Difference between revisions of "Boltgun"
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The Bolter is a mid-range weapon, between the lighter [[Bolt Pistol]] and heavier [[Heavy Bolter]], and is easily carried by any Space Marine. It works in the same way as other [[Bolt Weapons]] and in massed ranks produces such destruction as to easily frighten any enemy advancing into oncoming fire. | The Bolter is a mid-range weapon, between the lighter [[Bolt Pistol]] and heavier [[Heavy Bolter]], and is easily carried by any Space Marine. It works in the same way as other [[Bolt Weapons]] and in massed ranks produces such destruction as to easily frighten any enemy advancing into oncoming fire. | ||
| − | For the Adeptus Astartes the Bolter is a holy symbol of the [[Emperor]]'s wrath. Each Marine carries a weapon hand-crafted by an artificer in either the Chapter's own forges or on a [[Forge World]] and at each step of its construction the proper rituals must | + | For the Adeptus Astartes the Bolter is a holy symbol of the [[Emperor]]'s wrath. Each Marine carries a weapon hand-crafted by an artificer in either the Chapter's own forges or on a [[Forge World]] and at each step of its construction the proper rituals must be observed, and sacred oils are applied. The Marine's maintenace of his weapon therefore carries a degree of religous ritual, as well as being part of the dedicated daily rituals of the Space Marine. |
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*Heresy Pattern | *Heresy Pattern | ||
*Filienostos Pattern | *Filienostos Pattern | ||
| + | *Nostra Pattern | ||
*Astartes Umbra Pattern | *Astartes Umbra Pattern | ||
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*Sickle - Standard clip, 20-30 rounds | *Sickle - Standard clip, 20-30 rounds | ||
| − | *Drum - 40-60 rounds | + | *Drum - 40-60 rounds, prone to jamming |
*Straight - 12-20 rounds, easy to load | *Straight - 12-20 rounds, easy to load | ||
| − | *Duplus X - Two magazines strapped together | + | *Duplus X - Two sickle magazines strapped together |
==Sources== | ==Sources== | ||
Revision as of 23:37, 6 December 2006
The ubiquitous Bolter is commonly associated with the legendary Adeptus Astartes, however its variants are used throughout the armed forces of the Imperium.
The Bolter is a mid-range weapon, between the lighter Bolt Pistol and heavier Heavy Bolter, and is easily carried by any Space Marine. It works in the same way as other Bolt Weapons and in massed ranks produces such destruction as to easily frighten any enemy advancing into oncoming fire.
For the Adeptus Astartes the Bolter is a holy symbol of the Emperor's wrath. Each Marine carries a weapon hand-crafted by an artificer in either the Chapter's own forges or on a Forge World and at each step of its construction the proper rituals must be observed, and sacred oils are applied. The Marine's maintenace of his weapon therefore carries a degree of religous ritual, as well as being part of the dedicated daily rituals of the Space Marine.
Bolter Designs
The model currently in use is designated the 'Astartes MK Vb Godwyn pattern' and tends to be fired in 4 round bursts. There were, however, many other variants used throughout history including:
- Ultima Pattern
- Crusade Pattern
- Heresy Pattern
- Filienostos Pattern
- Nostra Pattern
- Astartes Umbra Pattern
They all have the same basic features and design. There are also various addons available to each bolter, including:
- M40 targeting scope
- Ammo Counter
- Sinister/Dexter locking mechanism.
Ammunition Types
Apart from the standard pattern, these ammunitions are only available for high ranking officers and officials, elite forces such as Deathwatch Kill Teams, or on special missions. Their limited availability is due to a number of factors, including their huge costs of production (such as the Inferno bolt which needs an airtight vacuum production line) or their nearly lost technology. Variants include but aren't limited to:
- Standard Pattern - Standard explosive and propulsive charges used, depleted deuterium core and diamantine tip and mass reactive detonators.
- Inferno Bolt - Deuterium core replaced with oxy-phosphor gel (a powerful chemical combination which burns on contact with air).
- Hellfire Round - Explosive core replaced with thousands of needles impregnated with mutagenic acid for use against Tyranids. A Heavy Bolter variant (blast effect) is available.
- Metal Storm Frag Shell - Standard charge and detonator replaced with fragmentation shell and a proximity sensor detonator.
- Stalker Silenced Shell - Propellant and explosive replaced by gas cartridges, detonator cap replaced with solidified mercury slug.
- Kraken Pattern Penetrator Round - Deuterium core replaced by solid adamantine core, heavier propulsive charge.
- Oddyseus Bolt - Psychically impregnated solid slug for tracking targets.
Magazines
The Bolter may have one of four different magazines. These include:
- Sickle - Standard clip, 20-30 rounds
- Drum - 40-60 rounds, prone to jamming
- Straight - 12-20 rounds, easy to load
- Duplus X - Two sickle magazines strapped together
Sources
- 3rd Edition Rulebook
- Codex: Space Marines (3rd Edition)
- 4th Edition Rulebook
- Codex: Space Marines (4th Edition)
