Autopistol var addthis_config = {"data_track_addressbar":true};

An Autopistol⁵

Autopistols are rapid-firing automatic pistols which have a faster rate of fire than most other pistols.⁴ They are similar to 20th century submachine guns, but more compact. Essentially they are the pistol version of the autogun.^1,2 They are a favourite weapon amongst military veterans as a supplement to their lasguns, and are also favorably used by gangers and outlaws.^{3, 4}

Autopistols are still in use throughout the Imperium due to the fact that they can be produced on low-tech worlds. Like the autogun, the autopistol uses caseless ammunition. The weapon works by using a solid hammer to ignite a chemically combustible propellant, expelling the solid projectile through the barrel. The reactive force of the bullet's expulsion returns the breech, loads a further bullet, re-cocks the mechanism and (providing the trigger is still depressed) fires a further round until the magazine is empty or the trigger is released.

Some regiments, including the Cadian 8th, often equip their troops with autopistols as sidearms, improving their combat firepower. In other quarters, it is felt that only officers should be equipped with pistol weaponry, so such equipment is reserved for soldiers of and above the rank of Lieutenant.

Known Models

• Scipio - used by Imperial Navy officers and by Inquisitor Gregor Eisenhorn

Variations

The Naval Pistol is a variant of the autopistol that is used as the standard sidearm by Imperial naval officers. It differs from a basic autopistol in that it uses fragmenting ammunition designed to stop a target in its tracks rather than work effectively at range. On most Imperial ships the name of the ship is engraved on the weapon's stock, making naval pistols from famous vessels highly valuable to collectors.⁴

Related Articles

• Auto Weapons
• Autogun
• Autocannon

Sources

• ¹: Warhammer 40,000: Wargear (2nd Edition)
• ²: Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader
• ³: Dark Heresy Rulebook, p.132
• ⁴: Rogue Trader Rulebook, p.120-121
• ⁵: Imperial Armour Volume Six - The Siege of Vraks - Part Two pg.148
• Codex: Imperial Guard (3rd Edition, 1st Codex)
• The Imperial Infantryman's Uplifting Primer