MA series

A comparison between the MA5B, the MA5C, and the MA37.

The Individual Combat Weapon System series (ICWS series), MA line, MA Assault Rifle series or MA series is a line of small arms produced by Misriah Armory. It is the oldest rifle in use with the United Nations Space Command and is in use with every branch and division of the UEG's armed forces. Weapons of the ICWS series are given the prefix "MA".

Overview

Design details

MA series weapons are gas-operated, air-cooled, and utilize a rotating bolt. They are magazine-fed and commonly chambered in the 7.62×51mm round, with specialist ammunition available via request. Fire modes include single shot, burst, and fully automatic. They are easy to clean and use.

History

By 2437, the MA5 series began to supersede other variants in adoption across all branches of the UNSC.

Variants

MA1 Series

• MA1 Individual Combat Weapon System: The MA1 was presumably the first iteration of the MA series. It was likely the immediate predecessor to the MA2.

MA2 Series

• MA2B Individual Combat Weapon System: The MA2B is, in many respects, a cut-down version of the later MA5B. It is chambered for .390 caliber ammunition and can fire fifteen rounds per second. The MA2B sees sparse service with UNSC Special Forces operators.

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  The MA2B assault rifle.

MA3 series

• MA3A Individual Combat Weapon System: A predecessor of the MA5 series. By 2552, it had been retired from service, though it was popular on the black market and was commonly used by terrorist organizations.
• CM 300 carbine: A cost reduced version of the MA3 created for settlers and security forces in the late 24th-century.

MA5 Series

Main article: MA5 series

The weapons of the MA5 series are capable of being outfitted with M301 Grenade Launchers and underslung shotguns.

• MA37 Individual Combat Weapon System: The MA37 is the UNSC Army's variant of the MA5 series. The MA37 receives a thirty-two round magazine.
• MA5B Individual Combat Weapon System: The MA5B is commonly used by the UNSC Marine Corps and Navy. It saw more frequent usage before and during the early years of the Human-Covenant War. Following the introduction of the MA5C, it is often relegated to use in short-range combat. The MA5B receives a sixty-round magazine.
• MA5C Individual Combat Weapon System: The MA5C is an improvement upon the MA5B, featuring a heavier barrel with a one-in-seven twist, a stronger spring mechanism, and a sturdier, more ergonomically designed handguard. It receives a thirty-two round magazine; the reduced magazine capacity in relation to the MA5B is part of an effort to prevent wearing of the magazine spring. It is used by the Marine Corps and the Navy in short-to-mid range combat.
• MA5D Individual Combat Weapon System: The MA5D is the most recent iteration of the MA5 series. Limited issue during the Human-Covenant War, but became standard-issue by 2557. Competed with and was steadily replaced in prominence by the MA40 assault rifle along with all prior models of assault rifle as of 2560.
• MA5K carbine: The MA5K is a carbine variant of the MA5 that used almost exclusively by Special Forces units. It receives a thirty-round magazine and is seemingly modular, capable of being assembled in various configurations.

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  The MA37 assault rifle.
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  The MA5C assault rifle.
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  The MA5D assault rifle.
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  The MA5K Avenger carbine.

MA6 Series

• MA40 Individual Combat Weapon System: An updated version of the MA37 that increases mechanical reliability and durability in more extreme conditions while taking in design upgrades of the entire MA5 line. Emerged as a competitor to the MA5 and has superseded it in prominence, becoming the standard weapon of the UNSC Army and Marine Corps as of 2560. Despite this dominance, MA5 assault rifles still make up the vast majority of the MA line in UNSC armories.