Submachine Guns

Imperator Submachine Gun

by the BattleTechnology Staff

Weapon type: Submachine gun
Manufacturer: Imperator Weapons Systems
Operation: Blowback, full- or semi-auto fire
Weight (w/o magazine): 3 kg
Weight (50-round magazine): 1 kg
Length (w/o stock): 70 cm (w/stock): 80 cm
Caliber: 9 mm
Type of Fire: Single shot, 4-round burst, or full-auto
Rate of Fire: 700 rpm
Magazine: 50-round staggered box magazine
Reload Time: 10 seconds
Effective Ranges (with/without stock, full-auto):

    Short: 20/25 m.
    Medium: 40/50 m.
    Long: 60/100 m.

    (with stock, single shot or burst):
    Short: 60 m.
    Medium: 120 m.
    Long: 200 m.

Weapon Reliability: 99%
Base Cost: Cb 100
Reload Cost (50-round magazine): Cb 10

Notes

The Imperator SMG has a long history of rugged and reliable service with numerous military, special ops, and security forces throughout the Inner Sphere. Its length, weight, and relatively low rate of fire give it great accuracy and range for an SMG.

At 4 kg fully loaded, the Imperator is heavy for an SMG. Part of this weight is the result of the built-in sound suppressor. With the escape of gas from the muzzle eliminated, and the bullet's speed reduced to subsonic velocities, the Imperator is one of the most quiet of modern SMGs. Though not completely silenced, the report is softened to a light "chuffing" sound inaudible to normal hearing at ranges greater than about 80 meters. The crack--the bullet's sonic boom--caused by supersonic rounds is also eliminated, as well as the gun's muzzle flash at night, making it difficult or impossible for an enemy to determine the direction from which fire is coming at ranges over about 40 meters.

The low velocity of the round reduces the amount of damage done to the target as well as the round's ability to penetrate armor, but the Imperator remains popular with various military arms, particularly with special operations groups who can make expert use of its silenced lethality.

More Submachine Guns

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© Copyright 1987 by Pacific Rim Publishing.
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