MA37 assault rifle

The MA37 Individual Combat Weapon System, (abbreviated MA37 ICWS or MA37 assault rifle), formally known as the Individual Combat Weapon System, Caliber 7.62 mm, MA37 and known as the MA5 by the Naval services, is a rifle of the United Nations Space Command that is produced by Misriah Armory. The rifle is standard-issue for the Army, with its counterpart in the Marine Corps and Navy being the MA5C Individual Combat Weapon System.

Design details
The MA37 is an air-cooled, gas-operated, magazine-fed, fully-automatic bullpup rifle that fires 32 rounds of 7.62x51mm ammunition. It possesses a built-in ammunition indicator and magnetic compass for orientation similar to that of all other MA5 series rifles. It has a high rate of fire, but due to its inaccuracy, it is surprisingly accurate (albeit only moderately effective) at longer ranges if used in bursts and inflicts somewhat moderate damage against energy shields, and at close range it is a far better choice for engaging shielded foes than the DMR.

The MA37 ICWS is a close to medium range weapon. It is most effectively used by fully automatic sustained fire at close range, or by using short, controlled bursts at medium range, and for this cause, it is more effective at close range. It is a balanced starting weapon that can be used effectively in the hands of a skilled player.

Differences from MA5C ICWS in Halo 3

 * Major cosmetic differences such as a more skeletal and detailed body.
 * Shorter overall length.
 * Max ammo capacity decreased from 352 to 288 rounds.
 * Slower rate of fire and decreased damage per round.
 * Larger reticule.
 * Shots have hitscan properties, meaning they hit instantly.
 * Short, controlled bursts are much more accurate.
 * Reload, melee animations, and firing sound have been changed to make it feel more like the MA5B from Halo: Combat Evolved.
 * Smoke can be seen coming out of the weapon when fired and sparks can be seen when fired upon metal and rock.
 * The ammunition counter appears to be more of an attachment than an integrated part of the weapon, unlike on the MA5B and MA5C.

Trivia

 * Bungie stated that the MA37 "will feel most similar to the Assault Rifle of the original Halo".
 * If the player participated in the Halo: Reach Beta, which was obtainable with a copy of Halo 3: ODST, a unique nameplate emblem of an MA37 is obtainable for use on Xbox LIVE in multiplayer.
 * In the Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary announcement trailer, the MA5B assault rifle uses the MA37's model as a placeholder model. The weapon has since received a new model that resembles its appearance in the original game.
 * The MA37 may simply be a "stripped down" variant of the MA5C ICWS, this could also explain the tag of MA5C Mk. 4 found on the rifles.
 * If the binary code 01000100011000010111011001100101 in the bottom left of the scope is translated, it will read "Dave," as in Dave Candland, UI designer for Bungie.
 * The shell casings of the MA37 have the word Chief written on them.
 * The computer module on the MA37 appears to be mounted on a rail system similar to that used many modern millitary weapons, this suggests that the MA37 can be fitted with other accessories such as optical or reflex sights in place of the standard compass/ammo counter unit.
 * The maximum reserve ammunition for the MA37 varies for certain campaign missions and exceeds the limit of 288 (e.g. 600 max in Winter Contingency).
 * The fire selector switch is on the right side of the weapon only, and is located just behind the safety, which would make it rather awkward switch fire modes.
 * According to concept art (and logical rifle design), the MA37 can fire either semi or fully automatic.
 * Also according to concept art, the fire selector is modeled in the semi-automatic position, even though it only fires fully automatic in-game. This is most likely an oversight.
 * Unlike other rifles in the MA5 series, the MA37 appears to sport a telescoping stock. However, this is not used in-game.

List of appearances

 * Halo: Reach