Gauss rifle Gauss rifles are hand - held weapons utilizing electromagnetic coils to propel metal slugs at extremely high velocities . While in " Fallout 2 " the Gauss rifle uses the Small Guns skill , it uses the Energy Weapons skill in " Fallout 3 " and " " . Background . < section begin = " background " / > The Gauss rifle , also called a " coil gun , " is a device used to propel a ferromagnetic projectile by accelerating it through a process of electromagnetic induction . The Gauss rifle ( and Gauss gun ) are named after German mathematician , who formulated mathematical descriptions of the magnetic effect demonstrated by magnetic accelerators . < section end = " background " / > Models . M72 Gauss rifle . The M72 rifle is of German design . It uses an electromagnetic field to propel rounds at tremendous speed . . . and pierce almost any obstacle . Its range , accuracy , and stopping power are almost unparalleled . It uses 2mm EC magazines containing both batteries and ammunition . In 2241 , it is often used by Enclave soldiers . Scoped Gauss rifle . < section begin = " Scoped Gauss rifle " / > The scoped Gauss rifle is an advanced sniper rifle used during the invasion of Alaska . Unlike the M72 Gauss rifle , which uses 2mm EC magazines containing both batteries and ammunition , this gun requires the user to load in the microfusion cell s needed to energize and magnetize each pre - loaded standard round contained in the magazine that is attached to the side of the weapon . Each round produces a small " explosion " on impact , dealing minor splash damage as well as a knock - back / stun effect on the enemy ( or enemies ) for a short period of time . < section end = " Scoped Gauss rifle " / > YCS / 186 . The YCS / 186 is a unique version of the scoped Gauss rifle . In 2281 , it is found in the hands of a group of mercenaries . Its appearance is similar to the scoped Gauss rifle but rustier and with an additional 4 coils around the barrel . It requires fewer microfusion cells per shot , is more accurate , and causes greater damage than the normal variant found in the Mojave Wasteland . Unnamed Gauss rifle . The Gauss rifle has large , external capacitors and exposed copper wiring run alongside the barrel . The rifle operates on a charging principle : the user holds down the trigger to build up the charge which is shown on a nixie tube display above the stock . Releasing the trigger fires the round with a larger charge dealer more damage . The rifle , like the M72 Gauss rifle , uses 2mm EC rounds as ammunition , which is fed through a dorsal mounted cylindrical magazine . When fired , its projectile produces a momentary blue trail , similar to a lightning bolt . It can also be modded with a shielded barrel , extra capacitors , a compensator or suppressor , and various sights and scopes . Beta Gauss rifle . The Beta Gauss rifle is a beta version of the Scoped Gauss rifle that uses the model of a laser rifle and features a five round magazine . It only does about 25 % of the damage of the final version , but has a 100 % knock - down chance . It is only obtainable through console commands . Enhanced Gauss rifle . An enhanced version of the M72 model .