User:Delta-269/M280 Assault Rifle

The '''M280 Battle Rifle is an Alliance of Free Colonies infantry service rifle. It started active duty in 2525. It is most notable for its powerful three-round burst ability and accurate 5x scope, making it more efficient at farther ranges than an Assault Rifle.

Introduction
The M280 Battle Rifle is a gas-operated, magazine-fed, shoulder fired, mid-to-long range weapon, which fires in short bursts. It can be semi-automatic, or fully-automatic, but it is commonly used in burst fire. The Battle Rifle is the most efficient infantry rifle in the Alliance Armory. It is equipped with a 5x electronic scope for better accuracy at longer ranges.

While the M280 offers far greater range and accuracy than the MA5, it can be more difficult to use during close-quarters engagements. The firing characteristics of the M280 are comparable to the Covenant's Type-51 Carbine and the UNSC's BR55, though they are very different in appearance and mechanical operation. The M280 has a burst capability that is similar to the BR55 Battle Rifle. The M280 Battle Rifle is a good, all-around weapon, being the much more accurate combat rifle that replaced the MA5 Assault Rifle used by the Alliance prior to 2525.

Physical Description and Appearance
The M280 is a selective fire rifle that fires the 12.7mm x 40mm SAP HE round. It fires from a 20 round magazine. The magazine housing is built directly into the underside of the rifle and is located in front of the grip.

This titanium alloy weapon is gas-operated with a rotating bolt and therefore must be cocked before the first round can be fired. The charging handle used to chamber the round is located on the left side of the weapon and does not move during operation. Once the first round is fired, the gases from that round—and those to follow—impinge upon a gas piston, which pushes back the bolt carrier, rotating the bolt inside and continuing to chamber rounds until the magazine is empty. Once the magazine is empty, the charging handle can either be pulled back and locked or it can be fully cycled after a fresh magazine has been housed. If it is pulled back and locked, then it must be pushed forward once a fresh magazine is housed to chamber a new round. The magazine release button is located on both sides of the gun with an arrow pointing down towards the housed magazine. The ejection port is located on the right side of the weapon. There is also a fire selector on both sides of the ammo display.

The M280, having a rifled barrel, is 89.9cm long and is fitted with a scope for increased accuracy. The scope is mounted on the optics rail. The safety is also located above the handle of the weapon.

Ammo
The ammo used in the M280 is near identical to the ammunition used in the M6-Series pistols used by the UNSC. Due to the semi armor piercing nature of the round it is likely coated or made of a hard metal such as steel but deforms shortly after impact to prevent the bullet exiting the body and causing accidental casualties. The filler is a stable explosive with a delay action fuse so it goes off shortly after impact, ideally in the body of the enemy, often lethal and crippling.

Alliance Remarks
"I love this thing! It's ammo capacity is amazing, a little underpowered and lacking in range compared to the UNSC's Bee Arr's, though."

- Anonymous Alliance Soldier.

"This gun is the best. Don't care what you say, it's my very favourite gun."

- Adam Cobb.