M6D magnum: Difference between revisions

The M6D is a recoil-operated, magazine-fed handgun, chambered in [[12.7X40|12.7x40mm ammunition]] and typically employed with semi-armor-piercing, high-explosive rounds.<ref name="CEM"/><ref name=”HCE”>[[Halo: Combat Evolved]], Gameplay</ref><ref name="ENC321"/> It feeds from 12-round detachable box magazines.<ref name=”HCE”/> The weapon is somewhat unusual for a handgun in that it is capable of both semi-automatic and automatic firing.<ref name="hammerstorm">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/games/halo-5-guardians/updates/Hammer-Storm '''Halo Waypoint: Hammer Storm''': ''HALO: CE PISTOL'']</ref><ref name="CEM"/> The M6D is one of the M6 series’ upscaled variants,<ref name="ENC321"/> being larger than non-upscaled M6s by roughly 117%.<ref name="BnetODST">''[http://halo.bungie.net/projects/odst/guide.aspx Bungie.net Halo 3: ODST Field Guide, Ordnance, "Auto Mag"]''</ref> The M6D in particular is an officer’s model, and in this capacity was employed by [[Captain Jacob Keyes]] on the [[UNSC Pillar of Autumn]].<ref name=HCElvl1>''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'', [[Pillar of Autumn (Level)|“Pillar of Autumn” campaign level]]</ref><ref name="ENC321"/> Like other officer’s model M6s, the weapon is fitted with smart-linked [[KFA-2|KFA-2 optic]] for utilization by those employing a [[heads-up display]].<ref name="ENC321"/><ref name=”EVG”>''[[Halo: The Essential Visual Guide]]'', “Magnum”</ref> M6Ds are produced with a distinctive hard chrome finish.<ref name="ENC321"/>   

There are two primary depictions of the M6D in Halo media. The first is the original style from ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'' which was latter added to ''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]'', and the latter is a repurposed ''[[Halo 3]]'' [[M6G]] model with the markings on the weapon changed to M6D in ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]''. The first depiction of the M6D is relatively distinctive among the M6 family, most notable for the brown hue of the grip, which features small bumps across its surface. The length of the magazine, which integrates a prominent grip extension, makes the weapon appear comparatively very large.<ref name=”H5GWarzone”/> The latter depiction features a black, smooth grip, a shorter magazine, and is polished to a higher sheen. In all respects save for the “M6D” marking on the slide, it resembles the M6G.<ref name="CEA">[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]], Gameplay</ref> In both depictions of the weapon, various [[Pistol Kanji|kanji]] characters can be observed in different locations on its body.<ref name="HCE"/><ref name="CEA"/>

As with most human weapons, when the trigger at the top of the grip is depressed, the weapon is discharged. The energy of the expanding propellant gasses causes the slide to reciprocate into the open position, expelling the spent casing of the round just fired. The weapon’s recoil mechanism then moves the slide back into place, stripping a fresh round from the magazine and chambering it to make the weapon ready to fire once again. This process occurs with almost imperceptible speed and can be repeated with successive trigger-pulls until the weapon is emptied,<ref name=”H5GWarzone”/> at which point the slide will lock back,<ref name=”SilentStorm3”>''[[Halo: Silent Storm]]'', Chapter 3</ref> awaiting the insertion of another magazine. When a fresh magazine is inserted, the slide will then travel forward, stripping the first round from the magazine and chambering it. If the weapon is reloaded before it is completely empty, this process will not occur as the cycle of the slide is uninterrupted. When the weapon is employed in its fully-automatic fire-mode, the trigger does not need to be repeatedly pulled for continuous firing.<ref name=”H5GWarzone”>''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]'', [[Warzone]] gameplay</ref> To prevent accidental firing, the weapon has a safety mechanism which can be engaged.<ref name=”Flood2”/>

To utilize the weapon's [[KFA-2|KFA-2 optic]], the user must be equipped with headwear or eyewear capable of displaying a [[HUD]].<ref name=”EVG”/> When activated, the weapon projects the view of the scope at x2 magnification on the user's visor with a circular targeting reticle.<ref name=”H5GWarzone”/>

The performance of the M6D has been repeatedly indicated to rely heavily on proficiency of its user. [[John-117]] believed that, in the hands of someone who knew how to operate it, the M6D possessed a great deal of stopping power and was one of the [[UNSC|UNSC’s]] most effective infantry weapons, being almost as effective as an [[MA5 series|assault rifle]] when firing SAPHE ammunition.<ref name=”SilentStorm15”>''[[Halo: Silent Storm]]'', Chapter 15</ref> Likewise, a proficient shooter can also use the M6D to engage targets from a surprising distance when making use of the mounted [[KFA-2|KFA-2 optic]]. Its aptitude in this application is so great that, circumstantially, it is preferable to pick off lightly-protected semi-distant enemy targets with this weapon than an assault rifle.<ref name=”Flood1”>''[[Halo: The Flood]]'', Chapter 3</ref>

As with many non-specialized human firearms, this weapon can be somewhat inefficient against targets equipped with personal energy shielding, requiring in one instance the expenditure of a full magazine to incapacitate an [[elite minor]].<ref name=”Flood2”>''[[Halo: The Flood]]'', Chapter 2</ref> However, headshots with the weapon can be very effective,<ref name=”Flood1”/> making careful shot placement of high importance when engaging [[Covenant]] forces.<ref name="CEM"/> They are, of course, not very effective at engaging Covenant vehicles, with rounds fired from the weapon simply ricocheting off the exterior of targets such as the Umbra light transport.<ref name=”Oblivion13>''[[Halo: Oblivion]]'', Chapter 13</ref>