SRS99C-S2 AM sniper rifle: Difference between revisions

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{{Weapon Infobox

|type=Sniper rifle, anti-materiel<ref name="HCEM"/>

|ammotype=[[14.5×114mm]]<ref name="HCEM"/><ref name="H2M"/>

|feed=4-round detachable box magazine<ref name="HCE"/><ref name="H2"/>

|operation=[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gas-operated_reloading Gas Operated]<ref name="HCEM"/><ref name="H2M"/>

|rate=[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Semi-automatic_rifle Semi-automatic]<ref name="HCE"/><ref name="H2"/>

The '''Sniper Rifle System 99C-Series 2 Anti-Matériel''', abbreviated '''SRS99C-S2 AM'''{{Ref|'''[[The Art of Halo: Creating a Virtual World]]''', Weapons and Gear, page 100}} or just '''S2 AM''',<ref name="HCEM">'''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Manual]]''', ''page 18''</ref> is a commonly-utilized [[sniper rifle]] in the arsenal of the [[United Nations Space Command]]. As evidenced by its designation, is part of the [[SRS99 Series]].

===Design===

The SRS99C-S2 AM is a gas-operated, magazine-fed sniper rifle chambered in the powerful [[14.5×114mm|14.5×114mm cartridge]].<ref name="H2M">'''[[Halo 2 Manual]]''', ''page 11''</ref> Its mode of fire is semi-automatic and it is typically fed by 4-round detachable box magazines.<ref name="HCE"/><ref name="H2"/> As befits their sniping role, they are issued with optics, such as the [[Oracle N-variant scope]] scope.<ref name="GoO23">'''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]''', ''Chapter 23''</ref>

A salient attribute of the rifle is its inherent reconfigurability; the optics, stock, barrel and firing mechanism are all designed in modular sections to simplify the tailoring of the weapon to specific needs.<ref name="TFoRChaper9"/> Other potential components of the weapon include gyro compensators and adaptive texture barrel sheaths.<ref name="FS29">'''[[Halo: First Strike]]''', ''Chapter 29''</ref><ref group="note">In the reference given for this information, the weapon in question is only described as an "SRS99C", and not by the full SRS99C-S2 AM designation. Given what has been observed of the naming schemes of the SRS99 family, it is possible that this weapon is of a different series to the SRS99C-S2 AM. However, there exists insufficient evidence to justify the creation of a new page, and in light of the real-world context that other series of SRS99 were not depicted at the time of [[Ghosts of Onyx]]'s release in 2006 (the first depicted non-S2 variant of the SRS99 family was in [[Halo: Reach]], released in 2010), this information has been assumed by this article to pertain to the SRS99C-S2 AM.</ref> One configuration of the weapon, which was deployed during the [[Battle of Installation 04]], featured a noticeably longer barrel and different optic than the configuration observed later during the [[Battle of Mombasa]] and the [[Battle of Installation 05]].<ref name="HCE">'''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''', ''gameplay''</ref><ref name="H2">'''[[Halo 2]]''', ''gameplay''</ref> The former version mounted an optic capable of x2 magnification, and the latter an optic capable of x5 magnification, though both optics were [[smart-linked]] and capable of x10 magnification, and both weapons were employed firing APFSDS (armor-piercing fin-stabilized discarding-sabot) ammunition.<ref name="H2M"/><ref name="HCEM"/>

[[File:H2-SRS99CS2AM-Angles.png|thumb|right|An SRS99C-S2 AM in the configuration used during the early stages of the [[Battle of Earth]] and the Battle of [[Delta Halo]].]]

During [[Operation: TALON]], [[Linda-058]] deployed her SRS99C-S2 AM with an alternate barrel designed to suppress firing report and muzzle-flash and, in order to compensate for the reduced muzzle velocity that came with this, re-chambered it to fire [[.450|.450-caliber ammunition]].  Additionally, she removed any sight or scope, instead deeming to rely on an [[Smart-link|integrated link]] between the weapon and her [[HUD]] for the close-quarters environment. She also brought a supply of extended magazines to last her the engagement.<ref name="TFoRChaper9">'''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach]]''', ''Chapter 9''</ref> She later employed the weapon in a different configuration during the [[Battle of Sigma Octanus IV]], this time with an [[Oracle N-variant scope|Oracle scope]].<ref name ="TFoRChapter20">'''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach]]''''', Chapter 20''</ref>

The appearance of the SRS99C-S2 AM is characteristic of Series 2 iterations of the SRS99 family. While bulky, its body is streamlined and smooth, somewhat simple in design, and possesses a matte-black or grey finish. The [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cocking_handle charging handle] is positioned on the left side of the weapon, a tube-shaped protrusion with a metallic finish, and the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Extractor_(firearms) ejection port] is situated on the right.<ref group="note">The model of the sniper rifle as seen in ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' does not feature a visible ejection port, but as the weapon still produces spent casings, this article assumes that this was an oversight and does not represent in-universe fact.</ref> A square-shaped carry-handle is positioned above and in front of the scope. The configuration used on [[Installation 04]] featured a solid stock joined to the base of the pistol grip, while the later version lacked this, and its stock had a prominent cutout. The barrel is locked into the upper receiver of the weapon by a prominent, rounded collar.<ref name="HCE"/><ref name="H2"/>

As with most human weapons, to fire the SRS99C-S2 AM, the index finger is used to depress a trigger positioned towards the top of the grip. After firing, no additional action is required to chamber another round, with the weapon’s gas systems serving to cycle the bolt, ejecting the spent casing and loading a new round automatically. Holding the trigger down, however, will not result in continuous firing, making it semi-automatic, as opposed to fully-automatic. When the weapon fires, a hot cloud of fiery gas is expelled from the barrel exit and the ports of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muzzle_brake muzzle brake], and as the projectile travels through the air, it leaves a lingering trail of smoky vapor. The expended cartridge case is ejected out of the right side of the weapon as the charging handle reciprocates, before moving forward again as the next round is chambered. This process can be repeated continuously until all available rounds are expended.<ref name="HCE"/><ref name="H2"/>

[[File:Crosshair.png|thumb|right|The display of the [[smart-linked]] optic mounted on an S2-AM in [[Mombasa]], targeting a [[grunt minor]]. ]]

In the case of the configuration used on [[Installation 04]], when the magazine is empty, the charging handle locks back, indicating the functionality of a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Action_(firearms)#Bolt_release bolt catch]. Once the magazine is exchanged, the charging handle must be nudged to release the bolt into its closed position, stripping a round from the magazine on its path and chambering it.<ref name="HCE"/> In the case of the configuration employed later, the charging handle travels forward when the magazine is emptied, but the weapon can still be immediately fired after a fresh magazine is inserted, indicating that the bolt does not close despite the movement of the charging handle, and only does so with the insertion of a fresh ammo supply. If magazines are exchanged while ammunition remains in the weapon, this process is not necessary as the cycle of the bolt is uninterrupted.<ref name="H2"/>  

The [[smart-linked]] optics commonly employed with the SRS99C-S2 AM, when initiated, will project the view of the weapon's optic on the [[HUD]] of the user's visor, should they possess one. This targeting display indicates projected firing point of impact via a targeting reticle, remaining ammunition quantity in the weapon and loaded magazine, and level of zoom, which can be cycled between the lesser (x2 for the first configuration, x5 for the second) and greater (x10) magnification. The display features notches to indicate elevation, and can be toggled with a [[night vision]] filter for functionality in the dark.<ref name="HCE"/><ref name="H2"/>

While notably bulky and of limited use in close-quarters, the SRS99C-S2 AM is considered devastating when employed strategically, firing from a secured position.<ref name="H2M"/> The [[14.5x114mm APFSDS]] ammunition it is most frequently utilized with has extremely vicious penetration capability, being able to pass through several armored soldiers in a row. While this is of benefit when engaging resilient armored targets, it is also cause for great caution in hectic firefights.<ref name="HCEM"/> The Covenant begrudgingly considered this weapon to be both accurate and powerful, noting that headshots could result in immediate incapacitation for even energy-shielded infantry.<ref name="H2LCEM">'''[[Halo 2 Limited Collector's Edition Manual]]''', ''page 14''</ref>

===Usage===

[[File:Masterchief with sniper.jpg|thumb|right|[[John-117]], armed with an SRS99C-S2 AM during the [[Battle of Earth]].]]

SRS99C-S2 AM rifles were prominently employed by [[UNSC]] forces during the [[Battle of Installation 04]],<ref name="HCE"/> with [[John-117]] notably deploying with one during the mission to board the ''[[Truth and Reconciliation]]'' to retrieve [[Captain Jacob Keyes]].<ref name="HTF4">[[Halo: The Flood]], ''Chapter Four''</ref> They were also employed in the early stages of the [[Battle of Earth]], and the [[Battle of Installation 05]].<ref name="H2"/> [[Spartan]] [[Linda-058]] is particularly notable for her use of this weapon, specifically during [[Operation: TALON]],<ref name="TFoRChaper9"/> the [[Battle of Sigma Octanus IV]],<ref name ="TFoRChapter20"/>, [[Operation: FIRST STRIKE]],<ref name="FS29"/> and the [[Onyx Conflict]].<ref>'''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]''', ''Chapter 29''</ref>

== Changes ==

=== Changes from ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' to ''Halo PC'' ===

*Maximum telescopic zoom reduced from 10× to 8×.

 

*Minor cosmetic changes and shorter overall length.

*Decreased the maximum reserve ammunition capacity down from 28 to 24.

*Medium telescopic zoom increased from 2× to 5×.

*Night vision function has been removed.

{{Linkbox|gameplay=yes|gallery=yes|gallerypage=Images of SRS99C-S2 AM Sniper Rifle}}

*During an interview, [[William O'Brien]], an animator for ''Halo 2'', said, "Robert McLees is definitely the go-to guy for the gun stuff. I wanted to come up with an animation for the sniper scope, an 'idle cycle'. If you activate the scope, and then sit too long without doing anything, the animation would kick in periodically, just to keep things interesting... Simple, right...? He replied, 'No way. If you adjust your scope in the field, you're dead. Snipers don't do that.' That's how detailed his weapon designs are -- not just guns, but how they work, and how a sniper would fire them. Amazing."

*In ''Halo: Combat Evolved'', enemy NPCs do not acknowledge the sniper rifle's shot if they do not see the sniper, despite its loud ''crack'' in close-medium quarters. If the player downs an enemy with the sniper rifle, some will note the fallen AI, but will not search for the player as they would if the player fired with any other weapon. This can be most easily seen (and thoroughly used to the players advantage) during the opening sections of [[Truth and Reconciliation]], and is essential to getting the All According to Plan achievement in ''Halo: Anniversary''

File:H2 Sniper Rifle.jpg|Side view of the sniper rifle as seen in ''[[Halo 2]]''.

File:H2 - SniperHUD.png|A first person view of the SRS99C-S2 in ''Halo 2''.

File:Homecoming_SniperRifle_Concept.png|Views of the sniper rifle as seen in ''[[Halo Legends]]: [[Homecoming]]''.

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