Mk50 Sidekick

The Mark 50 Sidekick, or simply MK50 Sidekick is a type of human pistol manufactured by Emerson Tactical Systems in service with the UNSC. It is a rapid fire sidearm that performs optimally at close to medium range, although accuracy loss is considerable when fired in restless succession.

Design details
Manufactured by Emerson Tactical Systems, the MK50 Sidekick is a semi-automatic handgun in service with the UNSC Armed Forces. Described as "powerful and compact", it fires 10mm rounds from a detachable box magazine that typically holds 12 rounds. It differs significantly from the M6 series, the UNSC's most prominent sidearm, lacking the M6's signature hand-guard and smart-linked optic, the KFA-2 x2, while also firing a lower caliber round. The design of the MK50 is relatively simplistic, with a segmented slide and basic, analogue ironsights. A safety switch is present on the left side of the weapon, above the trigger-guard. Emerson Tactical Systems' emblem is worked into the grip. The weapon usually sports an olive green and matte black finish.

Development history
The MK50 Sidekick entered production at some point before 2559. By December 2559, the weapon was in service with UNSC forces aboard the, and saw action at the Battle for Zeta Halo.

In-game information
The MK50 can hold 12 rounds with at least 72 rounds in reserve. It takes six shots to drain shields, with four subsequent body shots, or one headshot resulting in a kill. It is headshot-capable, features a very rapid reload, and also possesses a swift draw time, making it a perfect sidearm to the MA40 assault rifle. The MK50 also possesses three weapon models, which were released during Season 01: Heroes of Reach.

Variants

 * MK50 Sidekick: The base variant of the MK50. Can hold 12 rounds, can kill in a minimum of seven shots, and features more intense bloom.
 * Striker Sidekick: A yellow-painted variant of the MK50 Sidekick that holds 14 rounds, can kill in a minimum of five shots, and features less bloom, at the cost of stronger recoil.

Production notes
The Sidekick was designed as a true sidearm pistol, being lightning fast to draw and fire, acting as a reliable backup when the player's primary weapon is depleted. Compared to the Magnums of previous titles, the Sidekick was described being closest in function to Halo 2's M6C magnum. In April 2021, it was shown that the Sidekick had received a redesign since its reveal in July 2020. It would now include an underbarrel attachment similar to those featured on the M6C/SOCOM and the Tactical variant of the M6H2 Magnum, as well as some other small changes.

List of appearances

 * Halo Infinite
 * Winter Contention
 * Halo: The Rubicon Protocol