weapon technology • Pulse weapons

Pulse guns, also referred to as "pulsers", are a type of energy-based firearm widely used across the Sol system by various individuals and organizations, including military forces, special operatives, mercenaries, and even civilians in self-defense.

Quick Facts:

• Form factors vary but most are small and easily held in one hand
• Discharge is a bolt of searing energy
• The intensity of the blast depends on which setting the pulser is on -- Lethal, Heavy Stun, or Light Stun
• Heavy Stun knocks out a target for several hours; Light Stun for roughly thirty minutes
• Rapid firing the weapon will result in overheating, which requires waiting several seconds before firing again

Pulse rifles are a larger version of pulse weaponry. They are less common for civilians. Police forces like Sol Defense and adept bounty hunters favor them because of their increased range and greater tolerance of rapid fire.

Quick Facts:

• Despite their greater size, most pulse rifles are lightweight
• Most are equipped with gravity-balance stands at the front, that hold the entire weapon horizontal while resting on a surface
• The intensity of the blast depends on which setting the pulser is on -- Lethal, Heavy Stun, or Light Stun
• Heavy Stun knocks out a target for several hours; Light Stun for roughly thirty minutes
• Rapid firing the weapon is possible, but prolonged bursts will result in overheating, which requires waiting several seconds before firing again
• Some models also have a flashlight above the barrel
• Some models have a scope for greater accuracy
• An optional attachment to the barrel provides stun rod capabilities for melee combat

Pulse sniper rifles are a specialized version of pulse weaponry. Civilians are not legally allowed to own them in the Sol System, though places such as Triton and some of the Jovian moons like Ganymede are too independent to follow such laws.

Quick Facts:

• Most pulse sniper rifles are medium weight
• Most are equipped with gravity-balance stands at the front, that hold the entire weapon horizontal while resting on a surface
• Some models have both Lethal and Stun settings. Others are strictly configured for Lethal.
• Rapid firing is not possible with sniper rifles unless heavily modified. \
• Most models allow for two consecutive shots before the weapon needs to recharge.
• Some models also have a flashlight above the barrel
• All models have scopes with varying degrees of optic enhancement technology