Canon

MA40 assault rifle

From Halopedia, the Halo wiki

MA40 assault rifle
The MA40's product logo.

A transparent crop of the MA40 Longshot in-game model. Courtesy of User:BaconShelf.

Production overview

Manufacturer:

Misriah Armory[1]

Model series:

MA series[1]

Type:

Assault rifle[1]

Variants:

MA40 Longshot[2]

Specifications

Length:

96.5 centimeters (38 in)[1]

Ammunition type:

M118 7.62x51mm FMJ-AP[1]

Feed system:

36-round detachable box magazine[1]

Operation:

Fully-automatic[1][3]

Rate of fire:

High[4]

Effective range:

Close-quarters[1]

Service history

In service:

 
Built on the proven Misriah ICWS platform, the MA40 is the standard-issue heavy rifle of the UNSC assault troops. It is an ideal weapon for stripping enemy shields because of its high rate of fire and heavy round, though the rifle is not renowned for accuracy or low ammunition consumption.[4]

The MA40 Individual Combat Weapon System (ICWS), or MA40 assault rifle, is a weapon in service with the United Nations Space Command. Built on Misriah's proven ICWS platform, the MA40 incorporates a number of updates made to the MA5 production lines during the Human-Covenant War. As of 2560, it is considered the standard-issue heavy rifle of the Marine Corps and Army.[1][4]

Overview[edit]

clear cover art
John-117 and Frederic-104 using the MA40 assault rifles during Operation: WOLFE.

Design details[edit]

Produced by Misriah Armory,[1] the MA40 is a part of the same lineage as the MA37.[7] Improvements over the MA37 are subtle, but significantly increase mechanical reliability and durability in extreme conditions, including vacuum.[1]

The rifle feeds from 36-round detachable box magazines. Present above the trigger guard on both sides of the weapon's body are fire selectors, with three dots for positions. One is black, and the others are red, indicating safe and two firing modes,[8] one of which is fully-automatic.[9] The MA40's charging handle is positioned on the left side of its body, and its ejection port is situated on the right. Beneath the end of its barrel is located a multifunction receiver into which devices that grant supplemental functionality, such as infrared laser designators, can be mounted.[10] The MA40 is also capable of being fitted with a sound-suppressor on the fly, to reduce its firing signature.[11] Although it lacks a built-in ammunition indicator like the later models in the MA series, the MA40 is typically equipped with the EVOS-J attachment instead.[8]

The MA40's appearance heavily resembles the MA37, featuring a dark grey and black finish, with a bright yellow stripe running across the cowling. The weapon is stamped with various decals including a QR code that, when translated, lists the weapon's name.[8] The sides of the upper receiver contain a proof mark indicating the weapon's year of manufacture and a certification that the weapon is safe to fire with nitrocellulose-based gunpowder. In the case of the MA40s supplied to UNSC Infinity forces in 2560, the weapons have the proof code FI, which translates to a manufacture year of 2558.

Usage[edit]

"Misriah Armory stock increase."
— A Superintendent-class artificial intelligence after a Spartan-IV got a kill with a MA40 in a War Games simulation.[12]

Although the MA40 assault rifle was in service as early as the Battle for Earth in late 2552,[5] the MA40 has been not seen widespread service until at least during the Created conflict. Although the MA40 has recently eclipsed the MA5 series in service, the latter still dominates most armories in sheer volume.[13] The MA40 was used extensively by Blue Team during the mission to Reach in 2559,[7] and saw widespread usage among Marine personnel stranded on Installation 07 during the Battle for Zeta Halo later that year.[6] An MA40 was kept in the cockpit of Fernando Esparza’s Pelican dropship in 2560, and the rifle was later used by John-117 on Installation 07.[14]

Variants[edit]

  • MA40 Flashblind: A modified variant of the MA40 chemically treated for corrosion and bioadhesion resistance. The gun's firing components can be sterilized while the weapon furniture is replaced.[15]
  • MA40 Longshot: A modified variant of the MA40 with a reduced magazine size from 36 to 25, though has increased precision capabilities, raising its performance at long-range.[16]
  • MA40 MODE MS: A custom manufactured version of the MA40, with microbial and CBRN-resistant nanodiamond coatings.[17]

MA40 attachments[edit]

  • Type 2A Barrel Shroud: A muzzle attachment, design for better heat distribution.[18]

In-game information[edit]

Reliable, fully automatic assault rifle at short to medium range.[19][20]

The MA40 holds 36 rounds ready, with 216 rounds in reserve. The base version of the MA40 assault rifle has lowered damage per round and its bloom gradually increases as the trigger is held. The reticle is very similar to the MA5D's reticle in Halo 5: Guardians. The MA40 is highly effective in close-quarters combat. The weapon, when compared to other recent incarnations of the assault rifle, fires at a significantly faster rate, akin to the MA5B assault rifle.[6]

MA40 assault rifle
vde
Weapon Model Manufacturer Lore Rarity Unlock Requirements
Icon of the Crimson Sun weapon model.
Crimson Sun
Fracture: Tenrai Protecting against evil spirits with a wall of lead. Legendary Fractures: Tenrai II Event Pass level 10
Icon of the Dragonbark Adornment Weapon Model.
Dragonbark Adornment
Fracture: Tenrai Protective cover made of scales salvaged from a fallen warrior. Legendary
  • Purchase "Blacksteel Katana" Bundle from the Shop for 1,500 cR
  • Purchase "Dragonbark Adornment" from the Shop for 300 cR
Icon of the Evolved MA5 weapon model.
Evolved MA5
UNSC No pressure, but the mother of all assault rifles has arrived. Reforged in the fires of an exploding Halo ring and quenched on the ichor of a thousand fallen Elites, feast your eyes on the finest bit of battle rattle to ever grace your dirty paws! Now, don't go asking too many questions about ammo capacity this or aim assist that. The only numbers you need to know are seven, six, and two. Now get out there and give those Covenant a belly full of lead! Legendary Purchase Spirit of Fire Premium Battle Pass for 500 cR
Icon of the Golden Eagle Weapon Model.
Golden Eagle
FOTUS Limited edition MA40 collectible. Legendary
  • Purchase "Honorbound Weapon" Bundle from the Shop for 1,500 cR (or 800 cR during a sale)
  • Purchase "Golden Eagle" Bundle from the Shop for 500 cR
Legendary, 343 Industries: With integral fluid recovery system.
Life Thief
343 Industries With integral fluid recovery system. Legendary Purchase "Sanguine Gift" Bundle from the Shop for 2,200 cR
Icon of the MA40 Flashblind weapon model.
MA40 Flashblind
Misriah Armory Chemically-treated for maximum corrosion resistance and low bioadhesion. The core firing components can be quickly sterilized while the weapon furniture is incinerated between missions. Epic Purchase Season 04: Infection Premium Battle Pass for 1,000 cR
Icon of the MA40 MODE MS weapon model.
MA40 MODE MS
Misriah Armory Custom-manufactured MA40 assault rifles with microbial-resistant and CBRN-resistant nanodiamond coatings in key locations. Legendary Purchase the "Warning Signs" or "Hazmat Haven" bundles from the Shop for 1,500 cR or 3,400 cR respectively
Icon of the Shinobi Wrap Weapon Model.
Shinobi Wrap
Fracture: Tenrai Carefully crafted to capture the sound of violence, but not dampen killing intent. Epic Purchase "Shinobi Wrap" Bundle from the Shop for 400 cR (Formerly 1,000 cR)
Icon of the Type 2A Barrel Shroud Weapon Model.
Type 2A Barrel Shroud
Misriah Armory For improved heat distribution. Epic Purchase "Maltese Mayhem Weapon Set" Bundle from the Shop for 1,500 cR (or 800 cR during a sale)

Non-canon and dubious canon appearances[edit]

Silver Timeline[edit]

HTV-SilverTeam logo.png
This article contains information about the Silver Timeline, and is not a part of the established Halo canon.

MA40 assault rifles were used by UNSC personnel, including John-117, during the Human-Covenant War.[21]

Production notes[edit]

The MA40 was first seen during the Discover Hope trailer for Halo Infinite, which was shown at E3 2019.[22] Its name was first revealed when the NERF toy based on the weapon was announced on February 18, 2020. Purchases of the NERF MA40 come with a code that unlocks a skin for the weapon in Halo Infinite.[23]

The MA40 received a visual upgrade to its textures first seen in the January 2021 edition of Inside Infinite. The color scheme appears much darker with a yellow strip along the barrel, paying homage to the MA37. The ammo counter visual is brighter and the munition counter itself is highlighted by a bright blue box.[24]

Gallery[edit]

Developmental images[edit]

Promotional images[edit]

Screenshots[edit]

Merchandise[edit]

List of appearances[edit]

Sources[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 162
  2. ^ Halo Infinite, Forge - MA40 Longshot description: "Precision MA40 with improved long-range performance."
  3. ^ Halo Support, Halo Infinite Weapon, Equipment, and Vehicle Inventory: "M40 assault rifle. Versatile fully automatic rifle that excels at close-to-medium range engagements." (Retrieved on May 5, 2023) [archive]
  4. ^ a b c Halo Infinite, Forge - MA40 Assault Rifle description: "Built on the proven Misriah ICWS platform, the MA40 is the standard-issue heavy rifle of the UNSC assault troops. It is an ideal weapon for stripping enemy shields because of its high rate of fire and heavy round, though the rifle is not renowned for accuracy or low ammunition consumption."
  5. ^ a b Halo Infinite Multiplayer Season 1 Cinematic Intro
  6. ^ a b c Halo Infinite, gameplay
  7. ^ a b Halo: Shadows of Reach, chapter 2
  8. ^ a b c Halo Infinite, In-game weapon model
  9. ^ Halo: Shadows of Reach, chapter 12
  10. ^ Halo: Shadows of Reach, chapter 19
  11. ^ Halo: Shadows of Reach, chapter 11
  12. ^ Halo Infinite, Personal AI dialogue
  13. ^ Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 163
  14. ^ Halo Infinite, campaign level Warship Gbrakkon
  15. ^ Halo Infinite, MA40 Flashblind - Description: "Chemically-treated for maximum corrosion resistance and low bioadhesion. The core firing components can be quickly sterilized while the weapon furniture is incinerated between missions."
  16. ^ Halo Infinite, Forge - MA40 Longshot description: "Precision MA40 with improved long-range performance."
  17. ^ Halo Infinite, MA40 MODE MS - Description: "Custom-manufactured MA40 assault rifles with microbial-resistant and CBRN-resistant nanodiamond coatings in key locations."
  18. ^ Halo Infinite, Type 2A Barrel Shroud - Description: "For improved heat distribution."
  19. ^ Halo Infinite, Weapons Bench description
  20. ^ Halo Infinite, Academy - Weapon Drills - MA40 AR description
  21. ^ Halo: The Television Series, timestamp Season 2
  22. ^ Halo Infinite marketing, Discover Hope
  23. ^ GameSpot, Halo Is Getting New Nerf Blasters, Including The Needler (Retrieved on Aug 19, 2022) [archive]
  24. ^ Halo Waypoint, Inside Infinite - January 2021 (Retrieved on Mar 22, 2022) [archive]