C16 Reaper

## Overview

The C16 Reaper is a highly specialized 10-gauge semi-automatic combat shotgun, primarily used in breaching operations or as a secondary weapon in special operations. It can run a number of ammunition types, including the deadly Ripper Rounds: ammunition that activates upon being fired, actuating 6 razor sharp, superheated uranite claws on the sides of the projectile. The weapon system was created in response to the extensive underground tunnel networks dug by the Pax-Viribus Theocracy, which necessitated a demand for highly effective close-quarters combat weapons and protections. It was designed by Duke Robichaud of Blueblood Munitions Solutions in Y4147 shortly after the 1st Battle of Bulwark, following subsequent clandestine operations in and around the city of Ziggurat. Soldiers who have undergone the specialized training required to run this weapon put themselves in an elite category of operators, feared by all but the most battle-hardened of PVT forces.

### History

After the Coalition's defeat at Bulwark in Y4144, the Iron Apparat reassessed their military strategy and priority. Plans were made to increase clandestine and special operations in the Southeastern region of the Primus Territory as a means of undermining the PVT's military strength and resources in the area. The first of these missions was Operation Magic Carpet, headed by General Jack "Bullfrog" Mattis. While the objective was to sabotage and destroy a number of critical fuel lines flowing along the Gulf of Kemet, a larger problem was uncovered: massive underground networks of reinforced tunnels running underneath the Synovian Desert. This newfound emergency created a slew of new initiatives for the Iron Horde, as its military was primarily geared for long range combat and artillery bombardment. In early Y4145, the Iron Ordinance Department sent out a solicitation for a semi-automatic combat shotgun designed to operate in close quarters in potentially low or no-light conditions. After a number of trials and rejections the contract was ultimately granted to Blueblood Munitions Solutions, a subsidiary of Brownstark Firearms Co. that focuses on specialized engagement scenarios.

The initial iteration of the Reaper combat shotgun was designed by Engineer Duke Robichaud of Blueblood Munitions Solutions in early Y4146. Originally produced as a tougher, stronger, semi-automatic version of the Greatdane "Rocky" Pump Shotgun, the original Reaper design was a marked upgrade to its forerunner, sporting a thicker receiver and buffer spring amongst other improvements, allowing it to handle more powerful ammunition. Further improvements introduced a "take down" design, where the barrel and magazine tube could easily be separated from the receiver for cleaning or transportation while en-route to an objective. The design was ideal for close combat and was efficient in lightning operations due to its quick cycling rate and reliable chambering of rounds, even after prolonged use. Standard Buckshot ammunition was issued with the initial field testing, which proved to be effective. It was first utilized in Operation Salt Berserker by Strike Yellow Iron Horde Special Operatives in T2Y4148M37. Upon its initial success, the weapon's receiver was revamped and improved to accept the Ripper Round and other experimental munitions.

### Features

#### Ammunition Types

There are a wide variety of ammunition types that the C16 can run, making it a multi-function weapons platform. Standard infantry are usually given 00 Buckshot or 10G slugs, however the frame and receiver of the weapon was specifically designed to handle Ripper Rounds. Another popular round currently in circulation are Spitzer FRAG Rounds, a specialized shotgun shell which contains a small amount of high explosive to breach intermediate barriers, defeat light vehicles, and detonate explosives at range. In certain clandestine operations where electronics must be disabled, Ampere Rounds are used to overload and destroy delicate technological devices quickly and quietly.

#### Rotating Locking Bolt

The C16 was the first shotgun design to make use of a rotating, locking bolt; a feature generally seen on rifles or machineguns. This feature creates a consistent pressure curve inside the chamber as the weapon fires, allowing for a more reliable cycling of ammunition. Approximately 90% of the recoil that would typically be felt when the bolt returns after firing to cycle another round is absorbed by a special gas system. The final recoil impulse is a remarkable 10% of the typical recoil for a 10-gauge round.