Editing MA5B assault rifle

{{Era|UNSC|HCW|Post}}

|image=[[File:HW-MA5-ICWS-AssaultRifle.png|350px]]

|manufacturer=[[Misriah Armory]]<ref name="CEAL"/>

|series=[[MA5 series|MA5 ICWS series]]<ref name="CEAL">''[[Library (Anniversary feature)|Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary Library]]'', [[Library (feature)#Assault Rifle|Assault Rifle entry]]</ref>

|type=Bullpup Assault Rifle<ref name="SilentStorm4">''[[Halo: Silent Storm]]'', Chapter 4</ref>

|service=[[Insurrection]],

[[Human-Covenant War]]

|length=

|ammotype=[[7.62x51mm]]<ref name="HCE">''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'', Gameplay</ref>

|feed=60-round [[wikipedia:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magazine_(firearms)#Detachable box magazines|detachable box magazine]]<ref name="HCE"/>

|operation=[[Wikipedia:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gas-operated_reloading Gas Operated|Gas-operated]]<ref name="CEM">''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Manual#Human Weapons|Halo: Combat Evolved Manual, Page 17, "MA5B Assault Rifle"]]''</ref>

|rate=15 rounds per second [[Wikipedia:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Automatic_firearm|automatic]],<ref name="TFoRPrologue">[[Halo: The Fall of Reach]], Prologue</ref> [[wikipedia:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Semi-automatic_firearm|semi-automatic]],<ref name="SilentStorm27">''[[Halo: Silent Storm]]'', Chapter 27</ref> 3-round [[wikipedia:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burst_mode_(weapons)|burst]]<ref name="SilentStorm24">''[[Halo: Silent Storm]]'', Chapter 24</ref>

|range=~500m<ref name="Oblivion19">''[[Halo: Oblivion]]'', Chapter 19</ref><ref group="note">This is indicated in an exchange between [[Linda-058]] and Captain Dkani of the ''UNSC Wheatley''. When Linda tells him to have his men open fire at "50 paces", he responds by saying that the MA5B's range is almost ten times that. In reply, Linda tells him that if they open fire at 500m (the product of 50x10), being inexperienced shooters, they will waste their ammunition. This indicates that in the context of this exchange, "paces" is being used to refer to meters, as opposed to the term's [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pace_(unit) real-world designations] as a non-standard measurement unit (~0.75m in the US).</ref>

The '''MA5B assault rifle''', or simply '''MA5B''', is a standard-issue automatic rifle utilized widely by the [[UNSC]], particularly the [[Marine Corps]].<ref name="ENC318"/> It is part of [[Misriah Armory|Misriah Armory's]] [[MA5 series|MA5 Individual Combat Weapon System (ICWS) series]].<ref name="CEAL"/>

The MA5B is a gas-operated automatic rifle chambered in the widespread [[M118 7.62x51mm Full Metal Jacket Armor-Piercing|7.62x51mm cartridge]], most often used with standard M118 FMJ-AP ammunition,<ref name="HCE"/> though also employed with shredder<ref name="TFoRPrologue"/> and hollow-point.<ref name="SilentStorm24"/> MA5Bs typically feed from 60-round detachable box magazines,<ref name="HCE"/> which are marked with red paint when loaded with hollow-point rounds.<ref name="SilentStorm24"/> The weapon's automatic rate of fire is 15 rounds per second,<ref name="TFoRPrologue"/> but it can be limited to semi-automatic<ref name="SilentStorm27"/> or 3-round burst via a fire selector to conserve ammunition and alter firing pattern.<ref name="SilentStorm24"/>

One significant aspect of the MA5B's design is its capacity for modification. During the [[Battle of Sigma Octanus IV]], [[SPARTAN-IIs]] made use of MA5Bs that had been altered in order to mount [[silencer]]s, combating the conspicuous audible report of the weapon's firing.<ref name="TFoR20">''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach]]'', Chapter 20</ref> Early in the [[Covenant War]], SPARTAN-IIs also frequently employed MA5Bs with underslung [[M301 40mm Grenade Launcher|M301 40mm launchers]] to fire HE grenades, notably during [[Operation: SILENT STORM]]<ref name="SilentStorm8">''[[Halo: Silent Storm]]'', Chapter 8</ref> and the [[Skirmish over Netherop|salvage operation on Netherop]].<ref name="Oblivion13">''[[Halo: Oblivion]]'', Chapter 13</ref>

[[File:Assault-rifle.png|thumb|right|A schematic view of the MA5B.]]

The most characteristic part of the MA5B's architecture is the accentuated shroud situated atop the barrel, which houses the weapon's integrated computer and display. While most [[MA5 series|MA5 ICWS rifles]] feature this to some extent, on the MA5B, it is tallest and most bulky. The magazine which feeds the rifle is inserted behind the thumbhole pistol grip in a [[wikipedia:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bullpup|bullpup]] configuration, another trait typical of the ICWS series. The [[wikipedia:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cocking_handle|charging handle]] is an inconspicuous rounded-off protrusion on the left of the weapon's body, and the [[wikipedia:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Extractor_(firearms)|ejection port]] is situated on the right. The weapon's horizontal foregrip plays host to a forward-facing [[flashlight]], bearing a prominent green button on both sides of the weapon. The barrel of MA5B lacks any form of muzzle device (unless modified to mount a silencer).<ref name="TFoR20"/> The finish of the weapon is a dull grey, with a darker grey color for the foregrip, pistol grip and stock.<ref>''[[Halo Wars]]'', [http://images/f/f7/AR.jpg UNSC Assault Rifle cinematic model]</ref> As the cowling appears to mount no optical device, the only evident means by which the weapon is aimed is via [[Heads-up display|HUD-based targeting reticle]], such as that of [[MJOLNIR Mark V]],<ref name="CEMHUD">''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Manual|Halo: Combat Evolved Manual, Page 14, "Targeting Reticle"]]''</ref> or by eyesight alone.<ref name="MWMonsters">''[[Halo Wars]]'' [[Escape (Halo Wars level)|Escape (Halo Wars level)|Campaign level "Escape", "Monsters" cutscene]]</ref>

As is typical of human firearms, the MA5B is fired by the depression of a trigger positioned at the top of the main grip. When the trigger is pulled, the round in the weapon’s chamber is fired, and the weapon’s gas system harnesses some of the energy from the deflagrating propellant to cycle the [[wikipedia:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bolt_(firearms)|bolt]] back into its open position. As the bolt travels back, the spent casing from the expended round is pushed out of the ejection port. After the bolt opens, the weapon’s recoil system pushes it forward again to strip a fresh round from the currently loaded magazine and lock it into the firing chamber. Over the course of these actions, the ammunition counter situated on the display of the weapon’s integrated computer will register the expenditure of one round from the total supply provided by the magazine and tick down by that value.<ref name="HCE"/> From this point, one of three things will occur. If the weapon’s fire-selector was set to the semi-automatic mode of fire, the trigger will have to be released and pulled again before another round fires.<ref name="SilentStorm27"/> If the weapon is set to the 3-round burst fire mode, each pull of the trigger will result in 3 successive shots.<ref name="SilentStorm24"/> If the weapon is set to fully-automatic, however, the firing action will repeat successively while the trigger is held down until the magazine is expended or the trigger is released.<ref name="HCE"/>

Once the weapon is empty, the bolt will close with no round in the chamber.<ref name="Oblivion19"/> The magazine can be removed from the receiver via the manipulation of the magazine release control with the thumb.<ref name="TheFlood1"/> Once a fresh magazine has been inserted, the charging handle must be pulled back and released, or "cycled", in order to chamber the new round and prepare the weapon to fire again.<ref name="Oblivion19"/> The magazine can also be replaced before the weapon is completely emptied.<ref name="TheFlood1"/><ref group="note">The account of an empty MA5B being reloaded in ''[[Halo: Oblivion]]'' Chapter 9 somewhat contradicts the gameplay of [[Halo: Combat Evolved]], in which, whether the weapon is dry or not, the bolt is first manually locked open, then the magazine removed and replaced, and the bolt manually closed. However, the former interpretation is presumed to take precedence because an exchange of dialogue between [[Linda-058]] and the castoff Roselle no longer makes sense otherwise. It is possible that the weapon can function in both ways and that Linda-058 indicated that Roselle needed to pull on the bolt to make the weapon fire after loading a magazine because she had not already opened it, but if that is true, the method employed in ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' should not be necessary, making it unlikely.</ref>

The MA5B's prominent integrated display features both an ammunition counter and an electronic compass. This can be assigned to highlight a specific point to orientate the user in combat or confusing terrain; during the [[Battle of Alpha Halo]], this point was the relative direction of the gas giant [[Threshold]].<ref name="CEM"/> Additionally, in low-light conditions, the flashlight mounted beneath the barrel of the weapon can be activated to provide illumination.<ref name="HCE"/>

[[File:HW Sergeant Forge with MA5B.png|thumb|right|[[John Forge|Sergeant John Forge]], armed with an MA5B during the [[Battle of the Etran Harborage]].]]

The capabilities of the MA5B are seemingly deemed to be sufficient by soldiers of the [[UNSC]], with [[John-117]] regarding the weapon as "powerful."<ref name="TheFlood1">''[[Halo: The Flood]]'', Chapter 1</ref> While the rifle is very capable of harming foes wearing physical body armor, and even light vehicles,<ref name="TheFlood2">''[[Halo: The Flood]]'', Chapter 2</ref> [[Energy shielding|personal energy shielding]] represents a significant detriment to its stopping power, as a great deal of concentrated fire from multiple MA5Bs - or an extended period of continuous automatic fire from a single rifle - is needed to overwhelm such systems.<ref name="TheFlood1"/> When shredder ammunition is utilized, the weapon appears to be highly effective against infantry targets such as [[Covenant]] [[Grunt|grunt soldiers]],<ref name="TFoRPrologue"/> and also capable of obliterating construction materials such as marble tile and wood.<ref name="ReferenceA">''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach]]'', Chapter 22</ref> When firing hollow-point ammunition, the weapon is highly effective against unprotected personnel, but is less likely to penetrate hard surfaces, a favorable trait when fighting on a [[starship]] and intending not to cause undue damage to items such as equipment cabinets, hulls, or viewports.<ref name="SilentStorm24"/> The MA5B's range has been indicated to be approximately 500m in the hands of a competent shooter.<ref name="Oblivion19"/>

One positive attribute of the weapon is the high capacity of the 60-round magazines with which it is typically used, an attribute that was comforting to [[UNSC Marine Corps|UNSC marines]] wielding it in battle.<ref name="ENC318">[[Halo Encyclopedia: The Definitive Guide to the Halo Universe|Halo Encyclopedia: The Definitive Guide to the Halo Universe (2011 edition)]], Page 318</ref> So well-liked was this attribute that even in light of reliability issues brought on by spring wear, the switch toward 32-round magazines with the later [[MA5C assault rifle]] was met with frustration by the marines of [[E2-BAG/1/7]].<ref>''[http://halo.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&link=BAGAssaultRifle Bungie.net: MA5C Assault Rifle]''</ref>

When firing this weapon, it has been noted that short, controlled bursts are more accurate than continuous automatic fire. While the cyclic automatic rate of fire is high,<ref name="TFoRPrologue"/> actual rate of fire in combat is dictated by the user's own proficiency at aiming, firing and reloading.<ref name="CEM"/> When the weapon is altered to mount a silencer, the report of its firing can be reduced to what can be reasonably described as a "cough."<ref name="ReferenceA"/>

[[File:Johnson-BQ.jpg|thumb|right|[[Sergeant Avery Johnson]] fires an MA5B during his escape from the compromised [[Flood Containment Facility]] on [[Alpha Halo]].]]

The MA5B was in service to some extent during the [[Insurrection]], being considered a standard weapon in September of [[2525]],<ref>''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach]]'', Chapter 9</ref> and played a significant role in the [[Covenant War]] that followed. MA5Bs were employed by various [[SPARTAN-IIs]] during [[Operation: SILENT STORM]] and the ensuing [[Skirmish over Netherop|Netherop engagement]] in [[2526]].<ref name="SilentStorm8"/><ref name="Oblivion13"/> In [[2531]], the [[UNSC Marine Corps|marine]] compliment of the ''[[UNSC Spirit of Fire]]'' made use of the MA5B on [[Harvest campaign|Harvest]], [[Battle of Arcadia|Arcadia]] and [[Battle of the Etran Harborage|Etran Harborage]],<ref>''[[Halo Wars]]'', Gameplay</ref> while members of [[Blue Team]] deployed with it on their mission to the [[Construction Platform 966A|decommissioned Platform 966A]] the same year,<ref>''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]'', Chapter 3</ref> and again during the [[Battle of Jericho VII]] in [[2535]].<ref name="TFoRPrologue"/> The MA5B saw particularly heavy use in [[2552]]. On [[The Battle of Reach|Reach]], it was wielded by [[Orbital Drop Shock Troopers]] sent to engage [[John-117]] during the live-fire test of [[MJOLNIR Mark V]] and [[Cortana]],<ref>''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach]]'', Chapter 27</ref> [[John-117]] and by Spartans of [[Red Team#Fall of Reach splinter arrangement|Red Team]] during the defense of [[Orbital Defense Generator]]s.<ref name="ReferenceB">''[[Halo: First Strike]]'', Chapter 2</ref> John-117 and the marine compliment of the ''[[UNSC Pillar of Autumn]]'' utilized the MA5B throughout the [[Battle of Alpha Halo|Battle of Halo Alpha]],<ref name="HCE"/> and in the [[skirmish over Threshold]] that followed.<ref name="ReferenceB"/> [[Spartan]] personnel during the [[Onyx conflict]] also made use of the weapon.<ref>''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]'', Chapter 18</ref>

==Gameplay==

The MA5B in both offensive and suppressive situations remains one of the UNSC's most reliable weapon. When fired in short bursts, or even single shots, there is a significant increase in accuracy, and the rifle's armor penetrating ability makes it key for handling even the toughest of infantry, having the ability to kill an Elite in about 45 rounds in close quarters. The MA5B rifle is effective at killing light armored infantry at close-to-medium range, and the high rate of fire combined with the high ammunition capacity allows its user to spray the whole area with suppressing fire. The MA5B also gives the user an ammo count on its digital readout, as well a compass pointing toward the arbitrary magnetic "north" position. In the hands of someone who can control their trigger finger, the MA5B becomes a deadly weapon in CQB situations.

==Trivia==

*The MA5B was heavily inspired by the [[marathongame:MA-75 Assault Rifle/Grenade Launcher|MA–75B assault rifle]] from the ''[[Marathon]]'' series.  

*[[Robert McLees]] at [[Bungie]] has compared the basic design of the MA5B to that of the [[Wikipedia:FN F2000|Fabrique-Nationale FN F2000]]. According to ''[[The Art of Halo]]'', McLees did not know of the F2000 until after the game was even finished; ''"I don't know when the images of the FN F2000 appeared, but I didn't see them until three or four months after the game shipped, and I thought 'Oh great. Now everyone's going to think I swiped the design from Fabrique National.' It was surreal to see how close the Halo assault rifle was to its real-life counterpart... and it was all totally by accident."''

File:MA5B.png|The MA5B as seen in ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.

File:AR.jpg|Models for the cinematic appearance of the MA5B in ''Halo Wars''.

File:HaloWars - MA5.png|The MA5B as in ''[[Halo Wars]]''.

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

<references group="note"/>