Sniper rifle
From Lexicanum
Sniper rifles are long-ranged and highly accurate rifles, mainly used for assassination. Small groups of snipers, and even lone snipers, can hold back the advance of an enemy force many times their number, pinning them in cover. Both Imperial and Eldar forces use sniper rifles to great effect.
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Types
Many forms of sniper rifles are longer ranged and high-accuracy variations of existing firearm types. The least advanced sniper rifles use solid bullets, but some lasguns are lengthened to allow them to be used in a sniper role. There are several differences between the solid slug rifles and the long-las, that being while the long-las is an instant hit weapon and therefore has pinpoint accuracy, it will reveal the sniper's position when fired, which a solid slug rifle would not do if equipped with a suppressor as they usually are. Most weapons have specialist sights added on to enable them to pick out specific targets such as officers.
Long-las
The long-las variant of the standard lasgun is a very potent weapon. Using highly charged power packs called "Hot Shots" they can take the head off an enemy with one well-placed shot. A well known user of the long las is Master Sniper Hlaine "Mad" Larkin of the Tanith First and Only.
Needle sniper rifle
Needle sniper rifles (or Needlers) are used by some sniper and assassin units of the Imperium. Needlers fire a needle of crystallized toxin. The weapons also make use of a form of laser technology in order to propel the toxic sliver, and if necessary to penetrate armour. Needlers are silent and the sliver itself is so fine that it is not felt even if it penetrates flesh. The crystallized toxin dissolves almost immediately after penetration. The toxin is extremely fast-acting, taking effect in a matter of a few seconds.
The laser used by the Needler is invisible and flashless, allowing the weapon to be used without giving away the sniper's position. The beam which propels the sliver gives the Needler unerring accuracy, driving the toxin to its target. The secondary function of the beam is to pierce any existing armour and provide an opening for the sliver to penetrate.
Various types of toxins can be employed by the Needler, the most common three being neuro-toxins which are deadly, sedatives which put the victim in a temporary coma, and intoxicants which stupefies the victim, putting him in a completely passive state.
The needler's main drawback is its poor armour penetration.1, 2
Exitus Rifle
High-powered customized sniper rifles are the characteristic weapon of Vindicare Temple assassins, and are feared by troops for their ability to take down even the most heavily armoured infantry with a single shot. Vindicare sniper rifles can make use of anti-tank rounds to penetrate otherwise impenetrable armour.
Related articles
Sources
- 1:Warhammer 40,000: Wargear (both editions)
- 2:Confrontation
