M6C/SOCOM

"M6S — whisper-quiet with armor-piercing rounds. Brutes might see us coming, but the only thing they'll hear is their asses hitting the ground."

- Gunnery Sergeant Edward Buck.

The M6C/SOCOM, also known as the "M6S" and informally known as the "Automag", is a semi-automatic pistol used by the United Nations Space Command. It is a specialized variant of the M6C magnum sidearm used by special operations teams.

Design details
The M6C/SOCOM variant is a special issued handgun to the UNSC's special operations units. The M6C/SOCOM variant has an integrated sound suppressor, and muzzle brake. It is the secondary weapon of special forces like Orbital Drop Shock Troopers and is used in operations that rely on stealth rather than direct engagements. In lieu of the KFA-2 sight used on the M6D PDWS, the M6C/SOCOM utilizes the VnSLS/V 6E smart linked 4× scope, enabling the user to eliminate targets at long range while incurring limited recoil due to the integral sound suppressor and compensator. It has a considerably high rate of fire with an long effective range, being able to hit a target accurately at about fifty meters. The M6C/SOCOM is, like its M6C counterpart, weaker than the standard-issue M6G PDWS due to lower efficiency against shielded and heavily armored targets.

Like other M6 pistols, the M6S is operated based on the short-recoil principle. When the weapon is fired, the expansion of gases inside the chamber and barrel creates a force sufficient enough to re-cock the weapon and chamber a new cartridge from its magazine.

Ammunition
The M6C/SOCOM uses M225 12.7x40mm semi-armor-piercing high-explosive rounds.

Gameplay
The Automag was added to the Halo: The Master Chief Collection version of Halo 3 when Halo 3: ODST was added to PC. Like the BR55HB, it will kill players in 4 headshots.

Advantages
The M6S is far more accurate and effective at longer ranges than the M6G due to its zoom and boasts a slightly higher fire rate. Combined, these two factors make the M6S an overall more effective weapon than the M6G, although it cannot be dual-wielded. It is generally better to use the M6C as a sidearm rather than a primary weapon for these reasons, but the M6S can be a valuable utility when needed.

Disadvantages
The M6S cannot be dual-wielded, meaning that players will have to give up their secondary weapon slot if they wish to perform a Noob Combo. Additionally, rapid and sustained fire of the M6S can result in a significant kick that the user must compensate for if they wish to stay on target. In Halo 3: ODST, the weapon's suppressor does not actually grant any stealth attributes to the player, and firing the M6S will still alert enemies to the user's presence.

Changes from the M6G PDWS in Halo 3

 * Complete visual overhaul
 * Increased accuracy
 * Magazine increased from 8 to 12 rounds (the same as the original M6C in Halo 2)
 * Higher maximum reserve ammunition (60 rounds, up from 48)
 * Reserve Magazine reduced by 1 (6 to 5 > 8/48 to 12/60)
 * Increased rate of fire (same as M6C)
 * New firing sound (due to the suppressor)
 * Addition of a 4× zoom feature
 * Weapon is far less effective against energy shields

Trivia

 * In tribute to Bungie's usage of Asian characters on UNSC weapons, two Korean characters are stamped on the right side of the laser module, which stands for the number seven.
 * The SOCOM variant of the M6C was actually modeled for Halo 2; however, it is unknown if it was ever planned to be included.
 * In the Halo 3: ODST ViDoc, Desperate Measures, Buck refers to the M6C/SOCOM as the M6S, paralleling the M7S silenced SMG, with the "S" likely meaning "suppressed".
 * The M6S was nominated for Machinima.com's Inside Gaming best weapon of the year award.
 * Despite using different ammunition, the M6G appears on the ammo packets for the M6C/SOCOM in Halo 3: ODST.
 * There is a flashlight mounted underneath the frame which cannot be used, similar to the MA5C.
 * The flashlight is only seen used by Veronica Dare when entering the Superintendent's data center.
 * The M6C/SOCOM fills a similar role in the UNSC as the H&K MK23MOD0 OHWS (Offensive Handgun Weapon System) does for the US Armed Forces. Both weapons have a 12 round magazine, a sound and flash suppressor, and a laser aiming module (LAM)/flashlight.  However, the MK23 fires 0.45 ACP (11.43×23 mm) instead of 12.7×40 mm ammo.

List of appearances

 * Halo 3
 * Halo: Helljumper
 * The Life
 * Halo 3: ODST
 * Halo Wars 2
 * Halo: Retribution