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Mk50 Sidekick

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Mk50 Sidekick
An Mk50 Sidekick product logo.

A transparent crop of the Mk50 Sidekick in-game model. Courtesy of User:BaconShelf.

Production overview

Manufacturer:

Emerson Tactical Systems[1]

Type:

Pistol[1][2]

Variants:

Striker Sidekick

Specifications

Length:

32.8 centimetres (12.9 in)[1]

Ammunition type:

M135 10x31mm SAP[1]

Feed system:

12-round detachable box magazine[1]

Rate of fire:

Semi-automatic[1][3]

Effective range:

Close to medium[3]

Service history

In service:

 
Though it lacks big-bore stopping power, the Mk50 Sidekick is very responsive and accurate at short range. Spartans are drilled to equip the pistol very quickly, which allows them to finish off a target if their primary runs out of ammo and they can't take the time to reload.[5]

The Mark 50 Sidekick,[1][6] or simply Mk50 Sidekick (stylized as MK50 Sidekick),[2] is a type of human specialized pistol manufactured by Emerson Tactical Systems in service with the UNSC.[1] It is a rapid fire sidearm that performs optimally at close to medium range, although accuracy loss is considerable when fired in restless succession.[3][7]

Overview[edit]

Design details[edit]

Manufactured by Emerson Tactical Systems, the Mk50 Sidekick is a semi-automatic handgun in service with the United Nations Space Command armed forces. Described as "powerful and compact", it fires 10mm rounds from a detachable box magazine that typically holds 12 rounds. It differs significantly from the M6 series, the UNSC's most prominent sidearm, lacking the M6's signature hand-guard and smart-linked optic, the KFA-2 x2, while also firing a lower caliber round. The design of the Mk50 is relatively simplistic, with a segmented slide and basic, analogue iron sights. A safety switch is present on the left side of the weapon, above the trigger-guard. Emerson Tactical Systems' emblem is worked into the grip.[1] The weapon usually sports an olive green and matte black finish.[8][9]

Usage[edit]

The Mk50 Sidekick was in service with UNSC forces as early as 2551.[4] Spartans are drilled to equip the pistol very quickly.[5] By December 2559, the weapon was in service with UNSC forces aboard the UNSC Infinity, serving as primary personal sidearm of Spartans and other special forces units onboard,[1] and saw action at the Battle for Zeta Halo.[7]

Variants[edit]

  • Mk50 Groovegrip: A variant with a different muzzle design favored by tech-savvy mercenary groups and security firms.[10]
  • Mk50 Swiftguard: A variant with beta-build firmware to improve end-to-end data encryption and increase compatibility with vintage UNSC protocols.[11]
  • Striker Sidekick: A yellow-painted variant of the Mk50 Sidekick that holds 14 rounds, can kill in a minimum of five shots, and features less bloom, at the cost of stronger recoil.[12]

In-game information[edit]

Semi-automatic firearm effective at close to medium range.[3][13]

The Mk50 can hold 12 rounds with at least 72 rounds in reserve. It takes six shots to drain shields, with four subsequent body shots, or one headshot resulting in a kill. It is headshot-capable, features a very rapid reload, more bloom, and also possesses a swift draw time, making it a perfect sidearm to the MA40 assault rifle.[1]

MK50 Sidekick
vde
Weapon Model Manufacturer Lore Rarity Unlock Requirements
Icon of the Critpoint Shroud Weapon Model.
Critpoint Shroud
343 Industries Exponentially increases the weapon's visual appeal. It also makes it look cooler. Epic Purchase "Maltese Mayhem Weapon Set" Bundle from the Shop for 1,500 cR (or 800 cR during a sale)
Icon of the M90 Shroud Weapon Model.
M90 Shroud
Korolev Heavy Industries Marketed towards the police and self-defense markets. Legendary Purchase "Pop Weapon Set" Bundle from the Shop for 800 cR
Icon of the Mk50 Groovegrip weapon model.
MK50 Groovegrip
Lux Voluspa A favorite sidearm of tech-savvy mercenary groups and security firms. Epic Cyber Showdown II Event Pass level 5
MK50 Swiftguard weapon model menu icon.
MK50 Swiftguard
Emerson Tactical Systems Emerson-developed data acquisition suite with real time targeting telemetry meant to integrate directly with the latest VISR displays and tactical uplink protocols. The latest beta-build firmware provides improved end-to-end data encryption and increased compatibility with vintage UNSC protocols. Epic Purchase "Warning Signs" Bundle from the Shop for 1,500 cR
Icon of the Tacticlamp Weapon Model.
Tacticlamp
343 Industries A frame-mounted, non-reciprocating shroud with accessory rails. Rare Purchase "Tacticlamp 117" Bundle from the Shop for 1,000 cR

Production notes[edit]

The Sidekick was designed as a true sidearm pistol, being lightning fast to draw and fire, acting as a reliable backup when the player's primary weapon is depleted. Compared to the Magnums of previous titles, the Sidekick was described being closest in function to Halo 2's M6C magnum.[14] In April 2021, it was shown that the Sidekick had received a redesign since its reveal in July 2020. It would now include an underbarrel attachment similar to those featured on the M6C/SOCOM and the Tactical variant of the M6H2 magnum, as well as some other small changes.[15]

Gallery[edit]

Developmental images[edit]

Promotional images[edit]

Screenshots[edit]

List of appearances[edit]

Sources[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 166
  2. ^ a b Halo Support, Halo Infinite Weapon, Equipment, and Vehicle Inventory: "Mk50 Sidekick. Quick-draw pistol." (Retrieved on May 5, 2023) [archive]
  3. ^ a b c d Halo Infinite, Weapons Bench description: "Semi-automatic firearm effective at close to medium range."
  4. ^ a b Halo: Winter Contention
  5. ^ a b Halo Infinite, Forge - Mk50 Sidekick description: "Though it lacks big-bore stopping power, the Mk50 Sidekick is very responsive and accurate at short range. Spartans are drilled to equip the pistol very quickly, which allows them to finish off a target if their primary runs out of ammo and they can't take the time to reload."
  6. ^ Halo Infinite, multiplayer: When the player gets a kill with the Mk50 Sidekick. "Mark 50 kill confirmed." - LUMU
  7. ^ a b Halo Infinite, gameplay
  8. ^ Halo Infinite, Mk50 Sidekick in-game model
  9. ^ Xbox Wire, Bank Now, Play Later: Halo Infinite Meets Monster Energy Global Partnership (Retrieved on Aug 6, 2021) [archive]
  10. ^ Halo Infinite, Mk50 Groovegrip description: "A favorite sidearm of tech-savvy mercenary groups and security firms."
  11. ^ Halo Infinite, Mk50 Swiftguard description: "Emerson-developed data acquisition suite with real time targeting telemetry meant to integrate directly with the latest VISR displays and tactical uplink protocols. The latest beta-build firmware provides improved end-to-end data encryption and increased compatibility with vintage UNSC protocols."
  12. ^ Halo Infinite, Forge - Striker Sidekick description: "Precision Mk50 Sidekick modified for improved stopping power."
  13. ^ Halo Infinite, Academy - Weapon Drills - Mk50 Sidekick description
  14. ^ Halo Waypoint, Infinite Inquiries: "The “Sidekick” is a true sidearm pistol that is lightning fast to draw and fire – truly exceling as a reliable backup when your primary weapon is depleted and a Brute is bearing down on you. Compared to previous titles, this weapon is closest to Halo 2's version of the Magnum." - John Junyszek (Unyshek) (Retrieved on Jul 30, 2020) [archive]
  15. ^ Twitter, John Junyszek (@Unyshek): "That's not an attachment on the Sidekick. That's the Sidekick" (Retrieved on Apr 29, 2021) [archive]