Rifts Up Close: CV-212/CV-213 Laser Rifle

By Tim Willard

When comparing weapons from the Golden Age of Man to modern times, many point at the Coalition States CV-212 variable frequency laser rifle as proof that technology has advanced beyond what the Ancients were capable of fielding.

The CV-21X series is a 1.5cm laser in the red visible range, with short range and burst setting. However, the real technological innovation is often said to be the molycircs that allow the weapon to analyze the refraction of the previous laser beams off of laser reflective armor in order to overcome the laser resistant properties of said armor by finding a vulnerable frequency. However, students of military weaponry will recognize not only the ability, but the molycirc pattern as having been adapted from the JA-9 laser rifle, modified, and then rebuilt in order to remove any easily spotted trace. However, the circuitry pattern of chips AE-B3 as well as the linear molycapicators at the F9 position is a dead giveaway, but is only visible when examining molecular circuitry module M3E9 of both weapon's.

However, rather than relying on a trained operator to manually adjust the frequency, the CV-21X system uses a microchip and computer program to do the adjusting for the operator, an obvious evolution of the JA-9's abilities. Some believe that the CV-21X system is actually the long missing JA-10, rebuilt from the legendary cache of pre-Rifts technology that the Coalition States possess, but most of these people believe that Northern Gun is hoarding pre-Rifts weaponry themselves.

The casing is made out of neo-tungsten hyperalloy mated with the traditional, and now signature, black macroplast of the Coalition States. The CV-212 contains a scope, while the CV-213 merely possesses a front analyser lens. The CV-212 scope has passive nightvision and laser targeting capability (provided by a built in underslung laser targeting system), while the CV-213 has neither. The casing is post-production darkened via flash-bonding macroplast powder onto the weaponry.

The system uses an octogonal synthetic quartz crystal for the lasing matrix, which needs replaced roughly every 100,000 shots. A small indicator LED will light up in the upper right corner of the scope's sight picture when the crystal begins to show degredation that can affect fire.

While the majority of the system contains the standard shock dampening mechanisms common in weaponry, the circuitry connecting the computer to the forward analyzer lens is easily knocked from its housing to rattle around the compartment, often causing the laser to warble through frequencies. Most unit level armorers fix this with a small retaining pin, and third party armorers can apply the same fix for the weapon for a meager fee of 250 Cr.

The CV-213 has no stock, instead the weapon stops right after the lasing mechanism and the handgrip, and this version is considered the version given to the new Coalition States robotic sentries.

The CV-212 has a standard stock, complete with buttkit containing tools to clean the barrel, open the casing, run diagnostics on the system, replace the crystal lasing array, or the emitter.

The CV-21X system has not seen much combat, but already the famous Ross Underhill has ordered his infantry divisions to turn in their C-12 laser rifles and be issued CV-212, fueling rumors that General Underhill may be leading the upcoming assault on Tolkeen. (Editor's Note: Well, we all know that didn't happen, didn't we?)

Strangely enough, in roughly 0.13% of the time, a robotic sentry armed with a CV-213 will go on a rampage shooting the robots around him and then putting the barrel of the rifle under his own chin and blowing his head off. Never with any other weapon, just the CV-213. Coalition authorities deny this happens, but video was captured in 4 separate instances. We are currently offering a reward of 150,000 Cr for the weapon used in any of these instances, along with documentation proving that the weapon was in fact the one used in one of these cases.

Weight: 8 lbs
Length: 39"/22"
Caliber: 1.5cm
Maximum Range: 1000m (3000 ft)
Maximum Effective Range: 700m (2100 ft)
Typical Combat Range: 250m (750m)
Magazine Capacity: 20 shots from a standard magazine, 30 shots from an extended magazine, 30 shots from a canister.
Manufacturer's Cost: 2,500 Cr
Wholesale Cost: 15,000 Cr
Manufacturer's Recommended Price: 50,000 Cr
Black Market Price: 50,000+ Cr
Wilderness Price: 5,000 Cr