- A variant on the iconic MA3A, a favorite of URF rebel groups with the ability to acquire them, the Peachbrook Armory MA3A was a heavily modified variation created in limited numbers by the Gilgamesh Free State for its frontline soldiers due to the expected inadequacy of the Colt Blaster HDW Mk.15 in combat against UNSC troops in a conventional war. In 2548, as the Free State began to equip more and more of its troops with the MA-series of rifles, it also put out a request for a weapon that could be domestically made so as to ensure the Free State did not become reliant on outside suppliers for basic military necessities such as small arms. The winning design was put out by former gunsmiths of the Peachbrook Repeating Arms Company in 2550, and it went into full production in 2552 in the Company's former factory, with the machinery either retooled or acquired off the black market. By September of 2553, slightly more than 10,000 rifles had been manufactured. While loved by soldiers, due to Baal Defense Solutions reequipping the GFAF with the up-to-date MA5 series of rifles, the MA3As were put into storage, and brought back into service in August of 2555 after BDS abandoned the Free State. As a result, these rifles are exceptionally rare, due to the fact that most of those that were not destroyed or captured by the UNSC was in use by rebel resistance groups.
- These rifles are, in comparison to the average military surplus or civilian market MA3A, exceptionally well-made. This is mainly due to the fact that the gunsmiths from the Peachbrook Repeating Arms Company had previously been in the business of creating match-grade rifles, and this dedication to quality carried over into the creation of their MA3As. As a result of this quality, and its rarity, the weapon is prized by recreational shooters and collectors alike.
- Each of the weapons is readily identified by several characteristics. First, the iconic 'hood' on most MA rifles with its ammo counter is nonexistent, replaced with a carrying handle and modular attachment system. Second, on the left side of the magazine well, the words PEACHBROOK ARMORY are stamped, with the former above the latter, and a wreath below that to identify the rifle as GFS property, with the serial number below that. The right side is reserved for acceptance marks by the unit it was issued to. In the upper right corner will be an 'A' or 'AF', indicating whether it was issued to the Army or Air Force, respectively. Rarely, markings of 'N' or 'AX' have been seen, which indicate that the rifle was destined for the nascent Navy, or sent to an Auxiliary unit. Several other markings are also present on issued weapons. For Army weapons, they will have a number followed by IR or CR for infantry or cavalry regiments. Air Force weapons will be stamped with a number and FS, AS, BS, or AD for fighter, attack, and bomber squadron security units, as well as air defense battalions.
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