Winchester Model E

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The Winchester Model E is a pre-war civilian laser rifle based on the Winchester Model 18, Winchester’s attempt to compete against General Atomics International and Watts Electronics for the military’s laser rifle contract. 
==Background==
The predecessor to the Model E, the Model 18, would begin development in competition with General Atomics International’s AER system and Wattz Electronics’ 2000 system. Like the other two systems, original Model 18s would utilize microfusion cells. The project would, however, collapse as the Winchester system offered very little when compared to its competitors. Winchester, having invested heavily into the R&D required to bid for the contract, was reluctant to abandon development of the system entirely. This would eventually lead to the production of the Model E.
Unlike the Model 18, the Model E utilized battery packs to store the energy required to produce the laser beam. This led to much worse endurance than its contemporaries but allowed the weapon to be sold commercially. The usage of batteries pack also led to the weapon being easier to produce. In spite of this, the Model E would not be a financial success for the Winchester company.
With the eventual success of the Winchester P94 plasma caster and its rifle successor, Winchester revisited the Model E to produce the Winchester Model E 950. This improved version of the weapon continued to be sold under the Model E brand and was sought for evaluation in a logistical sidearm role by the US Army. While Winchester failed to secure the contract, Winchester would take advantage of the situation to market the E 950 as a military-grade sidearm.
==Characteristics==
The Winchester Model E is a low-power laser rifle which is effective at medium to long range. It is unique among laser rifles in that the basic model relies on a chargeable battery pack instead of microfusion cells. This decision, however, leads to the Model E being particularly heavy and unwieldy. Additionally, the power of the outputted laser is notably lower than that of military-grade lasers, such as the AER9, due to both regulations and design limitations. In spite of these issues, the Model E is effective for its advertised purpose, small game hunting.
Other versions of the Model E, such as the E 950, would achieve greater effectiveness thanks to the integration of German technology. The E 950 is effective at medium to long range and against all unarmored targets. It would, however, retain the Model E’s shortcomings in weight.
==Variants==
*Winchester Model 18 - A prototype version of the Winchester Model E. The Model 18 takes microfusion cells as ammunition and is comparable to the Wattz 1000 in power.
*Model E 950 - An advanced version of the Winchester Model E, the Model E 950 is comparable in power to the Wattz 2000.
*Bitchin’ Blaster - A short-barrel version of the Model 18 originally evaluated by the Marine Corps and later upgraded post-war. This variant ignites targets struck by it.
==Locations==
*Sweetwater - Every power armoured guard carries a Model E. Also, they can sometimes be bought at the Vault Arms vender. Characters assisting Sweetwater in clearing out the Radligator infestation on the road to the Terminal Salvage Area will be rewarded with a Winchester Model E 950.
*Goose Greek Training Yard - One Winchester Model 18 is carried by the boss of the Goose Creek Gators.
*New Port Royal - A unique version of the rifle, the Bitchin’ Blaster, is carried by Captain Maria Thompson.
Category:Weapons