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{{Era|H1|HW|FOR|TF|FS|GOO|CH|TCP|HGN|UP}}
{{Status|Canon}}
{{Ratings}}
{{Weapon infobox
{{references}}
|name=MA5B assault rifle
{{Weapon
|image=[[File:MCC Menu MA5BAssaultRifle.png|300px]]
|image=[[Image:MA5B.jpg|355px]]
|manufacturer=[[Misriah Armory]]{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc22|Enc22|Page=163}}{{Ref/Game|Id=CEAL|HCEA|Library (feature)|Library|Detail=Assault Rifle}}
|name=MA5B Individual Combat Weapon System
|series=[[MA5 series|MA5 ICWS series]]{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}{{Ref/Reuse|CEAL}}
|model=[[MA5 Series|MA5B]]
|type=Bullpup assault rifle{{Ref/Novel|Id=SilentStorm4|HSS|Chapter=4}}
|type=Assault Rifle
|cost=
|cost=
|size=87.6 centimeters
|variant=
|damage per hit= Low
|service=[[Insurrection]] <br> [[Human-Covenant War]]<br>[[Post-Covenant War conflicts]]<br>[[Created conflict]]
|magazine=60 rounds
|length={{Convert|34.5|in|cm|disp=flip|sp=us}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
|maxammo=
|width=
|fire=Fully Automatic
|height=
|ammotype= [[7.62x51|7.62mm]] [[Wikipedia:FMJ|Full Metal Jacket]]
|weight=
|operation=Gas-operated, rotating bolt
|ammotype=[[7.62x51mm]]{{Ref/Game|Id=HCE|HCE|Detail=Gameplay}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
|rate of fire=High, Fully Automatic, 15 rounds/second, 900 rounds/minute.
|capacity=
|accuracy=Low to Moderate (depending on rate of fire)
|feed=60-round detachable box magazine{{Ref/Reuse|HCE}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
|range=Short to Medium
|operation=Gas-operated{{Ref/Book|Id=CEM|Halo: Combat Evolved Manual|Page=17}}
|era=[[Human-Covenant War]]
|rate=15 rounds per second automatic,{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}{{Ref/Novel|Id=TFoRPrologue|HTFoR|Chapter=Prologue}} semi-automatic,{{Ref/Novel|Id=SilentStorm27|HSS|Chapter=27}} 3-round burst{{Ref/Novel|Id=SilentStorm24|HSS|Chapter=24}}
|counterpart=
|velocity=
|counterwep=
|optics=
|affiliation=[[United Nations Space Command]]
|range=~500m{{Ref/Novel|Id=Oblivion19|HOblv|Chapter=19}}{{Ref/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 real world designations as a non-standard measurement unit (~0.75m in the US).}}
}}
}}
{{quote|Hey, soldier, is that an assault rifle in your hands or are you just happy to see me?|[[Janissary James]]<ref>[[I Love Bees]], [[Media:Hey_soldier.ogg|hey_soldier.ogg]]</ref>}}
The '''MA5B assault rifle''', or simply '''MA5B''', is a standard-issue automatic rifle utilized widely by the [[United Nations Space Command]], particularly the [[UNSC Marine Corps]].{{Ref/Reuse|ENC318}} It is part of the [[Misriah Armory]] [[MA5 series]].{{Ref/Reuse|CEAL}}
The '''MA5B Individual Combat Weapon System''' (''MA5B ICWS'' or ''MA5B Assault Rifle'') was a standard-issue service rifle of the [[United Nations Space Command]]. It is a fully-automatic infantry rifle that uses a [[wikipedia:bullpup|bullpup]] configuration. The MA5B was widely used from in the early to mid-2500's and supplemented various other small arms, such as the [[BR55 Battle Rifle]]. In [[2552]], this rifle was replaced by a  [[MA5C Individual Combat Weapon System|more accurate variant]] of the [[MA5 Series|MA5 family]], that saw action during the final battles of the [[Human-Covenant War]].  


==Design Details==
==Overview==
[[Image:MC AR.jpg|left|thumb|250px|An MA5B Assault Rifle wielded by the Master Chief.]]
===Design===
The '''MA5B Assault Rifle''' is a [[bullpup]] (magazine behind trigger) fully-automatic rifle. Its magazine can completely fit inside the weapon; therefore, it must be double, triple, or even quadruple-stacked to carry 60 rounds of 7.62mm.  
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/Reuse|HCE}} though also employed with shredder{{Ref/Reuse|TFoRPrologue}} and hollow-point rounds.{{Ref/Reuse|SilentStorm24}} MA5Bs typically feed from 60-round detachable box magazines.{{Ref/Reuse|HCE}} Hollow-point rounds are loaded into magazines marked with red paint for rapid identification.{{Ref/Reuse|SilentStorm24}} The weapon's automatic rate of fire is 15 rounds per second,{{Ref/Reuse|TFoRPrologue}} but it can be limited to semi-automatic{{Ref/Reuse|SilentStorm27}} or 3-round burst via a fire selector to conserve ammunition and alter firing pattern.{{Ref/Reuse|SilentStorm24}}


The [[weapon]] houses a compass-like ring and a display that shows the remaining number of rounds in the current magazine. It was used by Marines in [[Halo: Combat Evolved|''Halo: Combat Evolved'']]. Even though its use didn't continue in ''[[Halo 2]]'', the weapon remained in solid infantry use in the background of the [[Halo Universe]] until the introduction of the [[MA5C]]. This rifle was the basic and most widely used rifle by the UNSC forces until the introduction of the newer, and more accurate MA5C Rifle.
One significant aspect of the MA5B's design is its capacity for modification. Its barrel can be adapted for use with suppressors to combat the conspicuous report of the weapon's firing, making it especially suitable for stealth fighting;{{Ref/Novel|Id=SoR2|HSoR|Chapter=2}} [[SPARTAN-IIs]] made use of this attribute during the [[Battle of Sigma Octanus IV]].{{Ref/Novel|Id=TFoR20|HTFoR|Chapter=20}} Early in the [[Human-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/Novel|Id=SilentStorm8|HSS|Chapter=8}} and the [[Skirmish over Netherop|salvage operation on Netherop]].{{Ref/Novel|Id=Oblivion13|HOblv|Chapter=13}}
{{clear}}
===Ammunition===
The MA5B Assault Rifle uses M118 7.62x51mm Armor Piercing, Full Metal Jacket Rounds. These rounds are designed to pierce human-made armor and unfortunately, perform poorly against the superior technology of Covenant energy shielding. The rounds are reasonably large, and are surrounded by a molded jacket of either steel or titanium, which enhances its armor-piercing capabilities. The round might also have a carbide or similar hardened tip, and might also be coated in copper or another metal over the steel, titanium, etc. shell.


However, despite these advanced rounds, the damage done by them is very limited, made even more so by the Assault Rifle's low accuracy at long ranges. Although performing poorly against Covenant shields, the AP-FMJ round can easily penetrate the lightly armored Grunts and Jackals and finish unshielded Elites very quickly. The AP-FMJ round is especially effective against all manners of Flood, an advantage against these unarmored enemies. This is somewhat paradoxical, since the AP FMJ round is traditionally less effective against flesh and unarmored targets due to its tendency to overpenetrate.
[[File:Assault-rifle.png|thumb|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, it is most prominent on the MA5B. The magazine which feeds the rifle is inserted behind the thumbhole pistol grip in a bullpup configuration, another trait typical of the ICWS series. The charging handle is an inconspicuous rounded-off protrusion on the left of the weapon's body, and the 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 flanks. The barrel of the MA5B lacks any form of muzzle device (unless fitted with a suppressor).{{Ref/Reuse|TFoR20}} The finish of the weapon is a dull grey, with a darker grey color for the foregrip, pistol grip and stock.{{Ref/Game|HW|Detail=UNSC Assault Rifle cinematic model ([[:File:AR.jpg|File link]])}} As standard, the weapon and its cowling has no optical device or ironsight,{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}} leaving the only evident means by which the weapon is aimed to be via [[Heads-up display|HUD-based targeting reticle]], such as that of [[MJOLNIR Mark V]],{{Ref/Book|Id=CEMHUD|Halo: Combat Evolved Manual|Page=14}} or by eyesight alone.{{Ref/Level|Id=MWMonsters|HW|Escape (Halo Wars level)|Escape|Detail="Monsters" cutscene}}


===Accuracy===
===Functionality===
The most pressing negative aspect of the MA5B is its inconsistent accuracy. Firing the weapon in short bursts will allow much higher accuracy, as opposed to holding down the trigger. One round fired may produce a perfect bulls-eye (then again, it may not), but the next may fly out of the targeting reticule circle and slam into the dirt a dozen meters from the same target.
[[File:Assault Rifle.png|thumb|left|The display of the MA5B's integrated computer, showing the prominent ammunition counter and compass.]]
The MA5B, being a rifle, is held with the user's dominant hand on the main grip and their off-hand on the foregrip, with the stock stabilized against the shoulder. 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 bolt back into its open position.{{Ref/Reuse|CEM}} As with most human weapons, the firing of the weapon creates a noticeable flash as the fiery gas of the propellant's deflagration escapes the muzzle.{{Ref/Reuse|HCE}}


This has lead to the belief that the rifle is very incapable of hitting targets greater than close-range, but this is untrue. If one is to fire bursts at an enemy at even surprisingly long-ranges, one can effectively wound or kill that foe by firing in single shots or bursts.
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/Reuse|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/Reuse|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/Reuse|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/Reuse|HCE}}


Unfortunately, this lack of consistent accuracy has tarnished the image of the rifle, and the problem has kept the MA5B out of the hands of those who prefer less spontaneous weapons. Below are several instances that better describe the niche the MA5B plays on the battlefield, as well as describe situations when another weapon would be preferable. It also seems that if you strafe back and forth, the accuracy drops a bit more, which means that when used against [[Hunters]], you're less likely to hit your mark when he uses his armor shield.
Once the weapon is empty, the bolt will close with no round in the chamber.{{Ref/Reuse|Oblivion19}} The magazine can be removed from the receiver via the manipulation of the magazine release control with the thumb.{{Ref/Reuse|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/Reuse|Oblivion19}} The magazine can also be replaced before the weapon is completely emptied.{{Ref/Reuse|TheFlood1}}{{Ref/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.}}


In the novels, the MA5B tends to be far more reliable, even accurate, in comparison to its game counterpart. SPARTAN-II's demonstrated the lethality of the weapon system throughout their campaign against the Covenant, often times hitting the mark with more accurate bursts of fire over full-auto - a trait that carries over to the game.  
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/Reuse|CEM}} Additionally, in low-light conditions, the flashlight mounted beneath the barrel of the weapon can be activated to provide illumination.{{Ref/Reuse|HCE}}


===Advantages===
===Performance===
The MA5B is a very solid and reliable weapon. When fired in short bursts, or even single shots, there is a significant increase in accuracy, although at medium to long range it becomes quite inaccurate. The assault rifle is effective at killing all types of opponents(especially when they are in larger groups) at short-to-medium range This includes [[Covenant]] [[Grunts]], [[Jackals]], [[Elite]]s, and all varieties of [[Flood]]. The high rate of fire also disrupts the [[Camouflage]] on [[Stealth Elite]]s and makes it very easy to center on them for a quick finish. Also, if needed, the high rate of fire and the high ammunition capacity allows players to spray the whole area with suppression fire. The rifle also has one of the fastest melee attacks in the Halo game, second only to the plasma pistol. It is also capable of taking down Banshees using less than one magazine.
[[File:HW Sergeant Forge with MA5B.png|thumb|[[John Forge|Sergeant John Forge]], armed with an MA5B during the [[Battle of Trove]].]]
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/Novel|Id=TheFlood1|HTF|Chapter=1}} While the rifle is very capable of harming foes wearing physical body armor, and even light vehicles,{{Ref/Novel|Id=TheFlood2|HTF|Chapter=2}} [[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/Reuse|TheFlood1}} When shredder ammunition is utilized, the weapon appears to be highly effective against infantry targets such as [[Covenant]] [[Grunt|grunt soldiers]],{{Ref/Reuse|TFoRPrologue}} and also capable of obliterating construction materials such as marble tile and wood.{{Ref/Novel|Id=ReferenceA|HTFoR|Chapter=22}} 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/Reuse|SilentStorm24}}


As an added bonus, the gun gives the player an at-a-glance ammo count on its digital readout, as well a compass pointing toward the gas giant [[Threshold]] which serves as an arbitrary "north" due to the lack of a magnetic north or south. In the hands of someone who can control their trigger finger, the MA5B becomes a deadly weapon. It is extremely useful for bringing down huge numbers of [[Infection Forms]], because the [[Shotgun]] is "wasted" and will quickly run out of ammunition if used as such. The MA5B is a good all around weapon in a tight situation.
The MA5B's range has been indicated to be approximately 500m in the hands of a competent shooter,{{Ref/Reuse|Oblivion19}} considered "decent" by [[John-117]],{{Ref/Reuse|SoR2}} but its strength was later noted by him to lie primarily in the realm of close-quarters combat.{{Ref/Novel|Id=SoR14|HSoR|Chapter=14}} The weapon is compact enough to serve as a pilot's emergency weapon, being short enough to fit in a cockpit scabbard.{{Ref/Reuse|SoR2}}


At point blank range in standard multiplayer or Campaign mode, the MA5B is without equal, even capable of taking down a shotgun user. When used on maps such as [[Battle Creek]] in relative close quarters it is probably even preferable to Shotguns. When used on full automatic with a reasonable amount of timing, it is an excellent method of taking down Elites, even on Legendary.
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/Book|Id=ENC318|Enc11|Page=318}} 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/Site|URL=http://www.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&link=BAGAssaultRifle|Site=Bungie.net|Page=MA5C Assault Rifle|D=16|M=12|Y=2007|LocalArchive=Machines, Materiel and Munitions from the Human-Covenant Conflict, 2525 - Present#MA5C Assault Rifle}}


This weapon is recommended to use against the [[Flood]], in combination with the Shotgun for the utmost success. Its final advantage is that its ammunition is quite plentiful, single player and multiplayer, which means you'll rarely have to scrounge for an extra magazine during a fight.
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/Reuse|TFoRPrologue}} actual rate of fire in combat is dictated by the user's own proficiency at aiming, firing and reloading.{{Ref/Reuse|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/Reuse|ReferenceA}} Despite this, it retains a lower overall accuracy than its later cousins in the MA5 series.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}


===Disadvantages===
===History===
The Assault Rifle has one main disadvantage. It is grossly inaccurate when fired at a range of more than 40 meters. At that range, enemies may not be hit by any bullets at all, or they will be hit by a few bullets and a single shot out of the Assault Rifle isn't very powerful even when firing it in full automatic (only taking up 10 points of damage, unless the target in question is an Elite, in which case the MA5B only does seven damage when the Elite is shielded).  The Assault Rifle performs poorly against shields unless firing on full automatic at close ranges without giving [[Elites]] time to recharge. The assault rifle is almost useless against [[Major Elites]] and using it against [[Zealots]] with energy swords is almost suicide, because of their speed and stronger energy shields. Later in the game, it is almost completely overshadowed by the [[Shotgun]], especially when dealing with hordes of the [[Flood]] but is recommended in combination with the Shotgun; though in [[Multiplayer]] this is less apparent, as the amount of ammo available for the Shotgun is much less than for the Assault Rifle. In comparison to modern assault rifles it can be more related to an over sized sub machine gun, as it is seriously underpowered and lacks the ability to select a fire mode (burst, semi-automatic, etc). Also when firing in full auto, you can run out of ammo fairly quickly with a 60 round magazine.
[[File:Johnson-BQ.jpg|thumb|[[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/Novel|HTFoR|Chapter=9}} and played a significant role in the following Human-Covenant War. MA5Bs were employed by various [[SPARTAN-IIs]] during [[Operation: SILENT STORM]] and the ensuing [[Skirmish over Netherop|Netherop engagement]] in [[2526]].{{Ref/Reuse|SilentStorm8}}{{Ref/Reuse|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 Trove|Etran Harborage]],{{Ref/Game|HW|Gameplay}} while members of [[Blue Team]] deployed with it on their mission to the [[Construction Platform 966A|decommissioned Platform 966A]] the same year,{{Ref/Novel|GoO|Chapter=3}} and again during the [[Battle of Jericho VII]] in [[2535]].{{Ref/Reuse|TFoRPrologue}} The MA5B saw particularly heavy use in [[2552]]. On [[Fall 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/Novel|HTFoR|Chapter=27}} and by the Spartans of [[Red Team#Fall of Reach splinter arrangement|Red Team]] during the defense of [[Orbital Defense Generator]]s.{{Ref/Novel|Id=ReferenceB|HFS|Chapter=2}} John-117 and the marine compliment of the {{UNSCShip|Pillar of Autumn}} utilized the MA5B throughout the [[Battle of Installation 04]],{{Ref/Reuse|HCE}} and in the ensuing [[Skirmish over Threshold]].{{Ref/Reuse|ReferenceB}} [[Spartan]] personnel during the [[Onyx Conflict]] also made use of the MA5B.{{Ref/Novel|GoO|Chapter=18}} The MA5B remained in service as of 2559, notably being used by First Lieutenant Maks Chapov as his pilot's emergency weapon in the cockpit of an [[D102 Owl]] dropship.{{Ref/Reuse|SoR2}}


==Tactics==
==In-game information==
===Campaign Tactics===
{{Main
*The Assault Rifle has one of the fastest melee speeds in Halo:Combat Evolved.
|1=Assault_Rifle#Halo:_Combat_Evolved_and_Halo:_Combat_Evolved_Anniversary
*Another way is to charge forward while firing in controlled bursts, then when in close range, break out into full auto, followed by a melee or two. This is a tried and true tactic for taking down shielded Elites.
|l1=Assault Rifle
*Another tactic for medium range AR combat is to "rapid-pulse" the trigger; in other words, rapidly press your finger down on the trigger. This will result in rapid, accurate, controlled bursts. This is very useful in the early levels of the game. However, this is impaired by the fact that the MA5B has a somewhat high minimum accuracy, however all projectiles will hit within the reticule with this tactic.
}}
*Combined with grenades, the AR decimates enemy ranks. Charge forward and toss some fragmentation grenades to clear out the weaker enemies and soften up the stronger ones, then before the dust clears, hose down anything that's still moving.
===Advantages ===
*If you can't find a [[M90 Shotgun|Shotgun]] on a [[Flood]]-infested level, don't panic. The Assault Rifle will do as a half-decent secondary weapon. When the Flood get too close, just hold down the trigger and watch them wilt under the large volume of bullets. However, do not just stand there shooting, back-pedal into a previously secured area as the Flood can be overwhelming in waves, (especially so in the Library level on Halo:CE, without a shotgun on Legendary), or get your back up against a wall so they can only attack you from the front. However, lots if not infinite flood will spawn is each area of The Library, so back-pedaling may not be a good tactic.
The MA5B in both offensive and suppressive situations remains one of the UNSC's most reliable weapons. 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.
*Use melee on infection forms to save ammo - though if your shields are at max, don't even worry about them. Unless there's an entire swarm of them, they will simply burst on your shields, doing no substantial damage.
*On [[Normal]], it takes about eight shots to kill a shielded Elite, so a good tactic is to pump four or five head-shots using the M6D pistol to an Elite at mid range, then charge forward while firing your Assault Rifle in controlled bursts (Unless in very close quarters combat) to finish the weakened shield and the unprotected Elite. (However, it may take longer if you are just using  an [[M6D]].)
*When you fight a large number of Grunts of any kind, hold down the firing trigger to send a full-auto landslide of bullets, and if the group consists of more than half a dozen, side-to-side sweeping motions will result in every target receiving fire. Since they are unshielded and that they will flinch when hit by anything, the bullets will kill them quickly. This is one of the most convenient ways to kill a medium-sized group of Grunts.
*In [[Halo CE|''Halo CE'']], this weapon along with a [[Shotgun]], Pistol or [[Rocket Launcher]], are the best weapons to dispose of the [[Flood]].
*Using controlled bursts, you can increase the accuracy and take down shielded elites with about 25 bullets on Heroic or Legendary.
*When engaging a lone Elite, simply fire in short burst to break its shield then advance towards it and finish it off with a melee, as the Elite will repeatedly flinch making the target easier to kill this is usually done on  Elite Minors on Easy or Normal mode in close quarters or open plane.


===Multiplayer Role===
===Disadvantages===
The MA5B Assault Rifle is one of the weapons which players will love and loathe in equal measures. The Rifle's rate of fire makes it a devastatingly powerful weapon in medium range combats, and it's melee attack usually ensures victory over close quarter battles. The only disadvantage is it's reloading time, takes about 1.5 seconds, which gives your opponent enough time to put you down with a hail of plasma bolts. In a skilled player's hand, the Assault Rifle can easily put down 2-4 opponents per magazine. It is good for protecting the flag when playing [[CTF]].
The MA5B is not without disadvantages, its main disadvantage being its horrible accuracy when fired at a range of more than forty meters. At that range, enemy infantry may be hit by a few bullets, or not be hit by any bullets at all. The MA5B Assault Rifle performs poorly against energy shields unless firing on full automatic at close range without giving a shielded infantry time to cover. In comparison to modern assault rifles it can be more related to an oversized sub-machine gun, as it is underpowered and lacks the ability to select a fire mode. The MA5B is also not the ideal weapon to use against [[Flood Combat forms]], as Combat forms dropped by one are likely to rise again soon afterwards if not damaged with another weapon prior. A way to counter this is to kill the Combat form and with the remainder of the clip, fire at the body.
 
===Advanced and Multiplayer Tactics===
However there are a couple of things you can do to make the most of this weapon, when no other close range weapon is around.


*The MA5B's accuracy degrades after exactly 1.5 seconds of sustained fire. In order to use this weapon to its fullest, you must learn the most efficient bursts to use at different ranges.
==Production notes==
*When used with effective [[M9 High-Explosive Dual-Purpose Grenade|grenades]], the AR can hold its own. Backpedal and use any grenade you have handy, and let the weapon take care of your enemy after his shields are down. This should work unless the enemy has a more powerful weapon.
*The MA5B was heavily inspired by the [[marathongame:MA-75 Assault Rifle/Grenade Launcher|MA–75B assault rifle]] from the ''[[Marathon]]'' series.
*In [[Halo PC]], you have to lead your target, just like all of the other weapons. In the [[Xbox]], this isn't a problem.
*[[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."''{{Ref/Book|AoH|Section=Weapons and Gear|Page=98-99}}
*Bunny Hop with the AR. It's your best defense against anything but a sniper.
*As seen in the 2001 Gamestock presentation of ''Halo: Combat Evolved'', there was going to be an animation of turning on and off the under-barrel flashlight of the MA5B, but this animation was cut.
*If your enemy is using a [[Banshee]] in multiplayer, or if you find a [[Banshee]] in Campaign, this weapon is a good choice. Just point it in the direction of the [[Banshee]] and fire (Full auto at close range where the pilot had intended to flatten you and missed, controlled shots at mid-range).  
*There is a second melee animation for the MA5B, in which the user holds the weapon vertically and clubs anyone in front of them with the back end of the weapon. This animation is used in a few ''[[Halo Custom Edition]]'' maps, but was taken out of the official game. This animation is similar, if not identical, to the melee animation used for the M90 CAWS.
*It is also quite effective against Warthogs, move perpendicular to the Hog and fire on full automatic to quickly bring the driver down, couple this with a correctly timed grenade or two.
*In ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' and ''Anniversary'', the gas giant [[Threshold]] is considered arbitrary north by the MA5B's compass.
*If in multiplayer in Halo: Combat Evolved pick up a [[Plasma Rifle]] or [[Plasma Pistol]] to deplete shields of an enemy and then use the Assault Rifle to destroy their health in seconds.
*In the early version of ''Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary'', the MA5B used the MA37 as a placeholder render, before using the MA5C for the final game.
*It is also effective at disrupting your enemy's vision; its sustained fire will cause many flashes on an enemy's screen enabling for a more effective retreat.


==Variants==
==Gallery==
There are many different models and types of MA Assault Rifles. Here is a list of confirmed models:
<gallery>
*[[MA2B|MA2B Assault Rifle]]
File:HCE_MA5B_Concept.jpg|Concept art of the MA5B produced early in the development of ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.
*[[MA3 Assault Rifle]]  
File:MA5B.png|The MA5B in ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.
*[[MA5B Individual Combat Weapon System|MA5B Assault Rifle]]
File:HCE MA5B ICWS AR.png|In-game side view of the MA5B in ''Halo: Combat Evolved''. 
*[[MA5C Individual Combat Weapon System|MA5C Assault Rifle]]
File:MA5B Assault Rifle.png|The MA5B viewed in different angles.
*[[MA5K Assault Rifle]]
File:MJOLNIR HUD.jpg|The MJOLNIR [[Heads-up display|HUD]], showing the targeting reticule for the MA5B and ammo readout.
File:Master Chief Points Gun.jpg|Down the barrel of an MA5B.
File:Marines on the Battlefield.jpg|Marines on Installation 04 with MA5B's.
File:Chief-Marine.jpg|[[John-117]] and a Marine with an MA5B.
File:HCE-LuckyShotMA5Bskin.jpg|A ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' MA5B with the Lucky Shot skin in ''[[Halo: The Master Chief Collection]]''.
File:HCE-MA5Bwoodlandskin1stperson.jpg|First person view of the MA5B with the Woodland skin.
File:Fight on Ascendant Justice.png|Marines with MA5B assault rifle during the [[Skirmish over Threshold]] in ''[[Halo: First Strike]]''
File:ChiefHGN.jpg|John-117 with an MA5B in ''[[The Last Voyage of the Infinite Succor]]''.
File:Fred.JPG|A Spartan-II with an MA5B during the [[Onyx Conflict]] in ''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]''.
File:AR.jpg|Models for the cinematic appearance of the MA5B in ''[[Halo Wars]]''.
File:HW-MA5-ICWS-AssaultRifle.png|A render of the MA5B in ''Halo Wars''.
File:HaloWars - MA5.png|The MA5B in ''Halo Wars''.
File:Unsc marine.gif|The in-game model of the MA5B being wielded by marines in ''Halo Wars''.
File:Cal-141(2).jpg|[[Cal-141]] with an MA5B during the [[Raid on Heian]] in ''Halo Legends'': ''[[The Babysitter]]''.
File:HFoR - Blue Team vs Hunter.jpg|[[Blue Team]] firing their MA5B assault rifles at a [[Mgalekgolo]] during the [[Battle of Sigma Octanus IV]] in ''[[Halo: Fall of Reach]]''.
File:Homecoming AssaultRifle Concept.png|Turnaround view of the MA5B as seen in ''[[Homecoming|Halo Legends: Homecoming]]''.
File:HRoa 1 prep.png|UNSC Marines with MA5B assault rifles in ''[[Halo: Rise of Atriox]]''.
File:HW2 Menu SpartanWithMA5B.png|A Spartan with an MA5B in the main menu of ''[[Halo Wars 2]]''.
</gallery>


==Appearances and Roles in Novels==
==List of appearances==
In the novels, it is often noted that it is very easy to modify and change the weapon's configuration. It was also stated that only suppressors are noted but scopes, grenade launchers and other optional pieces of equipment could be used. Additionally, the [[SPARTAN Program|SPARTANS]] often used [[Shredder Rounds]] (mainly it is used against unarmored opponents such as Grunts and Jackals) which are similar to jacketed hollow point rounds of modern guns which splinter on impact for maximum flesh damage.
{{Col-begin}}
{{Col-2}}
*''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach]]'' {{1st}}
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''
*''[[Halo: The Flood]]''
*''[[Halo: First Strike]]''
*''[[Halo Graphic Novel]]''
**''[[Breaking Quarantine]]''
**''[[The Last Voyage of the Infinite Succor]]''
*''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]''
*''[[Halo: Contact Harvest]]''
*''[[Halo: The Cole Protocol]]''
*''[[Halo Wars]]''
*''[[Halo Legends]]''
**''[[Homecoming]]''
**''[[The Babysitter]]''
*''[[Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe]]''
**''[[Dirt]]''
**''[[The Mona Lisa]]''
{{Col-2}}
*''[[Halo: Fall of Reach]]''
**''[[Halo: Fall of Reach - Covenant|Covenant]]''
**''[[Halo: Fall of Reach - Invasion|Invasion]]''
*''[[Halo: Glasslands]]''
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]''
**''[[Terminal (Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary)|Terminals]]''
*''[[Halo: The Thursday War]]''
*''[[Halo: Mortal Dictata]]''
*''[[Halo Mythos]]''
*''[[Halo Wars 2]]''
*''[[Halo: Rise of Atriox]]''
*''[[Halo: Fireteam Raven]]''
*''[[Halo: Silent Storm]]''
*''[[Halo: Oblivion]]''
*''[[Halo: Shadows of Reach]]''
*''[[Halo Infinite]]'' {{C|Weapon charm only}}
*''[[Halo: Outcasts]]''
*''[[Halo: Hippocratica]]'' {{Mo}}
{{Col-end}}


Also of note is the fact that the weapon is much more accurate and effective in the novels (in the [[Halo Graphic Novel]], [[Staff Sergeant]] [[Avery Junior Johnson|Johnson]] takes care of a [[Flood]] [[Combat Form]] with a few rounds), though it can be reasoned that the novels are more "realistic" (i.e. weapons on both sides do considerably more damage than in the game).
==Notes==
 
{{Ref/Notes}}
==Trivia==
[[Image:F2000.jpg|thumb|The modern day [[Wikipedia:FN F2000|FN F2000]]]]
*The Assault Rifle is the second gun you receive in the Halo Trilogy, getting the gun right before the mess hall.
*One inspiration for the MA5B Assault Rifle was the "MA–75B Assault Rifle (with integral 40mm Grenade Launcher)" from the ''Marathon'' series. In fact, before [[Bungie]] re-engineered the game for the Xbox, it was fitted with a grenade launcher.{{fact}}
*[[Robert McLees]] at Bungie has gone on record comparing the basic design of the MA5B to that of the [[Wikipedia:FN F2000|Fabrique-Nationale, FN F2000]]. According to the [[The Art of Halo|Art of Halo book]], McLees didn't 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."
*The MA5B doesn't even function as an automatic rifle. One example being the M249 SAW, with a ROF of approximately 900 to 1,000 RPM depending on the model, while retaining almost as much accuracy as an M16A4, and just as accurate when used for single shots.
*There is a second melee animation for the assault rifle, where the user holds the weapon vertically and clubs anyone in front of them with the back end of the weapon. This animation is used in a few [[Halo Custom Edition]] maps, but was taken out of the official game.
*In [[Halo:Combat Evolved]], the compass on the Assault Rifle points "north" to [[Threshold]], seen in the sky. However, this is ironic, as the compass would've been obsolete anywhere too far from Threshold. However, it is likely that the MA5Bs' computer systems have been tweaked by the crew, knowing that the ''Pillar of Autumn'' was maneuvering near Threshold, as it is a UNSC-charted planet.
*In the [[Halo Graphic Novel]],there are many Special Operations [[Grunt]]s seen wielding an Assault Rifle, including a [[Elite]]; however, the [[Covenant]] never use human weapons.
*In [[Halo:Combat Evolved]], the MA5B's ammo counter in the left hand corner has a 20x3 bullet box. However, even though it has twenty per row, twenty-one will be found on a full, single, row.
*The MA5B Assault Rifle closely resembles the M41A Pulse Rifle from ''Aliens''; yet another reference to the ''Alien'' franchise in Halo.
*The MA5B Assault Rifle closely resembles the M-590 from the the 1995-1996 show SPACE: Above and Beyond, which also fires the 7.62x51mm NATO round
*BrickArms, a company that manufactures custom Lego Mini-Figure Accessories offers an Assault Rifle accessory for Lego fans who are interested in the Halo Universe.<ref>[http://brickarms.com/toys/weapons/SpaceAssaultRifle.aspx BrickArms Space Assault Rifle]</ref>
*The MA5B and MA5C Assault Rifles are known as Master Chief's signature weapons.


==Sources==
==Sources==
<references/>
{{Ref/Sources}}
 
==Related Pages==
*[[MA5C]] - The MA5 newer model, and successor to the MA5B.
*[[MA2B]] - A cut-down version of the MA5B.


<br clear="all" />
{{UNSC rifles}}
{{UNSC Infantry Weapons}}
[[Category:Held Weapons]]
[[Category:Human Weapons]]
[[Category:Assault rifles]]
[[Category:Assault rifles]]
[[Category:Weapons]]
[[Category:UNSC]]
[[Category:Human]]

Latest revision as of 08:53, November 7, 2024

MA5B assault rifle
Render of the MA5B assault rifle in MCC's menus.
Production overview

Manufacturer:

Misriah Armory[1][2]

Model series:

MA5 ICWS series[1][2]

Type:

Bullpup assault rifle[3]

Specifications

Length:

88 centimeters (34.5 in)[1]

Ammunition type:

7.62x51mm[4][1]

Feed system:

60-round detachable box magazine[4][1]

Operation:

Gas-operated[5]

Rate of fire:

15 rounds per second automatic,[1][6] semi-automatic,[7] 3-round burst[8]

Effective range:

~500m[9][Note 1]

Service history

In service:

Insurrection
Human-Covenant War
Post-Covenant War conflicts
Created conflict

 

The MA5B assault rifle, or simply MA5B, is a standard-issue automatic rifle utilized widely by the United Nations Space Command, particularly the UNSC Marine Corps.[10] It is part of the Misriah Armory MA5 series.[2]

Overview[edit]

Design[edit]

The MA5B is a gas-operated automatic rifle chambered in the widespread 7.62x51mm cartridge, most often used with standard M118 FMJ-AP ammunition,[4] though also employed with shredder[6] and hollow-point rounds.[8] MA5Bs typically feed from 60-round detachable box magazines.[4] Hollow-point rounds are loaded into magazines marked with red paint for rapid identification.[8] The weapon's automatic rate of fire is 15 rounds per second,[6] but it can be limited to semi-automatic[7] or 3-round burst via a fire selector to conserve ammunition and alter firing pattern.[8]

One significant aspect of the MA5B's design is its capacity for modification. Its barrel can be adapted for use with suppressors to combat the conspicuous report of the weapon's firing, making it especially suitable for stealth fighting;[11] SPARTAN-IIs made use of this attribute during the Battle of Sigma Octanus IV.[12] Early in the Human-Covenant War, SPARTAN-IIs also frequently employed MA5Bs with underslung M301 40mm launchers to fire HE grenades, notably during Operation: SILENT STORM[13] and the salvage operation on Netherop.[14]

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 ICWS rifles feature this to some extent, it is most prominent on the MA5B. The magazine which feeds the rifle is inserted behind the thumbhole pistol grip in a bullpup configuration, another trait typical of the ICWS series. The charging handle is an inconspicuous rounded-off protrusion on the left of the weapon's body, and the 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 flanks. The barrel of the MA5B lacks any form of muzzle device (unless fitted with a suppressor).[12] The finish of the weapon is a dull grey, with a darker grey color for the foregrip, pistol grip and stock.[15] As standard, the weapon and its cowling has no optical device or ironsight,[1] leaving the only evident means by which the weapon is aimed to be via HUD-based targeting reticle, such as that of MJOLNIR Mark V,[16] or by eyesight alone.[17]

Functionality[edit]

The display of the MA5B's integrated computer, showing the prominent ammunition counter and compass.

The MA5B, being a rifle, is held with the user's dominant hand on the main grip and their off-hand on the foregrip, with the stock stabilized against the shoulder. 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 bolt back into its open position.[5] As with most human weapons, the firing of the weapon creates a noticeable flash as the fiery gas of the propellant's deflagration escapes the muzzle.[4]

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.[4] 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.[7] If the weapon is set to the 3-round burst fire mode, each pull of the trigger will result in 3 successive shots.[8] 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.[4]

Once the weapon is empty, the bolt will close with no round in the chamber.[9] The magazine can be removed from the receiver via the manipulation of the magazine release control with the thumb.[18] 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.[9] The magazine can also be replaced before the weapon is completely emptied.[18][Note 2]

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.[5] Additionally, in low-light conditions, the flashlight mounted beneath the barrel of the weapon can be activated to provide illumination.[4]

Performance[edit]

Sergeant John Forge with his MA5B held up, immediately after killing the infection forms attacking Ellen Anders.
Sergeant John Forge, armed with an MA5B during the Battle of Trove.

The capabilities of the MA5B are seemingly deemed to be sufficient by soldiers of the UNSC, with John-117 regarding the weapon as "powerful."[18] While the rifle is very capable of harming foes wearing physical body armor, and even light vehicles,[19] 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.[18] When shredder ammunition is utilized, the weapon appears to be highly effective against infantry targets such as Covenant grunt soldiers,[6] and also capable of obliterating construction materials such as marble tile and wood.[20] 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.[8]

The MA5B's range has been indicated to be approximately 500m in the hands of a competent shooter,[9] considered "decent" by John-117,[11] but its strength was later noted by him to lie primarily in the realm of close-quarters combat.[21] The weapon is compact enough to serve as a pilot's emergency weapon, being short enough to fit in a cockpit scabbard.[11]

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 marines wielding it in battle.[10] 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.[22]

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,[6] actual rate of fire in combat is dictated by the user's own proficiency at aiming, firing and reloading.[5] 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."[20] Despite this, it retains a lower overall accuracy than its later cousins in the MA5 series.[1]

History[edit]

An image of Avery Johnson firing his MA5B assault rifle in the story Breaking Quarantine.
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,[23] and played a significant role in the following Human-Covenant War. MA5Bs were employed by various SPARTAN-IIs during Operation: SILENT STORM and the ensuing Netherop engagement in 2526.[13][14] In 2531, the marine compliment of the UNSC Spirit of Fire made use of the MA5B on Harvest, Arcadia and Etran Harborage,[24] while members of Blue Team deployed with it on their mission to the decommissioned Platform 966A the same year,[25] and again during the Battle of Jericho VII in 2535.[6] The MA5B saw particularly heavy use in 2552. On 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,[26] and by the Spartans of Red Team during the defense of Orbital Defense Generators.[27] John-117 and the marine compliment of the UNSC Pillar of Autumn utilized the MA5B throughout the Battle of Installation 04,[4] and in the ensuing Skirmish over Threshold.[27] Spartan personnel during the Onyx Conflict also made use of the MA5B.[28] The MA5B remained in service as of 2559, notably being used by First Lieutenant Maks Chapov as his pilot's emergency weapon in the cockpit of an D102 Owl dropship.[11]

In-game information[edit]

Main article: Assault Rifle

Advantages[edit]

The MA5B in both offensive and suppressive situations remains one of the UNSC's most reliable weapons. 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.

Disadvantages[edit]

The MA5B is not without disadvantages, its main disadvantage being its horrible accuracy when fired at a range of more than forty meters. At that range, enemy infantry may be hit by a few bullets, or not be hit by any bullets at all. The MA5B Assault Rifle performs poorly against energy shields unless firing on full automatic at close range without giving a shielded infantry time to cover. In comparison to modern assault rifles it can be more related to an oversized sub-machine gun, as it is underpowered and lacks the ability to select a fire mode. The MA5B is also not the ideal weapon to use against Flood Combat forms, as Combat forms dropped by one are likely to rise again soon afterwards if not damaged with another weapon prior. A way to counter this is to kill the Combat form and with the remainder of the clip, fire at the body.

Production notes[edit]

  • The MA5B was heavily inspired by the MA–75B assault rifle from the Marathon series.
  • Robert McLees at Bungie has compared the basic design of the MA5B to that of the 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."[29]
  • As seen in the 2001 Gamestock presentation of Halo: Combat Evolved, there was going to be an animation of turning on and off the under-barrel flashlight of the MA5B, but this animation was cut.
  • There is a second melee animation for the MA5B, in which the user holds the weapon vertically and clubs anyone in front of them with the back end of the weapon. This animation is used in a few Halo Custom Edition maps, but was taken out of the official game. This animation is similar, if not identical, to the melee animation used for the M90 CAWS.
  • In Halo: Combat Evolved and Anniversary, the gas giant Threshold is considered arbitrary north by the MA5B's compass.
  • In the early version of Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary, the MA5B used the MA37 as a placeholder render, before using the MA5C for the final game.

Gallery[edit]

List of appearances[edit]

Notes[edit]

  1. ^ 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 real world designations as a non-standard measurement unit (~0.75m in the US).
  2. ^ 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.

Sources[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 163
  2. ^ a b c Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary, Library: Assault Rifle
  3. ^ Halo: Silent Storm, chapter 4
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h i Halo: Combat Evolved: Gameplay
  5. ^ a b c d Halo: Combat Evolved Manual, page 17
  6. ^ a b c d e f Halo: The Fall of Reach, Prologue
  7. ^ a b c Halo: Silent Storm, chapter 27
  8. ^ a b c d e f Halo: Silent Storm, chapter 24
  9. ^ a b c d Halo: Oblivion, chapter 19
  10. ^ a b Halo Encyclopedia (2011 edition), page 318
  11. ^ a b c d Halo: Shadows of Reach, chapter 2
  12. ^ a b Halo: The Fall of Reach, chapter 20
  13. ^ a b Halo: Silent Storm, chapter 8
  14. ^ a b Halo: Oblivion, chapter 13
  15. ^ Halo Wars: UNSC Assault Rifle cinematic model (File link)
  16. ^ Halo: Combat Evolved Manual, page 14
  17. ^ Halo Wars, campaign level Escape: "Monsters" cutscene
  18. ^ a b c d Halo: The Flood, chapter 1
  19. ^ Halo: The Flood, chapter 2
  20. ^ a b Halo: The Fall of Reach, chapter 22
  21. ^ Halo: Shadows of Reach, chapter 14
  22. ^ Bungie.net, MA5C Assault Rifle (Retrieved on Dec 16, 2007) [local archive] [external archive]
  23. ^ Halo: The Fall of Reach, chapter 9
  24. ^ Halo Wars, Gameplay
  25. ^ Halo: Ghosts of Onyx, chapter 3
  26. ^ Halo: The Fall of Reach, chapter 27
  27. ^ a b Halo: First Strike, chapter 2
  28. ^ Halo: Ghosts of Onyx, chapter 18
  29. ^ The Art of Halo - Weapons and Gear, page 98-99

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)
Retrieved from "https://www.halopedia.org/index.php?title=MA5B_assault_rifle&oldid=1648026"