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BR55 battle rifle: Difference between revisions

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[[Image:BattleRifleAngles.JPG|200px|right]]  
{{Status|Canon}}
===BR55 Battle Rifle===
{{Weapon infobox
|image=[[File:H5G Render BR55 Service Rifle.png|300px]]
|manufacturer=[[Misriah Armory]]{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc22|Enc22|Page=168}}
|series=BR55
|type=Bullpup [[battle rifle]]
|cost=
|variant=
|service=[[Human-Covenant War]]
<br>[[Post-Covenant War conflicts]]
|affiliation=[[United Nations Space Command]]
|weight={{Convert|3.8|kg|lb}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}}
|length={{Convert|89.9|cm|in}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}
|ammotype=9.5×40mm [[M634 Experimental High-Powered Semi-Armor-Piercing]]{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
|capacity=
|feed=36-round magazine{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
|operation=[[wikipedia:Gas-operated#Short-stroke piston|Short-stroke piston]], [[wikipedia:Rotating bolt|rotating bolt]], [[wikipedia:Blowback (firearms)|locked breech]]
|velocity=
|optics=
|range=900 meters{{Ref/Novel|Id=BR55DMR|HCH|Chapter=13}}{{Ref/Note|The ''Halo Encyclopedia: The Definitive Guide to the Halo Universe'' claims that the BR55 battle rifle has a maximum effective range of 200 meters. However, this figure is unlikely given that most 21st century rifles have an effective range far greater than 200 meters. As such, this article assumes that the BR55 has the same range as its prototype, the XBR55.}}
}}
{{Quote|When nothing else gets the job done, the BR55 Battle Rifle will do.|''[[Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition)|Halo Encyclopedia: The Definitive Guide to the Halo Universe]]''{{Ref/Reuse|Enc09}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}}}}
The '''BR55 Service Rifle''' is an infantry [[battle rifle]] in service within the armed forces of the [[United Nations Space Command]].{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}{{Ref/Book|Id=EVG|EVG|Page=21}} Among UNSC service personnel, the BR55 has accumulated a number of nicknames including the "'''Monkey Wrench'''", "'''BR'''", and the "'''Big Boy'''".{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc09|Enc09|Page=305}}{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc11|Enc11|Page=318-319}} It is notable for its powerful three-round burst fire and accurate 2× scope, making it more efficient at farther ranges than the [[MA5 series|MA5 series assault rifles]].


  Rate of Fire  : Average
==Overview==
  Operation    : Gas System with cam mechanism for burst fire
===Design details===
  Fire Mode    : Three-round-burst
The BR55 Service Rifle is a gas-operated, magazine-fed, mid-to-long range weapon capable of three fire modes;{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}} semi-automatic,{{Ref/Reuse|Enc09}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}} fully automatic,{{Ref/Novel|Oblv|Chapter=9}} and a three-round burst-fire.{{Ref/Game|Id=H2|H2|[[Battle Rifle]] in-game weapon}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc09}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}} The weapon is most commonly fired in the latter of these modes.{{Ref/Book|Id=H2M|Halo 2 manual|Page=10}}{{Ref/Book|Id=H2LEM|Halo 2 Limited Collector's Edition manual|Page=13}} The rifle has a bullpup layout, with a detachable 36-round box magazine loaded behind the grip and trigger, with a safety switch located above the handle. While serving to reduce the weapon's length, the rifled barrel of the weapon extends its total length to {{Convert|89.9|cm|in}}. It is typically equipped with a three-pronged [[Wikipedia:Flash suppressor|flash suppressor]], though this attachment can be swapped out for others such as a [[suppressor]].{{Ref/Level|HW2|Gatecrashers|Detail=Mission select artwork ([[:File:HW2-Odsts-1.jpg|File link]])}} As with the other weapons in [[Misriah Armory]]'s battle rifle line, the BR55 fires [[9.5x40mm]] [[M634 Experimental High-Powered Semi-Armor-Piercing|M634 HP-SAP]],{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}} and 9.5x40mm SAP-HE.{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}
  Ammunition    : 9.5mm x 40 (M634 Experimental, High Power, Semi-Armor Piercing)
  Damage per hit: High
  Range        : Medium to semi-long
  Accuracy      : High
  Magazine Size : 36 rounds
  Maximum Ammo  : 144 rounds (including fully loaded magazine)


==Advantages==
The BR55 is fitted with an optics rail above the barrel, complete with a mounting point for a [[telescopic sight]]. By default, the weapon is equipped with a so-called (and retroactively-named) "[[classic sight]]",{{Ref/Game|H5G|List of REQ cards|REQ card|Detail=Halo 2 Battle Rifle description|Quote=BR with Classic Sight. Reliable firepower never goes out of style. Battle Rifle with full-screen zoom.}} capable of x2 magnification.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}{{Ref/Reuse|H2M}}{{Ref/Reuse|H2LEM}} It features no iron sights.


Designated the BR55 Battle Rifle, it has reasonable power, decent rate of fire, and high accuracy; proving itself to be one of the most versatile weapons in the [[UNSC]] arsenal. With a 2x magnification scope, it can be used to deliver three-shot-bursts accurately from medium-to-long range. Firing at any unshielded target's head (besides [[Hunters]]) results in an instant kill (see [[head shot]]).
Overall, the weapon is considered to have high accuracy and high rate-of-fire, leading it to be popular among UNSC service personnel.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc09}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}}
[[Image:Whitebkgrdrifle.jpg|200px|right|]]
In Campaign, the Battle Rifle is useful against just about any infantry units at medium range. In [[multiplayer]], three bursts bring down standard [[shields]], while one headshot (meaning that only one of the three rounds fired needs to connect) results in death if the [[shields]] are down.


==Disadvantages==
[[File:Whitebkgrdrifle.jpg|thumb|The BR55 was one of the standard infantry rifles of the UNSC during the Covenant war.]]


At longer ranges, it is necessary to minimize strafing movements when firing to avoid "splintering" the shot grouping too much. Since each "shot" is really a three-round-burst, certain movements can break up your shot's grouping and greatly reduce accuracy. This also affects accuracy when firing from a moving vehicle such as a Warthog (especially when firing at a 90 degree angle from the vehicle's heading).
===Usage===
While newly introduced into UNSC service at the onset of the [[Human-Covenant War]], the BR55 quickly came to dominate all aspects of the military - becoming an extremely popular rifle throughout most of the military's branches.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}} While formally designated a battle rifle, in practice the weapon fulfils the battlefield role of a [[Designated Marksman Rifle]],{{Ref/Reuse|BR55DMR}} and by [[2548]] had entirely eclipsed the pre-existing [[M392 DMR]] in all UNSC service except for the [[UNSC Army]]{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}} - with the [[BR55HB battle rifle|BR55HB]] upgrade fully-replacing it.{{Ref/Book|Id=EncDMR|Enc11|Page=316}}{{Ref/Site|Id=WPDMR|URL=http://halo.xbox.com/en-us/intel/featured/gallery/dmr/c0dfea7c-87fa-4224-82ff-c44d93b73f03|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=DMR|LocalArchive=Archive:Halo_Waypoint/2009 to 2014/Universe/Weapons|D=21|M=08|Y=2011}}{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc22DMR|Enc22|Page=171}} Although the heavy barrel variant was an upgrade of the BR55, in practice the two operate almost identically.{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}


==Influence==
As such, by [[2552]] almost all soldiers in the UNSC had trained in use of the BR55 - ensuring that what defects the weapon has are somewhat mitigated. By this time, the weapon was considered one of the standard firearms in use by UNSC forces.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc09}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}}


The BR55 is largely based on the US Army's [[Wikipedia:XM8 (rifle)| XM8]] assault rifle prototypes, and also has features resembling Frace's standard issue [[Wikipedia:FAMAS | FAMAS]] rifles.
==Operational history==
While battle rifles began to see popularity throughout the UNSC beginning in the mid-2400s prior to the [[Insurrection]],{{Ref/Book|H4EVG|Page=61}} the BR55 did not enter service until the onset of the [[Human-Covenant War]] in [[2525]].{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}} The weapon was prototyped as the [[XBR55 battle rifle]] around the time of the [[First Battle of Harvest]], and was in the hands of [[SPARTAN-II program|Spartan-II]] supersoldiers by December of that year.{{Ref/Comic|Id=HCD1|HCD|Issue=1}} During these early encounters with the [[Covenant]], BR55s also fell into the hands of [[Insurrectionist]]s of the [[United Rebel Front]].{{Ref/Reuse|HCD1}} As the war progressed, the battle rifle proved itself an extremely popular weapon particularly in the service of the [[UNSC Navy]] and [[UNSC Marine Corps|Marine Corps]], in which it all-but replaced the older M392 marksman rifles. By [[2548]], the introduction of the BR55's upgraded model the BR55HB fully-replaced the M392 DMR in all services except for the UNSC Army.{{Ref/Reuse|EncDMR}}{{Ref/Reuse|WPDMR}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22DMR}}


==Appearences==
The BR55's popularity ultimately contributed to the design of its successor models, the [[BR75 battle rifle|BR75]] and [[BR85 battle rifle]]s.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}{{Ref/Site|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/weapons/battle-rifle|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Battle Rifle|D=14|M=06|Y=2021}}


[[Image:Spartan_with_Battle_Rifle.jpg|thumb|200px|Spartan with a modified Battle Rifle in Halo 3.]]
==Gameplay==
{{Linkbox|gameplay=yes}}
===Advantages===
The BR55 has reasonably high power, a decent rate of fire, and high accuracy with an electronic 2× telescopic sights attachment; it can be used to deliver three-round bursts at medium ranges. In [[multiplayer]], three body shots and one head shot will kill a fully shielded opponent, assuming the player does not have an overshield. This weapon will kill an unshielded enemy in a single head shot. Target the head and if you're within range a red dot will appear in your reticule. This requires that only one of the three rounds from a burst actually hit and kill an enemy. Therefore, it is possible to kill up to three unshielded opponents in a single burst if they are grouped close enough to each other, though this is an uncommon occurrence. However, right after you shoot, it is possible to only shoot one round rather than three bullets, with a melee attack to disrupt the burst. Against vehicles like the {{Pattern|Wuzum|Spectre}} or {{Pattern|Karo'etba|Ghost}}, an experienced player can easily take out the driver, rendering the vehicle immobile, however, this is harder with the Warthog.


The Battle Rifle was not featured in [[Halo 1]] but was created for [[Halo 2]]. It was designed to replace the [[Pistol]] from the original game; this was because the developers felt that the pistol was overbalanced for a weapon of such a small size (and just in general, as compared to the other weapons in the game).
In ''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]'', the BR55 provides a slightly faster weapon switch and reload time compared to the [[BR85 battle rifle#BR85N Service Rifle|BR85N]]. Most notably, however, the BR55 has higher bullet magnetism, which allows targets to be hit with less-than-perfect aim.


The "BR" was originaly designed by Bungie to fire single shots in semi-automatic rates of fire, but the idea was apparently used instead for the Covenant [[Carbine]].
===Disadvantages===
At longer ranges, it is necessary to minimize strafing movements when firing to avoid "splintering" the shot grouping too much. Since each "shot" is actually a three-round burst, certain movements can break up your shot's grouping, and could greatly reduce accuracy. To avoid this, either swap it in for the Covenant Carbine, or get up to medium range. The Carbine has the same degree of firepower, and it lacks the splitting effect although it is slightly less accurate. This also affects accuracy when firing from a moving vehicle such as a [[M12 Force Application Vehicle|Warthog]] (especially when firing at a 90-degree angle from the vehicle's heading).  


Another idea the developers were working on was a three bullet minimum per burst, and holding the trigger resulted in full auto. Zoomed in, the rifle only shot a single bullet. However, these features were ultimately scrapped in favor of the more simplistic design that was used in the final version of Halo 2.
The BR55 is not as effective at long ranges. Each bullet also acts as a tracer which gives away the shooter's position. Also, the range is limited compared to the [[Sniper Rifle System 99C-S2 Anti-Matériel|Sniper Rifle]]. It is also not effective against [[Sentinel]]s, and does negligible damage against vehicles. Neither is it an effective weapon at close range, as the low fire rate and average stopping power of the weapon makes any fully-automatic weapon far superior in close-quarters combat.


The Battle Rifle will be returning in [[Halo 3]]. The screenshot above shows that the "new" Battle Rifle has a longer barrel, and it is widely speculated that this is a silencer.
Compared to most other UNSC firearms, those using the BR55 have access to limited amount of ammo as they can only three spare magazines, not including the loaded magazine in the rifle.
==Non-canon and dubious canon appearances==
===Silver Timeline===
{{Notice/Silver|category=no}}
BR55 battle rifles are used by [[Silver Team/Silver|Silver Team]] and other UNSC personnel in battles against the Covenant.{{Ref/YouTube|Id=HTVOT|5KZ3MKraNKY|Paramount+|Halo The Series (2022) Official Trailer|Y=2022|M=1|D=30}}


==Glitches==
==Trivia==
*On the side of the BR55 opposite the charging handle there are two Chinese symbols, "猴王", which translate to ''"Monkey King"''.
*On the level ''[[Quarantine Zone]]'' in ''Halo 2'', the player can acquire a BR55 from a dead Marine that, when reloaded, can have a total of 236 spare rounds instead of the normal 108 spare rounds.
*In the ''Halo 2'' E3 Demo, the BR55 was the only weapon shown used in making a melee combo, a feature that was originally meant to be in the final version of the game but was scrapped. It was also shown firing semi-automatically in both the demo and in the E3 2004 multiplayer alpha demo, in which the semi-auto mode was engaged when zoomed.
*Like the [[SRS99C-S2 AM sniper rifle#SRS99C-S2 AMB|sniper rifle]], the BR55 is modeled without a trigger in ''Halo 2''.
*The BR55 was featured in Bungie's 30th anniversary event as the solar pulse rifle BxR-55 Battler in ''Destiny 2''.


The Battle Rifle may be used in several glitches. Although they can be used with all weapons, the BXR weapons glitch allows a user to melee, cancel the animation, and then fire by tapping B (melee), X right afterwards, and then R (the right trigger/gun). This causes an instant kill to a shielded opponent (Elite in campaign or opponent in matchmaking).
==Gallery==
{{Linkbox|gallery=yes}}
<gallery>
File:Spartan with Battle Rifle2.jpg|John-117 wielding a BR55 aboard ''[[Cairo Station (station)|Cairo Station]]'' in ''[[Halo 2 announcement trailer]]''.
File:Battle_rifle -1.jpg|The BR55 in an early ''[[Halo 2]]'' build.
File:H2-BR55BattleRifleSide.png|A render of the BR55 from ''Halo 2''.
File:BR55BattleRifleAngles.png|An overview of the BR55 Service Rifle in ''Halo 2''.
File:H2-MasterChiefMkVI-BattleRifle.png|John-117 carrying a BR55 Service Rifle in ''Halo 2''.
File:Flood human form.jpg|A [[Flood combat form]] wielding a BR55 in ''Halo 2''.
File:H2-BR55BattleRifle-FirstPerson.png|First-person view of the BR55 Service Rifle in ''Halo 2''.
File:H2-BR55BattleRifle-Scope.jpg|Detail view through the BR55's scope in ''Halo 2''.
File:CP armor.png|A Spartan-II in [[Gray Team]] using a BR55 during the [[Battle of the Rubble]] in ''[[Halo: The Cole Protocol]]''.
File:HW_FloodMarine_Concept.jpg|Concept art of a Flood combat form with a BR55 for ''[[Halo Wars]]''.
File:Legends-Homecoming-John117.jpg|John-117 wielding a BR55 during the [[Human-Covenant War]] in ''[[Halo: Legends]]'': ''[[Homecoming]]''.
File:H2A_BR55_Concept.jpg|Concept art for ''Halo 2: Anniversary''.
File:H2A - Battle rifle.png|Render of the BR55 in ''Halo 2: Anniversary''.
File:H2A - John117 with BR.png|John-117 wielding a BR55 in ''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''.
File:TanODST.jpg|An ODST wields the BR55 on [[Installation 05]] in an early build of ''Halo 2: Anniversary''.
File:H2A-AnotherDay1.jpg|The BR55 being used by [[Marcus Stacker]] in ''Halo 2: Anniversary''.
File:H2AMP-BR55.png|A Spartan firing a BR55 on [[Stonetown]].
File:H2ACP-BR55HUD.png|First-person view of the BR55 in ''Halo 2: Anniversary''.
File:H2ACP-BR55zoom.png|The 2× zoom on the BR55.
File:H2AMP-BR55HUD.png|First-person view of the BR55 in ''Halo 2: Anniversary'' multiplayer.
File:H2A BR55 Mag.jpg|thumb|A magazine used with the BR55 in ''Halo 2: Anniversary'' multiplayer.
File:H2AMP-BR55zoom.png|The 2× zoom on the BR55 on [[Bloodline]].
File:H5G-BR55HUD.png|First-person view of the BR55 in ''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''.
File:H5G-BR55zoom.png|[[Smart scope]] with the BR55 on [[Riptide]].
File:H2br.png|REQ Card of the BR55.
File:H5G-BR85NvsBR55.png|A BR85N in comparison to a BR55 in ''Halo 5: Guardians''.
File:HO_BR55.jpeg|BR55 Pioneer from the Premium and Elite Beta test passes for ''[[Halo Online]]''.
File:HO BR55 PIONEER.png|BR55 Pioneer in ''Halo Online''.
File:HM-DeltaHalo.jpg|John-117 using a BR55 on Installation 05 in ''[[Halo Mythos]]''
File:HW2-Shadows.png|A Spartan-II in [[Red Team]] using a BR55 in ''[[Halo Wars 2]]''.
File:HW2-BR55silencer.jpg|An ODST using a BR55 with a sound suppressor during [[Operation: SPEARBREAKER]].
File:HTV BattleRifles.jpg|BR55 props for ''[[Halo: The Television Series]]''.
</gallery>


Another glitch is the RRX, also known as the double-shot. When you press R (the right trigger)twice without pausing followed by pressing the X button right after the pressing of the second R, instead of firing a three-round burst followed by a pause, it fires six bullets without pausing, simulating automatic fire. After successfully pulling off the glitch, your weapon reloads but without any reloading animation. The drawback with the glitch originally was that once you did the double shot, you were reloading the weapon and therefore could not interrupt it and start firing the weapon again to perform another double shot. However this was solved by tapping the Y button twice to switch your weapon and to quickly switch back to your battle rifle, which interrupted the reloading procedure and you could thus start double-shotting again. It takes four bursts from the battle rifle to the head to kill a target, so successfully tapping RRXYYRRX while accurately firing gave you the ability to kill an opponent quickly, but it is very difficult to master.
==List of appearances==
{{Col-begin}}
{{Col-2}}
*''[[Halo 2]]'' {{1st}}
*''[[Halo: The Cole Protocol]]''
*''[[Halo Wars]]''
*''[[Halo Legends]]''
**''[[Homecoming]]''
*''[[Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe]]''
**''[[Dirt]]''
*''[[Halo: Blood Line]]''
*''[[Halo: Mortal Dictata]]''
*''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''
*''[[Halo: Last Light]]''
*''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''
*''[[Know Your Enemy]]''
*''[[Halo Mythos]]''
*''[[Halo Wars 2]]''
{{Col-2}}
*''[[Halo: Envoy]]''
*''[[Halo: Retribution]]''
*''[[Halo: Collateral Damage]]''
*''[[Halo: Silent Storm]]''
*''[[Halo: Official Spartan Field Manual]]''
*''[[Halo: Outpost Discovery]]''
*''[[Halo: Oblivion]]''
*''[[Halo: Divine Wind]]''
*''[[Halo: The Television Series Season One]]''
**''[[Contact]]''
**''[[Unbound]]''
**''[[Emergence]]''
**''[[Homecoming (TV Series)|Homecoming]]''
**''[[Reckoning]]''
**''[[Allegiance]]''
**''[[Transcendence]]''
*''[[Halo: Outcasts]]''
*''[[Halo: The Television Series Season Two]]''
**''[[Sanctuary (TV Series)|Sanctuary]]''
**''[[Sword (TV Series)|Sword]]''
**''[[Visegrád (TV Series)|Visegrád]]''
**''[[Reach (TV Series)|Reach]]''
**''[[Aleria (TV Series)|Aleria]]''
**''[[Thermopylae (TV Series)|Thermopylae]]''
{{Col-end}}


There is also the RRYB, an instant kill glitch where you press the right trigger twice, immediately followed by pressing Y (which switched to your other weapon) followed by pressing B (melee) all while running towards your target. It is essentially a BXR but in reverse and you fire two shots instead of one.
==Notes==
{{Ref/Notes}}


==Images==
==Sources==
[[Image:Weapon_swap.JPG|150px]]
{{Ref/Sources}}


[[Category:Held Weapons]]
{{UNSC rifles}}
[[Category:Weapons]]
[[Category:Rifles]]
[[Category:Human Weapons]]

Latest revision as of 04:11, March 14, 2024

BR55 battle rifle
H5G Render BR55 Service Rifle.png
Production overview

Manufacturer:

Misriah Armory[1]

Model series:

BR55

Type:

Bullpup battle rifle

Specifications

Length:

89.9 centimetres (35.4 in)[2][1][3]

Weight:

3.8 kilograms (8.4 lb)[2]

Ammunition type:

9.5×40mm M634 Experimental High-Powered Semi-Armor-Piercing[1]

Feed system:

36-round magazine[1]

Operation:

Short-stroke piston, rotating bolt, locked breech

Effective range:

900 meters[4][Note 1]

Service history

In service:

Human-Covenant War
Post-Covenant War conflicts

 

"When nothing else gets the job done, the BR55 Battle Rifle will do."
— Halo Encyclopedia: The Definitive Guide to the Halo Universe[5][2]

The BR55 Service Rifle is an infantry battle rifle in service within the armed forces of the United Nations Space Command.[1][3] Among UNSC service personnel, the BR55 has accumulated a number of nicknames including the "Monkey Wrench", "BR", and the "Big Boy".[5][2] It is notable for its powerful three-round burst fire and accurate 2× scope, making it more efficient at farther ranges than the MA5 series assault rifles.

Overview[edit]

Design details[edit]

The BR55 Service Rifle is a gas-operated, magazine-fed, mid-to-long range weapon capable of three fire modes;[3] semi-automatic,[5][2] fully automatic,[6] and a three-round burst-fire.[7][5][2] The weapon is most commonly fired in the latter of these modes.[8][9] The rifle has a bullpup layout, with a detachable 36-round box magazine loaded behind the grip and trigger, with a safety switch located above the handle. While serving to reduce the weapon's length, the rifled barrel of the weapon extends its total length to 89.9 centimetres (35.4 in). It is typically equipped with a three-pronged flash suppressor, though this attachment can be swapped out for others such as a suppressor.[10] As with the other weapons in Misriah Armory's battle rifle line, the BR55 fires 9.5x40mm M634 HP-SAP,[1] and 9.5x40mm SAP-HE.[3]

The BR55 is fitted with an optics rail above the barrel, complete with a mounting point for a telescopic sight. By default, the weapon is equipped with a so-called (and retroactively-named) "classic sight",[11] capable of x2 magnification.[1][8][9] It features no iron sights.

Overall, the weapon is considered to have high accuracy and high rate-of-fire, leading it to be popular among UNSC service personnel.[5][2]

The BR55 was one of the standard infantry rifles of the UNSC during the Covenant war.

Usage[edit]

While newly introduced into UNSC service at the onset of the Human-Covenant War, the BR55 quickly came to dominate all aspects of the military - becoming an extremely popular rifle throughout most of the military's branches.[1] While formally designated a battle rifle, in practice the weapon fulfils the battlefield role of a Designated Marksman Rifle,[4] and by 2548 had entirely eclipsed the pre-existing M392 DMR in all UNSC service except for the UNSC Army[3] - with the BR55HB upgrade fully-replacing it.[12][13][14] Although the heavy barrel variant was an upgrade of the BR55, in practice the two operate almost identically.[3]

As such, by 2552 almost all soldiers in the UNSC had trained in use of the BR55 - ensuring that what defects the weapon has are somewhat mitigated. By this time, the weapon was considered one of the standard firearms in use by UNSC forces.[5][2]

Operational history[edit]

While battle rifles began to see popularity throughout the UNSC beginning in the mid-2400s prior to the Insurrection,[15] the BR55 did not enter service until the onset of the Human-Covenant War in 2525.[1] The weapon was prototyped as the XBR55 battle rifle around the time of the First Battle of Harvest, and was in the hands of Spartan-II supersoldiers by December of that year.[16] During these early encounters with the Covenant, BR55s also fell into the hands of Insurrectionists of the United Rebel Front.[16] As the war progressed, the battle rifle proved itself an extremely popular weapon particularly in the service of the UNSC Navy and Marine Corps, in which it all-but replaced the older M392 marksman rifles. By 2548, the introduction of the BR55's upgraded model the BR55HB fully-replaced the M392 DMR in all services except for the UNSC Army.[12][13][14]

The BR55's popularity ultimately contributed to the design of its successor models, the BR75 and BR85 battle rifles.[1][17]

Gameplay[edit]

Main-Legendary.png See our gameplay information related to BR55 battle rifle on its gameplay page.

Advantages[edit]

The BR55 has reasonably high power, a decent rate of fire, and high accuracy with an electronic 2× telescopic sights attachment; it can be used to deliver three-round bursts at medium ranges. In multiplayer, three body shots and one head shot will kill a fully shielded opponent, assuming the player does not have an overshield. This weapon will kill an unshielded enemy in a single head shot. Target the head and if you're within range a red dot will appear in your reticule. This requires that only one of the three rounds from a burst actually hit and kill an enemy. Therefore, it is possible to kill up to three unshielded opponents in a single burst if they are grouped close enough to each other, though this is an uncommon occurrence. However, right after you shoot, it is possible to only shoot one round rather than three bullets, with a melee attack to disrupt the burst. Against vehicles like the Wuzum-pattern Spectre or Karo'etba-pattern Ghost, an experienced player can easily take out the driver, rendering the vehicle immobile, however, this is harder with the Warthog.

In Halo 5: Guardians, the BR55 provides a slightly faster weapon switch and reload time compared to the BR85N. Most notably, however, the BR55 has higher bullet magnetism, which allows targets to be hit with less-than-perfect aim.

Disadvantages[edit]

At longer ranges, it is necessary to minimize strafing movements when firing to avoid "splintering" the shot grouping too much. Since each "shot" is actually a three-round burst, certain movements can break up your shot's grouping, and could greatly reduce accuracy. To avoid this, either swap it in for the Covenant Carbine, or get up to medium range. The Carbine has the same degree of firepower, and it lacks the splitting effect although it is slightly less accurate. This also affects accuracy when firing from a moving vehicle such as a Warthog (especially when firing at a 90-degree angle from the vehicle's heading).

The BR55 is not as effective at long ranges. Each bullet also acts as a tracer which gives away the shooter's position. Also, the range is limited compared to the Sniper Rifle. It is also not effective against Sentinels, and does negligible damage against vehicles. Neither is it an effective weapon at close range, as the low fire rate and average stopping power of the weapon makes any fully-automatic weapon far superior in close-quarters combat.

Compared to most other UNSC firearms, those using the BR55 have access to limited amount of ammo as they can only three spare magazines, not including the loaded magazine in the rifle.

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.

BR55 battle rifles are used by Silver Team and other UNSC personnel in battles against the Covenant.[18]

Trivia[edit]

  • On the side of the BR55 opposite the charging handle there are two Chinese symbols, "猴王", which translate to "Monkey King".
  • On the level Quarantine Zone in Halo 2, the player can acquire a BR55 from a dead Marine that, when reloaded, can have a total of 236 spare rounds instead of the normal 108 spare rounds.
  • In the Halo 2 E3 Demo, the BR55 was the only weapon shown used in making a melee combo, a feature that was originally meant to be in the final version of the game but was scrapped. It was also shown firing semi-automatically in both the demo and in the E3 2004 multiplayer alpha demo, in which the semi-auto mode was engaged when zoomed.
  • Like the sniper rifle, the BR55 is modeled without a trigger in Halo 2.
  • The BR55 was featured in Bungie's 30th anniversary event as the solar pulse rifle BxR-55 Battler in Destiny 2.

Gallery[edit]

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List of appearances[edit]

Notes[edit]

  1. ^ The Halo Encyclopedia: The Definitive Guide to the Halo Universe claims that the BR55 battle rifle has a maximum effective range of 200 meters. However, this figure is unlikely given that most 21st century rifles have an effective range far greater than 200 meters. As such, this article assumes that the BR55 has the same range as its prototype, the XBR55.

Sources[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 168
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h Halo Encyclopedia (2011 edition), page 318-319
  3. ^ a b c d e f Halo: The Essential Visual Guide, page 21
  4. ^ a b Halo: Contact Harvest, chapter 13
  5. ^ a b c d e f Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition), page 305
  6. ^ Halo: Oblivion, chapter 9
  7. ^ Halo 2, Battle Rifle in-game weapon
  8. ^ a b Halo 2 manual, page 10
  9. ^ a b Halo 2 Limited Collector's Edition manual, page 13
  10. ^ Halo Wars 2, campaign level Gatecrashers: Mission select artwork (File link)
  11. ^ Halo 5: Guardians, REQ card: Halo 2 Battle Rifle description "BR with Classic Sight. Reliable firepower never goes out of style. Battle Rifle with full-screen zoom."
  12. ^ a b Halo Encyclopedia (2011 edition), page 316
  13. ^ a b Halo Waypoint, DMR (Retrieved on Aug 21, 2011) [local archive] [external archive]
  14. ^ a b Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 171
  15. ^ Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide, page 61
  16. ^ a b Halo: Collateral Damage, issue 1
  17. ^ Halo Waypoint, Battle Rifle (Retrieved on Jun 14, 2021) [archive]
  18. ^ YouTube - Paramount+, Halo The Series (2022) Official Trailer (Retrieved on Jan 30, 2022)

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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