Ukala Workshop Mauler

The Type-52 Pistol, more commonly known as the Mauler, is a Covenant Jiralhanae infantry weapon featured in Halo 3.

Introduction
The Mauler is a cross between a shotgun and a revolver pistol. It is not as powerful as the UNSC shotgun, but has the bonus of dual-wieldability. Like most Brute weapons, the Mauler has a blade mounted to it, allowing for stronger melee attacks.

Vehicle
The Mauler was first revealed in one of Bungie's weekly updates, which was used primarily to elaborate on the Spartan Laser. To quote:


 * "My spotter positively identified the local bravo kilo sub-chieftain. I engaged the target at [censored] meters. The shot burned an approximately [censored] diameter hole through the target and severely damaged the Mauler he had just dismounted."

The use of the words "bravo kilo sub-chieftain" proves that the aforementioned Mauler was manned by a Brute during the encounter. Due to this, it was believed that it was a Covenant vehicle, though this was unconfirmed.

It was at first speculated to be the so-called "Brute Ghost." However, it has since been proven that "Brute Ghost" was actually a misnomer of the Brute Chopper. Some speculated that it was a Brute flier or Spectre- type vehicle of some kind, but apparently, Bungie changed their naming scheme. The Mauler was also thought to be an early misnomer of the Chopper as well.

Tactics
While the Mauler is weaker than the human shotgun because it cannot perform instant kills, there is a way to achieve an almost instant kill. To this you must be in melee distance of the target. When your Mauler's target goes red fire one shot. Follw this up with an immediate melee. This kills the opponent instantly and if you master the skill you will be able to do this before the target has time to shoot you. You must be careful though if they have a human shotgun because that will kill you before you can use your Mauler tactic. This tactic does not work when the opponent has an overshield. Whilst, dual-wielding a pair of Maulers, five well placed shots (total) will kill an enemy, with no damage/shield modifiers(Multiplayer). Sometimes, staggering your shots is effective as well, but this seems to work best when your out of melee range chasing someone down, or backpedaling while being chased yourself. Duel wielding a plasma rifle and a mauler is also an effective combo.

Trivia

 * The original Covenant Mauler appeared in the Pre-Xbox Halo as a actual covenant weapon, it can be seen here>>> beginning at the 2:49 mark.

The Mauler was also the firearm for the alien race Skedar in the FPS game Perfect Dark for N64.