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{{Era|H3}}
{{Status|Canon}}
{{Weapon
{{Weapon infobox
| image=[[Image:MA5C ICWS Assault Rifle.jpg|300px]]
|image=[[File:H3-MA5C-ICWS-AR-Left.png|350px]]
| name=MA5C Assault Rifle
|manufacturer=[[Misriah Armory]]{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc22|Enc22|Page=163}}
| manufacturer=
|series=[[MA5 series]]{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
| model=MA5C Individual Combat Weapon System
|type=[[wikipedia:bullpup|Bullpup]] [[wikipedia:assault rifle|assault rifle]]
| type= Automatic Rifle
|cost=1686.00 [[cR]]{{Ref/Site|Id=C|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}}
| cost=1686.00 [[cR]]
|variant=
| size=Handheld, Two-Handed
|service=[[Human-Covenant War]]<br>
*Dimensions:
[[Post-Covenant War conflicts]]
**length (o/a): 88 centimeters (34.6 inches)
|affiliation=[[United Nations Space Command]]
**length (barrel): 60.7 centimeters (20.7 inches)
|weight=
*Weight:
*(empty): {{Convert|3.8|kg|lb}}{{Ref/Reuse|C}}
**empty: 3.8 kilograms (8.378 pounds)
*(loaded): {{Convert|4.1|kg|lb}}{{Ref/Reuse|C}}
**loaded: 4.1 kilograms (9.05 pounds)
|length=
| damage per hit=Low
*(o/a): {{Convert|34.6|in|cm}}{{Ref/Reuse|C}}{{Ref/Note|In the ''[[Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition)]]'', the MA5C's length is contradictingly listed on page 163 as 38.9 inches (98.8 cm).}}
| magazine=32 rounds
*(barrel): {{Convert|24|in|cm}}{{Ref/Reuse|C}}
| maxammo=  
|ammotype=[[7.62x51mm|7.62×51mm Full Metal Jacket]]{{Ref/Reuse|C}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
*384 rounds or 12 magazines (11 mags carried, 1 loaded)
|capacity=
| fire=Burst(Books)/Fully Automatic
|feed=32 round box magazine{{Ref/Reuse|C}}
| ammotype=7.62x51mm FMJ(Full Metal Jacket)
|operation=[[wikipedia:Gas-operated reloading#Short-stroke piston|Short-stroke]], [[wikipedia:Gas-operated reloading|gas-operated]], [[wikipedia:Rotating bolt|rotating-bolt]]
| operation=Gas System
|rate=
| rate of fire=*750-900 Rounds/min (High)
*750-900 RPM{{Ref/Reuse|C}}
*Muzzle velocity: 905 m/s (2970 f/s)
|velocity=905 m/s (2970 ft/s){{Ref/Reuse|C}}
| accuracy=
|optics=
*Average (In Bursts, Close Range)
|range=300 metres{{Ref/Reuse|C}}
*Low (Continuous Fire, Farther Range)
| range= Close, to Medium
| era=
| counterpart= [[Needler]]
| counterwep=
*At Close Range: [[Shotgun]], [[Energy Sword]]
*At Mid Range: [[BR55HB SR Battle Rifle]], [[Covenant Carbine]]
| affiliation=[[United Nations Space Command]]
}}
}}
The '''MA5C Individual Combat Weapon System''' (abbreviated '''MA5C ICWS'''), more commonly known as the '''MA5C Assault Rifle''', is a widely-used [[United Nations Space Command]] firearm. It is the starting [[weapon]] on most maps in [[Halo 3]].
<choose><option>{{Article quote|The MA5C is the workhorse for us ground-pounders. Just holding it makes you feel like God’s own anti-son-of-a-bitch-machine.}}</option><option>
{{Article quote|I have slogged through snow and mud and sand with my MA5C; even got dumped into an open sewer with it and it has never given me a bit of complaint. I trust it like I trust my own arms.}}</option><option>{{Article quote|The MA5C is built like a brick outhouse with Venetian blinds. You can pound on a mike foxtrot with it like it was a sledgehammer.}}</option><option>{{Article quote|For every time I’ve felt out-gunned by those alien bastards shooting blobs of energy at me I have felt like Death himself watching their bodies come apart under a hail of lead from my MA5C.}}</option><option>{{Article quote|The Romeo Echo Mike Foxtrot’s decision to mechanically reduce the MA5C’s magazine capacity by nearly half is pretty frustrating; even if their data was showing that jamming because of loss of spring strength was becoming an issue.}}</option><option>{{Article quote|The only thing I can think of that would make the MA5C any sweeter would be an under-slung shotty or a forty mike mike.}}</option></choose>
The '''MA5C Individual Combat Weapon System''', abbreviated '''MA5C ICWS''' and commonly known as the '''MA5C assault rifle''', is a standard-issue service rifle for the [[UNSC Marine Corps]] and the [[UNSC Navy|Navy]]. Produced by [[Misriah Armory]] as part of its [[MA5 Series]], the MA5C is an improvement on the [[MA5B assault rifle|MA5B Individual Combat Weapon System]].{{Ref/Reuse|C}}


==Introduction==
==Overview==
The MA5C ICWS Assault Rifle, often known simply as the MA5C Assault Rifle or just "MA5C", is a variant of the [[MA5B Individual Combat Weapon System|MA5B Assault Rifle]] seen in [[Halo: Combat Evolved]] and is being introduced in Halo 3. It is a much more balanced weapon compared to its predecessor and has slight technical as well as physical changes from the MA5B. This weapon is seen in [[Halo 3]].
The MA5C assault rifle is an air-cooled, gas-operated, magazine-fed, fully-automatic bullpup rifle that fires 32 rounds of 7.62×51mm ammunition. It possesses a built-in ammunition indicator and compass for orientation.{{Ref/Reuse|C}} However, it features no in-built [[Telescopic sight|optical magnification]].{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}


==Summary==
The MA5C rifle has received technical, as well as physical improvements over the [[MA5B assault rifle]] that include: a heavier barrel with a 1 in 7 twist; a redesigned cowling to house the electronics suite that reduces weight and increases portability of weapon; and a redesigned handguard which is sturdier and provides a more positive grip. The magazine capacity has been reduced to 32 rounds from the original 60 in the MA5B, and the rifle's range and accuracy has been substantially improved over its predecessor, making it a more formidable assault rifle.{{Ref/Reuse|C}} While widespread in usage, the weapon lacks the component modularity and upgrades of its successor models.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
The MA5C Assault Rifle is a burst/fully automatic, air-cooled, gas-operated, magazine-fed, short to semi-long ranged weapon. The weapon houses an on-board electronics suite, including a screen indicating rounds left in the magazine and a compass. It fires 7.62mm x 51 FMJ (Full Metal Jacket) rounds automatically from a 32-round magazine at a velocity of 905 m/s (2970 f/s) with improved accuracy, range, and power over its cousin. The weapon's power has been described as being in between the MA5B Assault Rifle, and the [[BR55 Battle Rifle]] or [[M6G Personal Defense Weapon System|M6G Magnum]].


==Description And Appearance==
A downside to the MA5C was the lack of a secondary weapon system,{{Ref/Reuse|C}} however by December [[2553]] the weapon was able to use a [[M301 grenade launcher]].{{Ref/Novel|HRet|Chapter=14}}
The MA5C Assault Rifle is a burst/automatic UNSC rifle that fires 7.62mm x 51 FMJ (Full Metal Jacket) rounds. It fires from a 32-round magazine that is housed in the receiver which is built directly into the underside of the butt of the gun and is located behind the handle (known as a bullpup configuration). The magazine fits flush into the housing.


[[Image:Halo3.comMA5C.PNG|200px|left|thumb|A simple diagram of the MA5C Assault Rifle.]]
===Usage===
The MA5C has been in service with the UNSC as early as [[2526]].{{Ref/Novel|Id=HSS3|HSS|Chapter=3}} The MA5C became one of the most prominent rifles used by the UNSC during the closing days of the [[Human-Covenant War]], and was heavily used by [[UNSC Marine Corps|Marine]] forces during the [[Battle for Earth]] and the [[Battle of Installation 00|Ark Conflict]].{{Ref/Game|H3|[[Assault Rifle]] in-game weapon}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}} By [[2557]], the MA5C had been largely replaced by the [[MA5D assault rifle]],{{Ref/Book|Id=H4VG|H4EVG|Page=60}} although it continued to see usage by reserve units scattered abroad.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}


This titanium alloy and plastic assault rifle is gas-operated and therefore must be cocked before the first shot can be fired. The bolt used to chamber the round is located on the left side of the gun and moves during operation. Once the first round is fired, the gases from previous bullets move the bolt back and forth until the mag is empty. Once the magazine is empty, the bolt snaps back and locks, and must be pushed forward after a fresh magazine is inserted to load the next bullet. The mag release button is located above the mag housing and has an arrow pointing down toward the housing (similar to the BR55HB SR). The ejection port is located on the right side of the gun above the mag housing.  
==Gameplay==
===Advantages===
The MA5C in both offensive and suppressive situations remains the Marine Corps' most reliable weapon. When fired in short bursts the MA5C can be effective at hitting targets at longer ranges, and the rifle's armor penetrating ability makes it key for handling even the toughest of infantry. The MA5C is effective at killing armored infantry at short-to-medium range and its high rate of fire allows its user to spray an area with suppression fire in defensive situations. At close range, the MA5C is arguably deadlier than the [[M7/Caseless Submachine Gun]], as the firepower is approximately equal. The MA5C also provides the user with 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 MA5C becomes a deadly weapon in close-quarter situations.


[[Image:Through the Eyes of the Chief.jpg|300px|right|thumb|The Master Chief wielding the MA5C.]]
===Disadvantages===
The MA5C's main disadvantage is that it is horribly inaccurate when fired in full-automatic. Although substantially more accurate than the MA5B, it is still too inaccurate for use at longer ranges, which makes the user an easy target for long range weapons - at long range a high ratio of misses to hits is likely, especially if the target is moving. The magazine can run out very quickly in fully automatic fire, and it has relatively low power per round compared to many other weapons; an engagement with numerous and/or particularly resilient enemies will likely require the user to reload a few times, leaving them open to counter-fire. It should be used as a secondary weapon for shorter ranges, paired with a long range weapon like the [[BR55HB battle rifle|battle rifle]] or [[Vostu-pattern carbine|Covenant Carbine]].


The MA5C has a rifled barrel that is 60.7 cm (24 in.) long and has an overall length of 88 cm (34.6 in.). The MA5C can be fitted with a number of different attachments including things such as a flashlight. The power button for the flashlight attachment is located behind the grip near the trigger. The MA5C also has a digital display on top of the gun which displays the remaining rounds in the current magazine as well as a compass that points to the largest land mass near by or key locations such a base of operations. This weapon also has a safety located on the handle of the gun as well as a fire selector located on both sides of the ammo display (similar to the BR55HB SR).
===Changes from the MA5B in ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' to MA5C in ''Halo 3''===
*Different firing sound.
*Increased maximum magazines.
*Decreased magazine capacity down from 60 rounds to 32.
*Increased range and increased damage per round.
*Decreased rate of fire and a faster reload time.
*Decreased projectile speed.


===Changes from ''Halo 3'' to ''Halo 3: ODST''===
*Firing sound is amplified.
*Gun view model was changed slightly.


==Changes from the MA5B==
==Non-canon and dubious canon appearances==
*Heavier barrel with a 1 in 7 twist
===Silver Timeline===
*Redesigned cowling to house an electronics suite and reduce weight
{{Notice/Silver|category=no}}
*Redesigned handguard to provide more positive grip
MA5C assault rifles were 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}} [[John-117/Silver|John-117's]] MA5C was stylized with a "117" on the side of the barrel.{{Ref/Reuse|Inheritance}}
*Decreased magazine capacity (32 rounds, down from 60)
*Smaller aiming reticule (slightly larger than the battle rifle's)
*Increased range
*Increased damage per round
*Decreased rate of fire
*Gunfiring sound is different
*Reloading animation is different
*More acurrate


==Advantages==
During [[Operation: DEFIANT GLASS]], [[John-117/Silver|John-117]] used an MA5C against attacking [[Sangheili]] forces before ultimately discarding the weapon in favor of a more effective machine gun turret. Rather than opting to retrieve his gun, John left the assault rifle abandoned in the base when he left,{{Ref/Film|TV|Episode=[[Contact]]}} likely because there was only one bullet left in it.{{Ref/Reuse|Inheritance}}
This weapon has increased damage per hit compared to the older MA5B assault rifle, it also has slightly increased accuracy. This weapon works at close and medium ranges.It is a good all around weapon, it's extremely well balanced in all stats, and can help in most situations if used correctly.


==Disadvantages==
During the [[Battle of Eridanus II/Silver|Battle of Eridanus II]], John was given an assault rifle by a Marine as he had yet to replace the one that he had discarded on Madrigal. While driving a [[M12 Warthog|Warthog]], John placed the weapon on the passenger's seat and left it there when he left the vehicle to help [[Kai-125/Silver|Kai-125]].{{Ref/Film|TV|[[Reckoning]]}}
At Medium ranges, this weapon is outperformed and overpowered by the [[Covenant Carbine]] and the [[BR55HB SR Battle Rifle]]. It is still usable at medium ranges, though it is not as effective. However, other close range weapons, such as the [[Shotgun]] and [[Energy Sword]], can easily overpower the MA5C when they are used in the right situation.


==Influences==
After returning to [[Jin Ha|her father]]'s [[Jin Ha's Outpost|outpost]], [[Kwan Ha]] discovered John's discarded assault rifle half-hidden under a truck. Kwan used the gun to detonate the Sky Pipe, killing [[Vinsher Grath]] and all of his forces. Kwan subsequently kept the weapon for herself.{{Ref/Film|Id=Inheritance|TV|Episode=[[Inheritance]]}}
The MA5C is based on a few different weapons. One inspiration for the MA5C Assault Rifle was the "MA–75B Battle 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. Another inspiration was the M-590 7.62mm assault rifle of the USMC from 1995-1996 TV series Space: Above and Beyond. Another inspiration was the Fabrique Nationale [[wikipedia:FN_F2000|F2000]], which Robert McLees at Bungie has gone on record comparing the basic design to that.


==Observations==  
==Trivia==
 
{{Linkbox|gameplay=yes|gallery=yes|gallerypage=Images of MA5C assault rifle}}
Soldiers are very satisfied with this weapon. It performed well in a variety of environments especially given the perceived delicacy of the attached electronics suite. The general consensus is that every infantryman wants a MA5C.
===References===
 
*On the butt of the MA5C, a small [[List of Marathon references in Halo|''Marathon'' symbol]] can be found. It is also found on the left side of the weapon just below the charging handle.
The most significant negative comment was reference to the MA5C’s lack of a secondary weapon system.
 
==UNSC Remarks==
 
“The (MA5C) is the workhorse for us ground-pounders. Just holding it makes you feel like God’s own anti-son-of-a-blam!-machine.”
 
“I have slogged through snow and mud and sand with my (MA5C); even got dumped into an open sewer with it and it has never given me a bit of complaint. I trust it like I trust my own arms.”
 
“The MA5C is built like a brick outhouse with Venetian blinds. You can pound on a mike foxtrot with it like it was a sledgehammer.”
 
“For every time I’ve felt outgunned by those alien bastards shooting blobs of energy at me I have felt like death himself watching their bodies come apart under a hail of lead from my (MA5C).”
 
“The romeo echo mike foxtrot’s decision to mechanically reduce the (MA5C)’s magazine capacity by nearly half is pretty frustrating; even if their data was showing that jamming because of loss of spring strength was becoming an issue.”
 
“The only thing I can think of that would make the (MA5C) any sweeter would be an under-slung shotty or a forty mike mike.”
 
“Next time I’m dirtside I’ve gotta try and find a red filter for the flashlight; [[slipspace]] travel screws with mail-order something fierce.  


===Miscellaneous===
*All pre-release public pictures of the MA5C in first person showed BR55 animations as placeholders before the final animations were in place in the final game.
*In the ''[[Halo 3 Beta]]'', the charging handle of the MA5C reciprocated as you fired the weapon. However, this is not present in ''Halo 3''.
*The green button on the MA5C is a power on/off switch for the weapon's flashlight, which is never used in game by playable characters.
*When tested, each individual round of the MA5C actually does slightly more damage than the BR55HB SR. However, this is offset by the MA5C's lower accuracy at mid-long range and the fact that it has no headshot bonus.
*The remastered MA5B in ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]'' uses the MA5C's model.{{Ref/YouTube|UYfNBCHYHFE|Halo|Halo: Anniversary Exclusive Pre-Order Grunt Funeral Skull}}
*In ''[[Wikipedia:Fable 2|Fable 2]]'', the MA5C can be obtained in the Knothole Island expansion pack. It is called [[Fable:Hal's Rifle|"Hal's Rifle"]].
*The 1/7 barrel twist rate is not optimal for the ammunition the MA5C uses; this would generally cause the projectile to become very unstable (and thus, more inaccurate) as it travels through the air. 7.62×51mm rounds are usually fired through barrels with a 1/10, 1/11, or 1/12 twist.


==Trivia==
===Mistakes===
*Recent videos showing the MA5C reveal it sounding similar to the [[SMG]] when fired.
*The MA5C's reload animation depicts the player character pushing the charging handle forward after reloading, though realistically he would need only to pull the handle back slightly before it launched forward by itself. Also, the character is seen "riding" the charging handle with his finger as it slides forward. This can cause malfunctions in modern weapons, as riding the charging handle while the bolt carrier goes forward can prevent the bolt from going fully into battery.
*All public pictures of the MA5C, in first person, show Battle Rifle animations as a placeholder rather than new ones.
*The ''[[Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition)]]'' incorrectly states that the MA5C has a reduced magazine size of twenty-four rounds despite the adjacent image showing the ammunition counter of an MA5C which contains thirty-two rounds.
*''[[Halo: The Essential Visual Guide]]'' incorrectly states that the MA5 series does not appear in ''[[Halo 3: ODST]]'' despite the MA5C's presence.


==Gallery==
<gallery>
<gallery>
Image:Halo3 CQB Spartan.jpg|A [[Spartan-II|Spartan]] in [[CQB|C.Q.B.]] armor wielding the MA5C.
File:HALO3 CGI.jpg|[[John-117]] looking at his MA5C in ''[[Starry Night]]''.
Image:H3_cutout002.gif|[[John-117]] with Assault Rifle in [[Halo 3]].
File:Halo3 diorama 0749-2-.jpg|Marines using MA5C assault rifles in ''[[Believe]]''.
Image:HALO3_CGI.jpg|[[John-117]] searching for his MA5C Assault Rifle
File:Halo Uprising Pic.jpg|John-117 with an MA5C in ''[[Halo: Uprising]]''.
Image:Halo_3_TV_Ad_3.jpg|[[John-117]] can be seen on the Starry Night TV Ad holstering his MA5C Assault Rifle onto his back. Also note the M6 series pistol on his left hip.
File:Halo3.comMA5C.PNG|Schematic of the MA5C.
Image:H3_ar.jpg|[[John-117]] reloading his MA5C.
File:H3-MA5C-ICWS-AR-Right.png|Right-side view of the MA5C in ''[[Halo 3]]''.
Image:MA5C Firing.gif|A gold [[Spartan]] firing an MA5C.
File:MA5C ICWS Assault Rifle.png|A top-down view of the MA5C.
Image:MA5C Animation.gif|A gray [[Spartan]] holding an MA5C with a sniper rifle slung across his back.
File:Halo3-MasterChief-MA5C.png|Master Chief wielding an MA5C while walking.
Image:AR_3.jpg|A [[Spartan]] fires his MA5C on his blue foe in Valhalla.
File:Halo3-MasterChief-Crouch.png|Master Chief wielding an MA5C while crouching.
Image:AR_2.jpg|A red [[Spartan]] follows his teammate onto a man cannon with MA5C in hand.  
File:H3-MasterChief-Shooting-Large.jpg|The Master Chief firing an MA5C in-game on the level [[Halo (Halo 3 level)|Halo]], on [[Installation 08]].
Image:AR_6.jpg|A blue [[Spartan]] finishes his foe with a melee attack on [[Narrows]].  
File:Through the Eyes of the Chief.jpg|The MA5C reticule and ammo counter as seen on the MJOLNIR [[heads up display]].
Image:AR_5.jpg|A [[Spartan]] opens up with his MA5C on  [[Narrows]].  
File:Marines(2).jpg|Marines on [[Tsavo highway (location)|Tsavo Highway]] using the MA5C rifle.
Image:AR_4.jpg|A red [[Spartan]] displays the importance of meleeing with the MA5C.
File:Hals-rifle.jpg|Hal's Rifle from ''[[Wikipedia:Fable 2|Fable 2]]''.
Image:H3 Assault Rifle.jpg|John holding a MA5C.
File:Buck.jpg|[[Edward Buck]] firing an MA5C during the [[Battle of Mombasa]] in ''[[Halo 3: ODST]]''.
File:Johnson - Origins.png|[[Avery Johnson]] with an MA5C in ''[[Halo Legends]]'': ''[[Origins]]''.
File:Legends SPARTAN-II team.jpg|John-117 with an MA5C during [[Operation: WARM BLANKET]] in ''Halo Legends'': ''[[The Package (animated short)|The Package]]''.
File:H2A Terminals - Jai vs Thel.jpg|[[Jai-006]] attempting to kill [[Thel 'Vadam]]ee with an MA5C during the [[Battle of the Rubble]] in the ''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]'' [[Terminal (Halo 2: Anniversary)|terminals]].
File:HSS-John.png|John-117 with an MA5C in ''[[Halo: Spartan Strike]]''.
File:HTMCC H3 AssaultRifles.jpg|A rack of MA5Cs in the ''[[Finish The Fight]]'' trailer.
File:HTMCC_H3_AssaultRifle_Closeup.jpg|A closeup view of an MA5C.
File:HTV-MA5C.jpg|[[John-117/Silver|John-117]] with an MA5C in ''[[Halo: The Television Series]]''.
File:HTV-MA5CLondon.jpg|Prop of an MA5C.
</gallery>
</gallery>


==Related Links==
==List of appearances==
*[[MA2B Assault Rifle]]
{{Col-begin}}
*[[MA3 Assault Rifle]]
{{Col-2}}
*[[MA5B Assault Rifle]]
*''[[Starry Night]]'' {{1st}}
*[[MA5K Assault Rifle]]
*''[[Believe]]''
 
**''[[Diorama]]'' {{C|Diorama only}}
== Sources ==
*''[[Halo: Uprising]]''
 
*''[[Halo 3]]''
<references/>
*''[[Halo: Helljumper]]''
 
*''[[Halo 3: ODST Pre-mission Evaluation]]''
*[http://www.halo3.com Halo3.com]
*''[[Halo 3: ODST]]''
*[http://www.bungie.net Bungie.net]
*''[[Halo Legends]]''
 
**''[[Origins]]''
{{WepList}}
**''[[Prototype]]''
**''[[The Package (animated short)|The Package]]''
*''[[Halo Evolutions]]''
**''[[Human Weakness]]''
**''[[The Mona Lisa]]''
*''[[Halo: Bloodline]]''
*''[[Remember Reach]]''
**''[[Patrol]]''
**''[[Deliver Hope]]''
{{Col-2}}
*''[[Halo: Glasslands]]''
*''[[Halo: The Thursday War]]''
*''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''
**''[[Terminal (Halo 2: Anniversary)|Terminals]]''
*''[[Halo: Spartan Strike]]''
*''[[Halo Mythos]]''
*''[[Halo: Retribution]]''
*''[[Halo: Silent Storm]]''
*''[[Halo: Official Spartan Field Manual]]''
*''[[Halo: Oblivion]]''
*''[[Halo: The Television Series Season One]]''
**''[[Contact]]''
**''[[Reckoning]]''
**''[[Solace (TV Series)|Solace]]''
**''[[Inheritance]]''
**''[[Transcendence]]''
{{Col-end}}


==Notes==
{{Ref/Notes}}


[[Category:Held Weapons]]
==Sources==
{{Ref/Sources}}


[[Category:Human Weapons]]
{{UNSC rifles}}
[[Category:Assault rifles]]

Latest revision as of 08:03, November 7, 2024

MA5C assault rifle
H3-MA5C-ICWS-AR-Left.png
Production overview

Manufacturer:

Misriah Armory[1]

Model series:

MA5 series[1]

Type:

Bullpup assault rifle

Cost:

1686.00 cR[2]

Specifications

Length:

  • (o/a): 34.6 inches (88 cm)[2][Note 1]
  • (barrel): 24 inches (61 cm)[2]

Weight:

  • (empty): 3.8 kilograms (8.4 lb)[2]
  • (loaded): 4.1 kilograms (9.0 lb)[2]

Ammunition type:

7.62×51mm Full Metal Jacket[2][1]

Feed system:

32 round box magazine[2]

Operation:

Short-stroke, gas-operated, rotating-bolt

Rate of fire:

Muzzle velocity:

905 m/s (2970 ft/s)[2]

Effective range:

300 metres[2]

Service history

In service:

Human-Covenant War
Post-Covenant War conflicts

 
“ For every time I’ve felt out-gunned by those alien bastards shooting blobs of energy at me I have felt like Death himself watching their bodies come apart under a hail of lead from my MA5C. ”

The MA5C Individual Combat Weapon System, abbreviated MA5C ICWS and commonly known as the MA5C assault rifle, is a standard-issue service rifle for the UNSC Marine Corps and the Navy. Produced by Misriah Armory as part of its MA5 Series, the MA5C is an improvement on the MA5B Individual Combat Weapon System.[2]

Overview[edit]

The MA5C assault rifle is an air-cooled, gas-operated, magazine-fed, fully-automatic bullpup rifle that fires 32 rounds of 7.62×51mm ammunition. It possesses a built-in ammunition indicator and compass for orientation.[2] However, it features no in-built optical magnification.[1]

The MA5C rifle has received technical, as well as physical improvements over the MA5B assault rifle that include: a heavier barrel with a 1 in 7 twist; a redesigned cowling to house the electronics suite that reduces weight and increases portability of weapon; and a redesigned handguard which is sturdier and provides a more positive grip. The magazine capacity has been reduced to 32 rounds from the original 60 in the MA5B, and the rifle's range and accuracy has been substantially improved over its predecessor, making it a more formidable assault rifle.[2] While widespread in usage, the weapon lacks the component modularity and upgrades of its successor models.[1]

A downside to the MA5C was the lack of a secondary weapon system,[2] however by December 2553 the weapon was able to use a M301 grenade launcher.[3]

Usage[edit]

The MA5C has been in service with the UNSC as early as 2526.[4] The MA5C became one of the most prominent rifles used by the UNSC during the closing days of the Human-Covenant War, and was heavily used by Marine forces during the Battle for Earth and the Ark Conflict.[5][1] By 2557, the MA5C had been largely replaced by the MA5D assault rifle,[6] although it continued to see usage by reserve units scattered abroad.[1]

Gameplay[edit]

Advantages[edit]

The MA5C in both offensive and suppressive situations remains the Marine Corps' most reliable weapon. When fired in short bursts the MA5C can be effective at hitting targets at longer ranges, and the rifle's armor penetrating ability makes it key for handling even the toughest of infantry. The MA5C is effective at killing armored infantry at short-to-medium range and its high rate of fire allows its user to spray an area with suppression fire in defensive situations. At close range, the MA5C is arguably deadlier than the M7/Caseless Submachine Gun, as the firepower is approximately equal. The MA5C also provides the user with 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 MA5C becomes a deadly weapon in close-quarter situations.

Disadvantages[edit]

The MA5C's main disadvantage is that it is horribly inaccurate when fired in full-automatic. Although substantially more accurate than the MA5B, it is still too inaccurate for use at longer ranges, which makes the user an easy target for long range weapons - at long range a high ratio of misses to hits is likely, especially if the target is moving. The magazine can run out very quickly in fully automatic fire, and it has relatively low power per round compared to many other weapons; an engagement with numerous and/or particularly resilient enemies will likely require the user to reload a few times, leaving them open to counter-fire. It should be used as a secondary weapon for shorter ranges, paired with a long range weapon like the battle rifle or Covenant Carbine.

Changes from the MA5B in Halo: Combat Evolved to MA5C in Halo 3[edit]

  • Different firing sound.
  • Increased maximum magazines.
  • Decreased magazine capacity down from 60 rounds to 32.
  • Increased range and increased damage per round.
  • Decreased rate of fire and a faster reload time.
  • Decreased projectile speed.

Changes from Halo 3 to Halo 3: ODST[edit]

  • Firing sound is amplified.
  • Gun view model was changed slightly.

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.

MA5C assault rifles were used by Silver Team and other UNSC personnel in battles against the Covenant.[7] John-117's MA5C was stylized with a "117" on the side of the barrel.[8]

During Operation: DEFIANT GLASS, John-117 used an MA5C against attacking Sangheili forces before ultimately discarding the weapon in favor of a more effective machine gun turret. Rather than opting to retrieve his gun, John left the assault rifle abandoned in the base when he left,[9] likely because there was only one bullet left in it.[8]

During the Battle of Eridanus II, John was given an assault rifle by a Marine as he had yet to replace the one that he had discarded on Madrigal. While driving a Warthog, John placed the weapon on the passenger's seat and left it there when he left the vehicle to help Kai-125.[10]

After returning to her father's outpost, Kwan Ha discovered John's discarded assault rifle half-hidden under a truck. Kwan used the gun to detonate the Sky Pipe, killing Vinsher Grath and all of his forces. Kwan subsequently kept the weapon for herself.[8]

Trivia[edit]

Main-Legendary.png See our gameplay information related to MA5C assault rifle on its gameplay page.
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References[edit]

  • On the butt of the MA5C, a small Marathon symbol can be found. It is also found on the left side of the weapon just below the charging handle.

Miscellaneous[edit]

  • All pre-release public pictures of the MA5C in first person showed BR55 animations as placeholders before the final animations were in place in the final game.
  • In the Halo 3 Beta, the charging handle of the MA5C reciprocated as you fired the weapon. However, this is not present in Halo 3.
  • The green button on the MA5C is a power on/off switch for the weapon's flashlight, which is never used in game by playable characters.
  • When tested, each individual round of the MA5C actually does slightly more damage than the BR55HB SR. However, this is offset by the MA5C's lower accuracy at mid-long range and the fact that it has no headshot bonus.
  • The remastered MA5B in Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary uses the MA5C's model.[11]
  • In Fable 2, the MA5C can be obtained in the Knothole Island expansion pack. It is called "Hal's Rifle".
  • The 1/7 barrel twist rate is not optimal for the ammunition the MA5C uses; this would generally cause the projectile to become very unstable (and thus, more inaccurate) as it travels through the air. 7.62×51mm rounds are usually fired through barrels with a 1/10, 1/11, or 1/12 twist.

Mistakes[edit]

  • The MA5C's reload animation depicts the player character pushing the charging handle forward after reloading, though realistically he would need only to pull the handle back slightly before it launched forward by itself. Also, the character is seen "riding" the charging handle with his finger as it slides forward. This can cause malfunctions in modern weapons, as riding the charging handle while the bolt carrier goes forward can prevent the bolt from going fully into battery.
  • The Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition) incorrectly states that the MA5C has a reduced magazine size of twenty-four rounds despite the adjacent image showing the ammunition counter of an MA5C which contains thirty-two rounds.
  • Halo: The Essential Visual Guide incorrectly states that the MA5 series does not appear in Halo 3: ODST despite the MA5C's presence.

Gallery[edit]

List of appearances[edit]

Notes[edit]

  1. ^ In the Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), the MA5C's length is contradictingly listed on page 163 as 38.9 inches (98.8 cm).

Sources[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d e f g Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 163
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n Bungie.net, MA5C Assault Rifle (Retrieved on Dec 16, 2007) [local archive] [external archive]
  3. ^ Halo: Retribution, chapter 14
  4. ^ Halo: Silent Storm, chapter 3
  5. ^ Halo 3, Assault Rifle in-game weapon
  6. ^ Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide, page 60
  7. ^ YouTube - Paramount+, Halo The Series (2022) Official Trailer (Retrieved on Jan 30, 2022)
  8. ^ a b c Halo: The Television Series, episode Inheritance
  9. ^ Halo: The Television Series, episode Contact
  10. ^ Halo: The Television Series, timestamp Reckoning
  11. ^ YouTube - Halo, Halo: Anniversary Exclusive Pre-Order Grunt Funeral Skull

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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