Drills - MA40 AR description
  21. ^ Halo: The Television Series, timestamp Season 2
  22. ^ Halo Infinite marketing, Discover Hope
  23. ^ GameSpot, Halo Is Getting New Nerf Blasters, Including The Needler (Retrieved on Aug 19, 2022) [archive]
  24. ^ Halo Waypoint, Inside Infinite - January 2021 (Retrieved on Mar 22, 2022) [archive]

v • d • e
 
List of rifles and carbines used by humanity
MA series MA1 • MA2B • MA3A • MA40 (Longshot)
MA5 series variants MA37 • MA5B • MA5C • MA5D
Other assault rifles HMG-38 Monitor Rifle • VK78 Commando (Impact)
CM 300 • M6J/C • MA5K
BR55 series XBR55 • BR55 • BR55HB
BR75 series BR75 • BR75 Breacher
BR85 series BR85 • BR85HB • BR85N
Other BR series rifles BRXX Lightfire
Other battle rifles "Maestro"
M295 • M392 • M395 (M395B)
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