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Icon disambig
For an overview of Gauss rifle models throughout the Fallout series, see Gauss rifle.
M72 Gauss rifle
Fo2 M72 Gauss rifle
Fo Gun Sprite
Damage & attacks
Damage32 - 43
Damage TypeNormal
Attack Modes
SingleAction pointsIcon action AP: 5
RangeIcon range Range: 50
Ammunition
Ammo Type2mm EC
Capacity20
Requirements
Strength6
Hands2
Other
Weight10
Value$ 8290
weapon perkWeapon Accurate
Technical
Prototype id00000392
Message FilePRO ITEM.MSG
 
Gametitle-FO2
Gametitle-FO2

The M72 Gauss rifle is a small gun in Fallout 2.

Background[]

The following section is transcluded from Gauss rifle. To modify, please edit the source page.

The Gauss rifle is a coilgun, a type of projectile accelerator, which uses electromagnetic coils configured as a linear motor to accelerate ferromagnetic or conductive projectiles to extreme velocities. Though these weapons were historically suffering from a number of difficulties, focused on discharging the coils in sequence or providing enough power for the coils, these design issues were overcome by German scientists in the 21st century and entered limited service. This class of weapons is named in honor of the German mathematician Carl Friedrich Gauss, responsible for formulating the math underlying the magnetic acceleration principle of coilguns.

Patterned after conventional rifles, the M72 has a seven stage electromagnetic accelerator mounted onto a standard frame. A classic stock and grip are provided to make handling easier. This design uses an auto-loading 2mm EC cartridge (carrying both the 2mm slugs and the battery necessary to power it) slid into the magazine well in front of the trigger group. The combination of German engineering and attention to detail make it a tremendously powerful weapon, with the slugs capable of piercing most targets at extreme ranges.[1]

The rifle is a rare sight in the wasteland. Its use is restricted to the most technologically advanced organizations, such as the Enclave or select members of NCR law enforcement groups.

Characteristics[]

The M72 Gauss rifle is an extremely powerful and effective weapon, capable of demolishing most foes in only one or two shots. When equipped with this weapon, the Bloody Mess trait is seldom necessary to see the most violent death animations. Its ammunition, 2mm EC, is quite rare however, like the rifle itself, which appears most often at high levels but still remains uncommon.

It has high damage, the best range in the game, on par with the sniper rifle, and a good-sized magazine. It also has the ability to knock down foes, which is useful for stalling enemies using short ranged attacks. A targeted shot to the eyes deals brutal amounts of damage, not even Frank Horrigan is able to stand such punishment.

Weapon Ammo Performance vs. armor
None Leather jacket Leather armor Metal armor Combat armor Power armor Advanced power armor
PPK12 Gauss pistol 2mm EC

39.6 - 57.6

33 - 48

29.45 - 43.7

26.1 - 39.6

22.4 - 34.4

16.8 - 28.8

11.7 - 21.45

M72 Gauss rifle 2mm EC

57.6 - 76.8

48 - 64

43.7 - 58.9

39.6 - 54

34.4 - 47.2

28.8 - 41.6

21.45 - 31.85

Locations[]

Vendors
NPCs
  • NCR: Carried by Sheriff Dumont and Deputy Karl.
  • San Francisco, PMV Valdez: Marc carries one. Can be stolen or looted. Another black haired vagrant also carries it.
  • Steel Palace: Carried by some guards.
  • Control station Enclave: Standard service weapon of low ranking soldiers. Some are also present in the armory.
  • Random encounters: Cave robbers can carry them (if the player character is level 19 or higher).

Behind the Scenes[]

  • The S.T.A.L.K.E.R. series pays homage to the Fallout series with several weapons, while most of them were cut from the finished product the Gauss Gun was included in the main game and both expansion packs. It bears striking similarities to the M72 Gauss Rifle including very similar external appearance, extraordinarily high accuracy and damage output plus the use of rare 2mm projectiles as ammunition.

Sounds[]

SingleShotVB ReloadVB
OutVB

References

  1. In-game description of the Gauss rifle in Fallout 2: "{39200}{}{M72 Gauss Rifle}"
    "{39201}{}{The M72 rifle is of German design. It uses an electromagnetic field to propel rounds at tremendous speed... and pierce almost any obstacle. Its range, accuracy and stopping power is almost unparalleled. Min ST: 6.}"
    and
    Fallout Tactics: "name_gaussRifle = {M72 Gauss Rifle}"
    "desc_gaussRifle = {The M72 rifle is of German design. It uses an electromagnetic field to propel 2mm steel rounds at tremendous speed... and pierce almost any obstacle. Its range, accuracy and stopping power is almost unparalleled.}"
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