| M6C/SOCOM | |
|---|---|
| |
| Production overview | |
|
Manufacturer: |
|
|
Model series: |
|
|
Type: |
Suppressed pistol |
| Specifications | |
|
Length: |
44 centimeters (17.3 in)[1] |
|
Ammunition type: |
|
|
Capacity: |
|
|
Optics: |
|
| Service history | |
|
In service: |
|
- "M6S — whisper-quiet with armor-piercing rounds. Brutes might see us coming, but the only thing they'll hear is their asses hitting the ground."
- — Gunnery Sergeant Edward Buck.[5]
The M6C/SOCOM,[1][6][7][8] also known as the "M6S"[5][3][1] and informally known as the "Automag",[2] is a semi-automatic pistol used by the United Nations Space Command. It is a specialized variant of the M6C magnum sidearm used by special operations teams.[1]
OverviewEdit
Design detailsEdit
The M6C/SOCOM variant is a special issued handgun to the UNSC's special operations units, and particularly used by the Orbital Drop Shock Troopers. It is used in operations that rely on stealth rather than direct engagements. Unlike most M6 magnum variants, the M6C/SOCOM has an integrated sound suppressor, and muzzle brake. In lieu of the KFA-2 sight used on the M6D PDWS, the M6C/SOCOM utilizes a smart-linked optics package with a 4× magnification; this configuration uses VnSLS/V 6E software, enabling the user to eliminate targets at long range while incurring limited recoil due to the integral sound suppressor and compensator.[1]
The weapon features a laser aiming module with an integrated flashlight mounted under the barrel.[9]
AmmunitionEdit
The M6C/SOCOM uses M225 12.7x40mm semi-armor-piercing high-explosive rounds, loaded in a 12-round magazine.[2][1]
In-game informationEdit
- Main article: Automag (gameplay)
Halo 3: ODSTEdit
| “ | A sound-suppressed version of the M6 sidearm. With 4× zoom, 12-round magazine, and minimal recoil, the M6S excels at quick, precision kills.[3] | ” |
The automag was first introduced into the Halo games in Halo 3: ODST. In-game, it replaces the Battle Rifle from Halo 3 in the role of a medium-ranged headshot-capable utility weapon. Unlike the Magnum seen in Halo 3, the Automag is fitted with a 4× scope and has an increased magazine size of 12 rounds (to match the M6C magnum in Halo 2), alongside a much faster fire rate, larger reserve ammunition capacity and increased accuracy. These changes make it much more effective than the Halo 3 Magnum, though in return it is weaker against energy shielded enemies like Brutes. It also has much higher recoil than the Halo 3 iteration of the weapon, making it more difficult to maintain aim. The lack of dual wielding in ODST means that the Automag can not be dual wielded with other weapons.
The weapon has an altered sound effect due to the suppressor mounted on the barrel, though this does not confer any gameplay advantages.
Halo 3 (MCC)Edit
The Automag was introduced into Halo 3 multiplayer, as part of the Master Chief Collection, in Series 3: Recon. This was done alongside other ODST weapons including the Silenced SMG and Brute Plasma Rifle, to celebrate ODST being brought to PC.[10] However, in Halo 3 the Automag has been heavily reworked to account for its inclusion in the Halo 3 multiplayer sandbox. These include a lower rate-of-fire and higher damage, in practice making it perform more akin to the DMRs of Halo: Reach and on.
Halo 5: GuardiansEdit
- Main article: Tactical Magnum
While the M6C/SOCOM does not directly appear in Halo 5: Guardians, a similar weapon, the Tactical Magnum, was included in that game's post-launch updates. It shares a similar concept with the M6C/SOCOM, being a suppressed variant of that game's M6H2 magnum.
Halo InfiniteEdit
An Automag-inspired weapon is useable in Halo Infinite as a cosmetic weapon model introduced in the Frontlines update. The weapon is a SOCOM conversion of the Mk50 Sidekick and features no gameplay/mechanical changes.
| Weapon Model | Manufacturer | Lore | Rarity | Unlock Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Sidekick Automag |
Emerson Tactical Systems | Mk50 with SOCOM laser light module, suppressor shroud, and cutlass grip. | Legendary |
Purchase either:
|
Production notesEdit
The SOCOM pistol in Halo 3: ODST is a reused concept for a weapon that was cut from Halo 2. During Halo 2's production, 3D artist Tom Doyle modelled a suppressed version of that game's M6C pistol, similar to the suppressed SMG also modelled during development. Where the suppressed SMG did make it to final release with the Halo 2 Vista port, the suppressed pistol did not. During ODST's production, Doyle presented the two weapons to the team, resulting in their inclusion in ODST as part of the game's increased emphasis on stealth gameplay.[11]
TriviaEdit
|
See our gameplay information related to M6C/SOCOM on its gameplay page. |
|
Browse more images in this article's gallery page. |
In tribute to Bungie's usage of Asian characters on UNSC weapons, two Korean characters are stamped on the right side of the laser module, which stands for the number seven.
GalleryEdit
Side view of an M6C/SOCOM replica by Weta Workshop for The Life.
A profile view of an M6C/SOCOM in Halo 3: ODST.
A closeup of the laser module. Note the Korean stamped characters on the side, saying "seven".
First-person view of the M6C/SOCOM in Halo 3: ODST.
The scope of the M6C/SOCOM in Halo 3: ODST.
The scope of the M6C/SOCOM with VISR activated.
Kojo Agu with an M6C/SOCOM.
Edward Buck in combat with an M6C/SOCOM.
Jonathan Doherty firing the M6C/SOCOM.
Veronica Dare and Jonathan Doherty wielding the M6C/SOCOM.
Romeo and the M6C/SOCOM, with its slide back and a spent brass casing being ejected. Note that the trigger finger is at the side of the gun.
The M6C/SOCOM in the Halo: The Master Chief Collection version of Halo 3.
An ODST-clad Spartan carrying an M6S on their thigh.
First-person view of the M6C/SOCOM in Halo 3.
4x zoom with the M6C/SOCOM in Halo 3.
An ODST (far right) using a M6C/SOCOM during Operation: SPEARBREAKER in Halo Wars 2.
![Veta Lopis with a M6C/SOCOM in Halo: Retribution.[12]](https://halo.wiki.gallery/images/thumb/d/d3/Halo_Retribution_cover.png/162px-Halo_Retribution_cover.png)
Veta Lopis with a M6C/SOCOM in Halo: Retribution.[12]
![Veta Lopis with a M6C/SOCOM in Halo: Retribution.[12]](/File:Halo_Retribution_cover.png)
List of appearancesEdit
- Halo 3 (Halo: The Master Chief Collection-only)
- Halo: Helljumper (First appearance)
- The Life
- Halo 3: ODST
- Halo Wars 2
- Halo: Retribution
SourcesEdit
- ^ a b c d e f g h i Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 166
- ^ a b c d Bungie.net, Halo 3 ODST : Field Guide - M6C/SOCOM (Retrieved on May 25, 2013) [local archive] [external archive]
- ^ a b c d Halo 3: ODST manual, page 4
- ^ The Rookie Cosplay Guide, p.64-67
- ^ a b Halo 3: ODST marketing, Halo 3 ODST ViDoc: Desperate Measures
- ^ Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition), page 309
- ^ Halo Encyclopedia (2011 edition), page 321
- ^ Halo: The Essential Visual Guide, page 53
- ^ Halo 3: ODST, campaign level Data Hive: The flashlight is used by Veronica Dare in the cutscenes
- ^ Halo Support, Halo: The Master Chief Collection Patch Notes (09/22/2020) (Retrieved on Jun 1, 2020) [archive]
- ^ Bungie Podcast, Prepared to drop just in time for E3 week, Joe Staten, Paul Bertone, Lars Bakken, and Dan Miller stop by to provide intel on Halo 3: ODST.: 19:20 "...[Tom Doyle] had also modeled a silencer for the pistol for Halo 2 which we never used..." (Retrieved on Feb 20, 2025) [archive]
- ^ Twitter, Troy Denning (@TDenningauthor): "Very observant! It is, indeed, an M6C." (Retrieved on Jun 26, 2017) [archive]
| |||||||||||||||||