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BR55HB battle rifle: Difference between revisions

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{{era|H3|UP}}
{{Status|Canon}}
{{Ratings}}
{{Weapon infobox
{{Weapon
|image= [[File:H3-BR55HB-ServiceRifle-LeftSide.png|350px]]
|image= [[Image:BR55HB SR Battle Rifle.jpg|300px]]
|manufacturer=[[Misriah Armory]]<ref name="EVG">'''[[Halo: The Essential Visual Guide]]''', ''page 21''</ref>
|name=BR55HB SR Battle Rifle
|series=BR55
|manufacturer=
|type=Bullpup [[battle rifle]]
|model=BR55HB SR Rifle
|type= Battle Rifle
|cost=
|cost=
|size=Handheld, Two-Handed
|variant=
*Length: 89.9 centimeters or 35.4 inches
|service=[[Human-Covenant War]]
*Height without scope: 21.2 centimeters or 8.3 inches
|affiliation=[[UNSC]]
*Weight: 8.378 lbs
|weight=
|damage per hit=*Medium Against Shielded Enemies
|length={{Convert|115.8|cm|in}}{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}
*Medium Against Flesh
|ammotype=9.5×40mm [[M634 Experimental High-Powered Semi-Armor-Piercing]]
*Overall Damage: Medium
|capacity=
|magazine= 36 rounds
|feed=36-round magazine
|maxammo= 144 Rounds or 4 Magazines (Full combat load rumored to be 252 rounds or 7 magazines)
|operation=[[wikipedia:Gas-operated#Short-stroke piston|Short-stroke piston]], [[wikipedia:Rotating bolt|rotating bolt]], [[wikipedia:Blowback (firearms)|locked breech]]
|fire=*Original Concept: 3 round burst, Semi-Automatic
|rate=
|ammotype= 9.5x40mm [[M634 Experimental High-Powered Semi-Armor-Piercing]]/.374 Caliber rounds
|velocity=
|operation= Short-Stroke Gas-Operated Rotating-Bolt
|optics=
|rate of fire= Average, 2.4 Bursts per Second, 900 rounds per minute
|range=900 meters<ref name="BR55DMR">'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 206''</ref>{{Ref/Note|Assuming the BR55HB has the same range as the XBR55.}}
|accuracy= High
|range= Medium to Long
|era=
|counterpart=[[Covenant Carbine]]
|counterwep=*At Close Range: [[MA5C Assault Rifle]], [[Shotgun]], [[Energy Sword]]
*At Medium Range: [[Covenant Carbine]]
*At Long Range: [[Sniper Rifles]]
|affiliation=[[United Nations Space Command]]
}}
}}
The '''BR55HB SR Battle Rifle''' is a [[UNSC]] infantry firearm and is a variant of the [[BR55 Battle Rifle]] in Halo 2 <ref>http://www.halo3.com</ref>.
The '''BR55 Heavy Barrel Service Rifle (BR55HB SR)''', also known as the "Mammoth Stomper,"<ref name="ENC">'''[[Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition)]]''', ''UNSC Weapons'', ''pages 318 - 319'' (2011 edition)</ref> is a select-fire rifle utilized by the [[United Nations Space Command]] and manufactured by [[Misriah Armory]]. It is a heavy-barreled version of the [[BR55 battle rifle|BR55 Service Rifle]].{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}{{Ref/Reuse|ENC}}<ref name="Waypoint">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/weapons/dmr '''Halo Waypoint''', ''DMR'']</ref>


== Introduction ==
==Overview==
The BR55HB SR entered service in [[2548]], serving alongside the standard BR55 Service Rifle. For decades, the BR55 had steadily gained favor over the long-serving [[M392 Designated Marksman Rifle]]. The introduction of the BR55HB SR led to an immediate increase in the BR55's popularity, prompting all branches of the [[United Nations Space Command]] armed forces, except the [[UNSC Army|Army]], to replace the M392 with the newer weapon.{{Ref/Reuse|Waypoint}}{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}


[[Image:7thHelljumpers.jpg|left|200px|thumb|A team of ODSTs; the lead troop is carrying a BR55HB SR Battle Rifle.]]
== Design details ==
The BR55HB SR Battle Rifle is a gas-operated, magazine-fed, mid-to-long range weapon which fires short 3-bullet bursts.  As the modern successor to the [[BR55 Battle Rifle]], the BR55HB SR remains relatively unchanged, firing the [[M634 9.5x40mm X-HP-SAP]] round from a magazine of 36. It is equipped with a 2x electronic [[scope]] for better accuracy at longer ranges. The penetrative power, accuracy, and range of the BR55HB SR are roughly equivalent to the [[BR55]], although its accuracy has slightly decreased from its earlier counterpart.<ref>''[[Halo 3]]''</ref>
As with the basic model, the BR55HB SR is employed as a medium-to-long range [[Wikipedia:Marksman rifle|marksman rifle]]; though its barrel is 25.9 centimeters (10.2 inches)longer than that of the BR55, the BR55HB SR performs almost identically to its predecessor.{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}} It fires [[M634 Experimental High-Powered Semi-Armor-Piercing|M634 X-HP-SAP round]] from a 36-round magazine, which fits flush in the receiver. The magazine housing is built directly into the underside of the stock of the rifle and is located behind the grip. Though the BR55HB SR is a select-fire weapon, it is most often used in its three-round burst mode.{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}} Despite firing a very powerful cartridge, the weapon is subject to little recoil, even when being fired automatically.<ref>'''Halo: Last One Standing'''</ref>


The BR55HB SR Battle Rifle is one of the service rifles of the [[UNSC Marine Corps]], though not as commonly seen as the [[MA5C Assault Rifle]]. The battle rifle is the weapon of choice for [[MLG]] gametypes and many advanced players. While the BR55HB SR offers far greater range and accuracy than the MA5C, it can be more difficult to use during close-quarters engagements. The firing characteristics of the BR55HB SR are comparable to the [[Covenant Carbine]], though they are very different in appearance and mechanical operation.
==Gameplay==
===Advantages===
The BR55HB SR has reasonably high power, a decent rate of fire, and high accuracy with its 2× magnification scope. Its range is its primary advantage, allowing the player to engage at longer ranges by leading shots. The BR55HB SR has a slightly lower recoil than its BR55 predecessor and has less muzzle flash, although the rounds fired are still visible in the air; the rifle's updated design also boosts range and accuracy, increasing the effectiveness of the 9.5mm rounds it fires. The scope of the BR55HB SR allows a skilled marksman to easily take down an unshielded target from medium range, making the battle rifle the best alternative to sniper rifles.


== Strategy ==
===Disadvantages===
Attempting to engage a target at longer ranges requires more rounds and less movement as the rounds become inaccurate over longer ranges. In close quarters combat it is fairly surpassed by the Covenant carbine, as the latter weapon is more capable of performing headshots. Furthermore, its magazine can be depleted rather quickly. The weapon requires a good amount of skill in order to use it. The user must have an understanding of how the weapon works, and what to do with it when a situation arises. Each bullet fired from the weapon can act as a tracer, and can give away the shooter's position, putting him at risk of return fire. While effective at long range against light or unshielded targets, the BR55HB's performance against shielded infantry at close range is extremely challenging; the BR55HB, while still very effective, is not the weapon of choice at close range because of its design, and the fact that it can be easily overpowered by the shotgun and energy sword.


=== Tactics for Use ===
==Changes from the BR55 Service Rifle in ''Halo 2''==
*New reloading animation.
*Decreased aim assist.
*Slightly less recoil.
*Slightly different firing sound.
*Slightly lower rate of fire.
*Decreased accuracy caused by greater spread.
*Slower bullet velocity, requiring greater lead on moving targets.


The BR55HB SR Battle Rifle is a marvelously effective weapon against all types of enemies, from [[Grunts]] to [[Brutes]] and [[Elites]] to [[Spartans]] (multiplayer). An important thing to note is that the BR55HB SR can be used to great effect at medium to long range. The trick with making the BR55HB SR Battle Rifle effective at long range is minimizing the rifleman's side-to-side or strafing movement. Strafing while firing greatly decreases the efficiency of the rifle. Additionally, while firing at a moving target it is important to aim in front of the target, especially when the target is moving perpendicular to the aim of the rifleman. For targets on foot it is optimal to aim 0.75-1.00 head-widths in front of the target to guarantee the maximum possible number of rounds impact the target. For targets in vehicles it is ideal to aim 1.75-2.5 head-widths in front of the target. Attempting use of a BR55HB SR Battle Rifle against vehicles at great range is not advised. Odds are the vehicle you are trying to take down is not an immediate threat to the rifleman and he should shift his focus to a more readily available target.
==Trivia==
*[[WETA Workshop]] made a replica of the BR55HB SR, along with several other weapons, for use in the ''Halo: Landfall'' live-action shorts.
*Sometimes the battle rifle will have one or two extra rounds, causing a half burst. This is caused by retrieving ammunition from a Marine NPC. This can also be achieved if fired and simultaneously meleeing. The weapon would have fired one round, and the melee would have cut off the other two.
*The ''[[Marathon]]'' logo is located on the gun's left side, to the left of the ammunition counter display and roughly above the trigger guard and on the stock.
*There are seven triangles on each side of the Battle Rifle's stock. A reference to [[Bungie]]'s favorite number.
*The rifle seems to resemble the Khaybar KH-2002, HS Produkt VHS-2 and French FAMAS bullpup assault rifles.
*Though the battle rifle is not usable in the ''Halo 3: ODST'' campaign, it makes a small cameo in the level ''[[NMPD HQ]]''. It was later added to Firefight in ''Halo: The Master Chief Collection''.


A single headshot with the 3-round burst instantly kills [[Grunt|Grunts]] and [[Jackal Sniper|Jackal Snipers]], unshielded [[Elites]] and [[Brute|Brutes]] at medium range. In [[multiplayer]], it takes four headshot bursts to kill a fully shielded [[SPARTAN-II]] or [[Elite]], and seven body shots (Headshots are only necessary to kill unshielded opponents, the bullets do equal damage on any part of a shielded body').
==Gallery==
{{Linkbox|gallery=yes}}
<gallery>
File:realbattlerifle.JPG|A [[UNSC Marine Corps|Marine]] firing his BR55HB SR on the fully automatic setting during the [[Battle of Sector Six]] in ''[[Halo: Landfall]]''.
File:Update cougarhuting.jpg|[[Frank O'Connor]] (center) wielding a BR55HB SR prop from ''Halo: Landfall''.
File:H3-BR55HBSR-Replica.jpg|Detail of the BR55HB SR created by [[WETA Workshop]].
File:Landfall BR55HB Prop Photo 1.jpg|A photo of one of WETA's ''Landfall'' battle rifle props.
File:Landfall BR55HB Prop Photo 2.jpg|A photo of one of WETA's ''Landfall'' battle rifle props.
File:H3-BR55HB-ServiceRifle-LeftSide.png|An in-game left profile view of the BR55HB SR in ''Halo 3''.
File:H3-BR55HB-ServiceRifle-RightSide.png|An in-game right profile view of the BR55HB SR in ''Halo 3''.
File:BR55HB Battle Rifle.png|A first-person view of the BR55HB SR in ''[[Halo 3]]''.
File:BR55HB_SR2.jpg|[[John-117]] wielding a BR55HB SR during the [[Battle of Voi]].
Halo-3-20071203013902784.jpg|The BR55HB being used in combat.
File:Halo3 123639242 Full.jpg|View through the BR55HB SR's 2× magnification scope.
File:H3 - EVA on Orbital.jpg|A Spartan-II reloading a BR55HB.
File:Michaels armor.png|[[Michaels]] with a BR55HB during the [[Battle of Ariel]] in ''[[Halo: Helljumper]]''.
File:HTMCC H3 GunTable.jpg|A BR55HB on a table in the ''[[Finish The Fight]]'' trailer for the launch of ''Halo 3'' on PC.
File:HTMCC_H3_BattleRifles.jpg|A rack of BR55HBs in the ''Finish The Fight'' trailer.
File:H3ODST-BR55HBHUDCrater.png|First-person view of the BR55HB in the ''[[Halo: The Master Chief Collection]]'' version of ''[[Halo 3: ODST]]''.
File:H3ODST LostPlatoon DareBR.jpg|[[Veronica Dare]] using a BR55HB on [[Lost Platoon]].
</gallery>


The BR55HB SR Battle Rifle can be used to destroy a Flood [[Combat Form]] quickly by penetrating the [[Infection form]] in it's chest cavity.
==List of appearances==
[[Image:Battle Rifle Scope.png|thumb|The BR55HB SR's 2x magnification telescopic sight is ideal for picking off headshots from medium and long ranges.]]
*''[[Halo: Landfall]]''
**''[[Halo: Arms Race]]'' {{1st}}
**''[[Halo: Combat]]''
**''[[Halo: Last One Standing]]''
*''[[Halo 3]]''
*''[[Halo: Helljumper]]''
*''[[Halo 3: ODST]]''{{Ref/Note|In the Xbox 360 release of ''Halo 3: ODST'', the BR55HB only appears as an unusable weapon wielded by an NMPD officer in a cutscene. The weapon is available to use in the Firefight portion of ''Halo: The Master Chief Collection''.}}
*''[[Halo Legends]]''
**''[[Prototype]]''
*''[[Halo Mythos]]''
*''[[Halo: Official Spartan Field Manual]]''
*''[[Become]]''
**''[[Forever We Fight]]''


Another use of the BR is to melee, then shoot at the opponent's head, this means they will have no shields, followed by an instant headshot. This is much more effective than shooting then meleeing, seeing as this would take at least three bursts before the melee would kill the opponent.
==Notes==
{{Ref/Notes}}


==== Notable Combos ====
==Sources==
{{Ref/Sources}}


A well-known tactic colloquially known as the "[[Noob Combo]]" or as the "EMP combo" occurs when a rifleman will use a [[Plasma Pistol]] overload shot to remove the shields of an opponent then immediately follow this hit with a head shot to kill the opponent. The need to use only one headshot is good practice for Team SWAT (multiplayer).
{{UNSC rifles}}
 
[[Category:Rifles]]
Another useful Battle Rifle tactic is to use a [[Sniper Rifle]] shot to reduce the shields of a target, then switch to the Battle Rifle for an easier headshot. This is similar to the Noob combo but it is more useful at long ranges. This tactic is better for inexperienced snipers to use, as it uses less ammunition than two sniper body shots, and experienced snipers will usually just get a single headshot on a target, which will kill the target and make the Battle Rifle shot unnecessary. Other tactics that many experienced players use is to throw a [[Fragmentation Grenade]], then line up a headsthot with a [[Magnum]], BR, or Carbine. This is very effective due to the obsessive use of Fragmentation and [[Plasma Grenades]] in ranked playlists.
 
Also, a good weapon combo is a battle rifle shotgun combo. When a target is coming at you from a distance, try to pick him off ith the battle rifle, but when he gets closer, shoot him with the [[Shotgun]]. This combo can also work with [[Energy Swords]] or [[Gravity Hammers]] in the place of shotguns, or a [[Covenant Carbine]] in the place of the battle rifle.
 
=== Advantages ===
 
The BR55HB SR Battle Rifle has reasonably high power, a decent rate of fire, and high accuracy with its 2x magnification [[scope]]. Its range is its primary advantage, allowing the rifleman to engage at longer ranges, way beyond the distance that it feels like it can fire. It can reach targets that would usually take a [[Sniper Rifle]] or [[Spartan Laser]] (with some practice). There is also a method that kills with four shots: you shoot into the body three times, and the last bullet must be placed into the neck or head. This weapon's armor piercing rounds detonate [[Fusion Cores]] immediately. [[Image:realbattlerifle.JPG|thumb|right|150px|A Marine holding a Battle Rifle in Combat: Part 2 (Landfall)]]In Halo 3 the BR55HBB SR a slight lower recoil the the earlier version in [[Halo 2]], and has less Muzzle fire. For players first going through campaign on heroic or legendary this weapon is an absolute must as it can take down either snipers or brutes.
 
=== 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 really a three-round-burst, certain movements can break up the 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|vehicle's]] heading).
 
However, the BR55HB SR is not as effective at close ranges. Each bullet acts as a tracer which gives away the shooter's position, and the range is limited at long distance in comparison to the [[Sniper Rifle System 99D-S2 Anti-Matériel|SRS99D Sniper rifle]]. It also does negligible damage against vehicles, though can still cause Warthogs and [[Mongoose]] ATVs to spin out if the wheels are shot.
 
Another disadvantage at close range is the weapons small cone of fire. Because at close range enemies may move quickly relative to the shooter. If the reticle is just off, then the shot will be too. Due to this the BR can be beat by an [[Shotgun]], [[Energy Sword]], [[SMG]], [[AR]], and [[Gravity Hammer]].
 
The BR also loses effectiveness because its slow rate of fire and can only cause minimal damage.
 
== Physical Description and Appearance ==
 
The BR55HB SR is a [[bullpup]], selective fire (except in gameplay)"really skilled players can gently tap it making it fire one or two round burst," [[UNSC]] rifle that fires the 9.5x40mm X-HP-SAP round{{fact}} (see below). It fires from a 36 round magazine, which fits flush in the receiver. The receiver is built directly into the underside of the butt of the rifle and is located behind the grip.
 
This titanium alloy weapon is gas-operated with a rotating bolt and therefore must be cocked before the first round can be fired. The charging handle used to chamber the round is located on the left side of the weapon and does not move during operation. Once the first round is fired, the gases from that round and those to follow impinge upon a gas piston, which pushes back the bolt carrier, rotating the bolt inside and continuing to chamber rounds until the magazine is empty. Once the magazine is empty, the charging handle (although not illustrated in-game) can both be pulled back and locked, or, it can be fully cycled after a fresh magazine has been housed. If it is pulled back and locked, then it must be pushed forward once a fresh magazine is housed to chamber a new round. The magazine release button is located on both sides of the rifle with an arrow pointing down towards the housed magazine in the stock. The ejection port is located on the right side of the weapon. There is also a fire selector on both sides of the ammo display.
 
The BR55HB SR, having a rifled barrel, has noticeable changes from the BR55. It has a longer barrel for increased range and accuracy. It is also fitted with a Trijicon ACOG-style scope on a modified carrying handle and now also has a trigger guard. The safety is also located above the handle of the weapon.
 
=== Ammunition ===
 
It is interesting to note the ammunition used for the Battle Rifle. It uses a new 9.5mm x 40mm Experimental Round. The 7.62 x 51 mm NATO round is a rather high-powered round used in the MA5B-C Series and on many modern-day assault rifles, designated marksman rifles (DMR), and machine guns.
 
The 7.62 mm has a history of having too much recoil because of the rounds high power, which made it hard to fire in full automatic. This is one reason NATO developed the new 5.56mm round.
 
While the BR55's larger 9.5 mm round would be heavier and would thus presumably generate even more recoil than the 7.62 mm NATO, this is not necessarily the case.
 
Since the Battle Rifle's rounds have a noticeably shorter case length than the 7.62 mm NATO (40 mm vs. 51 mm), they most likely contain much less powder than the 7.62 mm NATO, which would yield less muzzle energy and thus less recoil, making the weapon more manageable.
 
However, the 40mm case may just be downsized to save space and house a more efficient powder, which in turn would yield more power for the volume burnt, and the increased bullet diameter may have been a compromise to allow for a harder but less dense bullet material to achieve better penetration against armor; yielding the same or even more power.
 
== Influences ==
[[Image:XM8_Assault_Rifle.jpg|right|thumb|200px|The XM8 Assault Rifle was one of the weapons that influenced the BR55 Battle Rifle.]]
The BR55HB SR Battle Rifle's design is based on its predecessor, the [[BR55 Battle Rifle]].
 
However, it appears to have been aesthetically inspired by the French [[wikipedia:FAMAS|FAMAS]]. The BR55 also bears a resemblance to the IMI Tavor.
<ref>http://www.defense-update.com/directory/tavor.htm</ref>
 
It looks almost identical to the Tavor with very similar capabilities, for example the bullpup configuration as well as the 3 shot burst, however, the Tavor has the option to change from single to burst to full automatic modes.
 
Another key inspiration for the BR series was the now canceled XM8 Assault Rifle, most prominently in the rifles handle.
 
== Changes From The BR55 ==
[[Image:sm_h3_Battle_Rifle.gif|thumb|A profile of the BR55HB-SR]]
 
*Modified optical rail
*New Trijicon ACOG-style scope
*New trigger guard
*Longer barrel
*New reloading animation
*Less magnetism
*Slightly different firing sound
*Slightly lower rate of fire
* The 'BXR'(Melee, cancel, headshot) trick is no longer available
decreased accuracy
 
Besides these changes, the BR55HB SR is functionally identical to the BR55.
 
== Character Compatibility ==
 
These are the characters that can wield the BR55HB SR in Halo 3.
*[[Elites]]
*[[Spartans]]
*[[Marines]]
*[[Brutes]]
*[[Flood Combat Form]] (Human)
*[[Flood Combat Form]] (Elite)
*[[Flood Combat Form]] (Brute)
 
== Trivia ==
 
*The "HB" most likely is in acronym standing for "Heavy Barrel", which indicates and signifies the lengthened barrel of this rifle and the weighty barrel on the stalk. "SR" could stand for "Scoped Rifle", which is simply an additional description of this weapon.
*On the shell casings fired from the Battle Rifle, there are the words CHIEF E-GX written on the front.
*In the Halo: Landfall and in [[Halo Wars]], the BR55HB SR Battle Rifle seems to be automatic, but in Halo 3, it just fires in bursts of three round spurts. This is most likely due to inaccuracies in the film, or that [[Bungie]] didn't want two fully automatic weapons in the game and finally decided to only write in the books that it can fire fully auto, although an automatic firing mode is not used in the games for balance reasons, or because it was a restricted featured only occasionally used in BR55 Battle rifles. Also, the rifles in outside of the game seem to be silver, instead of the usual grayish color.
*The [[Halo 3]] era Battle Rifle appears more squared off than the [[Halo 2]] era Battle Rifle.
*This weapon uses the same function as many modern assault rifles.
*The Marathon symbol is located on the gun's left side, to the left of the ammunition counter display and roughly above the trigger guard.
*The Battle Rifles that the [[Marines]] shoot during the memorial scene at the end of Halo 3 sound as if they were semi-automatic. This could mean a different firing feature on the rifle or simply the sound was not edited correctly.
*WETA Studios made a replica Battle Rifle, [[Magnum]], [[Sniper Rifle]], [[Carbine]], [[Gravity Hammer]], [[Brute Grenade]], [[Rocket Launcher]], and [[Plasma Pistol]] to use in the currently "on hold" Halo film.
*If you score a headshot with a Battle Rifle in Halo 3, a small dot will appear in the middle of the crosshair. The dot will also appear in Halo 2 Vista.
*In Halo 2 the Battle Rifle was able to preform a glitch know as the BXR where the player presses B and then X to preform a melee cancel then should be able to headshot the enemy. People found out how to do this in [[Halo 3]], but [[Bungie]] noticed, and disabled it.
*In [[Halo 2]] it takes 3-4 burst shots in the head to kill someone in [[Multiplayer]].  In [[Halo 3]], 4 shots to the head can kill a player in [[Multiplayer]].
*The Battle Rifle is the starting weapon in all Hardcore playlists.
*It's one of the starting weapons in Team Swat
*In the early builds of Halo 2, the Battle Rifle would fire three-round bursts when not utilizing the scope and would fire single shots when the scope was activated.
 
== Related Articles ==
 
*[[BR55 Battle Rifle]]
 
== Sources ==
 
<references/>
 
{{WepList}}
 
[[Category:UNSC]]
[[Category:Weapons]]
[[Category:Held Weapons]]
[[Category:Human Weapons]]

Latest revision as of 01:20, November 8, 2024

BR55HB battle rifle
H3-BR55HB-ServiceRifle-LeftSide.png
Production overview

Manufacturer:

Misriah Armory[1]

Model series:

BR55

Type:

Bullpup battle rifle

Specifications

Length:

115.8 centimetres (45.6 in)[1]

Ammunition type:

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

Feed system:

36-round magazine

Operation:

Short-stroke piston, rotating bolt, locked breech

Effective range:

900 meters[2][Note 1]

Service history

In service:

Human-Covenant War

 

The BR55 Heavy Barrel Service Rifle (BR55HB SR), also known as the "Mammoth Stomper,"[3] is a select-fire rifle utilized by the United Nations Space Command and manufactured by Misriah Armory. It is a heavy-barreled version of the BR55 Service Rifle.[1][3][4]

Overview[edit]

The BR55HB SR entered service in 2548, serving alongside the standard BR55 Service Rifle. For decades, the BR55 had steadily gained favor over the long-serving M392 Designated Marksman Rifle. The introduction of the BR55HB SR led to an immediate increase in the BR55's popularity, prompting all branches of the United Nations Space Command armed forces, except the Army, to replace the M392 with the newer weapon.[4][1]

Design details[edit]

As with the basic model, the BR55HB SR is employed as a medium-to-long range marksman rifle; though its barrel is 25.9 centimeters (10.2 inches)longer than that of the BR55, the BR55HB SR performs almost identically to its predecessor.[1] It fires M634 X-HP-SAP round from a 36-round magazine, which fits flush in the receiver. The magazine housing is built directly into the underside of the stock of the rifle and is located behind the grip. Though the BR55HB SR is a select-fire weapon, it is most often used in its three-round burst mode.[1] Despite firing a very powerful cartridge, the weapon is subject to little recoil, even when being fired automatically.[5]

Gameplay[edit]

Advantages[edit]

The BR55HB SR has reasonably high power, a decent rate of fire, and high accuracy with its 2× magnification scope. Its range is its primary advantage, allowing the player to engage at longer ranges by leading shots. The BR55HB SR has a slightly lower recoil than its BR55 predecessor and has less muzzle flash, although the rounds fired are still visible in the air; the rifle's updated design also boosts range and accuracy, increasing the effectiveness of the 9.5mm rounds it fires. The scope of the BR55HB SR allows a skilled marksman to easily take down an unshielded target from medium range, making the battle rifle the best alternative to sniper rifles.

Disadvantages[edit]

Attempting to engage a target at longer ranges requires more rounds and less movement as the rounds become inaccurate over longer ranges. In close quarters combat it is fairly surpassed by the Covenant carbine, as the latter weapon is more capable of performing headshots. Furthermore, its magazine can be depleted rather quickly. The weapon requires a good amount of skill in order to use it. The user must have an understanding of how the weapon works, and what to do with it when a situation arises. Each bullet fired from the weapon can act as a tracer, and can give away the shooter's position, putting him at risk of return fire. While effective at long range against light or unshielded targets, the BR55HB's performance against shielded infantry at close range is extremely challenging; the BR55HB, while still very effective, is not the weapon of choice at close range because of its design, and the fact that it can be easily overpowered by the shotgun and energy sword.

Changes from the BR55 Service Rifle in Halo 2[edit]

  • New reloading animation.
  • Decreased aim assist.
  • Slightly less recoil.
  • Slightly different firing sound.
  • Slightly lower rate of fire.
  • Decreased accuracy caused by greater spread.
  • Slower bullet velocity, requiring greater lead on moving targets.

Trivia[edit]

  • WETA Workshop made a replica of the BR55HB SR, along with several other weapons, for use in the Halo: Landfall live-action shorts.
  • Sometimes the battle rifle will have one or two extra rounds, causing a half burst. This is caused by retrieving ammunition from a Marine NPC. This can also be achieved if fired and simultaneously meleeing. The weapon would have fired one round, and the melee would have cut off the other two.
  • The Marathon logo is located on the gun's left side, to the left of the ammunition counter display and roughly above the trigger guard and on the stock.
  • There are seven triangles on each side of the Battle Rifle's stock. A reference to Bungie's favorite number.
  • The rifle seems to resemble the Khaybar KH-2002, HS Produkt VHS-2 and French FAMAS bullpup assault rifles.
  • Though the battle rifle is not usable in the Halo 3: ODST campaign, it makes a small cameo in the level NMPD HQ. It was later added to Firefight in Halo: The Master Chief Collection.

Gallery[edit]

Main-Superintendent.png Browse more images in this article's gallery page.

List of appearances[edit]

Notes[edit]

  1. ^ Assuming the BR55HB has the same range as the XBR55.
  2. ^ In the Xbox 360 release of Halo 3: ODST, the BR55HB only appears as an unusable weapon wielded by an NMPD officer in a cutscene. The weapon is available to use in the Firefight portion of Halo: The Master Chief Collection.

Sources[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d e f Halo: The Essential Visual Guide, page 21
  2. ^ Halo: Contact Harvest, page 206
  3. ^ a b Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition), UNSC Weapons, pages 318 - 319 (2011 edition)
  4. ^ a b Halo Waypoint, DMR
  5. ^ Halo: Last One Standing

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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