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Bolt Weapons: Bolt pistols - Boltguns - Storm bolters - Heavy Bolters - Psycannons - Hurricane Bolters - Vulcan Mega-bolters - Other bolt weapons
Godwyn pattern Bolter[2]

The Boltgun, also commonly referred to as the Bolter, is the standard weapon of the Adeptus Astartes and Adepta Sororitas. A .75 caliber weapon, the boltgun works similarly to a grenade launcher firing a relatively small explosive; an initial ballistic charge launches the bolt in the same way as with an autogun, after which the explosive, commonly called a 'bolt', is self-propelled. Once it penetrates its target, it explodes. Finely hand-crafted in Space Marine or Adeptus Mechanicus forges, Boltguns are heavy, sturdy weapons with a powerful recoil normal humans would find difficult to handle.[19]

For the Astartes and Sororitas the boltgun is a holy symbol of the Emperor's wrath.[9]

Contents

Imperial Bolter Designs

The following information mainly concerns Bolters manufactured by/for, and/or used by the various factions and organisations of the Imperium, not for bolters or bolter-like weapons manufactured by Xenos, which are dealt with in the relevant paragraph at the end of the article.

The original Imperial boltgun was an invention of the Emperor of Mankind's own design.[38]

Adeptus Astartes

Like other Space Marine weaponry, Astartes boltguns are designed around their superhuman physique. The weight of each weapon would require most humans to use a supporting brace, with hand-grips larger than any normal human could manage. However, even if a normal human were to fire the boltgun, the resulting recoil would rip their arm from its socket.[10d] Normal humans found to be in possession of even a single Astartes bolt round, much less a boltgun, can expect a swift justice for their crimes.[10a]

Note that some of these are only used by specific Space Marine Chapters.

Angelus boltgun/bolter

The Blood Angels and their successor Chapter use a wrist-mounted, drum-fed variation of the standard boltgun for their Sanguinary Guard called the Angelus boltgun. It uses Bloodshard shells as ammunition.[3a] This is not to be confused with the Angelus Bolt Carbine which is not a boltgun and not a Space Marine weapon.

Angelus boltgun

Artifex Pattern

The artifex pattern bolter is amongst the most potent of its kind. Fitted with multi-spectral augur lenses, a silacharibdis shot selector and a gene-grip bioveritor, its warlike spirit responds only to its rightful owner. It is known to be used among the ranks of the Deathwatch.[37]

Artifex Pattern

Banestrike bolter

The Banestrike bolters were used by Space Marines Legionaries during the Horus Heresy.

Banestrike bolter

Mk.II Cawl pattern Bolt Rifle

The Mk.II Cawl Pattern Bolt Rifle is a new version of the venerable Boltgun developed in the closing days of the 41st Millennium for the Primaris Space Marines. Named after Magos Belisarius Cawl, the large Cawl-pattern Bolter is said to be re-crafted and re-engineered to perfection.[39] The Bolt Rifle is a larger and longer-barreled upgrade of the standard Bolter, allowing for longer range and armour-piercing capability.[40]

The Bolt Rifle is highly modular, allowing for a number of easily-created variants, such as the Auto Bolt Rifle, which is equipped with a high-capacity magazine[40], and the Stalker Bolt Rifle, which is essentially the Bolt Rifle equivalent of a Stalker Bolter.

Bolt Carbines

These variations are more compact and are typically wielded by Vanguard forces, although some chapters may employ them differently.

Primaris Bolt Carbine

This compact Bolter is used by Primaris Space Marines. It features an extra grip under the barrel. This model of Bolt Carbine is used by Reiver Squads and Black Templar Primaris Crusader Squads.[41] Bolt carbines fire smaller bolts than the standard bolt rifle, leading to a decrease in both penetrating power and effective range. However, the weapons are considered exceptionally easy to handle.[89]

Primaris Bolt Carbine
Marksman Bolt Carbine

Marksman Bolt Carbines are Bolt Carbine variants with an added scope used by Vanguard Infiltrators[59b].

Instigator Bolt Carbine

Instigator Bolt Carbines are suppressed, stealthy versions of the Cawl-Pattern Bolt Rifle utilized by Vanguard Space Marine Captains and some Eliminator Sergeants to strike targets at extreme range.[46]

Occulus Bolt Carbine

The Occulus Bolt Carbine is a variant of the Cawl-Pattern Bolt Rifle used by some Vanguard Lieutenants and all Incursors. The Carbine is equipped with a sophisticated Occulus sight array.[46]

Gravis Bolt Rifles

These variations are significantly larger and heavier, requiring the use of Gravis Pattern Power Armour to wield effectively.

Executor Bolt Rifle

Executor Bolt Rifles are a variant of the Stalker Bolt Rifle used by Primaris Heavy Intercessors.[55] It is nearly identical to the standard Heavy Bolt Rifle and Hellstorm Bolt Rifle, save that it has an elongated magazine; performance-wise it boasts superior range and armor penetration.[76][75a]

Heavy Bolt Rifle

Heavy Bolt Rifles are extended variants of the Bolt Rifle used by Primaris Heavy Intercessors and some Captains wearing Gravis armour.[55] It looks almost identical to the Hellstorm and Executor Bolt Rifles save a box-shaped magazine with exposed ammunition.[76]

Hellstorm Bolt Rifle

Hellstorm Bolt Rifles are a variant of the Auto Bolt Rifle used by Primaris Heavy Intercessors.[55] It looks almost identical to the standard and Executor Heavy Bolt Rifles save a drum-shaped magazine with exposed ammunition.[76]

Bellicos Bolt Rifle

Bellicos Bolt Rifles are prototype bolt rifles of an incredibly advanced pattern, that were created on the Forge World Bellicos.[86]

Fenris pattern Mk.IV

The Space Wolves utilize a pattern of Boltgun produced on their own homeworld of Fenris, decorated with the skulls of Fenrisian beasts.[31]

Fenris Pattern Mk.IV
Fenris Pattern Mk.IV Boltgun[31]

Godwyn pattern

The model currently used by most Space Marines is designated the Astartes MK Vb Godwyn pattern. The Godwyn-pattern bolter has a built-in ammo counter and uses a Sinister/Dexter locking mechanism with a sickle-shaped magazine carrying 30 rounds.[7b] It fires the standard Astartes .75 calibre bolt, composed of a diamantine tip, depleted deuterium core and mass-reactive detonator, typically in bursts of four rounds.[7a] Other features include a palm-print sensor for genetic identification,[15a] as well as an integral targeter that links with the autosenses in the Marine's helmet for superior accuracy.[22] It can also be upgraded with weapon accessories such as the M40 Targeting System.

Other Godwyn patterns include the Astartes Mk IIIa Godwyn Pattern, an older version, still used by the Dark Angels Chapter.[5]

Godwyn Ultima

N.B. Due to the ambiguous labelling of the images, it is not possible to say if the Minotaurs weapons shown here is a "Godwyn Ultima" or an "Ultima".

The Minotaurs are known to have used Godwyn Ultima bolt weapons during the Badab War - it is unclear if these are Boltguns or Bolt pistols.[18e] The Exorcists used Godwyn-Ultima bolters during this war.[18h]

Godwyn Ultima

Hesh-pattern

The Deathwatch uses the Hesh-pattern boltguns since M36. This weapon was originally designed by Magos Cymbry Jamis of the Adeptus Mechanicus in recognition of the Deathwatch's services. The bolters of this pattern are more compact than other weapons of its type and show exceptional craftsmanship. Due to their smaller size they are well-suited for fighting in confined spaces and they are also favoured by vehicle crews and by certain Assault Marines. The bolters incorporate an integral folding stock, motion predictor, and prey-sense sight.[14a]

Hesh-pattern
N.B. The picture shown is located next to the article about the "Hesh-pattern", but does not have a description confirming that it is this pattern.

Lion Pattern

The Lion Pattern is a boltgun developed and used by the Dark Angels sometime before the Horus Heresy. The STC fragment for this pattern was discovered, sometime in late M41, in the wreckage of the pre-heresy Dark Angel's ship: Caliban's Will, which was fused to the Olethros space hulk when it attempted to travel to Zaramund to reinforce Horus.

Mark III boltgun

The Mark III[18a] or MKIII pattern[17] boltgun is known to exist as Badab Primaris Manufactura Issue[18a] and has been used during the Badab War by the Astral Claws[17].

Mark III

Mark IV 'Macragge' pattern boltgun

The standard model Mark IV[15a] 'Macragge' Pattern[15b] (pictured here with a sickle magazine containing 20 bolts) has single-shot and burst fire (i.e. firing three bolts in short succession) modes. The bolter also incorporates a palm-print sensor to identify its wielder by its genetic imprint.[15a]

Mark IV

Nocturne-Ultima

The Salamanders are known to have used Nocturne-Ultima modified boltguns during the Badab War.[18b]

Phobos pattern

The Phobos Pattern Bolter, officially known as the Phobos R/017 Pattern[18g], is closely associated with Mk II ‘Crusade’ Armour and is perhaps the most venerable design of the Bolter used by the Adeptus Astartes. This weapon was .70 caliber as opposed to the .75 round most associated with the Bolter today.[36] Phobos pattern bolters were hand-crafted at the very birth of the Imperium, and were in service from the late Unification Wars[83].

Phobos pattern

Ryza-Ultima Variant

The Star Phantoms are known to have used Ryza-Ultima variant boltguns during the Badab War.[18i]

Ryza-Ultima variant

Sternguard Bolter

The Sternguard Bolter is a variant of the standard Boltgun wielded by Sternguards. It includes an enhanced scope, shoulder-sling strap, and a specialized magazine that allows the Sternguard to carry different types of ammunition and switch between them freely. The specialized magazine allows a variety of ammo types, at the expense of capacity of standard ammo and an increased cost to reload.[34]

Tigrus Pattern Bolter

The Tigrus Pattern Bolter (sometimes spelled Tigris Pattern[83]) was first discovered in the depths of Forge World Tigrus and the STC data for it was quickly disseminated throughout the Imperium before the beginning of Horus Heresy. The Tigrus pattern Bolter is a .60 caliber weapon as opposed to the modern .75 standard.[36] The weapon was predomianent in the Traitor Legions by the outbreak of the Horus Heresy.[83] Tigrus is now lost, yet the Bolters that bear its name, though no longer produced, continue to see service in the 41st Millennium.[29]

Note: this is also known as the Tigris class[33a]

Tigrus pattern

Ultima Pattern

N.B. Due to the ambiguous labelling of the images it is not possible to say if the weapon shown here is a "Godwyn Ultima" or an "Ultima".

The Minotaurs are known to have used Ultima bolt weapons during the Badab War - it is unclear if these are Boltguns or Bolt pistols.[18e]

Ultima

Ultra pattern

The Mk II Ultra Pattern features a Dark-Eye nightscope.[16b]

The Mk IV Ultra Pattern has a 25-round magazine, standard features include ammo-counter and targeter which links with autosenses, and palm-print genetic indentification.[16a]

Mk IV Ultra Pattern

Umbra pattern

The Umbra pattern boltgun was first used in the later years of the Great Crusade and was produced in large quantities by the time of the Siege of Terra[25][83]. They were known to be favoured by the Sons of Horus Legion[90]. By M42, the pattern was reinstated for use by the Sisters of Silence.[72]

Umbra pattern boltguns

Umbra-Ferrox pattern

A variant of the Umbra pattern known as Umbra-Ferrox was mass-produced by Chapter[Trivia I] Techmarines to ensure that enough weapons and ammunition were available during the ongoing Horus Heresy.[26] The Umbra-Ferrox iterates on the original Umbra pattern by incorporating a cyber-optical target reciprocator system that is slaved to the user's power armour's autosenses, as well as commonly an additional long-range gunsight.[33c] Most examples of the Umbra-Ferrox replace the normal Umbra pattern's sickle magazine with a higher-capacity box magazine.[18c][26] This pattern of bolter was standard issue to Legion Seekers.[33c]

Umbra-Ferrox pattern boltguns

Naval Boltgun

The Naval Boltgun is a boltgun that the Marines Errant use on boarding actions.[85]

Adepta Sororitas

Godwyn-De'az Pattern

The Godwyn-De'az Pattern boltgun has been the standard-issue weapon for the Battle Sisters since their first formation, and is unchanged due to its superiority to nearly all other boltgun-type weapons.[9a] The sisters also make use of a Sarissa as a blade attachment for their bolters.[9b]

Godwyn-De'az Pattern

Mars Pattern Mark II Scourge Boltgun

The Mars Pattern Mark II Scourge Boltgun is the preferred variant used by the Sisters of Battle of the Order of the Ebon Chalice at the Abbey of Dawn on Iocanthos. The Scourge is equipped with a Sarissa as a combat blade.[10c]

Mars Pattern Mark II Scourge Boltgun

Mark XII Jove Pattern Boltgun

Mark XII Jove Pattern Boltgun

Scopes

When mounted on Sororitas bolt weapons, whether in art or on miniatures, scopes are always offset to the left.[44][45]

Adeptus Mechanicus

Maxim Bolter

A relatively compact sort-chambered rotary Bolter, these weapons were used by the Legio Cybernetica. They were capable of a much higher rate of fire than a standard Boltgun but their weight and recoil meant that they were only used by heavily augmented machines such as Battle-automata, Karkinos Servitors or Myrmidons.[32a]

Clavus Pattern Maxim Bolter[87]

Sisters of Silence

Vratine Bolter

Specialized and ornate bolters of Terran design.[88a]

Nemesis Bolter

Longer-ranged variant of the Vratine Bolter.[88b]

Other Boltguns used by Imperial or human factions and organisations

Boltguns usable by mere "mortals" come in various patterns, though they still follow the same basic design philosophy. Despite the fact that they pale in comparison to their larger cousins, their power is still such that they can easily cut a man in two. Boltguns meant for the Imperial Guard are supplied by the Departmento Munitorum.[10d] [6]

Angelus Bolt Carbine

The Angelus Bolt Carbine is secretly produced by the Fane of Fykos on Gunmetal and makes use of illegal bolt rounds originally meant for use by Space Marines. The fanes on Gunmetal produce, under strict surveillance and security measures, the casings and primary propulsion charges which go into making these powerful bolt rounds. Despite these precautions though some of these shells "disappear" and are sold to owners of the aforementioned carbine; they are known as "blind" shells because they lack the official marks of approval normally stamped on Astartes bolt shells. Only the most exquisite materials are used for this carbine but despite its expense the sheer size of the bolt rounds mean only three can be loaded into the magazine, housed within the carbine's lacquered stock, and it can only fire in single-shot mode. Due to the highly illegal nature of these weapons (and its ammunition) only very wealthy and trusted clients get the opportunity to obtain one, amongst them the richest bounty hunters and most famous beast-slayers of the Calixis Sector.[10a]

Locke pattern

The Locke-pattern is a variant of an old Adeptus Arbites design and the most common boltgun design found in the Koronus Expanse.[20]

Locke pattern

Locke Mk IIb Spearhead Boltgun

A variant of an old Adeptus Arbites design, Lock-pattern boltguns are known for their reliability and stopping power.[92b]

Locke Mk IIb Spearhead Boltgun

Enforcer Bolter

The Enforcer Bolter is a Boltgun design used by Enforcer squads.[52]

Enforcer Bolter

Perinetus pattern

The Perinetus Pattern "Solo" Mark II is considered to be heretical by some members of the Adeptus Mechanicus. Its workings are much less sophisticated compared to other boltguns and it can only be operated in single-shot mode. Its lack of an automatic fire mode is made up for by its somewhat longer range, better accuracy and higher reliability of its mechanism. These features make it popular with PDF and rebels alike.[21]

Perinetus-pattern

Gilded Boltgun

The Gilded Boltgun is a master-crafted artificer weapon of unsurpassed beauty and artistry; a weapon fit for a Sector Lord, or a Space Marine Captain. No record remains of how this weapon made its way to the Jericho Reach, but it has been used by some of the most heralded Ultramarines to serve in the Reach.[35]

Gilded Boltgun Pattern

Orlock Boltgun

Used by House Orlock on Necromunda. Drum-fed and uses customized road crew casings.[73]

Orlock Boltgun

Goliath Boltgun

Used by House Goliath on Necromunda.[74]

Goliath Boltgun

Death Bringer

A highly modifiable boltgun pattern, popular amongst the gangers and hired guns of Necromunda. Associated with the ganger's of House Goliath.[91]

Death Bringer

More boltgun designs

Due to the fact that in most cases specific boltgun images are not labelled, unnamed designs are collected here, grouped by outward similarity.

Squat Bolter Designs

Autoch Pattern Bolter

The Autoch Pattern Bolter used by the Leagues of Votann has some similarity and common ancestry to their Imperial counterparts, but are superior in every respect. The weapon hits harder and works better.[80]

Autoch Pattern Bolter

Ironhead Boltgun

Used by Squat Ironhead Prospectors on Necromunda. It features a double-barrel and 3 drum-magazine[82].

Ironhead Boltgun

Ammunition Types

Various types of Bolter ammunition
Bolter Ammunition
Name Notes/Effects
Standard bolts Standard bolts comprise the following components: outer casing, propellant base, main charge, mass reactive detonator cap, depleted deuterium core, diamantine tip.[1] The calibre of the standard round .75 and it possesses a super-dense metallic core.[11]
Banebolts of Eryxia Used by the Deathwatch, the relic Banebolts were created by the Arch-Magister Eryxia, who spent her entire life in search of the perfect bolt shell. She spent decades working with the Deathwatch and some of Eryxia's finest creations are still extant, housed within ammunition clips chased in platinum. Whatever the nature of the foe, just one of the Arch-Magister's Banebolts, when delivered to the centre mass, can slay its target in a second.[71a]
Banestrike Rounds These mysterious shells are believed to have been developed in secret by the Alpha Legion during the Great Crusade. Their sole purpose seems to have been to breach the ceramite Power Armour of Space Marines[32b]. The Alpha Legion also gifted the ammuniiton to the Sons of Horus, where they were used by the Warmaster's veterans[90]. The Banestrikes were used openly for the first time at the Drop Site Massacre where they proved to be devastating against the Loyalist Legions' forces.[32b]
Black Vault Bolts Amongst the rarest forms of special issue ammunition available to the Deathwatch. These bolts are handed out, a few each, to warriors sent on investigative mssions, lest they encounter a foe their usual wargear cannot best.[78]
Bloodshard Shells Ammunition used by the Blood Angels for their Angelus boltguns. Its payload of razor-filament is very effective against most armours.[3a]
Derevenant Shells Used by the Deathwatch, the Shells were developed by survivors from Fort Volossia. They contain a cyclic temporal core found to disrupt the Necron's reanimation long enough for their remains to vanish entirely.[71b]
Dragonfire Bolts Used by Sternguard Veterans and release a gout of superheated gas that makes a mockery of cover; the gas discharge ensuring that struck targets receive full damage, even if partially protected.[8a]
Hellfire Rounds Replaces the core and tip of the standard bolt round with a vial of mutagenic acid, and thousands of needles that fire into the target's flesh on impact, pumping the acid into the target. Developed specially to combat Tyranids, Hellfire Rounds have equally devastating results on other organic targets.[1][8c]
Helspears Used by the Deathwatch, these bolts are sheathed in a proscribed material and can pierce the hellish defences of any entity hiding behind the Warp's corrupting power.[71b]
Hyper-Growth Bolts Used by the Creations of Bile. Contain toxins that cause victims to explode in eruptions of swelling flesh.[81]
Inertial Fusion Bolts Used by the Deathwatch, these bolts cause a series of micro vaccum wells to collapse on detonation. Like a crushing fist, they violently implode and cause horrendous, gaping craters in whatever the bolts penetrate.[71b]
Inferno Bolts Designed to immolate their targets and destroy them with superheated chemical fire. The deuterium core is replaced with an oxy-phosphorus gel, known as Promethium.[1] It should be noted that the Chaos Space Marine Thousand Sons have their own similarly-named but unrelated type of inferno bolts, which are actually psychically-bound slugs that release arcane energies; these slugs explode with sorcerous energies upon impact.[54]
Gas-Powered Rounds These Bolter shells are propelled only by the gas expelled from the barrel. As they lack the secondary rocket ignition, they are substantially more quiet than standard bolt rounds. As a result, they are used for stealth operations.[48]
Korvidari Bolts: Utilized by the Raven Guard. These are etched with raven-feather charms and sport an abnormally long range. The bolts are packed with extra propellant for superior range and accuracy. Each bolt also houses a minute, hyper-sensitive targeting and flight correction relay, allowing for a marksman's accuracy even against heavily obscured foes.[47]
Kraken Pattern Penetrator Rounds: Powerful armour-piercing rounds. The deuterium core is replaced by a solid adamantine core and uses a heavier main charge.[1] Upon impact, the outer casing peels away and the high velocity adamantium needle accelerates into the victim, where the larger detonator propels shards of super hardened metal further into the wound. These are effective against heavily-armoured infantry.[Needs Citation]
Metal Storm Frag Shells Best against multiple lightly-armoured targets. They detonate before impact and spray shrapnel, shredding their victims. A proximity detonator replaces the mass-reactive cap, and the diamantine tip and deuterium core are replaced with an increased charge and fragmentation casing.[1] They are similar to flak rounds and are used against clusters of enemies.
Morbidus Bolts Silent projectiles that are relics of Vanguard Spearhead formations. They are a perfection of the specialist shells used by Reiver operatives behind enemy lines. When fired, Morbidus Bolts streak unseen and unerringly through the weak spots of a foe's armor. They then shatter and dispense potent toxins, that slay their targets instantly and silently. A spent Morbidus shell's final act, is to expel a gaseous hallucinogen, that renders the silent victim doubly horrific to their shocked allies.[79]
Nullbolts Anti-Warp ammunition used by the Grey Knights.[77]
Psycannon Bolts Are used by the Inquisition, primarily the Ordo Malleus and Grey Knights, in Psycannons.[4][9c]
Quake Bolts Crafted individually by a Magos, each bolt contains a warhead that emits a pulsed shock wave.[51]
Reclusiam-Blessed Bolts [84]
Seeker Bolts Special rounds used by Chaplain Boreas of the Dark Angels. Each handcrafted round contains a miniature cogitator capable of steering the bolt towards the heat signature of a target.[23]
Stalker Silenced Shells Are rounds with low sound signatures, meant for covert fighting and used in conjunction with an M40 targeting system and an extended barrel and stock on a bolter to produce a sniping weapon system. A solidified mercury slug replaces the mass-reactive warhead for lethality at sub-sonic projectile speed. A gas cartridge also replaces both the propellant base and main charge for silent firing.[1]
Tempest Bolts Incorporate tiny plasma shock generators that emit electromagnetic and thermal radiation when the shell detonates. Produced only on Mars, Tempest shells are noted as particularly effective against machines and mechanical targets.[10b]
Thermic Penetrator Rounds Used by the Deathwatch, these bolts are supplemented by thermic acceleration and releashed at hypervelocities, that result in near instant hits.[71b]
Tranquilizer Rounds A rare variety of boltgun ammunition filled with a powerful tranquilizing agent in lieu of explosives. Silent when fired from a Stalker Bolter, a single shot is capable of incapacitating a full-grown Ork. Issued one to a magazine, Tranquilizer Rounds saw service with Raven Guard forces seconded to the Deathwatch during the War of the Beast in mid-M32.[53]
Vengeance Rounds Utilise an unstable flux technology which makes them slightly hazardous to use but makes them very good against armoured targets. In fact, they were originally developed to combat Traitor Marines.[8a]
Vortex Bolts Crafted long ago in forgotten times, these immensely rare rounds creature miniature vortexes within the target upon detonation. Such an event causes catastrophic damage to even the largest enemies and Psykers who miraculously survive are driven mad by the creatures of the Warp that pour from the tear in reality.[59]
Witchseeker Bolts Used by the Black Templars. These consist of metal casings forged from the blades of fallen Battle-Brothers and blessed by Ecclesiarchy Priests. These bolts have an unnerving talent for finding their way into the heart of a Psyker.[49]

Magazines

The boltgun may have different magazines. These include:

  • Sickle - Standard magazine, 20[15a] or 25[16a] or 30[1] rounds
  • Drum - 40-60 rounds, Prone to jamming[1]
  • Straight - 12-20 rounds, Easier to load[1]
  • Duplus X - Two sickle magazines strapped together[1]
  • High Capacity - Used on Auto Bolt Rifles.[40]

Boltgun Variants

Assault Bolter

The Assault Bolter is a handheld-rapid fire Boltgun used by Inceptor Squads.[60]

Stalker Bolter

The Stalker Bolter is a variant of the standard Boltgun. With an elongated barrel and scope, it is used by Space Marines as either a precision battle rifle or sniper weapon.[8b][28]

Bolt Sniper Rifle

The Mk.III Shrike Pattern Bolt Sniper Rifle is a variant of the Boltgun used by Vanguard Eliminators. The optical sights of this weapon can be tailored for any situation, from thermoscopic vision to precision auspex scans that can penetrate several feet of solid matter. Once locked on to, there is nowhere for an Eliminator's prey to hide. Each member of the squad carries spare magazines filled with special ammunition, tailored for every eventually. Hyperfrag rounds detonate in a shower of shrapnel, Executioner rounds are sophisticated self-guided missiles slaved to a miniaturized cogitator that can seek their target from behind cover, while mortis rounds spew self-replicating mutagenic toxins into the flesh of a target[70].

Storm Bolter

The Storm Bolter is a compact, double-barreled version of the Boltgun. Two twin-linked boltguns attached side by side, the storm bolter is capable of withering fire without hindering maneuverability, granting the wielder enormous individual firepower.

Forge Bolter

The Forge Bolter is a large Boltgun mounted onto the back of the Power Armour of Techmarines.[59a]

Appearance and sounds

A camera is mounted above the boltgun’s barrel, which ensures the accuracy of the Space Marine's shooting. This camera linked to the head-up displays inside the Space Marine's helmet.[43]

Boltguns make a unique roaring sound when fired, which is caused as the propellant in their shells ignites followed shortly afterwards by an explosion when the bolt detonates upon hitting its target.[11]

Notable Boltguns

Trivia

  • Trivia I: during (and before) the Horus Heresy the standard organisational unit was the Space Marine Legion. While the term "Chapter" existed to designate a sub-unit of a legion and not Space Marine chapters as they are known in the "present" of the game setting, it is unclear which is meant in this case.

Sources


Space Marine Standard Infantry Weapons
Melee Weapons Combat KnifeChainswordChainfistPower SwordPower AxePower MaulPower FistPower LanceThunder HammerLightning ClawsForce SwordForce AxeForce StaveRelic BladeCrozius ArcanumExecutioner Relic BladeOmnissian Power AxeServo-Arm
One-Handed Weapons Boltstorm GauntletFlamestorm GauntletBolt PistolHeavy Bolt PistolAbsolvor Bolt PistolPlasma PistolHand FlamerInferno PistolNeo-Volkite PistolGrav-PistolAssault BolterPlasma ExterminatorPlasma CutterReductor PistolWeb PistolGrapnel Launcher
Two-Handed Weapons BolterAuto Bolt RifleStalker BolterStorm BolterBolt CarbineMarksman Bolt CarbineInstigator Bolt CarbineOcculus Bolt CarbineHeavy Bolt RifleExecutor Bolt RifleHellstorm Bolt RiflePlasma GunPlasma IncineratorAssault Plasma IncineratorFlamerPyreblasterMeltagunMelta RifleGrav-GunAstartes ShotgunScout Sniper RifleBolt Sniper RifleLas-FusilCombi-WeaponWebberVengeance Grenade Launcher
Heavy Weapons Heavy BolterExecutor Heavy BolterHellstorm Heavy BolterHeavy Melta RifleMulti-MeltaHeavy FlamerPyrecannonLascannonAutocannonAccelerator AutocannonHeavy Plasma IncineratorPlasma CannonGrav-CannonMissile Launcher (Superfrag LauncherSuperkrak LauncherVengor Launcher) • Assault Cannon
Attachment Weapons Astartes Grenade LauncherWrist-Mounted Grenade LauncherFragstorm Grenade LauncherGrenade HarnessCastellan LauncherCyclone Missile Launcher
Shields Storm ShieldBoarding ShieldRelic Shield
Grenades/Explosives Frag grenadeKrak grenadeMelta bombHaywire MineShock GrenadeSmoke GrenadeAnti-Plant GrenadeRad GrenadeStasis GrenadeVortex Grenade


Adepta Sororitas Weapons
Melee Weapons ChainswordEvisceratorPower SwordHallowed MaceMace of the RighteousAnointed HalberdPower BladesNeural WhipArco-FlailBlessed WeaponDialogus StaffChirurgeon's ToolsStaff of BeliefNull RodRod of OfficeSarissaParagon War BladeParagon War Mace
One-Handed Projectile Weapons Bolt PistolPlasma PistolHand FlamerInferno PistolCondemnor Boltgun
Two-Handed Projectile Weapons BolterFlamerMeltagunStorm BolterCombi-Weapon
Heavy Weapons Heavy BolterHeavy FlamerMulti-Melta
Grenades Frag GrenadeKrak GrenadeMelta-Bomb