MA5K carbine

The MA5K carbine is a firearm used almost exclusively by United Nations Space Command special operations forces, notably the Spartan-III supersoldiers. It is part of Misriah Armory's MA5 series.

Overview
The MA5K is a cut-down version of the standard MA5B assault rifle. It is fully automatic and receives a thirty-round magazine of 7.62×51mm FMJ-AP ammunition. The most conspicuous difference between the MA5K and other MA5 models is the replacement of the distinctive electronics housing with a removable carrying handle similar to that of the BR55 battle rifle. The handle probably integrates a digital ammunition counter like the BR55 and other MA5 models.

Operational History
MA5Ks were used by the SPARTAN-IIIs from 2531 to 2552, especially during the Onyx Conflict.

MA5Ks were used in the Battle for Zeta Halo in 2560. During the Battle of the Beacon Tower, Robin Dimik gave her MA5K, salvaged from the wreckage of one of the 's lifeboats, to Spartan Tomas Horvath to use against the defending Banished forces. However, Dimik only had forty-six rounds left for the weapon and, even with precision shooting to conserve ammo, Horvath ran out of ammunition before the rest of the boat crew rejoined him, forcing Horvath to switch to scavenged Banished weapons.

Trivia
The 'K' in this weapon's designation follows the tradition of 20th and 21st German weapons including the letter in their designations. 'K' stands for kurz, German for short.

List of appearances

 * Halo: Ghosts of Onyx
 * Halo Mythos
 * Halo: Retribution
 * Halo: Silent Storm
 * Halo: The Rubicon Protocol