M20 SMG

The M20/Personal Defense Weapon is the post-Covenant war successor to the M7 SMG.

Overview
Developed as a response to the Insurrection and the Covenant, the weapon is issued to UNSC vehicle and aircraft crews, security personnel, and Spartans who expect close-quarters combat, and has been adopted by a number of UEG security forces.

Design details
The M20 is visually similar to its predecessor, though it differs in using a new high-velocity armor-piercing round that increases the amount of kinetic energy imparted to the target, specifically developed to counter the proliferation of military-grade armor among Insurrectionist cells and as a response to Covenant energy shield technology. The weapon uses top-mounted magazines of cased ammunition rather than the side-mounted magazines of caseless ammunition used by the M7. Otherwise, the weapon is very similar, featuring an adjustable grip under the weapon and a telescoping stock which can be retracted, allowing the weapon to be fired one-handed. Although the most commonly issued model features a telescopic sight attachment, the weapon also accomodated an array of extended barrels, sound suppressors, laser targeters and recoil stabilizers. The weapon is also compatible with kinetic bolts that impart more kinetic energy to the target, and can be equipped with an energy bayonet.

Projection SMG
SMG with Projection Sight. SWAT configuration used by UNSC military police and UEG security forces.

Recon SMG
SMG with Recon Sight. Personal defense weapon configuration issued to UNSC pilots.

Attachments

 * Long Barrel: Increases range of bullet magnetism and aim assist.
 * Laser Targeter: Increases weapon accuracy by reducing bullet spread.
 * Silencer: Firing the weapon does not make the user show up on enemy radar. However, walking still gives away the user's position.
 * Stabilization Jets: Helps control vertical recoil.
 * Kinetic Bolts: Augments knockback and damage against vehicles.
 * Energy Bayonet: Increases melee damage and range, allowing for a one-hit kill against normal opponents.
 * Extended Mags: Increases both ready and reserve ammunition capacity by 50%.

Changes from M7 SMG in Halo 2: Anniversary

 * Can now be zoomed in using the Smart Scope and have its bloom reduced at the cost of added recoil.
 * Headshots now deal bonus damage on unshielded targets.
 * Increased damage, killing in 13-15 rounds, depending on the headshot bonus.
 * Maximum ammo doubled, from 180 to 360.

List of appearances

 * Halo 5: Guardians