MA5 series

The MA5 Series is a series of air-cooled, gas-operated assault rifles produced by Misriah Armory that are used by the United Nations Space Command Defense Force. It is part of the larger MA Series.^[1] All MA5s are bullpup weapons, with the receiver and feeding system located behind the trigger, and are chambered for 7.62x51mm ammunition. They also feature electronic ammunition counters. They serve as the standard-issue weapons of most UNSCDF personnel.^[2] The MA5 entered service with the UNSCDF in 2437 and has remained the primary service rifle ever since.^[3]^[4]^[5] The weapons of the MA5 series are capable of being outfitted with M301 Grenade Launchers and underslung shotguns.^[6]

The MA5 series was preceded in service by the MA3A Individual Combat Weapon System,^[7] which itself was preceded by the MA2B and the MA1.^[1] It is unknown if any other models saw service between the UNSC's retiring of the MA3A and its adoption of the MA5.

Models

MA37 Individual Combat Weapon System - The MA37, the UNSC Army's designation of the MA5, was introduced in 2437 and is still favored heavily by the Army despite newer iterations of the series. The MA37 receives a thirty-two round magazine.^[5]
MA5B Individual Combat Weapon System - The MA5B is commonly used by the UNSC Marine Corps and Navy. It saw more frequent usage before and during the early years of the Human-Covenant War. Following the introduction of the MA5C, it is often relegated to use in short-range combat. The MA5B receives a sixty-round magazine.^[5]
MA5C Individual Combat Weapon System - The MA5C is the most recent iteration of the MA5 series. It is an improvement upon the MA5B, featuring a heavier barrel with a one-in-seven twist, a stronger spring mechanism, and a sturdier, more ergonomically designed handguard. It receives a thirty-two round magazine; the reduced magazine capacity in relation to the MA5B is part of an effort to prevent wearing of the magazine spring.^[6] It is used by the Marine Corps and the Navy in short-to-mid range combat.^[5]
MA5D Individual Combat Weapon System - The MA5D is the successor of the MA5C, and is in use as of 2557.^[8]
MA5K Carbine - The MA5K is a carbine variant of the MA5 that used almost exclusively by Special Forces units. It receives a thirty-round magazine^[5] and is seemingly modular, capable of being assembled in various configurations.^[9]