Weapons Locker

Designer
Keith PotterKeith
Keith Potter
Additional Design and Development

Keith PotterKeith
Christopher Perkins,Potter
Rich Redman, Ross Rosenberg, Hans-Christian Vortisch
Keith
EditorPot- KeDesign
DesignMan-
Manager
Managing Editors
Katsuyo Nagasawa Keith PotterKeith
Kim Mohan Potter
and Charles Ryan Christopher Perkins
KeDesign
Art Director Man-
Cover Artist KeDesign
Graphic Design Man-
Robert Raper
Keith Pot-
Joe Wight Robert Raper
Interior Artists
Keith PotterKeith
Eric Chatterjee, Potter
N. David Martin, Keith Potter, Richard Stewart, Joe Wight
Director of RPG R&D Digital Production Specialist

Keith Potter-
Bill Slavicsek Keith PotterKeith
Carmen Cheung Potter
Production Manager
Keith PotterKeith
Joshua CJ Fischer
KeDesign ManagerotterKeith Potter

Special Thanks To
Erik Coons, Eric Chatterjee, Kerry Doyle, David Drake, Eric Duckworth, Nick Garcia,
Seth Lindberg, N. David Martin, Chris Potter, Ross Rosenberg, Charles Ryan,
David Schweitzer, Richard Stewart, Anthony Valterra, Hans-Christian Vortisch,
Dylan Waite, John Waite, Joe Wight
This d20 System™ game product uses mechanics developed for the new DUNGEONS & DRAGONS® game by Jonathan Tweet, Monte Cook, Skip Williams, Richard
Baker, and Peter Adkison, and the d20 Modern™ Roleplaying Game by Bill Slavicsek, Jeff Grubb, Rich Redman, and Charles Ryan.
This Wizards of the Coast® game product contains the following Open Game Content: the sections titled Suppressors, Silencers, Bipods, Reliability, and Alterna-
tive Ammunition presented in the Introduction; all of the sections with the d20 Modern Rules heading; and all weapon game statistics. No other material is Open
Game Content. No portion of this work other than the material designated as Open Game Content may be reproduced in any form without written permission.
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d20 MODERN
CONTENTS
Introduction....................................................... 4
Chapter by Chapter ....................................... 4
Carbines........................................................ 5
Guns in the Campaign .................................. 5
Controlling Access.................................... 5
How Guns Work ............................................. 6
Cartridges .................................................... 6
Magazines.................................................... 6
The Firing Cycle ..........................................7
Marksmanship.............................................7
Ballistic Investigation.....................................7
d20 Modern Rules.......................................... 8
Suppressors................................................. 8
Silent Weapons.......................................... 8
Bipods ........................................................... 8
Reliability..................................................... 8
3
Alternative Ammunition ........................ 9
Game Rules and Color Text........................ 9
Chapter One: Pistols ....................................... 10
d20 Modern Rules..........................................11
Pistol Descriptions.........................................11
Chapter Two: Rifles........................................54
d20 Modern Rules........................................ 55
Rifle Descriptions.........................................56
Chapter Three: Sniper Rifles.......................84
d20 Modern Rules........................................85
Sniper Rifle Descriptions ...........................86
Chapter Four: Antimateriel Rifles..............108
d20 Modern Rules......................................109
Antimateriel Rifle Descriptions.............109
Chapter Five: Submachine Guns..................116
d20 Modern Rules........................................117
Submachine Gun Descriptions................117
Chapter Six: Shotguns..................................140
d20 Modern Rules....................................... 141
Shotgun Descriptions ................................142
Chapter Seven: Machine Guns....................158
CONTENTS
d20 Modern Rules.......................................159
Machine Gun Descriptions .....................160
Chapter Eight: Grenade Launchers...........174
d20 Modern Rules.......................................175
d20 MODERN, DUNGEONS & DRAGONS, D&D, d20 System, WIZARDS OF THE COAST, d20 Modern Weapons Locker, and their respective logos are trademarks
Grenade Launcher Descriptions ............175
of Wizards of the Coast, Inc., in the U.S.A. and other countries. All Wizards characters, character names, and the distinctive likenesses thereof are
trademarks of Wizards of the Coast, Inc.

Appendix I: Weapons in Use.........................183
Police Forces .................................................183
Distributed to the hobby, toy, and comic trade in the United States and Canada by regional distributors. Distributed in the United States to the book Federal Agents..............................................183
trade by Holtzbrinck Publishing. Distributed in Canada to the book trade by Fenn Ltd. Distributed worldwide by Wizards of the Coast, Inc. and regional Spies................................................................ 184
distributors. This material is protected under the copyright laws of the United States of America. Any reproduction or unauthorized use of the material
The Underworld ......................................... 184
or artwork contained herein is prohibited without the express written permission of Wizards of the Coast, Inc. This product is a work of fiction. Though
based on real-world weapons and information, the information in this product is intended strictly for use as a resource for fictional roleplaying games. It
Other Folks................................................... 184
is not meant to instruct the reader on the use of actual weapons.
Printed in the U.S.A. ©2004 Wizards of the Coast, Inc.

Appendix II: The Language of Guns............185
Visit our website at www.wizards.com/d20modern

INTRODUCTION
This book contains descriptions, illustrations, and statistics for more than five
hundred modern-day firearms. The entries are designed to provide players
and Gamemasters with the details they need to bring weapons to life in their
d20 Modern Roleplaying Game campaigns. Each weapon’s entry describes
its development and history, some basics of its operation, its reputation and
use, and any quirks or special features it might have. In addition, each entry
discusses variant models that have been developed and identifies some of
the more important users of the weapon. The statis-
tics cover both the weapon itself and its variants.
CHAPTER BY CHAPTER
This book focuses on military and tactical weapons. Coverage
in this area is as comprehensive as possible. It includes all major
types in service today, as well as a few cutting-edge designs
that are just emerging, and some of the more notable failed
concepts from years past. Due to space limitations, other types
(such as sporting weapons) receive more limited coverage and
are represented by only a few models.
The weapons are classified into eight catego-
ries, separated by chapter:
Chapter One: Pistols includes both autoload-
ers and revolvers. All pistols are compact, easily
portable weapons. They are useful for a broad range of
applications, including target shooting, hunting, personal
protection, and police or military service. Pistols are
small, which makes them the easiest firearms to conceal;
however, they lack the hitting power of rifles or shot-
guns and, as such, are of limited military use, generally
being reserved for officers.
Chapter Two: Rifles covers long-barreled, high-pow-
ered weapons too large to fire effectively using one hand.
This chapter deals primarily with assault rifles, which
are the most popular military weapons in use today.
They are favored for their long-range performance
and flexibility.
Chapter Three: Sniper Rifles includes those weapons de-
signed specifically for precision shooting. These include both
derivatives of military assault rifles and custom-built designs.
This chapter also includes some precision-target and hunting
rifles intended for civilian use.
Chapter Four: Antimateriel Rifles describes rifles that are
among the largest of the conventional firearms. They fire massive

d20 MODERN
heavy-machine-gun ammunition for use against large armored
targets such as vehicles and bunkers. They also have excellent
long-range performance. Antimateriel rifles tend to be bulky and
GUNS IN THE CAMPAIGN
Every GM should think about what role he or she wants guns to
heavy, and for this reason, they are ill suited for antipersonnel use, play in the game. Should firearms be important or not? Should the
except at extremely long range. player characters have access to unlimited firepower, or should
Chapter Five: Submachine Guns describes compact automatic firearms be rare and hard to obtain? What level of detail do you
weapons that fire pistol cartridges. Their automatic capability want to incorporate—should a pistol just be a pistol, or should the
makes them deadly in close-in fighting; however, their relatively difference between a Desert Eagle and a Walther PPK matter? Is the
low-powered ammunition limits their use at long range, where action going to revolve around raging gun battles, or is it going to
assault rifles are far more capable. Submachine gun use is limited emphasize plot development and character interaction?
to officers or specialty troops involved in close-in fighting where Obviously, there are many different answers to these questions.
their reduced range performance won’t be as great a drawback. Before the game even starts, you should think about them. You
Submachine guns are particularly popular with SWAT teams and should also relay your decisions to the players so that everyone is
counterterrorist operatives. on the same page. This will limit confusion during play.
Chapter Six: Shotguns describes large-bore weapons designed Nothing brings the game to a halt more quickly than when the
to fire a group of smaller projectiles with each shot. Like submachine players and the GM have different ideas about how things are
guns, shotguns are useful for close-in targets, but much less effec- supposed to work in a campaign. If the game is going to be combat-
tive at long range; they tend to be used as specialty weapons for heavy and revolve around shoot-’em-up action, then an emphasis on
close combat. They are also popular for hunting. Because of their the details and minutiae of firearms may be appropriate. If it’s going
large bores, shotguns are capable of firing a variety of special-pur- to emphasize suspense and atmosphere, then slowing things down
pose and exotic ammunition types. so a player can calculate just how to mix the load of hollow-points
Chapter Seven: Machine Guns covers heavy weapons designed and armor-piercing rounds in his high-capacity magazine might be
for sustained automatic fire. They are often fed by long belts of
ammunition, which reduce the need to reload as often. All but the
a waste of everyone’s time.
Determining just where the emphasis should lie will depend on
5
lightest are fitted with bipods or tripods for stability. Machine guns two factors. The first is what kind of game you’re going to play. The
serve as support weapons, providing suppressive or covering fire for second is what your players want and expect from the game.
ordinary soldiers equipped with assault rifles. Obviously, the type of game will set the general tone for many
Chapter Eight: Grenade Launchers describes large weapons different things, not just the question of how to use guns. The type
that fire explosive shells. They are often large and heavy and, like of game will help to decide what is appropriate when it comes to
machine guns, they are used to provide fire support. Like shotguns, firepower. Think first about the nature of the campaign. Decide what
grenade launchers can also fire a variety of specialty ammuni- kind of action you will emphasize. If combat is going to be a large
tion types. Many grenade launchers are designed to fit under the part of the game, then guns will probably be important too—unless
barrel of an assault rifle, creating a dual-purpose combination you’re running a game emphasizing martial arts or melee fighting.
weapon system. Using similar reasoning, if your players are all looking for a blazing
Appendix I: Weapons in Use assigns specific firearms to specific set of gun showdowns, then running a game focused on intricate
organizations and types of characters, from common bartenders to political relationships in a corporate office complex probably won’t
agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. interest them. Similarly, if they want to develop their characters
Appendix II: The Language of Guns explains various techni- and roleplay extensively, then they will expect more than a shoot-
cal terms used to describe the characteristics and performance ing gallery of enemies to mow down. In all likelihood, you will have
of firearms. different players wanting different things. As the GM, your job is to
ensure that everybody is having a good time, which means accom-
INTRODUCTION
modating all the different approaches. This balancing act is what
Carbines running a roleplaying game is all about.
A carbine is another type of weapon that falls somewhere between If, in the end, you decide to run a game with an emphasis on
a pistol and a rifle. Traditionally, the term refers to a compact guns, this book will be an invaluable resource. You can look up
weapon firing pistol-caliber ammunition with a shoulder stock to information on a broad cross section of weapons from around the
improve aiming. In this respect, a carbine is much like a submachine world, including virtually every major design in use today. You can
gun, except without the capability of firing in automatic mode. draw upon the background information provided to incorporate a
Many manufacturers make semiautomatic-only versions of their great deal of detail into the game. Your players can select the exact
submachine gun designs for the civilian or law enforcement market; models and calibers they want and figure out what combination of
these weapons are called carbines. weapons with which to equip themselves.
More recently, however, the term has come to have another But what if you’re running a game in which guns will be less
meaning, which can cause some confusion. Compact versions of important? This book still has much to offer. When guns do ap-
assault rifles have become popular in recent years. These guns pear, you can use the information in Appendix I to figure out which
fire the same ammunition as their larger cousins, but they feature firearms to use. In this manner, you can make sure the weapons
cut-down barrels and stocks to improve portability and handiness, encountered in your game are appropriate and realistic for the types
especially at close quarters. These weapons have also been termed of characters using them.
carbines or assault carbines.
For this reason, carbines are not grouped in a separate chapter.
Those that are derived from submachine guns and fire pistol am- Controlling Access
munition are described in Chapter Five. Those that are derived from It’s easy to run a game in which the characters have ready access to
rifles and fire full-power rifle ammunition are described in Chapter any weapon in this book. Let players look through the book and pick
Two. The text indicates when a carbine version of a weapon has the weapons they want. In some campaigns, such as one in which
been developed. the characters are members of a special counterterrorist squad, it’s
easy to see why they have machine guns and grenade launchers.
Even when the setting doesn’t make it so obvious, you will generally

d20 MODERN
not get much argument from the players when you give them more to get some sort of firearm. A blanket prohibition will probably be
choices of weaponry than they might otherwise expect. unrealistic, and the resulting frustration will keep the player from
A problem often arises when you need to restrict access to guns enjoying the game.
for some reason. Maybe your campaign is meant to focus on inves-
tigation or interaction instead of gunfights. Or maybe the enemies
you have arrayed against the PCs simply aren’t meant to stand up
to automatic firepower. In any event, you can all too easily run into
HOW GUNS WORK
A gun is really a weapon system made up of two parts—the gun itself
the problem of having a player insist that his or her character should
and the ammunition it fires. Each is useless without the other; they
be able to get a particular firearm, which for one reason or another
function together to fire the projectile downrange toward the target.
you feel would unbalance the game.
Dealing with this problem is a little trickier. Fortunately, there are
a number of approaches available. Any of these, or a combination of
them, can be useful in limiting the kind of firepower you let loose
Cartridges
Virtually all guns in this book are cartridge weapons. The cartridge,
in your campaign.
which was developed in the 19th century, represents an innovation
Pick the Weapons Yourself: The GM can always decide what
that has come to dominate firearm designs. A cartridge is basically
weapons to hand out to PCs in a given campaign. This takes player
a self-contained package consisting of the projectile, the propellant,
choice out of the situation entirely and prevents a player from
a primer, and a casing to hold it all together.
showing up with a weapon that would unbalance your game;
The projectile is the bullet or shot that the weapon fires.
however, it can make some players unhappy. Many players want
There are many different kinds of projectiles. Jacketed rounds
to choose the weapons for their characters, just as they want to
are encased in a hard metallic shell, which keeps the round from
choose their class, skills, feats, and other abilities.
breaking up when it strikes the target. Soft-nosed or hollow-point
This approach is nonetheless appropriate for some kinds of cam-
6 paigns. For campaigns in which the characters are all police officers
or military personnel, for example, the players will usually be issued
rounds are just the opposite—they are designed to deform on im-
pact, expanding outward to create a larger wound. Tracers ignite
when fired, leaving a visible trail so the shooter can see where
their weapons rather than choose them for themselves. Appendix I
they go and adjust his or her aim onto the target. Shotguns often
can be useful in determining which weapons to provide.
fire many small projectiles, called shot, from each cartridge. There
Gun Control Laws: Many types of weapons, such as grenade
are also many different types of specialty ammunition tailored to
launchers or automatic machine guns, are illegal for civilians to own.
particular roles.
As such, these will be very difficult for the PCs to obtain. In some
The propellant is a charge of gunpowder. When the round is fired,
areas, such as large cities, there might well be additional restrictions,
the propellant charge burns up very quickly—in a tiny fraction of a
such as prohibitions on assault rifles or pistols.
second. In doing so, it expands to many times its original volume.
Gun control laws can keep weapons that would unbalance the
This creates tremendous pressure within the weapon, which forces
game out of the PCs’ hands, especially if they are civilians. Getting
the bullet down the gun’s barrel and out toward the target. The
possession of automatic weapons might well require the PCs to
larger the propellant charge, the more powerful the weapon.
deal with the criminal underworld, which could provide adventure
The primer is a small explosive cap in the base of the cartridge.
in itself. And the threat of getting caught with such weapons will
When the primer is struck by the weapon’s hammer or firing pin, it
force them to keep a low profile—if they don’t, the police response
explodes. This, in turn, ignites the propellant and fires the weapon.
will be swift and decisive.
The casing is a cylindrical shell that holds the various compo-
The Situation: You can always engineer a scenario to deprive
nents together. The bullet goes at one end, and the primer goes at
the PCs access to the weapons they have collected. Perhaps the
the other. The propellant charge goes in between. In high-powered
characters are stranded in a remote area after a plane crash, go
weapons, such as rifles, casings are often necked, meaning that the
INTRODUCTION
adventuring in a foreign country where their firearms are prohibited,

casing is wider than the bullet. This configuration allows more pro-
or are forced to negotiate with powerful GM-controlled support-
pellant to be loaded, which results in a more powerful blast when
ing characters whose bodyguards will frisk and disarm them before
the weapon is fired. Casings are usually made out of metal (brass is
granting an audience. An adventure could take place in an airport,
the most common material). Shotgun shells are often made from
where the security screening will keep guns out. Or the characters
paper or plastic instead.
could find themselves trapped in a locked-down office tower taken
over by terrorists during a party. Use your imagination.
Depending on the approach, you can either disarm the characters
entirely or simply limit them to light weapons, such as pistols. With
Magazines
The first step in preparing a weapon for firing is loading it with
a little creativity, you can separate the adventurers from some or
ammunition. Different types of weapons accept ammunition in
all of their firepower and create an adventure in which they have to
different ways.
rely on their wits instead.
The box magazine is the most common method for loading mod-
The Antagonist: Consider the nature of the antagonist you are
ern firearms. The box magazine is essentially a detachable box that
pitting the characters against in a given adventure. If the characters
holds a number of ammunition cartridges. The magazine is inserted
are fighting a street gang, then guns would be useful, and the char-
into a well on the weapon to load it. When the weapon is fired, it
acters will probably try to use them. But by changing the type of
takes a cartridge from the magazine and sends the bullet down-
adventure, you can take firepower out of the picture. If the PCs are
range. After firing, the action is cycled to load the next cartridge.
racing to find the cure for a deadly disease or are trying to prevent
In automatic weapons, this occurs mechanically as part of the fir-
a damaged dam from collapsing and flooding a town below, their
ing cycle (see below). When the magazine is empty, it is removed
weapons simply wouldn’t do them any good. Such adventures can
and replaced with a fresh one. Weapons using box magazines can
be just as exciting as a shootout and can offer a good change of pace
be reloaded very quickly—a feature that has made box magazines
even in a more combat-oriented campaign.
widely popular.
Compromise: Let the characters have access to guns, but limit
Many pistols are revolvers. Instead of getting ammunition from
their access to the more legally acceptable types, such as hunting
a box magazine, a revolver has a rotating cylinder that holds the
rifles. In many places, a sufficiently motivated character will be able
ready ammunition. As the weapon is fired, the chamber revolves

d20 MODERN
to advance the next cartridge to the firing position. Revolvers take and aircraft. Although bullets move exceedingly fast, they do not
longer to reload than weapons with box magazines, but they are reach their targets instantaneously. If the target is moving and the
mechanically simpler. At one time, revolvers were more reliable as shooter fires a bullet at the point that the target occupied at the
well, though steady development of box-fed weapons has largely instant the trigger is pulled, the bullet will miss because by the time
closed this gap. it gets there, the target will have moved out of the way. In essence,
Another type of magazine is the tubular magazine, a type of the shooter has to aim ahead of the target’s current position, target-
internal magazine. This consists of a metal tube running along the ing the point where the bullet’s flight and the target’s movement
barrel, usually underneath it, that holds the ready ammunition. As intersect. This process is called leading the target or pulling lead.
each bullet is fired, a spring pushes the next cartridge in the tube Generally, the closer a target is to the shooter, the easier it is to
back to be fed into the firing chamber. Tubular magazines are most score a hit. The farther away a target is, the smaller it appears and
common in shotguns. the more difficult it is to hit. To counteract this difficulty, the use of
A final magazine type is the blind magazine, also a type of inter- telescopic scopes has become popular. A telescopic scope gives the
nal magazine. It is similar to a box magazine, except that it is built shooter a magnified view of a distant target, facilitating aim. It also
into the weapon and is not removed. Instead, the action is opened uses a targeting reticle or crosshair to identify the bullet’s point of
and cartridges are inserted directly into it. Blind magazines are used impact. When a scope is fitted to a rifle, it must be zeroed, meaning
on some precision-target rifles or sniper rifles. that it must be adjusted so that the crosshairs accurately show the
After loading the weapon with ammunition, it must be cocked. actual impact point at a given range. This process requires some skill
This means that the bolt or hammer is drawn back into position and a number of test shots fired on a shooting range.
and the first cartridge is loaded from the magazine into the firing Scopes are less useful against close-in targets. They are unnec-
chamber. The weapon is then ready to be fired. essary, and they actually restrict the shooter’s field of view to a
very narrow cone, making it easy to miss seeing a target entirely. In
combat, scopes can easily get broken or damaged, rendering them
The Firing Cycle
Once the gun is loaded, the shooter pulls the trigger to fire it. Pulling
useless. Today, rugged armored scopes, capable of surviving a great
deal of punishment, have become available.
7
the trigger sets the firing cycle in motion. In addition to ballistic concerns, there is considerable technique
The trigger mechanism moves an internal arm or lever, called the involved in good marksmanship. The shooter must learn the way
sear, which releases the weapon’s hammer or firing pin. The hammer that a gun acts when it is fired and how the recoil will throw off
springs forward, striking the back of the cartridge where the primer aim. Good shooting involves careful sighting, a correct grip on the
is located. The impact detonates the primer, which in turn ignites weapon (generally with two hands for stability, even with a pistol),
the propellant and fires the projectile. and a smooth pull on the trigger. A sharp jerk, a sudden intake of
With single-shot weapons, that is all that happens. The firer must breath, a wince at the moment of shooting from anticipating the
then cycle the action, which accomplishes three things. First, the recoil, or any of a number of other factors can pull the weapon off
empty cartridge case is extracted and ejected from the weapon. target and cause a miss. Like playing a musical instrument or swing-
Then, the next cartridge in the magazine feeds into the firing cham- ing a golf club, correct shooting technique comes only with long
ber. Finally, the bolt closes on the chamber, which seals it, cocks the practice and experience.
firing pin back, and readies the weapon for firing again.
On autoloading weapons (those that operate semiautomatically
or automatically), this process of cycling is carried out by the me-
chanical action of the weapon. The action cycles by itself, driven
BALLISTIC INVESTIGATION
When firearms are used in crimes, investigators can track down
either by the recoil force or the pressure from the propellant gases.
the shooter using modern ballistics analysis, which can tell several
For semiautomatics, the user simply pulls the trigger again to fire
things about a gun based on evidence gathered at a crime scene.
INTRODUCTION
another shot and repeat the cycle, until the magazine is emptied
Rules for analyzing crime scenes and collecting evidence are given
and the weapon must be reloaded. On automatic designs, the action
under the Investigate skill description (see page 65 of the d20
will continue to cycle and fire as long as the trigger is held down
Modern Roleplaying Game).
or until the weapon runs out of ammunition. Select-fire weapons
Ballistics: Where bullets hit walls, they make holes. Ballistics
are those capable of firing in either semiautomatic or automatic
ex≠perts can measure these holes and use them to trace the bullet’s
mode, as desired.
flight back to where the shooter was standing when firing. They can
also determine roughly how far away the shooter was based on how
Marksmanship far the bullet is driven into the material of the wall.
Bullets: As a bullet travels down the barrel of a gun, the rifling of
Traditionally, there has been a lot of emphasis on marksmanship
the barrel causes the bullet to spin. This leaves marks on the bullet
(the skill of hitting a target) in firearms training. Various elements are
itself. Due to manufacturing variations, these markings are different
involved in good marksmanship. Many of these stem from ballistics,
for every individual gun, much like fingerprints are for people.
which is the study of bullets in flight. Ballistics itself includes several
Because of this, if the investigators have both a bullet and the
different factors, all of which can affect the success of a shot.
gun that fired it, they can match the two through testing. An analyst
One of the most important ballistic factors is gravity, which pulls
fires the gun in the lab and recovers the bullet. That bullet is then
a speeding bullet down toward the earth. The shooter must adjust
compared to the one found at the crime scene using a powerful mi-
the elevation of the weapon to counteract this pull. Another vital
croscope. If the rifling marks are the same, then there is a match.
factor is wind. A crosswind (wind blowing from the side) can drive
A number of tactics can circumvent this testing. First, the user
a bullet off target, especially at range. A skilled shooter reads the
can remove the weapon’s barrel and replace it with a new one. The
wind, estimates its effect on the bullet, and aims to one side of the
new barrel will leave different rifling marks, thus preventing a match.
intended target to account for that effect. This aiming to the side
This technique is also useless with bullets that break up on impact
is called windage.
(such as Glaser ammunition) or with shot pellets. These types of
When shooting a moving target, the time that a bullet spends in
ammunition don’t leave behind a bullet that can be tested.
flight must be taken into account. This is especially true for long-
Even if investigators don’t have a weapon to match to a re-
range shooting or firing against speeding targets such as vehicles
covered bullet, the can still identify the caliber of the weapon.

d20 MODERN
This information will narrow the type down considerably. bullet from accelerating to supersonic speed. The bled-off gases
Furthermore, by looking at the rifling, investigators can often are trapped and slowed along with the muzzle gases in a built-in
identify the particular type of weapon used. They can thus often suppressor called a silencer.
determine whether they’re looking for someone with a Smith & A silencer reduces a weapon’s damage. Firearms that deal 2d4
Wesson pistol or an Uzi submachine gun. points of damage are unaffected (such bullets travel at or below the
Cartridge Cases: If a cartridge case is found, investigators can speed of sound anyway). For firearms that normally deal 2d6 points
identify the caliber of the weapon used. By examining the extractor of damage, silencing imposes a –1 penalty on damage rolls. For
and firing pin markings, they can often identify the particular type of firearms that normally deal 2d8 or 2d10 points of damage, silencing
weapon used. The ground is often littered with spent cases after a gun- imposes a –2 penalty on damage rolls. Weapons that normally deal
fight, making this a useful method of identifying the weapons used. 2d12 points of damage or more cannot be silenced.
Fingerprints: Fingerprints are a common source of identification When a silenced weapon is fired, the only sound is the me-
in criminal investigations. If a gun has a person’s fingerprints on it, chanical action of the weapon (which is actually moderately loud).
that means that person handled that weapon. Sometimes a criminal Noticing the sound of a semiautomatic or automatic silenced
will wipe down a weapon after using it to prevent this identification; weapon requires a successful Listen check (DC 15).
however, forensics experts look at more than just the gun itself. Some semiautomatic and automatic weapons designed for use
They also check the inside of the weapon, as well as its magazine with silencers include a bolt lock or slide lock. This device prevents
and ammunition. Many criminals forget to wipe off the gun’s inner the action from cycling, reducing the mechanical noise of the
parts, which they might have handled while loading or cleaning it. weapon firing. However, when a bolt lock or slide lock is used, the
Neutron Testing: When a gun is fired, the propellant gases leave weapon’s rate of fire is reduced to a single shot. Weapons that al-
behind an invisible residue on the shooter’s hands. This residue can ready have a single-shot rate of fire (such as bolt-action sniper rifles)
be detected with a chemical swab. An investigator can use this test are always considered locked. Engaging or disengaging a bolt lock
to ascertain whether a given suspect fired a gun. This residue lasts or slide lock is a free action. Noticing the sound of a silenced and
8 for a couple of days, and it is hard to get rid of—simply washing
with soap and water won’t clean it off. Unfortunately, there is no
locked weapon requires a successful Listen check (DC 20).
way to link this test to a particular weapon or shot—all it tells you

is whether a particular person fired a gun recently. Bipods
Many weapons—generally sniper rifles and machine guns—come
equipped with bipods. A bipod gives a weapon additional stability
d20 MODERN RULES and, under the right circumstances, improves aim.
To use a bipod, a character must be able to place it on a solid
The following rules supplement those in the d20 Modern
surface at roughly shoulder height. The most common method of
Roleplaying Game and apply to the use of firearms in the game.
using a bipod is to fire from the prone position, so that the firer’s
shoulder, like the weapon and the bipod, is close to the ground.
Suppressors However, a weapon with a bipod can be used from a crouched or
even standing position if the bipod is set on a wall or table.
Even low-powered projectiles make a surprisingly loud sound.
Only Large or larger weapons can benefit from a bipod. A bipod used
With a high-powered rifle or machine gun, the noise can literally
with a Large weapon grants the user a +1 equipment bonus on attack
be deafening. When on a firing range, most shooters use hearing
rolls. This bonus applies only to the first attack made in each round.
protection to prevent damage to their ears. In combat, this is less
Any Huge or larger weapon must be used with a bipod or other
practical, since most people want to be able to hear what’s going
type of mount. Because the bipod or mount is a necessary and
on around them.
standard part of such a weapon’s support, it does not grant the +1
A suppressor is a device that captures the supersonic gases that
INTRODUCTION
equipment bonus on attack rolls that a bipod provides when it is

propel a bullet from the gun, slowing them as they escape from
used with a Large weapon.
the barrel to below supersonic speed (and hence silencing them). A
Most bipods can be folded up for ease of transport. Deploying a
suppressor does nothing to slow the actual bullet, which also makes
folded bipod is a move action.
a loud noise if it travels at supersonic speed.
When firing standard ammunition, a suppressed weapon that
normally deals 2d6 or more points of damage is not silent. (A fire-
arm that deals 2d4 points of damage or less operates silently when
Reliability
Some firearms are less reliable than others, and all firearms become
used with a suppressor; see Silent Weapons, below.) The sound is
less reliable if they are not well maintained. Of course, that’s true for
reduced, however, and because it originates not from the firearm
all forms of equipment, and for other types of weapons as well. The
but from the bullet as it passes the listener, it’s difficult to tell
d20 Modern Roleplaying Game assumes that characters carry
where the sound is coming from. A successful Listen check (DC 15)
out reasonable maintenance on their equipment in their rest time
is required to locate the source of the gunfire.
and between adventures. For this reason, reductions in reliability
Any weapon fitted with a suppressor can operate in silenced
aren’t normally a part of the game rules.
mode by using cold-loaded ammunition (ammunition prepared with
In some circumstances, however, firearm reliability can be a
a reduced propellant charge). A weapon in silenced mode deals less
significant issue, and these rules are presented for that reason.
damage than normal (see Silent Weapons, below).
Reliability may be a factor if the characters spend a great deal of
See page 120 of the d20 Modern Roleplaying Game for
time in harsh environments, if they tend to use cheap and shoddy
additional rules about suppressors.
weapons and ammunition, or if the setting (a post≠apocalyptic
campaign, for example) makes maintenance and upkeep difficult.
Silent Weapons All firearms are normally considered reliable unless noted
otherwise in a weapon’s description. No special rules apply to
Some weapons muffle not just the muzzle blast but also the su-
reliable weapons.
personic boom of the bullet itself, by reducing the velocity of the
An unreliable weapon has a 5% chance of weapon failure every
bullet to below supersonic speed. Generally, a series of tiny holes
time it is used. Each additional separate cause of unreliability
in the barrel bleed off some of the propellant gases, preventing the

d20 MODERN
increases the chance of failure by 5%. For example, a weapon that The following rules apply to nonstandard ammunition types.
is using unreliable ammunition and has been immersed has a 10% AET Ammunition: Accelerated energy transfer (AET) ammuni-
chance of failure. tion provides a +1 equipment bonus on damage rolls. Using AET
A character using an unreliable weapon checks for weapon failure ammunition makes a weapon unreliable (see Reliability, above).
before making the attack roll. If a d% roll is equal to or lower than AET ammunition has a purchase DC of 5 + the purchase DC of
the weapon failure chance, the firearm has become jammed—the standard ammunition of similar caliber.
weapon can’t be fired until the shooter takes a full-round action Armor-Piercing Ammunition: If the target has armor or natu-
to clear the jam. ral armor, you gain a +1 circumstance bonus on attack rolls when
A firearm can become unreliable from a number of circum- using this ammunition. However, you take a –1 penalty on damage
stances, as outlined below. rolls (whether the target is armored or not).
Age: Age and heavy use can render a weapon unreliable. While Armor-piercing ammunition has a purchase DC of 1 + the pur-
this should never be a factor through the degree of time and use chase DC of standard ammunition of similar caliber.
typical to a normal campaign, the GM can determine that an older Cold-Loaded Ammunition: Cold-loaded ammunition is pre-
weapon obtained by the characters is already unreliable due to age. pared with a reduced propellant charge so that the bullets do not
A weapon that has been sitting in a museum might not become exceed the speed of sound. For firearms that normally deal 2d4
unreliable for fifty years, but one that has sat in the leaky trunk of points of damage, cold-loaded ammunition has no special effect.
an abandoned car for a couple of months might be unreliable. This For firearms that normally deal 2d6 points of damage, cold-loaded
cause of unreliability only goes away if the weapon is overhauled. ammunition imposes a –1 penalty on damage rolls. For firearms
Overhauling a weapon is a complex repair task (see the Repair skill that normally deal 2d8 or 2d10 points of damage, cold-loaded
description on page 70 of the d20 Modern Roleplaying Game ammunition imposes a –2 penalty on damage rolls. Cold-loaded
for details). ammunition is not available for weapons that normally deal more
Damage: Any firearm that has taken 1 point or more of damage is than 2d10 points of damage.
unreliable. This cause of unreliability only goes away if the weapon
is repaired.
Some silenced weapons do not require cold-loaded ammunition.
However, using standard ammunition in these weapons imposes the
9
Environment: A steamy jungle, dusty desert, or similarly rough same penalties on damage rolls as the use of cold-loaded ammu-
environment can make a weapon unreliable. Whenever the charac- nition (because the weapon slows the bullet’s speed in the same
ters spend an extended period of time in an extreme environment, manner that cold-loading does).
the GM can determine that firearms require extra care to avoid Cold-loaded ammunition has a purchase DC of 1 + the purchase
be≠coming unreliable. When that’s the case, the characters must DC of standard ammunition of similar caliber.
spend a half-hour per day (per weapon) on extra maintenance. Glaser Ammunition: If the target has armor or natural armor,
Any weapon not so maintained becomes unreliable. This cause of you take a –2 penalty on attack rolls when using this ammuni-
unreliability goes away when the weapon receives a half-hour of tion. However, you gain a +2 circumstance bonus on damage rolls
special maintenance. (whether the target is armored or not).
Immersion: Immersion in water, mud, or other liquids can affect Glaser ammunition has a purchase DC of 4 + the purchase DC of
reliability. Any time a weapon is immersed, it becomes unreliable. standard ammunition of similar caliber.
(Slight wetness, such as that caused by rain, is not sufficient to affect Hollow-Point Ammunition: If the target has armor or natural
reliability.) This cause of unreliability goes away when the weapon is armor, you take a –1 penalty on attack rolls when using this ammuni-
dried out, which takes 1 minute if the weapon is disassembled and tion. However, you gain a +1 circumstance bonus on damage rolls.
dried by hand, or 6 hours if it is left to dry on its own. Hollow-point ammunition has a purchase DC equal to the pur-
Unreliable Ammunition: Ammunition can become unreliable chase DC of standard ammunition of similar caliber.
due to age, damage, or environment, just as firearms can. A weapon Tracer Ammunition: This ammunition grants a +1 equipment
INTRODUCTION
firing unreliable ammunition is unreliable. This cause of unreliability bonus on attack rolls, but only when the weapon is fired on autofire
occurs only when the weapon is used with unreliable ammunition. and 10 bullets are used in the attack. For instance, this bonus applies
if you make a standard autofire attack. If you use the Burst Fire feat,
you gain the bonus only if you choose to fire 10 bullets instead of
Alternative Ammunition the 5 normally required by the Burst Fire feat (firing these additional
The damage ranges given for weapons in this book reflect standard bullets does not otherwise affect your attack or damage rolls).
ball ammunition. Using alternative types of ammunition usually Tracer ammunition has a purchase DC of 2 + the purchase DC of
changes the amount of damage a weapon deals. standard ammunition of similar caliber.
Game Rules and Color Text

In the real world, when individuals or agencies select their weapons, they base their decisions on a great many factors—including
some that are very subtle or even downright intangible, like the ergonomics of weapon design. Many such factors are not modeled
in the d20 Modern Roleplaying Game—they’re just too minor to be worth creating rules over. That doesn’t mean that they aren’t
worth mentioning, however.
The firearm descriptions in this book are extremely detailed, but not every detail is significant in the game. Where special rules
apply to a weapon, the rules are given in a section at the end of the description, following the phrase “d20 Modern Rules.” Other
factors mentioned in the text, such notes about a weapon’s reputation for reliability or stopping power, its ambidextrous controls or
safety features, or its heavy recoil, are simply there to give you a sense of the weapon’s flavor. Unless specific rules are given for such
factors in the d20 Modern Rules section of the weapon description, they have no effect on play.
Additionally, even when the stats or rules can reflect a firearm’s features, they might not do so in the case of features that are
moderately good—but not really exceptional. For example, some weapons have solid reputations for accuracy, but aren’t especially
accurate enough to warrant exceptional stats. Likewise, some weapons that are designed for concealability or easy drawing, perhaps
having few protrusions to snag on clothing, don’t actually warrant a modifier to Sleight of Hand checks for concealment.

Chapter One
PISTOLS
Pistols (sometimes referred to as handguns) are compact weapons that are
designed to be easily carried and suitable for one-handed firing. They are
perhaps the most widely used category of firearms. Pistols serve as side arms
for police and military personnel, as self-defense weapons for citizens, and as
sporting weapons for hunting and competition shooting. Their small size and
easy concealment make them popular with the criminal element as well.
Pistols are available to suit nearly any budget. Low-cost models featur-
ing simple operating systems, crude manufacturing,
and low-quality materials are widely produced.
More reliable and sophisticated service weapons
that are suitable for military or police use form the
middle of the market. At the high end are advanced custom pis-
tols, produced for Olympic-class target shooting or exclusive
private collections. In between is a full spectrum of different
models and designs.
Pistols are generally broken down into three different
types based on their methods of operation: single-shot pistols,
revolvers, and autoloaders. Each type has its advantages and
disadvantages.
Of the three types, single-shot pistols have the
simplest design. They do not need a magazine or
feed mechanism, allowing for extremely simple and
inexpensive designs; however, the need to reload
them after every shot seriously limits their usefulness.
They are very uncommon today, having been largely re-
placed by more sophisticated designs. Single-shot pistols
tend to be specialized sporting weapons or holdout der-
ringer-type weapons, meant only for emergency use.
Revolvers are pistols that use a rotating cylinder
to hold several shots of ammunition for ready use. As
each bullet is fired, the cylinder revolves to advance the
next bullet to align with the barrel and hammer for firing.
Revolvers are mechanically simple, which lends them
good reliability. (Revolvers cannot become unreliable
except due to damage.) They are also inexpensive to
manufacture and easy to maintain. Leaving one firing chamber
empty when loading a revolver enables it to be safely carried.
Even if the hammer accidentally drops, it will do so on an empty
chamber and the weapon will not fire. When the weapon
needs to be used, the user advances a loaded chamber simply
by pulling the trigger to rotate the cylinder.
There are two common types of revolvers. The first type is the
break-open design, in which the action swings open on a hinge

d20 MODERN
located on the frame. This exposes the cylinder, allowing empty used with the Burst Fire feat. They cannot be used to make autofire
cartridge cases to be extracted and fresh cartridges to be loaded. attacks or to gain any other benefit of the automatic rate of fire.
Break-open revolvers have fallen out of favor and are seldom seen They do not grant the ability to make burst fire attacks without the
in modern designs. The second, and more common, type of revolver Burst Fire feat; if you use the setting without the feat, you make a
is the swing-out model, in which the cylinder drops out to one side normal attack, and the extra bullets are wasted.
on a swinging arm. Chambered Rounds: Any firearm with a box magazine can carry
The third type of pistol is the autoloader, or self-loading, pistol. an extra cartridge in the chamber. To put a cartridge in the chamber,
Autoloaders use a mechanical action to cycle the weapon when it the weapon is loaded as normal. (Chambering a round is part of the
is fired. This action ejects the empty cartridge case, loads a fresh normal loading process.) Then the magazine is removed, an extra
cartridge from the magazine into the firing chamber, and resets the bullet is added (to replace the one that was chambered), and the
firing pin so that the weapon is instantly ready to be fired again. magazine is reinserted. This process takes an extra full round beyond
Modern autoloader pistols usually use detachable box magazines, the time normally required to load the weapon.
enabling the user to reload them very quickly. This feature makes Loading Large Magazines: According to the d20 Modern
them particularly suitable for tactical combat weapons; they have Roleplaying Game (see Reloading Firearms, page 97), refilling a box
largely eclipsed revolvers in this role. Autoloaders are significantly magazine is a full-round action. Actually, as a full-round action you
more complex than revolvers, making them more expensive. While can refill up to 20 rounds of ammunition in a box magazine. Larger
early designs were prone to failure, decades of refinement and box magazines take more time to fill. For example, an 18-round box
technological advances have greatly improved their reliability to the magazine takes 1 full round to fill, while a 27-round box magazine
point where good-quality models are just as good as revolvers. takes 2 full rounds to fill. You do not have to fill a box magazine to
Autoloader pistols come in many different designs. The simplest its full capacity; if you can only spare 1 full round, you can choose
is the blowback pistol, which uses the recoil energy of the firing to partially fill a larger magazine.
cartridge to drive the slide back and cycle the action. Blowback Machine Pistols: Any pistol that has an automatic rate of fire or
pistols are easy and inexpensive to produce, but they are unsuitable
for use with high-powered ammunition, which forces the action to
a three-round burst feature is considered a machine pistol. Like any
other pistol (or Medium-size or smaller weapon), a machine pistol
11
cycle too quickly and can cause a jam. For more powerful calibers, can be fired one-handed. However, when fired on the automatic
a mechanism must be incorporated that prevents the action from rate of fire or using the Burst Fire feat, a machine pistol imposes a
cycling until the bullet has left the weapon and the pressure in the –1 penalty on all attack rolls. This penalty is negated if the weapon
firing chamber has dropped by venting gases down the barrel. There is fired two-handed.
have been a great many solutions to this problem; the most success- Reliability: Revolvers cannot become unreliable, except due
ful have been widely copied through different designs. to damage.
Both revolvers and autoloaders can incorporate either single- or
double-action triggers. In the former, the trigger does nothing but
release the hammer to fire the weapon. In the latter, the trigger
mechanism also draws the hammer back, allowing the weapon to
PISTOL DESCRIPTIONS
The pistols described in this chapter are presented alphabetically.
be fired without having to cock it backward first.
In revolvers, the advantages of the double-action trigger have led
to the near disappearance of single-action designs. Indeed, the only
single-action revolvers still in wide use today are replicas of historic
6P35
Russian 9mm Double-Action Autoloader Pistol
19th-century designs used in the increasingly popular sport of “cow-
The 6P35 is a derivative of the
boy shooting”—target shooting with authentic period firearms.
P-9 Gurza, chambered to fire the
For autoloaders, the action of the slide is used to cock the ham-
9mm Parabellum cartridge and in-
mer back, reducing the need for a double-action trigger. Any shot
tended to serve as a replacement
other than the first one can be fired by simply pulling the trigger,
for the PM Makarov in the military
because the cycling action will leave the hammer cocked. To fire
service pistol role. As such, it is in
the first shot from a single-action autoloader, the shooter must
direct competition with the MR-
first cock the hammer back manually, though on most designs the
443 series from Izmash.
shooter will do so when he or she works the slide to feed the first
The 6P35 uses the same drop-
cartridge off the magazine upon loading.
ping-block mechanism and steel-polymer combination frame found
The proponents of different shooting doctrines and techniques
on the Gurza. Operation is similar as well, with dual grip and trig-
have argued passionately for years about whether revolvers are
ger safeties to permit safe carrying. Currently in the final stages of
better than autoloaders and whether double action is better than
development, it is essentially ready for production and could begin
single action. Ultimately, it is a highly subjective question. Individual
replacing the PM Series should Moscow decide to adopt a 9mm
preference, familiarity, and experience are better guides than any
Parabellum design.
PISTOLS
hard-and-fast rule about pistol design.
Damage: 2d6 Magazine: 18 box
d20 MODERN RULES Critical: 20

Damage Type: Ballistic
Size: Small
Weight: 3 lb.
The following rules supplement those in the d20 Modern Roleplaying Range Increment: 30 ft. Purchase DC: 15
Game and apply to the firearms described in this chapter. Rate of Fire: S Restriction: Lic (+1)
Proficiency: One must have the Personal Firearms Proficiency
feat to fire a pistol without taking a –4 penalty on the attack roll.
For pistols with an automatic rate of fire, one must have the AEK 906
Advanced Firearms Proficiency feat to fire on automatic without Russian 9mm Double-Action Revolver
taking a –4 penalty on the attack roll. The AEK 906 is a new revolver design from Russia. Unlike the mon-
Burst Fire: Some pistols have three-round burst settings even if strous Udar and Gnom series, it is moderate in size and is chambered
they do not have an automatic rate of fire. These weapons can be to fire the standard 9mm Makarov pistol cartridge.

d20 MODERN
The AEK 906 is conventional in gas-powered action is housed in a tubular receiver. Its unusual
most respects but has one highly shape gives it a sleek, flashy look that enhances its reputation.
unusual feature: Unlike other Production quality is top-notch due to the relatively small num-
revolvers, the barrel is aligned bers made. The Automag is a very accurate design, though its
with the bottom chamber of high-powered cartridge causes a powerful kick when fired.
the cylinder, rather than the top.
It is claimed that this provides Damage: 2d8 Magazine: 7 box
better balance and also transfers Critical: 20 Size: Medium
recoil directly up the firer’s hand, Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 4 lb.
improving controllability. A metal prong extends from the muzzle Range Increment: 40 ft. Purchase DC: 17
back over the top strap, holding the forward sight and giving ad- Rate of Fire: S Restriction: Lic (+1)
ditional strength.
Aside from this feature, the AEK 906 operates in the tradi-
tional fashion. It features a swing-out cylinder and composite AMT Backup
grips. Am≠munition is loaded with 6-round speed clips, which are American .45 ACP Double-Action-Only Autoloader Pistol
supplied with the weapon. The trigger guard is shaped to facilitate The Backup is a compact hold-
a two-handed grip. out pistol from AMT. As its
Variants: The AEK 906-1 is identical, except that it is chambered name implies, it is meant to be
for the 9mm Parabellum caliber. a secondary weapon designed
for use as a last resort. Its small
Damage: 2d6 Magazine: 6 cyl size and smooth surfaces, free
Critical: 20 Size: Small of corners or protrusions, make
12 Damage Type: Ballistic
Range Increment: 30 ft.
Weight: 2 lb.
Purchase DC: 15
it easy to carry in a concealed
holster or even just stashed in
Rate of Fire: S Restriction: Lic (+1) a boot or pocket. It uses a con-
ventional delayed blowback action. It can be brought into action
very quickly because there is no safety catch for the shooter to
AMT .44 Automag fumble with in an emergency. Instead, it uses a double-action-only
American .44 AMP Single-Action Autoloader Pistol mechanism to prevent accidental firing. There are also no sights,
The Automag was designed in since these could snag when the weapon is drawn, and they are
the late 1960s to provide perfor- considered unnecessary for the point-blank shooting for which the
mance similar to the .44 Magnum Backup is designed.
round in an autoloader pistol Variants: The Backup pistol is available in a variety of common
(prior to that, the .44 Magnum pistol calibers up to .45 ACP (Automatic Colt Pistol), to suit an
was available only in revolvers). individual’s preferences.
For a variety of technical rea- Who Uses It: The Backup is very popular with civilians in the U.S.
sons, the .44 Magnum revolver in states that permit concealed carry and has sold in large numbers
cartridge proved un≠suitable for as a self-defense weapon. It is also widely used by police officers,
use in an autoloading pistol. The particularly as a holdout pistol or for undercover use.
Automag’s designer, Harry Sanford, instead developed a whole new d20 Modern Rules: The 9mm and .45 caliber versions of this
cartridge called the .44 AMP—essentially a .30 caliber rifle cartridge weapon each grant a +2 circumstance bonus on Sleight of Hand
case cut down in length and used to fire a new .44 caliber bullet. checks made to conceal the weapon.
This cartridge gave ballistic performance that was nearly identical
to the earlier .44 Magnum.
To fire this massive cartridge, the Automag required an un-
AMT Backup (.38S Autoloader)
conventional action. Instead of the more common recoil-driven
Critical: 20 Size: Tiny
mechanism, the Automag employs a gas-powered semiautomatic
Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 1 lb.
action with a rotating bolt. In this respect, it functions more like an
Range Increment: 20 ft. Purchase DC: 15
assault rifle than a pistol. The resulting mechanism is much more
Rate of Fire: S Restriction: Lic (+1)
complex and expensive than a typical pistol design, but this is ne-
cessitated by the tremendous firing pressures of the big Magnum
cartridge. This type of system has since been copied in later high- AMT Backup (9mm Autoloader)
powered pistols, such as the IMI Desert Eagle. Damage: 2d6 Magazine: 6 box
PISTOLS
Unfortunately, the exotic ammunition proved to be the Critical: 20 Size: Small

Automag’s undoing. Due to lack of demand, no U.S. manufacturer Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 2 lb.
ever mass-produced the .44 AMP rounds (though they were made Range Increment: 20 ft. Purchase DC: 15
in Mexico for a time). This meant that Automag owners had to Rate of Fire: S Restriction: Lic (+1)
handload their own ammunition, a time-consuming and expensive
process. The added trouble simply wasn’t worth it to most shoot-
ers, and the Automag was soon withdrawn. The Automag has been
AMT Backup (.45 Autoloader)
revived from time to time and is currently in production once again
Critical: 20 Size: Small
in limited numbers after a long hiatus. It has never found widespread
popularity, however. As a result, .44 Automags are rare and highly
prized collector’s items. This fact drives their cost up considerably.
The Automag is a large and bulky single-action pistol. It is
constructed from stainless steel. There is no slide; instead, its

d20 MODERN
AMT Longslide Hardballer d20 Modern Rules: This weapon is unreliable when used to
make autofire attacks.
American .45 ACP Single-Action Autoloader Pistol
This weapon is difficult to control when used on the autofire set-
AMT produces a series of M1911
ting. When used to make autofire attacks (including the use of the
clones known by the trade name
Burst Fire feat), the –1 penalty for machine pistols (see page XXX) is
Hardballer. One of the best-
increased to –2. The penalty is –1 if the weapon is fired with both
known versions is the Longslide
hands. There is no penalty if it is used with the shoulder stock.
Hardballer, developed especially
Attaching or detaching the stock is a move action. If you have a
for target shooting. As its name
base attack bonus of +1 or higher, you can attach or detach the stock
suggests, it features a lengthened
as a free action when moving. With the stock attached, this weapon
slide and special custom barrel.
is considered Large.
These features improve accuracy
in a number of ways. The longer
barrel results in a higher muzzle velocity. The longer slide is much
Critical: 20 Size: Medium
heavier, giving the pistol a significant nose-heavy balance that coun-
teracts muzzle climb. The sight radius is also increased, allowing for
better aiming.
Rate of Fire: S, A Restriction: Res (+2)
Aside from the increased length, the Longslide is essentially
just a copy of the Colt M1911. Design and operation are identical,
with the Browning dropping-barrel action and a single-action trig-
ger mechanism. The Hardballer series is characterized by exacting
Armenius Vindicator
German .357 Magnum Double-Action Revolver
production quality, and the Longslide is no exception. It is carefully
Armenius is a division of the
hand finished to ensure smooth and reliable operation. The trigger
is hand tuned as well. A wraparound rubberized grip and adjustable
Weirauch company, a name as-
sociated with high-quality air
13
target sights are standard.
rifles for sportsmen. Armenius
Variants: Standard Hardballers feature regular-length barrels and
produces a range of high-end
slides and are essentially identical to the M1911A1 custom pistols
revolvers for competitive tar-
described above.
get shooting. The Vindicator
Who Uses It: The Longslide Hardballer is a target pistol, rather
(also known as Windicator, its
than a tactical or service weapon. It is primarily sold to competitive
German name) is a high-quality
sportsmen.
.357 Magnum revolver designed
d20 Modern Rules: Due to its high quality of manufacture,
for practical pistol competitions. It features a solid frame, double-
this weapon is always considered a mastercraft weapon. As such, it
action mechanism, composite grips, and a shrouded barrel. It is a
grants a +1 bonus on attack rolls.
sophisticated and expensive weapon, optimized for accuracy and
on the cutting edge of quality.
Variants: The Vindicator is available in both .357 Magnum and
.38 Special calibers.
APS Stechkin Armenius Vindicator (.357 Revolver)

Russian 9mm Select-Fire Machine Pistol Damage: 2d6 Magazine: 6 cyl
This weapon was designed in the Critical: 20 Size: Small
1960s as an automatic pistol for Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 2 lb.
use by military and KGB officers. Range Increment: 40 ft. Purchase DC: 17
It uses a modified version of the Rate of Fire: S Restriction: Lic (+1)
Walther PP’s blowback action
(considerably scaled up) and fires
the 9mm Makarov cartridge. The
Armenius Vindicator (.38S Revolver)
Damage: 2d6 Magazine: 6 cyl
mechanism is highly complex. It is
expensive to manufacture, and it
requires an inordinate amount of
PISTOLS
maintenance to ensure reliable operation.
The Stechkin’s most unusual feature is that it is capable of se-
lective fire. Unfortunately, it is nearly uncontrollable in automatic
mode and is useful only when fired in short bursts. Various shoulder
stocks can be fitted to improve accuracy, including a hollow wood-
ASAI AG onePRO Series
Swiss Double-Action Autoloader Pistols
en one designed to double as a holster. The Stechkin was generally
ASAI AG is a relative newcomer to the field of small-arms design. It
considered unsuccessful, and after only a few years, it was replaced
is dedicated to producing relatively low-cost designs on the cutting
by the AK-74SU submachine gun and the ordinary Makarov pistol.
edge of technology. The onePRO series is a tactical autoloader pis-
Variants: A modernized version, the OTs-33 Pernach, has recently
tol available in a variety of different popular calibers, including 9mm
been made available (see separate entry below).
Parabellum, .45 ACP (Automatic Colt Pistol), and .400 Cor-Bon.
Who Uses It: The Stechkin was withdrawn from active service;
The onePRO operates on the modified Browning system. It fea-
however, despite its problems, it has proven popular with terrorists
tures a decocking lever, allowing the user to safely carry the weapon
and criminals.

d20 MODERN
when it’s loaded. The handle is Damage: 2d6 Magazine: 17 box
set at a sharply raked angle that Critical: 20 Size: Small
is designed to accommodate Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 3 lb.
instinctive shooting techniques. Range Increment: 30 ft. Purchase DC: 16
The barrel, frame, and slide are Rate of Fire: S Restriction: Lic (+1)
all made from an advanced stain-
less steel alloy that is extremely
resistant to wear and corrosion. Astra Model 960
Metal components are further Spanish .38 Special Double-Action Revolver
protected by a high-tech finish that was originally developed for Astra produces a broad range
aerospace rockets. The onePRO disassembles rapidly for service of police service revolvers, of
or cleaning. which the Model 960 is a typical
Variants: ASAI AG produces versions of the onePro in .400 example. It is a conventional de-
Cor-Bon and in .45 ACP. There is also a .45 caliber sporting model sign with a full-sized solid-frame,
for practical pistol shooting competitions that conforms to IPSC swing-out cylinder, and exposed
tournament regulations. Reduced-size, 10-round magazines are hammer. The grips are made of
available in the U.S. market, where high-capacity clips are pro- wood. It is available in a number
hibited by law. of different barrel lengths.
Who Uses It: The Model 960
is in service as a police weapon, both in Europe and worldwide.
ASAI onePRO (9mm Autoloader)
14 Critical: 20
Size: Small
Weight: 2 lb.
Critical: 20
Size: Tiny
Weight: 3 lb.
ASAI onePRO (.45 Autoloader)

Damage: 2d6 Magazine: 10 box Astra Police
Critical: 20 Size: Small Spanish .357 Magnum Double-Action Revolver
Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 3 lb. The Astra Police is another ser-
Range Increment: 30 ft. Purchase DC: 17 vice revolver from Astra. As its
Rate of Fire: S Restriction: Lic (+1) name suggests, it is intended for
the law enforcement market. It is
largely similar to the .38 caliber
ASAI onePRO (.400 Autoloader) Model 960 in both appearance
and operation. The biggest dif-
ference is that it is designed to
fire the .357 Magnum round, in
addition to the .38 Special cali-
ber. It also comes with an alternate cylinder, which can be rapidly
substituted and can use 9mm Parabellum ammunition.
Astra A-100
Spanish 9mm Double-Action Autoloader Pistol Astra Police (.357 Revolver)
The A-100 is the latest in a series Damage: 2d6 Magazine: 6 cyl
of modern autoloader pistols Critical: 20 Size: Small
from Astra. Its slab-sided ap- Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 3 lb.
pearance is similar to that of the Range Increment: 40 ft. Purchase DC: 16
Swiss SIG-Sauer range (described Rate of Fire: S Restriction: Lic (+1)
later in this chapter), and it oper-
ates on a similar recoil-driven
mechanism. The hammer can be
Astra Police (.38S Revolver)
lowered on the loaded chamber
PISTOLS

for carrying. The firing pin is
completely disengaged from the action, except at the moment the
trigger is pulled. This means that even if the hammer accidentally
falls, the pistol will not fire. This redundant system ensures that an
accidental discharge is nearly impossible, making it a popular design
with law enforcement.
Variants: The earlier A-90 is identical to the A-100, except that
AT 2000 Series
Swiss 9mm Double-Action Autoloader Pistol
it also features a manual safety catch. This was felt to be redun-
The AT 2000 is an advanced derivative of the Czech CZ 75,
dant, given the other safety devices on the pistol, which led to
produced under license by Sphinx in Switzerland. The AT 2000 in-
its removal from the A-100. The A-100 is produced in a variety of
corporates dozens of modifications and improvements to the basic
popular pistol calibers.
CZ design, resulting in what is essentially a new and thoroughly
Who Uses It: The A-100 is in police service worldwide.
modern design.

d20 MODERN
The AT 2000’s frame is a mid-1990s closed the door on the Baikal before it could even get
lightweight alloy, while the bar- off the ground.
rel and slide are forged steel.
Controls are ambidextrous, and Damage: 2d4 Magazine: 8 box
an automatic firing pin safety is Critical: 20 Size: Tiny
standard. There is no decocking Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 1 lb.
lever on standard models, which Range Increment: 20 ft. Purchase DC: 16
is unusual for a modern pistol; Rate of Fire: S Restriction: Lic (+1)
however, one is available as an
optional extra.
Variants: A whole series of pistols are derived from the basis AT Baikal 442
2000 design. There are full size (AT 2000 S), compact (AT 2000 P), Russian 9mm Autoloader Pistol
and subcompact (AT 2000 H) models. There is also an AT 2000 PS Like the Baikal 441, the Baikal 442
Police Special model, which is optimized for law enforcement use. was another attempt by Izmash
This incorporates the short barrel and slide of the AT 2000 P with to introduce a Russian-designed
the large frame of the AT 2000 S, combining short overall length autoloader pistol to the U.S.
with high-magazine capacity. market. Despite the fact that it
Who Uses It: The AT 2000 PS Police Special is in police service was a solid and affordable de-
in Belgium, Switzerland, and Venezuela. sign, it too ran aground due to
d20 Modern Rules: The AT 2000 P grants a +2 circumstance the changes in gun control laws
bonus on Sleight of Hand checks made to conceal the weapon. in the mid-1990s.
The Baikal 442 is a derivative
AT 2000 S and AT 2000 PS (9mm Autoloader) of the Makarov PMM, which features a heavier slide and minor
redesign of the frame and trigger guard. It was produced in both
15
the 9mm Makarov and 9mm Parabellum calibers. Like the Makarov,
it was a lightweight and practical design, compact in size and reli-
able in operation.
AT 2000 P (9mm Autoloader) Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 2 lb.
Damage: 2d6 Magazine: 13 box Range Increment: 20 ft. Purchase DC: 16
Critical: 20 Size: Small Rate of Fire: S Restriction: Lic (+1)
Rate of Fire: S Restriction: Lic (+1) Benelli Model B-76
Italian 9mm Double-Action Autoloader Pistol
The B-76 is a unique and clever
AT 2000 H (9mm Autoloader) design, incorporating a moving
breechblock housed in a sub-
frame within the slide. Though
designed as a police and military
weapon in the late 1970s, the
Benelli B-76 was never adopted
by any official service. The main
Baikal 441 reason for the lack of interest
was the absence of a decocking
Russian .25 ACP Double-Action Autoloader Pistol
lever: the B-76 must be decocked with the trigger, which can lead
With the end of the Cold War,
to unintended firing. The firearm was available commercially, but
many Russian arms manufac-
disappointing sales and the lack of any major government contracts
turers found themselves in
led to its cancellation after a few years.
jeopardy. The government con-
Variants: The MP3-S is a special version that is optimized for
tracts that had sustained them
precision match shooting, incorporating an accurized barrel and
for decades were drying up, and
PISTOLS
specialized target grips. The B-76 is also available in a variety of
the onset of capitalism meant
common pistol calibers.
they had to suddenly compete
d20 Modern Rules: Due to its high quality of manufacture, the
to survive. The Izmash Company
MP3-S is always considered a mastercraft weapon. As such, it grants
looked to the large American
a +1 bonus on attack rolls.
market and decided to introduce a new design especially for
it. The result was the Baikal 441, an export version of the PSM
autoloader pistol chambered for the .25 ACP (Automatic Colt Benelli Model B-76 (9mm Autoloader)
Pistol) cartridge. Damage: 2d6 Magazine: 8 box
The Russian designers studied American gun control laws and Critical: 20 Size: Small
designed the 441 to be completely compatible with them. In Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 2 lb.
addition to the new caliber, it features wooden grips, a loaded Range Increment: 30 ft. Purchase DC: 15
chamber indicator, and adjustable target sights. Unfortunately, Rate of Fire: S Restriction: Lic (+1)
the tough new import restrictions imposed on firearms in the

d20 MODERN
Who Uses It: The M9 became the U.S. military service pistol in
Benelli MP3-S (9mm Autoloader) 1980 and still serves in that capacity to this day. More than 300,000
units have been purchased by the U.S. military and distributed to all
four branches, as well as the Coast Guard. Gaining the U.S. military
as a customer was the best possible endorsement for Beretta and
directly led to further widespread sales to police and military cus-
tomers worldwide. Among other users, the M9 is the standard side
arm of the French Gendarmerie Nationale.
Benelli MP95 Damage: 2d6 Magazine: 15 box
Italian .22 Single-Action Autoloader Target Pistol
The Benelli MP95 is representative
of a range of highly sophisticated
target pistols produced by Benelli
of Italy. Designed to provide su-
perior accuracy, they are sold for
sporting use worldwide.
The MP95 is built around a
Beretta Model 84 Series
Italian Double-Action Autoloader Pistols
straightforward blowback-oper-
The Italian firm of Beretta is
ating mechanism. Its operating
one of the oldest companies
mechanism’s relative simplicity
still in existence and can trace
belies the extensive engineering that has gone into its design. All
its lineage back to the Middle
16 components of the MP95 are precision crafted by skilled machinists.
The lacquered wooden grips are ergonomically engineered to give
Ages. Since World War II, it has
become known for producing
a consistent and firm hold, allowing the shooter to properly align
a popular series of autoloader
the weapon for every shot. So as not to interfere with the shape of
pistols featuring a distinctive,
the sharply angled shooting grip, the MP95 is fed by a small 6-round
open-frame slide.
magazine located just forward of the trigger guard.
In the mid-1970s, Beretta
Who Uses It: The MP95 is an expensive and highly specialized
established the modern incarnation of this line with a series of
design, used by top-level target pistol competitors.
pistols in different calibers. The Model 84, chambered in .380
ACP (Automatic Colt Pistol), is a representative. It operates on a
simple blowback system. The firing pin is designed with a spring
resisting the firing movement; only a sharp blow from the ham-
mer will overcome this resistance and fire the weapon. This lets
the hammer drop slowly so the user can safely carry the firearm
while it is loaded.
The Model 84 was designed to use a high-capacity double-
stacked magazine. It can be readily disassembled without tools,
Rate of Fire: Single Restriction: Lic (+1)
making maintenance easy.
Beretta autoloaders are popular worldwide. They are simple and
Beretta M9 Mil-Spec reliable to shoot and easy to maintain. The Beretta is a serious and
practical pistol.
Italian 9mm Double-Action Autoloader Pistol
Variants: Beretta produces a number of pistols based on the
In the late 1970s, the U.S. Army
same basic design. Additional features, such as decockers, loaded
began searching for a replace-
chamber indicators, or single-action-only triggers, are generally
ment for the legendary Colt .45
incorporated. The Model 85 is another .380 caliber variant, using a
M1911A1, an excellent design that
smaller single-stacked magazine for a slimmer grip. The Model 87 is
had served for over fifty years.
a similar version, chambered in .22.
The U.S. needed a 9mm model
Who Uses It: The Beretta Model 84 and 85 are widely used by
to conform to NATO ammuni-
police agencies worldwide. The .22 caliber Beretta autoloaders were
tion standards. It conducted an
favored by Israeli Mossad hit teams operating worldwide against
exhaustive series of trials that
terrorist targets.
studied all current designs. After
d20 Modern Rules: The Model 85 and Model 87 each grant a
years of testing, it settled on the Beretta Model 92 as the new U.S.
PISTOLS
+2 circumstance bonus on Sleight of Hand checks made to conceal

military service pistol. After a few minor modifications, the weapon
the weapon.
entered service as the M9.
Changes to the basic Model 92 design include a redesigned grip
and a magazine with an extended shoe to provide a better hold. Beretta Model 84 (.380 Autoloader)
The trigger guard was reshaped to support a two-handed firing Damage: 2d4 Magazine: 13 box
stance. A lanyard ring was added to the base of the butt. The Critical: 20 Size: Small
magazine catch was moved and redesigned for ambidextrous use. Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 2 lb.
An overall matte black Teflon finish was applied to prevent wear Range Increment: 30 ft. Purchase DC: 14
and corrosion. In all other respects, the M9 operates identically to Rate of Fire: S Restriction: Lic (+1)
the basic Model 92.
Variants: The M9-pattern Beretta is available in a variety of
finishes, including nickel and stainless steel. A target version with a
heavier barrel is also produced.

d20 MODERN
worldwide and built under license in several countries, including
Beretta Model 85 (.380 Autoloader) and Beretta Model the U.S. and Egypt.
87 (.22 Autoloader) d20 Modern Rules: The Model 92 Compact grants a +2 cir-
Damage: 2d4 Magazine: 8 box cumstance bonus on Sleight of Hand checks made to conceal
Critical: 20 Size: Small the weapon.
Beretta Model 92 (9mm Autoloader)
Beretta Model 86 Damage Type: Ballistic
Weight: 3 lb.
Purchase DC: 16
Italian .380 ACP Double-Action Autoloader Pistol
The Model 86 is similar to other
Beretta pistol designs, except
that it employs a tip-up barrel. Beretta Model 92 Compact (9mm Autoloader)
The tip-up barrel pivots around Damage: 2d6 Magazine: 13 box
a hinge located just below the Critical: 20 Size: Small
muzzle. With the barrel open, Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 2 lb.
the firing chamber is exposed, Range Increment: 30 ft. Purchase DC: 17
almost like on a break-open Rate of Fire: S Restriction: Lic (+1)
shotgun. This makes cleaning
easy, because the barrel can be
swept out without dismantling the weapon. It also allows an extra
cartridge to be loaded into the chamber after a full magazine has
Beretta Model 93R
Italian 9mm Select-Fire Machine Pistol
17
been inserted. The Model 93R is a progressive
The Model 86 uses overall steel construction throughout. It is development of an earlier de-
available in a variety of finishes, and the grips can be either plastic sign, the Beretta 951R. Though
or wood. externally similar to the large-
d20 Modern Rules: Placing an extra round in the chamber of frame Model 92 series, the 93R
this weapon is a move action rather than a full-round action (see has a highly unusual feature—a
Chambered Rounds, near the start of this chapter). three-round burst setting. This
gives impressive firepower for
Damage: 2d4 Magazine: 8 box close-in fighting, but control-
Critical: 20 Size: Small lability of such a small weapon
Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 2 lb. is dubious at best. The Model 93R is perhaps best suited for sup-
Range Increment: 30 ft. Purchase DC: 14 pressive fire, since accurate burst shooting is difficult. In any case,
Rate of Fire: S Restriction: Lic (+1) a double-action semiautomatic setting can also be selected for
individual shots, if desired.
To improve controllability, the Model 93R features a fold-down
Beretta Model 92 metal foregrip to permit a two-handed hold. The trigger guard is
Italian 9mm Double-Action Autoloader Pistol enlarged, permitting the thumb of the nonshooting hand to hook
The Model 92 is the 9mm coun- through it. A folding metal shoulder stock can be attached to the base
terpart to the 1970s-era Model of the pistol grip as well. To compensate for the high rate of fire, the
84 series (see above). Its outward Model 93R features an extended 20-round high-capacity magazine.
appearance is similar to the Who Uses It: The Model 93R is in service with a number of
smaller Beretta designs. Because special operations forces, both in Italy and elsewhere.
of the more powerful chamber- d20 Modern Rules: This weapon features a three-round burst
ing, however, the action had to setting. When used with the Burst Fire feat, it fires only three bul-
be reworked to accommodate lets instead of five and can be used with only three bullets in the
the greater firing pressures. weapon. This setting does not grant the ability to make burst fire
Instead of a simple blowback attacks without the Burst Fire feat; if you use the setting without
mechanism, the Model 92 is recoil-driven, using a falling block to the feat, you make a normal attack, and the extra two bullets are
disengage the barrel from the slide during the firing cycle. wasted. Because it does not have the automatic rate of fire, this
PISTOLS
The Beretta Model 92 operates in the conventional fashion. It weapon cannot be used to make autofire attacks.
features a double-action trigger and decocking lever for safe carry- Attaching or detaching the stock is a move action. If you have a
ing. The extractor serves as a loaded-chamber indicator. base attack bonus of +1 or higher, you can attach or detach the stock
Variants: The Model 92 forms the basis of a whole family of as a free action when moving. With the stock attached, this weapon
large-frame pistols. It is available in a variety of finishes and grip is considered Large.
arrangements. The Model 92F features a manual safety, while the
Model 92G has none, relying on the internal firing pin disconnect. Damage: 2d6 Magazine: 20 box
The Model 92D is double-action only. Critical: 20 Size: Medium
In addition to these variants, compact versions are available for Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 3 lb.
concealed carry, and sporting models are available for practical Range Increment: 30 ft. Purchase DC: 18
pistol competition shooting. Rate of Fire: S Restriction: Res (+2)
Who Uses It: The Beretta Model 92 series is used by both the
Italian armed forces and police. It has been sold in huge numbers

d20 MODERN
Beretta Model 8000 “Cougar” Series Bernardelli P6
Italian Double-Action Autoloader Pistols Italian 9mm Double-Action Autoloader Pistol
The Model 8000 is a relatively new The P6 is a compact pistol de-
series of service autoloaders built signed for concealed carry. It is
around a compact frame. With a similar in design and operation to
fully enclosed slide, these weapons the Walther PP, which Bernardelli
are quite different in appearance once produced under license. It
from earlier Beretta designs. Internal uses a locked breech, permitting
operation is different as well, using the use of full-powered 9mm
a rotating barrel lock at the breech. Parabellum ammunition.
The frame is made of a lightweight Variants: The P6 is produced
alloy, while the barrel and slide are in a variety of other calibers, in-
forged steel. An all-stainless steel model is also available. cluding .32 ACP and .380 ACP. The P8 is a slightly modified variant,
Variants: The Model 8000 series is produced in a number of with additional redundant safety devices, that is intended for sale
variants, featuring different safety catch arrangements. It is also on the U.S. market.
produced in a variety of calibers. An ultracompact carry variant, d20 Modern Rules: This weapon grants a +2 circumstance bonus
the Mini-Cougar, is also available. on Sleight of Hand checks made to conceal the weapon.
d20 Modern Rules: The Model 8000 Mini-Cougar grants a +2
circumstance bonus on Sleight of Hand checks made to conceal
the weapon.
Bernardelli P6 (9mm Autoloader)
18 Beretta 8000 Cougar (9mm Autoloader)
Weight: 2 lb.
Purchase DC: 16
Bernardelli P6 (.32 Autoloader and .380 Autoloader)
Beretta 8000 Mini-Cougar (9mm Autoloader) Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 2 lb.
Rate of Fire: S Restriction: Lic (+1) Bernardelli P.ONE
Italian Double-Action Autoloader Pistol
The P.ONE is a family of modern
Beretta Model 9000S large-frame autoloader pistols
Italian 9mm Double-Action Autoloader Pistol from Bernardelli. The action op-
The Model 9000S is a state-of- erates on a breech-locking block.
the-art autoloader from Beretta. It features overall forged steel
It is designed to serve as a construction with synthetic or
concealed holdout pistol, as its wooden grips. Controls are
relatively small size and rounded ambidextrous. Multiple safety
corners attest. The frame and devices and a decocking lever
slide are made of glass-rein- are standard.
forced polymers, with internal Variants: A whole family of P.ONE pistols is produced in a num-
steel stiffeners and a forged steel ber of different calibers and finishes.
barrel. The handle is covered with
a wraparound rubber grip to provide a nonslip hold. Damage: 2d6 Magazine: 16 box
The 9000S has the same distinctive open-frame design of earlier Critical: 20 Size: Small
Beretta autoloaders. It is very accurate for such a compact weapon, Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 2 lb.
with a slightly barrel-heavy balance to help counter recoil. Controls Range Increment: 30 ft. Purchase DC: 15
PISTOLS
are standard, including both a manual safety catch and a decocking Rate of Fire: S Restriction: Lic (+1)
lever. The double-stacked magazine is able to hold 12 rounds, an
impressive quantity for so small a frame.
Variants: The Model 9000S is produced in both the 9mm Browning Hi-Power
Parabellum and .40 Smith & Wesson (S&W) calibers. Belgian 9mm Single-Action Autoloader Pistol
d20 Modern Rules: This weapon grants a +2 circumstance bonus The Hi-Power was one of the
on Sleight of Hand checks made to conceal the weapon. last designs by the legendary
John Browning and did not
Damage: 2d6 Magazine: 12 box enter production until 1935,
Critical: 20 Size: Small several years after Browning’s
Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 2 lb. death. The design was perfected
Range Increment: 30 ft. Purchase DC: 15 and produced in Belgium by the
Rate of Fire: S Restriction: Lic (+1) company known as FN Herstal,

d20 MODERN
which initially had a hard time selling it during the Great Depression. and frame sizes. The Model 48 is a similar pistol, produced in a
It eventually achieved widespread popularity and remains in wide- number of calibers including .380 ACP.
spread service to this day. Despite its age, it holds up surprisingly d20 Modern Rules: This weapon is unreliable.
well when compared to more modern designs.
The Hi-Power started as an attempt to improve on another Damage: 2d4 Magazine: 8 box
Brown≠ing design—the .45 caliber Colt M1911A1. It is roughly Critical: 20 Size: Small
similar in configuration and arrangement. Internally, the action Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 2 lb.
has been improved through a redesigned trigger system and barrel Range Increment: 20 ft. Purchase DC: 14
engagement mechanism. Rate of Fire: S Restriction: Lic (+1)
As a safety feature, the weapon cannot be discharged when the
magazine is removed. This prevents accidental firing of a round left
in the chamber after the clip is ejected. Colt Anaconda
Variants: The Hi-Power is sometimes known by its alternate American .44 Magnum Double-Action Revolver
designations: the Model 35 or GP-35 (derived from its 1935 date of Colt was a relative latecomer
introduction). FN Herstal has improved the design slightly over the to the field of .44 Magnum
years, to keep pace with developments in technology. The Hi Power revolvers. It was not until 1990,
Mark 2 features new plastic grips, ambidextrous controls, and a matte long after S&W and Ruger had
finish. The Hi Power Mark 3 was produced on modern computer-driven popularized the caliber, that Colt
machinery, resulting in a slightly larger and stronger frame and slide. introduced its own design. This
Who Uses It: The Hi-Power has had a long and distinguished career. was the big Anaconda, which
It has served around the world as a police and military side arm, serving was essentially a scaled-up
in some 55 countries. It is the standard service side arm of both Belgium Python (see below). Named for
and the U.K. During World War II, it saw action with both German and
Allied forces. It is now being replaced by more modern designs, but
the world’s largest snake, it is a
truly massive weapon, with a beefed-up frame to withstand the
19
it can still be found in large numbers. It is produced under license in firing pressures of the powerful round. It features the same care-
several nations, including Argentina, Bulgaria, India, and Israel. ful hand finishing and attention to detail found on the Python. Its
full-length ejector shroud gives it a slightly nose-heavy balance to
Damage: 2d6 Magazine: 13 box counteract muzzle climb. As with the 1980s-era King Cobra, it uses
Critical: 20 Size: Small wraparound rubber grips instead of wood.
Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 2 lb. Variants: The Anaconda is produced in a variety of barrel
Range Increment: 30 ft. Purchase DC: 17 lengths. The 4-inch barrel is one of the shorter models, giving
Rate of Fire: S Restriction: Lic (+1) good performance while keeping size and weight within mod-
erate limits. The 8-inch barrel is much longer. This improves
performance, though it makes for an exceptionally large and
Bryco-Jennings Model 59 heavy weapon.
American 9mm Double-Action Autoloader Pistol d20 Modern Rules: Due to its high quality of manufacture,
Bryco is one of a number of arms this weapon is always considered a mastercraft weapon. As such, it
makers in California producing grants a +1 bonus on attack rolls.
inexpensive pistols for civilian
sale throughout the U.S. Typical
of the range is the Model 59,
Colt Anaconda 4-inch (.44 Revolver)
which is one of the cheapest 9mm
autoloaders on the market. Even
brand new, it sells for just a frac-
tion of the price of a used Glock
or Berretta. Unfortunately, its low
price also reflects its quality. Its short, crudely made barrel makes it
highly inaccurate. The Model 59 is also notoriously unreliable. Colt Anaconda 8-inch (.44 Revolver)
These drawbacks make Bryco pistols universally despised among Damage: 2d8 Magazine: 6 cyl
skilled shooters. In spite of this, Bryco is one of the largest gun Critical: 20 Size: Medium
producers in the U.S. The extremely low cost of the Model 59 gives Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 4 lb.
it considerable popularity, especially among street criminals. U.S. Range Increment: 50 ft. Purchase DC: 17
government statistics have shown that the Bryco pistols are among Rate of Fire: S Restriction: Lic (+1)
PISTOLS
the most common weapons used in crime. This has further harmed
the Model 59’s reputation, leading many to consider it little more
than a “crime gun” with no legitimate use or purpose. The wide- Colt Delta Elite
spread availability and marketing of ultra-low-cost pistols such as American 10mm Single-Action Autoloader Pistol
this has led many U.S. cities to sue gunmakers on the grounds that The Colt Delta Elite is little more
the gunmakers knowingly flood the black market with weapons for than the standard M1911A1 pistol
criminals—the latest salvo in the ongoing gun control debate. rechambered to fire the 10mm
The Model 59 features steel construction throughout and has a autoloader cartridge, which was
simple, slab-sided appearance. Production quality is poor. The sights briefly popular in the 1980s. It is
are rudimentary. The grips are made of cheap plastic, and little ef- identical in appearance and op-
fort has been made toward ergonomic shaping. The trigger guard is eration to the ordinary M1911A1,
shaped for a two-handed firing grip. which facilitates training for
Variants: The basic Bryco action is available in a range of calibers those shooters already familiar

d20 MODERN
with the Colt Government model. It can be identified by its rubber Today, Colt no longer makes the M1911. A number of other manu-
grip, which features red triangle insignias. facturers, who produce a wide variety of different models, have
taken over production. These range from simple and inexpensive
Damage: 2d6 Magazine: 7 box mil-spec models up to highly sophisticated (and costly) custom
Critical: 20 Size: Small “race guns” for practical competitive shooting.
Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 2 lb. Variants: The M1911 has been produced under license worldwide.
Range Increment: 30 ft. Purchase DC: 17 During World War II, it was made in huge numbers by dozens of
Rate of Fire: S Restriction: Lic (+1) different manufacturers. Though most of these pistols follow the
U.S. Government military-specified standard, a number of custom
variants have grown up. See below.
Colt King Cobra Who Uses It: The M1911 has been used by U.S. forces in every
American .357 Magnum Double-Action Revolver conflict since the 1916 Mexican Punitive Expedition. It earned a solid
The King Cobra is a .357 Magnum reputation for its rugged dependability and stopping power and
revolver from Colt. It is generally was well liked by American troops. Even after its replacement by
similar to the Python but is mass the more advanced Beretta M9, many still prefer the M1911A1, and it
produced and lacks the careful remains in use in a number of special operations units.
hand finishing. As a result, it is Overseas, the M1911 has been widely adopted as a police service
much less expensive, making it pistol and for sporting or target shooting use, as well as a military
more suitable for use as a service side arm. Though it has been largely eclipsed in recent decades by
weapon. It incorporates many more modern designs, it can still be found worldwide.
of the Python’s better features,
including the barrel rib and full- Damage: 2d6 Magazine: 7 box
20 length ejector shroud. Contoured rubber grips are standard. Critical: 20
Size: Small
Weight: 3 lb.
Damage: 2d6 Magazine: 6 cyl Range Increment: 30 ft. Purchase DC: 15
Critical: 20 Size: Medium Rate of Fire: S Restriction: Lic (+1)
Rate of Fire: S Restriction: Lic (+1) Colt M1911A1 Custom Models
American .45 ACP Single-Action Autoloader Pistols
The popularity and widespread
Colt M1911A1 availability of the Colt M1911A1
American .45 ACP Single-Action Autoloader Pistol have made it a popular choice
The Colt M1911A1 is one of the among competitive pistol shoot-
most enduring autoloader pistol ers. This has led to a booming
designs of all time. Designed by business in custom M1911s, de-
John Browning in the early 1900s, veloped by a number of specialty
it was adopted by the U.S. Army gunsmiths. Many of the major
in 1911 as the M1911. After experi- manufacturers produce several
ence in World War I, a number of different models that vary in
minor improvements were made production quality, features, and cost.
to the basic design, resulting in Springfield Armory is one of the largest producers of M1911s
the M1911A1 of 1926. The M1911A1 today. It makes dozens of different models, ranging in price from
remained in U.S. service until the 1980s, when NATO standardiza- just a couple hundred dollars up to several thousand depending
tion resulted in a switch to the 9mm Beretta M9. The change was on features and manufacturing quality. One model, the Operator,
controversial, because many feel that, despite its age, the M1911 is features a standard accessory rail machined into the underside of
the superior pistol. the frame, just forward of the trigger guard.
The M1911 is chambered in .45 ACP (Automatic Colt Pistol), a Among other producers, Kimber is a smaller company that makes
round developed a century ago to give pistols more stopping power. high-quality pistols in relatively small numbers. Les Baer is a custom
The biggest downside to the .45 round is its relatively low speed, shop turning out specialized M1911s to customers’ exact specifica-
which makes it less effective against body armor than the smaller tions. Robar is another small specialty shop, better known for its
and faster 9mm Parabellum. It is also a big cartridge; it generates a custom rifles, that also produces M1911s. Para Ordnance is a Canadian
lot of recoil and takes up a lot of room in the magazine, resulting in firm making high-quality M1911 variants designed to use high-capacity
PISTOLS
relatively low capacity. double-stacked magazines, holding up to 14 rounds of ammunition.

The action of the M1911 was the first use of Browning’s cam-actu- Variants: Though all use the basic M1911 action, these custom
ated locked-barrel design. This mechanism was widely copied and models vary greatly in specific features, production quality, and
was later used in the FN Hi-Power pistol, which was also designed by cost. Virtually any price and quality level is available, depending on
Browning. Simple in concept and reliable in operation, it is an excel- the user’s preference.
lent system for an autoloader pistol. The trigger is single-action, and Who Uses Them: Custom M1911s are popular with sportsmen
there is no decocking lever. There is a slide lock to hold the action and with some special operations units.
open when the last round is fired, speeding the reloading process. A
single-stacked 7-round magazine feeds into the pistol grip. Damage: 2d6 Magazine: 14 box
The M1911A1 uses a slide-locking safety catch. There is also a grip Critical: 20 Size: Small
safety to prevent accidental firing if the weapon is dropped. As an Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 4 lb.
additional safety feature, the weapon cannot be fired if it is pressed Range Increment: 30 ft. Purchase DC: 16
firmly against an object. Rate of Fire: S Restriction: Lic (+1)

d20 MODERN
Colt Mark III Series Revolvers well suited to concealed firearms.
The corners have been rounded
American .38 Special Double-Action Revolvers
to prevent snags. The Mustang
After World War II, Colt found
is chambered in the .380 ACP
that the demand for military
(Automatic Colt Pistol) cartridge,
small arms had largely dried up.
which is easier to control in the
Huge wartime surplus stocks of
smaller frame than the M1911’s
pistols eliminated the demand
large .45 caliber round. Its control
for new weapons. In response,
layout is identical to the full-size
Colt shifted gears to produce
M1911, meaning that users who are familiar with the standard Colt
service revolvers for the law
autoloader can easily transition to the Mustang.
enforcement market.
Who Uses It: The Mustang is widely used by law enforcement
The Mark III series police ser-
as a backup pistol.
vice weapons, introduced in the 1960s, were meant to be cheaper
and easier to produce than earlier designs while retaining the high
standard of quality associated with Colt. A series of pistols were
produced with various barrel lengths and calibers, designed to
meet a wide range of law enforcement needs. They were given vari-
ous names evocative of police service, such as Detective Special,
Undercover, Lawman, and Agent.
The Trooper was the original design in the Mark III series
and is a representative example. It featured a 4-inch barrel and
Colt Python
stainless steel construction and was chambered in either .357
Magnum or .38 Special. Sturdy and reliable, it was very popular
American .357 Magnum Double-Action Revolver
The Python is a big .357 Magnum
21
with police officers.
revolver in the Colt range.
Who Used It: The Mark III Trooper could be found in police
Conventional in appearance and
service throughout the U.S. during the 1960s and 1970s.
operation, it is built to an exact-
ing quality standard, carefully
assembled and finished by hand.
It is one of the most popular .357
revolvers in use, well liked by
law enforcement personnel and
competition shooters.
The Python can be recognized by its ventilated barrel rib and
Colt Mark V Series Revolvers full-length ejector shroud, which give it a slightly barrel-heavy bal-
ance that resists muzzle climb. The hammer has a short arc that
American .38 Special Double-Action Revolvers
minimizes lock time and further improves accuracy. Adjustable
The Colt Model III series sold
sights are standard. Pythons are available with either checkered
very well to police users, but by
wooden or rubber grips.
1980, it was beginning to show its
age and was facing competition
from newer designs from other
manufacturers. Colt responded
with the Mark V series, a new
range of service revolvers de-
signed to improve on the Mark
III’s legacy.
The Mark V revolvers incorporated a number of modifications to
the firing mechanism, leading to improved reliability and a smoother
trigger pull. The hammer arc was shortened, reducing lock time. A
barrel rib was added to aid rapid sighting. The grips were redesigned
to provide a surer hold.
Colt SOCOM
American .45 ACP Double-Action Autoloader Pistol
Who Uses It: The Mark V Trooper was widely issued to police
When the U.S. Special Operations
departments in the 1980s.
PISTOLS
Command (SOCOM) announced
a competition for a new service
pistol in the early 1990s, Colt’s
long history with producing mili-
tary weapons made the company
a natural choice. It submitted a
weapon system based on an ad-
vanced derivative of the classic
Colt Mustang M1911 pistol. Though it ultimately
lost out to the Heckler & Koch design, the Colt SOCOM is still a
highly advanced and capable system. Since then, Colt has continued
The Mustang is a scaled-down version of the Colt M1911 pistol,
its development, hoping to find a customer for it.
popular as a backup weapon for police officers. The slide and frame
The Colt SOCOM is built around a modified and upgraded pistol
are considerably shortened, resulting in a compact package that is

d20 MODERN
derived from the M1911, to which it bears a superficial resemblance. features metal construction with either walnut or plastic grips. It is
Internally, the operation is similar, with a number of improvements. manufactured to a high standard and functions reliably, even under
The dropping-barrel locking system is replaced with a new rotating- adverse conditions.
barrel design, and a double-action trigger mechanism is fitted. The Variants: The CZ 75 has been very popular, and a large number
Colt SOCOM is constructed entirely from stainless steel and given a of variant models have emerged over the years, including a
protective finish. The grip holds a single-stacked 10-round magazine. compact model.
The barrel features a large muzzle brake. For special operations An automatic version was produced during the 1970s. Early
use, the Colt SOCOM can be fitted with a special suppressor. It has models featured a longer barrel with heavy muzzle brake, though
a slide lock to eliminate mechanical firing noise. A combination laser this feature was later dropped. Extended 25-round magazines were
sight and illuminator can be attached under the frame; the laser- available to increase capacity. A spare magazine could be clipped
aiming dot can be projected in either visible or infrared light. upside down under the slide, serving as a forward handgrip.
d20 Modern Rules: When fitted with its suppressor, this is a The CZ 75 is also produced in a .40 caliber version.
suppressed weapon. Although the weapon’s firing is audible, de- Who Uses It: The CZ 75 was never adopted by the Czech armed
termining the location of this weapon by its sound alone requires forces, though it is in service with Czech police. It was widely exported
a successful Listen check (DC 15). When fitted with its suppressor and adopted as a service pistol by a number of Western countries.
and firing cold-loaded ammunition, this weapon operates as if d20 Modern Rules: The CZ 75 Compact grants a +2 circumstance
silenced; a Listen check (DC 15) is required to notice the sound bonus on Sleight of Hand checks made to conceal the weapon.
of the weapon firing. If the slide lock is employed, the DC to hear
the silenced weapon increases by 5, but the weapon’s rate of fire
becomes single shot.
CZ 75 (9mm Autoloader)
22 Critical: 20
Size: Small
Weight: 4 lb.
Weight: 3 lb.
Purchase DC: 15
CZ 75 Compact (9mm Autoloader)
Coonan Pistol Critical: 20 Size: Small
American .357 Magnum Single-Action Autoloader Pistol Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 2 lb.
The Coonan Pistol is essentially Range Increment: 30 ft. Purchase DC: 15
just the Colt M1911A1 chambered Rate of Fire: S Restriction: Lic (+1)
to fire the powerful .357 Magnum
round. This is a cartridge more
typically associated with revolv-
CZ 75 .40 (.40 S&W Autoloader)
ers, and the Coonan required
extensive redesign to produce
an effective pistol. It is a large
and bulky weapon that closely
resembles the M1911A1 in appear-
ance and operation. Many Coonan Pistols feature a large muzzle
brake to help reduce the recoil of firing. CZ 75 Automatic (9mm Machine Pistol)
Damage: 2d6 Magazine: 7 box Critical: 20 Size: Small
Critical: 20 Size: Small Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 3 lb.
Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 3 lb. Range Increment: 30 ft. Purchase DC: 17
Range Increment: 40 ft. Purchase DC: 15 Rate of Fire: S, A Restriction: Res (+2)
CZ 85
CZ 75 Czech 9mm Double-Action Autoloader Pistol
Czech 9mm Double-Action Autoloader Pistol The CZ 85 is an improved ver-
This pistol was designed and sion of the popular CZ 75. It is
PISTOLS
produced for export with the similar in general dimensions and

9mm Parabellum cartridge. Its appearance but incorporates a
designers borrowed from a num- number of new features. The ac-
ber of existing designs, seeking tion has been slightly altered to
the best possible combination simplify operation and improve
of elements for an autoloader reliability. All controls are now
design. By all accounts, they ambidextrous. The top of the
succeeded admirably. The CZ 75 slide is ribbed to provide a better
is an accurate and dependable grip when cocking the weapon.
pistol and has proven popular worldwide. It has been sold in large Variants: The CZ 85 Combat, a competition-shooting mode, was
numbers and licensed copies have been made in Italy, Switzerland, also produced. This weapon features adjustable sights and a groove
the U.K., and the U.S. in the underside of the slide, permitting accessories to be fitted.
The CZ 75 uses a modified version of the Browning action. It

d20 MODERN
Damage: 2d6 Magazine: 15 box There is a small hook on the top of the slide, immediately behind
Critical: 20 Size: Small the shell ejection port; this can be pushed against a hard surface to
Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 2 lb. let the shooter work the action to cock the pistol with only one
Range Increment: 30 ft. Purchase DC: 15 hand. An accessory rail is located under the barrel. CZ produces a
Rate of Fire: S Restriction: Lic (+1) range of accessories specifically for use with the CZ 100, including a
laser sight and illuminator.
Variants: The CZ 100 is also available in .40 S&W. The CZ 101
CZ 92 is a compact-firearm version. It is identical to the CZ 100 in all
Czech .25 Caliber Double-Action-Only Autoloader Pistol respects except for size and the CZ 101 is designed to take lower-
The diminutive CZ 92 is a compact capacity single-stacked magazines (6 rounds in .40 or 7 rounds
firearm designed for undercover in 9mm).
use. Its small size makes it easy d20 Modern Rules: The CZ 101 grants a +2 circumstance bonus
to conceal and carry discreetly. on Sleight of Hand checks made to conceal the weapon.
Chambered in .25 autoloader, it
is neither accurate nor powerful,
but is considered adequate for a
holdout pistol.
Because it was designed to be
carried for extended periods, the
CZ 92 incorporates a number of features to ensure safety. The action
is double-action only, meaning that unless the trigger is pulled, the
weapon cannot discharge. It also features a magazine safety, which
prevents operation of the trigger if the clip is removed. CZ 100 (.40 S&W Autoloader)
23
Damage: 2d4 Magazine: 8 box Critical: 20 Size: Small
Critical: 20 Size: Tiny Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 2 lb.
Range Increment: 20 ft. Purchase DC: 14 Rate of Fire: S Restriction: Lic (+1)
CZ 97B Damage: 2d6
Critical: 20
Magazine: 7 box
Size: Small
Czech .45 Caliber Double-Action Autoloader Pistol
The CZ 97B is a .45 caliber auto-
loader pistol developed for the
U.S. market. It uses a conventional
short-recoil system of opera-
tion and can be used in either
single- or double-action mode.
Daewoo DP51 Mark II
South Korean 9mm Double-Action Autoloader Pistol
It incorporates redundant safety
The DP51 Mark II is a high-
systems and features a loaded-
quality autoloader designed
chamber indicator to warn the
for use as a military or police
user that the weapon is ready to
service weapon. It operates as
fire. A double-stacked, 10-round magazine is standard.
a double-action with a delayed
blowback firing mechanism and
a lightweight aluminum-alloy
frame. The most interesting fea-
ture of the DP51 is the trigger,
which uses a special patented
mechanism. This mechanism reduces the trigger pull necessary
for double-action shooting to essentially the same level as a
CZ 100 single-action pistol, allowing shorter pulls and facilitating aiming
while still allowing the pistol to be carried with a loaded chamber
PISTOLS
Czech Double-Action-Only Autoloader Pistol
and in relative safety.
The high-tech CZ 100 is a
Variants: The DP51 design is also available in .40 S&W (designated
new design from CZ (Ceska
the DH40 Mark II) or .45 ACP (the DH45 Mark II). A compact-carry
Zbrojovka), incorporating a
version, the DP51C Mark II, has also been produced; this version uses
number of advanced features
a smaller 10-round magazine.
found on other latest-genera-
Who Uses It: The DP51 Mark II is in service with the South Korean
tion autoloaders. The frame and
armed forces.
housing are made from high-im-
d20 Modern Rules: The DP51C grants a +2 circumstance bonus
pact plastics. It uses a modified
on Sleight of Hand checks made to conceal the weapon.
version of the Browning Hi-
Power’s cam action. The CZ 100
operates in double-action-only mode, permitting it to be carried
safely while loaded.

d20 MODERN
Daewoo DP51 (9mm Autoloader) Critical: 20 Size: Small
Downsizer Mini Pistol
Daewoo DP51C (9mm Autoloader) American .45 ACP Single-Shot Holdout Pistol
Damage: 2d6 Magazine: 10 box The tiny Downsizer is one of the
Critical: 20 Size: Small smallest pistols in production.
Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 2 lb. Just over 3 inches in length, it can
Range Increment: 30 ft. Purchase DC: 15 easily fit into a pocket undetect-
Rate of Fire: S Restriction: Lic (+1) ed. The internal hammer always
stays down until the moment of
firing, and the trigger works in
Desert Eagle double-action-only mode. This
Israeli .50 AE Double-Action Autoloader Pistol feature allows the Downsizer
The massive Desert Eagle is an to be carried safely while fully
autoloader developed to fire the loaded and ready to fire at a moment’s notice—a handy feature in a
largest pistol cartridges. Originally weapon designed for use in emergencies.
chambered in .357 Magnum, it The Downsizer has no magazine and holds only a single shot.
24 earned overnight notoriety in
1991 when a .50 caliber version
The barrel tips up, exposing the breech and allowing a round to be
loaded. There is no extractor; when the shot is fired, the shooter
appeared. Previously, such high- opens the barrel and removes the spent cartridge case by hand.
powered cartridges had been Variants: The Downsizer is produced in a variety of calibers,
largely limited to use in revolvers; including .40 S&W, 9mm Parabellum, and .357 Magnum.
the Desert Eagle broke new ground in firearm design. d20 Modern Rules: This weapon grants a +2 circumstance bonus
The action uses an unusual gas-powered semiautomatic sys- on Sleight of Hand checks made to conceal the weapon.
tem, more like that of a rifle or submachine gun than a pistol. The Although this weapon has an internal magazine, loading the
weap≠on is large and heavy, so it can absorb the tremendous firing weapon is a move action instead of a full-round action.
stresses and recoil. The Desert Eagle is a massive and bulky weapon,
too large for all but the biggest holsters. The safety catch is ambi- Damage: 2d6 Magazine: 1 int
dextrous. An adjustable trigger is available for target shooting. Critical: 20 Size: Tiny
Variants: The Desert Eagle is available in a variety of high-pow- Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 1 lb.
ered pistol calibers. Range Increment: 20 ft. Purchase DC: 14
Who Uses It: The Desert Eagle is too large and awkward to be Rate of Fire: Single Restriction: Lic (+1)
practical as a military or police service weapon. Its high-powered
chambering makes it well suited for hunting large game. Its fearsome
reputation has made it popular among collectors as well. Drel
Russian 5.45mm Double-Action Autoloader Pistol
Damage: 2d8 Magazine: 9 box The Drel is a new service pistol
Critical: 20 Size: Medium developed for an MVD (Russian
Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 4 lb. Ministry of Internal Affairs) re-
Range Increment: 40 ft. Purchase DC: 18 quirement. It is derived from a
Rate of Fire: S Restriction: Lic (+1) popular target pistol design, the
.22 caliber Margo. Like a number
of other recent Russian auto-
DOG-1 loaders, the Drel is rechambered
Russian 12.5mm Double-Action Revolver to fire the 5.45mm cartridge used
The DOG-1 is a large-bore by the PSM. Operation is based
revolver from Russia. Produced on a simple blowback system. The Drel features overall steel con-
by MOLOT, it appears to be struction with contoured synthetic grips.
PISTOLS
primarily intended for use by

internal security troops. Like the Damage: 2d4 Magazine: 10 box
Udar and Gnom revolvers, it uses Critical: 20 Size: Small
modified 32-gauge shotgun shells Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 1 lb.
and can fire a variety of different Range Increment: 30 ft. Purchase DC: 16
specialty rounds. It was prob- Rate of Fire: S Restriction: Lic (+1)
ably a competitor for whatever
Russian government contract spawned the other big-caliber Russian
revolver designs that are now on the market. Falcon 400
The DOG-1 is conventional in design and operation. Its short barrel Spanish .32 ACP Single-Action Autoloader Pistol
makes it suitable as a concealed firearm, despite its overall bulk. Originally introduced in the 1920s, the Falcon is the pistol that made
d20 Modern Rules: The DOG-1 grants a +2 circumstance bonus Astra famous. Its distinctive appearance, with its protruding cylin-
on Sleight of Hand checks made to conceal the weapon. drical barrel and undersized slide, make it readily recognizable. The

d20 MODERN
Falcon 400 is the only remaining Damage: 2d6 Magazine: 14 box
version still in production today. Critical: 20 Size: Small
It is a simple blowback design, Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 2 lb.
chambered for low-powered au- Range Increment: 30 ft. Purchase DC: 16
toloader cartridges. This makes it Rate of Fire: S Restriction: Lic (+1)
both controllable and very du-
rable. It is capable of functioning
reliably despite harsh treatment. FN Five-seveN
It is also compact enough to be 5.7mm Double-Action Autoloader Pistol
easily and discreetly carried. Its biggest drawback is its low power, This innovative design from
which limits its use as a combat pistol. Fabrique Nationale fires the
Variants: The Falcon is also available in .380 ACP. 5.7mm-necked cartridge de-
veloped for the P90 personal
Damage: 2d4 Magazine: 8 box defense weapon (PDW). This is a
Critical: 20 Size: Tiny very high-velocity, high-powered
Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 2 lb. cartridge for a pistol. Despite the
Range Increment: 30 ft. Purchase DC: 16 length of the cartridge, the grip
Rate of Fire: S Restriction: Lic (+1) is a reasonable size and holds a
double-stacked, 20-round, high-
capacity magazine. In addition, the action efficiently controls recoil,
FEG Model P9R bringing levels down to less than that associated with most 9mm
Hungarian 9mm Double-Action Autoloader Pistol pistols. The delayed-blowback action is fairly complex but surpris-
The FEG Model P9R is an
advanced derivative of the
ingly efficient and reliable in actual use. The Five-seveN operates in
double-action-only mode, allowing it to be carried safely until the
25
Browning Hi-Power. It is fitted moment of firing.
with a double-action trigger and The entire weapon is housed in an ergonomically designed
a firing-pin safety that blocks polymer shell. The prominent bulged trigger guard is a distinctive
operation of the hammer; the identifying characteristic. Many of the Five-seveN’s internal compo-
action is otherwise unchanged nents are made from steel.
from the original Browning The Five-seveN can be purchased with a suppressor. (With the
design. A sighting rib runs along suppressor, the Five-seveN has a purchase DC of 20 and a restriction
the slide to aid in rapid target rating of Res [+2].) An accessory rail under the barrel permits the use
engagement. of special sights or illuminators.
Variants: The P9R is available in either steel or alloy-framed Variants: A slightly longer barrel can be substituted as needed;
versions. A left-handed model, with all controls suitably arranged, this is threaded to accept a screw-on sound suppressor.
is also available. d20 Modern Rules: When fitted with its suppressor, this is a
suppressed weapon. Although the weapon’s firing is audible, de-
Damage: 2d6 Magazine: 14 box termining the location of this weapon by its sound alone requires
Critical: 20 Size: Small a successful Listen check (DC 15). When fitted with its suppressor
Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 2 lb. and firing cold-loaded ammunition, this weapon operates as if
Range Increment: 30 ft. Purchase DC: 15 silenced; a Listen check (DC 15) is required to notice the sound of
Rate of Fire: S Restriction: Lic (+1) the weapon firing.

FN BDA Series Critical: 20 Size: Small
Belgian 9mm Double-Action Autoloader Pistol Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 1 lb.
As its name suggests, the Fabrique Range Increment: 40 ft. Purchase DC: 19
Nationale BDA (Browning Double Rate of Fire: S Restriction: Lic (+1)
Action) is a double-action pistol
derived from the earlier Hi-Power
design. The BDA features a new FN Forty-Nine
trigger system and an ambi- Belgian 9mm/.40 S&W Double-Action-Only Autoloader
dextrous hammer-decocking Pistol
PISTOLS
lever, allowing the weapon to be The FN Forty-Nine is a modern
loaded and then safely decocked police service autoloader. As its
for carrying. To fire the weapon, name suggests, it is produced
the trigger first cocks the hammer back and then releases it. After in two popular calibers, both
firing, the weapon stays cocked, and the second and subsequent 9mm Parabellum and .40 S&W.
shots are fired as single-action. The action is derived from the
Variants: There is a double-action only, the BDAO (Browning familiar Browning cam-actuated
Double-Action-Only), which is aimed primarily at the law enforce- dropping-barrel system, with
ment market. Both the BDA and BDAO are available in a number of which Fabrique Nationale has
different calibers. long experience. It uses a double-action-only trigger mechanism to
Who Uses It: The BDA is in service with the Belgian armed forces. enable it to be safely carried.
It has been widely exported as well. The pistol is made with a steel slide and a composite frame
that is well shaped for a secure firing grip. Its overall smooth

d20 MODERN
shape and enclosed hammer make it ideally suited to fast undetectable by airport metal detectors—a groundless claim, since
draw without catching on clothes or equipment. The base of many internal components (such as the barrel) are made of steel.
the magazine is shaped to mate seamlessly with the pistol grip, The Glock’s action is entirely enclosed within an ergonomi-
extending the gripping surface. The front of the frame features cally contoured composite shell. The internal mechanism contains
an accessory-mounting slot, suitable for attaching a laser sight a number of redundant safety features. The action is disengaged
or an illuminator. until the actual moment of firing. Squeezing the trigger both
engages the action and then fires a round. Because of this, the
Damage: 2d6 Magazine: 10 box Glock cannot discharge until the trigger is squeezed, making it an
Critical: 20 Size: Small extremely safe weapon to carry. At the same time, there is no need
Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 2 lb. for any safety catches or other controls, which can slow response
Range Increment: 30 ft. Purchase DC: 17 time. This combination of safety and speed has made it popular
Rate of Fire: S Restriction: Lic (+1) with law enforcement.
The standard design in the extensive Glock range is the Glock 17,
chambered in 9mm Parabellum. The Glock 17 entered service with
the Austrian Army in 1983, where it was designated the P80.
A range of variants and derivatives are also available in a number
of different configurations and calibers. The model 17L has a longer
slide and barrel and is intended for target shooting. The model 17C
incorporates an integral muzzle brake.
Glock 17 The model 18C is a select-fire version, capable of automatic fire.
It is often fitted with an extended 25-round magazine.
Glock 18 The model 19 and model 19C are compact versions designed for
26 concealed-firearm use.
Glocks have been produced in a number of different calibers. The
model 20 is chambered to fire the 10mm cartridge. The model 21 is
chambered in .45 ACP (Automatic Colt Pistol). The model 25 fires
the .380 ACP round.
The models 22, 23, and 24 are chambered in .40 S&W and are
Glock 26 standard, compact, and long-barrel compensated variants, respec-
tively. The models 31, 32, and 33 are the same, except that they are
chambered for the .357 SIG cartridge.
Glock Pistols There are also a number of ultracompact models even smaller
than the model 19 designs, known as “Baby Glocks.” They include
Austrian Trigger-Safety Action Autoloader Pistols
the model 26, in 9mm; the model 27, in .40 S&W; the model 28, in
The Glock family of pistols first emerged in the early 1980s and
.380 ACP; the model 29, in 10mm; and the model 30, in .45 caliber.
has proven extremely successful, being particularly popular with
Also available is the Glock 36 in .45 caliber, which features a single-
law enforcement. The Glock was the first design to make extensive
stack slim-line configuration to make it even smaller.
use of synthetic materials in its construction, which led to a wide-
The Glock 34 (in 9mm) and Glock 35 (in .40 caliber) are special
spread (if ignorant) outcry that this so-called “plastic gun” would be
TABLE 1–1: GLOCK PISTOLS
Damage Range Rate of Purchase
Weapon Damage Critical Type Increment Fire Magazine Size Weight DC Restriction
Glock 17 (9mm autoloader) 1 2d6 20 Ballistic 30 ft. S 17 box Small 2 lb. 18 Lic (+1)
Glock 17C (9mm autoloader) 1 2d6 20 Ballistic 30 ft. S 17 box Small 2 lb. 18 Lic (+1)
Glock 17L (9mm autoloader) 1 2d6 20 Ballistic 40 ft. S 17 box Med. 2 lb. 18 Lic (+1)
Glock 18C (9mm machine pistol) 1 2d6 20 Ballistic 30 ft. S, A 25 box Small 2 lb. 20 Res (+2)
Glock 19 (9mm autoloader) 1 2d6 20 Ballistic 30 ft. S 15 box Tiny 2 lb. 18 Lic (+1)
Glock 19C (9mm autoloader) 1 2d6 20 Ballistic 20 ft. S 15 box Tiny 2 lb. 18 Lic (+1)
Glock 20 (10mm autoloader) 1 2d6 20 Ballistic 40 ft. S 15 box Small 2 lb. 18 Lic (+1)
Glock 21 (.45 autoloader) 1 2d6 20 Ballistic 30 ft. S 13 box Small 2 lb. 18 Lic (+1)
Glock 22 (.40 S&W autoloader) 1 2d6 20 Ballistic 30 ft. S 15 box Small 2 lb. 18 Lic (+1)
Glock 23 (.40 S&W autoloader) 1 2d6 20 Ballistic 20 ft. S 15 box Tiny 2 lb. 18 Lic (+1)
Glock 24 (.40 S&W autoloader) 1 2d6 20 Ballistic 40 ft. S 15 box Med. 2 lb. 19 Lic (+1)
PISTOLS
Glock 25 (.380 autoloader) 1 2d4 20 Ballistic 30 ft. S 15 box Small 2 lb. 18 Lic (+1)
Glock 26 (9mm autoloader) 2d6 20 Ballistic 20 ft. S 10 box Tiny 2 lb. 18 Lic (+1)
Glock 27 (.40 S&W autoloader) 2d6 20 Ballistic 20 ft. S 9 box Tiny 2 lb. 18 Lic (+1)
Glock 28 (.380 autoloader) 2d4 20 Ballistic 20 ft. S 10 box Tiny 2 lb. 18 Lic (+1)
Glock 29 (10mm autoloader) 2d6 20 Ballistic 20 ft. S 10 box Tiny 2 lb. 18 Lic (+1)
Glock 31 (.357 SIG autoloader) 1 2d6 20 Ballistic 30 ft. S 15 box Small 2 lb. 18 Lic (+1)
Glock 32 (.357 SIG autoloader) 1 2d6 20 Ballistic 20 ft. S 9 box Tiny 2 lb. 18 Lic (+1)
Glock 33 (.357 SIG autoloader) 1 2d6 20 Ballistic 40 ft. S 13 box Med. 2 lb. 18 Lic (+1)
Glock 34 (9mm autoloader)1 2d6 20 Ballistic 50 ft. S 17 box Med. 2 lb. 19 Lic (+1)
Glock 35 (.40 S&W autoloader)1 2d6 20 Ballistic 50 ft. S 15 box Med. 2 lb. 18 Lic (+1)
1 This mastercraft weapon grants a +1 bonus on attack rolls.

d20 MODERN
target models for competition shooting. They feature long slides kick. It features an ambidextrous safety catch and a separate
and muzzle compensators, and they fully conform to International decocking lever. The entire weapon is protected by an advanced
Practical Shooting Confederation (IPSC) competition regulations. polymer finish, which was designed to prevent corrosion even in a
See Table 1–1: Glock Pistols for individual weapon statistics. harsh salt-water environment.
Who Uses It: The Glock 17, or P80, is the service side arm of the One requirement of the SOCOM design was that it should read-
Austrian Army. It is also in service with police in Austria, the rest of ily accept a number of accessories, including a clip-on laser sight
Europe, and worldwide. It has done very well in the U.S., selling to a and illuminator unit, that attach to grooves in the frame under the
number of local police departments and being adopted by several fed- barrel. The SOCOM is also designed to use a screw-on suppressor
eral agencies. Over half a million Glocks are carried every day by police for clandestine missions, and it has an extended threaded barrel to
officers in the U.S. alone. Its widespread use has also led to its popular- accept a Knights Armaments Company sound suppressor. A slide
ity with criminals, and it has been immortalized in popular culture. lock is also fitted to keep the moving slide from making mechanical
d20 Modern Rules: Due to their high quality of manufacture, noise when using the suppressor.
the Glock models 17, 17C, 17L, 18C, 19, 19C, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 31, 32, Who Uses It: The Mk 23 SOCOM is in service with the U.S. spe-
33, 34, and 35 are always considered mastercraft weapons. As such, cial operations command. Due to its size and bulk, however, many
these weapons each grant a +1 bonus on attack rolls. special ops personnel prefer other designs, and the SOCOM’s use
The Glock models 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, and 36 each grant a +2 is somewhat limited.
circumstance bonus on Sleight of Hand checks made to conceal d20 Modern Rules: When fitted with its suppressor, this is a sup-
the weapon. pressed weapon. Although the weapon’s firing is audible, determining
the location of this weapon by its sound alone requires a successful
Listen check (DC 15). When fitted with its suppressor and firing cold-
H&K HK4 loaded ammunition, this weapon operates as if silenced; a Listen
German Double-Action Autoloader Pistol check (DC 15) is required to notice the sound of the weapon firing.
The HK4 is an early pistol design
from Heckler & Koch (H&K). It is
If the slide lock is employed, the DC to hear the silenced weapon
increases by 5, but the weapon’s rate of fire becomes single shot.
27
designed to work with a variety The weapon’s purchase DC includes the suppressor, a clip-on
of different cartridges with mini- laser sight, and an illuminator.
mal modification, including both
conventional centerfire ammuni- Damage: 2d6 Magazine: 12 box
tion and .22 rimfire ammunition. Critical: 20 Size: Medium
The HK4 can be readily converted Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 4 lb.
to fire .380 auto, .32 ACP, .25 ACP, Range Increment: 30 ft. Purchase DC: 22
and .22 ammunition, as desired. Rate of Fire: S Restriction: Res (+2)
Only the barrel, springs, and magazines need be changed. Because it
is designed to be used with only relatively low-power ammunition,
the HK4 is able to operate on a simple blowback principle. H&K P7
With the safety catch engaged, the trigger can be used to decock German 9mm Grip-Safety Autoloader Pistol
the weapon, bringing the hammer down without firing the weapon. The H&K P7 is an autoloader pis-
The HK4 features an extractor that doubles as a loaded chamber tol designed for law enforcement
indicator, which provides both visible and tactile confirmation that use. It features a number of safety
a cartridge is in the chamber. It is a lightweight and straightforward systems that allow it to be carried
design, well suited to the needs of everyday carrying. safely. When loaded, the firing pin
d20 Modern Rules: Converting this weapon from its existing is kept uncocked until a prominent
caliber to any of the other available calibers requires a conversion kit safety lever on the front of the
(purchase DC 10), 1 minute, and a successful Repair check (DC 10). grip is squeezed. This draws the
pin back, readying the gun for fir-
Damage: 2d4 Magazine: 8 box ing. When the grip is released, the
Critical: 20 Size: Small pin is instantly decocked. This happens so quickly that if the weapon
Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 1 lb. is dropped, it will be rendered safe before it hits the ground.
Range Increment: 20 ft. Purchase DC: 15 The P7’s magazine feeds in nearly vertically, which improves
Rate of Fire: S Restriction: Lic (+1) reliability. Its action uses a gas-powered semiautomatic system to
delay blowback, rather than a more conventional locking mecha-
nism. This is expensive to manufacture but gives consistent and
H&K Mk 23 SOCOM reliable performance.
PISTOLS
German .45 ACP Double-Action Autoloader Pistol Variants: The P7 is available in high- and low-capacity versions,
This pistol was developed to designated the M8 (8 bullets per magazine) and the M13 (13 bul-
meet an exacting requirement lets per magazine), respectively. It is also available in a number of
for a new service weapon for the other calibers.
U.S. military’s Special Operations Who Uses It: The P7 is used by German police and military
Command, from which the Mk 23 forces. It has been widely exported and was adopted by a number
SOCOM takes its name. It is simi- of U.S. police forces as well.
lar to the USP in both appearance
and operation. It is much larger, Damage: 2d6 Magazine: 10 box
however, with a beefier frame Critical: 20 Size: Small
and long slide. It is designed to Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 2 lb.
fire high-velocity .45 caliber cartridges. Range Increment: 30 ft. Purchase DC: 19
The SOCOM incorporates an internal recoil dampener to reduce Rate of Fire: S Restriction: Lic (+1)

d20 MODERN
H&K P9S H&K USP
German 9mm Double-Action Autoloader Pistol German 9mm Double-Action Autoloader Pistol
The P9S is similar in many ways The USP is an advanced service
to the HK4, but it is chambered autoloader. It was designed
for the more powerful 9mm to incorporate all the features
Parabellum cartridge. The P9S generally sought by military and
uses a blowback action, delayed police users, including a decock-
by roller-locks similar to those ing lever that doubles as a safety
used in the G3 series of assault catch on the side of the frame.
rifles. Though complex and The internal safety mechanism is
expensive to manufacture, this modular, allowing the customer
mechanism is reliable. to arrange the safety features to
The P9S features a protruding button on the back of the slide that match department or agency policies.
serves as a loaded-chamber indicator. Like the HK4, it can be decocked The USP’s heavy slide is forged from steel, while its frame is made of
using the trigger for safe carry with a cartridge in the chamber. an advanced composite material to reduce weight. The frame is grooved
Variants: The P9S is also produced for export chambered in the.45 under the barrel, permitting a laser sight or illuminator to be attached.
ACP caliber. The P9, an earlier model, is a single-action-only pistol. Controls on the USP are arranged for right-handed use, but they can be
Who Uses It: Though designed for military use, the P9S was switched to the other side for left-handed shooters. The USP’s action is
un≠able to find any military customers. It was adopted by the German a modified derivative of the Colt Browning mechanism with a cam-actu-
Border Police and a number of other law enforcement agencies. It was ated dropping barrel. The barrel-locking lug is a large block that seals the
also widely exported and produced under license in Greece. ejection port in the slide when the action is closed.
28 Damage: 2d6 Magazine: 9 box

The USP is available with either conventional double-action or
double-action-only trigger mechanisms, as desired by the customer.
Critical: 20 Size: Small Originally developed for the American INS, this system is felt by many
Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 2 lb. police personnel to be the best of both worlds—the long trigger arc
Range Increment: 30 ft. Purchase DC: 17 prevents unintended firing, while the easy pull promotes accuracy.
Rate of Fire: S Restriction: Lic (+1) Variants: The USP was designed to be chambered in a variety of
popular service calibers, including 9mm Parabellum, .40 S&W, and
.45 ACP. Other models include the Compact model for concealed
H&K P2000 firearms, the Match model for target shooting with an adjustable
German 9mm Double-Action Autoloader Pistol trigger and integral muzzle brake, and the Tactical model for combat
The H&K P2000 is an advanced shooting (see below).
derivative of the USP Compact Who Uses It: The USP is used by the German armed forces and
model (see below). It is intended police. It has also been widely exported.
to be a truly ambidextrous pistol, d20 Modern Rules: The USP Compact grants a +2 circumstance
capable of left- or right-handed bonus on Sleight of Hand checks made to conceal the weapon.
use without modification. It
features a redesigned composite
frame with improved ergonomics
H&K USP (9mm Autoloader)
in the shape of the grip. The slide
release is now ambidextrous. The
USP’s mounting groove for an illuminator is retained.
The operating mechanism is largely unchanged from the standard
USP. The P2000 is available with a variety of trigger mechanisms. A
decocking lever, located on the back of the slide just to the left of
the hammer, is standard. H&K USP Compact (9mm Autoloader)
The USP’s pistol grip is remarkably large and proves difficult for Damage: 2d6 Magazine: 13 box
shooters with smaller hands. The P2000 addresses this issue with Critical: 20 Size: Small
a new design. Like the Walther P99, it features exchangeable grip Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 2 lb.
plates that can be used to change the shape of the firing grip to suit Range Increment: 30 ft. Purchase DC: 17
different hand sizes. The new grip necessitates the use of new maga- Rate of Fire: S Restriction: Lic (+1)
zines; the P2000 is not compatible with ordinary USP magazines.
The P2000’s small overall size and smooth contours make it a
PISTOLS
good choice as a concealed firearm. Though it is too new to be in

H&K USP Match (9mm Autoloader)
widespread use yet, it shows every sign of proving just as popular
as the USP itself.
d20 Modern Rules: This weapon grants a +2 circumstance bonus
Critical: 20
Size: Small
Weight: 2 lb.
H&K USP Tactical
German .45 ACP Double-Action Autoloader Pistol
The USP Tactical is meant to serve as a smaller, cheaper alternative
to the massive Mk 23 SOCOM pistol (see above) for military or
paramilitary special operations use. The USP Tactical incorporates

d20 MODERN
many of the SOCOM’s features
into a standard .45 caliber USP
Hammerli 160
German .22 Single Shot Target Pistol
frame, combining the advantages
Hammerli is a division of the
of both designs and bridging the
company known as SIG (Swiss
gap between them.
Industrial Company) that
Like the standard USP, the
manufactures sophisticated
Tactical features a steel frame and
competition target pistols.
composite slide. It fires the big .45
Hammerli designs are regularly
ACP (Automatic Colt Pistol) car-
used to win Olympic and world
tridge. The USP Tactical borrows the match-quality “O-Ring” barrel and
pistol-shooting champion-
threaded muzzle to accept a Knights Armaments suppressor from the
ships. The Hammerli 160 is
SOCOM. The adjustable trigger of the USP Match model is also fitted.
representative of the range. It
is a single-shot weapon, chambered in .22 caliber. A cartridge is
loaded into the chamber, and the action is sealed shut. The bi-
zarre-looking handle is ergonomically engineered to provide the
best possible target grip. Adjustable target sights are fitted. The
end of the barrel features a counterweight, designed to dampen
vibration during firing.
The Hammerli is a precision instrument that is ill suited to the
H&K VP70 demands of everyday carrying or practical field use. It must be
carefully handled to preserve its capabilities. In any event, the
German Double-Action-Only Autoloader Pistol
The VP70 is a service pistol de-
sign from H&K. It uses a unique
lightweight .22 caliber projectile lacks the stopping power to be an
effective combat round. 29
double-action-only system
that operates in two distinct
steps—the shooter can easily
feel the action first cock back the
Damage: 2d4 Magazine: 1 int
firing pin and then switch over to
release it to fire the weapon. This
means that the shooter can more
readily anticipate the actual mo-
ment of firing, making aiming easier. At the same time, the weapon
can be safely carried while loaded.
The VP70 was one of the earliest designs to make extensive use of
plastic materials in its construction. The receiver and housing are com-
Jericho 941 “Baby Eagle”
Israeli 9mm Double-Action Autoloader Pistol
posite, which makes both manufacturing and maintenance easier.
The Jericho 941 is an Israeli
H&K also produces a special hard-plastic holster-stock for the
service autoloader. In outline,
VP70. It can be worn on the belt as a holder. It can also be clipped to
it closely resembles a smaller
the rear of the pistol as a shoulder stock, turning it into a compact
version of its giant cousin
carbine for aimed fire. When attached, the stock engages with the
the Desert Eagle (see above).
trigger mechanism to permit three-round bursts. The VP70 was one
This led to its nickname “Baby
of the earliest weapons with a burst-fire setting, which was consid-
Eagle.” Internally, the action is
ered highly innovative when it appeared.
very different, operating on a
Who Used It: It was exported to Africa and Asia, where it was
more conventional recoil-driven
adopted by a number of armies.
double-action design.
d20 Modern Rules: When fitted with its shoulder stock, this
By design, the Baby Eagle can be quickly changed between dif-
weapon features a three-round burst setting. When used with the
ferent calibers. To do so, the weapon is field stripped and a new
Burst Fire feat, it fires only three bullets instead of five and can be
barrel and springs are installed. Available chambers include 9mm,
used with only three bullets in the weapon. This setting does not
.40 S&W, and .45 ACP.
grant the ability to make burst fire attacks without the Burst Fire
Variants: The Jericho 941 is available in a variety of different
feat; if you use the setting without the feat, you make a normal
configurations to suit users’ requirements, including single- or dou-
attack, and the extra two bullets are wasted. Because it does not
ble-action-only trigger mechanisms, different safety arrangements,
PISTOLS
have the automatic rate of fire, this weapon cannot be used to make
and muzzle compensators. The ultracompact version is known as
autofire attacks.
the Jericho 941FB (see below).
Attaching or detaching the stock is a move action. If you have a
Who Uses It: The Jericho 941 is in service with the Israeli police
and security agencies.
is considered Large.
Rate of Fire: S Restriction: Res (+2)

d20 MODERN
Jericho 941FB Kel-Tec P-11
Israeli 9mm Double-Action Autoloader Pistol American 9mm Double-Action Autoloader Pistol
An ultracompact version of Designed as a concealed holdout
the Baby Eagle (see above), the weapon, the diminutive P-11 is one
Jericho 941FB is designed for use of the smallest pistols ever made
as a concealed firearm. It features for the 9mm Parabellum cartridge.
a redesigned slide and frame that It operates on the short-recoil prin-
are better suited to its role, and ciple, using a cam-actuated locking
it is free of protrusions or corners barrel derived from the Browning
that could snag when the weap- action. The barrel and slide are
on is being drawn. It retains the steel, while the frame is machined
ability to quickly switch between aluminum to save weight. The plas-
different calibers as needed. tic grip is shaped to form both the magazine well and trigger guard. The
Variants: The smaller 941FB has all the standard variants of its trigger uses a light-pull, double-action-only mechanism.
larger Jericho 941 cousin. Safety catches can be mounted onto the Though designed for use with compact 12-round, double-stacked
frame or the slide. The trigger can be single-action, double-action, magazines, the P-11 also accepts full-sized S&W-standard magazines
or double-action-only. (holding up to 15 rounds) if higher capacity is desired. These maga-
Who Uses It: The Jericho 941FB is used by plainclothes Israeli zines extend past the base of the pistol grip, reducing concealment.
police officers. Variants: The P-40, a .40 caliber version, is also available. It has
d20 Modern Rules: This weapon grants a +2 circumstance bonus the same statistics as the P-11.
on Sleight of Hand checks made to conceal the weapon. d20 Modern Rules: This weapon grants a +2 circumstance bonus

on Sleight of Hand checks made to conceal the weapon. If the weap-
on is used with the 15-round magazine, this bonus does not apply.
Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 3 lb. Damage: 2d6 Magazine: 12 box
Range Increment: 30 ft. Purchase DC: 15 Critical: 20 Size: Small
Rate of Fire: S Restriction: Lic (+1) Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 1 lb.
Kareen Mk II
Israeli 9mm Single-Action Autoloader Pistol
The Kareen Mk II is a modernized Knight Suppressed Revolver
derivative of the Browning Hi- American 5.56mm Double-Action Silenced Revolver
Power service pistol produced Conventional wisdom says that
by KSN. Operation is identical, a revolver cannot be suppressed.
including the single-action The gap between the cylinder
trigger mechanism. The Kareen and the barrel lets noise and
features modern construction, firing gases escape, even if a
with a steel slide, lightweight al- suppressor is fitted to the barrel.
loy frame, and contoured rubber Traditionally, suppressed pistols
grips. The trigger guard is shaped have been autoloaders.
for a two-handed hold. The Knight Suppressed Revolver
Variants: A smaller-sized carry version, the Kareen Mk II solves this thorny technical prob-
Compact, is also produced. lem. Using a Ruger GP100 as a starting point, the KSR is heavily modified
d20 Modern Rules: The Kareen Mk II Compact grants a +2 to fire a special 5.56mm-necked cartridge. This modification seals the
circumstance bonus on Sleight of Hand checks made to conceal gap and vents all firing gases down the barrel, where a conventional
the weapon. suppressor masks the noise. A side benefit of the new cartridge is that
it is highly accurate.
The Knight Suppressed Revolver uses a conventional double-ac-
Kareen Mk II (9mm Autoloader) tion operating mechanism. It retains many of the special features
that make Ruger revolvers so popular, including overall stainless
steel construction and grips made from both wood and rubber. Both
a laser sight and a scope can be mounted for added accuracy.
PISTOLS

The Knight Suppressed Revolver’s exotic 5.56mm round is highly
distinctive, making its use readily identifiable. It is therefore unsuit-
able for use as an assassination weapon. It is instead intended for
Kareen Mk II Compact (9mm Autoloader) special operations or hostage rescue units, and for silent elimination
Damage: 2d6 Magazine: 10 box of sentries or other targets.
Critical: 20 Size: Small d20 Modern Rules: This is a silenced weapon. A Listen check
Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 2 lb. (DC 15) is required to notice the sound of the weapon firing.
Rate of Fire: S Restriction: Lic (+1) Damage: 2d4 Magazine: 6 cyl
Rate of Fire: S Restriction: Mil (+3)

d20 MODERN
Korth Combat d20 Modern Rules: Due to its high quality of manufacture,
German .357 Magnum/9mm Double-Action Revolver
The Combat is a service revolver
from Korth, a German producer of
high-quality handguns. Like Korth
Pistol autoloaders, Korth revolvers
are made with the ultimate in ma-
terials and quality and are some of
the finest firearms in the world. The
frame and barrel are cold forged
from steel. The wooden grips are
ergonomically contoured.
KSN Golan
Israeli 9mm Double-Action Autoloader Pistol
Aside from its obvious quality, the design and appearance of
The Golan has a rather unusual
the Combat is entirely conventional and is modeled on the S&W
development history. Originally
pattern. The Korth revolver has an unusual trigger mechanism that
designed in Yugoslavia as the CZ
uses a small wheel in place of the more conventional trigger cam.
99, the Golan was never put into
By adjusting this wheel, the trigger’s release point can be adjusted
production because the chaos
to suit the shooter’s preference. Trigger pressure can be similarly
of civil war swept through the
modified using an adjustment screw.
country. The Israeli company KSN
The Combat is sold with two interchangeable cylinders.
obtained the rights to build the
The shooter can rapidly switch between them, allowing either
design and redesignated it the
.357 Magnum or 9mm Parabellum ammunition to be used, as
desired.
Golan. It is currently available
commercially from KSN.
31
Who Uses It: Though configured as a police service revolver, the
The Golan is a modern, if rather conventional, autoloader design.
Korth Combat is too expensive for ordinary law enforcement use.
It is similar to the SIG-Sauer series (described later in this chapter) in
Like the Korth Pistol (see below), it is primarily intended for wealthy
operation and appearance. Its hammer and firing pin can be disen-
private shooters.
gaged with the decocking lever to permit the weapon to be safely
carried when loaded. The slide and barrel are forged steel, while
the frame is a lightweight alloy. The grips are composite and are
ergonomically shaped.
Variants: The Golan is also available with the .40 S&W cartridge,
which are popular in the U.S. Models sold in the U.S. feature reduced-ca-
pacity, 10-round magazines to comply with American gun control laws.
Korth Pistol Range Increment: 30 ft.
Rate of Fire: S
Purchase DC: 16
Restriction: Lic (+1)
German 9mm Double-Action Autoloader Pistol
The Pistol is a semiautomatic
design from Korth, a company
better known for its high-quality
LEI Mark II
British .22 Silenced Autoloader Pistol
revolvers. Korth has established
This pistol from the British firm
a reputation as one of the fin-
Law Enforcement International
est gunmakers in the world,
is a derivative of the American
producing extremely well built
Ruger Mark II target pistol,
weapons in small quantities.
equipped with a highly efficient
Though very expensive, they are
integral sound suppressor. It is
considered by many to be the
chambered in .22 caliber. A 10-
finest firearms available.
round box magazine is standard.
The Korth Pistol features an innovative locking system that uses a
Equipped with competition-style
barrel block located near the muzzle. This dampens recoil consider-
PISTOLS
target sights, the LEI Mark II is ac-
ably, making the Korth surprisingly smooth and pleasant to shoot.
curate and can be used for near-silent precision shooting.
The action cycles cleanly and precisely due to the careful precision
of its manufacture.
The entire weapon is precision hand-machined by expert crafts-
men from high-quality steel. The grips are made from ornately
This is a silenced weapon. A Listen check (DC 15) is required to
polished wood. The finish is exacting, displaying the finest quality
notice the sound of the weapon firing.
and careful attention to every detail. The quality of the Korth is
apparent from the moment it is picked up.
Variants: The Korth Pistol is available in a number of other
calibers as well, including .45 ACP.
Who Uses It: The Korth Pistol is so expensive, it is priced out
of reach of military or police users; it is instead favored by private
collectors or sportsmen who can afford the very best.

d20 MODERN
Llama M-82 M-45 Firestar (.45 Autoloader)
Spanish 9mm Double-Action Autoloader Pistol Damage: 2d6 Magazine: 6 box
The M-82 is a service pistol from Critical: 20 Size: Small
Llama. It is conventional in de- Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 3 lb.
sign and appearance, with overall Range Increment: 30 ft. Purchase DC: 15
metal construction. The action Rate of Fire: S Restriction: Lic (+1)
uses a fixed barrel and a drop-
ping block. With the safety catch
on, the hammer is automatically
M-243 Firestar (9mm Autoloader)
lowered to the safe-carry posi-
tion when the weapon is cocked;
the double-action trigger is then
used to both draw the hammer back and fire the loaded cartridge.
Variants: The M-87 (shown in the accompanying illustration) is
an improved version, featuring a corrosion-resistant finish, enlarged
magazine catch, and adjustable trigger. The biggest change is a large
slide extension on the muzzle of the weapon, which serves as both a
M88
Yugoslavian 9mm Double-Action Autoloader Pistol
muzzle brake and slide weight.
The Zastava M88 is a modernized
Who Uses It: The M-82 is the standard service pistol of the
version of an earlier pistol, the
Spanish Army.
M70, which was itself derived
from the World War II–era Soviet
32 M-87 is always considered a mastercraft weapon. As such, it grants
a +1 bonus on attack rolls.
Tokarev. The M88’s Tokarev
ancestry is still apparent in its
general outline, and the internal
Llama M-82 (9mm Autoloader) operation (derived from the
Damage: 2d6 Magazine: 15 box Browning design) is largely un-
Critical: 20 Size: Small changed. The biggest difference
Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 3 lb. is the chambering in 9mm Parabellum, a popular Western cartridge.
Range Increment: 30 ft. Purchase DC: 18 This was done in hopes of attracting export sales for the M88.
Rate of Fire: S Restriction: Lic (+1) Variants: The M88 has its safety catch mounted on the frame, while
the M88A variant model moves it to the slide, above the firing grip.
Who Uses It: The M88 had just entered production when the
Llama M-87 (9mm Autoloader) 1990s civil war broke out in Yugoslavia.
M-43 Firestar
Spanish 9mm Single-Action Autoloader Pistol
The Firestar is a compact auto-
M-105 Compact
Spanish 9mm Double-Action Autoloader Pistol
loader from Star. It features the
The M-105 is designed for under-
familiar Colt Browning dropping-
cover police use as a concealed
barrel action used on other Star
firearm. The double-action trigger
designs, but it uses a single-action
mechanism can be carried with
trigger. Lightweight and handy, it is
the hammer down for safety. An
a well-made, accurate pistol, ide-
additional safety locks the firing
ally suited to smaller shooters.
pin; there is no catch or release for
Variants: There is a .45 cali-
this device, which is deactivated
ber version, known as the M-45
only when the trigger is pressed,
Firestar. There is also the M-243, a high-capacity version with a wider
PISTOLS
thus preventing accidental dis-

grip that holds a double-stacked magazine.
charges. The grip holds a reduced-capacity, single-stack magazine.
d20 Modern Rules: The M-43 and M-45 each grant a +2
the weapon.
M-43 Firestar (9mm Autoloader) Critical: 20 Size: Small
Damage: 2d6 Magazine: 8 box Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 2 lb.
Critical: 20 Size: Small Range Increment: 30 ft. Purchase DC: 17
Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 2 lb. Rate of Fire: S Restriction: Lic (+1)

d20 MODERN
M-205 Ultrastar Damage: 2d6
Critical: 20
Magazine: 12 box
Size: Small
The state-of-the-art Ultrastar
is the first all-composite design
in the Star range of autoloader
pistols. The grips are molded as
an integral part of the frame and
are ergonomically contoured to
MR73 Gendarmerie
French .357 Magnum Double-Action Revolver
provide the best possible hold.
The MR73 is a multifunction re-
Underneath, the conventional
volver from Manurhin in France.
short-recoil Browning action
The Gendarmerie is the law en-
is retained, giving the Ultrastar
forcement variant, optimized for
proven reliability of operation. All controls are ambidextrous except
police use. It features a conven-
the magazine release, which can be switched to either side of the
tional double-action mechanism,
pistol as desired by the user.
a solid frame, a swing-out cylin-
der, a 3-inch barrel, and either
wooden or composite grips. It is
built to an overall high standard
of quality. The MR73 has a patented trigger mechanism, which en-
sures smooth, crisp action while safely isolating the hammer from
the loaded rounds when it is not being fired. By switching cylinders,
the MR73 can also be used to fire 9mm Parabellum ammunition. 33
MAS M50 Variants: Other MR73 models include long-barreled target
shooting variants and more compact firearms.
French 9mm Single-Action Autoloader Pistol
Who Uses It: The MR73 is popular with sportsmen in Europe. It
The MAS M50 was the first
is in service with the French police and security forces, including the
postwar autoloader design from
GIGN counterterrorist team.
France and was adopted in 1950
for military issue. It is essen-
tially a derivative of the .45 Colt
M1911A1, with a number of modi-
Converting the .357 Magnum version of this weapon to fire 9mm
fications. It is chambered for the
Parabellum ammunition requires a conversion kit (purchase DC 10),
9mm Parabellum cartridge. The
1 minute, and a successful Repair check (DC 10).
outline and grips have been al-
tered, but the Colt lineage is still
apparent. The safety catch has been redesigned to match that of the
prewar M1935 design, which was more familiar to French users. Also
present is a magazine safety that prevents discharge of the weapon
with the magazine removed.
Who Used It: The M50 was the standard French service side arm
from 1950 until the Beretta M92 replaced it in the 1980s.

MR-443 Grach
The Russian arms manufacturer
Izmash has introduced a number
of new autoloader pistols in recent
years, designed for military use and
apparently developed in hopes of
Megastar finding a replacement for the ven-
erable PM Makarov. The MR-443
Spanish .45 Caliber Double-Action Autoloader Pistol
Grach is the first of these designs.
The Megastar is a large-caliber
It is chambered for the 9mm
autoloader pistol from Star.
PISTOLS
Parabellum cartridge and is one of
Chambered in .45 ACP, it is sig-
a number of new Russian pistols designed to use this Western caliber.
nificantly more powerful than
The Grach is a full-sized pistol with a metal-frame construction and
the 9mm models that make up
rubber grips. It operates on a modified double-action version of the
most of the Star line. The action
Browning system. To accommodate left-handed shooters, spent cases
functions in the same manner as
are ejected straight up and all controls are ambidextrous. It can be
other Star autoloaders, using a
field stripped quickly and without tools for cleaning or maintenance.
double-action Browning system
with a dropping barrel. The
Megastar features a metal frame and slide with composite grips.
A double-stacked magazine gives a relatively large capacity for this
large caliber.
Variants: There is also a Megastar chambered in 10mm.

d20 MODERN
MR-444 Baghira MR-445S Compact (.40 S&W Autoloader)
Russian 9mm Double-Action Autoloader Pistol Damage: 2d6 Magazine: 13 box
The Baghira is another autoloader Critical: 20 Size: Small
design from Izmash currently un- Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 2 lb.
der development for the military Range Increment: 30 ft. Purchase DC: 16
market. Like the MR-443, it is Rate of Fire: S Restriction: Lic (+1)
chambered for the Western
9mm Parabellum cartridge. It is
also available in either the 9mm MR-446 Viking
Makarov or .380 ACP calibers. Russian 9mm Double-Action Autoloader Pistol
The MR-444’s frame is made Like the MR-443, MR-444, and MR-
of an advanced polymer material. The operation is a modified 445, Izhmash’s MR-446 Viking is a
version of the Browning system, similar to the H&K USP, in which new and state-of-the-art military
the barrel locks into the ejection port opening in the slide. With a pistol design. It shares a number of
cartridge in the chamber, the ejection port cover is raised slightly, similarities with each of the other
serving as both a visual and tactile indicator that the weapon is models, including its action, which
ready to fire. An internal striker, rather than a hammer, serves to uses the familiar modified Browning
strike the cartridge primer and fire the weapon. An internal buffer system. It is perhaps closest to the
controls recoil. A high-capacity, double-stacked magazine, holding MR-443 Grach in design, except
15 rounds, is standard. There are mounting grooves for a laser sight that its frame is made of advanced
or other accessory under the barrel. composites. For added strength, steel reinforcements are molded in at

critical points. It is chambered in 9mm Parabellum and appears to be
well poised to be a contender for the Makarov’s replacement.
MR-445 Varyag
Russian .40 S&W Double-Action Autoloader Pistol
The MR-445 Varyag is yet another Norinco Model 77B
advanced military autoloader from Chinese 9mm Double-Action Autoloader Pistol
Izmash. Despite a superficial re- The Model 77B should not be
semblance to the MR-444, it has confused with the Type 77 Pistol
a completely different system of (see below). Despite the similar
internal operation, using a hammer designation, it is an entirely dif-
to trigger ignition. Control layout ferent (and much larger) weapon.
and operation is similar to the The action operates on a modi-
MR-444, probably indicating that fied version of the Browning
development was undertaken by the same design team. The Varyag uses system used on the Hi-Power and
a number of modern features, including a polymer frame, multiple safety M1911A1 pistols. It does share one
systems to prevent accidental firing, and a loaded chamber indicator. significant feature with the Type
The Varyag is chambered in the .40 S&W caliber, which raises a 77—the distinctive one-handed cocking system, in which the trigger
number of questions. There is little or no chance that the Russian guard is used to pull the slide back to cycle the action. Construction
armed forces would ever use this American cartridge, making the is metal, with a matte black finish and plastic grips.
MR-445 an unlikely contender as a Makarov replacement. The .40 cal- The Model 77B is primarily aimed at the export market and is
iber is popular in the United States, but import restrictions prohibit chambered in the popular 9mm Parabellum cartridge.
the sale of the Varyag there—something that Izmash is all too familiar
with, after its experience with the Baikal 441 and 442. It is possible Damage: 2d6 Magazine: 9 box
that Izmash hopes at some point to establish a joint relationship with Critical: 20 Size: Small
an American company in order to produce the Varyag in the U.S. Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 3 lb.
Until then, the MR-445 will probably be little more than a curiosity Range Increment: 30 ft. Purchase DC: 18
PISTOLS
in firearms design, unlikely to go into widespread production or use. Rate of Fire: S Restriction: Lic (+1)
Variants: There is also a compact version for concealed carry
use, designated the MR-445S.
d20 Modern Rules: The MR-445S Compact grants a +2 circumstance Norinco Type 67 Silent Pistol
bonus on Sleight of Hand checks made to conceal the weapon. Chinese 7.62×17mm Double-Action Silenced Autoloader
Pistol
The Type 67 is a Chinese design
MR-445 Varyag (.40 S&W Autoloader) incorporating an integral silencer.
It is intended for use by Special
Forces units to quietly eliminate
sentries and guard dogs. It
ordinarily operates as a double-
action autoloader pistol. When

d20 MODERN
more silence is needed, the action can be locked, eliminating its World War II and the civil wars. Norinco appears to have revived
mechanical noise and stopping the ejection of the spent cartridge, this familiar old design, attempting to make a workable derivative
so that it does not cycle during firing. The action must be cycled by for the modern market.
hand to be readied for another shot. The magazine, located forward of the trigger guard, has been
The Type 67 is chambered in a special 7.62mm pistol cartridge, set at an angle to improve feed. The grip has been reshaped to
designed to travel at subsonic speed. Owing to its low power, this better fit the hand. A folding stock can be attached to the base
round gives relatively poor armor penetration. of the grip, which allows it to be used as a carbine for long-range
Variants: The Type 64 is an earlier silenced-pistol design, weigh- shooting.
ing 5 pounds. It was virtually identical in operation to the Type 67, d20 Modern Rules: This weapon can be fitted with a bayo-
except that it was chambered to fire the 7.65×17mm cartridge. It net (see page 108 of the d20 Modern Roleplaying Game for
differs slightly in appearance, since the Type 67 was reworked to statistics). Attaching the bayonet is a full-round action. With the
better fit into a holster. bayonet attached, this weapon can be used to make melee attacks.
Who Uses It: The Type 67 is in service with commando units of The bayonet deals 1d4 points of piercing damage (crit 20).
the People’s Liberation Army. A relatively rare weapon, it is seldom Attaching or detaching the stock is a move action. If you have a
seen outside China. base attack bonus of +1 or higher, you can attach or detach the stock
d20 Modern Rules: This is a silenced weapon. A Listen check as a free action when moving. With the stock attached, this weapon
(DC 15) is required to notice the sound of the weapon firing. If the is considered Large.
slide lock is employed, the DC to hear the weapon increases by 5,
but the weapon’s rate of fire becomes single shot. Damage: 2d4 Magazine: 20 box
Critical: 20 Size: Medium Range Increment: 30 ft. Purchase DC: 18
Weight: 3 lb.
Purchase DC: 18
Rate of Fire: S, A Restriction: Res (+2) 35
Norinco Type 84 Pistol
Chinese 7.62mm Double-Action Autoloader Pistol
Norinco Type 77 Pistol The diminutive Type 84 is a com-
Chinese 7.62×17mm Double-Action Autoloader Pistol pact autoloader pistol, designed
The Type 77 is a compact carry pis- for use as a concealed weapon by
tol, intended for use as a military undercover security personnel. It
or police side arm. It is chambered is marketed as an “antiriot” weap-
in the 7.62×17mm cartridge that is on and seems primarily intended
used by the Type 67 Silent Pistol. for use aboard aircrafts, trains,
It operates on an unusual and other vehicles. The low-pow-
blowback action that has long ered cartridge is designed to not
fallen out of favor in the West, penetrate the skin or windows of
in which the trigger guard is used an airliner, allowing for safe use against hijackers while in flight. Due
to cock the weapon. The firing to its low power, it is only effective at very close range.
finger is hooked around the outside of the trigger guard, drawing The Type 84 uses a simple blowback operating mechanism. It is
both it and the attached slide back to cycle the action and chamber chambered to fire a 7.62×17mm cartridge, which is the same size as
a round from the magazine. The weapon is then ready to fire. the Western .32 ACP. The Type 84’s cartridges are much less power-
While unconventional, this system has some advantages. The Type ful, however, and the weapon cannot safely fire a full-strength .32
77 can be carried with an empty chamber, which increases safety and ACP round. It can accept the 7.62mm round used by the Type 64
is particularly desirable for law enforcement use. When needed, it can Silent Pistol (see above).
be rapidly drawn and cocked one-handed, with the hand already in the The Type 84 is a no-frills design, simply and cheaply constructed.
firing position. The shooter can also clear a jam using only one hand. It is so flimsy that its stated service life is only 500 rounds—a quan-
d20 Modern Rules: If this weapon becomes unreliable and jams, the tity expendable in just a day or two of practice shooting. This is
jam can be cleared as a move action instead of a full-round action. perhaps the lowest such figure for any pistol on the market today,
making the Type 84 essentially a disposable weapon.
Damage: 2d4 Magazine: 7 box d20 Modern Rules: This weapon is unreliable.
PISTOLS
Range Increment: 30 ft. Purchase DC: 18 Critical: 20 Size: Tiny
Norinco Type 80 Machine Pistol
Chinese 7.62mm Select-Fire Machine Pistol
The Type 80 is an anachronis- Norinco Type 85 Bayonet Pistol
tic design, based on the old Chinese .22 Single-Shot Specialty Pistol
Broomhandle Mauser automatic The Type 85 Bayonet Pistol is an exotic weapon for Special Forces
pistol from Germany. The Mauser units, combining a fighting knife with a four-barreled .22 caliber
was produced in China under li- derringer built into the handle. It appears to be loosely based on
cense during the 1930s and saw earlier Soviet designs. Two barrels are located on each side of the
widespread use there during both blade, arranged to fire down its length. The handguard of the knife

d20 MODERN
serves as a trigger. Simple sights are fitted, permitting the weapon why Tula would produce two
to be held at arm’s length and aimed like a pistol. A rotating safety such similar designs, especially
catch locks the trigger to prevent firing when the weapon is being since they appear to compete
used as a knife. directly with each other.
The weapon is loaded by unscrewing a cap at the base of the The OTs-20 is conventional in
hilt. This exposes the four chambers, allowing empty cartridge appearance, except for its mas-
cases to be removed and fresh rounds to be inserted. It features sive size. It has a smoothbore
mounting lugs, allowing it to be attached to an assault rifle like any barrel, which limits its accuracy.
other bayonet. It features a mount for a laser sight, which clips onto the frame just
The Type 85 has an extremely short barrel. As a result, the already below the barrel.
weak .22 caliber bullets are fired at a very low velocity. This makes Who Uses It: The Gnom is reportedly in service with special
it suitable for use aboard aircrafts in flight, since the bullet will not units of the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD).
penetrate an airliner’s outer skin.
d20 Modern Rules: This weapon can be used to make melee Damage: 2d8 Magazine: 5 cyl
attacks. The bayonet deals 1d4 points of piercing damage (crit 20). Critical: 20 Size: Medium
This weapon is considered an exotic weapon and requires the Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 3 lb.
Exotic Firearms Proficiency (Norinco Type 85 Bayonet Pistol) feat to Range Increment: 20 ft. Purchase DC: 17
fire or wield proficiently. Rate of Fire: S Restriction: Lic (+1)

Critical: 20 Size: Small OTs-21 Malysh
Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 1 lb. Russian 9mm Double-Action Autoloader Pistol
36 Range Increment: 20 ft.
Rate of Fire: Single
Purchase DC: 18
Restriction: Mil (+3)
The Malysh is a tiny weapon that
operates on a simple blowback
principle and is chambered for
the low-power 9mm Makarov
OTs-01 Kobalt cartridge. It is designed as a con-
Russian 9mm Double-Action Revolver cealed firearm holdout weapon
The OTs-01 Kobalt is a fairly and is compact enough to disap-
conventional revolver from pear into a small pocket.
Tula KPB. It is a straightforward, The Malysh has no external
double-action design chambered protrusions to snag or catch on
for the 9mm Makarov cartridge. clothing when being drawn in a hurry. The hammer is internal so
The hammer is exposed, and the that the pistol operates in the double-action-only mode. The only
barrel is 3 inches long. Grips are sight is a groove cut down the length of the slide. There is no safety
available in two sizes to accom- catch; instead, accidental firing is prevented by the requirement of
modate users with different hand a long, strong pull on the trigger.
sizes. A lanyard ring is affixed to Though very concealable, the Malysh is of little value except
the base of the grip. Rounds are loaded with special triangular as an emergency holdout weapon. Its short barrel, low-powered
clips. Unusual for a revolver, the Kobalt has a safety catch on the cartridge, and rudimentary sight make it ineffective except at ex-
left-hand side. tremely close range.
Though similar in appearance to Western models, the Kobalt
is a rather poor-quality design and is not really up to modern Damage: 2d4 Magazine: 5 box
standards. The frame is cast, rather than forged, and it has a rough Critical: 20 Size: Tiny
finish overall. The Kobalt is rather inexpensive as a result. The big- Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 1 lb.
gest drawback of this approach is its service life, which is given as Range Increment: 10 ft. Purchase DC: 14
only 3,000 rounds—a fraction of that expected for most current Rate of Fire: S Restriction: Lic (+1)
service revolvers.
Variants: The Kobalt is also available in a .380 ACP version, the
OTs-01S. It has the same statistics as the 9mm version. OTs-23 Drotik
Who Uses It: The Kobalt is used by the Russian Russian Ministry Russian 5.45mm Select-Fire Machine Pistol
of Internal Affairs (MVD). The OTs-23 Drotik is a new se-
d20 Modern Rules: This weapon is unreliable. lect-fire pistol design from Igor
PISTOLS
Stechkin, designer of the rather

Damage: 2d4 Magazine: 6 cyl unsuccessful APS (see above). It
Critical: 20 Size: Small appears to have been designed
Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 2 lb. with the shortcomings of the
Range Increment: 30 ft. Purchase DC: 14 APS in mind and is a significantly
Rate of Fire: S Restriction: Lic (+1) more practical weapon.
The Drotik is chambered to
fire the 5.45mm-necked pistol
OTs-20 Gnom cartridge of the PSM pistol. This low-powered round is well
Russian 12.5mm Double-Action Revolver suited for a simple blowback action, as the Drotik employs.
Like the Udar series, the Gnom is a large, powerful revolver designed It is also more controllable in automatic mode than the 9mm
to fire a variety of exotic specialty ammunition types. It is made by Makarov round of the APS. To further improve controllability,
Tula KBP, the same company that makes the Udar 1. It is not known the Drotik features a compensator cut into the barrel near the

d20 MODERN
muzzle. Instead of having an automatic setting, the Drotik fires in Unfortunately, as with the
three-round bursts, which are far more practical for a pistol. The original APS, either 9mm car-
combination of the burst feature with the good armor-piercing tridge is really too powerful for
characteristics of the 5.45mm bullet make the Drotik an excellent controllable automatic fire in so
close-quarters weapon. small a weapon. Furthermore,
The Drotik’s external magazine indicator lets the user check the Pernach lacks many of the
remaining ammunition in the magazine by touch. The barrel is cut features that make the OTs-23 a
with grooves for the fitting of laser sights or other accessories, an workable design, including the
increasingly common feature on modern Russian pistols. muzzle compensator and the
Who Uses It: The Drotik is in service with the Russian Ministry burst-fire setting. As a result, the Pernach is a much less practical
of Internal Affairs (MVD). weapon and seems to be no better than the original Stechkin. It does
d20 Modern Rules: This weapon features a three-round burst have a higher-capacity magazine (27 rounds) and a folding detachable
setting. When used with the Burst Fire feat, it fires only three bul- shoulder stock to help with aiming. In spite of this, hitting anything
lets instead of five and can be used with only three bullets in the with the Pernach seems a dubious proposition at best.
weapon. This setting does not grant the ability to make burst fire Who Uses It: The OTs-33 is reportedly in service with Russian
attacks without the Burst Fire feat; if you use the setting without Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD) troops.
the feat, you make a normal attack, and the extra two bullets are d20 Modern Rules: This weapon is difficult to control when used
wasted. Because it does not have an automatic rate of fire, this on the autofire setting. When it is used to make autofire attacks (in-
weapon cannot be used to make autofire attacks. cluding the use of the Burst Fire feat), the –1 penalty for machine
pistols is worsened to –2. The penalty is –1 if the weapon is fired with
Damage: 2d4 Magazine: 24 box both hands. There is no penalty if it is used with the shoulder stock.
Critical: 20 Size: Small Attaching or detaching the stock is a move action. If you have a
Weight: 3 lb.
Purchase DC: 17
37
Rate of Fire: S Restriction: Res (+2) is considered Large.

OTs-27 Berdysh Critical: 20 Size: Medium
Russian 9mm Double-Action Machine Pistol Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 3 lb.
The OTs-27 Berdysh is a modern Range Increment: 30 ft. Purchase DC: 18
automatic pistol designed to Rate of Fire: S, A Restriction: Res (+2)
fire either the new high-pow-
ered 9mm Makarov or 9mm
Parabellum rounds. It can also fire P-9 Gurza
the older low-powered Makarov Russian 9×21mm Double-Action Autoloader Pistol
cartridges. Changing between The P-9 Gurza is a pistol cham-
calibers requires only that the bered to fire a new type of
barrel and magazine be switched cartridge: the 9×21mm Russian.
out. It uses a delayed blowback Though similar in dimensions to
action similar to that of the PMM modernized Makarov pistol. a Western 9×21mm round, the
The Berdysh uses high-capacity 18-round magazines. It has an Russian cartridge is not compat-
overall metal construction with plastic grips. A groove to mount ible and has a markedly different
accessories is cut into the underside of the barrel, allowing a laser performance (similar to that of
sight to be attached. the .357 Magnum). This round
Who Uses It: The Berdysh is available for export and is in service was developed to create a more
with the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD). powerful alternative to the traditional 9mm Makarov cartridge and,
d20 Modern Rules: Converting this weapon from its existing in particular, for use against targets in body armor or automobiles.
caliber to any of the other available calibers requires a conversion kit Internally, the P-9 uses a dropping-block system, much like that
(purchase DC 10), 1 minute, and a successful Repair check (DC 10). of the Beretta 92. There are a number of unusual safety devices.
First, a grip safety must be depressed to engage the action; without
Damage: 2d6 Magazine: 18 box doing so, the Gurza cannot be fired, thus preventing accidental
Critical: 20 Size: Small discharge if it is jostled or dropped. Also, the double-action system
Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 3 lb. disengages if the hammer is fully lowered, keeping the weapon from
PISTOLS
Range Increment: 30 ft. Purchase DC: 17 firing at all. To arm the weapon, the hammer must be drawn back
Rate of Fire: S, A Restriction: Res (+2) to a half-cock position, after which it can be fired normally. There is
no conventional safety catch.
The Gurza’s frame is half polymer and half steel. The slide is steel.
OTs-33 Pernach All controls are ambidextrous. Some Gurzas have been made with
Russian 9mm Select-Fire Machine Pistol a golden inlay of a viper motif along the slide, a custom design not
The OTs-33 Pernach is a select-fire design derived from the ear- found on standard-issue models.
lier APS Stechkin (see above). It resembles the OTs-23 Drotik in Who Uses It: The Gurza is in use with both the Russian Militia
many ways, but it has a fully enclosed slide and is chambered (police force) and with Russian military intelligence officers (the
in the larger 9mm Makarov caliber. The action is strong enough GRU). Ironically, it has also proven popular with Russian gang-
to work with the high-power version of the Makarov cartridge sters—the rise of violence linked to organized crime was one of the
used by the PMM. A slot under the barrel allows the fitting of reasons for its development in the first place.
accessories.

d20 MODERN
Damage: 2d6 Magazine: 18 box cartridge but is quite controllable and intended to permit quick
Critical: 20 Size: Small follow-up shots.
Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 3 lb. The Makarov features simple, all-steel construction with plastic
Range Increment: 40 ft. Purchase DC: 16 grips. It has a decocking mechanism, a slide catch, and a double-
Rate of Fire: S Restriction: Lic (+1) action trigger. The trigger mechanism has been widely criticized,
because it gives an uneven, jerky response. Compact and light-
weight, the Makarov is a handy pistol, though its low-powered
P-96 cartridge is felt by many experts to make it too weak for use as a
Russian 9mm Double-Action Autoloader Pistol combat pistol.
The P-96 is a new Russian Who Uses It: The Makarov has been the standard Soviet and
pistol designed in accordance Russian military side arm since its introduction in the early 1950s
with modern arms design phi- and remains in use to this day. Produced in enormous numbers,
losophies. It is the first design it was widely exported throughout the Soviet World, equipping
to come out of Russia that might other Warsaw Pact armies, as well as guerrilla and terrorist groups
be considered a “Western” au- worldwide. It was built under license in a number of states, including
toloader pistol, featuring many Bulgaria and China, and remains in production to this day.
of the innovations that have
become popular in American Damage: 2d4 Magazine: 8 box
and European weapons. It is Critical: 20 Size: Small
chambered in the popular 9mm Parabellum caliber. Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 2 lb.
The P-96 features an advanced polymer frame and a metal slide. Range Increment: 30 ft. Purchase DC: 15
Its operating mechanism is much like that of the Glock pistols, with Rate of Fire: S Restriction: Lic (+1)
38 a trigger safety that must be depressed to engage the firing mecha-
nism. There is no external safety. The weapon is intended for use
as a concealed firearm, with rounded corners and no protrusions to PMM Makarov
catch on clothing when it is drawn. Russian 9mm Double-Action Autoloader Pistol
Variants: There is a compact carry variant known as the P-96S. The PMM is a progressive devel-
This is essentially the same as the standard P-96, except that it is opment of the earlier PM (see
smaller and lighter and has been rechambered to fire .380 ACP. above). Externally, it is virtually
Who Uses It: The P-96 is still in development. If adopted by identical to the PM—a slightly
the Russian armed forces, it will represent a major shift in doctrine revised grip being the only vis-
toward the use of the NATO-standard 9mm pistol cartridge. ible change. The PMM accepts a
d20 Modern Rules: The P-96S grants a +2 circumstance bonus higher-capacity, double-stacked
on Sleight of Hand checks made to conceal the weapon. magazine holding 12 rounds.
The biggest improvement in
the PMM is its ammunition. It
P-96 (9mm Autoloader) is designed to fire a new, higher-powered version of the 9×18mm
Makarov round. In recognition of the shortcomings of the original
Makarov cartridge, Russian designers set out to create a new ver-
sion with performance more comparable to the Western 9mm
Parabellum round. This new bullet is the same size as its predeces-
sor, but it shoots 300 feet per second faster.
While the new ammunition clearly corrects what is seen as the
P-96S (9mm Autoloader) biggest deficiency in the original PM, it raises some problems. It is too
Damage: 2d6 Magazine: 10 box powerful to be used in a simple blowback-action pistol such as the PM.
Critical: 20 Size: Small As a result, the PMM is modified to operate on the delayed blowback
Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 1 lb. principle to better withstand the firing pressures of the hot cartridge.
Range Increment: 20 ft. Purchase DC: 16 Variants: The PMM-8, another PMM model, is designed to use
Rate of Fire: S Restriction: Lic (+1) the original 8-round PM magazines.
Who Uses It: The PMM is beginning to replace the PM on assem-
bly lines in Russia. It will probably replace it in Russian military service
PM Makarov as well, though this will undoubtedly take years to accomplish.
PISTOLS
Like most Cold War–era Soviet Damage: 2d6 Magazine: 12 box

weapons, the PM (Pistolet Critical: 20 Size: Small
Makarovka) Makarov is named Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 2 lb.
for its designer. Operating on Range Increment: 30 ft. Purchase DC: 15
the simple blowback principle, Rate of Fire: S Restriction: Lic (+1)
it is little more than a copy of
the German Walther PP with
a slightly simplified action. It PSM
is designed to fire an unusual Russian 5.45mm Double-Action Autoloader Pistol
cartridge known as the 9mm The PSM is a slim, compact pistol designed for use by plainclothes
Makarov, which was purposely designed to ensure that the police and security personnel. It is similar to the German Walther PP
ammunition could not be used in other countries’ weapons. in appearance and operation, though the controls are arranged like
This round is less powerful than the Western 9mm Parabellum those on the PM Makarov. The designers sought to make it as thin

d20 MODERN
as possible in order to improve d20 Modern Rules: This is a silenced weapon. A Listen check
its concealability. In accordance (DC 15) is required to notice the sound of the weapon firing.
with this, the safety catch was
moved to the back of the slide, Damage: 2d4 Magazine: 6 box
rather than being on the side. Critical: 20 Size: Small
The grips are metal castings Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 2 lb.
attached directly to the frame, Range Increment: 20 ft. Purchase DC: 18
rather than more conventional Rate of Fire: S Restriction: Res (+2)
wooden or plastic fittings.
The PSM is chambered to fire a rather peculiar low-powered
necked cartridge in 5.45mm. R-92
Who Uses It: Following its introduction in 1975, the PSM became Russian 9mm Double-Action Revolver
the standard service side arm for Soviet police and security forces, Like the OTs-01 Kobalt (see
including those within the military, Interior Ministry, and KGB. It above), the R-92 is a police service
remains in service to this day, serving in the post-Soviet equivalents revolver from Tula KPB; however,
of those agencies. It was also widely exported and was sold in large it is completely different in design
numbers on the underground arms market. and appearance, and it is unlike
d20 Modern Rules: This weapon grants a +2 circumstance bonus any Western revolver. Its con-
on Sleight of Hand checks made to conceal the weapon. struction suffers from the same
low-quality approach taken with
Damage: 2d4 Magazine: 8 box the Kobalt, using a cast frame
Critical: 20 Size: Small rather than a forged one.
Weight: 1 lb.
Purchase DC: 15
The R-92 is designed for use as a concealed firearm (this lends
it its rather bizarre shape). There is no external hammer or other
39
Rate of Fire: S Restriction: Lic (+1) protrusion to snag on clothing. To keep overall length down, the
barrel is short and the trigger is set well forward on the frame while
the grip sharply drops down. Unfortunately, the barrel is so high up
PSS Vul that the effect of recoil is exaggerated sharply.
Russian 7.62mm Double-Action Autoloader Silenced Pistol Variants: The R-92 is also available in .380 ACP. This version is
The PSS Vul is a silent autoloader called the R-92KS, and its statistics are identical to the R-92.
pistol. Unlike the S4M, which was Who Uses It: The R-92 is used by undercover officers in the
developed expressly for assassi- Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD).
nation, the PSS was intended for
special paramilitary operations. Damage: 2d4 Magazine: 5 cyl
It was designed to provide a Critical: 20 Size: Tiny
compact, silent-weapon system Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 2 lb.
without the need for a bulky Range Increment: 20 ft. Purchase DC: 14
external suppressor. The PSS Rate of Fire: S Restriction: Lic (+1)
pistol operates in conventional
blowback fashion. It is compact in size, with a very short barrel, and
a user can easily hide it in a pocket or under a coat. Other than that, Reutech ADP Mk II
it is relatively unremarkable. South African 9mm Double-Action Autoloader Pistol
The PSS uses silent piston-driven sealed cartridges, which oper- The ADP is named after its de-
ate identically to those employed by the S4M. They differ in one signer, Alex Du Plessis. The Mark II
key respect, however, determined by the different roles for the is an improved design introduced
two pistols. While the S4M’s bullet is designed to look like it was in 1994. It is a rather small-framed
fired from an AK-47 rifle, thus confusing forensic examination, the autoloader, designed as a police
PSS fires a blunt-nosed slug that is entirely unique and readily or military service pistol. It oper-
identifiable. This makes the weapon too distinctive to be used for ates on the delayed-blowback
covert assassinations. Furthermore, because it is a semiautomatic principle, using a gas-driven
design instead of a break-open derringer, the PSS ejects its spent piston to slow the action. The
cartridges—another prominent identifying characteristic, entirely frame is plastic, while the slide is
unsuitable for black ops. steel. An overall protective matte
PISTOLS
The PSS is good for silent, close-range shots in overt paramili- black finish is applied.
tary operations, such as hostage rescues. In this mission, it excels. Variants: The ADP Mk II is available in either 9mm Parabellum or
As a semiautomatic, it provides a rapid follow-up shot capability. .40 caliber (which carries 10 bullets in a magazine instead of 15).
Furthermore, its piston-driven firing is truly silent. The only sound
comes from the slide as it moves back and forth to cycle the action. Damage: 2d6 Magazine: 15 box
Unusual for a purpose-built silent weapon, the PSS lacks a slide lock Critical: 20 Size: Tiny
to eliminate this mechanical noise. Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 2 lb.
Though the PSS lacks long-range accuracy or stopping power, it Range Increment: 30 ft. Purchase DC: 16
is more than adequate at close range, where it is meant to be used. Rate of Fire: S Restriction: Lic (+1)
Furthermore, it is a handy weapon that is pleasant to shoot due to
its very low recoil.
Who Uses It: The PSS is in service with military and paramilitary
special operations units throughout Russia.

d20 MODERN
ROMARM Model 92 target pistol to this day. Its low-powered .22 cartridge allows the use of
a simple blowback operating system, which gives the Mark II exceptional
Romanian 9mm Double-Action-Only Autoloader Pistol
reliability. This feature, coupled with its accuracy, has led to its enduring
The ROMARM Model 92 is a new
popularity with sportsmen.
autoloader pistol intended to
It is a metal construction overall. The cylindrical receiver, long
compete with Western designs.
barrel, and sharply angled pistol grip lend the Mark II a distinct
It is chambered in the popular
appearance. Instead of a slide, the action uses a reciprocating bolt
9mm Parabellum cartridge and
within the receiver housing like a semiautomatic rifle. The charging
operates on a modified Browning
handle is located at the extreme rear of the receiver.
action. Its rugged, all-steel con-
Variants: The Mark II is produced in a number of different
struction gives it considerable
models. The Mark II Standard is the basic version. The Mark II
strength and weight. The grips
Target features adjustable target shooting sights. The Mark II
are synthetic. Available acces-
Government features the same sights and a heavier barrel. The
sories include a laser sight and an illuminator.
Mark II Competition incorporates both these improvements, to-
gether with a built-in scope mount. A silenced version is produced
in the U.K. by Law Enforcement International (see the LEI Mark II,
earlier in this chapter).
40 Ruger GP100 Range Increment: 30 ft.

Rate of Fire: S
Purchase DC: 16
The Ruger GP100 is a conven-
tional double-action revolver
designed to fire the .357 Magnum
Ruger P89 Series
American 9mm Double-Action Autoloader Pistol
cartridge. It features a solid-
Ruger established a reputation
frame construction to better
for itself through its lines of
handle the forces of firing the
revolvers and target pistols.
powerful round, resulting in a
Introduced in 1987, the P89
heavy, rugged design. Most of the
is the company’s first service
internal components are stainless
autoloader. It is a relatively con-
steel to better resist corrosion. The barrel and frame are made from
ventional double-action design
an advanced chrome-moly steel alloy.
chambered in 9mm Parabellum
The GP100 incorporates a number of special features unique to
that incorporates a number of
Ruger designs. The floating firing pin is mounted in the frame. A
innovative features.
patented locking mechanism holds the cylinder securely in posi-
The operating mechanism is based on the Browning locked-
tion for firing. The grips are another patented Ruger feature and
barrel design. The large, locking lug seals into the ejection-port
use checkered wooden inserts surrounded by cushioned rubber.
opening in the slide. The trigger uses a double-action mechanism.
The barrel is long and heavy for accuracy and protected by a metal
The weapon is available with either a manual safety catch or a
shroud. This gives the GP100 a slightly barrel-heavy balance, which
decocking lever. The barrel and slide are stainless steel, but the
is preferred by most skilled pistol shooters.
frame is aluminum to reduce weight.
Variants: The GP100 is also available in .38 Special. It is produced in
Variants: The KP93 is a compact model that is both shorter and
a variety of different finishes, including protective chrome and matte
lighter for concealed carry use. The KP94L is a similar model sized
black. The .38 Special has the same statistics as the .357 model.
in between the smaller KP93 and the full-sized P89. It is available
with an integral laser sight fitted forward of the trigger guard to the
bottom of the slide.
d20 Modern Rules: The KP93 grants a +2 circumstance bonus on
Sleight of Hand checks made to conceal the weapon.
Ruger P89 (9mm Autoloader)
PISTOLS
Ruger Mark II Critical: 20 Size: Small

American .22 Double-Action Autoloader Pistol Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 2 lb.
More than fifty years ago, Range Increment: 30 ft. Purchase DC: 15
Bill Ruger founded a small Rate of Fire: S Restriction: Lic (+1)
company to produce a simple
autoloader pistol he designed.
Known as the Ruger Standard,
Ruger KP93 (9mm Autoloader)
it proved popular and was in
production for many years. Its
success fueled the growth of
Ruger’s company.
In 1982, a slightly improved
model known as the Ruger Mark II appeared. It remains popular as a

d20 MODERN
Ruger KP94L Laseraim (9mm Autoloader) Ruger Super Redhawk
Damage: 2d6 Magazine: 15 box American .44 Magnum Double-Action Revolver
Critical: 20 Size: Small The Super Redhawk is Ruger’s
Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 3 lb. biggest revolver. It is designed
Range Increment: 30 ft. Purchase DC: 18 to fire the massive .44 Magnum
Rate of Fire: S Restriction: Lic (+1) round. Developed from the
earlier Redhawk revolver, the
Super Redhawk incorporates
Ruger P95 many of the new features of
American 9mm Double-Action Autoloader Pistol the GP100. These features
The P95 is a progressive develop- set the Super Redhawk apart
ment of the earlier P89 series of from other .44 caliber revolvers
autoloader pistols. It is a more available today.
advanced design, intended for The frame of the Super Redhawk extends well forward of the
use with the most powerful 9mm cylinder, giving added strength in critical areas to better withstand
loads. The frame is made from an the powerful firing pressures. The top strap above the cylinder is
advanced polymer material and is thickened considerably and features a patented integral scope
ergonomically shaped to provide mount. This feature makes the Super Redhawk popular as a long-
a stable grip. The action has been range, target-shooting pistol. As on the GP100, the grips are rubber
modified to incorporate a newly with wooden inserts. The frame and firing mechanism are made of
patented cam system that improves reliability. stainless steel for strength and corrosion resistance.
Variants: The P97, a .45 ACP model, uses an 8-round magazine
but otherwise has statistics identical to the P95. Damage: 2d8 Magazine: 6 cyl 41
S&W “Hush Puppy”
American 9mm Double-Action Autoloader Pistol
Ruger SP101 Following World War II, S&W
American .38 Special Double-Action Revolver (Smith & Wesson) produced an
The SP101 is a small-frame autoloader design known as the
counterpart to the larger and Model 39. It was a double-action
more powerful Ruger designs, design loosely derived from the
such as the GP100 and the German Walther P38. During
Super Redhawk. It is a good the Vietnam War, these pistols
choice for smaller shooters or were issued to U.S. Navy special
for plainclothes personnel, for warfare units as officer side
whom the larger pistols are arms. Performance was generally
impractical. Designed for use adequate, but in the harsh environment of combat, the weapon was
with high-powered .38 Special never as reliable as the Colt M1911A1.
ammunition, it features stainless steel construction throughout The “Hush Puppy,” whose official name is Mark 22 Mod 0, is
and a solid frame for durability. The ejector rod is offset, allowing a highly specialized version of the basic Model 39 designed for
a wider and stronger frame forward of the cylinder. With the cyl- Navy SEAL teams. It was modified for use with a special silencer,
inder closed, it is securely locked in two places for added stability to serve as a silent weapon in clandestine operations. The silencer
during firing. Though conventional in appearance and design, the acts as a suppressor, but also contains a set of replaceable baffles
SP101 is a highly sophisticated weapon, incorporating a number of that slow bullets as they’re fired, allowing the weapon to fire
advanced features to produce an exceptionally durable and reli- standard ammunition silently (as though the ammunition were
able revolver. cold-loaded). However, the baffles wear out after just a few shots,
Variants: The SP101 is available in 9mm Parabellum and in .22 and must be replaced.
as well. The 9mm version uses full-moon 5-round clips to hold the Large raised sights allow the shooter to sight over the bulky
PISTOLS
rounds in the cylinder. A double-action-only version with an enclosed suppressor tube. A slide lock was added to keep the action from
hammer is also available and is intended as a concealed firearm. cycling when firing the weapon, eliminating mechanical noise.
The .22 revolver deals 2d4 points of damage instead of 2d6; oth- Who Used It: The Hush Puppy served with the Navy SEALs
erwise, its statistics are identical to the .38S and 9mm versions. throughout the Vietnam War. It remained in service well after
Vietnam, though it has been replaced by more modern designs.
Damage: 2d6 Magazine: 5 cyl d20 Modern Rules: When fitted with its silencer, this is a
Critical: 20 Size: Small silenced weapon. A successful Listen check (DC 15) is required to
Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 2 lb. notice the sound of the weapon firing. If the slide lock is employed,
Range Increment: 30 ft. Purchase DC: 15 the Listen check to hear the weapon fire increases by 5, but the
Rate of Fire: S Restriction: Lic (+1) weapon’s rate of fire becomes single shot.
After the weapon fires 6 standard bullets (or 30 cold-loaded
bullets), the silencer functions as a suppressor. Although the
weapon’s firing makes an audible sound, determining the loca-

d20 MODERN
tion of the weapon by its sound alone requires a successful Listen Who Uses It: The Model 10 and its derivatives are the most com-
check (DC 15). When firing cold-loaded ammunition, the weapon mon revolvers in the U.S. Though popular with law enforcement,
operates silently; a Listen check (DC 15) is required to notice the they are widely sold to civilians as well.
sound of the weapon firing. The silencer can be restored to its
normal function by replacing the internal baffles (purchase DC Damage: 2d6 Magazine: 6 cyl
10), which takes 1 minute and a successful Repair check (DC 10). Critical: 20 Size: Small
This weapon comes with special plugs that prevent it from be- Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 2 lb.
coming unreliable when immersed. It cannot be fired with the plugs Range Increment: 30 ft. Purchase DC: 16
in place. Attaching or removing the plugs is a full-round action. Rate of Fire: S Restriction: Lic (+1)

Critical: 20 Size: Medium S&W Model 586
Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 3 lb. American .357 Magnum Double-Action Revolver
Range Increment: 30 ft. Purchase DC: 15 The Model 586 is the .357 Magnum
Rate of Fire: S Restriction: Lic (+1) version of the popular S&W re-
volver family. Introduced in 1981, it
quickly proved popular with police
S&W Model 29 personnel for its dependability and
American .44 Magnum Double-Action Revolver stopping power. As with other S&W
The S&W Model 29 was the world’s designs, it features a solid frame,
first .44 Magnum revolver. It was swing-out cylinder, and double-
quickly discovered by Hollywood, action trigger. A heavy barrel lug
42 leading to a rush of popularity for
the big, powerful cartridge.
reduces the effect of recoil.
Variants: The Model 686 is essentially the same pistol, except it
The Model 29’s action is is constructed from stainless steel throughout.
derived from that of the more
common Model 10 series, suitably Damage: 2d6 Magazine: 6 cyl
scaled up for use with the power- Critical: 20 Size: Small
ful Magnum round. It features a Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 3 lb.
solid frame with a swing-out cylinder and a double-action trigger Range Increment: 30 ft. Purchase DC: 16
mechanism. Older models were fitted with wooden grips, but more Rate of Fire: S Restriction: Lic (+1)
recent versions use synthetics instead.
Though more powerful cartridges have since become available,
the .44 Magnum remains the most popular of the big revolver S&W Model 642 Ladysmith
rounds. Its great size and strong recoil limit its practicality as a service American .38 Special Double-Action Revolver
weapon, however. It was originally designed for use against large and Some individuals may find a full-
dangerous animals—a role for which it is much better suited. sized pistol uncomfortable to hold
Variants: A stainless steel version, known as the Model 629, is and fire. With this in mind, S&W
also produced. created a series of revolvers using
its popular Model 10 action with
Damage: 2d8 Magazine: 6 cyl reduced-size grips, designed for fe-
Critical: 20 Size: Medium male shooters or those with small
Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 3 lb. hands. Known as Ladysmiths, they
Range Increment: 50 ft. Purchase DC: 16 have proven popular with female
Rate of Fire: S Restriction: Lic (+1) police officers and as self-defense
weapons. Most feature short barrels to make them easily carried on
one’s person. The Model 642 is typical of the line. It is chambered in
S&W Model 64 .38 Special, a relatively small and easily controllable cartridge, and
American .38 Special Double-Action Revolver made from stainless steel to resist corrosion.
Smith & Wesson set the standard d20 Modern Rules: This weapon grants a +1 circumstance bonus
for modern revolver design with on Sleight of Hand checks made to conceal the weapon.
a type known as the Model
10. Its solid frame and simple Damage: 2d6 Magazine: 6 cyl
PISTOLS
double-action mechanism have Critical: 20 Size: Small

been copied worldwide, form- Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 2 lb.
ing the basis for hundreds of Range Increment: 30 ft. Purchase DC: 16
different models from dozens Rate of Fire: S Restriction: Lic (+1)
of manufacturers. The simplicity,
ruggedness, and reliability of the
Model 10 make it one of the most popular service revolvers in use. S&W Sigma Carry Pistol
In addition to copies from other manufacturers, the Model 10 American Double-Action-Only Autoloader Pistol
forms the basis of a whole series of revolvers from S&W. One of The Sigma Carry pistol (also called the Sigma SW9M) is a smaller
the more common versions, the Model 64, is a service revolver version of the full-sized Sigma pistol. Though internal operation
designed to keep working in the harshest conditions. It features is the same, the exterior shape has been thoroughly redesigned
stainless steel construction with a protective finish. Grips are either to eliminate corners and protrusions that might snag on clothing
walnut or contoured synthetic. when it is drawn. The clean, uncluttered lines lend it a serious and

d20 MODERN
professional appearance. All
controls sit flush with the frame
S&W Third Generation Series
American Double-Action Autoloader Pistols
and slide. The magazine has been
The Smith & Wesson Third Generation series is a range of autoloader
reduced in size to a 7-round,
pistols developed in the 1980s to suit law enforcement require-
single-stacked design, resulting
ments. The range is built around the same basic pistol action, but it
in a much slimmer grip.
is produced in a variety of calibers, frame sizes, trigger mechanisms,
d20 Modern Rules: This
and materials. Though all Third Generation pistols are roughly simi-
weapon grants a +2 circumstance
lar in appearance, they can incorporate a wide variety of features.
bonus on Sleight of Hand checks
Customers can select nearly any combination, making it easy for
made to conceal the weapon.
police officers to find weapons that comply with departmental
requirements. The basic Third Generation design incorporates
fixed-barrel bushings (to facilitate disassembly for cleaning), a
combat trigger, multiple redundant safety systems, and synthetic
wraparound grips.
Individual models within the range are identified by a four-
digit numeric coding system. The first two digits indicate the
caliber. The third digit indicates frame size and safety arrange-
S&W Sigma Series ments—Third Generations are produced with both full-sized and
compact frames and with or without decocking levers. They are
American Double-Action-Only Autoloader Pistol
also available in double-action-only versions. The fourth digit
The product of a long and
indicates the material used in construction. The coding system
exhaustive development pro-
cess, the Sigma is the latest
autoloader pistol from Smith &
is as follows:
43
Wesson. It is S&W’s first design Caliber (First Two Digits)
to make extensive use of com- 3900 series: 9mm Parabellum, single-stacked magazine well
posites in its construction. Its 4000 series: .40 S&W (Smith & Wesson)
distinctively shaped frame is 4500 series: .45 ACP (Automatic Colt Pistol)
made from lightweight synthet- 5900 series: 9mm Parabellum, double-stacked magazine well
ics and incorporates contoured
grips designed to hold a high-capacity, double-stacked maga-
zine. Internally, the action is derived from the familiar Browning
Frame Type (Third Digit)
0: Standard frame
design, with a dropping cam-actuated barrel. The large locking
1: Compact frame
lug fits into the extraction port, sealing it when the action is
2: Standard frame with decocking lever
closed. With its internal hammer, the trigger mechanism oper-
3: Compact frame with decocking lever
ates as a double-action-only pistol.
4: Standard frame, double-action-only trigger
Variants: The Sigma designation refers to a whole series of
5: Compact frame, double-action-only trigger
individual pistol models, available in both 9mm Parabellum and .40
S&W calibers. It is available in a number of different frame sizes and
in both black and light gray coloring. Construction Material (Fourth Digit)
3: Aluminum frame, stainless steel slide
4: Aluminum frame, steel slide
Sigma SW9F (9mm Autoloader) 5: Steel frame and slide
6: Stainless steel frame and slide
Range Increment: 30 ft. Purchase DC: 17 Examples
Rate of Fire: S Restriction: Lic (+1) Model 4044: .40 caliber, standard-sized aluminum frame with
double-action-only trigger, steel slide.
Model 4536: .45 ACP, compact stainless steel frame with decock-
Sigma SW40F (.40 S&W Autoloader) ing lever, stainless steel slide.
Model 5906: 9mm Parabellum, standard-sized stainless frame,
double-stacked magazine well, stainless steel slide
One specialty model of the 3900 series is the 3913LS, a “Ladysmith”
PISTOLS
model developed for female shooters. Like the Ladysmith revolvers,
it features a smaller grip, allowing better control for shooters with
small hands. The Model 3913LS also features a special finish. (Use the
statistics for the S&W 3900 for the Model 3913LS.)
Who Uses Them: S&W has aggressively marketed the Third
Generation series to law enforcement agencies throughout the
U.S., and it has been widely adopted. Dozens of state and local po-
S&W 4500 lice departments use Third Generation pistols as standard service
weapons. They are also popular with private security agencies, such
as armored car companies.
d20 Modern Rules: The 3900 series (including the 3913LS ver-
S&W 5900 sion) grants a +2 circumstance bonus on Sleight of Hand checks
made to conceal the weapon.

d20 MODERN
an S4M can approach a victim, shoot him or her silently at point-blank
S&W 3900 (9mm Autoloader) range, and escape in the ensuing chaos, confident that all forensic evi-
dence will lead the investigating authorities down the wrong path.
Variants: An earlier model, designated the MSP, operated on the
same principle. It used a different type of piston-driven silent ammu-
nition, which was found unsatisfactory, prompting the S4M redesign.
Who Used It: The S4M is an older design. Because its very
nature is so secret, however, no replacement is known. S4Ms were
S&W 4000 (.40 S&W Autoloader) used in action in Afghanistan and Central America in the 1980s and
Damage: 2d6 Magazine: 11 box perhaps elsewhere.
Critical: 20 Size: Small d20 Modern Rules: This is a silenced weapon. A Listen check
Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 3 lb. (DC 20) is required to notice the sound of the weapon firing.
Rate of Fire: S Restriction: Lic (+1) Damage: 2d4 Magazine: 2 int
S&W 4500 (.45 Autoloader) Range Increment: 10 ft. Purchase DC: 17
Rate of Fire: Single Restriction: Res (+2)
Rate of Fire: S
Purchase DC: 17
SCK M-60 New Nambu
Japanese .38 Special Double-Action Revolver
44 S&W 5900 (9mm Autoloader)
The New Nambu Model 60 is
a conventional revolver pat-
Damage: 2d6 Magazine: 15 box terned after the S&W designs.
Critical: 20 Size: Small It features a solid frame, 3-inch
Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 2 lb. barrel, double-action trigger, and
Range Increment: 30 ft. Purchase DC: 17 contoured grips. Most police-is-
Rate of Fire: S Restriction: Lic (+1) sue models have a lanyard ring at
the base of the butt. It is a sturdy
and dependable, but otherwise
S4M unremarkable, design.
Russian 7.62mm Break-Open Silenced Pistol Who Uses It: The New Nambu was the standard police side arm
The S4M is a 1970s-era pistol de- in Japan for many years. It has since been replaced by autoloaders but
signed from the ground up as an remains in service in small numbers, particularly with older officers or
assassin’s weapon. Designed as detectives. It remains in production, largely for the export market.
a break-open, single-shot pistol
with two barrels, it is intended Damage: 2d6 Magazine: 6 cyl
for the silent killing of a single Critical: 20 Size: Small
victim at close range. Even after Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 2 lb.
the end of the Cold War, its de- Range Increment: 30 ft. Purchase DC: 16
velopment and history are still Rate of Fire: S Restriction: Lic (+1)
shrouded in mystery. What little
is known about it comes from a number of pistols recovered by
American spies in Central America during the 1980s. SIG-Sauer P220
The S4M itself is an unremarkable, derringer-style weapon. Swiss 9mm Double-Action Autoloader Pistol
Mechanically, it is simple, and operation is straightforward. The The P220 is a double-action au-
action tips open to the rear, allowing a pair of bullets to be loaded toloader pistol from Switzerland.
into its over–under barrels. It is then closed and ready to fire. The It is made by SIG (Swiss Industrial
S4M is compact and smooth, designed to easily fit into a pocket and Company) and, in order to
quickly draw without snagging on clothes. comply with strict Swiss arms
The real secret to the S4M is not the pistol, but its ammunition. It export laws, marketed by a joint
fires special 7.62mm silent rounds, in which an internal piston both drives agreement with the German arms
PISTOLS
the projectile and seals the mouth of the cartridge case. This traps all company J. P. Sauer & Son. It was
the propellant gases inside, together with all the noise, flash, and smoke a highly innovative design and
associated with firing the pistol. The result is a truly silent shot. proved to be both influential and
Because the S4M is a break-open derringer, the spent shell case is not extremely popular.
ejected, and thus does not need to be picked up—a good thing, consid- The P220 was one of the earliest autoloaders to be equipped
ering the exotic nature of the piston-sealed silent cartridge case. with a decocking lever to allow it to be carried, loaded and
There is another fiendishly cunning aspect to the S4M’s design. Its ready for immediate use, in relative safety. There is no safety
bullet is identical to the 7.62mm projectile fired by the AK assault catch to activate—the shooter need only bring it up on target
rifle. Furthermore, the rifling in the S4M’s barrel exactly matches that and pull the double-action trigger, which both cocks and fires
of the AK. When the bullet is recovered from a victim’s body, forensic the weapon. The firing mechanism is derived from the Browning
and ballistic testing will reveal that the killer used a Kalashnikov rifle, action, with a cam-actuated locking barrel. The barrel-locking
probably at long range due to the low impact velocity—a very differ- lug fits into the shell ejection port in the slide, sealing it to keep
ent conclusion than the true nature of the attack. An assassin using foreign objects out.

d20 MODERN
Construction is from lightweight alloys, with a steel barrel. The Variants: The P226 is also available in .357 SIG, which has statis-
grips are plastic. High-contrast Stavenhagen sights are standard; tics identical to the 9mm version.
these can be replaced with luminous tritium sights as an option. Who Uses It: Despite its failure to be purchased by the U.S.
The P220 is a reliable and accurate design, well suited to regular Army, the P226 has proven to be highly successful and has been
use as a service pistol. Its innovative decocking system has made it widely sold. It was adopted by the FBI (where it continues to
tremendously successful and led to widespread imitation. Its suc- serve in some numbers, despite the subsequent adoption of
cess has led to a whole series of further designs. more modern designs). It also serves with the U.S. Coast Guard.
Variants: The P220 is also available in .45 caliber (7 bullets per Overseas, it has been sold to the British Ministry of Defense, to
magazine). the New Zealand armed forces, and to numerous other police and
Who Uses It: The P220 has been adopted by the Swiss armed military users.
forces as the standard service side arm. It has been sold worldwide for
police and military use, with over 150,000 having been produced. Damage: 2d6 Magazine: 15 box
SIG-Sauer P228
SIG-Sauer P225 The P228 is a compact SIG
Swiss 9mm Double-Action Autoloader Pistol autoloader pistol. Like the rest
The P225 is a specialized law
enforcement derivative of the
of the SIG line, it is made of al-
loys and steel with rubberized
45
highly successful P220 service grips. It uses the same action
pistol. It is similar in both ap- as the P220, and many of its
pearance and operation, but it parts are interchangeable. It
is slightly smaller and lighter, also incorporates the popular
making it more suitable for daily SIG decocking system.
carrying. It also incorporates an Who Uses It: The U.S. Army
additional safety mechanism adopted the P228, designated M11, for its Military Police units, in
that completely disengages the which it serves as a more compact alternative to the Beretta M9. It
firing pin from the mechanism unless the trigger is depressed. has also been widely adopted by Federal law enforcement agencies,
For police use, the P225 has been carefully designed to be safe to including the BATF, the DEA, the FBI, the IRS, and others. In Europe,
carry but to be instantly ready to fire when needed. Once loaded, it the British and Swiss armed forces bought the weapon. It serves
can be carried with the hammer down. As on the P220, there is no in a number of other nations around the world to both police and
manual safety catch. To bring it into action, the shooter need only military users.
align it with the target and pull the double-action trigger. d20 Modern Rules: This weapon grants a +2 circumstance bonus
Who Uses It: The P225 is in service with police forces in both on Sleight of Hand checks made to conceal the weapon.
Switzerland and Germany. In German service, it is known by the
designation P6. Damage: 2d6 Magazine: 13 box
SIG-Sauer P229
Swiss .40 S&W Double-Action Autoloader Pistol
SIG-Sauer P226 Like the P228, the P229 is another
Swiss 9mm Double-Action Autoloader Pistol compact firearm that uses the
The P226 was developed to meet familiar SIG action. It was origi-
the U.S. Army’s requirement for nally designed as a .40 caliber
PISTOLS
a new pistol to replace the ag- S&W variant of the SIG line, but
ing Colt M1911A1. Though it lost a number of other changes were
out for that job to the Beretta made aside from the change in
Model 92 (adopted as the M9), caliber, and a 9mm version was
the P226 is a solid and reliable ultimately produced.
design, and it soon found other The P229 differs from the P228
customers. primarily in that its corners have been rounded off to make it more
As its appearance suggests, the suitable for extended carry. This means that it can be more easily
P226 is derived from the earlier P220 and P225 designs. It is the same drawn without catching on clothes or equipment.
size as the big P220 but features an ambidextrous magazine release. Variants: The P229 is available in both .40 S&W and in 9mm
It operates in an identical fashion and incorporates all the P220’s Parabellum (the latter version carries 13 bullets per magazine instead
features, including the decocking lever. Construction is metal with of 12). With just a change of barrel, a 9mm model can be used to fire
rubberized plastic grips. a .357 SIG instead (12 bullets per magazine).

d20 MODERN
SIG Pro SP 2340
Swiss .40 S&W Double-Action Autoloader Pistol
Converting the 9mm version of this weapon to the .357 SIG ver-
The SIG Pro range is a new state-
sion, or back, requires a conversion kit (purchase DC 13), 1 minute,
of-the art series of autoloaders
and a successful Repair check (DC 5).
from Swiss Industrial Company.
These weapons incorporate
many of the new trends in fire-
arms design, including polymer
construction and ergonomic
contouring throughout. The ac-
tion remains essentially the same
as that of the earlier SIG P220
SIG-Sauer P230 line, but with a number of new features added.
In addition to the automatic safeties and decocking lever to
permit safe carrying of a loaded weapon, the SP 2340 features a
The P230 is a compact service pis-
completely redesigned control set that better suits a firing grip.
tol designed for law enforcement
Though the frame is constructed of plastics, the slide and all lock-
use. Unlike the rest of the SIG line,
ing mechanisms are steel, ensuring reliable operation. The frame
derived from the P220, it uses a
features integral accessory rails, and a set of laser sights and illumi-
simple blowback action and is
nators is available from SIG.
chambered in .380 ACP. These
The SP 2340 comes with interchangeable high-adhesion grip
differences make it a significantly
46 more compact weapon, better
suited to shooters with small
plates that can be used to change the size and shape of the pistol
grip to suit an individual’s preference. The trigger mechanism is
replaceable as well, and it can be swapped out for a double-ac-
hands or concealed firearms.
tion-only model.
For safe carrying, the firing pin is permanently locked by the
Variants: The SP 2340 is available in either .40 S&W or .357 SIG.
action and cannot fire unless the trigger is actually pressed. This
A variant model, the SP 2009, is produced in 9mm Parabellum; its
eliminates the risk of accidental discharge if the P230 is dropped. It
magazines hold 15 bullets instead of 12, but otherwise the weapon
also features a decocking lever.
has statistics similar to the SP 2340.
Variants: An improved model, the P232, has now replaced the
Who Uses It: The SP 2340 in .40 caliber has been adopted by
P230 in production. It incorporates a number of minor improve-
the U.S. DEA.
ments, most of which simplify manufacturing and reduce cost. (Its
statistics are identical to the P230.) It is also available in a model with
a stainless steel slide for use in humid or tropical environments.
Who Uses It: The P230 has been adopted as a police weapon
throughout Switzerland. It is also in police service in the U.S.
Damage: 2d4
Critical: 20
Magazine: 7 box
Size: Small
SITES M9 Resolver
Italian 9mm Double-Action-Only Autoloader Pistol
From the outset, the Resolver
from SITES was designed to be
carried for extended periods
as a concealed firearm. Careful
sSIG-Sauer P245 consideration has gone into the
placement of controls and sights
Swiss .45 ACP Double-Action Autoloader Pistol
so as not to interfere with this role.
The P245, a model intended for
The Resolver is lightweight and,
the U.S. police market, brings
more importantly, very slim—just
the .45 ACP cartridge to the
18mm wide. It can easily be con-
SIG autoloader line. The P245 is
cealed on one’s person and carried for long hours without discomfort.
a compact design with a short,
The action uses a tipping barrel block to lock the breech during firing.
PISTOLS
single-stacked grip to reduce

To facilitate rapid use in an emergency, the Resolver has no safety
bulk. It retains all the features
catch or other device that must be operated to bring it into action.
of the SIG P220 series, includ-
Instead, it uses a long-pull, double-action-only trigger mechanism
ing overall metal construction
that keeps the firing pin completely disengaged until the moment
and a decocking lever for safe
of firing. In this way, the loaded pistol can be carried without fear of
carrying. Its common heritage with the rest of the SIG P220 line
accidental discharge, while still being ready for instant use.
is also readily apparent.
Variants: The Resolver is also available in .380 ACP and .40 S&W
variants, designated M380 and M40, respectively. The lower-powered
M380 uses a simple straight blowback action. A model with a safety
catch is available for those countries where it is required by law.

d20 MODERN
Damage: 2d6
Critical: 20
Magazine: 8 box
Size: Tiny
Star M-30 Series
After long experience with
making Colt M1911 clones under
license, Star of Spain has pro-
duced a series of pistols using
Sphinx 0.380 AT a modified version of the Colt
Browning action. The barrel is
Swiss .380 ACP Double-Action-Only Autoloader Pistol
locked to the slide by lugs; during
The Sphinx 0.380 AT is a simple
firing, the barrel drops downward
blowback pistol with a compact
on a cam, permitting the slide to
frame and barrel that is designed
recoil independently.
to be carried for extended pe-
The M-30 is the most popular model, though it has since been
riods of time as a concealed
replaced by the more advanced M-31.
firearm. The action decocks
The M-31 differs from the M-30 in a number of minor respects. The
automatically when the pistol is
whole design has been reengineered to be stronger and more reliable.
loaded, allowing the firearm to
The grips and controls have been reworked for better ergonomics.
be safely carried while loaded
Variants: The M-30M is made from steel, while the M-30PK is
without the need for an external
made from a lightweight alloy (reducing the weapon’s weight by 1
decocking lever. The barrel and slide are forged steel. The frame
pound). The M-31P and M-31PK are similarly constructed from steel
is an alloy to reduce weight. Nonslip contoured rubber grips are
and alloys, respectively.
standard; optional wooden grips are also available.

Who Uses It: The M-30 is used by the Spanish armed forces. It
has been exported to Peru, where it serves both the military and 47
the police.
Springfield Bureau Model FBI SWAT .45 Rate of Fire: S Restriction: Lic (+1)
In the 1990s, the FBI decided to
adopt a customized M1911 pistol
Steyr GB
Austrian 9mm Double-Action Autoloader Pistol
in .45 ACP to equip its regional
The GB originally appeared in the
SWAT units, as well as the elite
1970s as the Pi-18. Early models,
Hostage Rescue Team (HRT). A
license-built in the U.S., were of
number of gunmakers competed
poor quality and prone to jam-
for the contract, which ulti-
ming. In response to this problem,
mately went to Springfield, one
Steyr Mannlicher reworked the
of today’s largest manufacturers
design and relaunched it, but it
of M1911 pistols and home to a
never found widespread use. In
world-class custom shop.
the early 1980s, it lost out to the
The Springfield Bureau Model uses the standard M1911 action
Glock 17 for the Austrian military
but incorporates dozens of specialized features to produce the
contract, and production was eventually canceled. The GB makes
ultimate in combat handguns. The slide and frame are custom
use of an unusual operating system in which firing gases are vented
fitted by hand to ensure smooth operation. The breech and feed
into the slide to reduce the recoil.
ramp are polished for seamless feeding, while the ejection port is
flared to prevent stoppages. The trigger is custom-honed to break
cleanly with a four-pound pull. The slide safety is ambidextrous,
while the grip safety is mated to a flared beavertail frame. Tritium
combat sights are standard. The frame and slide are given an
overall black finish in a patented self-lubricating and corrosion-
PISTOLS
resistant coating.
Who Uses It: The Bureau Model is in service with FBI regional
SWAT teams and with the Hostage Rescue Team. It is also available
commercially for use as a practical competitive pistol.
Steyr M9
The M9 is a new autoloader design from Steyr. It features a grip and
frame made from an advanced synthetic material. The action is a de-
rivative of the familiar Colt Browning system, with a dropping-barrel
locking mechanism.
Designed for law enforcement and clearly set to compete with
the Glock, the Steyr M9 incorporates a number of safety features.

d20 MODERN
A built-in gunlock prevents both
firing and disassembly when en-
SuperMag
gaged. This lock can be set to use
Dan Wesson was the grandson of
either a special key or an ordinary
the famous founder of S&W. After
police handcuff key, as desired.
working at S&W for a time, he
A loaded-chamber indicator is
struck out to found his own com-
located on the back of the slide,
pany. Dan Wesson Arms produced
just below the rear sights. This
a series of high-quality service re-
small button protrudes slightly
volvers, of which the SuperMag is
when a cartridge has been chambered; as such, it gives both a visual
one of the better known firearms.
and tactile conformation that the weapon is loaded.
The Supermag is a large-frame,
Of particular note on the M9 are its sights, which are an innova-
high-power revolver. It features
tive “triangle-trapezoid” design. The forward sight is triangular in
stainless steel construction with walnut or nonslip rubber grips.
shape, while the rear sights have a similar triangular aperture. This
Dan Wesson revolvers are known for their quality, which is a cut
arrangement promotes instinctive alignment of the sights on the
above the typical mass-produced firearm. Consequently, they are
target, improving engagement time.
popular with target shooters.
Variants: The M40 and M357 are identical weapons, except that
the M40 is chambered for the .40 S&W and the M357 is chambered for
the .357 SIG Auto cartridges. Both variants use 12-round magazines.
Weight: 2 lb.
Purchase DC: 18
Critical: 20
Size: Medium
Weight: 5 lb.
Steyr SPP Tanfoglio Combat

Italian Double-Action Autoloader Pistol
Steyr’s SPP (Special Purpose
Tanfoglio produces a range of
Pistol) is a semiautomatic-only
highly sophisticated autoloaders,
version of the Steyr TMP sub-
well known for their reliability
machine gun (see Chapter Five),
and accuracy. Derived from the
which it closely resembles. The
Czech CZ 75 and using a modified
biggest visible difference is the
dropping-barrel action, Tanfoglio
absence of the TMP’s vertical
pistols are produced to exacting
foregrip, which is necessary only
standards. In addition, Tanfoglio
for automatic fire controllability.
produces a wide range of custom
As on the TMP, the frame is
specialty parts (including different
made of a synthetic composite material. The action uses a rotat-
barrels, triggers, hammer, slides, muzzle brakes, and so on), allowing
ing barrel to delay blowback. Designed for use by special purpose
shooters to modify their weapons to suit individual tastes. Conversion
paramilitary or SWAT units, it is rugged and reliable, if rather large
kits are available to switch individual weapons between calibers.
for a 9mm pistol.
The Combat is a typical model, designed for practical shooting
Who Uses It: The SPP is in use with special police and security
and military or police service. It is produced in a number of cali-
force units worldwide.
bers, including 9mm Parabellum, .45 ACP, .40 S&W, and 10mm Auto.
Construction is forged steel throughout, with contoured synthetic
grips. A decocking lever is standard, permitting safe loaded carry.
Variants: The Combat is available in a variety of different special-
ty models that are optimized to particular uses. The Tanfoglio L has
a longer slide and barrel for target shooting. The Tanfoglio S has an
integral muzzle compensator. The compact model has reduced slide
TABLE 1–2: TANFOGLIO PISTOLS
PISTOLS

Tanfoglio Combat (9mm autoloader) 2d6 20 Ballistic 30 ft. S 16 box Small 3 lb. 16 Lic (+1)
Tanfoglio Combat (10mm autoloader) 2d6 20 Ballistic 30 ft. S 12 box Small 3 lb. 16 Lic (+1)
Tanfoglio Combat (.40 S&W autoloader) 2d6 20 Ballistic 30 ft. S 12 box Small 3 lb. 16 Lic (+1)
Tanfoglio Combat (.45 autoloader) 2d6 20 Ballistic 30 ft. S 10 box Small 3 lb. 15 Lic (+1)
Tanfoglio Combat Compact (9mm auto) 1 2d6 20 Ballistic 30 ft. S 14 box Small 2 lb. 16 Lic (+1)
Tanfoglio Combat L (9mm autoloader) 2d6 20 Ballistic 40 ft. S 16 box Small 3 lb. 17 Lic (+1)
Tanfoglio Force (9mm autoloader) 2d6 20 Ballistic 30 ft. S 16 box Small 2 lb. 16 Lic (+1)
Tanfoglio Force (.45 autoloader) 2d6 20 Ballistic 30 ft. S 10 box Small 2 lb. 15 Lic (+1)
Tanfoglio Force Compact (9mm auto) 1 2d6 20 Ballistic 30 ft. S 14 box Small 2 lb. 16 Lic (+1)
Tanfoglio Force Compact (.45 auto) 1 2d6 20 Ballistic 30 ft. S 8 box Small 2 lb. 15 Lic (+1)
1 This weapon grants a +2 circumstance bonus on Sleight of Hand checks made to conceal the weapon.

d20 MODERN
and grip for concealed carry use. In addition, the ready availability of d20 Modern Rules: This weapon grants a +1 circumstance bonus
high-quality custom parts means that many users further augment on Sleight of Hand checks made to conceal the weapon.
their Combats; unique custom derivatives are common as a result.
See Table 1–2: Tanfoglio Pistols for statistics. Damage: 2d6 Magazine: 6 cyl
Who Uses It: The Tanfoglio Combat serves as a police side arm Critical: 20 Size: Small
in a number of European countries. It is very popular with practical Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 2 lb.
competitive shooters as well. Range Increment: 30 ft. Purchase DC: 16
d20 Modern Rules: The Combat Compact grants a +2 circumstance Rate of Fire: S Restriction: Lic (+1)
bonus on Sleight of Hand checks made to conceal the weapon.
Taurus PT 145 Millennium

Tanfoglio Force Brazilian .45 ACP Double-Action-Only Autoloader Pistol
Italian Double-Action Autoloader Pistol Taurus produces a series of auto-
The Tanfoglio Force is a new loader pistols, including licensed
design, derived from the ear- copies of the Beretta 92 and a
lier Combat series of autoloader series of original designs based
pistols. It uses a new polymer on the Beretta action, using a
frame, which is both lightweight falling-block locking system.
and corrosion-resistant. Aside The PT 100 Millennium series
from that, the rest of the pistol is a new range of compact,
remains essentially identical to double-action-only autoload-
the Combat. Many parts are in- ers designed to be concealed
terchangeable, allowing the ready
use of custom components produced for the Combat series.
firearms. It is produced in a range of popular pistol calibers. The
slide is stainless steel, while the frame is made from lightweight
49
Variants: Like the Combat, the Force is available in a number composites. The barrel and grip are short, and the corners are
of variant models, including a Force Compact carry pistol. It is rounded, facilitating rapid draw. Controls include a decocker and
chambered for a variety of calibers as well. See Table 1–2: Tanfoglio multiple redundant safeties.
Pistols for statistics. The Millennium is intended for the American market; to comply
d20 Modern Rules: The Force Compact grants a +2 circumstance with U.S. law, the magazine is limited to a 10-round capacity.
bonus on Sleight of Hand checks made to conceal the weapon. d20 Modern Rules: This weapon grants a +2 circumstance bonus
Taurus Model 65 Damage: 2d6 Magazine: 10 box

Brazilian .357 Magnum Double-Action Revolver Critical: 20 Size: Small
The Taurus Model 65 is another Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 2 lb.
conventional double-action re- Range Increment: 30 ft. Purchase DC: 17
volver patterned after the S&W Rate of Fire: S Restriction: Lic (+1)
designs. It is available in a variety
of configurations, including dif-
ferent barrel lengths, finishes, Taurus Raging Bull
and calibers. Brazilian .454 Casull Double-Action Revolver
Variants: The Model 66 is The Raging Bull is one of the
similar, but it has a larger, 7-round most powerful pistols ever made.
cylinder, which gives it an extra shot before reloading. It is conventional in design and
operation, which incorporates a
Damage: 2d6 Magazine: 6 cyl number of modern features, such
Critical: 20 Size: Medium as composite grips, shrouded
Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 2 lb. barrel, and adjustable sights. To
Range Increment: 30 ft. Purchase DC: 16 promote brand identity, Taurus
Rate of Fire: S Restriction: Lic (+1) emblazes the barrel shroud with
a prominent “RAGING BULL” engraving.
Despite its massive chambering, the Raging Bull is a surpris-
Taurus Model 850 CIA ingly controllable weapon to fire, owing to its considerable mass,
PISTOLS
Brazilian .357 Magnum Double-Action Revolver long barrel, and highly efficient muzzle brake. The Raging Bull
Taurus produces a wide range of is primarily intended as a hunting weapon for use against large,
revolvers derived from the S&W dangerous game. Its bulk and weight make it impractical as a
designs, of which the Model 850 tactical weapon.
is typical. It is a large-frame design Variants: The Raging Bull is available in a variety of high-power
with synthetic rubber grips and a calibers, including .44 Magnum, .45 Long Colt, and .454 Casull.
swing-out cylinder. The CIA model
is a compact, concealed-firearm
version. It features a short barrel,
Taurus Raging Bull (.44 and .45 Revolver)
together with an enclosed hammer
and reduced sights, to minimize
the risk of snagging on clothes when it is drawn. The frame is available
in either stainless steel (weight 3 lb.) or titanium (weight 2 lb.).

d20 MODERN
Taurus Raging Bull (.454 Revolver) Thompson Center Contender (5.56mm, 7.62mm, and
Damage: 2d8 Magazine: 5 cyl .45-70 Target Pistol)
Critical: 20 Size: Medium Damage: 2d8 Magazine: 1 int
Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 4 lb. Critical: 20 Size: Medium
Range Increment: 30 ft. Purchase DC: 17 Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 3 lb.
Rate of Fire: S Restriction: Lic (+1) Range Increment: 50 ft. Purchase DC: 17
Taurus Raging Hornet

Brazilian .22 Hornet Double-Action Revolver Tokagypt 58
Though intended primarily for big- Egyptian 9mm Double-Action Autoloader Pistol
game handgun hunting, the massive This weapon was built in
Taurus Raging Bull soon found Hungary by FEG for an Egyptian
widespread popularity as a target military contract. Basically a
pistol among competition shooters. copy of the Soviet-era Tokarev
In response to this, Taurus released TT33 autopistol, rechambered
the Raging Hornet, essentially just a for the 9mm Parabellum car-
Raging Bull rechambered to fire the tridge, the Tokagypt features
high-velocity .22 Hornet cartridge. a redesigned grip for a more
Though it lacks the stopping power ergonomic shape, and a safety
necessary for use against all but the smallest game, this round gives ex- catch has been added.
50 cellent ballistic performance and accuracy, making it popular as a target

cartridge. The smaller cartridge lets the big cylinder hold eight cartridges
Who Uses It: For a number of reasons, the Egyptian Army can-
celed the contract before the production run was complete. Many
instead of the usual five of the Raging Bull. Tokagypts were transferred to the Egyptian police. Others were
sold worldwide. It was a popular weapon with Palestinian terrorist
Damage: 2d4 Magazine: 8 cyl groups in the 1970s and 1980s.
Thompson Center Contender
American Single-Shot Target Pistol
The Thompson Center Contender Udar 1 and Udar 2
is a unique design, intended for Russian 12.3mm Double-Action Revolvers
use in long-distance target shoot- The Udar is a large-caliber re-
ing. Its versatility is one of its volver, designed to fire a variety
strongest features. The long target of specialty ammunition types
barrel can be quickly removed and for a wide range of missions. It is
replaced with one in a different produced in two versions: One is
caliber, allowing different am- a scaled-up derivative of the OTs-
munition to be used. Thompson 1 Kobalt, while the other stems
Center currently manufactures from the R-92 (see above).
barrels in some twenty calibers, ranging from the diminutive .22 up to Both Udars are chambered
massive high-powered rifle cartridges such as the .45-70. For a price, to fire the powerful 12.3mm
custom barrels can be ordered in any caliber desired. cartridge, which is derived from a 32-gauge shotgun shell. A
Operation of the Contender is straightforward. Its single-shot, bewildering variety of rounds is available in this caliber, includ-
break-open action is mechanically simple and easy to maintain. The ing shot, slugs, armor-piercing, nonlethal, and gas cartridges.
trigger guard unlocks the action to open it for loading. Complicating the situation is the fact that different versions of
Because it is only a single-shot pistol, the Thompson Center the Udar are compatible with different high- and low-powered
Contender is of little value as a tactical weapon. It is meant for versions of the ammunition, creating a rather murky picture of
target shooting rather than combat. Its ability to fire full-power rifle the roles of these weapons.
PISTOLS
cartridges has made it popular with hunters, who want to hunt large The status of these two revolvers is something of a mystery as
or dangerous game with a handgun. well. It is not known whether they are competitors for the same
d20 Modern Rules: Converting this weapon from its existing government contract, parallel programs, or complementary sys-
caliber to any of the other available calibers requires a conversion kit tems. Both have been offered for export sales.
(purchase DC 10), 1 minute, and a successful Repair check (DC 10). The Udar 1, similar to the OTs-1, was developed for the Russian
Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD). It is conventional in arrange-
ment and operation, with an exposed hammer and solid frame.
Thompson Center Contender (.22 Target Pistol) It is produced in three variants: Standard, Service (the Udar-S),
and Training (the Udar-T); the latter only fires nonlethal paint and
rubber projectiles.
The Udar 2, similar to the R-92, is intended for use in a shoulder
holder or other concealed firearm rig. It has an enclosed action with
no external hammer and the distinctive rakish shape of the R-92.

d20 MODERN
Who Uses It: The Udar is apparently in service with the Russian
military and Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD).
Voros Pistol
Hungarian 9mm Double-Action Autoloader Pistol
The Voros is an unusual pistol
from Hungary. Developed as
a private venture, it features a
high-capacity helical magazine
that holds up to 36 rounds,
is mounted underneath the
barrel, and is forward of the
Vektor CP1 trigger guard. The action uses a
telescoping bolt, similar to that
South African 9mm Double-Action Autoloader Pistol
of the Uzi submachine gun; an
The Vektor CP1 is a new auto-
automatic military submachine gun version of the Voros is planned
loader design from Vektor of
as a future development. As a semiautomatic pistol, the Voros is
South Africa. Its construction
large and awkward. For applications in which magazine capacity is
makes extensive use of ad-
important, however, the Voros has few equals.
vanced plastic materials, which
entirely enclose the action. Its
smooth, uncluttered shape is
the product of extensive hu-
man-factors engineering and
gives it a distinctively futuristic
appearance. All controls have been carefully located so as not to
increase the width of the weapon, improving concealment. The
51
magazine features a plastic bottom that blends smoothly into the
shape of the grip.
Walther P5
German 9mm Double-Action Autoloader Pistol
Introduced in the 1970s, the P5
is an updated version of the
World War II–era P38 pistol.
It was designed in response
to German police require-
ments. The action and firing
mechanism are the same as on
Vektor SP1 the P38, using a breech locking
system and a double-action
South African 9mm Double-Action Autoloader Pistol
trigger. Its most important
Caught in the grip of the anti-
modifications are the barrel, which has been shortened consid-
apartheid arms embargo, South
erably, and the safeties, which have been completely redesigned.
Africa began local production
In addition to a conventional safety catch, the firing pin moves
of an autoloader pistol for police
out of alignment with both the cartridge and the hammer, mak-
use in the 1980s. The Vektor
ing discharge impossible. Only when the trigger is pressed does
Company built a copy of the
the pin swing into position to impact the cartridge primer and
Beretta 92 known as the Z-88.
fire a round.
Though it was successful, the
Variants: The P1A1, an improved version, was introduced in
designers at Vektor went back
the late 1980s. The biggest difference was a redesigned push-
to the drawing board to try to
through safety catch. Sales were not forthcoming, and the P1A1
improve on the basic Beretta design; the SP1 is the result.
was withdrawn from production shortly after its appearance. A
The SP1’s recoil-operated action is essentially the same as that of
concealed-firearm version, the P5 Compact, proved more success-
the Beretta 92. Externally, it looks significantly different and features
ful; it was slightly shorter and featured rounded corners free of
a fully enclosed slide to keep out dirt and other debris. All controls
protrusions to facilitate faster drawing. (It has the same statistics
are duplicated on both sides, except for the magazine release, which
as the P5.)
can be removed and repositioned to either side as desired. The SP1
Who Uses It: The P5 was adopted as a standard service side
features a wraparound grip and a metal frame.
arm in parts of Germany, as well as the Netherlands. It has been
PISTOLS
Variants: The SP2 is identical, except that it is chambered in .40
widely exported and is used as a military pistol in Nigeria and
caliber and carries 11 rounds per magazine. There is also a version
Portugal.
known as the SP General Officer’s Pistol with a shortened barrel; it
d20 Modern Rules: The P5 Compact grants a +1 circumstance
weighs 2 pounds but is otherwise identical to the SP2.
Who Uses It: The SP1 is the service side arm of the South African
military and police forces.

d20 MODERN
Walther P88 Walther P99 (9mm and .40 S&W Autoloader)
German 9mm Double-Action Autoloader Pistol Damage: 2d6 Magazine: 16 box
The P88, which appeared in Critical: 20 Size: Small
the 1980s, was a considerable Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 2 lb.
departure for Walther. It was Range Increment: 30 ft. Purchase DC: 17
the company’s first pistol design Rate of Fire: S Restriction: Lic (+1)
to operate on the Colt Browning
dropping-barrel system. Similar
in size and ar≠rangement to Walther PP
the SIG-Sauer autoloaders from German .32 ACP Double-Action Autoloader Pistol
Switzerland (see above), the The Walther PP (Polizei Pistole) is
P88 featured a redundant safety a service autoloader intended for
mechanism, including a mechanical safety catch, a decocking lever, law enforcement use. Introduced in
and the disengaged firing pin of the earlier P5. 1929, it is a sophisticated design that
Variants: A compact version of the P88 has the same simple is still competitive today despite its
features of its full-sized namesake and operates identically. It has a long life. It uses a straightforward
14-round magazine (instead of a 15-round magazine) and a purchase blowback action that is both simple
DC of 18 (instead of 19). and reliable. The PP remains in pro-
d20 Modern Rules: The P88 Compact grants a +2 circumstance duction to this day.
bonus on Sleight of Hand checks made to conceal the weapon. A protruding pin indicates
when the chamber is loaded (the PP was one of the first pistols to
52 Damage: 2d6
Critical: 20
Magazine: 15 box
Size: Small
incorporate this now-popular feature). Another innovation was the
design of the safety catch, which lowered the hammer to prevent
Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 2 lb. accidental firing even with the chamber loaded. This is what makes
Range Increment: 30 ft. Purchase DC: 19 the PP particularly suitable for police personnel.
Rate of Fire: S Restriction: Lic (+1) Variants: The PP has been produced in a number of different
calibers over the years, including .380 ACP and .22.
Who Uses It: The PP has been produced in huge numbers, both
Walther P99 in Germany by Walther and around the world as licensed and unli-
German 9mm Double-Action Autoloader Pistol censed copies. It served police (in Germany and elsewhere) for years,
The P99 is the latest autoloader including during World War II. Today, though, more modern types of
pistol design from Walther. It pistols have replaced the PP. The PP remains in production in a num-
is a thoroughly modern design ber of countries, including Russia, South Korea, and Turkey.
that is constructed of advanced d20 Modern Rules: This weapon grants a +2 circumstance bonus
composite materials and dem- on Sleight of Hand checks made to conceal the weapon.
onstrates careful ergonomic
engineering throughout. All Damage: 2d4 Magazine: 8 box
controls are ambidextrous. Critical: 20 Size: Small
Installing different plastic Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 1 lb.
backstraps, the user can alter Range Increment: 30 ft. Purchase DC: 17
the shape of the grip, allowing him or her to select the most Rate of Fire: S Restriction: Lic (+1)
comfortable hold.
As on the earlier P88, multiple independent safety mechanisms
eliminate the risk of accidental discharge. A loaded safety indicator Walther PPK
is also fitted. Field stripping can be done without tools, facilitating German .32 ACP Double-Action Autoloader Pistol
maintenance. The frame below the slide is grooved to allow acces- The PPK is a compact deriva-
sory mounts, such as laser sights or illuminators. tive of the popular PP service
Variants: The P99 is available in both 9mm Parabellum and .40 autoloader (see above). While
S&W (their statistics are identical). The P22, a .22 caliber target retaining the innovative features
version, is produced for sport shooting and features an extended that distinguished the PP from
weighted slide with a ported muzzle brake. Though it looks just like its contemporaries, the PPK’s
the P99, the P22 is much smaller, approximately two-thirds the size shortened barrel and grip make
of the P99 itself. it particularly suitable as a con-
PISTOLS
d20 Modern Rules: The P22 grants a +2 circumstance bonus on cealed firearm for plainclothes or
Sleight of Hand checks made to conceal the weapon. undercover officers.
Variants: The PPK is also produced in a number of other calibers,
including .380 ACP and .22.
Walther P22 (.22 Autoloader) Who Uses It: The PPK has seen widespread police use since its
introduction. As with the PP, it is now no longer in front-line service,
but it is still being produced.

d20 MODERN
Yesaul ZML MAG 98 (9mm Autoloader)
Ukrainian 5.45mm Double-Action Revolver Damage: 2d6 Magazine: 20 box
The Yesaul is a highly unusual Critical: 20 Size: Small
revolver, designed in the Ukraine Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 2 lb.
for military Special Forces use. Range Increment: 30 ft. Purchase DC: 17
Though conventional in con- Rate of Fire: S Restriction: Lic (+1)
figuration and operation, it is
chambered in the 5.45×45mm
rifle cartridge (the same round
ZML MAG 98C (9mm Autoloader)
fired by the AK-74 assault rifle).
Though this cartridge is light-
weight as far as rifle cartridges
go, it is still a full-powered rifle round. The recoil is extreme, making
the Yesaul a very difficult weapon to fire. Large cartridges neces-
sitate the use of a greatly elongated cylinder to hold them, giving
the Yesaul a distinctive appearance. A number of accessories are
available, including a laser-sighting device.
ZML P-93
Polish 9mm Double-Action Autoloader Pistol
The reasons for making such a seemingly impractical weapon are
The P-93 is the latest in a line of
unclear. The Yesaul will probably never be more than a curiosity.
autoloader pistols developed in
Poland after World War II. The
original design, the P-64, bor-
Critical: 20
Size: Medium
Weight: 3 lb.
rowed elements from the Soviet
Makarov and the German Walther
53
PP. The P-93 builds on successive
generations of improvements to
the basic design to create a mod-
ZML MAG 95 ern and reliable weapon.
The P-93 is chambered for the 9mm Makarov cartridge and oper-
Polish 9mm Double-Action Autoloader Pistol
ates on the blowback principle. Features include contoured grips
Unlike the earlier P-93, which
suitable for a two-handed firing stance, a decocking lever for safe
represented a continued de-
loaded carry, a hammer safety, and adjustable sights.
velopment of earlier designs,
Who Uses It: The P-93 is in service as an officer’s side arm with
the MAG 95 is a wholly origi-
the Polish armed forces.
nal pistol developed by ZML.
Clearly influenced by Western
designs, it is chambered in 9mm
Parabellum and incorporates
many of the features found on
the latest generation of auto-
loader pistols.
The firing mechanism is similar to the Browning designs with
a double-action trigger. The barrel is lined with chrome to re-
duce wear. A decocking lever permits safe loaded carry, and all
controls are ambidextrous. An accessory rail under the barrel
permits devices, such as laser sights, to be readily fitted. Careful
consideration of human factors, such as the shape of grips and the
overall balance of the weapon during firing, has led to a practical,
accurate design.
Variants: The MAG 98 is a slightly modified version with a built-
in recoil buffer. The MAG 98C, offered primarily for export, is a
sporting model for target and practical competition shooters.
the MAG 98 is always considered a mastercraft weapon. As such, it
PISTOLS
ZML MAG 95 (9mm Autoloader)


Chapter Two
RIFLES
Rifles form the bulk of military small arms. The rifle is the standard infantry
weapon, combining firepower with portability. Since World War II, military
weapon design has been dominated by the assault rifle concept. The assault rifle
concept can perhaps best be defined as a select-fire weapon with a detachable
box magazine that gives the shooter considerable firepower and the ability to
quickly reload when necessary. Most assault rifles can be fitted with accessories
such as scopes or night-vision scopes. Most can also be redesigned to serve as
sniping weapons or light machine guns (with bipods).
Since World War II, there has been a steady
trend to make infantry weapons smaller and lighter.
This has reduced the soldier’s load in combat and lets
the soldier carry a greater quantity of ammunition; however, it has
come at a price—smaller and lighter means reduced hitting
power and long-range performance.
In the early 20th century, military rifles were designed to fire
large, powerful cartridges. They were capable of accurate fire
against distant targets and had tremendous stopping power, even
at long range. Soldiers were thoroughly trained in marksman-
ship, a long and expensive process.
After World War II, this kind of thinking fell into
disfavor. The demands of total warfare meant that
nations could no longer afford to take years (or even
months) to train skilled infantry soldiers. Instead,
conscripts had to be readied for battle in mere weeks.
Technology provided an answer in the form of automatic
weapons. By giving the soldier an automatic rifle, military
planners hoped to make up for reduced marksmanship
skill through sheer volume of fire. This had two effects.
First, weapons had to be bigger to sustain the forces of
automatic fire. And second, soldiers had to carry much more
ammunition to keep up with the demands of the new doc-
trine. The combat soldier’s load was increased dramatically.
As the Cold War set in, and the superpowers
squared off against each other, standardization
became popular. Both the NATO countries and the
Soviet bloc adopted common ammunition calibers to make
supply easier in time of war. In the West, the 7.62×51mm NATO
cartridge became standard. This was a large, powerful cartridge
similar to the kind of ammunition that had been used
throughout the 20th century. It was used in the American
M14, the German G3, and the Belgian FN FAL, which was widely
adopted throughout NATO (and around the world).
The Soviet Union took a different approach and selected the

d20 MODERN
7.62×39mm cartridge, a much lighter and less powerful round than Unlike target rifles, military weapons must be able to function in rain
the NATO cartridges. It was particularly poor at long-range accu- forests, sand-swept deserts, or muddy battlefields as well as they func-
racy. In light of wartime experience, however, this was considered tion on a pristine firing range. They must be easy to clean and maintain,
acceptable. Soviet tactics totally rejected the older doctrine of even without access to sophisticated tools. In light of this, most modern
long-range marksmanship and focused instead on massed, close-in weapons are designed to easily break down into their key components,
automatic firepower. For this role, the less powerful cartridge was allowing ready access to the action and barrel for cleaning.
not only adequate, but it was actually better, because it allowed for Another trend that is evident throughout military weapons
greater controllability. design is the continued shrinking of the assault rifle. Compact and
Before long, thinking in the West shifted to be more in line with ultracompact carbines have become increasingly popular. These
that in Russia. In the early 1960s, the American military broke away versions of the assault rifle generally feature folding stocks and
from the NATO standard and adopted a new rifle, the M16. This new shortened barrels and are particularly handy in urban fighting,
rifle was designed to fire a new 5.56×45mm cartridge, which was where shorter engagement distances mean their reduced long-
even smaller and lighter than the Soviet round. range performance won’t be felt.
The adoption of the M16 caused considerable controversy. The “bullpup” configuration, in which the magazine is located
Compared to the 7.62mm round, the 5.56mm cartridge had greatly behind the pistol grip, has become increasingly popular. This allows
re≠duced hitting power. Furthermore, America’s NATO allies were for a shorter overall weapon while retaining a relatively long bar-
upset at the decision to abandon the 7.62mm round, which the U.S. rel (which is necessary for long-range accuracy). Most new designs
had insisted be adopted in the first place. Early combat experience today are bullpups.
in Vietnam revealed numerous problems with the M16, which led Standardization of design elements is becoming more common
many (in both the U.S. and Europe) to question the wisdom of as well. NATO has adopted a weapon standardization scheme
adopting it at all. called STANAG, which provides that a number of features must be
While controversy raged in the West, the Soviet Union was tak- common among weapons in NATO service. The magazine interface
ing a hard look at the combat performance of the M16 in Vietnam.
Soviet designers were quick to recognize the advantages of the
is standardized to accept the box magazine of the M16 family. It
also calls for standard mounts for accessories (such as scopes) and
55
smaller, lighter cartridge. The M16 was handier than its European muzzle-launched rifle grenades. Even though the French FA-MAS,
contemporaries and was much easier to control in automatic mode. the American M16, and the British L85A1 IW are all very different
Its 5.56mm ammunition was also much less expensive to produce. weapons, they can all fire the same cartridges, use the same maga-
Furthermore, the realities of modern warfare showed that zines, and mount the same accessories.
long-range combat was less important than it was once thought All of these trends are relatively minor. Rifle design has not really
to be. In close, where most fighting actually took place, the 5.56mm been swept by revolutionary change since the adoption of light-
round performed more than adequately. Based on this, the Soviets caliber cartridges thirty years ago. Though new weapons continue
introduced their own lightweight cartridge, the 5.45×39mm round. to emerge, none presents any radically new developments.
This was adopted as standard in 1974 and was soon used throughout The one major change looming on the horizon is the United
the Eastern bloc. States’ Objective Individual Combat Weapon (OICW), which cur-
As time went by, the advantages of the 5.56mm cartridge became rently exists in prototype form. This weapon combines the rifle
more apparent to Western observers as well. In 1980, the NATO na- with an automatic grenade launcher and a highly sophisticated fire
tions adopted it as their new standard cartridge. control system (FCS), making a remarkably accurate and power-
Today, these four cartridges (7.62mm and 5.56mm NATO, and ful weapon; however, the OICW is bulky and hugely expensive.
7.62 and 5.45mm Soviet) account for the bulk of military weapons Whether it will ever actually enter service, or ultimately become
worldwide. Though a few outlying calibers remain (such as the new just an interesting footnote like the G11, remains to be seen.
Chinese 5.8mm round), it is remarkable to note just how much these
four cartridges have come to dominate military weapon design
worldwide—even in nonaligned countries, and even well after the
end of the Cold War.
d20 MODERN RULES
The following rules supplement those in the d20 Modern Roleplaying
In the past twenty years, developments in assault rifle design
Game and apply to the firearms described in this chapter.
have been more evolutionary than revolutionary. No major shift
comparable to the decision to adopt smaller-caliber rounds in the
feat to fire a rifle without taking a –4 penalty on the attack roll.
1960s and 1970s has come along. What has happened is refinement
For rifles with an automatic rate of fire, one must have the
of existing designs and ongoing development of some practical
Advanced Firearms Proficiency feat to fire on automatic without
considerations of firearms design.
taking a –4 penalty on the attack roll.
Advances in materials technology have produced high-impact
Bipods: Many rifles come equipped with bipods (see Bipods in
plastics that are both lightweight and also strong enough to with-
the introduction for game rules).
stand the rigors of combat use. These plastics have replaced wood
Burst Fire: Some rifles have three-round burst settings even if
for components, such as stocks and grips, in virtually all modern
they do not have an automatic rate of fire. These weapons can be
military weapons. Sometimes, the entire action of the weapon is
used with the Burst Fire feat. They cannot be used to make autofire
housed in a plastic shell or case. When this is done, it gives weapon
RIFLES
attacks or to gain any other benefit of the automatic rate of fire.

designers an opportunity to exercise another key area in which
They do not grant the ability to make burst fire attacks without the
technology has advanced: ergonomics. Beginning with the intro-
Burst Fire feat; if you use the setting without the feat, you make a
duction of the Steyr AUG, human factors have played an increasingly
normal attack, and the extra bullets are wasted.
important role in firearms design. Before 1980, the basic shape of
Chambered Rounds: Any rifle with a box magazine can carry an
the rifle had remained essentially the same for well over a century.
extra cartridge in the chamber. To put a cartridge in the chamber,
Since then, however, the shape of grips and stocks, the placement
the weapon is loaded as normal. (Chambering a round is part of the
of controls, and the arrangement of optics have all changed in order
normal loading process.) Then the magazine is removed, an extra
to create a weapon that better suits the needs of the shooter. This
bullet is added (to replace the one that was chambered), and the
has made weapons handier and easier to use, especially in the split-
magazine is reinserted. This process takes an extra full round beyond
second demands of combat.
the time normally required to load the weapon.

d20 MODERN
Changing Scopes: A scope can only be attached to a weapon and is intended for close-in combat by special forces units. Its gas-
equipped with a scope mount. Some firearms come with scope powered action is derived from the AKS-74U. Made largely of sheet
mounts, but unless otherwise stated they do not. Adding a scope metal stampings, it is inexpensive to produce. It can accept the full
mount to a weapon takes 1 hour and a successful Repair check (DC range of optical devices, as well as the GP-25 underbarrel grenade
15). A scope mount has a purchase DC of 10. launcher. A screw-on suppressor is available as well.
When a scope is attached to a weapon for the first time, it must The A-91 should not be confused with the similarly designated
be zeroed or it will not function accurately. Zeroing is the process A-91M assault rifle (see below), which, confusingly, is also produced
by which the scope is precisely aligned with the aim of the weapon. by Tula.
Zeroing takes 15 minutes and requires the firing of 10 bullets. The Variants: Unlike the Vikhr, the A-91 is also available in a number
weapon must be fired to be zeroed. of other cartridges, including 5.45mm, 5.56mm NATO, and 7.62mm
Once the scope is zeroed, it can be removed and reattached later Soviet. These are primarily aimed at export sales, though as yet no
to the same weapon without zeroing it again. If it is attached to a customers have been forthcoming.
different weapon (even a different weapon of the same model), it Who Uses It: The A-91 Compact has been adopted by the
must be zeroed to that weapon, rendering it no longer zeroed to Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD).
the original weapon. d20 Modern Rules: When fitted with a suppressor, the A-91
Attaching or removing a scope is a full-round action. Compact is a suppressed weapon. Although the weapon’s firing is
Civilian Models: Many military firearms are available in civilian ver- audible, determining the location of the weapon by its sound alone
sions. Civilian versions of automatic weapons (weapons that feature an requires a successful Listen check (DC 15). When firing cold-loaded
automatic rate of fire) fire only at the semiautomatic rate of fire. A civil- ammunition, this weapon operates as if silenced; a successful Listen
ian version of an automatic weapon has a purchase DC of 1 lower than check (DC 15) is required to notice the sound of the weapon firing.
the purchase DC for the standard version, and carries the Licensed (+1) See the 9×39mm Ammunition sidebar for more information on
restriction, or the Restricted (+2) restriction if suppressed or silenced. the weapon’s cartridge.
56 A civilian version can be converted from semiautomatic to auto-
matic with a successful Repair check (DC 20) and 1 hour. A converted Damage: 2d8 Magazine: 20 box
weapon does not have semiautomatic rate of fire. Critical: 20 Size: Large
Folding Stocks: Some assault rifles feature folding stocks. (Some Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 6 lb.
weapons have collapsible stocks; for game purposes, these are the same Range Increment: 70 ft. Purchase DC: 22
as folding stocks.) Folding a weapon’s stock grants a +2 circumstance Rate of Fire: S, A Restriction: Mil (+3)
Using a Large or larger weapon with the stock folded imposes a
–1 penalty on all attack rolls. Folding or unfolding a folding stock is a A-91M
move action. If you have a base attack bonus of +1 or higher, you can Russian 7.62mm Assault Rifle
fold or unfold a folding stock as a free action when moving.
Iron Sights: Iron sights are the standard, built-in aiming sights
found on almost all rifles. Some sniper rifles lack iron sights because
they are designed to be used with scopes. A rifle without iron sights
imposes a –1 penalty on attack rolls unless used with a scope.
Unless otherwise noted, every rifle in this chapter has iron sights.
Loading Large Magazines: According to the d20 Modern
Roleplaying Game (see Reloading Firearms, page 97), refilling a box The A-91M is an innovative new bullpup assault rifle from the Tula
magazine is a full-round action. Actually, as a full-round action you can design bureau. Interestingly, it returns to the powerful 7.62×39mm
refill up to 20 rounds of ammunition in a box magazine. Larger box maga- round used by the AK-47, rather than the more modern 5.45mm
zines take more time to fill. For example, a 30-round box magazine takes 2 cartridge that has been used in virtually all other advanced Russian
full rounds to fill, while a 42-round box magazine takes 3 full rounds to fill. designs.
You do not have to fill a box magazine to its full capacity; if you can only Unlike the OTs-14 Groza, which uses a modified version of the
spare 1 full round, you can choose to partially fill a larger magazine. Kalashnikov action, the A-91M uses an entirely new operating
Optical Sights: Some rifles feature optical sights. Unless other- mechanism. The bolt is arranged such that recoil is focused just
wise noted, optical sights function identically to standard sights. below where the stock meets the firer’s shoulder, which dramati-
cally improves controllability in automatic mode by counteracting
muzzle climb.
RIFLE DESCRIPTIONS
The rifles described in this chapter are presented alphabetically.
The action is completely sealed to keep dust and debris out. It is
housed in a composite shell that features two vertical pistol grips
and a prominent carrying handle. Spent cases are ejected forward,
rather than sideways, through a small hole at the rear of the carrying
A-91 Compact handle. This feature makes the A-91M readily usable by either left- or
right-handed shooters. Standard AK-47 magazines are used.
RIFLES
Russian 9×39mm Assault Carbine

The A-91M is designed to accept the 40mm GP-97 grenade
launcher, which clamps onto the top of the rifle in front of the
carrying handle. The grenade launcher’s trigger is arranged to line
up with the rifle’s forward pistol grip, making it intuitively ac-
cessible in the heat of combat. The GP-97 fires standard Russian
40mm grenades.
Although an excellent design, the A-91M has yet to go into
production. Given the decision to adopt the AN-94, its future
The A-91 compact assault rifle is a direct competitor of the Vikhr
with the Russian armed forces is uncertain. It is being offered for
SR-3 (described later in this chapter) and bears striking similarities to
export sales.
that weapon. Like the Vikhr, it is chambered in the 9×39mm caliber

d20 MODERN
The A-91M should not be confused with the similarly designated The main goal of the Abakan program was to develop a weapon
A-91 Compact assault carbine (see above), which, confusingly, is also that would increase the AK-74’s probability of a hit by reducing the
produced by Tula. recoil and improving the overall quality of the design. This also
represented a profound shift in Soviet tactical doctrine, which had
Damage: 2d8 Magazine: 30 box emphasized massed automatic fire from the rifle squad operating
Critical: 20 Size: Large in concert throughout the Cold War. Now, individual skill in marks-
Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 6 lb. manship would be promoted instead, and a more accurate weapon
Range Increment: 70 ft. Purchase DC: 21 would be needed.
Rate of Fire: S, A Restriction: Mil (+3) Every Soviet arms bureau submitted a design to the Abakan com-
petition. The winner was the work of a designer named Gennady
Nikonov and was designated the AN-94. An early prototype, called
AK-107 the ASN, appeared publicly in 1993. In 1996, the Russian Defense
Russian 5.45mm Assault Rifle Ministry announced it would adopt the ASN. Today, it is in produc-
tion to reequip the Russian armed forces, though limited budgets
and bureaucratic inertia will mean that it will take many years to
do so.
Unlike its competitors in the Abakan trials, which introduced new
ammunition types, the AN-94 is chambered to fire the same 5.45mm
round of the AK-74. It also incorporates a few AK-74 components,
such as the magazine and pistol grip. The action, however, is entirely
An advanced derivative of the Kalashnikov AK Series, the AK-107 new and is nothing short of revolutionary. It makes use of a system
incorporates numerous minor refinements, such as improved iron of operation known as “blowback shifted pulse,” in which the bolt
sights and a three-round burst setting.
The AK-107 uses two gas pistons, located one on top of the other.
and receiver reciprocate independently during firing. This permits
an extremely fast two-round burst to be fired.
57
When the weapon is fired, one piston is driven rearward to cycle the The AN-94 is a remarkably innovative weapon and is poised to
bolt in the conventional manner. The other piston is driven forward, serve as the heir to the Kalashnikov legend. Time will tell whether it
creating a reactive force. The motion of each piston counteracts the can live up to the reputation established by its predecessor.
other, virtually eliminating recoil. The AN-94 is equipped with iron sights. It can also be fitted with
This system is clever and highly effective. In the end, however, the standard scope mount from the AK-74. Other standard accesso-
the AK-107 lost out to the more sophisticated (and expensive) AN- ries, such has the GP25 40mm grenade launcher, can also be fitted.
94. It is being offered for export sales. d20 Modern Rules: This weapon features a two-round burst
Variants: A version chambered for the 5.56mm NATO cartridge, setting. When used with the Burst Fire feat, it fires only two bullets
designated the AK-108, is also available. It weights 8 pounds but instead of five and can be used with only two bullets in the weapon.
otherwise has statistics identical to the AK-107. This setting does not grant the ability to make burst fire attacks
d20 Modern Rules: This weapon features a three-round burst without the Burst Fire feat; if you use the setting without the feat,
setting. When used with the Burst Fire feat, it fires only three you make a normal attack, and the extra three bullets are wasted.
bullets instead of five and can be used with only three bullets
in the weapon. This setting does not grant the ability to make Damage: 2d8 Magazine: 30 box
burst fire attacks without the Burst Fire feat; if you use the set- Critical: 20 Size: Large
ting without the feat, you make a normal attack, and the extra Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 9 lb.
two bullets are wasted. Range Increment: 80 ft. Purchase DC: 21
Critical: 20 Size: Large
Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 9 lb. Alexander Arms Beowulf
Range Increment: 70 ft. Purchase DC: 19 American .50 Caliber Assault Rifle
AN-94
Russian 5.45mm Assault Rifle
The Beowulf is one of the more remarkable AR-15 variants. It is

rechambered to fire a highly modified custom cartridge. This is a
straight-sided, unnecked .50 caliber round. Though the bore size
RIFLES
is more than doubled, the total length of the cartridge remains

the same. This allows it to feed into the AR-15 action with the
The Kalashnikov AK Series design is now more than fifty years old. bare minimum of modification. Indeed, the case rim remains the
In recognition of the changes in technology that have emerged smaller .223 diameter so that it can interact with the standard AR-15
over time, the Soviet armed forces embarked in the 1980s on a bolt, giving the cartridge a distinctly unusual appearance. Ordinary
program to develop the next generation of assault rifle. Whatever AR-15 magazines can still be used, though magazine capacity is cut
would replace the legendary AK would have huge shoes to fill, and in half, since the bigger .50 caliber Beowulf rounds must be fed in
the Soviets launched a competitive development program called single-stacked.
Abakan, named after the small Siberian village where the weapons Though the Beowulf is an interesting development, and it
were tested. certainly throws a large and heavy bullet, the relatively small size

d20 MODERN
of the cartridge case relative to the projectile makes it somewhat
underpowered. It is best suited for close-range use.
AR-10
American 7.62mm NATO Assault Rifle
Variants: Like the Genghis (see below), the Beowulf is available
in a number of variant models, including carbine and sniper rifle
versions.

As its appearance suggests, the AR-10 is a predecessor to the AR-15,
which went on to be adopted in military service as the M16. The
action is largely similar to the AR-15, though it is chambered in the
Alexander Arms Genghis larger 7.62mm NATO caliber. Though it is a quality design with great
potential, the AR-10 was nowhere near as successful as its later
American 5.45mm Assault Rifle
descendants. It was made for only a few years in the late 1950s, and
its only customer was Sudan, whose armed forces fielded it in small
numbers. Experts feel that had it appeared a little earlier, it might
have been a huge success. As it stands, by the time the AR-10 came
onto the market, most armies had already equipped themselves with
new weapons, and there was little demand for another service rifle.
58 The Genghis is a variant of the AR-15 produced by Alexander Arms

for the American sporting market. It has been rechambered to fire
Damage: 2d10
Critical: 20
Magazine: 20 box
Size: Large
the Soviet 5.45mm cartridge used by the AK-74 rifle. The weapon’s
operation remains the same; the only difference is the provision of
the Soviet caliber for those users that prefer it.
Variants: The Genghis is available in a number of different
variants to suit the user’s needs, including specialized sniping and
carbine models.
Armalite AR-18
AMD-65 The AR-18 was developed to serve the needs of poorer countries that
wanted to adopt a modern 5.56mm assault rifle but that lacked the
Hungarian 7.62mm Assault Rifle
expensive industrial facilities necessary to produce the more complex
M16 series. Most of its mechanism is made up of inexpensive steel
stampings to keep costs down. Despite its similarity in appearance, it
is a much simpler design than the M16, using a gas-piston action. The
AR-18 is an affordable, reliable, and practical weapon. Unfortunately,
the major powers had already selected other designs, and no smaller
nation wanted a weapon that “wasn’t good enough” for its larger
cousins. Consequently, it failed to win any military orders. It was
The AMD-65 is a Hungarian-produced variant of the Soviet AKM
produced in small numbers in Holland, Japan, and the U.K., primarily
Kalashnikov. It has been optimized for use by mechanized troops
in semiautomatic sporting versions for civilian use.
who must ride into battle aboard cramped armored troop carriers.
The barrel is shorter and is fitted with a prominent flash-hider to
compensate for the increased recoil this creates. The weapon also
has a folding stock.
Variants: There is a modified version designed for use with rifle
grenades; it features a longer barrel and special sights.
Who Uses It: The AMD-65 is the standard service rifle of
RIFLES
Hungarian mechanized forces.

AS Val
Russian 9×39mm Suppressed Assault Rifle

d20 MODERN
The AS Val has an integral suppressor. Chambered for the 9×39mm Damage: 2d8 Magazine: 30 box
cartridge, the Val is most effective for close-in fighting. It fulfills the Critical: 20 Size: Large
same role as suppressed submachine guns in the West, such as the Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 9 lb.
German H&K MP5SD. Range Increment: 80 ft. Purchase DC: 18
Variants: The Val is also available in a specialized sniping variant Rate of Fire: S, A Restriction: Res (+2)
called the VSS Vintorez.
Who Uses It: The AS Val has been adopted by the Russian
Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD) and military Special Beretta AR70/90
Forces units. Italian 5.56mm Assault Rifle
d20 Modern Rules: This is a suppressed weapon. Although the
weapon’s firing is audible, determining the location of the weapon
by its sound alone requires a successful Listen check (DC 15). When
firing cold-loaded ammunition, this weapon operates as if silenced;
a successful Listen check (DC 15) is required to notice the sound of
the weapon firing.
See the 9×39mm Ammunition sidebar for more information on
the weapon’s cartridge. The AR70/90 was developed in the late 1980s. It is derived from the
earlier AR70 but features a number of improvements to the basic
Damage: 2d8 Magazine: 20 box design. The action is built to be more rugged. A three-round burst
Critical: 20 Size: Large setting has been added. A distinctive carrying handle is attached to
Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 6 lb. the top; this can easily be removed to reveal a NATO-standard sight
Range Increment: 70 ft. Purchase DC: 22 mount underneath. The AR70/90 can also accept M16-standard
Rate of Fire: S, A Restriction: Mil (+3) magazines. One useful feature of the AR70/90 is that the barrel
can quickly be replaced if necessary, facilitating maintenance in
59
the field.
9×39mm Ammunition Variants: Like the earlier AR70, the AR70/90 features a folding-
Russian designers have developed a remarkable new cartridge, stock version (the SC 70/90) and a compact carbine version (the SCS
primarily for the MA Vikhr SR-3 assault rifle, the A-91 compact 70/90) with a shorter range increment (70 ft.). The latter cannot
assault rifle, and the AS Val assault rifle. It is essentially a use rifle grenades, though there is a version with a screw-on rifle
standard 7.62mm Soviet shell case that has been necked up to grenade launcher called the SCP 70/90.
fire a larger 9mm bullet. The 9×39mm was expressly designed Who Uses It: The AR70/90 is the current Italian military
to be effective at subsonic velocities, for use in suppressed service rifle.
weapons. It has a high sectional density and ballistic coef- d20 Modern Rules: This weapon may be modified to have a
ficient, which have the effect of offsetting the disadvantages three-round burst setting instead of an automatic rate of fire. (When
of its low velocity. modified in this manner, it can fire on semiautomatic or three-round
The round creates very little recoil but has excellent armor- burst only.) The modification requires a successful Repair check (DC
piercing characteristics and stopping power. 10) and 10 minutes. It can be returned to its original rates of fire with
If your target has armor or natural armor, you gain a +1 another Repair check (DC 10) and another 10 minutes of work.
circumstance bonus on attack rolls when using 9×39mm am- With the three-round burst setting, when used with the Burst
munition. However, the weapon’s range increment decreases Fire feat, this weapon fires only three bullets instead of five and can
by 10 feet. be used with only three bullets in the weapon. This setting does
A package of 20 rounds of 9×39mm ammunition has a not grant the ability to make burst fire attacks without the Burst
purchase DC of 6. Fire feat. If you use the setting without the feat, you make a normal
attack, and the extra two bullets are wasted.
When its stock is folded, the compact version (SCS 70/90) pro-
Beretta AR70 vides a +3 circumstance bonus on Sleight of Hand checks made to
Italian 5.56mm Assault Rifle conceal the weapon (instead of +2).

The AR70 was Beretta’s first attempt at designing a 5.56mm assault

rifle. The AR70 is a lightweight weapon, designed to be inexpensive Beretta BM59
RIFLES
to manufacture. Its muzzle has a built-in launcher for rifle grenades Italian 7.62mm NATO Automatic Rifle
and a special flip-up sight is fitted for use in this manner. A light-
weight bipod can be attached as required.
Variants: There is a folding-stock version called the SC70. There
is also a compact carbine called the SC70 Short, with a reduced-
length barrel and a shorter range increment (70 ft.).
Who Uses It: The AR70 was never widely adopted by the Italian
military, though it is used in special operations units. It is exported
to Jordan and Malaysia. The Beretta Model 59 (BM59) is a descendant of the wartime
American M1 Garand, which was adopted by the Italian armed

d20 MODERN
forces following World War II. In 1959, the Garand was modernized
and re≠≠chambered to fire the new NATO 7.6mm round. The result
Bofors AK5
Swedish 5.56mm Assault Rifle
was a select-fire weapon with a box magazine, similar in appearance
to the American M14, which was also derived from the M1. A bipod
is generally fitted. The BM59 is a powerful, rugged, and reliable
weapon, though it is overly large and bulky by modern standards.
Variants: A number of variant models of the BM59 have been
produced. The BM59 Ital TA was meant for mountain troops and
features a folding stock and pistol grip. The BM59 Ital Para was
similar, but also had a removable flash-hider to further reduce the
The AK5 is a heavily modified version of the Belgian FN FNC assault
weapon’s length.
rifle, optimized for use in extremely cold weather. Changes include
Who Used It: The BM59 served as the standard Italian military
controls that have been reworked to facilitate use while wearing
rifle throughout the 1960s and 1970s.
heavy gloves (such as a new forward grip, trigger guard, and charg-
ing handle), and an internal action reworked to function better in
cold temperatures. The weapon also uses a shorter twist rifling in
the barrel, which produces more stable bullet flight. The AK5 has a
distinctive dark green overall finish.
Variants: The AK5B incorporates the SUSAT optical sight from the
British L85A1. The AK5D (which weighs 1 pound less than the AK5 or
AK5B but otherwise has similar statistics) has a NATO-standard sight
Beryl 5.56mm Mod.96 rail on its upper receiver and can accept a variety of sighting devices.
60 Polish 5.56mm Assault Rifle

Who Uses It: The AK5 is the standard service rifle of the Swedish
armed forces and was adopted in the late 1980s.

The Beryl is an upgraded version of the Tantal assault rifle. The
most significant change is the rechambering for the 5.56mm NATO
cartridge, which was necessitated by Poland’s entry into the alliance.
Bushmaster M17S
Other modifications include an improved, two-strut, folding stock.
In other respects, it is essentially the same as the Tantal.
Variants: The Mini-Beryl is an ultracompact version similar to
the AKS-74U, designed for Special Forces units.
Who Uses It: The Beryl has been adopted by the Polish armed
forces as their 5.56mm NATO-standard weapon.
d20 Modern Rules: This weapon has a three-round burst set-
ting. When the three-round burst version is used with the Burst
The M17S is an Australian design produced by the Bushmaster
Fire feat, it fires only three bullets instead of five and can be used
company. The action is derived from the AR-18 but has been re-
with only three bullets in the weapon. This setting does not grant
configured to a bullpup. This change results in a compact, handy
the ability to make burst fire attacks without the Burst Fire feat;
weapon, with good accuracy and reliability. A large carrying handle
if you use the setting without the feat, you make a normal attack
on top of the weapon also serves to cock the action. This handle
and the extra two bullets are wasted. Because it does not have
incorporates integral iron sights, but it can also be used as a mount
the automatic rate of fire, this weapon cannot be used to make
to attach a variety of scopes. The action can easily be opened
autofire attacks.
for cleaning by removing two pins. NATO-standard M16 pattern
The Mini-Beryl grants a +2 bonus on Sleight of hand checks made
magazines can be used.
to conceal the weapon.
Who Uses It: The M17S is primarily intended for police and para-
military units, but it has also proven popular as a sporting rifle.
Beryl (5.56mm Assault Rifle)
Damage: 2d8 Magazine: 30 box Damage: 2d8 Magazine: 30 box
Critical: 20 Size: Large Critical: 20 Size: Large
Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 7 lb. Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 8 lb.
RIFLES
Range Increment: 70 ft. Purchase DC: 20 Range Increment: 80 ft. Purchase DC: 18
Rate of Fire: S Restriction: Res (+2) Rate of Fire: S Restriction: Res (+2)
Mini-Beryl (5.56mm Assault Rifle)


d20 MODERN
CETME Model 58 CZ 52/57
Spanish 7.62mm NATO Assault Rifle Czech 7.62×45mm Automatic Rifle
The CETME Model 58 was developed in Spain after World War This relatively unsuccessful design appeared shortly after World
II by German engineers. Originally chambered in 7.92mm, it was War II and was not around for long. It borrowed heavily from war-
reworked in the late 1950s to fire a special low-powered version time rifle designs, using the trigger assembly of the M1 Garand and
of the 7.62mm NATO cartridge. This version was adopted by the the action from the German Mauser Mkb42(W) automatic rifle. The
Spanish armed forces. bolt-locking system was original and used an unusual tipping as-
The Model 58 was originally fitted with a bipod, which folded sembly. In practice, this mechanism proved prone to jamming. The
back to form the forward hand grip. This was later dropped in favor weapon was loaded with stripper clips. The CZ 52 was withdrawn
of a more conventional fixed wooden handguard. from service after only a few years and was replaced by more
Variants: In the early 1970s, the Model 58 design was strength- advanced designs.
ened to fire the full-power 7.62mm NATO cartridge. The new model Variants: Before 1957, the CZ 52 was chambered for an unusual
was redesignated the Model C. 7.62×45mm round. This was later abandoned in favor of the Warsaw
Who Used It: The Model 58 became the standard Spanish ser- Pact–standard 7.62×39mm cartridge.
vice rifle in 1958. It was replaced by the Model C in 1974. Who Used It: The CZ 52 and CZ 57 were used by Czech forces
for a few years in the 1950s. They lingered a little while longer in 61
Damage: 2d8 Magazine: 30 box second-line units, but they have since been withdrawn.
Critical: 20 Size: Large d20 Modern Rules: This weapon is unreliable.
Range Increment: 80 ft. Purchase DC: 18 Damage: 2d8 Magazine: 30 box
Rate of Fire: S, A Restriction: Res (+2) Critical: 20 Size: Large
CETME Model L Rate of Fire: S, A Restriction: Res (+2)
Spanish 5.56mm Assault Rifle
CZ 58
Czech 7.62mm Assault Rifle
The Model L is little more than the earlier Model C, scaled down
to chamber the 5.56mm NATO cartridge. Though the roller-locked
action remains unchanged, the rifle has been reworked overall
to make use of modern composite components. The weapon’s The CZ 58 was adopted in the early 1960s as the standard Czech
furniture is plastic, and the receiver is made from pressed steel. military rifle. Though similar in outward appearance to the Soviet
Early production models used a 20-round box magazine, but this Kalashnikov, its action is an original Czech design built around an
was later replaced by a NATO-standard M16 housing, allowing the unusual tilting bolt and an axial hammer.
use of 30-round M16 magazines. Another change was the dele- Variants: The CZ 58 has been made in two main versions. The CZ
tion of a three-round burst setting, because experience showed 58P has a fixed stock, while the CZ 58V uses a folding metal stock.
that troops could be readily trained to fire short bursts from an Weapons produced more recently make use of plastic furniture on
automatic setting instead. the stock and grips instead of wood. Other variants feature under-
Variants: There is a compact carbine model with a folding stock barrel grenade launchers, special sights, or suppressors.
known as the Model LC. There is also a variant optimized for use in Who Uses It: The CZ 58 served for decades as the standard mili-
the firing ports of armored personnel carriers, the Model R, with a tary rifle of the Czech armed forces. It has only recently begun to be
special charging handle and no stock or sights. replaced by more modern designs. It was also exported to a number
Who Uses It: The Model L entered Spanish military service of Soviet client states, though it was nowhere near as successful as
RIFLES
in 1988. the Kalashnikov series.

d20 Modern Rules: With its stock folded, the Model LC com-
pact model provides a +3 circumstance bonus on Sleight of Hand Damage: 2d8 Magazine: 30 box
checks to conceal the weapon (instead of +2). Critical: 20 Size: Large
Critical: 20 Size: Large Rate of Fire: S, A Restriction: Res (+2)

d20 MODERN
CZ 2000 semiautomatic and automatic rate of fire with a successful Repair
check (DC 15) and 1 hour.
Czech 5.56mm Assault Rifle
This weapon has a three-round burst setting. When the three-
round burst version is used with the Burst Fire feat, it fires only three
bullets instead of five and can be used with only three bullets in the
weapon. This setting does not grant the ability to make burst fire at-
tacks without the Burst Fire feat; if you use the setting without the
feat, you make a normal attack and the extra two bullets are wasted.

This design, known as “Lada” and chambered for the 5.45mm Soviet
cartridge, originally appeared in the early 1990s. It failed to catch
on, and CZ (Ceska Zbrojovka) withdrew it—only to reintroduce it a
couple of years later as the CZ 2000. This time, it had been reworked
to use the 5.56mm NATO cartridge, reflecting the Czech Republic’s
new relationship with the West.
The CZ 2000 has a folding stock. The weapon uses a 30-round
Daewoo K2
South Korean 5.56mm Assault Rifle
transparent plastic magazine but is designed to use NATO-standard
M16 magazines as well.
Variants: The compact version has a much shorter barrel and
forward grip. A light machine gun variant uses a 75-round drum.
62 Who Uses It: The CZ 2000 has yet to be formally adopted but is
being considered by the Czech armed forces to meet their require-
ment for a NATO-standard 5.56mm weapon.
d20 Modern Rules: This weapon has a three-round burst set-
The K2 is a modern 5.56mm assault rifle produced by Daewoo. Its
ting. When the three-round burst version is used with the Burst Fire
action is superficially similar to the M16, though it makes use of
feat, it fires only three bullets instead of five and can be used with
a long-stroke piston running above the barrel. The receiver is ma-
only three bullets in the weapon. This setting does not grant the
chined from heavy forged alloy parts, which give it great strength
ability to make burst fire attacks without the Burst Fire feat; if you
and reliability. The K2 can fire in semiautomatic or three-round burst
use the setting without the feat, you make a normal attack and the
mode. The K2 can accept standard M16 magazines.
extra two bullets are wasted.
Who Uses It: The K2 is the standard service rifle of the Republic
of Korea armed forces.
CZ 2000 (5.56mm Assault Rifle) d20 Modern Rules: This weapon features a thrtee-round burst
Damage: 2d8 Magazine: 30 box setting. When used with the Burst Fire feat, this weapon fires only
Critical: 20 Size: Large three bullets instead of five and can be used with only three bullets
Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 7 lb. in the weapon. This setting does not grant the ability to make burst
Range Increment: 80 ft. Purchase DC: 19 fire attacks without the Burst Fire feat. If you use the setting with-
Rate of Fire: S, A Restriction: Res (+2) out the feat, you make a normal attack, and the extra two bullets
are wasted. Because it does not have the automatic rate of fire, this
weapon cannot be used to make autofire attacks.
CZ 2000 Compact (5.56mm Assault Rifle)
Daewoo K1A1 Carbine DSA SA58 OSW

South Korean 5.56mm Assault Carbine
American 7.62mm Assault Carbine
RIFLES
This compact carbine resembles the K2 assault rifle and shares

some components with it. It uses a different action, however,
The American firm DSA produces FAL rifles from the original
which does away with the long-stroke piston and operates more
Fabrique Nationale blueprints, primarily for the law enforcement
like the American M16. It also features a shorter barrel and a col-
market. DSA-produced FALs are designated SA58 and incorporate
lapsible stock. A heavy muzzle brake is fitted to compensate for
numerous minor improvements, including a specially treated
the shorter barrel.
barrel for accuracy and a sophisticated muzzle brake to control
Who Uses It: Some of these weapons are sold on the civilian
recoil. Among the available variants is a compact carbine known
market in the U.S. as semiautomatic sporting carbines.
as the OSW (offensive suppression weapon). The OSW features
d20 Modern Rules: This weapon can be modified to allow both

d20 MODERN
a compact barrel with a redesigned gas system, muzzle brake, a At its heart, the F2000 is a gas-powered, rotary-locked rifle ac-
folding stock, and a number of accessory rails similar to those on tion chambered in 5.56mm. The action is housed in a streamlined
late-model M4 carbines. plastic frame with carefully arranged controls and is configured as
The OSW is similar in size to the M4, but it fires the harder-hitting a bullpup to keep overall length down. The design incorporates a
7.62mm round of the full-sized FAL. It is primarily aimed at the para- number of innovations developed for the FN P90 PDW, such as the
military or law enforcement market; semiautomatic-only versions downward ejection of spent cases (to allow for ambidextrous use).
are also available as civilian sporting rifles (purchase DC 19). To facilitate the attachment of accessory devices, the F2000’s
forward handgrip and upper covering can be detached and re-
Damage: 2d10 Magazine: 20 box placed by a variety of special components. In addition, Fabrique
Critical: 20 Size: Large Nationale’s designers anticipated that electrical devices (such as
Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 9 lb. targeting sights, vision enhancers, and illuminators) would become
Range Increment: 80 ft. Purchase DC: 20 increasingly popular. To this end, a battery pack is built into the
Rate of Fire: S, A Restriction: Res (+2) stock of the F2000 to power any device that might be mounted
onto the weapon.
FN plans a range of accessories for the F2000 to take advantage
EM2 of its integral power source. Perhaps the most significant of these
British .280 Assault Rifle is a specialized fire control system, which mounts on the top of
the weapon and incorporates an advanced digital sight with a laser
rangefinder. The FCS can calculate precise targeting information and
project the weapon’s aim point onto the scope lens as a red dot.
When the weapon is correctly aligned with the target, the dot turns
green, cuing the user to fire.
A specially designed 40mm grenade launcher can be attached
in place of the forward handgrip. The launcher can fire existing
63
The EM2 appeared in the late 1940s and was the subject of consider- NATO-standard 40mm ammunition. Furthermore, unlike most
able controversy. Designed to replace the aging Lee-Enfield series of add-on grenade launchers, it is designed to preserve the F2000’s
bolt-action rifles, which had served Britain well through two world inherent balance.
wars, it was chambered for an unusual .280 caliber cartridge. This Who Uses It: The F2000 is being developed for the Belgian Army.
decision represented a considerable break with earlier doctrine, d20 Modern Rules: This weapon’s grenade launcher fires a
based on the idea that extreme long-range performance was not 40mm grenade that explodes in a 10-foot-radius burst (DC 15 Reflex
required in an infantry rifle. It was felt to be more important that save for half damage). See Explosives and Splash Weapons on page
the weapon function reliably and accurately at close range, where 103 of the d20 Modern Roleplaying Game for grenade rules.
fighting was more likely to take place.
By all accounts, the EM2 is an excellent rifle, with good per-
formance and outstanding reliability; however, it never went into
F2000 (5.56mm Assault Rifle)
large-scale production, due to strong political opposition from
other NATO members (particularly the U.S.) to the radical ideas
behind the .280 caliber cartridge. Eventually, NATO adopted the
more traditional 7.62×51mm cartridge as standard instead. The
British reluctantly abandoned the EM2.
Damage: 2d8 Magazine: 20 box F2000 40mm Grenade Launcher

Critical: 20 Size: Large Damage: 3d6 Range Increment: 10 ft.1
Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 8 lb. Critical: — Size: Tiny
Range Increment: 70 ft. Purchase DC: 18 Damage Type: Slashing Weight: —
Rate of Fire: S, A Restriction: Res (+2) Burst Radius: 10 ft. Purchase DC: 18
Reflex Save DC: 15 Restriction: Mil (+3)
F2000 The 40mm fragmentation grenade has a minimum range of 40

Belgian 5.56mm Assault Rifle feet. If fired against a target closer than 40 feet away, it does not
arm and will not explode.
FA-MAS G1
French 5.56mm Assault Rifle
RIFLES
During the 1980s, Fabrique Nationale conducted a study into the

future of infantry weapons. The study concluded that new types
of missions, such as peacekeeping, would radically change the way
in which armed forces would have to function. The exact nature of
the changes was impossible to predict. In response to this study, French soldiers call this weapon “le Clarion” due to its distinct shape
the company created the F2000. This weapon system was designed and full-length carrying handle. The FA-MAS is an advanced bullpup
to readily adapt to the requirements of future military missions or design used by the French armed forces.
emerging technologies. The FA-MAS G1 was the first 5.56mm weapon to be adopted by any

d20 MODERN
European army. The action is complex and has proven problematic,
though most of the bugs now seem to have been worked out. It has a
FA-MAS G2 Commando (5.56mm Assault Rifle)
built-in bipod that folds up along the sides of the receiver.
d20 Modern Rules: This weapon may be modified to have a
three-round burst setting instead of the automatic rate of fire.
(When modified in this manner, it can fire on semiautomatic or
three-round burst only.) The modification requires a successful
Repair check (DC 10) and 10 minutes. It can be returned to its original
state with another Repair check (DC 10) and 10 more minutes.
When the three-round burst is used with the Burst Fire feat, it
FARA 83
Argentine 5.56mm Assault Rifle
fires only three bullets instead of five and can be used with only
three bullets in the weapon. This setting does not grant the ability
to make burst fire attacks without the Burst Fire feat; if you use the
setting without the feat, you make a normal attack and the extra
two bullets are wasted.

The FARA 83 is a gas-powered assault rifle from Argentina. It is
rather unremarkable in design and operation. The action is pro-
duced from metal stampings to keep costs low. The furniture is
made from a high-impact plastic, and the stock can be folded
64 FA-MAS G2
forward when not in use.
In 1983, the Argentine Army adopted the FARA 83 as its standard
assault rifle. It was to be produced in large numbers; however, after
French 5.56mm Assault Rifle
about one thousand had been made, a financial crisis forced a halt in
production. It never really got under way again, and today the FARA
83 remains more a curiosity than anything else.
Who Uses It: The FARA 83 is in use in limited numbers in the
Argentine armed forces.

A more advanced version of the G1, known as the FA-MAS G2,
emerged in the 1990s. The most obvious difference is a large trig-
ger guard that accepts the whole hand. The G2 features a STANAG
magazine well, allowing the use of M16 standard clips. The internal
action has been strengthened.
Variants: A compact version with a cut-down barrel, known as
the Commando, is available . A civilian version for sporting is capable
Floro International 5.56mm PDW
Philippine 5.56mm Assault Carbine
of only semiautomatic fire and chambered in the .223 Remington
caliber.
Who Uses It: The FA-MAS serves throughout the French Army,
Marines, and Foreign Legion. It has been sold to a number of former
French colonial states, including Djibouti and Gabon. It has also
been adopted by the United Arab Emirates and Lebanon.
d20 Modern Rules: The FA-MAS G2 may be modified to have
a three-round burst setting instead of the automatic rate of fire.
Still in development, the Floro PDW is a weapon designed to
re≠place 9mm pistols and submachine guns. As such, it is billed as
Repair check (DC 10) and 10 minutes. It can be returned to its original
a “personal defense weapon” (PDW). However, that term more cor-
state with another Repair check (DC 10) and 10 more minutes. The
rectly applies to submachine guns firing pistol-caliber ammunition.
Commando compact version of the weapon has both autofire and
Because the Floro PDW uses the 5.56mm NATO rifle cartridge, it is
three-round burst settings and need not be modified, as above.
more correctly termed an assault carbine.
When the three-round burst version is used with the Burst Fire
The Floro PDW is a small and handy weapon. It is short in overall
length and features a folding metal stock. The action includes a
RIFLES
patented recoil reduction mechanism, designed to permit the use

of a powerful rifle cartridge in so small a weapon. A sight rail is built
into the top of the receiver, allowing a variety of accessories to be
fitted. The Floro PDW can use standard M16 rifle magazines.
FA-MAS G2 (5.56mm Assault Rifle) Damage: 2d8 Magazine: 30 box

Damage: 2d8 Magazine: 25 box Critical: 20 Size: Large
Critical: 20 Size: Large Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 7 lb.

d20 MODERN
FN CAL FN FNC
Belgian 5.56mm Assault Rifle Belgian 5.56mm Assault Rifle
The CAL emerged during the Vietnam War as the 5.56mm round used Fabrique Nationale went back to the drawing board to develop an
by the M16 began growing in popularity. It is Fabrique Nationale’s first entirely new service rifle chambered in 5.56mm NATO. The result
design in that caliber, and it resembles a scaled-down FAL, though the was the FNC. Making use of a simple gas-powered action similar to
action is heavily modified. There are several clever design elements in that of the M16 and constructed largely of lightweight alloys and
its action, for example, the CAL is one of the first designs to incorpo- composites, the FNC is a highly practical weapon. The FNC is readily
rate a three-round burst setting. The CAL is expensive to manufacture suited to use with rifle grenades.
and has proven difficult to maintain in field conditions. Variants: The FNC can be fitted with either a fixed plastic butt
d20 Modern Rules: This weapon has a three-round burst set- or a folding metal one. A special variant for law enforcement (called
ting. When the three-round burst version is used with the Burst Fire the FN FNS) is capable of semiautomatic fire only; it has a purchase
feat, it fires only three bullets instead of five and can be used with DC of 19.
only three bullets in the weapon. This setting does not grant the Who Uses It: The FNC is the standard service weapon of the
ability to make burst fire attacks without the Burst Fire feat; if you Belgian Army. Other users include Latvia and Nigeria.
extra two bullets are wasted. Damage: 2d8 Magazine: 30 box 65
Critical: 20 Size: Large Range Increment: 80 ft. Purchase DC: 20
Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 8 lb. Rate of Fire: S, A Restriction: Res (+2)
Galil Series
Israeli 5.56mm Assault Rifle
FN FAL The Galil was developed for the Israel armed forces following the
Belgian 7.62mm NATO Assault Rifle 1967 Six-Day War. Experience with the Kalashnikov in the hands
of the Arab armies convinced the Israelis of the soundness of its
design, and the Galil is essentially an AK action reworked to use
the 5.56mm NATO caliber. Early Galils had wooden furniture, but
more recent models replace this with high-impact plastic. There are
numerous variant models of the Galil (see Table 2–1: Galil Assault
Rifles for statistics).
Galil ARM: The ARM is the full-length assault-rifle version of the
The Belgian FAL was designed in the early 1950s. It is one of the most Galil. It is generally fitted with a bipod, which also features a built-
successful Western battle rifle designs of the late 20th century, ri- in wire cutter. Both fixed- and folding-stock versions are available,
valed only by the M16 and the German G3 in popularity. When NATO though Israeli-issue military weapons use the folding stock.
adopted the 7.62×51mm cartridge as standard in 1953, the FAL was al- Galil SAR: The SAR is a compact carbine version of the Galil,
ready ready for production, thanks to Fabrique Nationale’s foresight featuring a shortened barrel and a folding stock.
in designing a weapon of that caliber. Though the action is derived Galil AR: The newest Galils replace the wooden furniture with
from FN’s earlier M1949 rifle, its extensive use of composite materials lightweight composites and are designated “AR.”
makes the design very advanced for its time. Galil LMG: This is a light machine gun variant of the Galil, fitted
The FAL was designed to be capable of automatic fire. In practice, with a long, heavy barrel and bipod for sustained fire use.
it has proven somewhat light for this role, and as such, many were Galil MAR: The MAR (Micro Assault Rifle) uses a standard Galil
built with semiautomatic-only mechanisms (these versions have a action with a radically shortened barrel and lightweight compo-
purchase DC of 19). nents to produce an extremely compact weapon.
Variants: A special Para version has a shortened barrel, a folding Other Variants: There are specialized sniper and marksman vari-
metal stock, and a shorter range increment (80 ft.). The sheer num- ants of the Galil. It is also produced in the NATO 7.62mm caliber for
ber of FALs built over the years (in over a dozen different countries) export purposes. A variant of the Galil, called the R4, is produced
RIFLES
means that a variety of minor variant models have emerged. under license in South Africa. Another variant, the 890C, was pro-
Who Uses It: The FAL has been adopted as the standard service rifle duced by the Swedish firm FFV for a Swedish Army requirement, but
by over seventy different nations worldwide, throughout Africa, Asia, it lost out in trials to the FN FNC-derived AK-5 and never went into
Europe, the Middle East, and South America. It has also seen extensive mass production.
use by police forces. It can be found in virtually every part of the world. Who Uses It: The Galil has been the standard Israeli military rifle
since its adoption in the early 1970s. In recent years, many Israeli units
Damage: 2d10 Magazine: 20 box have started using the M16, though the Galil continues in service.

d20 MODERN
The G11 was finally perfected in the late 1980s. On the eve of
Galil ARM full production, however, world events took a dramatic turn as the
Berlin Wall was torn down and Germany subsequently reunited.
In the more peaceful aftermath of the Cold War, and faced with
the pressing economic burdens of reunification, the tremendous
expense of the G11 simply couldn’t be justified. The German Army
decided to pursue a less expensive design instead.
Variants: A slightly modified G11 was proposed for U.S. military
use during the 1980s’ Advanced Combat Rifle program. H&K also
designed a squad-level machine gun firing the 4.7mm caseless am-
munition to serve alongside the G11.
Who Used It: About 1,000 G11s were built and issued to Special
Galil SAR Forces units in the German armed forces. These have since been
withdrawn, primarily due to the high cost of their ammunition.
This weapon features a three-round burst setting. When the three-
round burst version is used with this weapon, the penalty on the attack
roll is lessened to –2 instead of –4. Also, the weapon fires only three
Galil MAR bullets instead of five and can be used with only three bullets in the
weapon. This setting does not grant the ability to make burst fire at-
66 tacks without the Burst Fire feat; if you use the setting without the feat,
you make a normal attack and the extra two bullets are wasted.

H&K G11 Critical: 20
Size: Large
Weight: 9 lb.
German 4.7mm Caseless Assault Rifle
H&K G36
German 5.56mm Assault Rifle
The G36 was created to fill the void left by the failure of the G11 pro-
gram. The German armed forces needed a 5.56mm rifle, and the G41
derivative of the G3 proved to be too expensive. In its stead, H&K
The G11 does away with traditional metal cartridge cases for its
developed an advanced low-cost assault rifle—the G36. In a marked
ammunition. Instead, it fires 4.7mm “caseless” rounds, in which the
departure for H&K, it did away with the long-established roller-lock
projectile is encased in a hard rectangular block of the propellant
action and instead uses a simple rotating-bolt mechanism.
charge. When the weapon is fired, the propellant combusts, driving
the bullet downrange as normal. There is no case to eject—the pro-
pellant burns up completely and the gases are vented away, leaving
the action empty and ready for the loading of the next round.
There are several advantages to such a system. The action can be
H&K G36
sealed, keeping out debris, which could cause fouling. Furthermore,
it can be made to cycle very quickly. This permits an extremely high
rate of fire. The G11 was designed to take advantage of this feature
through a three-round burst setting. A more modest (and control-
lable) rate of fire setting is available for standard automatic fire.
The G11’s mechanism is completely encased in a rectangular
plastic shell that forms the shoulder stock. The pistol grip pro-
trudes from the bottom, and a carrying handle on top contains an
H&K G36K
optical sight. The magazine, which holds an impressive 50 rounds, is
loaded horizontally on the top of the weapon and feeds in behind
the pistol grip, which gives the G11 a very long barrel relative to its
RIFLES
overall length.
TABLE 2–1: GALIL ASSAULT RIFLES
Galil ARM (5.56mm assault rifle) 2d8 20 Ballistic 80 ft. S, A 35 box Large 11 lb. 18 Res (+2)
Galil ARM (7.62mm assault rifle) 2d10 20 Ballistic 90 ft. S, A 25 box Large 10 lb. 19 Res (+2)
Galil SAR (5.56mm assault rifle) 2d8 20 Ballistic 70 ft. S, A 35 box Large 9 lb. 18 Res (+2)
Galil SAR (7.62mm assault rifle) 2d10 20 Ballistic 80 ft. S, A 25 box Large 9 lb. 19 Res (+2)
Galil LMG (7.62mm assault rifle) 2d10 20 Ballistic 90 ft. S, A 50 box Large 11 lb. 20 Res (+2)
Galil MAR (5.56mm assault rifle) 2d8 20 Ballistic 60 ft. S, A 35 box Large 8 lb. 20 Res (+2)

d20 MODERN
The weapon’s design makes extensive use of composites to H&K 33: The H&K 33 is essentially the G3 rechambered to fire
minimize weight. The transparent plastic magazines snap together the smaller 5.56mm NATO cartridge. Aside from the G3 itself, this
to facilitate rapid changes. The forward grip incorporates an integral has been the most successful of the H&K rifle designs. It has been
mounting rail for accessories such as entry lights. All controls are widely exported and can be found in service worldwide, espe-
ambidextrous, and there is a spent case deflector for left-handed cially in Africa, Asia, and South America. Familiar variant models
shooters. The case deflector doubles as a retaining catch for when are made—fixed-stock, collapsible-stock, sniper rifles with bipod
the stock is folded forward. and scope, and shortened carbine versions (the H&K 33K). The most
The G36 has an integral carrying handle that mounts a dual sighting modern version is the H&K 33E (for export).
system. This is made up of an optical sight and (above it) an electronic H&K 53: The H&K 53 is a cut-down derivative of the H&K 33
red-dot sight for rapid target engagement at close ranges. 5.56mm assault rifle. It is designed to provide the firepower of an as-
Variants: A short-barreled “carbine” version called the G36K has sault rifle in a compact weapon that is no bigger than a submachine
a range increment of 70 feet, a weight of 7 pounds, and a purchase gun. It takes the H&K 33’s action and uses a dramatically shortened
DC of 20. Its statistics are otherwise identical to the standard G36. barrel with the forward grip of the MP5 submachine gun. Like the
The G36C, an ultracompact version for close-quarters fighting, has MP5, it is available with a fixed stock, a collapsible stock, or a simple
a range increment of 60 feet, a weight of 6 pounds, and a purchase DC end cap with no stock.
of 20. The ultracompact model does away with the sighting system
and carrying handle and replaces them with a standard accessory rail.
Its statistics are otherwise identical to the standard G36.
An export version, the G36E, replaces the special dual sighting H&K G3
system with a single optical sight. Its statistics are otherwise identi-
cal to the standard G36.
Who Uses It: The German military has adopted the G36 as its
current standard combat rifle. The Spanish forces have recently se-
lected the weapon as well. The G36K has entered into service with
67
the German Special Forces. H&K is currently marketing the design
to law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and Europe.
H&K 33
H&K G8
Heckler & Koch Roller-Locked Rifles

When West Germany began to reestablish its military in the 1950s,
it looked for an alternative to the Belgian FAL assault rifle. It settled
on the CETME, which was developed in Spain by German designers
working from an experimental wartime design. Heckler and Koch
(H&K), a German machine toolmaker, was chosen to further refine
and produce the design. The result was the highly successful Gewehr
3, or G3, chambered to fire the standard 7.62mm NATO cartridge.
Like the Spanish CETME, the G3 is built around a mechanism H&K G53
that uses roller-locks to delay blowback of the breech during firing.
Though complex and expensive, this action is efficient and reliable and
has proven to be very successful. It is not only used in a number of
different rifles but in an entire range of weapons, including the MP5
submachine gun and the H&K 11 and H&K 21 series of machine guns.
Variants: The G3 has been extensively modified over the years.
The earliest models had wooden furniture and a crude rear sight.
The G3A3 is the current model, using plastic furniture (available in
either black or olive green). The G3A4 is the same as the G3A3 but H&K G41
with a collapsible stock fitted. The G3K is a series of shorter versions
with cut-down barrels. The G3-SG1 is a dedicated sniper variant that
is fitted with a scope, bipod, target stocks, and precision trigger.
RIFLES
TABLE 2–2: HECKLER & KOCH ASSAULT RIFLES

H&K G3A3 (7.62mm assault rifle) 2d10 20 Ballistic 90 ft. S, A 20 box Large 11 lb. 19 Res (+2)
H&K G3A4 (7.62mm assault rifle) 2d10 20 Ballistic 90 ft. S, A 20 box Large 11 lb. 20 Res (+2)
H&K 33E (5.56mm assault rifle) 2d8 20 Ballistic 80 ft. S, A 25 box Large 9 lb. 19 Res (+2)
H&K 33K (5.56mm assault rifle) 2d8 20 Ballistic 70 ft. S, A 25 box Large 9 lb. 20 Res (+2)
H&K 53 (5.56mm assault rifle) 2d8 20 Ballistic 70 ft. S, A 30 box Large 8 lb. 20 Res (+2)
H&K G8 (7.62mm assault rifle) 2d10 20 Ballistic 90 ft. S, A 30 box Large 20 lb. 20 Mil (+3)
H&K G41 (5.56mm assault rifle) 2d8 20 Ballistic 80 ft. S, A 25 box Large 10 lb. 19 Res (+2)

d20 MODERN
Heckler & Koch Roller-Locked Rifles Howa Type 64 Rifle
When West Germany began to reestablish its military in the 1950s, Japanese 7.62mm NATO Assault Rifle
it looked for an alternative to the Belgian FAL assault rifle. It settled
on the CETME, which was developed in Spain by German designers
working from an experimental wartime design. Heckler and Koch
(H&K), a German machine toolmaker, was chosen to further refine
and produce the design. The result was the highly successful Gewehr
3, or G3, chambered to fire the standard 7.62mm NATO cartridge.
Like the Spanish CETME, the G3 is built around a mechanism
that uses roller-locks to delay blowback of the breech during firing. Who Uses It: The Type 64 served as the standard service rifle of the
Though complex and expensive, this action is efficient and reliable and Japanese armed forces until its replacement by the Type 89 in 1990.
has proven to be very successful. It is not only used in a number of
different rifles but in an entire range of weapons, including the MP5 Damage: 2d10 Magazine: 20 box
submachine gun and the H&K 11 and H&K 21 series of machine guns. Critical: 20 Size: Large
Variants: The G3 has been extensively modified over the years. Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 10 lb.
The earliest models had wooden furniture and a crude rear sight. Range Increment: 90 ft. Purchase DC: 19
The G3A3 is the current model, using plastic furniture (available in Rate of Fire: S, A Restriction: Res (+2)
either black or olive green). The G3A4 is the same as the G3A3 but
with a collapsible stock fitted. The G3K is a series of shorter versions
with cut-down barrels. The G3-SG1 is a dedicated sniper variant that Howa Type 89 Rifle
is fitted with a scope, bipod, target stocks, and precision trigger. Japanese 5.56mm Assault Rifle
68 H&K 33: The H&K 33 is essentially the G3 rechambered to fire

the smaller 5.56mm NATO cartridge. Aside from the G3 itself, this
has been the most successful of the H&K rifle designs. It has been
widely exported and can be found in service worldwide, espe-
cially in Africa, Asia, and South America. Familiar variant models
are made—fixed-stock, collapsible-stock, sniper rifles with bipod
and scope, and shortened carbine versions (the H&K 33K). The most
modern version is the H&K 33E (for export). The Type 89 was developed for the Japanese armed forces to re-
H&K 53: The H&K 53 is a cut-down derivative of the H&K 33 5.56mm place the Type 64 rifle with a more modern weapon chambered
assault rifle. It is designed to provide the firepower of an assault rifle in in 5.56mm NATO. The Type 89 is unusual in a number of ways. The
a compact weapon that is no bigger than a submachine gun. It takes the gas-powered recoil system operates slower than is usual in modern
H&K 33’s action and uses a dramatically shortened barrel with the for- weapons, which reduces both the recoil and wear and tear from
ward grip of the MP5 submachine gun. Like the MP5, it is available with firing. A three-round burst setting is fitted with its own separate
a fixed stock, a collapsible stock, or a simple end cap with no stock. trigger mechanism. If it fails, the weapon can still function in
G8: The 7.62mm G8, designed to function as a multipurpose semiautomatic or automatic mode. As on the earlier Type 64, both
weapon for police and counterterrorist units, is a derivative of the a muzzle brake and a bipod are fitted as standard. Both fixed- and
standard G3. It is similar to the H&K 11 machine gun (see Chapter folding-stock variants have been produced.
Seven) and features the H&K 11’s heavy barrel, bipod, optional belt- Who Uses It: The Type 89 has been adopted by the Japanese
feed mechanisms, and standard scope. Taking advantage of the Self-Defense Forces, and it is their current service rifle.
roller-locked action’s high inherent accuracy, the G8 was designed d20 Modern Rules: This weapon features a three-round burst set-
to be a sniper rifle and a light machine gun. The shooter can rapidly ting. When the three-round burst setting is used with the Burst Fire feat, it
switch back and forth between precisely aimed single shots and fires only three bullets instead of five and can be used with only three bul-
automatic suppressive fire as the situation dictates. lets in the weapon. This setting does not grant the ability to make burst
G41: The G41 was developed in the early 1980s as a follow-up to fire attacks without the Burst Fire feat; if you use the setting without the
the H&K 33. Like the H&K 33, it is essentially a G3 rechambered in feat, you make a normal attack and the extra two bullets are wasted.
5.56mm. It accepts M16-type magazines and has a NATO-standard
scope mount. The G41 is usually fitted with the pictographic trigger Damage: 2d8 Magazine: 30 box
group with the three-round burst setting. Combining the proven Critical: 20 Size: Large
H&K action with these standardized features produced an excellent Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 8 lb.
weapon that is especially well suited to modern NATO requirements. Range Increment: 80 ft. Purchase DC: 20
Unfortunately, its high cost prevented widespread adoption. Rate of Fire: S, A Restriction: Res (+2)
Who Uses It: The G3 was the standard service weapon of the
West German armed forces and served them for decades until
the adoption of the G36 rifle in the 1990s. The G3 has been sold IMBEL MD2
RIFLES
worldwide and adopted by dozens of different countries (and Brazilian 5.56mm Assault Rifle
license-built in a number of them).
d20 Modern Rules: The H&K 33 may be modified to add a three-
round burst setting. The modification requires a successful Repair
check (DC 15) and 1 hour. The G8 and G41 each incorporate a three-
round burst setting and don’t need to be modified.
When the three-round burst is used with the Burst Fire feat, it fires
only three bullets instead of five and can be used with only three bullets
in the weapon. This setting does not grant the ability to make burst fire Brazil had long manufactured the FN FAL under license in a version
attacks without the Burst Fire feat; if you use the setting without the known as the LAR. In the 1980s, development began on a 5.56mm
feat, you make a normal attack and the extra two bullets are wasted. variant of the LAR, which became known as the MD2. With the

d20 MODERN
failure of the LAPA (see below), the MD2 became the standard ser-
vice weapon for the Brazilian military and police forces.
MBEL Model LC (5.56mm Assault Rifle)
The MD2’s designers had to modify the standard FAL/LAR action
extensively to suit the new caliber. The resulting rotating-bolt ac-
tion more closely resembles that of the M16 than the FAL, though
the external resemblance to the FAL remains.
Variants: The MD2 features a folding stock; there is also a
fixed-stock variant known as the MD3. In addition, there are semi-
automatic-only versions known as the MD2A1 and the MD3A1 (for
the folding- and fixed-stock variants, respectively).
INSAS
Indian 5.56mm Assault Rifle
Who Uses It: The MD2 is the standard service weapon of the
Brazilian armed forces. Semiautomatic variants are used by the
Brazilian police.
IMBEL MD2 and IMBEL MD3 (5.56mm Assault Rifle)

Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 10 lb. INSAS (“Indian Small Arms System”) is an original design developed
Range Increment: 80 ft. Purchase DC: 20 for the Indian armed forces. It incorporates elements of the M16, the
Rate of Fire: S, A Restriction: Res (+2) Kalashnikov, and the H&K G3 series of rifles. Even the old British Lee-
Enfield lends something to the design—the fixed-stock version uses
IMBEL MD2A1 and IMBEL MD3A1 (5.56mm Assault Rifle)
its butt plate to cover a hollow space for storing cleaning supplies
and gun oil. The result is an efficient and rugged design. The INSAS 69
can use standard M16 magazines.
Variants: There are both fixed- and folding-stock versions of
the INSAS.
Who Uses It: The INSAS has been adopted by the Indian military.
d20 Modern Rules: This weapon has a three-round burst setting.
When the three-round burst version is used with the Burst Fire feat, it
IMBEL Model L fires only three bullets instead of five and can be used with only three
bullets in the weapon. This setting does not grant the ability to make
Brazilian 5.56mm Assault Rifle
burst fire attacks without the Burst Fire feat; if you use the setting
without the feat, you make a normal attack and the extra two bullets
are wasted. Because it does not have the automatic rate of fire, this
weapon cannot be used to make autofire attacks.

The Model L is a progressive development of the MD2 design. It has
been optimized for Brazilian Army needs, with jungle and mountain
warfare in mind. To this end, it was designed to be as lightweight
as possible. The internal action is essentially unchanged from the
MD2. A folding stock is standard, and an M203 40mm grenade
K-3
Armenian 5.45mm Assault Rifle
launcher can be fitted if desired. IMBEL has developed transparent
30-round magazines for use with the Model L, but the interface
conforms to STANAG requirements and any M16-standard maga-
zines can be used.
Variants: The most modern variant is a compact assault carbine
known as the Model LC.
Who Uses It: The Model L has entered service with the Brazilian
armed forces, supplementing the older MD2.
The K-3 is an advanced assault rifle developed by the Armenian gov-
IMBEL Model L (5.56mm Assault Rifle) ernment. Its action is derived from that of the Kalashnikov series,
RIFLES
Damage: 2d8 Magazine: 30 box reconfigured into a bullpup arrangement and chambered to fire the
Critical: 20 Size: Large 5.45mm round of the AK-74. The furniture is made from plastic, and
Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 10 lb. the K-3 is designed to use the AK-74’s curved 30-round box maga-
Range Increment: 80 ft. Purchase DC: 19 zine. The muzzle can fire rifle grenades; an optical sight, specially
Rate of Fire: S, A Restriction: Res (+2) designed for use with the K-3, can be fitted if desired.

I Critical: 20 Size: Large

d20 MODERN
Kalashnikov AK Series for guerrilla movements worldwide. It has even been adopted as a
feature on national flags (such as that of Mozambique).
Soviet arms designer Mikhail Kalashnikov invented the first AK
weapon during the waning days of World War II. As the story goes,
Kalashnikov invented it while recovering from wounds sustained in
AK-47 battle. It was inspired by (and is externally similar to) the German
MP44, a wartime design that is widely seen as the world’s first
example of the assault rifle concept. The action is new, however,
and incorporates a number of innovative features. It is gas-oper-
ated with a chrome-plated barrel. The design is simple and easy to
manufacture. In addition, the AK quickly earned a reputation for
rugged reliability. Even poorly trained insurgents could easily keep
it working in the harshest of field conditions. Though beset by some
AKM drawbacks (its long-range accuracy is poor), its reliability and low
cost soon made the AK a huge success.
AK-47: The original AK design was the AK-47, which appeared
in 1947 and entered service with Soviet forces a few years later. It
was originally intended to serve as a submachine gun alongside the
Simonov SKS. Over time, the AK eclipsed the Simonov and became
the standard service weapon of the Soviet armed forces. It was widely
exported to (and license-built in) satellites and client states as well.
AKS: The AKS is simply an AK-47 with a folding metal stock,
70 AK-74
intended for use by paratroops.
AKM: Despite its success, the AK-47 proved difficult and expensive
to manufacture due to its receiver, which was machined from a solid
block of steel. In 1959, a “modernized” version known as the AKM was
introduced. The AKM features a new stamped-steel receiver, which
dramatically lowers the cost of the weapon. It also makes it some-
what more lightweight. The most obvious external difference is the
depression in the side of the receiver, just above the magazine; this is
AK-74U much smaller on the AKM than on the AK-47. Numerous other minor
modifications, such as a new bayonet pattern and a simple muzzle
compensator, were also introduced. The AKM soon replaced AK-47s
in Soviet service and was produced (and exported) in even greater
numbers.
AKMS: The AKMS is an AKM with a folding metal stock.
AK-74: The American decision to adopt the M16, with its 5.56mm
round, was controversial in the West. The Soviets, however, had
AK-103 closely studied the performance of the new round in combat in
Vietnam and recognized its advantages. Consequently, they decided
to adopt a smaller-caliber cartridge themselves and settled on the
5.45×39mm round. To fire it, they developed a derivative of the fa-
miliar Kalashnikov (ironically, Kalashnikov himself strongly criticized
this decision, arguing that the older, heavier round was better). The
The Russian Avtomat Kalashnikov is the most successful military
resulting weapon was designated the AK-74, which appeared in the
weapon design of the 20th century. By all estimates, at least 50
late 1970s and went on to reequip all Soviet forces. The combination
million examples have been produced in dozens of countries, and it
of the innovative 5.45mm round with the proven AK action resulted
is still being made to this day. It has seen action around the world,
in an excellent overall design. The AK-74 introduced a number of
in virtually every war fought since 1960. Its distinctive shape and
other minor modifications as well, including a plastic magazine and
rakishly curved magazine have become a cultural icon and a symbol
an efficient muzzle brake. An optical sight can be fitted if needed.
TABLE 2–3: KALASHNIKOV AK SERIES ASSAULT RIFLES
AK-47 (7.62mmR assault rifle) 2d8 20 Ballistic 70 ft. S, A 30 box Large 10 lb. 16 Res (+2)
AKS (7.62mmR assault rifle) 2d8 20 Ballistic 70 ft. S, A 30 box Large 10 lb. 17 Res (+2)
RIFLES
AKM (7.62mmR assault rifle) 2d8 20 Ballistic 70 ft. S, A 30 box Large 10 lb. 15 Res (+2)
AKMS (7.62mmR assault rifle) 2d8 20 Ballistic 70 ft. S, A 30 box Large 10 lb. 16 Res (+2)
AK-74 (5.45mm assault rifle) 2d8 20 Ballistic 80 ft. S, A 30 box Large 9 lb. 17 Res (+2)
AKS-74 (5.45mm assault rifle) 2d8 20 Ballistic 80 ft. S, A 30 box Large 9 lb. 18 Res (+2)
AKS-74U (5.45mm assault rifle) 2d8 20 Ballistic 80 ft. S, A 30 box Large 7 lb. 19 Res (+2)
AKS-74UB (5.45mm assault rifle) 2d8 20 Ballistic 60 ft. S, A 30 box Large 9 lb. 20 Mil (+3)

d20 MODERN
AKS-74: This is the familiar folding-stock variant, although the Damage: 2d10 Magazine: 20 box
AKS-74 features a stock that folds to the side, rather than under- Critical: 20 Size: Large
neath as on earlier models. Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 11 lb.
AKS-74U: The AKS-74U is an ultracompact variant of the AK- Range Increment: 90 ft. Purchase DC: 20
74, intended for use by vehicle crews and other troops in need Rate of Fire: S, A Restriction: Res (+2)
of a shortened weapon. It serves in place of submachine guns in
the Russian armed forces. It is equipped with a special expansion
chamber near the muzzle to help compensate for the increased L85A1 IW
recoil brought about by the shortened barrel. The metal stock folds British 5.56mm Assault Rifle
forward along the left side of the weapon.
AKS-74UB: This is a variant of the AKS-74U designed to fire a
special silent bullet similar to that of the PSS-1 silent pistol. Very
little is known about this weapon; it has never been publicly shown
and is only referred to indirectly in a few Russian articles.
AK-100 Series: Recently, the Russian arms manufacturer Izmash
introduced a series of AK-74 derivatives in different calibers.
These feature a folding plastic stock and numerous other minor The L85A1 IW (also known as the SA80 or Individual Weapon) was
modifications. The AK-101 is essentially an AK-74 rechambered in adopted by the British armed forces to replace the FN L1A1 during the
5.56mm NATO. The AK-103 is the same—chambered to fire the 1980s. It is a compact and lightweight bullpup design chambered for
larger 7.62mm round of the old AK-47. There are also cut-down the 5.56mm NATO cartridge. Like the Steyr AUG (described later in this
carbine versions with shortened barrels. These are designated AK- chapter), considerable effort went into its design to make sure that
102 (in 5.56mm NATO), AK-104 (in 7.62mm Soviet), and AK-105 (in the placement of controls, sights, and grips was ergonomically effi-
5.45mm). These probably represent the ultimate evolution of the
Kalashnikov action. They are primarily offered for export, since the
cient. The weapon is usually equipped with a low-power multipurpose
optical sight called the SUSAT; weapons issued to rear-echelon forces
71
Russian military has decided to adopt the new AN-94 rifle instead use simple iron sights instead. It can take an M16-standard magazine.
(see above). The L85 quickly gained a bad reputation for unreliability. During
Foreign AKs: The Kalashnikov has been manufactured worldwide the 1991 Persian Gulf War, British troops found them nearly impos-
in over a dozen different countries. Foreign versions are often given sible to keep working under field conditions. The weapon was the
their own designations, despite the fact that they are essentially subject of considerable controversy, and its numerous problems
unchanged from the standard AK design. Some specialized deriva- were publicly scrutinized. Most of them were found to stem from
tives also exist, such as the Yugoslav M76 sniper rifle. manufacturing defects, and an entirely new production line was
Who Uses It: The AK, in its various forms, has been the standard eventually set up. This seems to have solved most of the L85’s
Soviet service rifle since the early 1950s. During the Cold War, it problems, though its bad reputation lingers on.
equipped virtually every Soviet client state, as well as dozens of Variants: There is a variant called the L86A1 Cadet, meant for
different nations. Even today, it remains the most commonly found marksmanship training. This removed the weapon’s semiautomatic
military rifle and is in service worldwide. This is true of both the more gas system, which requires that the weapon be manually cocked
modern 5.45mm AK-74 versions and the older 7.62mm versions. after every shot. There is also a conversion kit allowing Cadets to
d20 Modern Rules: Reloading the AK-47, AKS, AKM, or AKMS be modified to .22 caliber instead, to keep training costs down.
with an already filled box magazine is a full-round action, not a Who Uses It: The L85A1 is the current service rifle of the British
move action. armed forces. Due to its numerous problems, however, special op-
The AKS-74UB has the equivalent of a built-in silencer. A Listen erations forces generally use M16-series weapons instead (actually
check (DC 15) is required to notice the sound of the weapon firing. Canadian-produced C7s and C8s).

L1A1 SLR Critical: 20 Size: Large
British 7.62mm Assault Rifle Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 12 lb.
LAPA Modelle 03
Brazilian 5.56mm Assault Rifle
With the demise of the EM2 program, Great Britain was forced
to look elsewhere for a new service rifle in the NATO-standard
7.62mm caliber. They settled on the Belgian FN FAL, and they
RIFLES
adopted it as the L1A1 Self-Loading Rifle. Produced under license

in the U.K., the original FAL design was modified from metric to
British Imperial measurements to make manufacturing easier. As a
result, the parts are not interchangeable between British L1A1s and This innovative design emerged from Brazil in the early 1980s. The
standard continental FALs, though the weapons are nearly identical bullpup-configured weapon is made largely from plastic and uses
in appearance. standard M16 magazines.
Who Uses It: The L1A1 was the standard British service rifle from One of the most innovative features is a double-action mode
the mid-1950s until the adoption of the L85 IW in the late 1980s. It saw that can be selected in either automatic or semiautomatic settings.
action in Northern Ireland and in the 1982 Falklands War as well. This allows the action to work much like a double-action pistol: The
hammer is held down on the cartridge and can be drawn back and

d20 MODERN
fired with a long trigger pull. This feature allows the weapon to be Garand, and its ancestry is apparent. It has been rechambered
carried safely even with the safety catch off. A normal single-action and redesigned as a select-fire weapon with a high-capac-
mode can also be selected if desired, which uses a much lighter ity detachable box magazine. The automatic capability proved
trigger pull for more precise fire. troublesome and required that the action be considerably
strengthened, making the weapon bulky and heavy overall,
Damage: 2d8 Magazine: 30 box though it is reliable and controllable.
Critical: 20 Size: Large Variants: A number of folding-stock versions have been de-
Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 6 lb. veloped over the years. A light machine gun variant, known as
Range Increment: 80 ft. Purchase DC: 19 the M14A1, was also developed; this used a modified stock with
Rate of Fire: S, A Restriction: Res (+2) a pistol grip, but it was never produced in quantity. A dedicated
sniper variant, the M21, was also developed (and is covered in
detail in Chapter Three). The Springfield Armory has produced
M6 Scout Rifle a series of semiautomatic-only versions for civilian sporting
American .22- and .410-Gauge Survival Rifle use called the M1A. These are particularly popular in national
match target shooting competitions, which involve military
service rifles.
Who Used It: The M14 served with the U.S. armed forces from
the mid-1950s until the late 1960s, when it was replaced by the M16.
It saw considerable action during the early part of the Vietnam
War, where it lingered on in Marine service well after the Army
had switched to the M16. The M21 sniper has lasted longer, and is
The M6 Scout Rifle was designed to serve as a survival weapon for still in limited use to this day. M14s are also frequently still seen in
72 aircrews forced down in remote territory. It is an extremely simple
single-shot design, with few moving parts. The metal stock folds
ceremonial use by color guard drill units.
out of the way for compact storage, allowing the M6 to be carried Damage: 2d10 Magazine: 20 box
in a backpack. The stock also has a hollow space that holds spare Critical: 20 Size: Large
ammunition. The oversized trigger guard can be used while wearing Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 9 lb.
gloves. The action breaks open for loading. Range Increment: 90 ft. Purchase DC: 17
The M6 has two barrels, located one above the other. The top Rate of Fire: S, A Restriction: Res (+2)
barrel is rifled and chambered in .22 caliber, while the lower barrel is
smoothbored and designed for .410-gauge shotgun shells. The idea
was to give the user the capability to quickly engage a variety of M16 Series
different types of targets. Neither of these cartridges is particularly American 5.56mm Assault Rifle
hard-hitting, and they are relatively ineffective against human-sized The M16 appeared in the late 1950s, and it was soon adopted by
targets—the M6 is intended for hunting small game rather than for the U.S. armed forces. Though it suffered numerous development
personal defense. It can also serve as a flare launcher, since signal problems and was initially widely criticized, it has grown to enjoy
flare cartridges are produced in .410 gauge. success second only to the Russian Kalashnikov. The M16 has been
used in virtually every conflict of the past forty years, and it has
been produced under license in great numbers in dozens of coun-
M6 Scout (.22 Rifle) tries. Today, nearly fifty years after its original design, it is being
adopted by more armies than ever before and is replacing the Galil
in Israeli service.
The M16 is built around an innovative gas-powered select-fire
rifle action developed by Eugene Stoner called the AR-15 (M16 is
the weapon’s military designation). It features a distinctive carrying
handle on top, which also holds the weapon’s rear sight.
M6 Scout (.410 Shotgun) The M16 was the first major military weapon designed to fire
Damage: 2d6 Magazine: 1 int the 5.56×45mm cartridge. At the time, the U.S. was widely criti-
Critical: 20 Size: — cized within NATO for abandoning the then-standard 7.62×51mm
Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: — round (which the U.S. had demanded be adopted in the first
Range Increment: 30 ft. Purchase DC: — place). The new cartridge was also thought by many to be too
Rate of Fire: Single Restriction: — weak when compared to its hard-hitting predecessor. Eventually,
the new round proved itself, and by 1980, it had been adopted as
the new NATO-standard small-arms caliber, eclipsing the older
M14 7.62mm round.
American 7.62mm NATO Automatic Rifle Cartridge aside, other problems surrounded the introduction
RIFLES
of the M16. The all-plastic furniture, which some felt gave the
M16 a toylike appearance, was questioned. Many soldiers felt that
a solid wooden stock (like that on the older M14) was preferable,
since rifles sometimes need to be used as clubs in hand-to-hand
fighting. A greater concern was reliability. The early M16s suffered
severe problems in this area, and it quickly established a poor
reputation. For several years, the wisdom of adopting the M16
The M14 was developed in the early 1950s to be the American was seriously questioned.
service rifle in the new NATO-standard 7.62mm caliber. It is es- The U.S. military was determined to make the M16 work, how-
sentially a progressive development of the World War II–era M1 ever, and set about refining and improving the design. Much of the

d20 MODERN
reliability problem turned out to stem from poorly manufactured
magazines and ammunition. New procedures for keeping the
weapon clean were implemented. With these issues addressed, the
M16 became much more dependable.
M4 CQB
M16A1
Commando
M16A2
Carbon 15
73
M16A1: In 1966, based on combat experience from Vietnam, an
improved version known as the M16A1 was developed. The biggest
advance was a manual bolt-closure device, which the shooter could
M16A4 use to push a round home into a fouled chamber if necessary. The
M16A1 became the standard U.S. military service weapon shortly
thereafter.
M16A2: In 1983, a new version called the M16A2 was adopted,
replacing the M16A1. It incorporates a heavier barrel, rifled to fire
a new Belgian-designed NATO-standard variant of the 5.56mm
round. A three-round burst setting was introduced, replacing the
automatic setting. The grips and stock were redesigned and made
from a new (and much stronger) plastic material. New sights were
CAR-15 introduced. A spent-case deflector was added for the benefit of
left-handed shooters so that empty brass wouldn’t hit them in
the face. Collectively, these changes resulted in a vastly superior
weapon, which remains the current service model to this day.
M16A3 and M16A4: Newer models of the M16 take the basic
M16A2 and modify it to accommodate various standardized acces-
sories. The M16A3 does away with the top-mounted carrying handle
and its integral rear sight; instead, an accessory rail is machined into
the top of the receiver, allowing a variety of sighting systems to be
M4 Carbine readily attached. The M16A4 goes a step farther. It also features the
accessory mounting system developed by the Knights Armament
Company (KAC) in the forward grip (see the sidebar). The M16A4 has
been selected to replace the M16A2 in the U.S. Army and will enter
service in large numbers over the next few years.
TABLE 2–4: M16 SERIES ASSAULT RIFLES

RIFLES
M16 (5.56mm assault rifle) 2d8 20 Ballistic 80 ft. S, A 30 box Large 7 lb. 17 Res (+2)
M16A1 (5.56mm assault rifle) 2d8 20 Ballistic 80 ft. S, A 30 box Large 7 lb. 17 Res (+2)
M16A2 (5.56mm assault rifle) 2d8 20 Ballistic 80 ft. S 30 box Large 8 lb. 18 Res (+2)
CAR-15 (5.56mm assault rifle) 2d8 20 Ballistic 70 ft. S, A 30 box Large 7 lb. 18 Res (+2)
M4 Carbine (5.56mm assault rifle) 2d8 20 Ballistic 70 ft. S, A 30 box Large 7 lb. 18 Res (+2)
M4 CQB (5.56mm assault rifle) 2d8 20 Ballistic 70 ft. S, A 30 box Large 7 lb. 18 Res (+2)
Commando (5.56mm assault rifle) 2d8 20 Ballistic 60 ft. S, A 30 box Large 7 lb. 18 Res (+2)
Carbon 15 (5.56mm assault rifle) 2d8 20 Ballistic 60 ft. S, A 30 box Large 7 lb. 18 Res (+2)
AR-15 (5.56mm assault rifle) 2d8 20 Ballistic 80 ft. S 30 box Large 7 lb. 17 Res (+2)

d20 MODERN
The KAC Accessory Rail System have been developed over the years. These include light machine
guns, accurized target rifles, cut-down micro-carbines, and a num-
The Knights Armanent Company Accessory Rail System,
ber of semiautomatic civilian sporting rifles. Variants rechambered
available with the M16A4 assault rifle, is designed to permit
to fire nearly a dozen different calibers have also appeared.
the rapid attachment of weapon accessories. It replaces the
Who Uses It: The M16, in its various forms, has been the stan-
weapon’s forward handgrip with four mounting rails located
dard service weapon of the U.S. armed forces for nearly forty years
around the barrel at the three, six, nine, and twelve o’clock
and will remain so for at least more ten years. Widely exported
positions. This device permits the user to mount an accessory
and produced under license, it has been adopted by dozens of
as a move action instead of a full-round action. Accessories
armies worldwide, including Brazil, Denmark, El Salvador, Greece,
include iron sights, scopes, illuminators, bipods, suppressors,
Indonesia, Israel, Lebanon, Malaysia, Mexico, and Thailand. It has
and the M203 grenade launcher. Ribbed plates can be at-
also been popular as a police weapon, especially for SWAT teams.
tached to provide a handgrip on any rail that does not have an
d20 Modern Rules: The M16A2, M16A3, and M16A4 each feature
accessory fitted; a submachine gun-like vertical forward grip
a three-round burst setting. When used with the Burst Fire feat, it
can be attached as well. The result is a tremendously flexible
fires only three bullets instead of five and can be used with only
weapon system that can be rapidly customized in the field to
three bullets in the weapon. This setting does not grant the ability
suit the needs of the mission at hand.
to make burst fire attacks without the Burst Fire feat; if you use the
setting without the feat, you make a normal attack, and the extra
CAR-15: Combat experience showed the desirability of a more
two bullets are wasted. Because these weapons do not have the au-
compact version of the M16 for use by Special Forces troops. The
tomatic rate of fire, they cannot be used to make autofire attacks.
result was the CAR-15, also known as the “Colt Commando” or by its
The Commando and ultracompact Carbon 15 each grant a +2 circum-
military designation of XM-177. The CAR-15 features a shortened bar-
stance bonus on Sleight of Hand checks made to conceal the weapon.
rel with a ribbed forward grip and a folding stock. It quickly proved
74 popular with special operations troops and was used extensively

during the Vietnam War.
MAS49
M4 Carbine: The M4 is the modern equivalent of the Vietnam-
French 7.5mm Semiautomatic Rifle
era CAR-15, fitting a telescoping stock and a shortened barrel to a
weapon that has been fully brought up to the M16A2 standard. The
current version, the M4A1, features the detachable top handle of
the M16A3. The barrel is long enough to mount an M203 grenade
launcher, and there is a distinctive notch in front of the forward
sight to accommodate the M203’s attachment clamp. The latest
version, the M4A1, also incorporates the KAC (Knights Armament
Company) forward mounting system in place of the handgrip, mak-
The semiautomatic MAS49 was the first postwar design adopted by
ing what is essentially a compact carbine version of the M16A4.
the French armed forces. It is a heavy and reliable weapon, similar
M4 CQB: Taking advantage of the inherent flexibility of the
in appearance to the older MAS36 bolt-action rifle. Though it made
M4A1, the U.S. Special Operations Command developed the M4
use of the MAS36’s wooden stock to keep production costs down,
Close Quarters Battle (CQB) weapon to replace the MP5 subma-
the action is an entirely new design.
chine gun. The M4 CQB is a compact, lightweight weapon specially
Variants: The MAS49/56 reworked the forward end of the
tailored for close-in fighting. It essentially consists of a “kit” known
weapon to permit NATO-standard rifle grenades to be fired; it is
as the Special Operation Peculiar Modification (SOPMOD). A
otherwise the same weapon.
SOPMOD kit (purchase DC 16) contains a variety of accessories,
Who Uses It: The MAS49 was the standard French military weap-
including illuminators, scopes, reflex sights, night sights, target
on for decades until the FA-MAS replaced it during the late 1970s. The
designators, and a short-barreled 40mm M203 grenade launcher.
MAS49 saw action in Algeria, Indochina, and the 1956 Suez campaign.
In all, there are enough parts to equip four M4A1 carbines. When a
Special Forces unit is issued a number of SOPMOD kits, its troops
can quickly tailor the accessory kits to their M4 carbines to suit the
specific needs of any mission.
Commando: The Commando is a very compact version of the
M16, incorporating the telescoping stock of the CAR-15 and a radically
shortened barrel. For members of security details who need to keep
their armament out of sight, it is designed to fit under a coat or in a
briefcase. The barrel is too short to allow an M203 grenade launcher
to be fitted. In most other respects, it is like the M4 carbine.
Norinco QBZ Type 95 Carbine
Chinese 5.8mm Assault Carbine
Ultracompact Models: A number of companies manufacture
ultracompact variants of the M16 design, including the Professional
Ordnance Carbon 15. These weapons are designed to serve a similar
RIFLES
role to submachine guns but are chambered for full-power rifle

ammunition. They feature radically shortened barrels, muzzle com-
pensators, and minimal stocks. Most incorporate governors to reduce
the rate of fire and make the compact weapon more controllable.
AR-15: The semiautomatic-only version of the M16, from which the
select-fire military weapon was originally developed, has been popular
In keeping with developments throughout the world, Chinese
with police forces and civilian sport shooters alike. It equipped many
designers have made a compact carbine variant part of their QBZ
early SWAT teams in the 1970s. Civilian AR-15s have been developed
rifle family of weapons. The Type 95 Carbine is often described
in numerous configurations over the years, optimized for hunting,
in Chinese literature as a submachine gun. This is something of a
personal protection, and competition target shooting.
misnomer, since it fires full-power rifle ammunition, but it is clearly
Other Variants: A bewildering variety of M16 and AR-15 variants

d20 MODERN
meant to serve in a similar role. It is ideally suited for close-in fight- original Chinese design that incorporates elements of both the SKS
ing, in which a larger weapon would be more awkward. and the Kalashnikov to produce an entirely new rifle.
The Type 95 Carbine’s barrel has been cut down to minimum The Type 68 uses the wooden stock of the SKS with an AK-style
length, and the stock has been reworked. Because there is no longer rotating bolt action. It uses 15-round box magazines, which can
enough room for a forward handgrip, the front of the trigger guard either be removed or reloaded with stripper clips.
has been enlarged and shaped as a handle for the nonshooting hand. Who Uses It: The Type 68 was adopted by the Communist Chinese
The foresight has been moved to the front of the carrying handle, armed forces and widely supplied to their client states and guerrilla
and a compact muzzle brake is fitted to help compensate for recoil. movements worldwide. Though obsolete by modern standards, it
Who Uses It: The Type 95 Carbine serves alongside the Type 95 remains in production and can still be found in second-line units.
Rifle in elite People’s Liberation Army (PLA) units. Its ultracompact
size also makes it useful for bodyguards and other specialty personnel Damage: 2d8 Magazine: 15 box
with a need for firepower that can be kept discreetly out of sight. Critical: 20 Size: Large
d20 Modern Rules: This weapon provides a +2 circumstance Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 7 lb.
bonus on Sleight of Hand checks made to conceal the weapon. Range Increment: 80 ft. Purchase DC: 17
Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 6 lb. Norinco Type 97 Rifle
Range Increment: 60 ft. Purchase DC: 20 Chinese 5.56mm Assault Rifle
Norinco QBZ Type 95 Rifle

Chinese 5.8mm Assault Rifle
75
The Type 97 is a variant of the Type 95 QBZ designed for export
sales. It is essentially identical to the Type 95, except that it has
been rechambered to fire the 5.56mm NATO cartridge and accepts
STANAG-pattern M16-standard magazines. It was developed in
recognition of the fact that most armies probably prefer the more
common NATO cartridge to the exotic and unfamiliar 5.8mm round
The Type 95 is a modern assault-rifle system from China, also known developed for the QBZ. Though no country has yet adopted it, the
as the QBZ. It first appeared publicly in the hands of troops participat- Type 97 is currently available for export orders.
ing in ceremonies during the 1997 handover of Hong Kong to the PRC Variants: The variants of the Type 95 (such as the carbine and
government. The QBZ is chambered to fire a new 5.8mm cartridge light machine gun) are offered for the Type 97 in 5.56mm as well.
developed specially for the People’s Liberation Army (PLA). The action
is housed in a composite casing and is configured as a bullpup. The iron Damage: 2d8 Magazine: 30 box
sights are housed in a carrying handle that also serves as a scope mount Critical: 20 Size: Large
and protects the cocking lever. A 40mm grenade launcher can be fitted Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 8 lb.
under the barrel and attached to the oversized trigger guard. Range Increment: 80 ft. Purchase DC: 20
Variants: The QBZ is meant to serve as the basis of an entire fam- Rate of Fire: S, A Restriction: Res (+2)
ily of infantry weapons. The Type 95 has been adapted as a sniper
rifle (called Type 88) and a light machine gun. An ultracompact
carbine variant (see above) also exists. Objective Individual Combat Weapon (OICW)
Who Uses It: The Type 95 is in service with elite units of the PLA. American 5.56mm Assault Rifle/20mm Burst Weapon

Norinco Type 68 Rifle The Objective Individual Combat Weapon (OICW) is perhaps the
Chinese 7.62mm Assault Rifle most revolutionary weapon to be developed since the introduction
RIFLES
of automatic weapons a hundred years ago. It is a highly complex

and extremely expensive weapon system—the most expensive in-
fantry weapon ever designed. This will price it out of availablity for
most armies, though the U.S. plans to begin introducing it in large
numbers around 2010.
The OICW is a system built around two different weapons and
an advanced fire control system (FCS). It features an over-under
This weapon resembles the Simonov SKS in appearance, but the combination of a 5.56mm rifle and a low-velocity 20mm grenade
design is actually quite different. The SKS had been manufactured launcher. The system can be broken down, and either weapon can
in the People’s Republic of China as the Type 56. The Type 68 is an be used independently if needed.

d20 MODERN
The rifle element is rather conventional in design. The grenade optimized for use in an airburst mode (see above), when used in im-
launcher is configured as a bullpup, with the magazine behind the pact mode the weapon deals 2d6 points of damage instead of 3d6.
rifle’s action in the weapon’s stock and a barrel that runs over the The OICW burst weapon has no iron sights. Using this weapon
top of the rifle action. This differs from traditional rifle/grenade- without the fire control system imposes a –1 penalty on attack rolls.
launcher combinations, which put the grenade launcher below the
rifle barrel and is necessitated by the provision of a semiautomatic
grenade-launcher action fed by a box magazine. A single trigger
OICW (5.56mm Assault Rifle)
works both weapons as needed.
One of the most important elements of the OICW is its FCS.
This consists of an advanced digital sight, which incorporates a
laser rangefinder and a ballistic computer. The computer brings tre-
mendous accuracy to the weapon. It compensates for range, target
motion, crosswind, atmospheric conditions, and even how much the
firer’s hand is trembling, and projects a corrected aiming point into OICW (20mm Burst Shell)
the weapon’s sight. All the user has to do is align the aiming point Damage: 3d6 Range Increment: 10 ft.1
with the target and pull the trigger. Critical: — Size: Tiny
When used with the rifle, this system permits unprecedented ac- Damage Type: Slashing Weight: —
curacy. With the grenade launcher, it allows an even more incredible Burst Radius: 5 ft. Purchase DC: 18 (box of 6)
feature. The grenades can be fused to explode on impact or to airburst Reflex Save DC: 14 Restriction: Mil (+3)
at a preset engagement range calculated by the computer using the
integral rangefinder. This allows the shooter to attack targets hidden
behind cover by showering them with lethal fragments. The OICW OTs-14 Groza
76 can thus “shoot around corners,” giving a tremendous advantage in
close-in urban combat. Fusing the grenades in this manner requires the
Russian 7.62×39mm Assault Rifle
pressing of only a single button, permitting fast engagement times.

Other features of the OICW’s FCS include a video sight, which
can be used to transmit pictures to other soldiers or rear-echelon
command posts; a thermal sight, giving night-vision capability; and an
electronic compass. The entire system is designed to integrate seam-
lessly with the Army’s new digital battlefield information system.
In addition to its high cost, the OICW suffers from another
OTs-14-4A Groza
drawback. It is an extremely heavy and bulky weapon. Recent
development on the project has reduced the length of the gre-
nade launcher barrel, to help keep total weight down; however,
it is still significantly heavier than any current infantry weapon.
This, coupled with its high cost, has led to plans to initially field
the weapon in a limited manner, equipping only a couple of sol-
diers in each squad with it, while the others are armed with more
conventional firearms. OTs-14-4A-01 Groza
The OICW offers tremendous promise for the future of infantry
weapons design. This comes at a considerable cost, however, both in
weight and in money. Time will show whether it proves to be worth it.
d20 Modern Rules: Separating the rifle from the remainder of
the weapon, or reattaching it, is a full-round action. If fired sepa-
rately, the rifle imposes a –1 penalty on attack rolls.
The rifle portion of this weapon has a two-round burst setting.
When the Burst Fire feat is used with this weapon, the penalty on OTs-14 Groza 7.62
the attack roll is lessened to –2 instead of –4. Also, the weapon
fires only two bullets instead of five and can be used with only two
bullets in the weapon. However, the weapon only deals +1 die of
damage instead of +2 dice of damage. (In effect, using the Burst Fire The appearance of this new compact bullpup rifle aroused consider-
feat with this weapon results in the effect of the Double Tap feat.) able interest. The Groza is a not just an assault rifle, but a complete
This setting does not grant the ability to make burst fire attacks weapon system. Its designer, Valery Telesh, was originally interested
without the Burst Fire feat; if you use the setting without the feat, in creating a combined assault-rifle/grenade-launcher system that
you make a normal attack, and the extra two bullets are wasted. would be better balanced and integrated than the existing designs,
Because it does not have the automatic rate of fire, this weapon in which the grenade launcher was simply hung onto the rifle as an
RIFLES
cannot be used to make autofire attacks. afterthought. The resulting weapon was a compact bullpup, with an
Firing the OICW grenade launcher is a full-round action. In airburst action derived from the AK-74 and capable of being chambered in
mode, the 20mm shell explodes 3 feet over the target. Determine the the 5.45mm, 5.56mm NATO, or 7.62mm Soviet calibers.
effects of cover based upon the point at which the shell explodes, The only initial customer for the Groza was the Russian Ministry
rather than the direction from which the attack is made. of Internal Affairs (MVD), who had need of a compact weapon for
When used in impact mode, attacking with the OICW gre- use in urban fighting. They bought it chambered in the new 9×39mm
nade launcher is identical to throwing an explosive (see Thrown cartridge, which is a heavy, low-velocity round optimized for special
Explosives, page 148 of the d20 Modern Roleplaying Game). You operations use. Shortly thereafter, the Groza went into action with
make a ranged attack against a specific 5-foot square (instead of MVD troops in Chechnya. Its success there led the Russian Army to
targeting a person or creature). Because the 20mm burst weapon is adopt it in 7.62mm for their special forces.

d20 MODERN
The Groza comes shipped in a metal carrying case containing the further. The bolt has been improved, and the wooden furniture
weapon itself and a variety of accessories, including various barrels, has been replaced with composites to better withstand the tropi-
grips, a scope, and the 40mm GP-30 grenade launcher. It also includes cal climate.
a suppressor, which is particularly effective when used with the sub- Variants: There is also a shortened carbine version, similar to the
sonic 9×39mm round. Galil SAR, known as the R5. There is an ultracompact version known
The user can quickly assemble the various components into the as the R6. All versions are available in semiautomatic-only models as
configuration needed for any particular mission. This flexibility (sim- well. They are intended mainly for law enforcement use.
ilar to that offered in advanced derivatives of the M16) makes the Who Uses It: The R4 is the standard service rifle of the South
Groza particularly useful for special operations units, who regularly African armed forces.
face widely varying mission requirements. As such, it is primarily be- d20 Modern Rules: The ultracompact R6 model grants a +2
ing issued to these troops, rather than the rank-and-file, for whom circumstance bonus on Sleight of Hand checks made to conceal
an ordinary assault rifle is a more economical solution. the weapon.
Variants: There are two main variants of the OTs-14. The
Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD) version is chambered
in 9×39mm, while the military version is chambered in 7.62×39mm.
R4 (5.56mm Assault Rifle)
There are different subdesignations for the different configurations
of the weapon as well. The OTs-14-4A refers to the rifle with the
grenade launcher attached. The OTs-14-4A-01 indicates the rifle
with the grenade launcher removed. The OTs-14-4A-02 refers to
the rifle with the grenade launcher and a shortened barrel, while
the OTs-14-4A-03 refers to the rifle with the grenade launcher and
a suppressor fitted. R5 (5.56mm Assault Rifle)
Who Uses It: The Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD) has
adopted the OTs-14 in 9×39mm for its quick-reaction forces. The
Damage: 2d8
Critical: 20
Magazine: 35 box
Size: Large
77
Russian Army uses it in 7.62×39mm for its SPETSNAZ units. Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 8 lb.
d20 Modern Rules: The OTs-14-4A-01 (with no attachments) has Range Increment: 70 ft. Purchase DC: 19
a purchase DC of 20. The OTs-14-4A and OTs-14-4A-02 (with grenade Rate of Fire: S, A Restriction: Res (+2)
launcher) each have a purchase DC of 21. The OTs-14-4A-03 (with
grenade launcher and suppressor) has a purchase DC of 22.
The 40mm GP-30 grenade launcher found on the OTs-14-4A is
R6 (5.56mm Assault Rifle)
described in Chapter Eight.
The OTs-14-4A-03 is a supressed weapon. Although the weapon’s
firing is audible, determining the location of this weapon by its
sound alone requires a successful Listen check (DC 15). When fir-
ing cold-loaded ammunition, this weapon operates as if silenced;
the weapon firing.
Ruger AC-556
Range Increment: 70 ft. Purchase DC: See text
Rate of Fire: S, A Restriction: Mil (+3)
R4 The AC-556 is a souped-up version of the Mini-14 (see below),

South African 5.56mm Assault Rifle
optimized for the military or paramilitary role. The select-fire
mechanism incorporates a three-round burst setting. The furniture
is reworked to incorporate a pistol grip, folding shoulder stock, and
a heat shield over the barrel. Like the Mini-14, the AC-556 is a robust
design and will keep working even in poor conditions.
Who Uses It: The AC-556 is popular with SWAT teams, both in the U.S.
and abroad. It has been produced under license in several countries.
d20 Modern Rules: This weapon features a three-round burst
setting. When the three-round burst setting is used with the Burst
The R4 is little more than the Israeli Galil license-produced by
RIFLES
Lyttleton of South Africa. It was adopted during the 1970s, when
the antiapartheid arms embargo limited South Africa’s ability to
the ability to make burst fire attacks without the Burst Fire feat; if
purchase weapons internationally. Israel was one of the few states
you use the setting without the feat, you make a normal attack and
willing to deal with Pretoria. In addition, the reliable AK-derived
the extra two bullets are wasted.
Galil was well suited to the needs of counterinsurgency warfare in
the African bush.
The R4 incorporates numerous minor modifications to the
basic Galil design. The stock is both stronger and longer, owing
to the fact that South African troops tend to be taller than their
Israeli counterparts. Over time, the design has been refined still

d20 MODERN
Ruger Mini-14 Modifications focused on making the weapon more reliable in harsh
arctic conditions; it is somewhat more rugged overall and features an
enlarged trigger guard for use with mittens or gloves. The M95 can be
fitted with the American M203 underbarrel grenade launcher.
Variants: The M95 is available in either the 7.62×39mm Soviet
cartridge (standard Finnish issue) or the 5.56×45mm NATO round
(for export).
Who Uses It: The M95 serves alongside the M90 in Finnish
military service.
The Mini-14 adapts the highly successful gas-actuated action of
the old M1 Garand rifle to the NATO-standard 5.56mm cartridge.
Because the new round is so much lighter, the Mini-14 is much more
controllable than its famous ancestor, even in automatic mode. The
resulting design has proven to be reliable and handy and is popular
with sportsmen. It features a detachable box magazine, available in
varying sizes, and either wooden or composite furniture.
Variants: The Mini-14/20GB is a militarized version featuring a
bayonet lug and rifle grenade launcher.
SAR 21
Singapore 5.56mm Assault Rifle
Who Uses It: The Mini-14 has been adopted by numerous police
agencies throughout the U.S., especially for SWAT team use.
78 Damage: 2d8
Critical: 20
Magazine: 30 box
Size: Large
The SAR 21 is an advanced assault rifle design developed for the
Sako M90 Singapore armed forces. The action is housed in a plastic shell,
which (as with the Steyr AUG) has been shaped with ergonomics
Finnish 7.62mm Assault Rifle
in mind. All controls are ambidextrous. The SAR 21 can be easily
disassembled into five major parts for cleaning and maintenance. It
uses a special transparent plastic magazine, which allows the user
to easily check for remaining ammunition.
The SAR 21 features a built-in 1.5× optical sight, housed in the
carrying handle. There is also a laser sight housed in the forward
handgrip, which can be used to project either an infrared or visible
light dot. A 40mm grenade launcher, such as the M203, can be fitted
The M90 is a refinement of the earlier Sako series of assault rifles that
if desired, though this requires the forward handgrip to be removed
began with the M60. Though still chambered for the traditional Soviet
and the laser sight reattached.
7.62mm cartridge, it has been reworked to a high standard of quality
Variants: Several variants of the SAR 21 have been developed.
and incorporates modern materials and production techniques. It is
The SAR 21 Sharp Shooter features a standard scope. The SAR 21
fitted with a folding stock and new sights. Many experts consider the
Modular does away with the optical sight entirely, replacing it with
M90 to be one of the best of the Kalashnikov-derived weapons.
a standard accessory-mounting rail, allowing a variety of different
Variants: Like the M95, the M90 is available in either 7.62×39mm
devices to be attached. There is also a light machine gun version
or 5.56mm NATO calibers.
designed for use as a squad automatic weapon.
Who Uses It: The M90 is the current Finnish military service rifle,
Who Uses It: The SAR 21 has been adopted by the Singapore
replacing the M76 series in front-line units.
armed forces and is replacing the earlier SAR80 family. It is also
available for export sales.
d20 Modern Rules: Attaching or removing a 40mm grenade
launcher takes 1 minute and a successful Repair check (DC 5).
Sako M95 Range Increment: 80 ft. Purchase DC: 20
RIFLES

The M95 is the latest in the series Kalashnikov-derived assault

rifles from Sako. It is essentially an improved version of the M90.

d20 MODERN
SAR 80 SIG 540
Singapore 5.56mm Assault Rifle Swiss 5.56mm Assault Rifle
After manufacturing the M16 under license for a number of years, The SIG 540 does away with the complex and expensive roller-
the Singaporean manufacturer CIS decided to produce its own rifle. locked action used in earlier Swiss Industrial Company rifles.
It contracted with the British firm of Sterling Armaments for the Instead, it is a new design that was meant to be as inexpensive to
design, which went into production in 1980 after extensive trials. manufacture as possible. The SIG 540 is a highly practical weapon
The SAR 80 is a reliable and practical weapon. The furniture is built around a conventional M16-like action and making extensive
made of high-impact plastic. The stock is arranged in line with use of low-cost metal stampings in its construction. It features plas-
the barrel to transmit recoil force straight back and reduce muzzle tic furniture and a three-round burst setting. Various accessories are
climb during firing. The receiver hinges downward, and the whole available, such as bipods and optical sights.
weapon opens up to ease cleaning and maintenance in the field. It Variants: There is a folding-stock version called the SIG 543. A
accepts standard M16 magazines. A version with folding stock was version chambered for the more powerful 7.62mm NATO cartridge,
also produced. known as the SIG 542, was also developed; however, by the time it
Who Uses It: The Singapore armed forces adopted the SAR 80 appeared, interest in this older cartridge had faded, and it was never
as the standard service rifle. put into mass production.
Who Uses It: The SIG 540 was produced in Switzerland and 79
Damage: 2d8 Magazine: 30 box widely exported. It was adopted by armies throughout the Middle
Critical: 20 Size: Large East, Africa, and South America. It was also built under license in
Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 9 lb. France by Manurhin and served in the French Army for several years
Range Increment: 80 ft. Purchase DC: 17 as a stopgap prior to the introduction of the FA-MAS.
Rate of Fire: S, A Restriction: Res (+2) d20 Modern Rules: This weapon may be modified to add a
three-round burst setting. The modification requires a successful
Repair check (DC 15) and 1 hour.
SG510 Series When the three-round burst version is used with the Burst Fire
Swiss 7.62mm Assault Rifle feat, it fires only three bullets instead of five and can be used with
SIG 540 and SIG 543 (5.56mm Assault Rifle)

The SG510 is a progressive development of the earlier Stgw57. The
SG510 is chambered for the 7.62mm NATO cartridge and is an im-
provement on the Stgw57 in a number of minor ways to produce a
lighter and more reliable weapon. As designed, it was intended for
export; however, though of excellent quality, the SG510 is expensive,
and by the time it appeared, most nations had already adopted new
service rifles. Thus, it found only limited success. SIG 542 (7.62mm Assault Rifle)
Variants: The SG510 went through a series of improvements Damage: 2d10 Magazine: 30 box
before the final design, called the SG510-4, was developed. Earlier Critical: 20 Size: Large
models tended to be somewhat heavier and looked more like the Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 10 lb.
earlier Stgw57. There was also an export model chambered in the Range Increment: 90 ft. Purchase DC: 19
Soviet 7.62mm cartridge called the SG510-3; this failed to attract Rate of Fire: S, A Restriction: Res (+2)
commercial success and was never put into production.
Who Used It: The SG510-4 was adopted by the Swiss armed
forces. It was exported to a few African countries, as well as Chile SIG 550
and Bolivia. Swiss 5.56mm Assault Rifle
RIFLES

The SIG 550 is a progressive development of the SIG 540 series of

rifles, designed for a Swiss Army requirement for a 5.56mm weapon
to replace their older Stgw57s and SIG 510s. It incorporates a number
of minor improvements to the SIG 540, mainly intended to reduce

d20 MODERN
the weapon’s weight. Many components are made of composites The SKS was produced in huge numbers following World War II,
rather than metal. It uses a new plastic magazine. The magazine is both in the Soviet Union and its client states, only to be replaced
transparent so that remaining ammunition can be readily checked, shortly thereafter by the AK-47 (which rendered the SKS obsolete
and the weapon features integral clips allowing multiple magazines almost immediately). It was then widely exported to guerrilla move-
to be snapped together for faster reloading. A bipod, folding stock, ments worldwide. It remains in production to this day and has even
and integral scope mount are also standard. gained popularity in the U.S. as an inexpensive sporting rifle.
Variants: The SIG 551 SWAT is the carbine version of the SIG Variants: A great many variant models of the SKS have been
550, with a shortened barrel. There is also the ultracompact SIG 552 produced. Most incorporate only minor modifications, such as a dif-
Commando. Semiautomatic-only versions of both the 550 and 551 ferent bayonet or replacing the wooden stock with a more modern
are available for police or civilian use. plastic one. The fact that it has been produced in dozens of coun-
Who Uses It: The SIG 550 is the current service rifle in the Swiss tries has led to numerous local modifications to the basic design.
armed forces, where it carries the military designation Sturmgewehr Who Uses It: The SKS was the standard service rifle of the Red
90. Both the 550 and the 551 are used by several European police Army until it was replaced by the AK-47. It also served in virtually
agencies and counterterrorist teams as well. every Communist nation and in the hands of Soviet-backed guer-
d20 Modern Rules: This weapon features a three-round burst rilla groups as well (seeing extensive service during the fighting
setting. When the three-round burst version is used with the Burst in Vietnam, for example). Because it was produced in such large
Fire feat, it fires only three bullets instead of five and can be used numbers, millions of SKS’s are still around to this day, in service in
with only three bullets in the weapon. This setting does not grant second-rate military units or with developing countries.
the ability to make burst fire attacks without the Burst Fire feat; d20 Modern Rules: This weapon has a fixed bayonet (see page 108
if you use the setting without the feat, you make a normal attack of the d20 Modern Roleplaying Game for bayonet statistics).
and the extra two bullets are wasted. Because it does not have
the automatic rate of fire, this weapon cannot be used to make Damage: 2d8 Magazine: 10 box
80 autofire attacks.
The purchase DCs of the semiautomatic-only versions of the 550
Critical: 20
Size: Large
Weight: 9 lb.
and 551 should be reduced by 1. Range Increment: 70 ft. Purchase DC: 17
SIG 550 (5.56mm Assault Rifle)
Damage: 2d8
Critical: 20
Magazine: 30 box
Size: Large
SR88
Singapore 5.56mm Assault Rifle
SIG 551 SWAT (5.56mm Assault Rifle)

Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 9 lb. The SR88 emerged in the early 1990s as an improved version of the
Range Increment: 70 ft. Purchase DC: 19 earlier SAR80. The mechanism is essentially unchanged, but there are
Rate of Fire: S, A Restriction: Res (+2) several external modifications intended to make the weapon easier to
use. A three-round burst setting is available instead of the automatic
setting, if desired. The action has been chrome-lined to improve reli-
SIG 552 Commando (5.56mm Assault Rifle) ability. The distinctive open stock is adjustable for length to suit each
individual. The barrel is designed to be quickly changed in the field,
and the forward grip can accept an M203 grenade launcher. The upper
receiver is designed to serve as a scope mount, if necessary.
Variants: A short-barreled carbine version is available; it has a
range increment of 70 feet but otherwise has statistics identical
to the SR88. There is also an improved version called the SR88A,
Simonov SKS which features reworked plastic furniture and numerous other
minor improvements.
Russian 7.62×39mm Semiautomatic Rifle
d20 Modern Rules: This weapon may be purchased with a three-
round burst setting instead of the automatic rate of fire. When the
three-round burst version is used with the Burst Fire feat, it fires only
three bullets instead of five and can be used with only three bullets
in the weapon. This setting does not grant the ability to make burst
RIFLES
fire attacks without the Burst Fire feat; if you use the setting without
the feat, you make a normal attack and the extra two bullets are
wasted. The three-round burst version has no automatic rate of fire
The Siminov SKS was the first weapon designed to fire the Soviet
and cannot be used to make autofire attacks.
7.62×39mm round developed during World War II. The action is a
straightforward semiautomatic design and is housed in a conven-
tional wooden rifle stock. The SKS has a 10-round detachable box
magazine, but it also accepts stripper clips loaded from the top of
the weapon. One distinctive feature is the bayonet, which is per-
manently attached to the front of the weapon with a hinge. It can
be folded back out of the way when not in use.

d20 MODERN
Steyr AUG 5.56mm round, using an action similar to that of the AR-15. It is
somewhat heavier than most assault rifles because the action also
Austrian 5.56mm Assault Rifle
forms the basis of a machine gun. The M63A1 variant was developed
as a result of extensive testing by the U.S. Marine Corps and makes
numerous improvements to create a more rugged weapon overall.
Variants: A modernized version called the M96 has statistics
identical to the earlier M63.
Who Used It: Though its modular concept is innovative, the M63
failed to catch on. It was never formally adopted by any army and
never produced in quantity, though a small number were used by
U.S. Navy SEALs in Vietnam.
The Steyr AUG, an advanced bullpup assault rifle design, makes exten-
sive use of composite materials and is modular in construction. The
entire weapon disassembles into a number of subcomponents quickly
and without tools, which greatly facilitates cleaning and maintenance
in the field. The bolt can be changed to eject the spent cases out
either side, to suit either right- or left-handed users as needed.
An optical sight is housed in a mount built into the receiver. The
plastic magazine is transparent, allowing the shooter to easily check
remaining ammunition. The AUG is capable of both semiautomatic
and automatic modes. Pressing the trigger back partway will fire
Tantal wz/88
Polish 5.45mm Assault Rifle
a single semiautomatic shot; squeezing it down fully will release
automatic shots. The shooter can thus easily control the type of
fire without having to throw a selector lever. A semiautomatic-only 81
mechanism can also be fitted for civilian or police use.
Variants: The AUG’s modular construction makes variant design
easy. By replacing the bolt and barrel assembly, the weapon can
easily be modified into a compact submachine gun, a heavy sniper
rifle, or a light machine gun. A version that replaces the built-in sight
The Tantal is essentially a Polish-produced version of the Russian
with a NATO-standard scope rail exists, allowing a variety of optical
AK-74S. The design has been modernized in a number of ways. The
devices to be fitted instead.
Tantal features furniture made from high-impact plastic and a fold-
Who Uses It: The AUG has been adopted as the standard military
ing stock. The weapon has a three-round burst setting in addition
rifle by a number of countries, including Australia, Austria, Indonesia,
to semiautomatic and automatic settings. The muzzle has a special
Ireland, Morocco, New Zealand, Oman, and Saudi Arabia. It is also
brake that fires rifle grenades. Alternatively, the Pallad 40mm gre-
used by the Falkland Island Defense Force in the South Atlantic.
nade launcher can be fitted under the barrel.
d20 Modern Rules: This weapon may be modified to have a
Variants: A compact version known as the wz/89 Onyx is 1
pound lighter than the Tantal and has a purchase DC of 20; its rear
sight can be used as a mount for a variety of scopes.
Who Uses It: The Tantal and Onyx are in service with the Polish
Repair check (DC 10) and 1 minute. It can be returned to its original
armed forces.
state with another Repair check (DC 10) and 1 more minute.
setting. When the three-round burst version is used with the Burst
with only three bullets in the weapon. This setting does not grant the
extra two bullets are wasted. Because it does not have the automatic
rate of fire, this weapon cannot be used to make autofire attacks.
Stoner M63A1
RIFLES

TAR-21 Tavor Series
Israeli 5.56mm Assault Rifle
The TAR-21 Tavor is an advanced assault rifle design from IMI. It was
meant to replace the current generation of service rifles. Like most
modern weapons, it was designed with human factors in mind. The
body and frame are made from plastic components. The controls
and grips are arranged to be as ergonomically efficient as possible.
Field maintenance is simple—stripping the weapon down for clean-
The Stoner M63 weapon system was designed around a number of
ing requires removing only two parts. Instead of iron sights, the
different modules, which could be assembled together to create
Tavor features a red-dot reflex sight and laser target designator. It
different weapons as needed. As an assault rifle, the M63 fired the

d20 MODERN
accepts the standard M16 rifle magazine and the M203 underbarrel
grenade launcher.
Type 86 Assault Rifle
Taiwanese 5.56mm Assault Rifle
CTAR-21: The CTAR-21 is a compact commando variant of the
Tavor series. It features a shortened barrel that can be fitted with a
suppressor. The rest of the design remains unchanged.
Micro Tavor: The Micro Tavor is an ultracompact version that
is intended for close-quarters fighting, where a submachine gun
would ordinarily be used. Originally known as the MTAR-21, the
Micro Tavor has been radically reworked. While it is built around the
Tavor action, the stock is dramatically shortened and an ultrashort
barrel is fitted. The whole-hand trigger guard is replaced by a more
The Type 86 (or T86) is an improved and shortened version of an ear-
conventional pistol grip.
lier model, the Type 65. Due to its prominent carrying handle, the T86
By replacing a few internal components and the barrel, the Micro
is similar to the M16 in appearance. The internal action, however, bor-
Tavor can be adapted to fire 9mm pistol cartridges instead. In this
rows some elements from the simpler AR18 design (notably the bolt
role, it uses standard Uzi magazines.
and gas pistons). The operating mechanism can be broken down into a
Who Uses It: The Tavor has not yet gone into widespread pro-
series of modular parts for maintenance or replacement as needed. It
duction and remains in trials with the Israeli Defense Forces.
features a three-round burst capability and a folding stock. A bracket
d20 Modern Rules: The Micro Tavor grants a +2 circumstance
on the front of the weapon can be used to mount accessories, such as
a laser sight or an illuminator. An optical sight is fitted as standard.
Who Uses It: The T86 is the standard service weapon of the
Taiwanese armed forces.
82 d20 Modern Rules: This weapon features a three-round burst

TAR-21 Tavor Fire feat, it fires only three bullets instead of five and can be used
with only three bullets in the weapon. This setting does not grant the
extra two bullets are wasted. Because it does not have the automatic
rate of fire, this weapon cannot be used to make autofire attacks.

CTAR-21 Tavor Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 7 lb.
Valmet M76
Micro Tavor
TAR-21 Tavor (5.56mm Assault Rifle)

Damage: 2d8 Magazine: 30 box Over the past several decades, the Finnish arms maker Sako has pro-
Critical: 20 Size: Large duced a series of assault rifles derived from the Soviet Kalashnikov
Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 8 lb. design. The M76 is a refinement of the M60, an earlier Sako design.
Range Increment: 80 ft. Purchase DC: 21 In many ways, the newer M76 is linked even more closely to its
Rate of Fire: S, A Restriction: Res (+2) Kalashnikov forebears. It has been produced in a number of vari-
ants, featuring a number of different stocks made out of metal,
wood, and plastic.
CTAR-21 Tavor (5.56mm Assault Rifle) Variants: The M76 is available in either 7.62×39 or 5.56×45mm.
The M78 is a long-barreled variant of the M76 rifle fitted with a
RIFLES
bipod. Originally meant as a light machine gun, it was reworked to

fire standard box magazines.
Who Uses It: The M76 has been adopted by the Finnish armed
forces. The 5.56mm export version has been adopted by the armed
forces of Indonesia and Qatar.
MTAR Micro Tavor (5.56mm Assault Rifle)
Rate of Fire: S, A Restriction: Res (+2) Rate of Fire: S, A Restriction: Res (+2)

d20 MODERN
Valmet M82 Vikhr SR-3
Finish 5.56mm Assault Rifle Russian 9×39mm Assault Carbine
M82 was an advanced derivative of the earlier M76 series of rifles. The MA Vikhr, or “whirlwind,” is a compact assault rifle chambered
Chambered in 5.56mm NATO, it used the action of the M76, incor- to fire the 9×39mm cartridge. Intended for use by units that need
porating as many of its parts as possible. It rearranged the action a compact but powerful weapon for close-quarters fighting,
into a bullpup configuration, however, resulting in a shorter overall the weapon is built around a shortened version of the familiar
design. Though tested by a number of users, the M82 failed to win Kalashnikov action and features a folding stock. The magazine is
adoption, and it never went into production. transparent so remaining ammunition can be readily checked.
Variant: The AS Val (see above) is a suppressed variant of the
Damage: 2d8 Magazine: 30 box Vikhr SR-3.
Critical: 20 Size: Large Who Uses It: The Vikhr is in service with the Russian Ministry of
Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 9 lb. Internal Affairs (MVD).
Range Increment: 70 ft. Purchase DC: 18 d20 Modern Rules: See the 9×39mm Ammunition sidebar for
Rate of Fire: S, A Restriction: Res (+2) more information on the weapon’s cartridge.
With its stock folded, the Vikhr SR-3 grants a +2 circumstance 83
Vektor CR 21
South African 5.56mm Assault Rifle Damage: 2d8 Magazine: 20 box
Z-M LR 300
The CR21 is an advanced assault rifle design from South Africa. It is American 5.56mm Assault Rifle
housed in an ergonomically designed plastic shell and arranged in
a bullpup configuration. The weapon’s center of gravity is located
directly above the pistol grip, facilitating one-hand use if neces-
sary. All controls are ambidextrous. It features a special reflex sight
housed on top of the weapon; this can be replaced with a standard
accessory rail if needed. The CR 21 uses plastic magazines, and the
barrel is rifled to work with either the U.S. or European version of
the 5.56mm NATO round. The Z-M LR 300 is an advanced derivative of the M16. Though it
Who Uses It: The CR 21 has been adopted by the South African uses the standard M16 lower receiver, it replaces the upper receiver
armed forces and will soon replace the older R4. The carbine is being and gas system with a new design. This system is not only more
evaluated by the South African National Police as well. compact, but it vents the gases out of the action to prevent fouling.
d20 Modern Rules: This weapon can be fired one-handed, but the Reliability is improved, and maintenance requirements are dramati-
shooter takes a –1 penalty on all attack rolls made with the weapon. cally reduced. Operation and controls remain the same as for the
M16, making familiarization and training easy.
Damage: 2d8 Magazine: 35 box The LR 300 is a practical and handy weapon. Most are configured
Critical: 20 Size: Large for close-quarters fighting, with short barrels and folding stocks.
Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 8 lb. The upper receiver permits a variety of optical sights to be attached.
Range Increment: 60 ft. Purchase DC: 21 Iron sights are also fitted as a backup.
Rate of Fire: S, A Restriction: Res (+2) d20 Modern Rules: This weapon features a three-round burst
RIFLES
you use the setting without the feat, you make a normal attack and
the extra two bullets are wasted.


Chapter Three
SNIPER RIFLES
Sniper rifles are highly specialized weapons. Though they share some com-
mon features with both military weapons and specialized target rifles, sniper
rifles must be as accurate as possible, especially at long range; therefore, they
incorporate many of the precision-target rifle features. They must also be
rugged enough to function reliably under adverse conditions in the field, so
they are generally built to demanding specifications.
Sniper rifles vary considerably in design and performance, but most
share some common attributes that are meant to
improve accuracy. They tend to have long, heavy
barrels and often use bipods for greater stability.
Most are equipped with an optical telescopic sight
to assist long-range shooting. Iron sights, if present, are meant for use
only as backups if something happens to the scope; in many
cases, iron sights are not fitted at all.
Many sniper rifles also have specialized stocks. At the mini-
mum, most stocks have a cheek rest; some have stocks that are
fully adjustable for length and height as well. These adjustments
allow the shooter to precisely configure the stock to suit his
or her grip, which in turn allows a consistent sight
picture when using the weapon.
Most sniping weapons fall into two broad
categories: accurized versions of regular military or
sporting rifles and purpose-designed sniper rifles.
Accurized versions of regular military or sporting
rifles often fire standard-caliber ammunition (though
precision match-grade rounds may be used to improve
accuracy); some are rechambered to fire heavier rounds.
Most will incorporate some or all of the common sniper
rifle features outlined above—heavy barrels, optical
scopes, and bipods. Some are built on a standard mili-
tary rifle action, while others are constructed to a more
exacting standard to ensure the best possible performance.
Examples of this type of sniping weapon include the
American M21 (derived from the M14 rifle) and the
Yugoslavian M76 (derived from the AK-47).
Purpose-designed sniper rifles are designed from the outset for
long-range precision shooting. They often incorporate advanced
design and manufacturing techniques to make them as accurate as
possible. Most purpose-designed rifles feature highly sophisti-
cated optics, fully adjustable stocks, and bolt actions.
Conventional wisdom has long said that bolt-action weap-
ons are more accurate than semiautomatics. This line of thinking
has changed somewhat in recent years, as some recent semiauto-

d20 MODERN
matic designs have begun to rival bolt-action guns for long-range Proficiency: One must have the Personal Firearms Proficiency feat
accuracy. Old ideas die hard, however, and the bolt-action rifle will to fire a sniper rifle without taking a –4 penalty on the attack roll.
probably continue to be the action of choice for many years to For sniper rifles with an automatic rate of fire, one must have the
come. Examples of this type of weapon include the Swiss SIG-Sauer Advanced Firearms Proficiency feat to fire on automatic without
SSG 3000 and the British Accuracy International Model AW. taking a –4 penalty on the attack roll.
Sniper rifles are seldom designed or considered in isolation. Adjustable Fittings: Some sniper rifles are equipped with
Trained snipers regard the rifle as just one element in a complete adjustable fittings. Adjustable fittings make the weapon more com-
weapon system that includes optics and ammunition. In addition to fortable and natural-feeling to the firer, improving aim. The firer
seeking the most advanced and accurate rifles, snipers pay consid- does not have to take advantage of adjustable fittings; the weapon
erable attention to optics. Sniper sights often cost more than the functions normally even if the adjustable fittings are not used.
rifle they are mounted on (even considering how sophisticated and To gain the benefit of adjustable fittings, a user must first make
expensive custom sniper rifles can be). Without the best in optics, a an initial adjustment. Doing so requires 10 minutes. The adjustment
sniper rifle would be unable to live up to its full potential. benefits only that individual; if another character wishes to gain
In addition to sights, ammunition plays a key role in sniper accura- the benefit of the adjustable fittings, he must make his own initial
cy. Ordinary military cartridges are adequate for use in assault rifles, adjustment (thereby negating the original user’s initial adjustment).
but precision shooting demands high-quality ammunition produced Adjusted fittings increase the bonus on attack rolls from the
to exacting specifications. Most sniper ammunition is hand loaded Dead Aim feat by +1. A character without the Dead Aim feat gains
with precisely measured quantities of propellant. Snipers constantly no benefit from adjustable fittings.
experiment with different loads, seeking to eke out every possible Bipods: Many sniper rifles come equipped with bipods (see
bit of accuracy from their weapon systems. In circumstances that Bipods in the introduction for game rules).
prohibit using custom hand-loaded bullets, snipers will still favor Burst Fire: Some sniper rtifles have three-round burst settings
more carefully produced factory match-grade ammunition. even if they do not have an automatic rate of fire. These weapons
While the term “sniper” is broadly applied to virtually any rifle-
equipped sharpshooter, it actually has a very specific meaning.
can be used with the Burst Fire feat. They cannot be used to make
autofire attacks or to gain any other benefit of the automatic rate of
85
“Sniper” refers to a trained shooter equipped with a rifle who is at fire. They do not grant the ability to make burst fire attacks without
the absolute pinnacle of marksmanship skill. He or she must be able the Burst Fire feat; if you use the setting without the feat, you make
to effectively engage human-sized targets well outside the range of a normal attack, and the extra bullets are wasted.
normal military rifles, up to 800 meters or beyond. Furthermore, to Chambered Rounds: Any sniper rifle with a box magazine can
operate as effectively as possible, true snipers must be extensively carry an extra cartridge in the chamber. To put a cartridge in the
trained in sniper tactics. chamber, the weapon is loaded as normal. (Chambering a round is
Less well-trained shooters are more correctly termed “marks- part of the normal loading process.) Then, the magazine is removed,
men.” These shooters are trained and equipped to engage enemy an extra bullet is added (to replace the one that was chambered),
targets with accurate aimed fire, but only out to the range of normal and the magazine is reinserted. This process takes an extra full round
military rifles—generally, within about 300 meters. Most of today’s beyond the time normally required to load the weapon.
snipers are actually marksmen, particularly in the former Soviet Changing Scopes: A scope can be attached to a weapon that
states and their clients. Throughout the Cold War, while Western is equipped with a scope mount. If a weapon comes with a scope
snipers trained for long-range shooting, Soviet doctrine emphasized mount, that fact is noted in the weapon’s description. Adding a
short-engagement ranges. Their weapons, such as the Dragunov scope mount to a weapon that doesn’t have one takes 1 hour and
SVD, were designed accordingly. a successful Repair check (DC 15). A scope mount has a purchase
Shooting experts generally recognize two types of sniping DC of 10.
doctrine: military and police. Though both doctrines demand the When a scope is attached to a weapon for the first time, it must
SNIPER RIFLES
ultimate in rifle accuracy, their tactical needs vary considerably. be zeroed or it will not function accurately. Zeroing is the process
Military snipers must operate in the field for extended periods. by which the scope is precisely aligned with the aim of the weapon.
They must perform reconnaissance and force-protection roles in Zeroing takes 15 minutes and requires the firing of 10 bullets. The
addition to engaging high-value targets. They must also be masters weapon must be fired to be zeroed.
of operational fieldcraft, able to move undetected through remote Once the scope is zeroed, it can be removed and reattached later
areas and track prey when necessary. to the same weapon without zeroing it again. If it is attached to a
Police snipers serve a different role than military snipers, dictated different weapon (even a different weapon of the same model), it
by the different requirements of their missions. Most police snipers must be zeroed to that weapon, rendering it no longer zeroed to
are part of organized SWAT teams that respond to special situations the original weapon.
requiring an armed response. Police sniper engagement ranges tend Unless otherwise noted in a weapon’s description, attaching or
to be much shorter than their military counterparts, since they are removing a scope is a full-round action.
often able to get much closer to the situation requiring intervention. Folding Stocks: A few sniper rifles feature folding stocks. (Some
In addition to being skilled shooters, police snipers serve a valuable weapons have collapsible stocks; for game purposes, these are the
information-gathering role. Using their advanced optics and seeking same as folding stocks.) In many cases, folding a weapon’s stock
out the best possible positions to observe the situation, they serve as grants a +2 bonus on Sleight of Hand checks made to conceal the
the eyes of the SWAT team throughout a crisis. Police snipers report weapon (see the individual weapon descriptions).
on activities of the suspects and developing circumstances. If neces- Using a Large or larger weapon with the stock folded imposes a
sary, they must be able to take out any threatening individuals without –1 penalty on all attack rolls. Folding or unfolding a folding stock is a
endangering other officers, hostages, or innocent bystanders. move action. If you have a base attack bonus of +1 or higher, you can
fold or unfold a folding stock as a free action when moving.
Iron Sights: Some sniper rifles lack iron sights because they are
d20 MODERN RULES designed to be used with scopes. A firearm without iron sights im-
poses a –1 penalty on attack rolls unless used with a scope.
Unless otherwise noted, every sniper rifle in this chapter includes
Roleplaying Game and apply to the firearms described in
iron sights.
this chapter.

d20 MODERN
Loading Large Magazines: According to the d20 Modern
Roleplaying Game (see Reloading Firearms, page 97), refilling a box
Model PR (7.62mm Sniper Rifle)
magazine is a full-round action. Actually, as a full-round action you
can refill up to 20 rounds of ammunition in a box magazine. Larger
box magazines take more time to fill. For example, a 30-round box
magazine takes 2 full rounds to fill, while a 42-round box magazine
takes 3 full rounds to fill. You do not have to fill a box magazine to
its full capacity; if you can only spare 1 full round, you can choose
to partially fill a larger magazine. Model PR (5.56mm Sniper Rifle)
Optical Sights: Some sniper rifles feature optical sights. Unless Damage: 2d8 Magazine: 30 box
otherwise noted, optical sights function identically to standard sights. Critical: 20 Size: Large
SNIPER RIFLE DESCRIPTIONS
The sniper rifles in this chapter are presented alphabetically.
Arms Tech Super Match Interdiction

Armalon Model BGR American .300 Winchester Magnum Semiautomatic Sniper Rifle
British 7.62mm Bolt-Action Sniper Rifle
86
The Arms Tech Super Match Interdiction is an advanced semiautomatic
design, intended to provide the same degree of accuracy as a bolt-ac-
This high-quality, if rather conventional, bolt-action sniper
tion rifle while also allowing for rapid follow-up shots or engagement
rifle is assembled from components supplied by a number of
of multiple targets. It is also meant to accurately engage targets beyond
manufacturers and is generally put together to customer speci-
the range of the more common 7.62mm NATO rifles and, to this end, is
fications. A number of options are available to meet the end
chambered for the powerful .300 Winchester Magnum cartridge.
user’s needs. The stock can be made from wood or composite
The action features a heavy barrel, threaded to accept a sup-
materials.
pressor. It has also been strengthened and the charging handle
Variants: The standard weapon is chambered in 7.62mm NATO,
lengthened, making it easier to operate while wearing heavy gloves
but other calibers are available as well, including .300 Winchester
in cold weather. A new magazine catch, similar to that on the Russian
Magnum (which has statistics identical to the 7.62mm version).
Kalashnikov, is also fitted. The stock is a custom composite design
commonly given a camouflaged finish. The scope mount is a custom
design patented by Arms Tech, which permits the user to quickly
remove and reattach the scope without having to rezero the rifle.
Who Uses It: The Super Match Interdiction is a highly sophisti-
cated and specialized design, which prices it out of range for most
SNIPER RIFLES
law enforcement agencies. As a result, it is rare. Enigmatically, it

is reported to be in service with “unspecified special operations
Armalon Model PR forces.” This probably includes the U.S. Army’s DELTA Force.
d20 Modern Rules: This weapon’s custom scope mount enables
the user to remove or attach the scope as a move action instead of
a full-round action.

The PR is essentially a derivative of the Remington Model 700
action modified to accept high-capacity magazines. Up to 30
rounds can be loaded—a remarkably high number for a bolt-ac-
tion weapon.
Arnold Arms Mark II Neutralizer
American 7.62mm Bolt-Action Sniper Rifle
The trigger assembly and magazine well are machined from a
single block of high-grade aluminum alloy. The stock is modified to
attach to this assembly.
Variants: The PR is available in either 5.56mm or 7.62mm NATO
cartridges. The former uses M16 standard magazines, while the lat-
ter accepts M14 magazines. Options include various stocks, grips,
bipods, and scope mounts.
The American gunmaker Arnold Arms produces high-quality cus-
tom target and sniper rifles. Initially, it produced a series known

d20 MODERN
as the Mark I, using Winchester and Remington actions. The more The AWS is a suppressed weapon. Although the weapon’s
modern Mark II series is built around a new custom bolt action firing is audible, determining the location of this weapon by its
designed by Arnold, called the Apollo. The operating parts are ma- sound alone requires a successful Listen check (DC 15). When fir-
chined to the strictest tolerances from advanced alloys. Though ing cold-loaded ammunition, this weapon operates as if silenced;
extremely expensive, this process ensures a significant improve- a successful Listen check (DC 20) is required to notice the sound
ment in accuracy over commercial-rifle actions. A composite stock of the weapon firing.
is fitted and is available in a variety of camouflage finishes. This weapon has adjustable fittings. It does not have iron sights.
Variants: The Apollo action is available in short, long, or mag-
num lengths, allowing the Mark II to be built for virtually any rifle
cartridge. Common chamberings include 5.56mm NATO, 7.62mm
AW and AWP (7.62mm Sniper Rifle)
NATO, and .300 Winchester Magnum.
Who Uses It: The Mark II is in use with various law enforcement
agencies throughout the U.S. It has been exported to Israel for use
by special operations forces.
grants a +1 bonus on attack rolls. AWS (.308 Sub Sniper Rifle)
Mark II Neutralizer (7.62mm Sniper Rifle) Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 15 lb.
Weight: 11 lb.
Purchase DC: 23 87
AW Covert
British 7.62mm Suppressed Bolt-Action Sniper Rifle
Mark II Neutralizer (5.56mm Sniper Rifle)
This is a special take-down variant of the Accuracy International AW

Mark II Neutralizer (.300 Sniper Rifle) sniper rifle designed for clandestine operations. It incorporates a
folding stock and a built-in sound suppressor. With the stock folded
and the suppressor removed, the weapon fits into a special carrying
case. This is designed to look like an ordinary suitcase, which allows
the entire system to be discreetly transported.
d20 Modern Rules: Due to its high quality of manufacture, this
weapon is always considered a mastercraft +2 weapon. As such, it
SNIPER RIFLES
AW grants a +2 bonus on attack rolls.
This is a suppressed weapon. Although the weapon’s firing is
audible, determining the location of the weapon by its sound
alone requires a successful Listen check (DC 15). When firing
cold-loaded ammunition, this weapon operates as if silenced; a
successful Listen check (DC 20) is required to notice the sound
of the weapon firing.
This weapon has adjustable fittings and no iron sights. The
weapon has a scope mount and comes with a standard scope;
using the weapon without a scope imposes a –1 penalty on at-
Originally developed for a Swedish Army requirement, the AW (Arctic
tack rolls.
Warfare) is a more modern “second generation” weapon derived from
This weapon can be disassembled for convenient transport.
the PM sniper rifle. While the basic arrangement is the same, the entire
Disassembling or assembling the weapon takes 2 full rounds.
weapon was redesigned piece by piece to improve strength, opera-
tion, and reliability throughout. The bolt is specially modified to work
in extremely cold temperatures and is rated down to –40° F.
Variants: A version optimized for law enforcement is known as
the AWP (Arctic Warfare Police). It has a slightly shorter barrel and
a stock colored in black instead of green. A special version with
an integral suppressed barrel, the AWS, is designed for use with
subsonic ammunition.
Who Uses It: The AW is in use with armed forces in Italy, Latvia,
the Netherlands, and Sweden (as the PSG 90).
d20 Modern Rules: Due to its high quality of manufacture, this

d20 MODERN
AWM Super Magnum Barrett M98
British .338 Lapua Magnum Bolt-Action Sniper Rifle American .338 Lapua Magnum Semiautomatic Sniper Rifle
This is a variant of the PM sniper rifle redesigned to fire the heavy Barrett is well known as a manufacturer of .50 caliber antimateriel
.338 Lapua Magnum cartridge, which is far more powerful than the rifles, a field it pioneered with the M82. The M98 is a more conven-
standard 7.62mm NATO round fired by the PM. The heavy muzzle tional sniper rifle, albeit one chambered in the .338 Lapua Magnum
brake compensates for the increased recoil, and the weapon uses a cartridge—one of the most powerful rifle cartridges in use. The
scope calibrated for use with the heavy ammunition. M98 is intended for use by military or police users for tactical
Variants: The AWM is available in a number of other calibers, shooting, bridging the gap in capability between 7.62mm rifles and
including .300 Winchester Magnum. It is also available with an high-powered AMRs.
optional folding stock. The mechanism of the M98 is a gas-powered semiautomatic ac-
Who Uses It: The AWM has been adopted by the British armed tion. The receiver is large and heavy (to accommodate the powerful
forces. It has been exported for military use to Germany (as the G22) cartridge), while the rest of the weapon is designed to be as light
and the Netherlands as well. as possible to offset this. Even so, it is a big, heavy rifle. Recoil is
d20 Modern Rules: Due to its high quality of manufacture, this compensated by the gas system that drives the action and a large,
88 weapon is always considered a mastercraft +2 weapon. As such, it

powerful muzzle brake.
d20 Modern Rules: This weapon has no iron sights, but has a
This weapon has adjustable fittings and no iron sights. The scope mount.
weapon has a scope mount and comes with a standard scope; using
the weapon without a scope imposes a –1 penalty on attack rolls. Damage: 2d10 Magazine: 10 box
AWM (.338 Sniper Rifle) Range Increment: 110 ft. Purchase DC: 22
Purchase DC: 22
Beretta Sniper
Italian 7.62mm Bolt-Action Sniper Rifle
AWM (.300 Sniper Rifle)

SNIPER RIFLES
This rifle is derived from the Beretta 500 series sporting rifles. It
uses the familiar Mauser action chambered in 7.62mm NATO, with
AWT M70M a heavy barrel and a distinctive adjustable wooden thumbhole
Greek 7.62mm Bolt-Action Sniper Rifle stock. The forestock contains a special harmonic balancer that is
designed to dampen the barrel’s vibration when fired. It normally
comes with a Zeiss zoom scope, though the standard scope mount
can be used with other optics if desired. There are also iron sights
as a backup. The Beretta Sniper is an older design that is now no
longer in production.
Who Uses It: The Beretta Sniper is used by the Italian armed
forces.
The M70M is a sniper rifle from the Greek firm known as Advanced d20 Modern Rules: Due to its high quality of manufacture,
Weapons Technologies. It is built around the Mauser bolt action and this weapon is always considered a mastercraft weapon. As such, it
chambered to fire the 7.62mm NATO cartridge. The stock features grants a +1 bonus on attack rolls.
an adjustable cheekpiece; a telescopic sight and folding bipod are This weapon has adjustable fittings, a scope mount, and a stan-
fitted as standard. dard scope. Using this weapon without a scope imposes a –1 penalty
on attack rolls.
Critical: 20 Size: Large Damage: 2d10 Magazine: 5 box
Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 14 lb. Critical: 20 Size: Large
Rate of Fire: Single Restriction: Lic (+1) Range Increment: 100 ft. Purchase DC: 20

d20 MODERN
Blaser R-93 Tactical De Lisle Mark 4
German 7.62mm Bolt-Action Sniper Rifle British 7.62mm Suppressed Bolt-Action Sniper Rifle
The German gunmaker Blaser is best known for producing high- The De Lisle Mark 4 is a sophisticated bolt-action sniper rifle made
quality sporting rifles, especially ornately engraved hunting by Law Enforcement International. It is essentially a Remington 700
weapons. The R-93 is a bolt-action target rifle, and the Tactical is a action mated to a heavy barrel with a built-in suppressor. The sup-
variant model optimized for military or police sniping. It is produced pressor, made from stainless steel to prolong its life, is an advanced
to order in small quantities and is an extremely sophisticated and design. It can be detached without tools (as a full-round action)
accurate weapon. if desired. A standard scope mount is fitted, allowing a variety of
The barrel can be quickly changed, which permits rapid changes scopes to be used. The weapon has no iron sights.
of caliber as well. A special nitrogen coating is applied to all metal Who Uses It: The De Lisle Mark 4 is widely known as one of the
parts to help stave off corrosion from firing gases. The synthetic best suppressed sniper rifles on the market, which has led to its
stock is fully adjustable. adoption by a number of military and police forces worldwide.
d20 Modern Rules: Due to its high quality of manufacture, d20 Modern Rules: This is a suppressed weapon. Although the
this weapon is always considered a mastercraft weapon. As such, it weapon’s firing is audible, determining the location of the weapon
grants a +1 bonus on attack rolls. by its sound alone requires a successful Listen check (DC 15). When
firing cold-loaded ammunition, this weapon operates as if silenced; 89
Damage: 2d10 Magazine: 10 box a successful Listen check (DC 20) is required to notice the sound of
Critical: 20 Size: Large the weapon firing.
Rate of Fire: Single Restriction: Lic (+1) Critical: 20 Size: Large
CZ 700 Rate of Fire: Single Restriction: Res (+2)
Czech 7.62mm Bolt-Action Sniper Rifle
Dragunov SVD Series

Russian 7.62mm Semiautomatic Marksman Rifle
The SVD was widely manufactured and issued to military forces in
the former Soviet Bloc. It is built on a semiautomatic action derived
from the AK series of rifles, and it fires the 7.62×54R round—an old,
heavy military cartridge that is effective at great range.
The CZ 700 is a modern sniper rifle design chambered in 7.62mm The Dragunov is usually fitted with an optical scope called the
NATO. It uses a conventional bolt action and features an adjustable PSO-1 but retains iron sights for backup. The weapon also comes
SNIPER RIFLES
trigger and a scope rail for mounting a variety of sights. The stock with a bayonet lug.
is made of laminated wood and features a pistol grip and an adjust-
able cheek rest.
The CZ 700 comes standard with two barrels—one for use with
standard full-power ammunition and the other with a built-in sup-
pressor designed for use with subsonic ammunition. The barrels can
be interchanged as needed. Dragunov SVD
d20 Modern Rules: Replacing the standard barrel with the sup-
pressor-fitted barrel (and vice versa) requires 2 full rounds.
With the suppressor-fitted barrel attached, this becomes a sup-
pressed weapon with a range increment of 90 feet. Although the
a successful Listen check (DC 20) is required to notice the sound of Dragunov SVDS
the weapon firing.

Dragunov SVDK

d20 MODERN
SVD: The SVD is simple and reliable. In keeping with Soviet snip- Who Uses It: The L39A1 remains in use with the British
ing doctrine, it was designed for use at shorter ranges. armed forces; the L85 IW that replaced the FN FAL is arguably
SVDS: The SVDS is a more compact version of the Dragunov SVD. even less suited to long-range competition shooting than its
It is designed for use by airborne or Special Forces units. It features predecessor was.
a folding stock, a pistol grip, and a shortened barrel. A bipod can be
attached just ahead of the magazine well. The bayonet is removed. Damage: 2d10 Magazine: 10 box
The SVDS can use the standard 10-round magazine of the SVD, but Critical: 20 Size: Large
it is issued with a special 15-round magazine. Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 10 lb.
SVDK: The SVDK was developed in the late 1990s in light of com- Range Increment: 100 ft. Purchase DC: 21
bat experience, which suggested a need for a heavier round than the Rate of Fire: Single Restriction: Lic (+1)
7.62mm bullet fired by the SVD. After experimentation, the Russian
designers settled on the heavier 9.3×64mm cartridge called the 9.o
SN. It uses the folding stock of the SVDS (fitted with an adjustable Enfield L42A1
cheekpiece) and a shortened barrel for greater portability. All furni- British 7.62mm Bolt-Action Sniper Rifle
ture is made from black synthetics.
Who Uses It: The SVD is in service with Russia and most of the
client states of the former Soviet Union. It is also used in Finland and
India. It has been produced under license in China, Iran, and Romania.
The SVDK is currently entering service with the Russian armed forces.
grants a +1 bonus on attack rolls. Like the L39A1, the L42A1 was produced from reserve supplies of the
90 This weapon comes with an electro-optical scope, but its scope
mount cannot be used with other weapons.
venerable Lee Enfield .303 bolt-action military rifle, rechambered to
fire the 7.62mm NATO cartridge. While the L39A1 is a competition
A package of 20 rounds of the SVDK’s 9.o SN ammunition has a rifle, however, the L42A1 is a tactical sniping weapon. The Lee-
purchase DC of 5. Enfield was well known for its accuracy and reliability, and the L42A1
capitalizes on its advantages to produce an excellent sniper weapon
despite the advanced age of its underlying design.
SVD (7.62mmR Sniper Rifle) The L42A1 features a cut-down stock with a wooden cheekpiece
and a long-range telescopic sight. The standard Lee-Enfield iron
sights are retained as a backup.
Who Used It: The L42A1 entered service in 1970 and was the
standard sniper rifle of British and Commonwealth armies until the
introduction of the Accuracy International L96A1. The L42A1 saw
action in Northern Ireland and in the 1982 Falklands War. It was
SVDS (7.62mmR Sniper Rifle) also widely adopted by police sniper units in the U.K., where a few
Damage: 2d8 Magazine: 15 box continue to serve to this day.
Range Increment: 100 ft. Purchase DC: 20 Critical: 20 Size: Large
SNIPER RIFLES

SVDK (9.o SN Sniper Rifle)
Critical: 20
Size: Large
Weight: 11 lb.
Erma SR 100
Austrian 7.62mm Bolt-Action Sniper Rifle
Enfield L39A1
British 7.62mm Bolt-Action Target Rifle
The SR 100 is a German design originally from Erma and now produced
by Steyr Mannlicher. It is a large and sophisticated bolt-action weap-
on, which can be rapidly switched between a number of different
calibers by changing out the weapon’s bolt and barrel. The composite
thumbhole stock is ambidextrous and can be fully adjusted to suit the
individual shooter. The receiver has a standard accessory rail, permit-
The L39A1 was developed in the late 1960s to give British forces
ting the attachment of a variety of sighting devices.
a target rifle for competition shooting, since it was felt that the
Variants: The SR 100 is available in a number of popular
FN FAL lacked the necessary accuracy. It was manufactured from
rifle calibers, including .300 Winchester Magnum and .338 Lapua
existing Lee-Enfield .303 bolt-action rifles, rechambered to fire
Magnum. The .300 version has an 8-round magazine, while the .338
the 7.62mm NATO cartridge and accurized for target shooting.
version has a 5-round magazine and a range increment of 110 feet.
Modifications include a new heavier barrel, a redesigned stock with
Otherwise, their statistics are identical to the 7.62mm model.
a shorter forward grip, and provision for mounting target sights.

d20 MODERN
This weapon can be fitted with a number of accessories to d20 Modern Rules: This weapon has adjustable fittings, a scope
optimize it for particular roles, including suppressed barrels. These mount, and a standard scope. Its scope mount cannot be used with
include a barrel shroud to keep the user’s aim from being distorted other scopes. Using this weapon without a scope imposes a –1
by heat radiating from the weapon’s barrel and iron sights for use penalty on attack rolls.
in target shooting.
Range Increment: 100 ft. Purchase DC: 19 Rate of Fire: Single Restriction: Lic (+1)
Galil Marksman
FN 30-11 Israeli 5.56mm Semiautomatic Marksman’s Rifle
Belgian 7.62mm Bolt-Action Sniper Rifle
The FN 30-11 is a relatively simple sniping weapon derived from

the FN Model 30, a version of the Mauser military rifle built under
This is a version of the standard Galil AR model assault rifle intended
for squad-level sharpshooters rather than dedicated snipers. As
91
license in Belgium. It uses the standard Mauser action (rechambered such, it is not as accurate (or expensive) as the dedicated Galil
to fire the 7.62mm NATO cartridge), with an accurized heavy barrel Sniper rifle. Firing the standard 5.56mm NATO round, it makes use
and an adjustable trigger. The rear part of the wooden stock can be of an accurized barrel, an adjustable bipod, and a scope mount at-
removed and replaced with alternate different-sized components to tached to the left side of the receiver. A cheekrest is attached to the
suit an individual’s grip. The rifle can be used with an optical scope shoulder stock. Unlike with the Galil Sniper, the automatic setting is
and is designed to use the bipod from the FN MAG machine gun. retained for contingency use.
Who Uses It: The FN 30-11 was widely adopted by military and Who Uses It: The Galil Marksman is used by the Israeli Defense
police units worldwide, including the Belgian armed forces. Force.
d20 Modern Rules: This weapon has adjustable fittings.
Galil Sniper
FR-F2
SNIPER RIFLES
Israeli 5.56mm Semiautomatic Sniper Rifle
French 7.62mm Bolt-Action Sniper Rifle
This semiautomatic sniping weapon is derived from the Israeli

Galil assault rifle. The modifications are extensive. The weapon
The FR-F2 is a modernized version of the older FR-F1, which is de- is rechambered to fire the 7.62mm NATO round. There is a new
rived from the action of the old MAS-36 bolt-action military rifle. heavier barrel, and the bipod attaches to the front end of
The FR-F2 is purpose-built as a highly accurized target rifle and is the receiver. The wooden shoulder stock has an adjustable
made to ensure the best possible performance. cheekpiece and folds forward for compact storage. A special
This FR-F2 features a thermal sleeve on the barrel, which keeps scope mount attaches to the left side of the receiver; special
the barrel from warping in hot temperatures. This sleeve also optics (such as night sights) can be readily substituted for the
deflects heat radiating from the barrel to keep it from interfering standard scope. The weapon has adjustable fittings, a standard
with the shooter’s sight picture. The stock is made from wood and scope, and iron sights. A suppressor can be attached to the
features a pistol grip and an adjustable cheekpiece. barrel if needed.
The rifle is fitted with backup iron sights, but it is intended for Who Uses It: The Galil Sniper is used by the Israeli Defense
use with a telescopic scope. Force.
Variants: GIAT has manufactured versions called the FR-G1 (with d20 Modern Rules: The weapon has adjustable fittings. It comes
a fixed bipod) and the FR-G2 (with an adjustable bipod) for export with a scope mount and a standard scope. Using this weapon with-
use. Earlier FR-F1 models were rebuilt to the FR-F2 standard. out a scope imposes a –1 penalty on attack rolls.
Who Uses It: The FR-F2 is in service with the French armed forces.

d20 MODERN
Rate of Fire: S Restriction: Lic (+1) Rate of Fire: Single Restriction: Lic (+1)
Harris M-86 H&K G3-SG1

American 7.62mm Bolt-Action Sniper Rifle German 7.62mm Semiautomatic Sniper Rifle
The Harris M-86 is an advanced bolt-action rifle designed specifically for

tactical sniping by police or military users. It is optimized for long-range This weapon is little more than a G3 rifle modified for the sniping
accuracy and reliable performance under the harshest field conditions. role. It’s outfitted with a bipod, a stock with a cheekpiece, and a
It features a precision heavy barrel and a standard scope mount, allowing target trigger. A standard scope is fitted as well.
a variety of optical devices to be fitted. The weapon has no iron sights. Variants: Heckler & Koch also produces a sniping version of the
The composite stock is shaped to form a near-vertical pistol grip. 5.56mm H&K 33 rifle, known as the H&K 33-SG1. It has the same
92 Variants: The M-86 is also available in .300 Winchester Magnum or
.338 Lapua Magnum calibers. Different models feature either a fixed 5-
statistics as the G3-SG1.
Who Uses It: The G3-SG1 is the standard sniper rifle of the
round magazine or detachable 5- and 10-round box magazines. There German Army.
is also a take-down model with a detachable buttstock for easier d20 Modern Rules: Due to its high quality of manufacture,
transport. Attaching or detaching the buttstock takes 2 full rounds. this weapon is always considered a mastercraft weapon. As such, it
Who Uses It: The M-86 is in service with the U.S. Navy SEALs. It grants a +1 bonus on attack rolls.
is also popular with police forces throughout the U.S. The weapon has adjustable fittings and no iron sights. It comes
with a scope mount and a standard scope. Using this weapon with-
Damage: 2d10 Magazine: 10 box out a scope imposes a –1 penalty on attack rolls.
Rate of Fire: Single Restriction: Lic (+1) Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 13 lb.
Rate of Fire: S, A Restriction: Lic (+1)
Harris M-89
American Multicaliber Bolt-Action Sniper Rifle
H&K MSG 90
German 7.62mm Semiautomatic Sniper Rifle
SNIPER RIFLES
The M-89 is an advanced bolt-action design similar to the earlier M-

86. It features removable, replaceable barrels and bolts, allowing it to
be quickly reconfigured between different calibers. The M-89 user can Like the G3-SG1, the MSG 90 is a development of the standard H&K
rapidly switch between 7.62mm NATO, .30-06, and .300 Winchester rifle into a specialty sniping weapon. It incorporates several stan-
Magnum as needed. Switching between calibers can quickly be done dard sniper rifle features—heavy barrel, adjustable stock, precision
in the field without special tools; however, the usefulness of this trigger, and bipod. A scope is normally fitted to the weapon’s sight
feature is limited somewhat by the need to rezero the scope to suit rail. The weapon will take the 20-round magazines of the G3, but a
the new caliber. shorter 5-round clip is more common.
The M-89 features an adjustable composite stock and is fitted Variants: The German military version, the MSG-3, features
with a bipod. Standard mounts permit a variety of optical devices backup iron sights. An American version, known as the MSG-90A1
to be used. The M-89 can accept M14-standard magazines, permit- also features backup iron sights, as well as a spent case deflector for
ting up to 30 rounds to be loaded if necessary. Like the M-86, it is left-handed shooters and a barrel threaded for a suppressor.
designed to perform reliably, even in the worst conditions. Who Uses It: The MSG 90 has been adopted by a number of
In addition to the variety of standard barrels available, the M-89 police forces in Europe and the U.S. The German Army fields the
can also be equipped with suppressed barrels. MSG3, while the American military has bought the MSG-90A1.
Who Uses It: Like the M-86, the M-89 is used by the U.S. Navy d20 Modern Rules: The MSG 90 has adjustable fittings and no
SEALs and with numerous police agencies. It has been exported to iron sights. It comes with a scope mount and a standard scope.
Malaysia as well. Using this weapon without a scope imposes a –1 penalty on at-
d20 Modern Rules: Replacing the weapon’s barrel and bolts for a tack rolls.
different caliber requires 1 minute and a successful Repair check (DC 5).

d20 MODERN
Rate of Fire: S Restriction: Lic (+1) Rate of Fire: S Restriction: Lic (+1)
H&K PSG1 H&K SL9-SD

German 7.62mm Semiautomatic Sniper Rifle German 7.62mm Suppressed Semiautomatic Sniper Rifle
The PSG1 is the most advanced sniping weapon built by Heckler & The SL9-SD is a suppressed sniper rifle derived from the civilian SL8
Koch. Though built around H&K’s standard roller-lock rifle action, it sporting rifle. Considerable modifications have been made, includ-
is made to exacting specifications to ensure the best possible accu- ing rechambering the weapon to fire a subsonic 7.62×37mm bullet.
racy. The free-floating heavy barrel is cold hammer-forged. The bolt The furniture has been reworked as well to accommodate the bar-
is modified with a forward assist for silent closing. The trigger and rel with its bulky integral suppressor. The stock is fully adjustable.
stock are fully adjustable, and the special contoured grip is fitted The action remains the gas-powered G36 mechanism, and it fires in
with a hand rest. A scope is supplied as standard and is attached to
a fixed mount. There is no bipod; instead, the PSG1 is normally used
semiautomatic mode only.
The long scope rail of the SL8 is retained and used to mount a
93
with a special minitripod. variety of optical devices. Another rail under the barrel can be used
Who Uses It: The PSG1 is expensive, which has limited its adop- to attach a bipod or another device.
tion. Some police forces and special military forces use it. d20 Modern Rules: This is a suppressed weapon. Although the
d20 Modern Rules: Due to its high quality of manufacture, weapon’s firing is audible, determining the location of the weapon
this weapon is always considered a mastercraft weapon. As such, it by its sound alone requires a successful Listen check (DC 15). When
grants a +1 bonus on attack rolls. firing cold-loaded ammunition, this weapon operates as if silenced;
The weapon has adjustable fittings and no iron sights. It comes a successful Listen check (DC 20) is required to notice the sound of
with a standard scope, but its scope mount cannot be used with the weapon firing.
other scopes. Using this weapon without a scope imposes a –1 This weapon has adjustable fittings and no iron sights. It comes
penalty on attack rolls. with a scope mount and a standard scope. Using the weapon with-
out a scope imposes a –1 penalty on attack rolls.
Rate of Fire: S Restriction: Lic (+1) Range Increment: 80 ft. Purchase DC: 22
SNIPER RIFLES
H&K SL8
German 5.56mm Semiautomatic Sporting Rifle Hellenic KEFEFS
Greek 7.62mm Bolt-Action Sniper Rifle
The SL8 is a new target rifle produced by Heckler & Koch. It is

derived from the action of the G36 assault rifle and is chambered The Greek arms manufacturer Hellenic produces a variety of
to fire the 5.56mm NATO round. The weapon has been exten- military weaponry and is perhaps best known for the manufacture
sively modified for the civilian target-shooting market. The biggest of H&K designs under license. The KEFEFS is an original design, a
change is a new composite stock with a thumbhole. The G36’s bolt-action sniper rifle designed for military or law enforcement
carrying handle has been replaced with a scope rail. In addition to use. It has a conventional bolt-action configuration with a walnut
iron sights, the SL8 has a dual-optics unit with red-dot and optical stock and features a special gas-venting system and a folding bipod.
sights and another with a standard scope. Standard scope rails are fitted, and there are no iron sights. The
Variants: The standard SL8 is produced for the European market trigger is adjustable for pull.
and features a white stock. The American version is called the SL8-1 Variants: There are both military and police versions of the
and has a gray stock. KEFEFS, designated KEFEFS-M and KEFEFS-P, respectively. Though
d20 Modern Rules: This weapon has adjustable fittings and iron largely similar, the military version features an overall camouflage
sights. It comes with a scope mount and a standard scope. finish, while the police model has a fluted barrel.

d20 MODERN
Damage: 2d10 Magazine: 5 box Variants: The Pro Series 2000 is available in a variety of different
Critical: 20 Size: Large calibers, including the .300 Winchester Magnum.
Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 12 lb. Who Uses It: Due to its exceptional accuracy and the flexibility
Range Increment: 100 ft. Purchase DC: 22 offered by the Take-Down series, the Pro Series 2000 is popular
Rate of Fire: Single Restriction: Lic (+1) with police SWAT sniper teams throughout the U.S.

Howa M-1500 Critical: 20 Size: Large
Japanese 7.62mm Bolt-Action Sniper Rifle Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 13 lb.
K-11
Armenian 5.45mm Bolt-Action Marksman Rifle
The M-1500 is a bolt-action hunting rifle produced in Japan and sold

primarily on the American market. Howa rifles are extremely well
made and have earned a reputation for quality and reliability. They
are also very competitively priced when compared to Remington-
built rifles, which has helped their popularity.
The Howa rifle has been particularly popular as a “varmint” rifle,
94 for hunting small game. In this role, it is usually chambered to fire a
small, high-velocity bullet. The K-11 is designed to serve alongside the K-3 assault rifle, with
Variants: This weapon is also produced in 7.62mm NATO for use which it shares a number of components (including the barrel and
as a police sniper rifle. magazine). The action is different, however. The K-11 is a bolt-action
design instead of an automatic design, and it uses a conventional
Damage: 2d10 Magazine: 4 int arrangement rather than a bullpup. The stock is a skeleton design
Critical: 20 Size: Large mated to a pistol grip. Though iron sights are fitted, the K-11 is de-
Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 7 lb. signed to accept a variety of different scopes.
Range Increment: 100 ft. Purchase DC: 20 The K-11 features a nonadjustable bipod. A suppressor can be
Rate of Fire: Single Restriction: Lic (+1) fitted as needed. Oddly enough, the weapon is chambered to fire
the 5.45mm Soviet round (used by the AK-74 assault rifle), which is
generally thought to be too weak for a sniping weapon.
H-S Precision Pro Series 2000 Who Uses It: The K-11 has completed development and is
American 7.62mm Bolt-Action Sniper Rifle available for production; it has yet to enter service with any
military, though presumably the Armenian armed forces will
adopt it soon.

SNIPER RIFLES

The American gunmaker H-S Precision established a reputation for Rate of Fire: Single Restriction: Lic (+1)
itself as a producer of excellent custom rifles built using Remington
and Winchester actions. It recently began production of a design
with its own proprietary action, the Pro Series 2000. Intended for M16 Squad Designated Marksman
use as a tactical sniper rifle for either police or military customers, American 5.56mm Semiautomatic Marksman Rifle
it is available in a variety of calibers. The 7.62mm NATO version is
the most popular.
The Pro Series 2000 has a stainless steel construction and fea-
tures a titanium firing pin for added strength. Any scope can be
fitted, as desired by the customer. There is provision for a bipod
but not for iron sights.
One of the most popular variants of the H-S Precision Series is
the Tactical Take-Down rifle, which can be broken into two halves.
The back half has the stock, action, and sight, while the front half The M16 Squad Designated Marksman rifle is an accurized variant
has the barrel, forward grip, and bipod (if fitted). Broken apart like of the M16 assault rifle developed for the U.S. Army’s Interim
this, it can be easily transported in a special briefcase; as a full- Brigade Combat Teams. It represents a shift in tactical doctrine,
round action, the two components can be attached together and made in recognition of the increasing threat posed by enemy
made ready to fire without tools. snipers. Each infantry squad contains a trained sharpshooter
In addition to transport, another advantage of the take-down to engage high-value enemy targets and serve in the counter-
system is that different barrels can be rapidly attached, allowing the sniper role. The M16 SDM will be the issued weapon for these
shooter to rapidly change between different calibers if needed. The sharpshooters.
most popular combination is a single rifle 7.62mm NATO and .300 The M16 SDM is essentially a standard M16A4 assault rifle action
Winchester Magnum caliber barrels. equipped with a heavy sniper barrel, a Harris bipod, and a scope.

d20 MODERN
The forward grip is replaced by KAC (Knights Armament Company) The complete system comes in a special carrying case and in-
accessory rails, and a carbine-style folding stock is fitted. The M16 cludes a scope mount, standard scope, bipod, and cleaning kit, in
SDM is designed to be upgraded over time with new accessory fits, addition to the rifle itself. This weapon has no iron sights.
allowing it to keep pace with developments in technology. Who Uses It: The M24 is used by U.S. Army infantry units
Who Uses It: The M16 DMR will be issued to infantry squads, and special operations forces. It has also been adopted by Egypt,
starting with the Interim Brigade Combat Teams now being fielded. Lebanon, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates.
d20 Modern Rules: This weapon features a three-round
burst setting. When used with the Burst Fire feat, it fires only Damage: 2d10 Magazine: 6 int
three bullets instead of five and can be used with only three Critical: 20 Size: Large
bullets in the weapon. This setting does not grant the ability Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 14 lb.
to make burst fire attacks without the Burst Fire feat; if you Range Increment: 100 ft. Purchase DC: 21
use the setting without the feat, you make a normal attack and Rate of Fire: Single Restriction: Lic (+1)
the extra two bullets are wasted. Because it does not have the
automatic rate of fire, this weapon cannot be used to make
autofire attacks. M40A1
M21 The M40, which entered service in the early 1970s, is the stan-
95
American 7.62mm Semiautomatic Sniper Rifle dard sniper rifle of the U.S. Marine Corps. It is produced from
factory-issue Remington Model 700s by the Marines’ own Rifle
Team Equipment Shop at Quantico, Va. Modifications to the
commercial version include a precision barrel, a low-reflecting
finish, and a special adjustable stock. The weapon includes a
special military model scope not available on the civilian market.
Unlike with most modern sniper weapons, there is no provision
for a bipod.
Long the standard-issue sniper rifle throughout the U.S. military, the Variants: The Marines have developed a modernized version
semiautomatic M21 was recently replaced by the bolt-action M24 known as the M40A1 PIP (“PIP” stands for Product Improved).
and M40 rifles. The M21 is derived from the M14 service rifle and This features a fluted barrel threaded to accept a suppressor, a
is essentially an accurized M14 service weapon. The M21 has iron custom adjustable McMillan stock, and a standard scope mount
sights, a scope mount, and a standard zoom scope. There is provi- allowing other optical devices to be substituted for the weapon’s
sion for mounting a suppressor and a bipod, if needed. regular scope.
Variants: The M21 Tactical, an improved version, is available from Who Uses It: The M40A1 remains in Marine Corps service but has
Springfield Armory. This weapon features a heavier barrel and an recently begun to be replaced by the M40A1 PIP.
improved stock with an adjustable cheekpiece. d20 Modern Rules: This weapon has adjustable fittings, a scope
SNIPER RIFLES
Who Uses It: Though largely replaced by the Remington bolt mount, and a scope. The scope that comes with the M40A1 cannot
guns, the M21 remains in limited use in the U.S. military, especially in be used with other weapons.
special operations forces. It was widely adopted worldwide. It also
has been popular with police SWAT sniper teams.
M40A1 (7.62mm Sniper Rifle)
M40A1 PIP (7.62mm Sniper Rifle)

M24 Sniping System Damage: 2d10 Magazine: 5 int
American 7.62mm Bolt-Action Sniper Rifle Critical: 20 Size: Large
Adopted in 1988, the M24 is the standard sniper rifle of the U.S.
Army. The stock is composite. In the late 1990s, M24s were retrofit-
ted with a special muzzle brake designed to break up the blast of
firing and hide the shooter’s location.

d20 MODERN
Mauser Model 86 Sniper extended periods. It is instead intended for police or counterterror-
ist teams who can transport it to the engagement area in a vehicle.
German 7.62mm Bolt-Action Sniper Rifle
Variants: The SP66 has also been manufactured in the .300
Winchester Magnum caliber.
Who Uses It: The SP66 is in use by a number of European police
agencies.
SP66 (7.62mm Sniper Rifle)

The Mauser Model 86 is a highly sophisticated sniper rifle and is Damage: 2d10 Magazine: 5 int
offered as a more advanced alternative to the earlier SP66. The Critical: 20 Size: Large
product of an extensive research and development program, it has Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 13 lb.
been designed from the ground up to maximize accuracy. The bar- Range Increment: 100 ft. Purchase DC: 21
rel is cold forged. The stock is made either from laminated wood Rate of Fire: Single Restriction: Lic (+1)
or green plastic and is fully adjustable. The forearm is ventilated
to help the barrel cool down more quickly between shots, which
minimizes the effect on the weapon’s zeroing for follow-up shots.
SP66 (.300 Sniper Rifle)
A fully adjustable trigger is also standard.
Variants: A special suppressed version, known as the Model
86SR, is available for silent sniping. It features a shortened barrel
with an integral suppressor. This barrel can be removed and replaced
96 with a standard barrel when normal shooting is required.
d20 Modern Rules: The Model 86SR is a suppressed weapon.
Although the weapon’s firing is audible, determining the location of
the weapon by its sound alone requires a successful Listen check
Mauser Model SR93 Professional
(DC 15). When firing cold-loaded ammunition, this weapon operates
as if silenced; a successful Listen check (DC 20) is required to notice
the sound of the weapon firing.
Replacing the Model 86SR’s suppressor barrel with a standard bar-
rel (or vice versa) takes 1 minute and a successful Repair check (DC 5).
This weapon has adjustable fittings.
Model 86 (7.62mm Sniper Rifle) In the 1990s, Mauser expanded its range of bolt-action tactical
Damage: 2d10 Magazine: 9 box rifles derived from sophisticated target-shooting weapons. These
Critical: 20 Size: Large new firearms built upon the company’s long experience with preci-
Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 14 lb. sion riflemaking and were developed in a series of highly specialized
Range Increment: 100 ft. Purchase DC: 22 models. The short-pull Mauser bolt-action is now a mature and
Rate of Fire: Single Restriction: Lic (+1) highly accurate design, well suited for tactical rifle use. Like the
Model 86SR, most were intended for police rather than military
sniper teams and use large and complex target stocks.
Model 86SR (7.62mm Sniper Rifle)
SNIPER RIFLES
The Model 93 Professional is a progressive development of the

earlier Model 86SR, which has been modified as a result of field ex-
perience. It incorporates numerous minor improvements to simplify
manufacturing. It uses a large, heavy target stock similar to that of
the Model 86SR.
Rate of Fire: Single Restriction: Mil (+3)
Mauser Model SP66 Damage: 2d10

Critical: 20
Magazine: 5 int
Size: Large
Mauser Model SR93 Sniper

German .300 Winchester Magnum Bolt-Action Sniper Rifle
The SP66 from Mauser is a purpose-built tactical sniper rifle. The
SP66 features an advanced custom trigger with a high-speed sear
that minimizes lock time. The odd-shaped wooden thumbhole stock
is derived from competition target rifles and is fully adjustable. The
forearm is long, facilitating a variety of different grips to suit the
shooter’s preference. A standard scope mount allows the customer
to select from a variety of different sights.
Originally developed for a German Army requirement, this is the
Because of its large, heavy target-rifle stock, the SP66 is not
military sniping version of the SR93 Professional, chambered for the
suitable for military use if it would have to be carried by hand for

d20 MODERN
high-powered .300 Winchester Magnum rifle cartridge. The conven- Variants: For long-range shooting, a heavy version chambered in
tional Mauser bolt-action is retained. It is mounted to an aluminum .300 Winchester Magnum is also available.
alloy frame, which permits a free-floating barrel for optimal accu- d20 Modern Rules: Due to its high quality of manufacture,
racy. The barrel is fluted to improve heat dissipation. this weapon is always considered a mastercraft weapon. As such, it
The SR93 Sniper uses a highly specialized stock made from green- grants a +1 bonus on attack rolls.
anodized aluminum alloy. It features an adjustable cheekpiece and
back plate. The extra-long forward grip holds a folding bipod, which Damage: 2d10 Magazine: 4 int
is designed to be completely smooth so as not to snag on vegeta- Critical: 20 Size: Large
tion. A monopod is housed in the stock to support the back of the Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 10 lb.
weapon. A whole-hand trigger guard is fitted to permit gloved use. Range Increment: 100 ft. Purchase DC: 22
A standard scope mount permits the use of a variety of Rate of Fire: Single Restriction: Lic (+1)
optical devices.
Who Uses It: The SR93 Sniper is in service with special
operations units of the German armed forces. Mauser SR97 Sniper
d20 Modern Rules: This weapon has adjustable fittings. German .300 Winchester Magnum Bolt-Action Sniper Rifle

Mauser SR94 Professional

The SR97 is a progressive development of the heavy SR93 rifle. It
is chambered in the heavy .300 Winchester Magnum caliber for
97
German 7.62mm Bolt-Action Sniper Rifle extreme long-distance shooting (out beyond the range of a 7.62mm
rifle). The Sniper variant uses an improved version of the SR93
Sniper’s open-frame design with a shortened aluminum-alloy stock.
It features the same adjustable cheekpiece, and it has a whole-hand
trigger guard for use with gloves.
Who Uses It: A number of European police agencies use the
SR97 Sniper.
The Mauser SR94 Professional model is another in the series of this weapon is always considered a mastercraft weapon. As such, it
advanced tactical rifles from Mauser. It uses a newly designed com- grants a +1 bonus on attack rolls.
posite stock in place of the lightweight alloy design used in the SR93. This weapon has adjustable fittings.
This weapon features a long forearm with an integral accessory rail,
an adjustable cheekpiece, a vertical pistol grip, and a monopod Damage: 2d10 Magazine: 5 box
for stability when aiming for extended periods. The sophisticated Critical: 20 Size: Large
short-pull Mauser action is retained. Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 16 lb.
Variants: The SR94 Professional is also produced in a version Range Increment: 100 ft. Purchase DC: 23
chambered for .300 Winchester Magnum cartridges. Rate of Fire: Single Restriction: Lic (+1)
SNIPER RIFLES
Critical: 20 Size: Large Milcam HB
Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 10 lb. British 5.56mm Bolt-Action Sniper Rifle
Mauser SR94 Sniper

The Milcam is a unique concept—a bolt-action military rifle cham-

bered for the 5.56mm NATO cartridge. This cartridge came into
widespread use well after bolt-action weapons fell into disfavor,
replaced by automatic designs. The Milcam is both simple and inex-
pensive. It is designed to accept standard M16 magazines; a special
10-round magazine is also available for use when the longer box
The SR94 Sniper takes the short-pull Mauser bolt action and an would get in the way. The trigger guard is enlarged, permitting the
excellent cold-forged target barrel and combines them with a more user to wear heavy gloves while operating the weapon. The upper
conventional rifle stock. This stock is lighter and slimmer, thus easier receiver is machined to accept a standard scope mount. The Milcam
to carry for extended periods. It uses padded inserts to adjust the is dependable and accurate, but the bolt action’s low rate of fire has
length. A grooved slot under the forearm can be used to position a kept it from finding any military customers.
bipod and a rest for the forward hand. A detachable box magazine The Milcam is available in a number of different configurations.
is located just forward of the trigger guard. The receiver is drilled Milcam: This is the standard military-rifle version.
for a standard scope mount. Comcam: This is a compact Milcam rifle with a cut-down barrel.

d20 MODERN
It has a range increment of 80 feet and weighs 8 pounds, but other- located forward of the magazine. The barrel features a prominent
wise has the same statistics as the Milcam. cylindrical fairing that serves as a combination flash suppressor and
Milcam HB: This variant features a heavy barrel and a stock with muzzle brake.
a cheekpiece. It has a purchase DC of 20 but otherwise has similar The SVU’s bipod can be swiveled to the side, allowing the shooter
statistics to the standard Milcam. to brace it against a wall or other vertical surface if desired.
Snicam: This is the full sniper-rifle version of the Milcam series. The SVU has automatic capability for emergency use, though its
It features a heavier barrel, a bipod, adjustable fittings, sling swivels, small 10-shot magazine limits the effectiveness of this feature.
and a scope mount on the upper receiver. It weights 12 pounds and Who Uses It: The SVU is in use with the Russian Ministry of
has a purchase DC of 21; otherwise, its statistics are identical to Internal Affairs (MVD) and saw action in the fighting in Chechnya.
the Milcam. d20 Modern Rules: The SVU has adjustable fittings, a scope
d20 Modern Rules: This weapon has adjustable fittings and no mount, a standard scope, and an attachable bayonet (see Chapter
iron sights. Four of the d20 Modern Roleplaying Game for bayonet
statistics). Using the weapon without a scope imposes a –1 pen-
Damage: 2d8 Magazine: 20 box alty on attack rolls.
Rate of Fire: Single Restriction: Lic (+1) Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 13 lb.
NM149S
Norwegian 7.62mm Bolt-Action Sniper Rifle
98 Parker-Hale Model 82
The NM149 is a rather conventional design, developed from the

Mauser bolt-action by Vapensmia. Similar to a rugged sporting rifle,
it combines a Mauser bolt-action with a heavy barrel and is cham- This bolt-action rifle is built on the popular Mauser action cham-
bered in 7.62mm NATO. In keeping with Norwegian requirements, bered to fire 7.62mm NATO. This combination has led to a highly
the action is designed to function in extremely cold conditions. successful design, which proved to be both reliable and highly ac-
The wooden stock can be adjusted for length and is impregnated curate. The butt is adjustable. It can be equipped with either an
with resin to prevent warping. A bipod and suppressor can be at- optical scope or iron sights.
tached if desired. Who Uses It: The Model 82 served for many years as the stan-
Variants: Military versions of the NM149 also have backup iron sights dard sniper rifle of the British armed forces and was adopted by
fitted. Police versions have an adjustable cheekpiece in the stock. a number of Commonwealth nations as well. It has largely been
Who Uses It: The NM149S is in service with the Norwegian replaced by the more advanced L96A1. It has also seen widespread
military and police forces. use in police forces.
SNIPER RIFLES
d20 Modern Rules: This weapon comes with a detachable

scope mount and a standard scope. The scope mount and scope Damage: 2d10 Magazine: 4 int
can be removed and replaced without being rezeroed. Critical: 20 Size: Large
Critical: 20 Size: Large Rate of Fire: Single Restriction: Lic (+1)
Rate of Fire: Single Restriction: Lic (+1) Parker-Hale Model 83
British 7.62mm Single-Shot Target Rifle
OTs-03AS Dragunov SVU

Russian 7.62mm Select-Fire Marksman Rifle
The Model 83 is a single-shot target rifle designed for marksmanship

training. Since the weapon has no magazine or feed mechanism,
the action’s construction is stronger than in similar weapons, which
The OTs-03AS SVU was originally developed as a sniper weapon improves accuracy. It is equipped with iron sights, though a scope
to serve alongside the OTs-14 Groza assault rifle. It is a radically can be fitted.
reworked version of the Dragunov SVD, reconfigured into a bullpup. Who Uses It: The Model 83 serves in the British armed forces
The internal action is largely unchanged. Externally, the SVD’s skel- under the designation Cadet Training Rifle L81A1.
eton stock is replaced by a simple butt plate, and the pistol grip is

d20 MODERN
Damage: 2d10
Critical: 20
Magazine: 1 int
Size: Large
PGM Model UR “Ultima Ratio” Series
French 7.62mm Bolt-Action Sniper Rifle
The French company PGM Precision has manufactured a number
of bolt-action sniper rifles under the UR name. They are built in
modular fashion, with the various components of the weapon
attaching to a central frame. The barrel is free-floating and
Parker-Hale Model 85 designed to be changed quickly without disturbing the zero; a
special barrel with a built-in suppressor can be substituted in this
fashion. A bipod can be attached to the forestock.
UR Intervention: The Intervention variant is representative
of the UR series. Chambered in the 7.62mm NATO cartridge, it has
adjustable fittings. The heavy barrel has an integral muzzle brake and
is fluted to ensure rapid heat dissipation.
UR Commando II: Another in the UR series of sniper rifles from
PGM Precision, this model features a shorter barrel with a special-
ized muzzle brake and an adjustable folding stock.
This rifle is derived from the earlier Parker-Hale Model 82. It was
Variants: The UR line also contains a heavy antimateriel rifle
developed as a replacement for the L42A1 for the British Army. The
called the Hecate (described in Chapter Four: Antimateriel Rifles).
Model 85 is a solid and reliable design that has proven successful on
Who Uses It: The UR series is in service with the French National
the law enforcement market. It has adjustable fittings, a scope mount,
Gendarmerie.
and iron sights, and it can readily take a bipod and suppressor.
Who Uses It: The Model 85 is used by a number of police forces
as a SWAT sniper weapon. It has also been adopted by Special Forces
units in the British and Commonwealth armed forces.
grants a +1 bonus on attack rolls. 99
This weapon has adjustable fittings and a scope mount. Using this
weapon without a scope imposes a –1 penalty on attack rolls.
A silenced barrel is available for this weapon (purchase DC 16,
restricted [+2]). Changing the barrel is a full-round action. When
fitted with a silenced barrel, this is a silenced weapon. A success-
ful Listen check (DC 15) is required to notice the sound of the
weapon firing.
Range Increment: 100 ft. Purchase DC: 21 UR Intervention (7.62mm Sniper Rifle)
Rate of Fire: Single Restriction: Lic (+1) Damage: 2d10 Magazine: 5 box
Parker-Hale Model 98 Range Increment: 100 ft. Purchase DC: 21
British 7.62mm Bolt-Action Sniper Rifle Rate of Fire: Single Restriction: Lic (+1)
UR Commando II (7.62mm Sniper Rifle)

SNIPER RIFLES
After failing to win the British Army contract for the Model 85 sniper
rifle, Parker-Hale went out of the arms business. The company re-
turned to the field in 1998 with the Model 98, a highly advanced and
sophisticated design.
The Model 98 is a bolt-action weapon, fed from a standard M14-pat-
tern detachable box magazine. It features a fully adjustable composite
stock with a removable monopod. It uses a heavy fluted barrel that is
capped by an efficient muzzle brake. No iron sights are fitted; a stan-
dard scope mount allows the user to select the scope desired.
UR Intervention
The Model 98 is designed to operate in much the same way as
earlier Parker-Hale bolt-action designs and incorporates most of the
features from earlier models. This similarity facilitates training and
familiarization for shooters already using Parker-Hale weapons.
Who Uses It: The Model 98 is still in the prototype stage, but it
is ready for full-scale production should it find any customers.

UR Commando

d20 MODERN
PM L96A1 RAD M91
British 7.62mm Bolt-Action Sniper Rifle American 7.62mm Bolt-Action Sniper Rifle
This excellent rifle serves as the standard-issue sniping weapon in The M91 from Redick Arms Development was developed in conjunc-
more than twenty different countries, including Great Britain. The tion with the U.S. Navy to meet the specific needs of SEAL teams
design is quite innovative. The PM’s action and barrel are attached and other special operations forces. Starting with a Remington
to an internal metal frame rather than to the green composite stock. Model 700 action, the M91 was built with a match-grade, stainless
This arrangement simplifies maintenance and ensures that damage steel barrel, a custom trigger, and a Kevlar stock. The entire weapon
to the stock does not affect the weapon’s accuracy. has a jet black, nonreflective finish. The rifle is designed to function
Variants: The success of the design has spawned a family of perfectly under even the most adverse conditions, including use in
specialty rifles built around the same basic design. arctic, desert, swamp, and saltwater environments.
Who Uses It: Under the military designation L96A1, the PM Variants: Military users have considerable flexibility in custom-
is the standard sniper rifle of the British armed forces. It has izing their M91s. Popular modifications include the use of Leupold
been exported to a number of countries in Africa, Asia, and the scopes and McMillan custom stocks. The M91 is also available in .300
Middle East. Winchester Magnum.
100 d20 Modern Rules: Due to its high quality of manufacture, this
Who Uses It: The M91 is the standard sniper rifle of the U.S. Navy
SEAL teams. It is also used by a number of other military special
grants a +2 bonus on attack rolls. operations units worldwide.
This weapon has adjustable fittings, a scope mount, and a stan- d20 Modern Rules: This weapon features a scope mount and
dard scope. The scope can be removed and reattached without a standard scope. It has no iron sights. The M91 does not become
needing to rezero it. Using this weapon without a scope imposes a unreliable when exposed to adverse environments (see Reliability
–1 penalty on attack rolls. This weapon does not have iron sights. in the Introduction).

Rate of Fire: Single Restriction: Lic (+1) Rate of Fire: Single Restriction: Lic (+1)
QBZ Type 95 Sniper Rifle RAI Model 300

Chinese 5.8mm Semiautomatic Sniper Rifle American 7.62mm Bolt-Action Sniper Rifle
SNIPER RIFLES
Developed in the early 1980s, the Model 300 was one of the most
This accurized marksman’s rifle model of the QBZ rifle family is advanced sniper rifles of its time and incorporated many innovations
based on the Type 95 assault rifle but has been modified for the that have since become commonplace. It uses a conventional bolt-ac-
sniping role. The most important change is a long, heavy barrel tion mechanism fed by a detachable box magazine. This is mounted on
to improve accuracy. The plastic housing for the weapon has a highly specialized sniping stock that gives the Model 300 an unusual
been completely redesigned; a mount for scopes has replaced appearance. The stock is fully adjustable. The barrel is free-floating
the top-mounted carrying handle, and the pistol grip features a and fluted for more rapid cooling. A harmonic balancer designed to
more conventional trigger guard. Fold-up iron sights are retained dampen barrel oscillations is housed in the forward grip. A standard
as a backup. scope mount is fitted, and the weapon has no iron sights.
Unusual for a sniping weapon, the QBZ Sniper is a select-fire Though the Model 300 is an excellent sniper rifle in its own
design, capable of automatic fire when needed. The bipod attaches right, it is perhaps best known as the weapon on which the .338
directly to the barrel, which can affect precision shooting accuracy. Lapua Magnum rifle cartridge was developed. Research Armament
Who Uses It: The Type 95 Sniper Rifle is in service with elite units Industries, the Model 300’s manufacturer, experimented with modi-
of China’s Peoples’ Liberation Army. fied Model 300s to develop a new ultraheavy target rifle round. RAI
eventually settled on an 8.6×70mm cartridge, which has since be-
Damage: 2d8 Magazine: 10 box come extremely popular as the .338 Lapua Magnum. It was adopted
Critical: 20 Size: Large as a NATO-standard sniping cartridge in the late 1990s.
Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 11 lb. Variants: The Model 300 is available in both 7.62mm NATO and
Range Increment: 90 ft. Purchase DC: 20 in .338. The .338 model has a range increment of 110 feet and a 4-
Rate of Fire: S, A Restriction: Res (+2) round magazine; otherwise, its statistics are identical to the 7.62mm
standard model.

d20 MODERN
Who Uses It: The Model 300 is in service with American special free-floating and protected by a sturdy polymer jacket, which also
operations units. supports a bipod.
d20 Modern Rules: This weapon has adjustable fittings. d20 Modern Rules: This weapon has adjustable fittings.

Rate of Fire: Single Restriction: Lic (+1) Rate of Fire: S Restriction: Lic (+1)
Remington Model 700 Robar SR60

American 7.62mm Bolt-Action Sniper Rifle American 7.62mm Bolt-Action Sniper Rifle
The Remington M700 is a highly successful design that was originally Robar Industries is a small custom-gun shop in Phoenix, Arizona.
developed as a high-powered hunting rifle. The action proved read- It was founded by Robert Barrkman to produce extremely high-
ily adaptable for use as a sniping weapon, and today it is the most
common sniper rifle in the United States. Both the U.S. Army and
quality target rifles. Originally, commercial rifles supplied by
customers were rebuilt into high-end competition or sniper rifles.
101
Marine Corps have adopted the weapon (designated the M24 and Improvements included new barrels, triggers, bedding, stocks, and
the M40A1, respectively). As a result, it has also been popular with bipods. Robar also pioneered the field of protective coatings and
law enforcement; most police SWAT sniper teams use the Model developed advanced finishes for its rifles, often applied in cam-
700. It is a strictly conventional bolt-action design, which is both ouflage colors. More recently, Robar started producing its own
simple and reliable in service. actions as well.
The M700 comes with a scope mount. The SR60 is a highly customized Remington 700 action that has
Variants: The Model 700 is available in a variety of calibers and been rebuilt into an exemplary sniping weapon for police forces.
configurations to suit nearly any need. The action is reliable and ac- The rifle comes with a standard scope and adjustable fittings. The
curate and has proven popular with custom riflemakers, who rebuild entire weapon is given a matte black coating designed to protect
them into extremely accurate specialty target rifles. the metal parts.
The most common law enforcement version is called the Police Variants: The SR60 is available in a variety of different calibers
Special. This weapon is all black, with a composite stock and a to suit the customer’s requirements.
heavy barrel. Remington also makes a lightweight version called the Who Uses It: The SR60 is highly sought after by police SWAT
M700P LTR (Light Tactical Rifle), which weighs 6 pounds and is easier teams and is in service throughout the U.S.
to carry on long patrols.
Who Uses It: The Model 700 has proven popular with law Damage: 2d10 Magazine: 5 box
enforcement and is in service with many SWAT teams, both in Critical: 20 Size: Large
SNIPER RIFLES
the U.S. and abroad. It is widely used as a hunting and target Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 9 lb.
rifle as well. Range Increment: 100 ft. Purchase DC: 20
Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 7 lb. Robar SR90
Range Increment: 100 ft. Purchase DC: 17 American 7.62mm Bolt-Action Sniper Rifle
RND 800
American 7.62mm Semiautomatic Marksman Rifle
The SR90, like the SR60, is a highly specialized sniper rifle produced
by Robar from a Remington 700 action. Intended for military users,
it features all the upgrades associated with a Robar custom job,
including the special protective matte black finish. It also features
adjustable fittings and a scope mount.
The RND 800 is a highly accurized semiautomatic rifle based on the Variants: A .300 caliber version of the SR90 has been produced;
AR-15 design, which it closely resembles. All components are preci- it holds 4 rounds per magazine but otherwise has statistics identical
sion machined from lightweight aluminum alloys. to the 7.62mm model.
The RND 800 is specialized for precision shooting. It features an Who Uses It: The SR90 is used by U.S. special operations units
adjustable stock and a handrest on the pistol grip. The top of the and saw action in the 1991 Persian Gulf War.
receiver is machined to accept standard scope mounts. The barrel is

d20 MODERN
Damage: 2d10
Critical: 20
Magazine: 5 box
Size: Large
Sako TRG-21
Finnish 7.62mm Bolt Action Sniper Rifle
Romarm PL
Romanian 7.62mm Bolt-Action Sniper Rifle
This excellent bolt-action rifle from Finland is designed for either tactical
sniping or competition target shooting. It features adjustiable fittings, a
scope mount, and iron sights (in case something happens to the scope).
The rifle has a composite stock assembled over a lightweight aluminum
frame. The rifle can be fitted with a suppressor, if desired.
Variants: The TRG-41 rifle is rechambered in .338 Lapua
Magnum caliber.
Chambered to fire the heavy 7.62×54mm Russian cartridge, the PL
is a military sniping version of a civilian sporting rifle. It uses a fully TRG-21 (7.62mm Sniper Rifle)
adjustable wooden stock, which is often given a camouflaged finish. Damage: 2d10 Magazine: 10 box
The bolt action is fed from a special 10-round magazine. The PL is a Critical: 20 Size: Large
rugged and reliable (if somewhat conventional) design. Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 10 lb.
102 Who Uses It: The PL is in service with the Romanian armed
forces.
Purchase DC: 21

TRG-41 (.338 Sniper Rifle)
Ruger M77 Mark II Police Rifle Sako/Vaime SSR Mark I

Finnish 7.62mm Bolt-Action Suppressed Sniper Rifle
SNIPER RIFLES
The Ruger M77 is a conventional bolt-action sporting rifle, derived

The SSR Mark I is a joint venture between Sako, a precision
from the highly successful Mauser action. The M77 Mark II is a deriv-
riflemaker, and Vaime, a producer of high-quality suppressors. It
ative optimized for use as a sniping weapon by police or paramilitary
combines the action of the TRG-21 sniper rifle with an integral
units. It features a heavy barrel, bipod, and optical scope mount.
suppressor barrel to produce a specialty weapon for silent tacti-
Variants: The M77 Mark II is also available in a number of other
cal shooting. For optimal performance, Sako has developed special
calibers, including 5.56mm NATO. The 7.62mm version is the most
subsonic ammunition for the SSR Mark I that is precisely tuned to
common.
the action and barrel. There are no iron sights, but a standard scope
Who Uses It: The M77 Mark II is in widespread use with various
mount is provided.
police forces in the U.S.
Variants: The SSR Mark III is a similar rifle, chambered in .22 for
short-range urban sniping by police SWAT teams.
M77 Mark II (7.62mm Sniper Rifle) d20 Modern Rules: This is a suppressed weapon. Although the
Damage: 2d10 Magazine: 4 int weapon’s firing is audible, determining the location of the weapon
Critical: 20 Size: Large by its sound alone requires a successful Listen check (DC 15). When
Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 10 lb. firing cold-loaded ammunition or special ammunition designed
Range Increment: 100 ft. Purchase DC: 19 specifically for SSR Series rifles, this weapon operates as if silenced;
Rate of Fire: Single Restriction: Lic (+1) a successful Listen check (DC 20) is required to notice the sound of
the weapon firing. A package of twenty rounds of the specialized
SSR 7.62mm ammunition has a purchase DC of 5.
M77 Mark II (5.56mm Sniper Rifle)

d20 MODERN
Santa Barbara C-75 Springfield M1A
Spanish 7.62mm Bolt-Action Sniper Rifle American 7.62mm Semiautomatic Target Rifle
The C-75 is a conventional bolt-action tactical sniper rifle. Based The M1A is a version of the M14 military rifle produced for the civil-
on the traditional Mauser action, the C-75 is designed for a military ian target shooting market. It is manufactured in a variety of models,
or law enforcement sniper. It is a rather unremarkable design with featuring different stocks, barrels, sights, and accessories. It is similar
a precision barrel and a wooden shoulder stock. Scope-mounting in appearance and operation to the military M14, though it cannot
holes are drilled into the receiver and iron sights are fitted as a be modified for automatic capability.
backup. For crowd-control work, the muzzle can be used to fire a The M1A is popular for big-game hunting. A number of gunmakers
variety of low-velocity rifle grenades, such as flash-bang grenades, who produce custom-made guns have developed the M1A into a
tear gas, or smoke shells, giving the C-75 added versatility for the highly accurized target rifle.
law enforcement role.
Who Uses It: The C-75 is in service with the Spanish police and Damage: 2d10 Magazine: 20 box
security agencies. Critical: 20 Size: Large
Damage: 2d10
Critical: 20
Magazine: 5 int
Size: Large
Rate of Fire: S
Purchase DC: 20
Restriction: Lic (+1) 103
Rate of Fire: Single Restriction: Lic (+1) SIG SSG 550
Savage Model 110 Tactical
Swiss 5.56mm Semiautomatic Sniper Rifle

This is the sniper-rifle variant of the SIG 550, the standard-issue
assault rifle of the Swiss military. The action is modified to allow
semiautomatic fire only. The barrel is longer and heavier, and the
The Savage Model 110 is an alternative to the Remington Model weapon features a special composite adjustable stock.
700 or the Winchester Model 70 rifles. Despite its lower cost, the Who Uses It: The SSG 550 has been adopted by numer-
Savage is every bit as accurate and makes an excellent sniping or ous military and police forces, including the Swiss Army and
target shooting weapon. The Tactical is a version intended for use National Police.
SNIPER RIFLES
by police snipers. It is all black and is built with a synthetic stock, a d20 Modern Rules: Due to its high quality of manufacture,
custom trigger, and a free-floating barrel. The receiver is drilled to this weapon is always considered a mastercraft weapon. As such, it
accept a scope mount. Dual swivels on the forward stock allow the grants a +1 bonus on attack rolls.
simultaneous fitting of both a rifle sling and a folding bipod. This weapon has adjustable fittings, a scope mount, and a stan-
Variants: The Model 110 is available in a variety of different dard scope. Using this weapon without a scope imposes a –1 penalty
calibers and configurations. The Model 111 is a later derivative. on attack rolls. It has no iron sights.
Who Uses It: The Model 110 Tactical has been adopted by
police SWAT teams throughout the U.S., though its use is not as Damage: 2d8 Magazine: 20 box
widespread as the Remington Model 700. Critical: 20 Size: Large
Model 110 (7.62mm Sniper Rifle) Rate of Fire: S Restriction: Lic (+1)
Weight: 9 lb.
Purchase DC: 18
SIG SSG 2000
Swiss 7.62mm Bolt-Action Sniper Rifle
Model 111 (.300 Sniper Rifle)

Rate of Fire: Single Restriction: Lic (+1) This rifle is a highly successful design that has been adopted by
police forces worldwide. The design, developed by J.P. Dauer of

d20 MODERN
Germany, makes use of an action that is built around a special
nonrotating bolt.
STAR-21 Tavor
Israeli 5.56mm Marksman Rifle
The heavy barrel is equipped with a muzzle brake. The composite
stock is fully adjustable and makes use of a thumbhole, which means
that the rifle can be fired only by right-handed shooters (special
stocks are available for left-handed shooters). A double-set trigger
is standard.
Purpose-built as a sniper rifle, the SSG 2000 is designed to use an
optical scope. No iron sights are fitted.
Variants: The SSG 2000 is available in a number of other calibers,
including 5.56mm NATO and .300 Weatherby Magnum.
The STAR-21 is the marksman rifle variant of the TAR-21 series. It
Who Uses It: The SSG 2000 is used by Swiss police forces. It
is essentially a TAR-21 assault rifle (see Chapter Two) with a num-
has also been widely exported and is popular with police forces
ber of accessories fitted, optimizing it for the sharpshooter role.
worldwide. It is in use with SWAT teams in Argentina, Hong Kong,
Modifications include a buttpad on the stock, a folding bipod, and
Jordan, Taiwan, and the U.K.
a standard scope.
This weapon has adjustable fittings, a scope mount, and an opti-
cal scope. Using this weapon without a scope imposes a –1 penalty
on attack rolls. It has no iron sights.

Critical: 20
Size: Large
Weight: 15 lb.
Steyr Scout
SIG SSG 3000

Swiss 7.62mm Bolt-Action Sniper Rifle
The Scout is a revolutionary new bolt-action weapon designed

by American firearms expert Jeff Cooper and produced by Steyr
Mannlicher of Austria. The Scout incorporates a number of new
features designed to promote flexibility and speed of acquisition and
engagement, making it a highly versatile and practical weapon for use
in a variety of applications from hunting to police or combat sniping.
The SSG 3000 makes use of a modular construction. The stock is
The Scout is mounted on a lightweight composite stock with
fully adjustable and is made of a special wood laminate. Left- and
a molded pistol grip. The entire forward grip can be opened and
right-handed versions are available. As on the SSG 2000, a signal pin
folded down to serve as a bipod. There is an accessory-mounting
SNIPER RIFLES
indicates when the chamber is loaded.

rail on the underside of the weapon. The shoulder stock features a
Though fitted with a standard scope mount, the SSG 3000 is
convenient hollow well that will accept a spare magazine.
generally fitted with a zoom scope specially designed to work with
The magazine can be locked into the well in a half-loaded posi-
this rifle.
tion, which holds it in place but doesn’t allow rounds to be loaded
into the chamber; this feature provides a way for the user to carry
the weapon in complete safety. To load the chamber, the user need
only push the magazine up into its final seated position and cycle
This weapon has adjustable fittings, a scope mount, and a stan-
the bolt.
dard scope. Its scope mount cannot be used with other scopes.
One of the most important features of the Scout is its scope,
Using this weapon without a scope imposes a –1 penalty on attack
which features a long eye relief and is situated well forward on the
rolls. It has no iron sights.
weapon. This allows the shooter to aim with both eyes open, giving
good peripheral vision and rapid target acquisition—useful when
taking hasty shots against fleeting targets. Iron sights are fitted as a
backup but fold out of the way when not in use.
Variants: The Scout is also available in 5.56mm NATO. The stan-
dard stock is gray in color, but both black and camouflaged models
are available as well.
Who Uses It: Due to its practicality, the Scout is growing in
popularity with hunters. Scouts supplied by Kosovar immigrants
living in the U.S. were used as sniper rifles by KLA troops in the
fighting after the breakup of Yugoslavia.
d20 Modern Rules: This weapon has adjustable fittings, a scope
mount, and a standard scope. Its scope mount cannot be used with
other scopes. Using this weapon without a scope imposes a –1
penalty on attack rolls.

d20 MODERN
Scout (7.62mm Sniper Rifle) SSG-P (7.62mm Sniper Rifle)
Rate of Fire: Single Restriction: Lic (+1) Rate of Fire: Single Restriction: Lic (+1)
Scout (5.56mm Sniper Rifle) Stoner SR-25

American 7.62mm Semiautomatic Sniper rifle
Steyr SSG-69
The SR-25 is essentially an accurized AR-15 rechambered to fire the
7.62mm NATO cartridge. It shares many component parts with the
AR-15 and operates in much the same way. It is intended for use as
a sharpshooter’s rifle or as the observer’s weapon in a two-man
sniper team. The receiver features an integral accessory-mounting
rail. The hollow forward grip is attached at its base to the receiver 105
and doesn’t touch the barrel at all, which improves accuracy.
Variants: There are a number of variants on the basic SR-25
A somewhat older design, the SSG-69 was created for the Austrian
design.
Army in the late 1960s. It is one of the first of the modern bolt-ac-
SR-25 Match: This weapon is optimized for competition target
tion sniper rifles. Despite its age, it remains competitive with more
shooting. It has the same statistics as the basic model.
modern designs and is still in production today.
SR-25 Carbine: This model features a shorter barrel and folding
The stock is composite and is available in either dark green or
stock. It has the same statistics as the basic model except it weighs
black. The rounds are stored in a detachable rotary-drum magazine
9 pounds.
that fits completely into the forestock, just ahead of the trigger.
SR-25 Sporter: This weapon has the familiar M16 carrying handle
The standard military version is equipped with backup iron sights,
and iron sights. It has the same statistics as the basic model except
in addition to a scope mount.
it weighs 10 pounds.
Variants: The SSG-69 has been widely produced, and a number
SR-25 Suppressed: This version incorporates an integral sup-
of variants have been developed over the years. Most variants do
pressor. It has same statistics as the basic model except it has a
away with the iron sights and used only a standard scope. A special
range increment of 90 feet and is restricted (+2).
police version (SSG-P) features a heavy barrel. The SSG-P can be
fitted with a suppressor.
SR-25 (and each of its variants) is always considered a mastercraft
Who Uses It: The SSG-69 is the standard sniper rifle of the
weapon. As such, it grants a +1 bonus on attack rolls.
Austrian armed forces. It has been exported to a number of
When fitted with a suppressor, the SR-25 is a suppresed weapon.
SNIPER RIFLES
other armies. It is also popular with police agencies, especially
Although the weapon’s firing is audible, determining the location of
in Europe.
the weapon by its sound alone requires a successful Listen check
When fitted with a suppressor, the SSG-69 is a suppressed weap-
on. Although the weapon’s firing is audible, determining the location
of the weapon by its sound alone requires a successful Listen check
This weapon has adjustable fittings, a scope mount, and a stan-
dard scope. Using this weapon without a scope imposes a –1 penalty
on attack rolls.
SV-98
Russian 7.62mm Bolt-Action Sniper Rifle
SSG-69 (7.62mm Sniper Rifle)
The SV-98 is a state-of-the-art sniper rifle chambered to fire the

7.62×54mm Russian cartridge. It is derived from the highly successful
Record-1 target rifle. The SV-98 marks something of a departure in

d20 MODERN
Russian battlefield doctrine, indicating a recognition of the value of Damage: 2d8 Magazine: 10 box
true snipers capable of long-distance precision fire, as opposed to Critical: 20 Size: Large
the marksmen of the Cold War–era Red Army equipped with less Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 8 lb.
accurate weapons (such as the SVD). Range Increment: 90 ft. Purchase DC: 20
The stock of the SV-98 is available in either wood or composite Rate of Fire: Single Restriction: Res (+2)
and is fully adjustable. It has two vents to help cool the barrel. A
bipod can be fitted as needed. The barrel is free-floating.
Variants: The SV-98 is available for export in a number of Truvello Armory SG1
Western calibers, including 7.62mm NATO and .338 Lapua Magnum. South African 7.62mm Bolt-Action Sniper Rifle
Who Uses It: The SV-98 is in service with the Russian armed
forces.
mount, and a standard scope. Its scope mount cannot be used with
other scopes. Using this weapon without a scope imposes a –1 pen-
alty on attack rolls. This weapon has no iron sights.
Damage: 2d10 Magazine: 10 box The SG1 is a recent design from Truvello Armory of Lyttelton, South
Critical: 20 Size: Large Africa. SG1s are available in various calibers, with various types of stocks,
Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 8 lb. and in either single-shot or magazine-fed bolt-action configurations.
Range Increment: 100 ft. Purchase DC: 20 The heavy barrel is cold forged. The stock and trigger are fully
Rate of Fire: Single Restriction: Lic (+1) adjustable, and a standard sight-mounting rail is located on the
receiver, allowing the user to attach virtually any scope.
106 SV-99
d20 Modern Rules: This weapon has adjustable fittings. It has
no iron sights.
Russian .22 Bolt-Action Suppressed Sniper Rifle
Like the SV-98, the SV-99 is derived from a competition rifle—in United States Marine Corps DMR
this case, one used for the biathlon. It uses .22 long rifle cartridges. American 7.62mm Semiautomatic Marksman Rifle
This low-powered round seems a poor choice for a precision sniping
weapon, but the SV-99 has an unusual role. Equipped with a sup-
pressor, it is meant to engage targets such as sentries, guard dogs,
and lights at close range (particularly in an urban setting), where
silence is far more important than long-range hitting power. The
SV-99 is intended to be accurate enough that the shooter can make
up for its lack of stopping power by putting accurately placed shots
SNIPER RIFLES
into vulnerable areas of the target, such as the head or throat. The DMR (Designated Marksman Rifle) is meant to equip the spotter
The SV-99 can be quickly disassembled and carried in a specially in a two-man sniper-spotter team. It serves as a backup to the pri-
constructed briefcase, which allows it to be moved about discreetly. mary sniper rifle, giving the spotter the capability to rapidly engage
The stock is fully adjustable and contains a storage compartment targets with a highly accurate semiautomatic weapon. The DMR is
for two spare magazines, which allows the shooter to keep reloads constructed from old M14 rifles by the USMC Rifle Team Equipment
close at hand. If desired, the stock and grip can be removed and Shops at Quantico, Virginia.
replaced with a simple pistol grip, allowing the SV-99 to be used like The rebuilding is extensive, resulting in virtually an entirely new
a very long-barreled pistol. weapon. The action is modified to permit only semiautomatic fire,
Who Uses It: The SV-99 is used by Russian military and police and a precision sniping barrel is fitted. The standard wooden stock is
forces. replaced with a fully adjustable composite model featuring a pistol
d20 Modern Rules: This is a suppressed weapon. Although the grip. An improved muzzle brake and bipod are also standard. A scope
weapon’s firing is audible, determining the location of the weapon rail allows a variety of optical devices to be attached. The weapon
by its sound alone requires a successful Listen check (DC 15). When can also be fitted with a suppressor.
firing cold-loaded ammunition, this weapon operates as if silenced; Who Uses It: The USMC DMR is in service with Marine Scout-
a successful Listen check (DC 20) is required to notice the sound of Sniper teams. It is also issued to Marine security police units and
the weapon firing. the U.S. Navy SEALs.
The weapon can be assembled or disassembled in 2 full rounds. d20 Modern Rules: This weapon has adjustable fittings, a scope
Removing the stock and rifle grip takes 1 round, reduces the mount, and a standard scope. Using this weapon without a scope
weapon’s weight to 5 pounds, and allows it to be fired one-handed. imposes a –1 penalty on attack rolls. It has no iron sights.
One-handed attacks made with the SV-99 “pistol” take a –1 penalty When fitted with a suppressor, the USMC DMR is a suppresed
on the attack roll. weapon. Although the weapon’s firing is audible, determining the
This weapon has adjustable fittings, a scope mount, and a stan- location of the weapon by its sound alone requires a successful
dard scope. Its scope mount cannot be used with other scopes. Listen check (DC 15). When firing cold-loaded ammunition, this
Using this weapon without a scope imposes a –1 penalty on attack weapon operates as if silenced; a successful Listen check (DC 20) is
rolls. It has no iron sights. required to notice the sound of the weapon firing.

d20 MODERN
Rate of Fire: S Restriction: Res (+2) Rate of Fire: S, A Restriction: Mil (+3)
VS 94 PS WA2000
Norwegian 7.62mm Bolt-Action Sniper Rifle German .300 Winchester Magnum Semiautomatic Sniper Rifle
Like the NM149S above, the VS 94 PS is based on the Mauser bolt The WA2000 is perhaps the most sophisticated sniping weapon
action. It is a highly advanced development of this venerable design, ever developed. A rigid frame holds the barrel, action, and sight. This
optimized for accurate shooting out to the limits of the 7.62mm directs the recoil force straight back against the shooter’s shoulder,
NATO cartridge. It was originally developed for a Norwegian govern- eliminating the tendency of the muzzle to climb when the weapon
ment requirement. is fired. The stock is fully adjustable. The magazine is housed behind
Who Uses It: The VS 94 PS is used by the Norwegian police the thumbhole pistol grip. An integral bipod is attached to the top
forces.
of the frame. A standard scope is generally fitted, though the quick-
release scope mount will readily accept any sight desired.
107
mount, and a standard scope. The WA2000 is the product of careful design and testing and
promises the ultimate in accuracy and performance; however, it is
Damage: 2d10 Magazine: 5 box also extremely expensive. Unfortunately, it was unable to compete
Critical: 20 Size: Large with less expensive weapons and found few buyers. It was with-
Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 15 lb. drawn from production in 1989.
Range Increment: 100 ft. Purchase DC: 20 d20 Modern Rules: Due to its high quality of manufacture, this
Rate of Fire: Single Restriction: Lic (+1) weapon is always considered a mastercraft +2 weapon. As such, it
VSS “Thread Cutter”
Russian 9×39mm Select-Fire Suppressed Sniper Rifle Damage: 2d10 Magazine: 6 box
Winchester Model 70 Sharpshooter
SNIPER RIFLES
The VSS is essentially a sniping variant of the AS silent assault rifle. American 7.62mm Bolt-Action Sniper Rifle
It was developed in parallel with the AS and is intended for use by
covert special operations units, especially those operating behind
the lines. It can be broken down quickly and carried in a plain-look-
ing briefcase. Together with its ammunition and scopes, the rifle is
meant to serve as a complete weapon system known as VSK—the
Soviet designers call this comprehensive system a “complex.”
The VSS is designed for accurate aimed fire using an armor-pierc-
ing variant of the 9×39mm cartridge. It is capable of automatic fire The Winchester Model 70 has not proven as successful as its com-
as well, and it accepts the 20-round magazine of the AS assault petitor the Remington Model 700; however, it is still an accurate
rifle. The stock is a thumbhole design, similar to that used on the and dependable weapon. The Sharpshooter version is intended for
SVD Dragunov. sniping work. It is all black, with a special composite stock, a bipod,
Who Uses It: The VSS is in service with the Russian Ministry of and a heavy barrel.
Internal Affairs (MVD) and military Special Forces units. Variants: The Model 70 is available in a number of different
d20 Modern Rules: This is a silenced weapon. A successful Listen calibers and versions, and it can be configured as a hunting, sniping,
check (DC 15) is required to notice the sound of the weapon firing. or target rifle.
This weapon has a scope mount and comes with a standard Who Uses It: Police SWAT teams throughout the U.S. use the
scope and an electro-optical scope. Model 70.
This weapon can be disassembled for convenient transport.
Assembling or disassembling the weapon takes 2 full rounds. Damage: 2d10 Magazine: 5 int
The 9mm SP-5 ammunition (standard for the VSS) is armor-pierc- Critical: 20 Size: Large
ing. If the target has armor or natural armor, this weapon grants a +1 Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 11 lb.
circumstance bonus on attack rolls. Range Increment: 100 ft. Purchase DC: 18

Chapter Four
ANTIMATERIEL
RIFLES
Antimateriel rifles (AMRs) can perhaps be thought of as extremely large and
heavy sniper rifles designed to destroy enemy equipment. Like sniping weap-
ons, antimateriel rifles are intended to deliver accurate and precise fire at
very long ranges. As such, they incorporate most of the elements of sniping
weapons, including heavy barrels, sophisticated long-range optics, bipods,
and adjustable stocks. The biggest difference is that they are much larger and
heavier than sniper rifles. They are usually chambered to fire heavy machine
gun rounds or even light cannon shells—up to 20mm
in some cases. Such a heavy cartridge gives an anti-
materiel rifle the hitting power necessary to defeat
hardened materiel targets, and of doing so at a range
outside the enemy’s ability to return small-arms fire. The tradeoff
is that antimateriel rifles are unwieldy and difficult to carry
around for any length of time. This limits their tactical use in
much the same way that machine guns are limited.
The ancestors of today’s antimateriel rifles are the old
antitank rifles. These emerged during World War I as a means
of countering the earliest tanks, whose armor was so thin that
an extremely heavy rifle round could penetrate it.
Antitank rifles were popular throughout the 1920s
and 1930s. At the outbreak of World War II, most of
the major powers fielded them. As armored vehicle
technology progressed, however, the antitank rifle
fell out of favor. Tanks soon had armor thick enough
to deflect even the heaviest of rifle bullets, and by the
end of the war, weapons designers shifted instead to hol-
low-charge explosive projectiles, such as bazookas, using
them as easily portable antitank ordnance.
As with sniping weapons, AMRs are seldom designed
as rifles alone. They are generally developed in conjunc-
tion with specialized sights and ammunition as complete
weapon systems. Advanced, high-power optics are used to
take maximum advantage of their heavy rounds’ long
range potential. Most AMRs employ match-grade
ammunition to ensure the best possible accuracy.
Generally, ball ammunition is used, but specialized discarding
sabot rounds are available for engaging armored targets.
Virtually all AMRs are fired from bipods—they are far too
heavy to be fired while the user is standing. Massive muzzle
brakes serve to compensate for the tremendous recoil pro-
duced by their powerful ammunition. Padded stocks also help in
this regard. Due to their immense bulk and weight, the largest AMRs
are designed to be disassembled and carried by a two-man team.

d20 MODERN
Though these rifles are potentially devastating when used Iron Sights: Some antimateriel rifles lack iron sights because they
against personnel, doing so really is overkill—a conventional sniper are designed to be used with scopes. A firearm without iron sights
rifle would be perfectly adequate and is much less trouble to lug imposes a –1 penalty on attack rolls unless used with a scope.
around. Antimateriel rifles do have a limited antipersonnel role for Unless otherwise noted, every antimaterial rifle in this chapter
extreme long-range shots. They are perhaps most useful in the has iron sights.
countersniping role, since they can be used to engage enemy snip- Optical Sights: Some antimateriel rifles feature optical sights. Unless
ers from beyond the range of the snipers’ own weapons. otherwise noted, optical sights function identically to standard sights.
The antimateriel rifle has proven valuable for a number of other
tasks. It is useful for destroying unexploded ordnance, such as
bombs and artillery shells, by targeting them from a safe distance.
At sea, the weapon is effective against light craft and can be used
ANTIMATERIEL RIFLE DESCRIPTIONS
The antimateriel rifles described in this chapter are presented
to disable the engines, radars, or other vital components. It is also
alphabetically.
useful for safely detonating sea mines.
In police use, AMRs serve a valuable role in SWAT sniper teams.
They are capable of shooting through thick cover, such as bricks and
cinder blocks. They can readily disable getaway vehicles, destroy-
Accuracy International AW50F
British .50 Caliber Bolt-Action Antimateriel Rifle
ing wheels and engines. Their popularity has been limited only by
their high cost, which is beyond the budgets of many departments,
particularly in smaller cities or rural areas.
d20 MODERN RULES 109

Roleplaying Game and apply to the firearms described in this The AW50F is a large-caliber development of the AW sniper rifle
chapter. produced by Accuracy International (see Chapter Three). Chambered
Proficiency: One must have the Personal Firearms Proficiency in .50 caliber BMG, it is a highly accurate bolt-action rifle designed to
feat to fire an antimateriel rifle without taking a –4 penalty on the provide the same degree of precision found in AI’s other models. It
attack roll. uses modular construction, in which the components are attached
Adjustable Fittings: Some atimateriel rifles are equipped with to a metal chassis. The stock can be folded and features an integral
adjustable fittings. Adjustable fittings make the weapon more com- monopod to support the rear of the weapon. A standard sight mount
fortable and natural-feeling to the firer, improving aim. The firer permits any optical scope to be fitted, and iron sights are provided as
does not have to take advantage of adjustable fittings; the weapon a backup. A variable zoom scope is supplied as standard.
ANTIMATERIEL RIFLES
functions normally even if the adjustable fittings are not used. For transport, the AW50F features fitting loops for a backpack
To gain the benefit of adjustable fittings, a user must first make harness, allowing the weapon to be carried on the back.
an initial adjustment. Doing so requires 10 minutes. The adjustment Variants: The AW50FT is a lightweight variant that uses titanium
benefits only that individual; if another character wishes to gain for many of its components. It weighs 28 pounds but otherwise has
the benefit of the adjustable fittings, he must make his own initial statistics identical to the heavier model.
adjustment (thereby negating the original user’s initial adjustment).
Adjusted fittings increase the bonus on attack rolls from the Damage: 2d12 Magazine: 5 box
Dead Aim feat by +1. A character without the Dead Aim feat gains Critical: 20 Size: Large
no benefit from adjustable fittings. Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 30 lb.
Bipods: Unless noted otherwise, an antimateriel rifle comes Range Increment: 120 ft. Purchase DC: 22
equipped with a bipod (see Bipods in the introduction for game rules). Rate of Fire: Single Restriction: Lic (+1)
Chambered Rounds: Any antimateriel rifle with a box magazine
can carry an extra cartridge in the chamber. To put a cartridge in the
chamber, the weapon is loaded as normal. (Chambering a round is Alpimex APK 20
part of the normal loading process.) Then, the magazine is removed, Slovenian Single-Shot Antimateriel Rifle
an extra bullet is added (to replace the one that was chambered),
and the magazine is reinserted. This process takes an extra full round
beyond the time normally required to load the weapon.
Changing Scopes: A scope can only be attached to a weapon
equipped with a scope mount. Some firearms come with scope
mounts, but unless otherwise stated they do not. Adding a scope
mount to a weapon takes 1 hour and a Repair check (DC 15). A scope
mount has a purchase DC of 10. The APK 20 is a massive weapon, chambered to fire the 20mm MG151
When a scope is attached to a weapon for the first time, it must antiaircraft shell. It operates on a simple single-shot action, using a
be zeroed or it will not function accurately. Zeroing is the process falling block to close the firing chamber much like in a light artillery
by which the scope is precisely aligned with the aim of the weapon. piece. The firing grip is set well forward, reducing the overall length
Zeroing takes 15 minutes and requires the firing of 10 bullets. The of the weapon in a manner similar to a bullpup. An extension tube
weapon must be fired to be zeroed. under the barrel holds both the sight-mount collar and the bipod.
Once the scope is zeroed, it can be removed and reattached later As with other 20mm antimateriel rifles, the relatively poor bal-
to the same weapon without zeroing it again. If it is attached to a listic performance of the big cannon shell severely limits long-range
different weapon (even a different weapon of the same model), it accuracy. The APK 20 is best used against larger targets, such as
must be zeroed to that weapon, rendering it no longer zeroed to vehicles, when its explosive shell can deal serious damage without
the original weapon. the need for precision shot placement.
Attaching or removing a scope is a full-round action.

d20 MODERN
Damage: 4d8 Magazine: 1 int transferring firing forces straight back. The stock contains a shock
Critical: 20 Size: Large absorber, and the barrel has a muzzle brake, which is the same design
Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 32 lb. as that used on the Barrett antimateriel rifles (see below). For safety,
Range Increment: 90 ft. Purchase DC: 24 the bolt head has two venting holes designed to direct firing gases
Rate of Fire: Single Restriction: Mil (+3) away from the shooter should there be a misfire—an ever-present
risk when using hand-loaded, high-powered ammunition.
Armalite AR-50 Damage: 2d12 Magazine: 5 box

American .50 Caliber Single Shot Antimateriel Rifle Critical: 20 Size: Huge
Barrett M82A1 “Light Fifty”

American .50 Caliber Semiautomatic Antimateriel Rifle
The AR-50 is a single-shot, bolt-action AMR from Armalite designed
to be as accurate and lightweight as possible. It features a removable
stock and a standard scope-mounting rail.

Critical: 20 Size: Huge
Weight: 29 lb.
Purchase DC: 22 The groundbreaking Barrett M82 was the first modern heavy anti-
Rate of Fire: Single Restriction: Lic (+1) materiel rifle. Though initially greeted with suspicion, the concept
has since caught on. Today, many such heavy rifles are available in
a variety of calibers.
ATAS .50 BG The M82 is semiautomatic. The action employs heavy return
Australian Bolt-Action Antimateriel Rifle springs to help dampen the recoil, and the heavy barrel is fluted to
improve cooling. A scope is standard, and iron sights are fitted as a
backup. The weapon features an adjustable bipod but can also be
mounted on vehicle pintle or tripod.
ANTIMATERIEL RIFLES
Who Uses It: The M82 was adopted by armed forces throughout
the world, including Belgium, Chile, Denmark, France, Italy, Jordan,
Kuwait, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, the U.K., the U.S., and many
others. It is also popular with police SWAT teams in the U.S.
The ATAS .50 BG is essentially a scaled-up version of Precision Rifle d20 Modern Rules: This weapon has a scope mount and comes
System’s bolt-action sniper rifles, chambered to fire the .50 BMG with a standard scope. Using this weapon without a scope imposes
cartridge. a –1 penalty on attack rolls.
The bolt and extractor have been considerably modified to accom-
modate the large machine gun cartridge. A magazine feed can be built Damage: 2d12 Magazine: 11 box
onto either the bottom of the receiver or either side, depending on the Critical: 20 Size: Huge
customer’s wishes. The stock is metal, using a lightweight aluminum alloy. Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 33 lb.
Both a standard sight mounting rail and backup iron sights are fitted. Range Increment: 120 ft. Purchase DC: 25
Variants: A marine model is available with stainless steel con- Rate of Fire: S Restriction: Lic (+1)
struction and a corrosion-resistant finish.
Damage: 2d12 Magazine: 6 box Barrett M82A2

Critical: 20 Size: Large American .50 Caliber Semiautomatic Antimateriel Rifle
AWT M93 Black Arrow

Greek .50 Caliber Bolt-Action Antimateriel Rifle
This version of the famed M82 antimateriel rifle is redesigned in a
bullpup configuration (the magazine is behind the pistol grip). The
M82A2 reduces the length of the barrel protruding out in front of
the user to facilitate concealment in the firing position. Unusual for
an AMR, the M82A2 has no bipod. Instead, the weapon is fitted with
a forward pistol grip and a shoulder stock behind the magazine. The
iron sights of the M82A1 are omitted.
The M93 Black Arrow uses a scaled-up version of the venerable d20 Modern Rules: This weapon has a scope mount and comes
Mauser 98 rifle action chambered to fire the .50 caliber BMG car- with a standard scope. Using this weapon without a scope imposes a
tridge. To control recoil, the action is arranged in a straight line, –1 penalty on attack rolls. This weapon has no iron sights.

d20 MODERN
Damage: 2d12 Magazine: 11 box Barrett rifles, designed as a low-cost alternative to more expensive
Critical: 20 Size: Large designs, particularly for the law enforcement market.
Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 30 lb. d20 Modern Rules: This weapon has a scope mount. Using this
Range Increment: 120 ft. Purchase DC: 24 weapon without a scope imposes a –1 penalty on attack rolls. This
Rate of Fire: S Restriction: Lic (+1) weapon has no iron sights.

Barrett M95 Critical: 20 Size: Large
American .50 Caliber Bolt-Action Antimateriel Rifle Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 25 lb.
Falcon
Czech .50 Caliber Bolt-Action Antimateriel Rifle
The bolt-action counterpart to Barrett’s M82 antimateriel rifle, the

M95 is significantly lighter, simpler, and cheaper than the semiauto-
matic M82 but retains the firepower of the heavy .50 caliber BMG
round. It is configured as a bullpup and is fitted with a bipod and
optical scope mount.
Variants: The M95 is derived from an earlier design, the M90.
The main improvement over the M90 is that the pistol grip was The Falcon was designed from the outset to be compatible with
111
moved forward slightly to make magazine changes easier. A U.S. either the Western .50 caliber or the Soviet 12.7mm machine gun
Army version, the XM107, features a removable barrel to facilitate cartridges. Different barrels are available, rifled to work with the
transport in crowded helicopters or armored vehicles. two different rounds. The mechanism is a conventional bolt-action
Who Uses It: The XM107 variant has been adopted by the U.S. with a 2-round magazine. For transport, the stock and barrel can be
Army to equip sniper teams in infantry units. Its statistics are identi- removed. Both a scope and folding backup iron sights are fitted.
cal to the M95. Variants: The 12.7mm Falcon is known as the OP 96, while the .50
d20 Modern Rules: This weapon has a scope mount. Using this BMG version is designated OP 97. Both have identical statistics.
weapon without a scope imposes a –1 penalty on attack rolls. This
ANTIMATERIEL RIFLES
weapon has no iron sights. Damage: 2d12 Magazine: 2 box
Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 22 lb. Rate of Fire: Single Restriction: Lic (+1)
Gepard Series
Hungarian Antimateriel Rifles
Barrett M99
American .50 Caliber Bolt-Action Antimateriel Rifle
The Hungarian firm Technika produces a series of antimateriel rifles

under the product name Gepard. The Gepard series features a cylin-
The Barrett Model 99 is essentially identical to the M95 bullpup drical housing for the action, with a pistol grip located toward the
bolt-action rifle except that it is a single-shot-only design without a rear of the weapon and a prominent cheek pad for the shooter. A
magazine. Rounds are loaded by hand directly into the firing cham- series of progressive developments has led to continuous improve-
ber one at a time. This is the simplest and least expensive of all ment of the basic design.
TABLE 4–1: GEPARD SERIES ANTIMATERIEL RIFLES

Gepard M1 (12.7mm AMR) 2d12 20 Ballistic 130 ft. Single 1 int. Huge 42 lb. 21 Lic (+1)
Gepard M2 (12.7mm AMR) 2d12 20 Ballistic 120 ft. S 10 box Huge 35 lb. 21 Lic (+1)
Gepard M2 (.50 AMR) 2d12 20 Ballistic 120 ft. S 10 box Huge 35 lb. 21 Lic (+1)
Gepard M2A1 (12.7mm AMR) 2d12 20 Ballistic 120 ft. S 10 box Large 33 lb. 21 Lic (+1)
Gepard M2A1 (.50 AMR) 2d12 20 Ballistic 120 ft. S 10 box Large 33 lb. 21 Lic (+1)
Gepard M3 (14.5mm AMR) 2d12 20 Ballistic 130 ft. S 10 box Huge 46 lb. 22 Mil (+3)
Gepard M4 SA1 (12.7mm AMR) 2d12 20 Ballistic 130 ft. S 10 box Huge 42 lb. 21 Lic (+1)
Gepard M4 SA1 (.50 AMR) 2d12 20 Ballistic 130 ft. S 10 box Huge 42 lb. 21 Lic (+1)

d20 MODERN
Gepard M1: The first of the Gepard rifles chambered to fire the Variants: The earlier M-87 was McMillan’s first .50 caliber sniper
Soviet 12.7mm machine gun cartridge, the M1 uses a bolt action and rifle. Although generally similar to the M-95, it is much heavier. The
holds a single round at a time. The pistol grip doubles as a bolt handle M-88, a Take Down model, can be disassembled for transport. The
and is used to cycle the action of the weapon. A bipod is standard, but M-93 variant has a hinged stock designed to fold just behind the
the M1 can also be fitted to a standard PKM machine gun tripod. trigger, allowing for more compact transport and storage.
Gepard M1A1: This version of the M1 is mounted on a metal Who Uses It: Harris bolt-action AMRs have been adopted by
backpack frame instead of a bipod. The metal backpack frame can a number of armies. The original M-87 has proven most popular
be used to carry the weapon more easily and can serve as a firing and is fielded by France, Germany, Italy, and the U.S. (including the
mount in snow or soft sand. Navy SEALs). The M-93 is fielded by France, Norway, Russia, Taiwan,
Gepard M2: A semiautomatic version of the Gepard design, the Turkey, and the U.S.
M2 is fed from a 5- or 10-round box magazine located adjacent to d20 Modern Rules: The M-88 Take Down model can be as-
the firing grip. The semiautomatic action is somewhat less accurate sembled or disassembled in 1 minute.
than the bolt-action M1, slightly reducing effective range.
Gepard M2A1: The M2A2 is a shortened version of the M2 semi-
automatic Gepard, designed for Special Forces units. It features a
M-87 and M-88 (.50 Antimateriel Rifle)
dramatically shortened barrel.
Gepard M3 “Destroyer”: The M3 is a heavier version of the
semiautomatic M2 and fires the powerful Soviet 14.5mm round from
the KPV heavy machine gun. A hydraulic buffer is used to compen-
sate for the tremendous recoil.
Gepard M4 SA1: The most modern design in the Gepard series,
the M4 SA1 is chambered for either 12.7mm Soviet or .50 caliber M-93 and M-95 (.50 Antimateriel Rifle)
112 BMG rounds. Like the M2, it has a recoil-driven semiautomatic
action and a box magazine. The barrel is lengthened to enhance
Damage: 2d12
Critical: 20
Magazine: 10 box
Size: Large
long-range accuracy. Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 18 lb.
d20 Modern Rules: Each variant in the Gepard series comes Range Increment: 120 ft. Purchase DC: 22
with a standard scope, but its scope mount cannot be used with Rate of Fire: Single Restriction: Lic (+1)
other scopes. The M1 and M1A1 share a similar scope mount, as do
the M2 and M2A1.
Harris M-96
American .50 Caliber Semiautomatic Antimateriel Rifle
Harris M-92
ANTIMATERIEL RIFLES
The M-96 is gas-powered and features a rather slab-sided appear-

ance. It uses a 5-round detachable box magazine and is designed to
The M-92 adopts the action of the earlier M-87 into a bullpup con- accept a bipod. The M-96 is controllable enough to be fired from a
figuration, using a rather odd-looking composite stock. The result standing position.
is a much shorter design than the standard Harris antimateriel rifle, Who Uses It: The M-96 has been adopted by the Malaysian
though the barrel is the same length. The stock has an adjustable armed forces.
cheekpiece, and the weapon comes with an adjustable bipod.
Damage: 2d12 Magazine: 5 int Critical: 20 Size: Large
Range Increment: 120 ft. Purchase DC: 22 Rate of Fire: S Restriction: Lic (+1)
Helenius APH RK99

Harris M-95 Finnish .50 Caliber Single-Shot Antimateriel Rifle
Like the Czech Falcon, the Helenius RK99 can be modified to fire
The M-95 represents a rather conventional (if large) bolt-action either the .50 Browning or 12.7mm Soviet heavy machine gun rounds.
design with a box magazine. A bipod is standard, and an adjustable It is a single-shot design using a vertical breechblock, much like a
monopod extends out of the pistol grip to take the weight of the small artillery piece. Rounds are loaded into the top of the weapon.
weapon when aiming. A vertical foregrip, located just in front of the firing pistol grip, is

d20 MODERN
used to open and close the breech. A scope mount offset to the left Damage: 2d12 Magazine: 1 int
of the weapon allows different sights to be mounted. Critical: 20 Size: Large
Damage: 2d12 Magazine: 1 int Range Increment: 120 ft. Purchase DC: 22
Critical: 20 Size: Large Rate of Fire: Single Restriction: Lic (+1)
Rate of Fire: Single Restriction: Lic (+1) Mechem NTW-20
South African 20mm/14.5mm Bolt-Action Antimateriel Rifle
LAR Grizzly 50
American .50 Caliber Single-Shot Sporting Rifle
Originally developed by Aerotek and now produced by Mechem,

the massive NTW-20 is one of the largest antimateriel rifles on the
market. It is a bolt-action, single-shot repeater made to fire either
The Grizzly from LAR Manufacturing is a single-shot .50 caliber the 14.5mm Soviet machine gun round or the 20mm cannon round.
rifle designed for the civilian long-range target shooting market. Because it fires such heavy ammunition, the NTW incorporates a
Extremely simple in design and operation, it is much less expensive massive recoil compensation system similar to that found on a field
than military antimateriel rifles. This has led to its adoption by bud-
get-conscious police forces. It features a bipod, a standard scope
artillery piece. The barrel and action are designed to slide backward
into the rifle body when fired; the compensator then arrests this
113
mount, and an M16-pattern firing grip. The single-shot action is motion and pushes them back forward again, taking up most of the
configured as a bullpup to reduce overall length. The bolt and stock recoil force. The shooter feels little more kick than if he or she were
are removed, and a round is attached to the bolt face. This is then to shoot a large-bore hunting rifle.
reinserted and locked into place for firing. The NTW’s bulk is a serious drawback. Consequently, it is designed
Who Uses It: In addition to long-range target shooting enthu- to break down into two sections for transport. The rifle is fitted with
siasts, the Grizzly is popular with police SWAT teams, particularly a scope, which is calibrated to the ammunition being used.
in rural areas. Currently in development are additional barrels and bolts that
will allow the NTW to fire either .50 BMG or 12.7mm Soviet machine
ANTIMATERIEL RIFLES
Damage: 2d12 Magazine: 1 int gun rounds, making it one of the most flexible AMR weapon systems
Critical: 20 Size: Large on the market.
Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 30 lb. Who Uses It: The NTW is in service with the South African
Range Increment: 120 ft. Purchase DC: 19 armed forces.
Rate of Fire: Single Restriction: Lic (+1) d20 Modern Rules: This weapon can be readily converted be-
tween 14.5mm and 20mm calibers by changing the bolt, barrel, and
magazine. This can be done without tools in 1 minute. The weapon’s
MACS-M2A scope must be rezeroed each time the weapon is converted.
Croatian .50 Caliber Single Shot Antimateriel Rifle
NTW20 (20mm Antimateriel Rifle)
Rate of Fire: Single Restriction: Mil (+3)
The MACS-M2A is a lightweight antimateriel rifle from Croatia. It
is chambered in the popular .50 BMG cartridge. The MACS-M2A NTW20 (14.5mm Antimateriel Rifle)
features a composite skeleton stock and a fluted barrel that is Damage: 2d12 Magazine: 3 box
designed to keep weight down. The stock is adjustable to suit the Critical: 20 Size: Huge
shooter’s preference. The operating mechanism is a bolt action, Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 64 lb.
but there is no magazine; rounds are loaded into the chamber Range Increment: 130 ft. Purchase DC: 24
one at a time. Rate of Fire: Single Restriction: Mil (+3)
Variants: A follow-on model, the MACS-M3, has been recon-
figured as a bullpup. The bolt-action protrudes over the shooter’s
shoulder to the rear. This reduces the weapon’s overall length con- OSV-96
siderably. It weighs 19 pounds; its statistics are otherwise identical Russian 12.7mm Semiautomatic Antimateriel Rifle
to the MACS-M2A.
Who Uses Them: Both the MACS-M2A and M3A are in service
with the Croatian Army.

d20 MODERN
This weapon is the first modem antimateriel rifle to emerge from Variants: The M650 is similar to the M600 except that it is
Russia. Originally known as the V-94, it has been improved and put slightly shorter, features a 7-round rotary sprocket magazine, and
into production as the OSV-96. Although it bears a superficial re- weighs 30 pounds.
semblance to World War II–era Soviet antitank rifles, the OSV-96 is Who Uses It: The M600 and M650 are in use by U.S. special
a thoroughly modern design. operations units.
The OSV-96 uses a gas-powered semiautomatic action fed from d20 Modern Rules: This weapon can be assembled or dismantled
a 5-round box magazine. For transport, the OSV-96 can be folded in 1 minute for ease of transport. It comes with a standard scope. Firing
in half where the barrel meets the receiver, reducing its length to 1.1 the weapon without a scope imposes a –1 penalty on attack rolls.
meters. A large carrying handle is located at the center of gravity.
The OSV-96 comes with a scope mount and a standard scope.
Who Uses It: The OSV-96 is the standard antimateriel rifle of the
Russian armed forces, and it has been used in the fighting in Chechnya.

Range Increment: 110 ft. Purchase DC: 21 Damage: 2d12 Magazine: 1 int
Rate of Fire: S Restriction: Lic (+1) Critical: 20 Size: Large
PGM Model UR Hecate II Rate of Fire: Single Restriction: Lic (+1)
French .50 Caliber Bolt-Action Antimateriel Rifle
114 Robar RC-50
The Hecate II is the heaviest weapon in the Ultima Ratio range of

sniper rifles from PGM Precision (see Chapter Three). Chambered
ANTIMATERIEL RIFLES
to fire the .50 BMG round, it is intended for use in an antimateriel The RC-50 is an antimateriel rifle designed and produced for the
or countersniper role. Though built with the same modular con- military and law enforcement market. An extremely accurate and
struction as the rest of the UR rifles, in order to accommodate the sophisticated weapon, it has been finely tuned for the best possible
stresses of firing the bigger ammunition, it is both larger and heavier. performance. The RC-50 uses a conventional bolt action, developed
The barrel is deeply fluted to help cooling and reduce weight. In by Robar, and a McMillan composite stock. Features include a bipod
addition to the bipod, the Hecate II has a monopod on the stock to and sight rail. The stock is designed to fold just behind the trigger
support it when aiming for long periods. The stock can be removed guard, shortening the weapon for transport or storage.
to make the weapon easier to transport. For safety, the bolt handle
can be removed without tools, making it impossible to work the Damage: 2d12 Magazine: 5 box
action and fire the weapon. Critical: 20 Size: Large
Who Uses It: The Hecate II is the standard antimateriel rifle of Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 25 lb.
the French Army. Range Increment: 120 ft. Purchase DC: 22
d20 Modern Rules: Due to its high quality of manufacture, Rate of Fire: Single Restriction: Lic (+1)
This weapon has adjustable fittings. RT20
Removing or reinstalling the bolt handle is a move action. Croatian 20mm Single Shot Antimateriel Rifle

The RT20 was developed for an unusually specific mission—to

RAD M600 SLAMR destroy the armored infrared night-sights on Serbian M-84 battle
American .50 Caliber Single Shot Antimateriel Rifle tanks during the Yugoslav civil wars of the 1990s. The Serbs had
The M600 is a bolt-action antimateriel rifle from Redick Arms been using these infrared sights to track the movements of
Development. The designation “SLAMR” stands for Special Lightweight Croatian troops by night. After proving its worth in this role, the
Antimateriel Rifle, and the M600 was designed to be as lightweight as RT20 was put to use against other targets, such as light vehicles
possible. It is intended for use by special operations units that would and flak guns.
have to carry weapons into battle on foot, perhaps over long distances. Because the tanks’ sight housings were heavily armored, massive
The weapon is built around an open frame to which the various com- 20mm shells were needed to disable them. The RT20 fires a formi-
ponents are attached. The rifle comes with a standard scope. dable 20×110mm Hispano-Suiza cannon shell, originally developed

d20 MODERN
for rapid-fire aircraft guns. Due to the relatively poor ballistic per- The IWS 2000 is still in development and has not gone into full
formance of this round, the RT20 lacks the accuracy necessary to production. Steyr hopes to ultimately produce a smaller, lighter
reliably hit human-sized targets at long range. Against larger targets, version.
however, such as parked aircraft or vehicles, its explosive charge d20 Modern Rules: This weapon comes with a standard scope,
deals tremendous damage. but its scope mount cannot be used with other scopes.
Like the .50 caliber MACS-M3A, the RT20 is a single-shot bolt-
action design configured as a bullpup. The immense recoil of the Damage: 2d12 Magazine: 5 box
20mm round necessitated a number of features to compensate for Critical: 20 Size: Huge
it. In addition to the muzzle brake, the RT20 features a gas-vent- Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 44 lb.
ing system that directs some of the propellant gases out of the Range Increment: 130 ft. Purchase DC: 26
weapon through a tube that runs over the shooter’s shoulder. This Rate of Fire: S Restriction: Mil (+3)
brings the kick down to a manageable (though extremely strong)
level. It also creates a backblast behind the weapon, making it
unsafe for use in vehicles or enclosed spaces, such as bunkers. It Stoner SR-50
also means that the shooter, when firing prone, must lie at an angle American .50 Caliber Semiautomatic Antimateriel Rifle
to the weapon so that his or her back and legs are not under the
vented firing gases.
The RT20’s scope is mounted well forward so that when the
weapon recoils it will not be driven back into the shooter’s eye.
For transport, a backpack frame with shoulder straps attaches
to the side of the weapon, allowing a single person to carry it
relatively easily.
Variants: The RT20 design has gone through a series of refine-
ments, each getting successively lighter to improve portability.
The SR-50 is a gas-powered semiautomatic AMR that is chambered
to fire the Browning .50 caliber round. A 10-round box magazine is fed
115
Further development is ongoing. The most current version is known horizontally into the left side of the receiver; this facilitates feeding
as the RT20 M1 (see below for statistics). and reduces the height of the weapon, making it easier to fire from
Who Uses It: The RT20 is used by the Croatian armed forces. the bipod. The pistol grip and safety catch are taken from the M16,
d20 Modern Rules: This weapon comes with a standard scope, while the bipod is from the M60 machine gun. For transport, the user
but its scope mount cannot be used with other scopes. can detach the barrel without tools as a full-round action.
The SR-50 comes with a scope-mounting rail and a standard scope.
ANTIMATERIEL RIFLES
Rate of Fire: Single Restriction: Mil (+3) Range Increment: 120 ft. Purchase DC: 22
Steyr IWS 2000

Austrian 15.2mm Semiautomatic Antimateriel Rifle Truvello Armoury Mega Sniper
South African .50 Caliber Bolt-Action Antimateriel Rifle
One of the largest of the antimateriel rifles, the IWS (Infantry

Weapon System) 2000 is designed to obliterate armored mate- The Mega Sniper from Truvello is an antimateriel counterpart to the
riel targets at extremely long range. Steyr Mannlicher initially SG1 series of sniper rifles (see Chapter Three). It is a sophisticated
experimented with existing heavy machine gun cartridges but bolt-action design, optimized for the highest possible accuracy. It
was unable to achieve the desired level of performance. Steyr features an adjustable aluminum stock with a vertical grip for the
then developed a special cartridge, the massive 15.2mm, for this nonfiring hand. The pistol grip can also be adjusted front to back
weapon. Using discarding sabot ammunition, it has outstanding to set the trigger reach to the shooter’s preference. The weapon
ballistic performance. includes a standard scope-mounting rail, allowing the user to select
The IWS 2000 is a semiautomatic design configured as a whichever scope is desired.
bullpup. It uses a 5-round box magazine fed into the side of the Variants: A single-shot version without the box magazine is
receiver. A special recoil absorption system and a large muzzle also available.
brake help to make the weapon manageable when fired. To ensure d20 Modern Rules: This weapon has adjustable fittings.
the maximum possible muzzle velocity, the barrel is not rifled;
special rounds have been developed using fins to impart stability Damage: 2d12 Magazine: 4 box
to the projectile in-flight. A standard scope helps the shooter Critical: 20 Size: Huge
engage distant targets. Although extensive use has been made Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 35 lb.
of plastics and lightweight alloys to keep weight down, the IWS Range Increment: 120 ft. Purchase DC: 22
2000 is still an extremely heavy weapon system. It is meant to be Rate of Fire: Single Restriction: Lic (+1)
operated by a crew of two, and for transport, it breaks down into
two component parts.

Chapter Five
SUBMACHINE
GUNS
Developed in the early 20th century, submachine guns are light automatic
weapons. They fire pistol cartridges, which are more manageable than high-
power rifle rounds in automatic mode. This also makes submachine guns
more compact and lightweight than full-sized rifles.
Most submachine guns are built as cheaply as possible. Few are designed
for inherent accuracy or performance; the idea is to achieve hits through
a hail of bullets rather than through careful aim. Many submachine guns
do not even have a semiautomatic setting and are
designed for use in only automatic mode. Because
the pistol ammunition they use is low-powered,
submachine gun barrels are generally short, and long-
range accuracy is poor.
Due to the restrictions on sales of automatic weapons,
many submachine guns are manufactured in special semiauto-
matic “carbine” versions for civilian or police use. Sometimes
these weapons feature a longer barrel to improve individual
shot accuracy. In general, most submachine guns make poor semi-
automatic weapons, though some notable exceptions exist.
Submachine gun designs can be roughly
grouped into a number of different generations.
The first generation of submachine guns emerged
during World War I, and they represented an at-
tempt to create weapons for close-range trench
raiding. Though innovative and effective, they were
generally overly complex and expensive to make. They
were also somewhat heavy and unwieldy compared to
more modern variants. Typical first-generation subma-
chine guns include the American Thompson and the
German MP-18.
Second-generation submachine guns were built as
cheaply and simply as possible, to keep manufacturing
costs down. Manufacturers made extensive use of metal
stampings and spot welds to avoid the need for
expensive machine-tooled parts. The idea was to
create weapons that could be affordably mass-pro-
duced during wartime. Typical second-generation submachine
guns include the British Sten Gun and the Swedish Carl Gustav
submachine guns.
A third generation emerged in the decades following
World War II and incorporated technological advances made
in design and operation. The most significant of these, perhaps,
was the telescoping bolt assembly, which made the action much
more compact. Hence, most third-generation submachine guns

d20 MODERN
were smaller than earlier designs. Typical of this generation are the and the magazine is reinserted. This process takes an extra full round
Israeli Uzi and the American Ingram MAC 10. beyond the time normally required to load the weapon.
The fourth generation of submachine guns appeared in the Folding Stocks: Many submachine guns feature folding stocks.
1970s and 1980s. These weapons were characterized by a break (Some weapons feature collapsible stocks; for game purposes, these
with the long-standing traditions of simplicity and cheapness in are the same as folding stocks.) Folding a weapon’s stock grants a +2
submachine gun design. Instead, they were carefully designed for bonus on Sleight of Hand checks made to conceal the weapon.
accuracy. Many of these submachine guns featured modifications of Using a Large or larger weapon with the stock folded imposes a
assault-rifle actions scaled down to fire pistol cartridges. This made –1 penalty on all attack rolls. Folding or unfolding a folding stock is a
them far more expensive than earlier submachine gun designs, and move action. If you have a base attack bonus of +1 or higher, you can
the excessively complex action sometimes caused problems when fold or unfold a folding stock as a free action when moving.
they were used for sustained automatic fire. The ability to deliver Loading Large Magazines: According to the d20 Modern
extremely accurate fire in semiautomatic or burst mode, however, Roleplaying Game (see Reloading Firearms in Chapter Four),
made these weapons popular among police and antiterrorist forces. refilling a box magazine is a full-round action. Actually, as a full-
The German H&K MP5 and the Chilean SAF are typical fourth-gen- round action you can refill up to 20 rounds of ammunition in a box
eration submachine guns. magazine. Larger box magazines take more time to fill. For example,
Recently, another special type of submachine gun has emerged, a 30-round box magazine takes 2 full rounds to fill, while a 42-round
known as the Personal Defense Weapon (PDW) or “assault pistol.” box magazine takes 3 full rounds to fill. You do not have to fill a box
This weapon is small and lightweight, even by submachine gun magazine to its full capacity; if you can only spare 1 full round, you
standards. PDWs are intended to be carried by vehicle crews, pilots, can choose to partially fill a larger magazine.
support troops, and rear-echelon personnel for whom a full-sized Machine Pistols: Any Medium-size or smaller submachine gun is
rifle would be too inconvenient. Most PDWs can be carried in a large considered a machine pistol. Like any other Medium-size or smaller
pistol holster and easily fired with one hand. They often require new weapon, a machine pistol can be fired one-handed. However, when
types of ammunition, mating a small-caliber bullet with a powerful
necked cartridge. Such ammunition gives better performance than
fired on the automatic rate of fire or using the Burst Fire feat, a
machine pistol imposes a –1 penalty on all attack rolls. The penalty
117
an ordinary pistol round (particularly with respect to armor-piercing is negated if the weapon is fired two-handed.
capability), without the bulk or recoil of full-sized rifle ammunition.
Personal defense weapons may be widely issued by military forces
in the decades to come. They are also useful to bodyguards and
criminals who need concealable firepower.
SUBMACHINE GUN DESCRIPTIONS
The submachine guns described in this chapter are presented
The term “machine pistol” originated in Germany in the 1930s
alphabetically.
as an attempt to circumvent the terms of the Versailles Treaty.
The treaty limited the number of submachine guns used by the
German army, but not the number of pistols; hence, it was hoped
A-9 and A-7.62
SUBMACHINE GUNS
that purchases of “machine pistols” would not violate the treaty.
Russian 9mm Submachine Gun
Since then, some analysts have tried to establish “machine pistols”
as a separate category of weaponry that falls somewhere between
submachine guns and self-loading pistols. In general, this designa-
tion simply creates unnecessary confusion; many weapons could
arguably fit into either category. The more accurate use of the
term in modern parlance refers to pistols that feature an auto-
matic rate of fire.
d20 MODERN RULES These two submachine guns are derived from the A-91 compact
assault rifle. As their designations suggest, the A-9 is chambered in
The rules in this section supplement those in the d20 Modern 9mm (in this case, the Western Parabellum round) and the A-7.62
Roleplaying Game, and apply to the firearms described in this uses the 7.62mm Tokarev round. Both employ the same gas-pow-
chapter. ered action of the assault rifle, and many of their components
Proficiency: One must have the Personal Firearms Proficiency are interchangeable with those of the A-91. Construction and
feat to fire a submachine gun without taking a –4 penalty on the operation are similar, with the same general arrangement and
attack roll. folding stock.
For submachine guns with an automatic rate of fire, one must The gas-powered action is somewhat unusual for a submachine
have the Advanced Firearms Proficiency feat to fire on automatic gun, which makes this a complex and expensive weapon. It is both
without taking a –4 penalty on the attack roll. more lightweight and more accurate than a conventional blowback
Burst Fire: Some submachine guns have three-round burst system, however, making this weapon particularly well suited for
settings even if they do not have an automatic rate of fire. These special operations or counterterrorist use.
weapons can be used with the Burst Fire feat. They cannot be Who Uses Them: The A-9 and A-7.62 are both reportedly in
used to make autofire attacks or to gain any other benefit of service with the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD).
the automatic rate of fire. They do not grant the ability to make
burst fire attacks without the Burst Fire feat; if you use the setting Damage: 2d6 Magazine: 30 box
without the feat, you make a normal attack, and the extra bullets Critical: 20 Size: Large
are wasted. Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 4 lb.
Chambered Rounds: Any submachine gun with a box magazine Range Increment: 50 ft. Purchase DC: 21
can carry an extra cartridge in the chamber. To put a cartridge in the Rate of Fire: S, A Restriction: Res (+2)
chamber, the weapon is loaded as normal. (Chambering a round is
part of the normal loading process.) Then, the magazine is removed,

d20 MODERN
AEK-919 Kashtan Arsenal Shipka
Russian 9mm Submachine Gun Bulgarian 9mm Submachine Gun
The AEK-919 Kashtan is a new submachine gun developed for the The Shipka is a recent submachine gun design from Bulgaria, cham-
Russian Interior Ministry. It is similar to the Israeli Uzi, using a simple, bered in the relatively low-powered 9mm Makarov cartridge. Though
blowback operated action with a telescoping bolt. It is made of the firing mechanism is a relatively unsophisticated blowback design,
mixed polymer-metal construction, which makes it relatively light. A the Shipka incorporates a number of modern features. The action is
folding metal stock is standard. A positive safety prevents accidental housed in a high-impact plastic case that forms the grips and maga-
firing if the weapon is dropped or jarred. zine well. A laser sight can be mounted within the forward grip, just
The AEK-919 is chambered for the low-power 9×18mm Makarov under the barrel. A folding metal stock is fitted as well.
pistol cartridge. It would be relatively simple to adapt the weapon Variants: An export model, chambered in the more popular
to the new high-power derivative of the cartridge used by the PMM 9mm Parabellum cartridge, is also available. It uses a smaller 25-
pistol, but for some reason, this has not yet been done. round magazine.
Variants: A compact carry version of the AEK-919 is designated
118 AEK-919K and has a range increment of 40 feet; its statistics are
otherwise identical to the standard model.
Shipka (9mmR Submachine Gun)
d20 Modern Rules: The compact AEK-919K provides a +1 cir-
cumstance bonus on Sleight of Hand checks made to conceal the
weapon (+3 if its stock is folded).
Rate of Fire: A Restriction: Res (+2)
Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 4 lb. Shipka (9mm Submachine Gun)
Rate of Fire: S, A Restriction: Res (+2) Critical: 20 Size: Large
SUBMACHINE GUNS

Agram 2000 Rate of Fire: A Restriction: Res (+2)
Croatian 9mm Submachine Gun
Benelli CB-M2
Italian 9mm Caseless Submachine Gun
The Agram 2000 was a hastily designed submachine gun that

emerged from the chaos of the fighting in the former Yugoslavia
in the 1990s. Limited by an international arms embargo, which
prevented the import of foreign designs, the Croatian government
developed the Agram 2000 for use by its military and security The CB-M2 is the result of a joint venture between Benelli and
forces. A simple and crude weapon, it was designed to be produced ammunition manufacturer Fiocci. It uses a unique type of caseless
cheaply and quickly in any machine shop. Construction is from bullet, in which the propellant charge is loaded into a hollow space
simple metal tubes and stampings with plastic grips. It is designed to in the base of the bullet itself. The weapon’s blowback action is
accept standard Uzi magazines. A special suppressor, which screws relatively conventional in operation except that upon firing, the ac-
onto the end of the barrel, is available as well. tion simply moves back and draws the next round off the magazine,
Wartime conditions made the Agram 2000 a useful design for the since there is no case to eject.
Croatian forces. With the end of the fighting, and the more ready The system was much simpler and easier to perfect than the
availability of better weapons, the need for the Agram 2000 largely more advanced type developed for the H&K G11 caseless rifle,
disappeared, and it has gone out of production. and the manufacturers claimed that it could be readily adapted to
Who Uses It: The Agram 2000 saw service with the Croatian full-sized rifle calibers as well. In the end, however, this innovative
military and police forces during the civil wars. It remains in use in design failed to attract any customers, and the CB-M2 never went
limited numbers. into full-scale production.

Critical: 20 Size: Medium Critical: 20 Size: Large
Rate of Fire: S, A Restriction: Res (+2) Rate of Fire: S, A Restriction: Res (+2)

d20 MODERN
Beretta Model 12 Damage: 2d6
Critical: 20
Magazine: 64 box
Size: Large
Italian 9mm Submachine Gun
BXP
South African 9mm Submachine Gun
The Model 12 was introduced in the late 1950s and was the first
major postwar submachine gun design to emerge from Italy.
Its cylindrical body and twin pistol grips give it a distinctive
appearance. Its action uses a telescoping bolt, much like the
Israeli Uzi. This keeps the Model 12 compact and wieldy. It is
also simple to manufacture and maintain, which makes it both
cheap and reliable.
The BXP is a design from South Africa. Its development was ne-
Variants: The Model 12 was made available with either a fixed
cessitated by that country’s international arms embargo, which
wooden stock or a folding metal one as desired. An improved ver-
prevented procurement of another weapon from overseas. It owes
sion, the Model 12S, was introduced in the early 1980s. The Model
much to the Uzi, which preceded it in South African service, incor-
12S incorporated numerous changes, all relatively minor. Most im-
porating a telescoping bolt and a magazine housed in the pistol grip.
portant of these changes, though, were a larger redesigned safety
catch and an overall anticorrosion coating.
A few improvements were made on the basic design, most notably a
sealed bolt that prevents debris from clogging the action should the
119
Who Uses It: From the early 1960s, the Model 12 was the stan-
weapon get dirty. A folding stock is fitted, and the barrel is threaded
dard submachine gun in Italy and served with both the military and
to accept a suppressor.
national police units. During the 1980s, the Model 12S replaced the
The BXP is fitted with an ambidextrous safety switch. Selecting
Model 12. The Model 12S was also widely exported and was pro-
between automatic or semiautomatic fire is done with the trigger
duced under license in Brazil and Indonesia.
itself—a half-pull gives semiautomatic fire, and a full pull gives
automatic fire. Thanks to its overall good balance, the BXP is easily
controllable even in automatic mode.
Variants: A semiautomatic-only carbine variant is also produced
for police or civilian sales; its statistics are otherwise identical to the
SUBMACHINE GUNS
standard BXP model.
Who Uses It: The BXP replaced the Uzi in South African service
in the 1970s. Today, it serves with both military and police forces and
Bizon Series has been exported as well.
Calico SMGs
American 9mm Submachine Guns
The Bizon is essentially an AK-74 assault rifle converted for use as
The California Instrument Company, or Calico, produces a series
a submachine gun chambered in 9mm Makarov. Many of the com-
of submachine guns. Though they are available in a variety of
ponents are interchangeable with the AK-74, including the receiver
sizes and configurations, all are built around the same basic
and trigger group.
operating mechanism. The weapon’s most distinctive feature
The Bizon’s most distinctive feature is a cylindrical helical maga-
is its large helical magazine, which loads onto the top of the
zine that runs under the barrel. The helical design allows a large
weapon, above the receiver. These magazines hold the rounds of
capacity, and the Bizon holds up to 64 rounds. Holes in the magazine
ammunition in spiraling rows. They are available in either 50- or
allow the user to see how much ammunition remains.
100-round versions.
The operating mechanism is a simple blowback action. It is
Magazine aside, the Calico designs operate around a roller-
capable of firing both standard Makarov ammunition and the new
locked operating system similar to that found on the H&K MP5.
high-power round developed for the PMM pistol.
Construction is largely of metal with plastic furniture, including an
Variants: The Bizon has gone through three different versions,
oversized housing incorporating the pistol grip.
which were appropriately enough designated Bizon-1, Bizon-2,
The Calico design is produced in a variety of different vari-
and Bizon-3. The differences were relatively minor, resulting in
ant models. These include fixed- and folding-stock versions,
little more than redesigned sights and forward grips. The Bizon-3
select-fire and semiautomatic versions, and long- and short-
also added an accessory mount on the barrel for a suppressor or
barreled versions.
compensator and a new fold-over stock in place of the earlier side-
Liberty Carbine: This is a semiautomatic-only model produced
swinging model.
for civilian shooters. It is nonetheless illegal in the U.S. due to its

d20 MODERN
high magazine capacity. It is available with either the 50- or 100- worldwide. The weapon was license-built in Indonesia and in Egypt,
round magazine and with either a fixed or folding stock. where it was known as the Port Said. The CIA also distributed it to
M900: This is another semiautomatic-only variant and is one of a number of rebel groups when deniability dictated against using
the more basic models in the Calico line. It features a collapsible stock an American weapon. Silenced versions were used by U.S. Special
and a long barrel with a conventional forward grip, like an assault rifle. Forces in the Vietnam War.
The M900-S is a similar model with a fixed shoulder stock.
M951: Another semiautomatic variant, essentially the same as Damage: 2d6 Magazine: 36 box
the M900 but with a vertical forward pistol grip. The M951-S is the Critical: 20 Size: Large
fixed-stock version. Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 10 lb.
M951-A: This is the M951 in a select-fire version capable of auto- Range Increment: 40 ft. Purchase DC: 18
matic fire. It too is available in a fixed-stock variant, the M951-AS. Rate of Fire: A Restriction: Res (+2)
Cobray M-11
American 9mm Carbine
Calico Liberty 100
120 The Cobray M-11 is a modern derivative of the famous Ingram MAC
10. It uses the same operating mechanism and general configuration.
The action has been modified, however, to operate in semiauto-
matic mode only. To escape a BATF ban on the civilian sale of Ingram
submachine guns in the U.S., the Cobray M-11 has been designed to
Calico M951-A make it impossible to convert it to an automatic weapon. Though
its heritage is still apparent, many feel that today’s Cobray is a far
cry from the 1980s-era Ingram.
Carl Gustav M45
Swedish 9mm Submachine Gun Damage: 2d6 Magazine: 10 box
SUBMACHINE GUNS

Colt Model 635

American 9mm Submachine Gun
The M45 was introduced in the closing days of World War II. A simple
and unremarkable design, it has earned a reputation for dependabil-
ity. Tubular in construction and made primarily from metal with a
wooden pistol grip, it features a folding stock that swings forward
alongside the weapon. Interestingly enough, the 36-round magazine
that was developed for the M45 has proven more successful than the
weapon itself—because of the magazine’s excellent reliability, many
subsequent submachine guns have been designed to use it.
Variants: The M45C can support a bayonet attachment. The The Colt Model 635 is essentially an M16 assault rifle that has been
M45E added a semiautomatic setting to the action; its statistics rebuilt to fire 9mm Parabellum pistol ammunition. It is identical in
are otherwise identical to the basic M45 model. A version with an appearance to a compact M16 carbine, except for the magazine.
integral suppressor was also developed for special operations units; The Model 635 uses standard Uzi submachine gun magazines, which
it has a purchase DC of 19 and has a military (+3) restriction, but its are considerably longer and narrower than rifle magazines. They are
other statistics conform to the basic M45 model. inserted into the full-sized M16 magazine well.
Who Uses It: The Carl Gustav was widely exported during the Controls and operation of the Model 635 is the same as the M16.
1950s and 1960s, when it was popular with police and military forces This simplifies the retraining of personnel already equipped with
TABLE 5–1: CALICO SUBMACHINE GUNS

Liberty 50 (9mm submachine gun) 2d6 20 Ballistic 50 ft. S 50 box Large 7 lb. 18 Res (+2)
Liberty 100 (9mm submachine gun) 2d6 20 Ballistic 50 ft. S 100 box Large 7 lb. 19 Res (+2)
M900 (9mm submachine gun) 2d6 20 Ballistic 50 ft. S 50 box Large 7 lb. 18 Res (+2)
M951 (9mm submachine gun) 2d6 20 Ballistic 50 ft. S 50 box Large 8 lb. 18 Res (+2)
M951-A (9mm submachine gun) 2d6 20 Ballistic 50 ft. S, A 50 box Large 8 lb. 19 Res (+2)

d20 MODERN
M16s. Internally, the action has been modified to fire as a closed-bolt Damage: 2d6 Magazine: 40 box
blowback design. The bolt locks open when the last round has been Critical: 20 Size: Large
fired, facilitating rapid magazine changes. The straight-through M16 Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 7 lb.
pattern of the stock helps to control recoil, making the Model 635 a Range Increment: 40 ft. Purchase DC: 19
remarkably accurate submachine gun, even in automatic mode. Rate of Fire: S, A Restriction: Res (+2)
The Model 635 features the shortened barrel pattern and fold-
ing stock of the M16 Commando variants. This makes it significantly
shorter than the full-sized rifle, which suits its submachine gun role. CZ 24
The Model 635 is considerably more expensive and complex than Czech 7.62mm Submachine Gun
most submachine guns; however, it is highly accurate and reliable and
is particularly well suited to the needs of special operations units.
Variants: Variant models of the 635 incorporate semiauto-
matic-only or three-round burst settings, with statistics otherwise
identical to the standard model. Knights Armaments Company
produces a modified version with an integral suppressor built into
the barrel (purchase DC 19, military [+3]).
In addition to the 9mm Model 635 from Colt, LaFrance produces
a similar submachine gun derived from the M16. This is the M16K .45 This is essentially the CZ 23 rechambered to fire the Warsaw
chambered in .45 ACP. Pact–standard 7.62mm Soviet pistol round, a change necessitated
Who Uses It: The Colt 635 is in service with the U.S. Marine Corps by the absorption of Czechoslovakia into the Eastern Bloc. The most
and with special units of the Drug Enforcement Administration. It noticeable external change is that the magazine and pistol grip are
has also been widely exported, especially to nations already visibly canted forward. The rear sight was reworked as well. Despite
equipped with the M16 rifle. the “standardization” order, the Czech designers managed to dem-
onstrate some creativity, and the CZ 24’s 7.26mm ammunition is
121
loaded to a higher velocity than the Soviet standard.
Model 635 (9mm Submachine Gun) Variants: Like the 9mm CZ 24, the CZ 26 features a folding metal
stock. It is the same as the CZ 25 in all other respects.
Who Used It: The Czech forces adopted the CZ 24 and CZ 26 in
1952. Around 1970, assault rifles replaced the guns in front-line units,
though they continued in reserve units for some years thereafter.
LaFrance M16K (.45 Submachine Gun) Critical: 20 Size: Large
SUBMACHINE GUNS
Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 10 lb. Rate of Fire: S, A Restriction: Res (+2)
F1A1
Australian 9mm Submachine Gun
CZ 23
Czech 9mm Submachine Gun
The Australian F1A1 is essentially a derivative of the British Sterling sub-

machine gun. The biggest difference is the magazine well, which was
The CZ 23 was introduced in the late 1940s for Czech military use. rebuilt to feed vertically into the top of the weapon (a feature bor-
Chambered for the popular 9mm Parabellum cartridge, it was a high- rowed from the World War II–era Owen gun, which the F1A1 replaced).
ly innovative design for its time. The CZ 23 was the first weapon to This gives the F1A1 an unusual appearance but permits the user to lie
make use of a telescoping bolt action, which dramatically reduced close to the ground when firing prone—something difficult to do with
the overall length. In addition, the magazine was housed in the pis- a weapon whose magazines feed into the bottom of the weapon.
tol grip. The result was a highly compact and handy design, which To keep manufacturing costs down, the F1A1 uses a number of
was very controllable in automatic mode. These two concepts have components from the L1A1 FAL rifle, including the grip and shoulder
since been copied by many later designs, perhaps most famously in stock. Like the Sterling, it features a straight-line arrangement, which
the Israeli Uzi. directs the recoil forces directly back to minimize the effects of
Variants: The CZ 25 replaces the fixed wooden shoulder stock muzzle climb. The action is sealed, and the F1A1 is well suited to the
with a folding metal design; it is the same in all other respects. harsh requirements of action in the field. A bayonet can be attached
Who Used It: The CZ 23 and CZ 25 were adopted by the Czech to the weapon.
armed forces following World War II. After only a few years, Warsaw Who Uses It: The F1A1 was adopted by the Australian Army in the
Pact standardization policies dictated their replacement with the early 1960s and was used extensively in the fighting in Vietnam. The
CZ 24 and CZ 26. The existing CZ 23s and CZ 25s were exported AUG assault rifle and the MP5 submachine gun have largely replaced
throughout the Middle East and Latin America. it, except in a few reserve units.

d20 MODERN
FeG KGP-9
Hungarian 9mm Submachine Gun
FAMAE SAF
Chilean 9mm Submachine Gun
The FeG KGP-9 is a simple blowback-operating weapon chambered
for the 9mm Parabellum weapon and incorporating a number of ad-
vanced features. The receiver is made of steel, with plastic furniture.
The selector switch is located inside the trigger guard, just forward
of the trigger itself, allowing the shooter to easily set it without
taking his or her hands off the grip. For cleaning, the KGP-9 can be
quickly disassembled without tools.
Who Uses It: The KGP-9 is in service with the Hungarian internal
The Chilean SAF is an advanced submachine gun derived from the
security and police forces.
SIG 540 assault rifle (see Chapter Two). The action is modified to
a blowback system and the weapon is chambered for the 9mm
Parabellum cartridge. It fires from a closed bolt, giving good first-
122 shot accuracy. It incorporates several other features of the original
assault rifle as well. The magazines are transparent so that remaining
Critical: 20
Size: Large
Weight: 7 lb.
ammunition can be visually checked. They are also designed to be
snapped together side by side, facilitating rapid changes.
Variants: The SAF is produced with either a fixed plastic stock
or a side-folding metal stock. A version with an integral suppressor,
the SAF Silencada, is available (purchase DC 21, military [+3]). There
Floro MK-9
Philippine 9mm Submachine Gun
is also the Mini-SAF, a radically shortened ultracompact version
designed for concealment.
Who Uses It: The SAF series is in service with the Chilean military
and security forces.
SUBMACHINE GUNS

setting. When used with the Burst Fire feat, it fires only three
bullets instead of five and can be used with only three bullets in
the weapon. This setting does not grant the ability to make burst
fire attacks without the Burst Fire feat; if you use the setting
The MK-9 goes against the current trend in submachine gun design
without the feat, you make a normal attack and the extra two
toward more sophisticated and accurate weapons. Instead, it
bullets are wasted.
represents a simple, inexpensive design using low-cost materials
and manufacturing techniques, much like older second-generation
SAF (9mm Submachine Gun) submachine guns.
Damage: 2d6 Magazine: 30 box The MK-9 is made of metal, with the action housed in a tubular
Critical: 20 Size: Large receiver casing. It features a short barrel that is suited to close-in
Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 8 lb. fighting and is protected by a vented jacket. The configuration is
Range Increment: 50 ft. Purchase DC: 20 conventional, with the magazine inserted forward of the pistol
Rate of Fire: S, A Restriction: Res (+2) grip into an oversized well that also acts as a foregrip. The receiver
extends well back, providing an attachment point for a folding stock
and the rear sights. The MK-9 uses the standard M16 pistol grip, a
SAF Silencada (9mm Submachine Gun) cheap and readily available replacement part. It also uses the M16’s
safety catch, positioned just above the grip as on the M16.
Mini-SAF (9mm Submachine Gun) Rate of Fire: S Restriction: Res (+2)

d20 MODERN
FMK-3 Mod 2 close-quarters fighting, rather than the rear-echelon personnel for
whom it was originally designed.
Argentine 9mm Submachine Gun
Who Uses It: The P90 has been adopted by several Special Forces
units worldwide, including those of Cyprus, Peru, and Saudi Arabia. It
is also used by the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service.

The FMK-3 Mod 2 is the most modern gun of the submachine gun
series produced by FML (Fabricaciones Militares). It owes much to
the Israeli Uzi for its design and configuration. The action is built
around a conventional telescoping-bolt action, and the magazine
Franchi LF-57
Italian 9mm Submachine Gun
is loaded into the firing handle. The housing is made from inexpen-
sive metal stampings. The foregrip is plastic, and there is a folding
metal stock.
Variants: Intended primarily for police use, the FMK-5 carbine
has statistics similar to the FMK-3 except that it fires only on semi-
automatic.
Who Uses It: The FMK-3 Mod 2 is in service with the Argentine
armed forces.
Introduced in 1956, the LF-57 was the first military weapon design
123
from Franchi, a company better known for high-quality sporting arms.
It uses a telescoping bolt to provide a short overall length, resulting in
a compact and stable design. To minimize complexity, the bolt mass
was designed to move above the barrel, resulting in a simpler mechan-
ical arrangement. The mechanism is contained in a stamped metal
housing, which is shaped to form the grips, eliminating the need for
FN P90 attached furniture. A tubular metal folding stock improves controlla-
bility. Ease of maintenance was another design consideration, and the
Belgian 5.7mm Personal Defense Weapon
LF-57 can be quickly disassembled without tools for cleaning.
SUBMACHINE GUNS
Despite its compact and practical design, the LF-57 failed to at-
tract customers and was not put into widespread production.
Who Uses It: The LF-57 was used in small numbers by the Italian
Navy. It was largely withdrawn by the 1980s.

Introduced in 1988, the P90 from Fabrique Nationale was one of
the first PDW (Personal Defense Weapon) designs to appear on the
market. The designers sought to create a lightweight and practical
weapon for rear-echelon military personnel who wouldn’t need
full-sized rifles. The resulting weapon represents a radical departure
from earlier designs in a number of ways.
Gepard
The P90 fires a unique 5.7mm necked round, designed for
extreme high-velocity performance. The bullet has excellent armor-
piercing capability, yet recoil is minimal—significantly less than with
a standard 9mm round.
Another unconventional aspect of the P90 is its configuration,
which is the result of extensive ergonomic design and engineering.
The high-capacity magazine lies on the top of the weapon and holds
50 rounds. It is transparent, allowing the remaining ammunition to
be quickly checked. All the P90‘s controls are ambidextrous, and
The Gepard is derived from the AKS-74U assault carbine. It shares
the spent cases are ejected out the bottom of the weapon, allow-
many components with the AKS-74U and operates in much the same
ing use by either left- or right-handed shooters. The unusual shape
fashion. Its configuration is somewhat different, with a magazine fed
of the P90 allows it to be effectively fired either from the hip or
into the pistol grip and an unusual grip frame.
the shoulder, and either one- or two-handed as necessary. It was
Internally, the Gepard uses a modular firing mechanism, which
also designed to fit comfortably out of the user’s way when it is
can be reconfigured to fire no fewer than six different 9mm cartridg-
not needed.
es. This adaptability makes the Gepard an unnecessarily complex
The P90 features a built-in sight for rapid target acquisition and
and expensive design. The user must keep track of a number of re-
backup iron sights. Built-in rails allow the fitting of various accesso-
placement bolts, springs, and other components that are necessary
ries, such as illuminators. A screw-on suppressor is available as well.
to switch from one caliber to another. Furthermore, this capability
Variants: A model with a built-in laser sight is also available. This
is of dubious value, since 9mm Parabellum is probably suitable for
is intended primarily for special operations units who use the P90 in

d20 MODERN
virtually any role the Gepard is likely to see use in. For this reason, Damage: 2d6 Magazine: 20 box
it will probably never see widespread production or use. Critical: 20 Size: Large
Rate of Fire: S, A Restriction: Res (+2) H&K MP5 Series
The H&K (Heckler & Koch) MP5 is arguably the most successful
submachine gun ever made. It is built around a relatively simple
GG-95 concept, combining the standard H&K roller-locked action used in
Finnish 9mm Parabellum Submachine Gun the G3 series of assault rifles with the 9mm Parabellum cartridge
to produce a compact submachine gun. The result is a weapon of
exceptional accuracy and reliability.
In keeping with the assault-rifle origins of its action, the MP5
fires from a closed bolt. This means that when the first shot is
fired, the only part of the action that moves is the firing pin. On
most other submachine guns, the entire bolt snaps closed when
the trigger is pressed; this causes a noticeable shift in the weapon’s
center of gravity, which can pull the muzzle off target. The MP5, on
The GG-95 is an advanced lightweight submachine gun design the other hand, is very stable and accurate, especially when fired in
from Finland with a long and spotted history. It has been put into semiautomatic mode.
124 production several times but has always failed to find commercial
success.
The roller-locked action lacked the simplicity associated with
submachine guns since World War II. The MP5 was initially criti-
The GG-95 is built around an ingenious operating principle. To cized as being overly complex and expensive for a submachine gun;
improve controllability in such a compact weapon, the barrel is set however, it soon won admirers in the counterterrorist community
at an angle to the bolt’s path of travel during recoil. This forces the who found its closed-bolt accuracy to give it a significant edge in
bolt to press downward on the receiver, countering the effect of hostage-rescue operations in which precision semiautomatic shoot-
muzzle climb. It also allows the pistol grip to be set higher up, at the ing was needed. Since then, the MP5 has been sold worldwide for
same level as the barrel axis. Recoil force is thus directed straight both military and police use.
back, rather than up at an angle. Due to its unconventional configu- Construction of the MP5 is solid, using metal stampings and high-
ration, the GG-95 is remarkably easy to control in automatic mode. impact composite furniture. Its carefully engineered shape, designed
It is also extremely lightweight and is only about half as heavy as with ergonomic concerns in mind, gives it a sturdy, no-nonsense look
SUBMACHINE GUNS
comparable submachine gun designs. that has added to its success. The short, exposed muzzle features a
The forward grip folds down for use and is used to cock the mounting point for a clip-on suppressor or muzzle brake.
weapon. It serves as a safety device when closed, locking the bolt. The MP5 uses the modular trigger pack of the G3 rifle. This can be
Semiautomatic and automatic fire are controlled by trigger pressure. detached without tools by removing two pins and easily replaced
A suppressor can be fitted if desired. with another model. Early MP5s featured a trigger pack with an er-
Who Uses It: Despite the promise of its design, the GG-95 has gonomic pistol grip and alphabetic fire-selector markings—S for safe,
yet to be adopted by any armed service. It has gone in and out of E for semiautomatic, and F for automatic. On more recent models,
production several times, as its manufacturers continue to seek a this has been replaced with a redesigned ambidextrous pistol grip
customer. and selector lever with pictographic markings. Semiautomatic-only
d20 Modern Rules: With its magazine removed, this weapon and burst-capable trigger groups have been produced as well, al-
grants a +2 circumstance bonus on Sleight of Hand checks made to lowing even more versatility. H&K has even developed a two-round
conceal the weapon. burst trigger group, in recognition of the fact that recoil usually
sends the third shot in a three-round burst high over the target.
TABLE 5–2: H&K M5 SERIES SUBMACHINE GUNS
MP5A1 (9mm submachine gun) 1 2d6 20 Ballistic 50 ft. S, A 30 box Large 5 lb. 19 Res (+2)
MP5A4 (9mm submachine gun) 1, 3 2d6 20 Ballistic 50 ft. S, A 30 box Large 6 lb. 20 Res (+2)
MP5A5 (9mm submachine gun) 1, 3 2d6 20 Ballistic 50 ft. S, A 30 box Large 6 lb. 20 Res (+2)
MP5 Navy (9mm submachine gun) 1, 3 2d6 20 Ballistic 50 ft. S, A 30 box Large 7 lb. 20 Res (+2)
MP5 RIS (9mm submachine gun) 1, 3 2d6 20 Ballistic 50 ft. S, A 30 box Large 7 lb. 20 Res (+2)
MP5SD5 (9mm submachine gun) 2, 3 2d6 20 Ballistic 40 ft. S, A 30 box Large 8 lb. 22 Mil (+3)
MP5SD6 (9mm submachine gun) 2, 3 2d6 20 Ballistic 40 ft. S, A 30 box Large 8 lb. 22 Mil (+3)
MP5K (9mm submachine gun) 3 2d6 20 Ballistic 40 ft. S, A 15 box Med. 6 lb. 20 Res (+2)
MP5 PDW (9mm submachine gun) 3 2d6 20 Ballistic 50 ft. S, A 30 box Large 6 lb. 23 Mil (+3)
MP5/10 (9mm submachine gun) 1, 4 2d6 20 Ballistic 60 ft. S, A 30 box Large 6 lb. 21 Res (+2)
MP5/40 (9mm submachine gun) 1, 4 2d6 20 Ballistic 50 ft. S, A 30 box Large 6 lb. 20 Res (+2)
1 This mastercraft weapon grants a +1 bonus on attack rolls.
2 This weapon features a built-in suppressor and is considered a suppressed weapon.
3 This weapon has a three-round burst setting.
4 This weapon has two-round burst and three-round burst settings.

d20 MODERN
The MP5 has been produced in an impressive variety of con- each grant a +1 bonus on attack rolls. The MP5SD5, MP5SD6, MP5K,
figurations including models with a fixed stock, a folding stock, or and MP5 PDW are not considered mastercraft weapons.
without a stock at all. Specialty models have also been developed The MP5A4, MP5A5, MP5 Navy, MP5 RIS, MP5SD5, MP5SD6, MP5K,
to suit a variety of tactical applications. and MP5 PDW have three-round burst settings. When used with the
MP5A1: This is the standard MP5 with the older SEF trigger group Burst Fire feat, any of these weapons fires only three bullets instead
and no stock. of five and can be used with only three bullets in the weapon. The
MP5A2: This is the model with the SEF trigger group and a fixed setting does not grant the ability to make burst fire attacks without
plastic stock. the Burst Fire feat; if you use the setting without the feat, you make
MP5A3: This model uses the SEF trigger group and a retractable a normal attack, and the extra two bullets are wasted.
metal stock. The MP5/10 and MP5/40 also have a two-round burst setting,
MP5A4 and MP5A5: These models are the same as the A2 and which works similarly to the three-round burst setting except that
A3, respectively, except that they use the more modern ambidex- only two bullets are spent (instead of three) when the weapon is
trous trigger group instead. used with the Burst Fire feat.
MP5 Navy: This is a modified version of the standard MP5 de- The MP5SD5 and MP5SD6 are silenced weapons. A success-
veloped for the U.S. Navy SEALs. It takes the standard MP5 with the ful Listen check (DC 15) is required to notice the sound of the
new ambidextrous pictographic trigger group and adds a threaded weapon firing.
barrel for use with a screw-on suppressor.
MP5 RIS: H&K has recently developed a modified MP5 with the
Knights Armaments Company Rail Interface System, allowing rapid
and versatile accessory mounting. The MP5 RIS features accessory
rails around the forward grip and on the top of the receiver. It is MP5A2
compatible with a variety of different devices, including aiming
lights, laser pointers, reflex or optical sights, and specialized grips.
MP5SD Series: The MP5SD is a specialized variant of the MP5
125
incorporating a built-in silencer. This gives it a distinctive appear-
ance, with a longer, bulkier barrel. The silencer can be removed, if
desired, permitting unsuppressed operation.
The MP5SD is produced in six variant models. The SD1, SD2, and
SD3 use the SEF trigger group, while the SD3, SD4, and SD6 use a
MP5A3
pictographic group with a three-round burst setting. The SD1 and
SD3 have no stock; the SD2 and SD4 have a fixed plastic stock; and
the SD3 and SD6 have the retractable metal stock.
MP5K: The MP5K is an ultracompact variant of the basic MP5.
SUBMACHINE GUNS
Intended for discreet use by bodyguards or similar users, it features
a dramatically shortened barrel with a vertical plastic foregrip and
a simple endplate at the rear of the receiver in place of the stock.
The weapon is fitted with a sling swivel, allowing the MP5K to hang MP5 Navy
vertically out of sight under a jacket or coat. For compactness,
the MP5K is generally used with a short 15-round magazine. Some
models have the sights removed to facilitate rapid draw from under
clothing with less risk of snags.
MP5K PDW: The MP5K PDW is a compact variant designed to
serve as a personal defense weapon for pilots, vehicle crews, and
rear-echelon personnel. It takes the basic MP5K and modifies it with
an extended muzzle, capable of mounting a suppressor or flash-
hider, and a folding plastic shoulder stock. MP5SD
MP5/10: This is the MP5 rechambered in 10mm auto. It was
developed for the FBI after the Bureau adopted the 10mm as its
standard pistol caliber in the 1980s. The MP5 features the same
straight magazine of the MP5/40. It found few customers outside
the FBI and is not widely used.
MP5/40: This is simply the standard MP5, rechambered to fire
the .40 S&W cartridge. It can be identified by its clear plastic maga-
zine, which sticks straight out rather than curving like the standard MP5K
metal 9mm magazines.
Who Uses It: The MP5 has been adopted by military, police, and
security forces around the world. Virtually every counterterrorist
team in the Western world uses it, and it is also popular with police
SWAT teams. It is produced under license worldwide. It is the stan-
dard submachine gun of numerous military forces, including those
in Germany, Greece, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, and Turkey. Today,
it is almost more notable when a force selects a submachine gun MP5/10
other than the MP5.
d20 Modern Rules: Several of the weapons in this series—spe-
cifically the MP5A series, the MP5 Navy, the MP5 RIS, MP5/10, and
MP/40—are always considered mastercraft weapons. As such, they

d20 MODERN
H&K MP7 PDW Like the G36 assault rifle, the UMP does away with the familiar H&K
roller-locked action in favor of a less complex system—in this case, a sim-
German 4.6mm Personal Defense Weapon
ple blowback mechanism. The UMP is chambered in .45 ACP (Automatic
Colt Pistol), a popular cartridge in the U.S. that packs substantially more
stopping power than the more common 9mm Parabellum round.
The UMP’s action is made of steel, but it is housed in a casing of
lightweight composite material, which results in a surprisingly light-
weight design. It is arranged much like the MP5, with a contoured
pistol grip and horizontal foregrip. A folding, open-frame stock is
fitted. The magazine is set at an angle and is transparent to allow
remaining ammunition to be easily checked.
The MP7 is a new, ultracompact submachine gun design from H&K.
The low velocity of the .45 ACP cartridge makes it particularly
Like the Belgian P90, it is a personal defense weapon, chambered
suitable for use as a suppressed round, and the UMP will accept a
in an exotic new cartridge designed to equip rear-echelon military
suppressor. Accessory mounting rails can be fitted both on top of
personnel. Its firepower and compact size also make the MP7 a
the receiver and around the forward grip, allowing a variety of ac-
good choice for special operations units as either a backup or
cessories or sighting fits. Flip-up Iron sights are also fitted.
close-quarters weapon.
Variants: A semiautomatic UMP carbine model is also available;
Ammunition for the MP7 is a new 4.6×30mm cartridge developed
its statistics are otherwise identical to the standard model. The USC
by Royal Ordnance in the U.K. The cartridge case is necked, giving
sporting carbine (see below) also derives from the UMP.
the little bullet an exceptionally high velocity.
Who Uses It: The UMP 45 was designed for the U.S. law enforce-
The configuration of the MP7 places the firing grip right at the
ment market, and it has been adopted by a number of police SWAT
center of gravity, giving good balance and allowing for one-handed
teams. It has yet, however, to achieve anything like the popularity
126 use. With the foregrip folded, the MP7 can be held like a large pistol
and easily stowed in a holster. Extended, it can be held like an ultra-
of its predecessor, the MP5.
d20 Modern Rules: This weapon features a two-round burst set-
compact submachine gun, using two hands for improved control. A
ting. When used with the Burst Fire feat, any of these weapons fires
collapsible stock permits the MP7 to be fired from the shoulder.
only two bullets instead of five and can be used with only two bullets in
The top of the receiver features a standard accessory-mounting
the weapon. The setting does not grant the ability to make burst fire at-
rail, allowing a variety of sights to be fitted. Fold-up iron sights are
tacks without the Burst Fire feat; if you use the setting without the feat,
fitted as a backup.
you make a normal attack, and the extra three bullets are wasted.
The MP7 is a sophisticated weapon, with all the quality of design
and manufacture associated with H&K. It is an extremely practical
and versatile design, well suited to a variety of tasks. Though it has
yet to enter service, development is complete and the MP7 is ready
SUBMACHINE GUNS
for full-scale production.

d20 Modern Rules: The MP7 PDW is always considered a mas-
tercraft weapon. As such, it grants a +1 bonus on all attack rolls.
This weapon features a three-round burst setting. When used
with the Burst Fire feat, any of these weapons fires only three bullets
instead of five and can be used with only three bullets in the weapon.
H&K USC
German .45 ACP Carbine
The setting does not grant the ability to make burst fire attacks with-
out the Burst Fire feat; if you use the setting without the feat, you
make a normal attack, and the extra two bullets are wasted.
This weapon can be fired one-handed, but the firer takes a –1
penalty on all attack rolls.

The H&K USC is a semiautomatic sporting carbine, derived from the
UMP submachine gun and intended for the civilian market. Like the
UMP, it is primarily made of lightweight composites and uses the
same blowback mechanism chambered in .45 ACP.
The USC is light gray in color and features a prominent red H&K
H&K UMP 45 logo, giving it a less “military” appearance. Attachment points for
a NATO-standard sight rail are drilled into the top of the receiver,
German .45 ACP Submachine Gun
allowing a variety of different optical aids to be fitted. Backup iron
sights are fitted as well.
To comply with gun control regulations, the USC cannot use
UMP high-capacity magazines; instead, it uses its own 10-round
box magazines, which are made from transparent plastic.
The USC is quite pleasant to shoot. The blowback action absorbs
much of the recoil energy.

The MP5 is a popular and capable design, yet complex and expen-
sive, especially for a submachine gun. With this in mind, Heckler &
Koch developed the UMP 45 (Universal Machine Pistol, .45 caliber)
as a more affordable alternative, especially for American police de-
partments, which have proven to be among H&K’s best customers.

d20 MODERN
IMI Micro-Uzi IMI Uzi
Israeli 9mm Submachine Gun Israeli 9mm Submachine Gun
Carrying the concept of the Mini-Uzi one step further, the Micro- An excellent design, the Uzi is one of the most successful subma-
Uzi is an ultracompact variant of the popular Israeli submachine gun. chine guns in history. Originally created for the Israeli army in the
Though little larger than a heavy pistol, the Micro-Uzi is capable of 1950s, it has been license-built in a number of countries and has
automatic fire. It is arranged much like the Uzi itself, with a telescop- found widespread use in police and military units worldwide.
ing bolt and a magazine housed in the pistol grip. The Uzi’s distinctive configuration has been the source of much
Variants: The Uzi pistol is essentially the Micro-Uzi in a semi- of its success. The magazine is housed in the pistol grip, leading to
automatic-only form with the folding stock omitted. It can be a compact overall arrangement and giving the weapon excellent
identified by its trigger guard, which is bent inward to facilitate a balance when held in one hand.
two-handed firing grip. Other than its rate of fire, this weapon has The Uzi features a robust and reliable action and operates around a
statistics identical to the Micro-Uzi. hollow bolt, which reduces the recoil force, making the weapon more
controllable when firing in automatic mode. It also allows a shorter over-
Damage: 2d6
Critical: 20
Magazine: 20 box
Size: Medium
all length, further adding to its handiness. Early Uzis had a wooden stock,
but this has since been replaced by a smaller folding metal stock. 127
Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 5 lb. Variants: An Uzi carbine version is available to the civilian sporting
Range Increment: 40 ft. Purchase DC: 18 market. It has a range increment of 60 feet and is capable of semiauto-
Rate of Fire: S, A Restriction: Res (+2) matic fire only; its statistics otherwise conform to the standard Uzi.
Who Uses It: In addition to serving as the standard submachine
gun of the Israeli Defense Force, for which it was originally designed,
IMI Mini-Uzi the Uzi has been adopted by police and military forces in a dozens of
Israeli 9mm Submachine Gun countries worldwide. It has been built in a number of countries in-
cluding Belgium, China, Croatia, and South Africa, both under license
and as illegal copies. It saw considerable action in wars throughout
SUBMACHINE GUNS
the world in the 1970s and 1980s. In the U.S., it has found use with
military Special Forces units and the Secret Service.
d20 Modern Rules: With the stock folded and magazine
re≠moved, this weapon grants a +1 circumstance bonus on Sleight
of Hand checks made to conceal the weapon.
The Mini-Uzi is a compact variant of the popular Uzi submachine Damage: 2d6 Magazine: 20 box
gun. It is much smaller than the standard Uzi and is well suited for Critical: 20 Size: Large
concealed use by bodyguards or commando units. Capable of both Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 8 lb.
semiautomatic and automatic fire, it is both accurate and control- Range Increment: 40 ft. Purchase DC: 18
lable despite its small size. Rate of Fire: S, A Restriction: Res (+2)
The Mini-Uzi closely resembles its larger cousin except that it is
smaller in size and weight. Control layout is identical. The action
operates much the same way as that of the full-sized Uzi, but it fires Ingram MAC 10
from a closed bolt. A folding shoulder stock is standard. American 9mm Submachine Gun
Who Uses It: Though popular, the Mini-Uzi has not found the
widespread success of the Uzi itself. It is in service in Columbia,
Guatemala, Haiti, Panama, and Uruguay, in addition to its native
Israel. U.S. special operations units also use this weapon.
d20 Modern Rules: With the stock folded and magazine
re≠moved, this weapon grants a +2 circumstance bonus on Sleight
Damage: 2d6 Magazine: 20 box The MAC 10 is probably the most popular American submachine gun
Critical: 20 Size: Large design since World War II. Its small size and rugged dependability
Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 7 lb. made it especially suitable for clandestine service, and it was widely
Range Increment: 40 ft. Purchase DC: 20 used with commandos, bodyguards, mercenaries, criminals, and ter-
Rate of Fire: S, A Restriction: Res (+2) rorists. It became a cultural icon in the 1980s in much the way the
Thompson submachine gun did in the 1920s.
The MAC 10 uses a simple blowback operating mechanism. It
features the telescoping bolt arrangement used by the Israeli Uzi to
keep overall length down. The magazine is fed into the pistol grip,
which is centrally positioned to permit one-handed firing. The cock-
ing handle is located on the top of the receiver and features a notch

d20 MODERN
to permit sighting with the weapon’s iron sights. The handle can Damage: 2d4 Magazine: 16 box
be turned 90 degrees to lock the action and prevent firing. Doing Critical: 20 Size: Small
this also blocks line of sight, giving the user an indication that the Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 4 lb.
weapon is not ready to fire. Range Increment: 30 ft. Purchase DC: 17
Construction is primarily from inexpensive metal stampings, and Rate of Fire: S, A Restriction: Res (+2)
the action is sealed to keep dirt out. There is essentially no furniture.
Instead of a forward grip, a short webbed strap was affixed to a sling
swivel, giving the nonfiring hand something to hold onto. A collaps- Intratec TEC-9
ible metal stock was also fitted to aid control. This folds forward American 9mm Submachine Gun
over the receiver when not in use.
The Ingram features a threaded barrel and was designed to work
in conjunction with a screw-on suppressor. Customized models can
be fitted with optical scopes as well, though the short barrel yields
poor long-range accuracy.
Despite its compact size and initial success, the Ingram’s lack of
accuracy and controllability limited its effectiveness. It was even-
tually unable to compete with more accurate designs, such as the
H&K MP5, which came to dominate the submachine gun market. The TEC-9 is a compact submachine gun chambered for the 9mm
After MAC went out of business, production of the Ingram moved Para≠bellum cartridge. It uses a simple blowback operating mecha-
through a series of other companies before finally tapering off. nism and stamped-metal construction throughout. This makes it a
Variants: The MAC 10 is available in both .45 ACP and 9mm relatively inexpensive weapon, cheap to manufacture and operate.
Parabellum. It is also inaccurate and unreliable, prone to jamming unless the
128 Who Uses It: The MAC 10 saw service in a number of countries
worldwide in the 1970s and 1980s. It has since fallen out of favor,
shooter uses only the highest-quality ammunition.
The TEC-9’s low cost, high-capacity magazine and dangerous
having been largely replaced in official service by the MP5, though ap≠pearance made it popular with criminals. Furthermore, its
it can still be found in developing countries. The MAC 10 was also simple blowback action is easily converted to automatic fire. Street
popular with criminals and was widely used by drug dealers and gangs and mobsters found that the TEC-9 gave them an easy way to
street gangs due to its compact size. circumvent bans and obtain automatic firepower. This quickly led to
d20 Modern Rules: A custom suppressor is available for this a reputation as a “crime gun,” prompting restrictions on its sale and
weapon (weight 2 lb., purchase DC 12, restricted [+2]). When fitted tough new gun control laws in the U.S.
with its suppressor, this is a Large suppressed weapon. Although the The heyday of the TEC-9 is now largely passed. It is much harder
weapon’s firing is audible, determining the location of the weapon to obtain legally, and Intratec has switched over to produce a less
by its sound alone requires a successful Listen check (DC 15). When controversial design known as the AB-10. In spite of this, the TEC-9
SUBMACHINE GUNS
fitted with its suppressor and firing cold-loaded ammunition, this can still be found in large numbers on the black market and in the
weapon operates as if silenced; a successful Listen check (DC 15) is hands of criminal gangs.
required to notice the sound of the weapon firing. Variants: A pistol version of this weapon is available (purchase
DC 14, licensed [+1]). Its rate of fire is semiautomatic, but it can be
Damage: 2d6 Magazine: 32 box converted to automatic with 1 hour of work and a successful Repair
Critical: 20 Size: Medium check (DC 15). A converted weapon does not have a semiautomatic
Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 8 lb. rate of fire.
Range Increment: 40 ft. Purchase DC: 17 d20 Modern Rules: This weapon is unreliable.
Ingram MAC 11 Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 4 lb.
American .380 ACP Submachine Gun Range Increment: 40 ft. Purchase DC: 16
Lusa A2
Portuguese 9mm Submachine Gun
The MAC 11 is essentially a shorter version of the Ingram MAC 10,

chambered for the less powerful .380 ACP cartridge. This reduced
its stopping power but gave it a higher rate of fire. It is identical in
all other respects to the MAC 10.
d20 Modern Rules: A custom suppressor is available for this
weapon (weight 2 lb., purchase DC 11, restricted [+2]). When fitted The Lusa is the standard submachine gun of the Portuguese armed
with its suppressor, this is a Medium suppressed weapon. Although forces, chambered for the 9mm Parabellum cartridge. The action
the weapon’s firing is audible, determining the location of the incorporates a double cylinder stacked one above the other, with
weapon by its sound alone requires a successful Listen check (DC 15). the barrel and bolt face in the lower cylinder and the mass of the
When fitted with its suppressor and firing cold-loaded ammunition, bolt above them. A telescoping stock collapses into the “waist”
this weapon operates as if silenced; a successful Listen check (DC 15) between the two sections.
is required to notice the sound of the weapon firing. An earlier version of the Lusa entered service in the 1980s. The

d20 MODERN
current model, the Lusa A2, appeared in 1991 and incorporates Who Uses It: The MAT-49 served as the standard French subma-
only minor improvements—the stock was strengthened, and the chine gun throughout the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s, eventually giving
weap≠on’s overall length was reduced. The barrel can be easily way to the FA-MAS assault rifle. It saw action during the French War
removed and replaced with a special suppressor if needed. in Indochina in the 1950s. Large numbers fell into the hands of the
Who Uses It: The Lusa A2 is in service with the Portuguese Communist rebels, who later used them against U.S. troops dur-
armed forces. ing the Vietnam War. The MAT-49 was also adopted by the French
d20 Modern Rules: This weapon features a three-round burst National Police, who continue to use it to this day.
setting. When used with the Burst Fire feat, it fires only three bullets
instead of five and can be used with only three bullets in the weapon. Damage: 2d6 Magazine: 32 box
This setting does not grant the ability to make burst fire attacks with- Critical: 20 Size: Large
out the Burst Fire feat; if you use the setting without the feat, you Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 9 lb.
make a normal attack and the extra two bullets are wasted. Range Increment: 40 ft. Purchase DC: 19
Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 7 lb. Mekanika Uru
Range Increment: 40 ft. Purchase DC: 19 Brazilian 9mm Submachine Gun
Madsen M53
Danish 9mm Submachine Gun
129
The Brazilian Mekanika Uru is a simple, inexpensive submachine gun
made primarily from metal stampings. The action is housed in a
tubular case. The firing grip is plastic; a large magazine well serves
as a forward grip. The trigger guard is oversized to permit use while
wearing gloves. The Uru features both semiautomatic and automatic
The Madsen M53 was the latest in a series of Danish submachine settings. The user can disengage the firing pin from the action, pre-
gun designs that emerged following the end of World War II. Based venting accidental discharge and allowing the weapon to be safely
around a conventional open-bolt submachine gun action, it was carried while fully loaded.
meant to improve on the hastily produced wartime designs while Variants: A semiautomatic carbine, with a wooden shoulder
SUBMACHINE GUNS
still being cheap and easy to manufacture. It is largely made of stock and a long barrel to improve accuracy, was also produced. A
metal stampings to keep costs low. When a nut around the barrel is modified variant, the Uru II, featured an additional firing-grip safety
removed, the weapon swings open like a book, exposing all the in- but was never widely produced or sold.
ternal workings for cleaning and maintenance. Though inexpensive, Who Uses It: The Uru is in service with some police forces in Brazil.
the Madsen is simple and reliable.
Who Uses It: The Madsen was adopted by Thailand and several
countries in South America, including Brazil.
Uru (9mm Submachine Gun)
Uru Carbine (9mm Submachine Gun)
MAT-49 Critical: 20 Size: Large
French 9mm Submachine Gun Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 11 lb.
Mendoza HM-3
Mexican 9mm Submachine Gun
The MAT-49 was the first postwar French submachine gun design.
It is a rather conventional weapon, chambered to fire the popular
9mm Parabellum cartridge and made largely from inexpensive
stamped metal and plastic components. One unusual feature is the
magazine housing, which folds forward when the weapon is not in
use. This serves as a safety feature, since the weapon cannot be fired
with the magazine folded. It also makes the weapon compact and Introduced in 1973, the HM-3 is a compact submachine gun cham-
transportable, especially with the stock folded. bered for the 9mm Parabellum cartridge. It operates in much the

d20 MODERN
same way as the Israeli Uzi, with a telescoping bolt mechanism and a
magazine fed into the pistol grip. Construction is metal, with plastic
MGP-84 (9mm Submachine Gun)
grips and a folding shoulder stock.
Who Used It: The HM-3 was adopted by the Mexican Army
but served for only a few years before being replaced by the more
advanced H&K MP5.
Critical: 20 Size: Large MGP-14 Assault Pistol (9mm Submachine Gun)
Range Increment: 50 ft. Purchase DC: 20 Critical: 20 Size: Medium
Rate of Fire: A Restriction: Res (+2) Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 6 lb.
MGP-87
Peruvian 9mm Parabellum Submachine Gun
MGV-176
Slovenian .22 Submachine Gun
130 The MGP-87 is a modified and improved version of an earlier

weapon, the MGP-79A, which it replaced as the standard subma-
chine gun of the Peruvian armed forces. The MGP-79A’s design
was simplified to make construction easier and less expensive. The MGV-176 has an unusual history. It was originally designed in
The cocking handle was enlarged to make it easier to use. The the U.S. and appeared in the 1960s. After failing to find success
overall length was reduced to make the weapon handier for close- there, it was produced briefly in Austria before the Yugoslav
quarters fighting. government finally adopted it after a long hiatus (MGV-176 is
The MGP-87 is fairly conventional in design and operation and is the Yugoslav designation for the design). With the breakup of
designed to use Uzi magazines. The barrel and jacket can be easily Yugoslavia in the 1990s, the MGV-176 languished again. It was
removed and replaced with a special suppressor. A folding stock revived by the Slovenian firm Orbis, which produced it for the
SUBMACHINE GUNS
is fitted. Slovenian government.

Who Uses It: The Peruvian armed forces adopted the MGP-87 The MGV-176 is unusual in both appearance and operation.
in the late 1980s. The firing mechanism is a simple blowback action. Construction is
largely of plastic materials. The weapon is fed from an overhead
ammunition drum, holding an impressive 176 rounds—more than
MGP-84 some belt-fed machine guns. However, the bulky drum makes the
Peruvian 9mm Submachine Gun weapon awkward to carry.
Oddly, the MGV-176 is chambered in .22 caliber. This is a particu-
larly lightweight round that, because of its poor stopping power, is
of limited combat use. The weapon is very controllable in automatic
mode, however, and can easily be held on target. It is also easily
suppressed. A screw-on suppressor is available.
Firing is controlled by the trigger, with single semiautomatic
shots fired by a half-pull and automatic bursts by a full pull. A grip
safety prevents accidental firing. A folding wire-frame stock is fitted,
The ultracompact MGP-84 is intended to serve as a PDW for spe- though the low recoil makes it almost unnecessary.
cial-purpose users such as bodyguards. It incorporates a modified Who Uses It: Now out of production once again, the MGV-176 is
telescoping bolt (similar to that of the Israeli Uzi), which allows the in service with the Slovenian military and police forces.
magazine to be housed in the grip. With the folding stock swung
forward, the shoulder butt serves as a vertical forward handgrip. Damage: 2d4 Magazine: 176 box
The overall lightweight and good balance of the MGP-84 also Critical: 20 Size: Large
permit one-handed use, if necessary. The MGP-84 uses standard Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 8 lb.
Uzi magazines. Range Increment: 50 ft. Purchase DC: 20
Variants: The MGP-14 is a semiautomatic-only version for po- Rate of Fire: S, A Restriction: Res (+2)
lice and security forces; otherwise, it has statistics similar to the
MGP-84. Another variant, the MGP-14 Assault Pistol, omits the
folding shoulder stock, replacing it with a folding forward pistol
grip instead.
Who Uses It: The MGP-84 is in service with the Peruvian armed
forces.
d20 Modern Rules: The MGP-84 and MGP-14 each grant a +1
the weapon.

d20 MODERN
Norinco Type 64 Silenced Submachine Gun using a more conventional blowback action. A cylindrical receiver
housing distinguishes the Type 85 from the Type 79.
Chinese 7.62mm Suppressed Submachine Gun
The Type 64 was designed from the ground up as a suppressed

submachine gun, rather than being adapted from an existing design
Norinco Type 85 Suppressed Submachine Gun
Chinese 7.62mm Suppressed Submachine Gun
(like the German MP5SD). It features a built-in suppressor that is
completely integrated into the action.
Who Uses It: The Type 64 is in service with the Chinese armed
forces. It has also been exported to the Chinese client states as well.
The Type 85 Suppressed Submachine Gun is little more than the
Type 85 SMG with an integral suppressor incorporated into its de-
sign. The blowback action of the submachine gun is retained, while
the weapon firing.
the suppressor assembly of the Type 64 Silent Submachine Gun is
fitted around the barrel.
131
the weapon firing.
Norinco Type 79 Submachine Gun Damage: 2d6 Magazine: 30 box
Chinese 7.62mm Submachine Gun
SUBMACHINE GUNS
OTs-02 Kiparis
The Type 79 features an unusual gas-powered action and functions
more like an assault rifle than a conventional submachine gun. The
resulting design is complex, as submachine guns go, but works much
like an assault rifle, which simplifies training and provides excellent
semiautomatic accuracy. It is also lightweight. Like many Eastern
Bloc submachine gun designs, the weapon is chambered for the
Soviet 7.62mm pistol cartridge.
Who Uses It: The Type 79 is in service with the Chinese armed
forces and has been exported to China’s client states as well.
The OTs-02 Kiparis was originally developed in the 1960s. At the
time, Soviet doctrine had little use for submachine guns, and the
design languished. In the 1990s, it was revived and put into produc-
tion for the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs as a weapon for use
against the growing threat posed by organized crime.
Design and operation of the Kiparis are straightforward. Construction
is metal with a plastic pistol grip. A folding stock is fitted.
Various accessory devices are available for the Kiparis, including a
Norinco Type 85 Submachine Gun boxy laser sight, which clips under the barrel and serves as a forward
handgrip, and a special suppressor.
Chinese 7.62mm Submachine Gun
d20 Modern Rules: The OTs-02 can be fitted with a suppressor
designed specifically for the weapon (purchase DC 14, restricted
[+2]). The OTs-02 cannot be equipped with other suppressors.

The Type 85 is similar to the Type 79, with which it shares many
components. Its operating mechanism is entirely different, however,

d20 MODERN
OTs-22 it down completely will fire the weapon in automatic mode.
The IDW’s upper receiver is one long accessory rail, which allows
a variety of sights or other devices to be attached to suit any role.
The IDW can also be equipped with a bipod for sustained automatic
fire, though the 30-round magazine limits its effectiveness some-
what in this role.
Variants: A longer carbine version has a range increment of 60
feet, but the weapon’s other statistics remain the same.
d20 Modern Rules: With the stock folded, the standard IDW
(not the carbine version) grants a +2 circumstance bonus on Sleight
During World War II, the Red Army made extensive use of subma-
The standard version of this weapon (not the carbine version)
chine guns—perhaps more than any other army. After the war, the
can be fired one-handed, but doing so imposes a –1 penalty on
emergence of the Kalashnikov assault rifle led to the disappearance
attack rolls.
of submachine guns from Russian doctrine. Throughout the Cold
War, no new Russian submachine gun designs emerged—but that
all changed with the collapse of the Soviet Union. The growing
menace of organized crime led to the widespread development of
submachine guns, primarily for law enforcement use.
The OTs-22 is one of these new submachine guns from Russia.
Interestingly, it is chambered in 9mm Parabellum, a Western caliber.
This might indicate a shift toward that cartridge in Russian doctrine,
132 or perhaps the OTs-22 was developed for the export market.
The mechanism of the OTs-22 owes much to the American Ingram
PDW PS-2000
Slovakian 9mm Submachine Gun
submachine gun. The OTs-22 uses a telescoping bolt, permitting an
ultracompact overall design that is balanced for one-hand use.
The stock folds forward over the top of the receiver. All controls
are ambidextrous. For concealed use, a 20-round magazine that fits
completely within the handgrip is available.
d20 Modern Rules: This weapon can be fired one-handed
without penalty. The version with the 20-round magazine grants a
+1 circumstance bonus on Sleight of Hand checks made to conceal
The PDW PS-2000 was developed by the Slovakian firm Technopol
the weapon.
as a commercial venture rather than for a particular government
SUBMACHINE GUNS
contract. It was intended for the export market, especially for

police or paramilitary users, so it is chambered in the popular 9mm
Parabellum cartridge.
The design of the PDW PS-2000 owes much to the H&K MP5,
its greatest competitor, especially in overall arrangement. It fea-
tures the same general layout with a telescoping metal stock. The
PDW PS-2000 incorporates a number of innovative features of its
Parker-Hale IDW own, however. The weapon is housed in a durable, ergonomically
contoured plastic casing. All controls are ambidextrous, including
British 9mm Submachine Gun
the cocking handle. The user can also switch the extractor to eject
spent cases either to the left or to the right as desired. A groove runs
down the top of the receiver, so the user can attach accessories,
such as optical sights.
Unlike the MP5’s complex roller-locked system, the PDW uses a
simple and inexpensive blowback firing mechanism that fires from
the closed bolt for improved accuracy. The selector switch allows
four different fire modes—semiautomatic, automatic, and both
two- and three-round burst. This feature makes the PDW PS-2000
The Parker-Hale IDW (Individual Defense Weapon) is designed to
extremely flexible in a tactical role. For maintenance, the PDW PS-
serve as a compact automatic-weapon system for bodyguards,
2000 disassembles quickly into four main subassemblies. Each is
special operations forces, and other users with a need for highly
designed for easy cleaning.
port≠able and lightweight weaponry. At its heart, the IDW is built
Thus far, no customer has appeared for the PDW PS-2000, and it
around a blowback action with a built-in limiter designed to reduce
has yet to go into wide production. The tremendous popularity of
the rate of fire. This makes it highly controllable, despite its small size.
the MP5 presents a serious challenge, but Technopol seems willing
It can easily be held and fired with one hand, though it is designed
to accept that challenge.
for use with a two-handed grip and has a folding shoulder stock for
d20 Modern Rules: The PDW PS-2000 features a two-round
added stability. With the stock folded, the IDW is extremely small
and three-round burst setting. When used with the Burst Fire feat,
and can be discreetly carried under clothing if necessary.
it fires only two or three bullets instead of five and can be used with
The safety catch is a large ambidextrous level located just
only two or three bullets in the weapon. The setting does not grant
forward of the trigger. When engaged, it blocks the trigger guard,
giving an automatic indication that the weapon cannot be fired.
you use the setting without the feat, you make a normal attack, and
There is a grip safety as well, which prevents accidental firing by dis-
the extra bullets are wasted.
engaging the firing mechanism when it is not squeezed. Pulling the
trigger halfway will fire a single semiautomatic shot, while bringing

d20 MODERN
Damage: 2d6
Critical: 20
Magazine: 30 box
Size: Large
Port Said Submachine Gun
Egyptian 9mm Submachine Gun
PM-84 Glaubeyrt
Polish 9mm Submachine Gun
The Port Said is simple and cheap to produce, being made largely
from metal stampings and pressings. It features a wooden pistol grip
and a folding metal shoulder stock to improve stability. The barrel is
housed in a vented jacket for protection.
Though simple and reliable, the Port Said is obsolete by modern
standards. In spite of this, it remains in production to this day, pri-
marily for export to developing countries where its low price tag
The PM-84, also known as the Glaubeyrt, is a rather conventional
will outweigh its obsolescence.
submachine gun, similar in design and operation to the Israeli Uzi
Who Uses It: The Port Said is in service with the Egyptian armed
and chambered to fire the 9mm Makarov cartridge. It is fitted with
forces. It was used extensively in the Arab-Israeli wars.
a folding stock, and the magazine is housed in the pistol grip. It has
an unusual dual cocking handle, with a knob on each side of the
weapon, making it easy to use with either hand.
Variants: Though originally chambered in the 9mm Makarov
Damage: 2d6
Critical: 20
Magazine: 36 box
Size: Large 133
round, a modernized variant, designated the PM-84P, has been pro-
duced in 9mm Parabellum. Its statistics are identical to the PM-84.
Who Uses It: The 9mm Parabellum PM-84P is in service with the
Polish armed forces.

PP-90
Russian 9mm Folding Submachine Gun
SUBMACHINE GUNS
PM-98
Polish 9mm Submachine Gun
The Russian PP-90 is a specialized submachine gun, designed to fold
away into a compact package when not in use. When folded, it looks
nothing like a firearm—just a simple metal box, small enough to be
carried in a pocket or utility bag. Designed for individuals who need
to keep a low profile, it can easily be carried by plainclothes or
undercover personnel without attracting the kind of attention that
another firearm might bring.
To ready the PP-90 for firing, the user simply unfolds it and
The PM-98 is a development of the earlier PM-84 Glauberyt series
snaps it into its open position. One half forms the receiver; the
of submachine guns. The most obvious difference from the PM-84 is
other forms the shoulder stock. The firing grip springs into place
the redesigned forward grip, which has been considerably enlarged
underneath. Simple open sights fold up as well.
to house an integral laser sight. A number of other minor modifica-
Internally, the PP-90 uses a simple blowback mechanism. It has a
tions were made to improve reliability and affordability.
low rate of fire and a two-tiered bolt to reduce the effect of recoil in
Variants: A slightly modified version, the PM-98S, is also avail-
automatic mode. The weapon has no semiautomatic setting. Internal
able. Its statistics are identical to the PM-98.
safeties prevent firing if the weapon is dropped. The weapon cannot
d20 Modern Rules: This weapon features an integrated laser
be fired if it has not been fully unfolded and locked open.
sight.
Variants: The PP-90M is slightly lighter than the standard model (4
lb.) and features a redesigned buttstock, but otherwise its statistics are
identical to the PP-90. The PP-90M1, which is chambered in the Western
9mm Parabellum cartridge, has statistics identical to the PP-90.
d20 Modern Rules: Folding or unfolding the PP-90 is a full-round
action. When folded, the weapon is considered a Small object.

d20 MODERN
PP-90M1 PP-93
Russian 9mm Submachine Gun Russian 9mm Submachine Gun
The PP-93 is essentially a nonfolding version of the PP-90. Its internal

The PP-90M1 is a new high-tech submachine gun chambered in 9mm action is similar and designed to fire the high-power modernized
Parabellum. It should not be confused with the 9mm Parabellum Makarov 9mm cartridge. Unlike the PP-90, the PP-93 also has a
version of the PP-90 folding submachine gun, which is also desig- semiautomatic fire setting.
nated PP-90M1. Confusingly, Tula KBP manufactures both weapons. The PP-93 is constructed from inexpensive steel pressings and fit-
The Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs reserves the PP-90M1 ted with a metal shoulder stock that folds over the top of the weapon
for special operations. A simple folding stock swings over the top when not in use. With the stock folded, it fits neatly into a large holster.
of the weapon to lie flush against the receiver when not in use. It has a centrally located pistol grip that permits one-handed firing.
Ammunition is fed from one of two magazines, either a 32-round Both a laser sight and suppressor can be readily fixed to the weapon.
box or a 64-round helical drum. When the box magazine is used, a Who Uses It: The PP-93 is in service with the Russian Ministry
plastic foregrip piece with a feed well is snapped into place under of Internal Affairs.
the barrel. With the helical magazine, this piece is removed, and the d20 Modern Rules: This weapon can be fired one-handed, but do-
134 cylindrical magazine itself serves as the forward grip.

d20 Modern Rules: Attaching or detaching the forward grip
ing so with a suppressor attached imposes a –1 penalty on attack rolls.
piece (to change between the 32-round box magazine and 64- Damage: 2d6 Magazine: 30 box
round helical drum) takes a full-round action and can be done Critical: 20 Size: Large
without tools. Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 4 lb.
Damage: 2d6 Magazine: 32 or 64 box Rate of Fire: S, A Restriction: Res (+2)
Range Increment: 50 ft. Purchase DC: 20 Romarm BORD
Rate of Fire: S, A Restriction: Res (+2) Romanian 9mm Submachine Gun
SUBMACHINE GUNS
PP-91 Kedr
This modern submachine gun, similar in appearance to the Model

96 (see below), is chambered in 9mm Parabellum and designed to be
cheap and easy to produce, making extensive use of metal stamp-
Like the Kiparis, the PP-91 Kedr is an old submachine gun design that ings. The firing grips are made from a composite material. The BORD
wasn’t built until the demands of fighting organized crime neces- has automatic fire only and features a prominent Kalashnikov-style
sitated its revival. Evgeni Dragunov, who was also responsible for safety lever on the side of the receiver. A folding stock is standard.
the famous SVD sniper rifle, designed the PP-91. The PP-91’s name,
Kedr, is something of a pun—it is both the Russian word for “cedar” Damage: 2d6 Magazine: 25 box
and stands for Konstructsiya Evgeniya Dragunova, which means Critical: 20 Size: Large
“Designed by Evgeni Dragunov.” Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 6 lb.
The Kedr is a simple, straightforward design using a blowback Range Increment: 40 ft. Purchase DC: 18
action. It fires from a closed bolt and features both automatic and Rate of Fire: A Restriction: Res (+2)
semiautomatic rates of fire. It uses metal construction with a plastic
pistol grip. A folding stock is also fitted.
Variants: A modernized version known as the Kiln fires the Romarm Model 96
high-power Makarov cartridge of the PMM pistol but has statis- Romanian 9mm Submachine Gun
tics identical to the Kedr. An export model, chambered in 9mm
Parabellum, also shares the Kedr’s statistics.
Who Uses It: The Kedr and the Kiln are both in service with
Russian law enforcement agencies.

Range Increment: 40 ft. Purchase DC: 19 The Romarm Model 96 is a new submachine gun chambered in the
Rate of Fire: S, A Restriction: Res (+2) popular 9mm Parabellum caliber. Simple in design and construction,

d20 MODERN
its steel stampings reduce manufacturing costs. The action, a simple
blowback mechanism, is easy to produce and maintain. A single-
Sa 58/98 Bulldog
Czech 9mm Submachine Gun
strut folding metal stock is fitted to improve stability during firing.
The jacketed long barrel protects the firer’s hand from heat buildup
during sustained firing. It also features a muzzle brake to counter
muzzle climb in automatic mode. The Model 96 can accept a variety
of accessory devices, such as illuminators and laser sights.
d20 Modern Rules: This weapon features a three-round
burst setting. When used with the Burst Fire feat, it fires only
three bullets instead of five and can be used with only three
bullets in the weapon. This setting does not grant the ability
At the end of the Cold War, the Czech Republic found itself holding
to make burst fire attacks without the Burst Fire feat; if you
large surplus stocks of the Model 58 assault rifle. The Sa 58/98 is an
use the setting without the feat, you make a normal attack and
attempt to put these weapons to good use by converting the Model
the extra two bullets are wasted. Because it does not have the
58s to submachine guns chambered in 9mm Parabellums.
automatic rate of fire, this weapon cannot be used to make
The Sa 58/98 uses the receiver and trigger mechanism of the
autofire attacks.
assault rifle, but much of the rest of the weapon is new. The oper-
ating system is converted to a conventional blowback action. The
feed mechanism is new, necessitated by the change in caliber. The
magazines are plastic, holding up to 30 rounds each. The weapon
comes with a folding stock, and an accessory rail on the top of the
receiver allows a variety of sights to be attached.
Variants: The Sa 58/98 S is a carbine variant with a longer barrel
for improved accuracy. 135
Ruger MP-9
American 9mm Submachine Gun Sa 58/98 (9mm Submachine Gun)
SUBMACHINE GUNS
Sa 58/98 S (9mm Submachine Gun)
This modern submachine gun, designed by Uzi Gal (creator of the fa-
mous Uzi), is produced by the American company Ruger. It is similar
to the Uzi in both appearance and operation. The lower receiver is
made from composites instead of stamped metal. It is shaped with
an enlarged trigger guard, which can be used for a two-handed grip.
It also extends behind the firing grip, forming an open frame onto
which the folding stock can be retracted.
As on the Uzi, the magazine feeds into the centrally located pistol
Saab-Bofors CBJ MS
Swedish 9mm/6.5×25mm Personal Defense Weapon
grip, providing good balance. In addition to a standard safety catch,
the MP-9 features an internal trigger safety, which disengages the
action except when the trigger is pressed. This allows the weapon
to be carried loaded without the risk of accidental firing if it is jolted
or dropped.
The MP-9 is designed for ease of maintenance. It disassembles
easily, and the barrel can be unscrewed for cleaning. The MP-9 is also
compatible with a range of accessory devices, including weapon
sights, which can be attached to standard sight rails on the top of
The Saab-Bofors CBJ MS was designed to serve as a personal de-
the receiver.
fense weapon (PDW), an assault weapon, and even a light machine
gun. Although similar to the Mini-Uzi in appearance, the Saab-
Bofors CBJ MS has a much more advanced design with a number of
remarkable features.
The CBJ MS is capable of firing either standard 9mm Parabellum
or specialized 6.5mm high-velocity rounds developed specifically
for this weapon. The 6.5mm rounds are necked cartridges designed
to be roughly the same size and to have the same recoil as 9mm
rounds and to use the same magazines. They fire a saboted high-
velocity projectile made of tungsten, a very dense material. This
gives the projectile excellent armor-piercing capability; it can even
penetrate a lightly armored vehicle.
The CBJ MS is a compact weapon constructed from light-
weight metal pressings with plastic grips. Both a folding stock
and a forward pistol grip are fitted for improved controllability.

d20 MODERN
The foregrip is hollow, allowing it to hold a spare magazine for Damage: 2d6 Magazine: 30 box
rapid changes. Either a suppressor or a rifle grenade launcher can Critical: 20 Size: Large
be easily fitted. The fire mode (semiautomatic or automatic) is Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 8 lb.
controlled by trigger pressure, with a half-pull used to fire a single Range Increment: 40 ft. Purchase DC: 19
semiautomatic shot. Rate of Fire: S, A Restriction: Res (+2)
In addition to compact 20-round magazines (which fit flush
within the pistol grip) and 30-round magazines, the CBJ MS can
also use a large 100-round drum, giving it a sustained fire capability Skorpion vz61
for use as a light support weapon. A bipod can be attached for ad- Czech .32 ACP Submachine Gun
ditional stability in this role. A rail runs the length of the receiver,
allowing a variety of scopes to be mounted.
d20 Modern Rules: Switching between calibers requires only
that the weapon’s barrel be changed, a process that can be done in
the field without tools in 5 minutes.
The 6.5mm high-velocity rounds are considered armor-piercing
ammunition. If the target has armor or natural armor, you gain a
+1 circumstance bonus on attack rolls when using this ammunition
type. However, you take a –1 penalty on damage rolls (whether the The Skorpion was originally designed to provide a self-defense
target is armored or not). A package of twenty 6.5mm caliber rounds weapon for vehicle crews and other troops who needed something
has a purchase DC of 7. compact and portable. No larger than an ordinary autoloader pistol,
The compact CBJ MS grants a +1 bonus on Sleight of Hand checks the Skorpion has a folding metal stock to improve stability. Its .32
made to conceal the weapon (+3 if the stock is folded). ACP round performs poorly, however, and the weapon is considered
136 Damage: 2d6 or 2d81 Magazine: 30 box
a failed experiment by many experts.
The Skorpion’s action operates on the blowback principle. A
Critical: 20 Size: Large special rate-reducing mechanism, intended to hold the rate of fire
Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 6 lb. down to controllable levels, is located in the pistol grip.
Range Increment: 50 ft. Purchase DC: 20 Variants: The Skorpion was also manufactured in small numbers
Rate of Fire: S, A Restriction: Res (+2) in rechambered variants, firing the 9mm Short (vz64), 9mm Makarov
1 2d6 damage for 9mm ammunition, 2d8 damage for 6.5mm high- (vz65), and 9mm Parabellum rounds (vz68). Though the latter gave
velocity ammunition. greatly improved performance, none proved particularly popular.
Who Uses It: The Skorpion was adopted by the Czech armed
forces. It was also exported to numerous Soviet client states
SCH-21 Gorda and was supplied to various Soviet-backed rebel and terrorist
SUBMACHINE GUNS
Georgian 9mm Submachine Gun groups worldwide.

The SCH-21 Gorda comes from the former Soviet Republic of Socimi Type 821
Georgia and was developed by the State Military Scientific and Italian 9mm Submachine Gun
Technical Center, not by a private company. It is chambered for the
Western 9mm Parabellum cartridge, however, suggesting that its
designers were hoping for export sales.
The Gorda’s construction makes use of a number of component
parts from other weapons. It owes a great deal to the AKM, perhaps
indicating an attempt to recycle old Kalashnikovs into something
more useful in today’s arms market. The receiver, trigger mechanism,
and pistol grip all come from the AKM. The firing mechanism is re-
built to use a simple blowback operation. The 9mm magazines are As its appearance suggests, the Socimi Type 821 has much in
fed into the oversized AK magazine well. com≠mon with the Israeli Uzi. It operates on the same telescoping
The Gorda’s folding stock swings forward along the side of the bolt principle and houses the magazine in the vertical pistol grip. It
receiver, and the weapon can be fired with the stock folded. The differs in construction, however. Much of the Type 821 is made from
forestock is taken from the new OTs-14 Groza weapon system light alloy to keep weight down. It can be rapidly disassembled for
from Russia. cleaning. A screw-on suppressor is available.
Several accessories are available for the Gorda, including illumi- Who Uses It: The Type 821 was adopted by a number of law
nators, laser and optical sights, and a replacement barrel with an enforcement agencies.
integral suppressor (purchase DC 15, restricted [+2]). Flip-up iron
sights are also fitted. Damage: 2d6 Magazine: 32 box
Who Uses It: The SCH-21 Gorda is just now completing develop- Critical: 20 Size: Large
ment and becoming available. It has yet to find any customers or go Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 3 lb.
into widespread production. Range Increment: 50 ft. Purchase DC: 20

d20 MODERN
Spectre M-4 Star Z-70B
Italian 9mm Submachine Gun Spanish 9mm Submachine Gun
The Z-70B is an improvement on an earlier design, the Z-62, which

The Spectre M-4 uses a unique action that operates much like a used an unusual two-tiered trigger; pulling the lower part of the
double-action autoloader pistol. This gives it many of the same trigger would fire semiautomatic shots, while pulling the top would
advantages as an autoloader pistol—it can be carried safely with a trigger automatic fire. This configuration proved unsatisfactory, and
round in the chamber, allowing the user to put it into action quickly the Z-70B is essentially the same design with a conventional trigger
and without working a cocking lever. and selector switch arrangement.
Once the magazine is loaded and the weapon is cocked, the fir- The Z-70B uses a straightforward blowback action housed in a
ing pin sits at a “half-cocked” position (from which accidental firing tubular metal casing and chambered in 9mm Parabellum. It is cheap
cannot occur) until the user pulls the trigger, which draws the firing to manufacture and easily maintained in the field. A folding metal
pin back and then releases it to discharge the weapon. stock is standard.
Lightweight metal stampings complement the composite furniture. Who Used It: The Z-70B was adopted by the Spanish police and
A folding stock and vertical foregrip are standard. The Spectre uses an military forces. It has now been largely replaced by the newer Z-84
unusual magazine, in which the rounds are stacked four columns wide,
allowing unusually high capacity (50 rounds) in a relatively short clip.
(see below).
137
Who Uses It: The unique advantages of its double-action Damage: 2d6 Magazine: 40 box
operation have made the Spectre popular with law enforcement Critical: 20 Size: Large
agencies worldwide. Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 8 lb.
d20 Modern Rules: With its stock folded and magazine Range Increment: 50 ft. Purchase DC: 20
re≠moved, this weapon grants a +3 circumstance bonus on Sleight Rate of Fire: S, A Restriction: Res (+2)
Damage: 2d6 Magazine: 50 box Star Z-84

Critical: 20 Size: Large Spanish 9mm Submachine Gun
SUBMACHINE GUNS
SR-2
The Z-84 was designed with ease of manufacture in mind and, to

this end, makes extensive use of low-cost metal stampings and spot
welds. It is conventional in both operation and appearance. Its ac-
tion is derived from the Uzi, with a telescoping bolt and a magazine
housed in the pistol grip.
Redundant safety mechanisms are installed to allow users, par-
The SR-2 is a new submachine gun chambered for the powerful new ticularly police or security personnel, to carry the weapon while it’s
9×21mm cartridge, originally developed for the P-9 Gurza pistol. Its loaded. The action is sealed to keep out dirt and debris. It can func-
armor-piercing capability made it useful against armored targets tion even if submerged in water, which makes it particularly well
and automobiles. suited for use by marine commando units. The feed mechanism is
The SR-2 uses a complex gas-powered rotary-locked action simi- specially designed to facilitate use of hollow-point and unjacketed
lar to that of an assault rifle. The magazine is fed vertically into the rounds without malfunctioning. A folding metal stock is fitted.
hollow pistol grip, giving good balance. A vertical foregrip can be Who Uses It: The Z-84 entered Spanish military and police ser-
screwed into a socket under the barrel if desired. A large, AK-style vice in 1985, replacing the earlier Z-70B. It has also been exported to
selector lever is located on the side of the receiver. A receiver- a number of other countries.
mounted accessory rail permits the use of a variety of sighting d20 Modern Rules: This weapon does not become unreliable
systems, including optical sights and night vision devices. when immersed in water or exposed to hostile environments.
d20 Modern Rules: The powerful 9mm rounds fired by this
weapon are considered armor-piercing ammunition (see Alternative Damage: 2d6 Magazine: 30 box
Ammunition in the Introduction). Critical: 20 Size: Large

d20 MODERN
Sterling L2 rifle (see Chapter Two). Using the conversion kit to change an AUG
assault rifle into an AUG submachine gun or back requires 10 minutes
British 9mm Parabellum Submachine Gun
and a successful Repair check (DC 10).

The Sterling was developed for the British armed forces in the late
1940s and features a distinctive side-loading magazine. The Sterling
is somewhat more complex and expensive than other postwar sub-
Steyr MPi69
Austrian 9mm Submachine Gun
machine gun designs. However, it performs well in field conditions.
It features a folding metal stock and a bayonet lug.
Variants: Numerous minor improvements made over the years
led to a series of variants known as the L2A1, L2A2, and the L2A3.
The L34A1 is a special version incorporating a built-in suppressor
to the barrel.
Who Uses It: The Sterling served with British armed forces from
1953 until the L85A1 IW rifle replaced it in the early 1990s. It was also
adopted by British police forces, which continue to use it to this day.
Steyr Mannlicher developed the MPi 69 with affordability and reli-
138 The Sterling was widely exported and serves with numerous armies
and police forces worldwide.
ability in mind. The weapon is simple in design and operation, with
the action housed in a plastic frame cover. The weapon has both
d20 Modern Rules: The L34A1 is a suppressed weapon. Although
semiautomatic and automatic settings; a single semiautomatic shot
the weapon’s firing is audible, determining the location of the
can be fired with a half-pull of the trigger, while pulling it back all
weapon by its sound alone requires a successful Listen check (DC
the way will release a burst of automatic fire. The shoulder sling at-
15). When firing cold-loaded ammunition, this weapon operates as
taches to the bolt handle, enabling the shooter to simply pull back
if silenced; a successful Listen check (DC 15) is required to notice the
on the strap to cock the weapon.
sound of the weapon firing.
Variants: Because some purchasers disliked the sling-cocked
mechanism, Steyr developed a variant with an ordinary cocking
L2A1, L2A2, and L2A3 (9mm Submachine Gun) handle called the MPi 81. It is otherwise identical to the standard
Damage: 2d6 Magazine: 34 box MPi 69.
SUBMACHINE GUNS
Critical: 20 Size: Large Who Used It: The MPi69 served with the Austrian military
Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 7 lb. and police, until it was replaced by the more modern Steyr
Range Increment: 50 ft. Purchase DC: 19 AUG-9 (see above) and Steyr TMP/SPP (see below). It was also
Rate of Fire: S, A Restriction: Res (+2) widely exported.
d20 Modern Rules: Using a conversion kit (puchase DC 15, mili-
tary [+3]) to make this weapon into a silenced weapon requires 10
L34A1 (9mm Submachine Gun) minutes and a successful Repair check (DC 10). When converted, this
is a silenced weapon; a successful Listen check (DC 15) is required to
notice the sound of the weapon firing.
Steyr AUG-9 Range Increment: 50 ft.
Rate of Fire: S, A
Purchase DC: 20
Restriction: Res (+2)
Austrian 9mm Submachine Gun
Steyr TMP
Austrian 9mm Personal Defense Weapon
This submachine gun version of the Steyr AUG assault rifle differs
from the standard rifle in the fitting of a new barrel and bolt group
designed to use the 9mm Parabellum cartridge.
Semiautomatic fire is available with a half-pull of the trigger,
while pulling it back all the way will result in automatic fire. A special
An advanced PDW design from Steyr Mannlicher, the TMP fires the
suppressed barrel can be substituted if desired.
conventional 9mm Parabellum pistol cartridge. The design of the
Who Uses It: The AUG-9 has been adopted by a number of the
weapon itself is quite advanced and makes extensive use of com-
countries using the AUG assault rifle, including Austria.
posite materials. The weapon can be quickly disassembled without
d20 Modern Rules: In addition to being available as a complete
tools, simplifying maintenance in the field. As with the AUG rifle,
weapon, the AUG-9 submachine gun can be obtained as a conver-
the fire of the TMP is controlled by trigger-pressure—a half-pull for
sion kit (purchase DC 17, restricted [+2]) for the Steyr AUG assault

d20 MODERN
semiautomatic fire, a full pull for automatic fire. In addition, the situated above the barrel to reduce length. The housing is made
safety catch can be set to a semiautomatic-only setting to prevent from stamped metal, with plastic grips. A folding wire stock is
unintended automatic bursts in the heat of combat. For automatic fitted for stability. The sights are dual-use by design, with both
fire, a vertical foregrip improves stability. quick-acquisition open sights and more accurate rifle-style iron
The TMP is a compact and versatile weapon, well suited to the sights for more deliberate aimed fire.
demands of close-quarters battle. Its small size makes it easy to Variants: The MPK is a shorter variant for concealed carry or
carry in a large pistol holster. close-quarters use.
Variants: For the law enforcement market, Steyr also produces Who Uses It: The MPL was an excellent design. Military sales
a semiautomatic-only variant known as the SPP (see the Steyr SPP were never forthcoming, but it was widely adopted by police units
in Chapter One). Other variants include models that fire 10mm and in several countries. It was quickly superseded by the more popu-
.41in AE rounds. The 10mm variant has a range increment of 40 feet, lar H&K MP5, however, and has almost totally been withdrawn
but its statistics are otherwise identical to the 9mm version. The from service.
.41in AE variant has a range increment of 40 feet, deals 2d8 points
of damage, and has a purchase DC of 20.
MPK (9mm Submachine Gun)
MPL (9mm Submachine Gun)

Vigneron M2
Belgian 9mm Submachine Gun
Damage: 2d6
Critical: 20
Magazine: 32 box
Size: Large
139
WZ-63
Polish 9mm Makarov Submachine Gun
The Vigneron M2 is the first postwar submachine gun design from
SUBMACHINE GUNS
Belgium. A conventional second-generation submachine gun, it uses
inexpensive metal-stamped construction, a tubular housing, and a
simple blowback action. Its most distinguishing feature is its long
barrel, which is fitted with a muzzle brake to aid controllability.
A grip safety is fitted to permit the user to safely carry the
weap≠on when it is loaded. A simple folding stock is standard as
well. The M2 is capable of both semiautomatic and automatic fire. The Polish WZ-63 is one of the earliest examples of the personal
When the weapon is set to automatic, a single semiautomatic shot defense weapon—an ultracompact automatic weapon designed for
can be fired with a half-pull on the trigger if desired. rear-echelon personnel who don’t need a full-sized rifle. Its operat-
Who Uses It: The M2 entered Belgian military service in 1953. It ing mechanism is basically that of an overgrown autoloader pistol.
was widely used in the fighting in the Belgian Congo and afterward The magazine is housed in the pistol grip, and the weapon includes
was distributed throughout Central Africa, where it can still be a folding stock and a folding vertical foregrip.
found today. It was also used in Portugal. The WZ-63 is cocked by drawing the entire slide back, like on an
autoloader pistol. It is locked back in the open position. When the
Damage: 2d6 Magazine: 32 box trigger is pressed, the slide snaps forward, firing a round. It is then
Critical: 20 Size: Large forced back to the open, locked position by the recoil of firing.
Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 4 lb. Squeezing the trigger all the way down results in automatic fire.
Range Increment: 40 ft. Purchase DC: 20 Accuracy is poor—because the entire slide moves when the weapon
Rate of Fire: A Restriction: Res (+2) is fired, its balance shifts considerably, and the sights are constantly
moving as well.
Who Uses It: The WZ-63 served with the Polish armed forces
Walther MPL and was exported to a number of other Warsaw Pact states as well.
German 9mm Submachine Gun It has now been withdrawn from service.

The MPL is a stamped-metal, blowback-operation submachine

gun from Walther. Its action incorporates an overlapping bolt

Chapter Six
SHOTGUNS
Shotguns are a special group of weapons, originally intended for hunting.
In general, they feature large caliber, smoothbore barrels. They usually fire
a number of small projectiles (called shot) from each cartridge, instead of
a single bullet.
Unlike other weapons, shotguns are not generally rated in terms of caliber
or bore diameter as a linear measurement. Instead, they use a system of
gauges, reflecting different bore sizes. Gauge is essentially a measurement
of the number of metal balls of bore diameter that
add up to a pound. Since bigger bores mean larger
and heavier balls, there are fewer of the balls in a
pound. Thus the smaller the gauge number, the
bigger the bore of the weapon—a 12-gauge shotgun is bigger than a
20-gauge weapon, for example.
Shotgun bores are generally large in diameter when com-
pared to other types of ammunition casings. This gives them
significant flexibility in ammunition loads, since there is a lot of
room in the cartridge to load material. Shot shells are the most
common. When fired, the cluster of shot pellets spreads out,
covering a wide area to help improve the chances
of a hit. In any given cartridge, there can either be
a large quantity of relatively small shot pellets, or
a small number of large pellets. The former type of
cartridge is called birdshot and is generally used for
small fast-moving game. The greater number of pel-
lets improves the chance of a hit on at least one or two
of the smaller game. The pellets’ small size means they
do less damage to the target, but this is an acceptable
tradeoff when shooting at small game. The latter type
of cartridge is called buckshot. As its name implies, it is
used for larger game, when the larger pellet size will do
more damage to the target.
In any shotgun, the group of shot projectiles fired
spread out somewhat once the pellets leave the bar-
rel. The amount of spread can be controlled by the
shotgun’s choke, which is a device that adjusts the
bore of the weapon. Many modern shotguns feature screw-in
choke tubes, which can be quickly changed out as needed. This
gives them versatility for use against different kinds of targets.
Some highly specialized shotguns, such as the HK512 from
Germany, feature devices that control the spread of shot,
such as channeling it into a narrow rectangular fan pattern for
maximum effectiveness.
In addition to shot cartridges, shotguns also fire solid projectiles

d20 MODERN
called slugs. These projectiles are quite large, and, to keep recoil man- Proficiency: One must have the Personal Firearms Proficiency
ageable, they are fired at low velocity (especially when compared feat to fire a shotgun without taking a –4 penalty on the attack roll.
to rifle rounds). Slugs are used against the largest game, when even For shotguns with an automatic rate of fire, one must have the
buckshot is too small to deal significant damage. Their slow speed Advanced Firearms Proficiency feat to fire on automatic without
makes them relatively inaccurate, however. Further contributing to taking a –4 penalty on the attack roll.
the slug’s inaccuracy is the fact that most shotguns have smooth, Ammunition Variants: See the Shotgun Ammunition section,
unrifled barrels: the lack of spin on a solid slug makes it unstable in below, for descriptions of different types of shotgun ammunition.
flight, and hence inaccurate. Standard shotgun ammunition is 3 inches long. Shotgun shells are
A number of solutions to this problem have emerged. One is the also available in larger (3 1/2 inches long) and smaller (2 3/4 inches
self-rifling slug, which imparts its own spin as it moves down the long) size. The larger shells grant a +1 equipment bonus on damage
smooth barrel to improve stability and accuracy. Another is sub- rolls, while the smaller shells take a –1 penalty on damage rolls.
caliber slugs with discarding sabots. In these rounds, the projectile Chambered Rounds: Any shotgun with a box magazine can
is smaller than the bore of the shotgun barrel and surrounded by carry an extra cartridge in the chamber. To put a cartridge in the
a plastic sabot, or shoe, that holds it centered in the barrel. When chamber, the weapon is loaded as normal. (Chambering a round is
the round is fired, the sabot falls away as it leaves the barrel and the part of the normal loading process.) Then, the magazine is removed,
projectile continues downrange. In essence, the sabot round trades an extra bullet is added (to replace the one that was chambered),
projectile size for speed. This gives the projectile considerably in- and the magazine is reinserted. This process takes an extra full round
creased velocity, though it is smaller than a full-bore projectile. beyond the time normally required to load the weapon.
Finally, some shotguns are designed to be used with slugs and have Choke: Shotguns are normally set on standard choke. Changing
long, rifled barrels to help improve accuracy. These weapons are known a shotgun’s choke requires a Repair check (DC 10) and 1 minute of
as slug guns. They often feature rifle-type sights to help with aiming. work. In addition to standard choke, a shotgun can be set on open
Because their rounds are so bulky, most shotguns have relatively choke or full choke. Slug ammunition can only be used in a shotgun
small magazine capacities when compared to assault rifles or sub-
machine guns. High-capacity combat shotguns might hold six or
set on open choke.
The open choke setting grants a +1 circumstance bonus on
141
eight rounds, while sporting models might hold only three or four. attack rolls.
In any tube-fed shotgun, an additional round can be carried loaded The full choke setting negates a shotgun’s normal –1 penalty
in the firing chamber. per range increment on damage rolls but imposes a –1 penalty on
Though they are faster to reload, detachable box magazines have attack rolls.
proven unpopular for shotguns. With the large shotgun cartridges, Folding Stocks: A few shotguns feature folding stocks. (Some
they are generally less reliable than tubular magazines. weapons feature collapsible stocks; for game purposes, these are
Shotguns are often classified by function. The two most general the same as folding stocks.) Folding a weapon’s stock grants a +2
categories are sporting guns, used for hunting and target shooting, circumstance bonus on Sleight of Hand checks made to conceal
and tactical or combat shotguns, used by military and police forces. the weapon.
Police forces commonly use shotguns, since they offer a number Using a Large or larger weapon with the stock folded imposes a
of advantages for law enforcement. Their smooth barrels reduce –1 penalty on all attack rolls. Folding or unfolding a folding stock is a
range, which also means reduced risk of collateral damage from move action. If you have a base attack bonus of +1 or higher, you can
bullets overshooting their targets. A pump-action shotgun is also fold or unfold a folding stock as a free action when moving.
a frightening weapon. It makes a loud clack when cycled and has a
large-bored barrel. This often allows an officer to frighten a suspect
into surrendering without bloodshed. Finally, shotguns are relatively Shotgun Ammunition
inexpensive and simple to operate, making them readily affordable The standard ammunition type for a shotgun is 00 (“double-ought”)
even for small departments. buckshot. A package of 10 shells has a purchase DC of 4.
The first police shotguns were called riot guns. As the name Shotguns can fire a variety of other ammunition types, as out-
suggests, these weapons were developed to control crowds. lined below.
Since long-range shooting was unnecessary, riot guns featured Birdshot: Birdshot shells are similar in design to buckshot, ex-
shorter barrels than most sporting shotguns, making them easier cept that the pellets are much smaller and more numerous. Because
to transport in police cars. Riot guns gave police a firepower ad- of their lighter design, they penetrate less effectively and impose a
vantage over most criminals. They also proved extremely versatile. –2 penalty on damage rolls. SHOTGUNS
Their large-caliber shells facilitated the development of nonlethal Birdshot shells are low-powered; some semiautomatic shotguns
specialty ammunition. are unreliable when firing low-powered shells. Birdshot shells are
A special subset of police shotguns are the ultracompact entry shot ammunition. A package of 10 shells has a purchase DC of 3.
guns designed for use by SWAT teams in close-quarters fighting. CS: This shell fires what is effectively a tiny tear gas grenade.
These feature radically shortened barrels and sometimes folding The shell deals 2d4 points of nonlethal damage but is generally
stocks. Though their range is limited, their reduced length makes not fired at individual targets. Instead, a 5-foot square is targeted
them especially handy in confined spaces. Any shotgun can be (Defense 10).
converted to this kind of configuration by cutting the barrel down On the round that it is fired, a CS shell fills the four squares
to minimum length. Doing this creates a weapon known as a sawed- around it with a cloud of irritant that causes eyes to fill with tears.
off shotgun. Sawed-off shotguns are compact and easy to conceal On the following round, the cloud fills all squares in a 10-foot
under clothing. They can be made even smaller by cutting down the radius. It disperses after 10 rounds, though a moderate wind (11+
stock as well, leaving only a rudimentary pistol grip. mph) disperses the smoke in 4 rounds, and a strong wind (21+ mph)
disperses it in 1 round.
Anyone caught in a cloud of CS gas must make a Fortitude save
d20 MODERN RULES (DC 15) or be stunned for 1d6 rounds. A gas mask renders the target
immune to the effects. A wet cloth held over the eyes, nose, and
mouth provides a +2 bonus on the save.
Roleplaying Game, and apply to the firearms described in
CS shells are low-powered; some semiautomatic shotguns are
this chapter.

d20 MODERN
unreliable when firing low-powered shells. CS shells are slug am-
munition and can only be used in a shotgun with an open choke (see
Choke, above). A package of 10 shells has a purchase DC of 12.
SHOTGUN DESCRIPTIONS
The shotguns in this chapter are presented alphabetically.
CS Penetrator: This shell is similar to the CS shell, except that
it’s designed to be fired through doors and other barriers to deliver
its tear gas load to the space beyond. Armscor M30 Series
A CS penetrator shell deals 2d6 points of lethal damage. When Philippine 12-Gauge Pump-Action Shotgun
fired at a door, wall, or other barrier no more than 4 inches thick, if it
deals damage equal to or greater than the barrier’s hardness, it pen-
etrates the barrier and affects the 5-foot square on the other side.
If your target has armor or natural armor, you gain a +1 circum-
stance bonus on attack rolls when using this ammunition type.
On the round that it is fired, a CS penetrator shell fills the square
on the opposite side of the barrier with a cloud of irritant that The Armscor Model 30 is a successful pump-action shotgun, con-
causes eyes to fill with tears. On the following round, the cloud fills ventional in design and operation. Originally developed as a hunting
all adjacent squares. It disperses after 10 rounds, though a moder- weapon, it has been produced in a number of tactical variants.
ate wind (11+ mph) disperses the smoke in 4 rounds, and a strong M30R: This is the standard tactical shotgun with a forward bead
wind (21+ mph) disperses it in 1 round. A package of 10 shells has a sight. It features a short barrel to facilitate transport in police cars.
purchase DC of 14. It is available with either a 5- or 7-shot tubular magazine.
Dragon: This shell shoots a gout of fire, effectively turning a M30P: This is an ultracompact close-combat variant, with a radi-
shotgun into a low-powered flamethrower. When fired, the shot- cally shortened barrel and no shoulder stock. Due to the shortness
gun shoots a 5-foot-wide, 20-foot-long line of flame that deals 2d6 of the barrel, the magazine capacity is considerably reduced as well.
142 points of fire damage (DC 15 Reflex save for half) to all creatures and
objects in its path. No attack roll is necessary.
It is small enough to be concealed under a coat.
M30RP: Similar to the M30P, this model is slightly longer, with a
Any creature or flammable object that takes damage from a full pistol grip and a 5-shot magazine.
dragon shell risks catching on fire (see Catching on Fire, page 213 of M30 SAS: This is a more advanced tactical model. It features a
the d20 Modern Roleplaying Game.) short barrel, an extended magazine, composite furniture, and a heat
Dragon shells do not provide the necessary gas pressure to oper- shield over the barrel.
ate semiautomatic shotgun mechanisms. For this reason, a weapon Who Uses It: The M30 Series is used by police and security
firing dragon shells becomes unreliable until it receives special main- forces in the Philippines.
tenance (requiring half an hour). See Reliability in the Introduction d20 Modern Rules: The M30RP and M30 SAS each grant a +2
for more information on unreliable weapons. A package of 10 shells circumstance bonus on Sleight of Hand checks made to conceal
has a purchase DC of 12. the weapon.
Riot: Riot shells are used to break up riots and subdue targets
without seriously injuring them. A riot shell deals nonlethal dam-
age. Riot shells are low-powered; some semiautomatic shotguns are
M30R (12-Gauge Shotgun)
unreliable when firing low-powered shells. A package of 10 shells has
a purchase DC of 5.
Slug: A slug shell contains a single, heavy projectile, similar to a
conventional bullet fired from a rifle or other longarm. Because of
its size and low velocity, a shotgun slug is not as accurate as a rifle
bullet; except at short range, slugs are inferior to rifle rounds and are
generally only offered to provide a close-range alternative to shot M30P (12-Gauge Shotgun)
ammunition that doesn’t require a separate weapon. Slug shells are Damage: 2d8 Magazine: 4 int
slug ammunition and can only be used in a shotgun with an open Critical: 20 Size: Medium
choke (see Choke, above). Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 6 lb.
When using slugs with a weapon not designed to fire slug am- Range Increment: 30 ft. Purchase DC: 16
munition, you take a –2 penalty on attack rolls and damage rolls per Rate of Fire: Single Restriction: Res (+2)
SHOTGUNS
range increment. A package of 10 shells has a purchase DC of 4.

Slug Penetrator: This slug shell penetrates armor and cover.
Slug penetrator shells are slug ammunition and can only be used in
M30RP (12-Gauge Shotgun)
a shotgun with an open choke (see Choke, above).
If your target has armor or natural armor, you gain a +1 circum-
stance bonus on attack rolls when using this ammunition type.
When using slug penetrator rounds with a weapon not designed
to fire slug ammunition, you take a –2 penalty on attack rolls and
damage rolls per range increment. A package of 10 shells has a
purchase DC of 6. M30 SAS (12-Gauge Shotgun)

d20 MODERN
Birmingham Pump Gun law enforcement model with a long barrel and a high-capacity
magazine. The M1 Entry is a compact model, with a cut-down bar-
British 12-Gauge Pump-Action Shotgun
rel for indoor fighting. The M1 Tactical is a combat version with a
standard-length barrel. All versions are produced with bead sights,
iron sights, or ghost-ring sights.
Who Uses It: The M1 proved extremely popular and was put into
service by numerous military and police forces worldwide.
d20 Modern Rules: This weapon and its variants are considered
unreliable when firing nonstandard ammunition.
The Birmingham is a pump-action shotgun built to military
The M1 Super 90 and M1 Tactical can fire the larger 3 1/2-inch
specifications. Designed to remain functional under adverse field
shells. When loaded with one or more of these shells, the magazine
conditions, it is well suited to the law enforcement role. Unlike most
capacity is reduced by 1.
pump guns, the slide moves forward rather than backward to cycle
The M1 Entry grants a +2 circumstance bonus on Sleight of Hand
the action. The Birmingham’s composite wraparound slide and verti-
checks made to conceal the weapon.
cal pistol grip makes its appearance unusual. The oversized trigger
guard allows the shooter to wear gloves while firing and also serves
as a loading ramp for inserting shells into the magazine. The action M1 (12-Gauge Shotgun)
is held back by a number of safety devices to prevent accidental Damage: 2d8 Magazine: 7 int
discharge. The trigger requires an unusually long pull, designed to Critical: 20 Size: Large
keep the shooter from firing in haste without thinking. Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 8 lb.
Variants: The Mk 5 model is a compact version with no shoulder Range Increment: 40 ft. Purchase DC: 17
stock and a short barrel. The Mk 6 features a full-length barrel, high- Rate of Fire: S Restriction: Lic (+1)
capacity magazine, and synthetic shoulder stock with a recoil pad.
Marine versions with a rustproof nickel finish are also available.
M1 Entry (12-Gauge Shotgun) 143
d20 Modern Rules: The Mk 5 model grants a +2 circumstance
Pump Gun Mk 5 (12-Gauge Shotgun) Range Increment: 30 ft. Purchase DC: 18
Damage: 2d8 Magazine: 6 int Rate of Fire: S Restriction: Res (+2)
M2 Super 90 (12-Gauge Shotgun)
Pump Gun Mk 6 (12-Gauge Shotgun) Range Increment: 40 ft. Purchase DC: 18
Damage: 2d8 Magazine: 8 int Rate of Fire: Single Restriction: Lic (+1)
M1 Tactical (12-Gauge Shotgun)
Benelli M1 Series Range Increment: 40 ft.
Purchase DC: 18
Italian 12-Gauge Semiautomatic Shotgun
Benelli M3 Series
Italian 12-Gauge Dual-Action Shotgun SHOTGUNS
The groundbreaking Benelli M1 was developed as a semiautomatic
tactical shotgun. Its innovative recoil-driven action cycles very quick-
ly, giving the M1 a remarkably high rate of fire. This feature made it an
overnight success after its introduction in the late 1980s.
The Benelli M1 (see above) was a hugely popular design with po-
The M1’s action extends backward into the stock, making folding-
lice, who valued its dependability and extremely fast action. Its
stock variants impossible. Manufactured from advanced alloys and
recoil-driven firing mechanism, however, was designed only with
composite materials, it is a lightweight and handy weapon. The M1
full-power shotgun loads in mind. When used with low-power spe-
can be readily stripped for cleaning. It features tactical sling mounts
cialty shells, such as riot shells, the weaker recoil force proved too
similar to those found on H&K submachine guns, permitting the
weak to cycle the action, and the weapon would jam.
use of SWAT-style assault slings. Various accessories are available,
To address this problem, Benelli developed a dual-action de-
including illuminators and combat sights.
rivative that combined both pump and recoil actions into a single
For a time, Benelli marketed its shotguns in the U.S. through a
weapon. The M3, as the new design came to be known, normally
joint agreement with Heckler & Koch. This further fueled the weap-
operates as a semiautomatic shotgun using the M1’s recoil-driven
ons’ popularity with law enforcement.
action. When low-powered rounds are needed, the shooter simply
Variants: The M1 is produced in a wide range of different mod-
twists a selector knob at the end of the forward grip to lock the
els, suited to varying tactical roles. The M1 Super 90 is a dedicated

d20 MODERN
recoil mechanism and convert the weapon to pump-action mode. The most obvious external change from previous models is
The M3 can thus seamlessly fire any type of shotgun ammunition the M4’s collapsible telescoping shoulder stock. This stock can be
available. detached and replaced with a standard shotgun stock or pistol-grip
Though this dual mechanism makes the M3 somewhat more version if desired. The M1014 incorporates a number of other acces-
complex than the earlier M1, it is every bit as reliable thanks to sories as well. The receiver features a standard accessory-mounting
an exhaustive testing and development process. It retains all the rail, allowing the attachment of sights or other devices. Ghost-ring
advantages of the M1 design, including its easy disassembly for sights are standard.
maintenance and broad range of accessories. Its greater versatility, It should be noted that M4 is Benelli’s internal company designa-
however, makes it even more popular with law enforcement users, tion for this weapon. To avoid confusion with the Colt M4 carbine,
who often need to use specialty low-power shells. the military designation is M1014.
Variants: The M3 is produced in a wide range of different mod- Variants: The M1014 is the U.S. military version of the M4. The
els, combining different barrel lengths, stocks, and sights. The M3 M4 Super 90 is an identical model sold for law enforcement use. It
Super 90 is typical of the line, featuring a medium-length barrel, is available with any of the three standard butt stocks—fixed, fixed
an extended high-capacity magazine, a composite pistol grip stock, with pistol grip, or collapsible. The beefed-up M4 Super Black Eagle
and optional ghost-ring sights. The M3 Special Application model is can fire 3 1/2-inch Magnum cartridges; its statistics are otherwise
an ultracompact entry gun featuring a shortened barrel and a fold- identical to the M1014 and M4 Super 90 models.
ing stock that folds forward over the top of the receiver to form a Who Uses It: The M1014 is currently entering U.S. military ser-
carrying handle. vice, starting with the Marine Corps. It will eventually replace all
Who Uses It: Like the M1, the Benelli M3 has been popular with shotguns currently in service with U.S. forces, including Mossberg,
police and counterterrorist units. It is widely used by SWAT teams Remington, and Winchester designs. The cost savings associated
and is often the weapon of choice for an entry team point man. with switching over to a single shotgun model was one of the
d20 Modern Rules: The Benelli M3 and its variants can fire the primary motivating factors behind the decision to adopt the M1014.
144 larger 3 1/2-inch shells. When it is loaded with one or more of these
shells, the magazine capacity is reduced by 1.
The M4 shotgun is attracting considerable interest from other tacti-
cal shotgun users as well.
With its stock folded, the M3 Special Applications model grants d20 Modern Rules: The M4 Super Black Eagle can fire the larger
a +2 circumstance bonus on Sleight of Hand checks made to conceal 3 1/2-inch shells.
the weapon.
M3 Super 90 (12-Gauge Shotgun) Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 9 lb.
Rate of Fire: Single, S Restriction: Lic (+1)
Rate of Fire: Single or S Restriction: Lic (+1)
Benelli Nova
Italian 12-Gauge Pump-Action Shotgun
M3 Special Applications (12-Gauge Shotgun)
The Nova is a recent pump-action design from Benelli. To keep
production costs down, the weapon is made almost entirely
Benelli M4/M1014 from composites. Only the bolt, barrel, springs, and a few other
Italian 12-Gauge Dual-Action Shotgun components are metal. The stock and receiver form a single piece,
completely encasing the weapon’s action. The plastic forward grip
features a distinctively flared shape and deep grooves for a better
SHOTGUNS
grip. Another distinctive feature is the hemispherical-shaped maga-

zine end cap. The entire weapon is matte black.
The Nova features a magazine stop button, which allows a
loaded round to be ejected from the chamber without feeding in a
The M4 is a progressive development of the M3 dual-action shot- fresh one from the magazine. This feature renders a loaded weapon
gun developed for the U.S. military’s Joint Service Combat Shotgun safe and allows a specialty round to be quickly fed in if needed.
Program and selected for service as the M1014 after extensive trials. Variants: The Nova is primarily intended as a sporting weapon
It is being produced for the military through a joint agreement with and is produced in a variety of models for the hunting and target-
Heckler & Koch, which has long been partnered with Benelli on sales shooting markets.
to the U.S. market.
Like the M3, the M4 is a dual-action design. It usually operates as Damage: 2d8 Magazine: 8 int
a semiautomatic weapon, but it can be switched over to pump ac- Critical: 20 Size: Large
tion as needed for use with low-powered specialty munitions. The Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 8 lb.
M4 semiautomatic mechanism uses a gas-powered system instead Range Increment: 40 ft. Purchase DC: 18
of the traditional Benelli recoil operation. This system improves on Rate of Fire: Single Restriction: Lic (+1)
the already impressive reliability of the earlier Benelli shotguns, and
performs exceptionally well even in the worst environmental condi-
tions. It also reduces felt recoil considerably.

d20 MODERN
Beretta M3P Variants: The RS202P is essentially identical to the RS200P,
but it has a conventional stock and a high-capacity magazine. The
Italian 12-Gauge Dual-Action Shotgun
RS202-M1 features a pistol grip and folding stock. The RS202-M2
is an accessorized variant, with the pistol grip and folding stock
of the RS202-M1, a variable choke, a vented barrel shield, and a
removable muzzle-mounted shot diverter to ensure a good spread
with shot cartridges.
Who Uses It: The RS202 is used by police forces in Italy and
other European countries. Like the RS200, it has gone out of
The Beretta M3P shotgun serves a tactical role. This dual-action
production.
weapon operates as a semiautomatic with normal action while
d20 Modern Rules: This weapon can fire 3 1/2-inch shells.
retaining a pump-action feature for low-powered specialty rounds.
It has a rifle-style box magazine, permitting faster reloading than
the more traditional tube.
Variants: The standard model features a pistol grip and a fold-
ing stock, which swings forward to lock on top of the weapon and
double as a carrying handle. There is also a fixed-stock version, with
synthetic furniture and a pistol grip.
Who Uses It: The M3P is in use with Italian police and security
forces.
d20 Modern Rules: This weapon is unreliable when used at the
Browning BPS-SP
Belgian 12-Gauge Pump-Action Shotgun
semiautomatic rate of fire.
Damage: 2d8 Magazine: 5 box 145

The BPS-SP is a pump-action weapon designed for law enforcement
use. It features a slide lock that prevents the accidental ejection of un-
Beretta RS200P fired cartridges. All controls are ambidextrous; spent cases are ejected
out the bottom of the weapon. A standard shotgun stock and sights
are fitted. The BPS-SP was designed to require minimal maintenance
and to function reliably without the need for frequent cleaning.
Who Uses It: The BPS-SP is in service with the Belgian police
and Gendarmerie.

The RS200P is a straightforward pump gun from Beretta. It features
a simple, conventional action, which is reliable to operate and easy
to maintain. As a safety feature, a special bolt catch is fitted, allow-
ing the user to remove unfired rounds from the chamber.
The law enforcement model features a matte black finish.
Who Uses It: The RS200 is in service with the Italian police. It is
now no longer produced.
Daewoo USAS-12
South Korean 12-Gauge Automatic Shotgun

SHOTGUNS
The Daewoo USAS-12 incorporates a box magazine and is capable
Beretta RS202 of automatic fire. Chambered for 12-gauge rounds, it can throw out
considerable firepower. Controls and configuration are like those of
an assault rifle, with an M16-style pistol grip and carrying handle. It
is much bulkier than a rifle, however, due to its large recoil compen-
sation system. This bulkiness makes it somewhat awkward to carry,
especially in close quarters, but it is surprisingly controllable to fire,
even in automatic mode. In addition to the 12-round box magazine,
a high-capacity 28-round drum is also available.
Variants: A semiautomatic-only version serves the needs of
The RS202 is a progressive development of the RS200 (see above). It has
law enforcement. Its statistics are otherwise identical to the
a simplified loading mechanism that speeds up reloading during combat.
standard model.
It also features a bolt-release switch, which causes the bolt to spring for-
Who Uses It: The USAS-12 is used by South Korean security
ward and seal the action. This switch lets the shooter close the weapon
services and is available for export as well.
after the last round is fired, keeping out dirt or other debris.

d20 MODERN
d20 Modern Rules: This weapon is unreliable. It fires 2 3/4-inch In the late 1990s, Fabarm entered into a marketing agreement
shells only. with the German company Heckler & Koch to sell the FP6 to the law
enforcement market in the U.S. This arrangement created a consid-
Damage: 2d8–1 Magazine: 12 or 28 box erable boost in its popularity, due to H&K’s excellent reputation as
Critical: 20 Size: Large a tactical weapons maker.
Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 11 lb. Who Uses It: The FP6 is in service with a number of U.S. and
Range Increment: 40 ft. Purchase DC: 18 European police forces.
Fabarm SDASS Combat Shotguns Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 7 lb.
Italian 12-Gauge Pump-Action Shotguns Range Increment: 40 ft. Purchase DC: 17
Fabarm Tactical
Italian 12-Gauge Semiautomatic Shotgun
Fabarm produces a range of pump-action shotguns intended for

tactical use. They are built around a common action, designed
for reliability and accuracy. To protect against accidental firing,
the trigger mechanism is disengaged from the firing pin unless
6146 the pump-action is completely closed. Twin action bars are used
to keep the slide cycling smoothly. The receiver consists of a light- The Fabarm Tactical semiautomatic is a gas-powered design that
weight aluminum alloy. Fabarm shotguns can be fitted with either a incorporates many of the same features of the pump-action SDASS
full-length rifle-style stock or a vertical pistol grip with an optional Tactical model. Its action is designed to reliably cycle low-power
folding stock for reduced length. The stocks are interchangeable, 12-gauge shot shells, permitting nearly any commercial ammunition
allowing the weapon to be reconfigured as needed. to be used. The receiver features a sight-mounting rail. A flip-up
The Fabarm range incorporates a number of special features foresight is fitted to the barrel.
designed to provide optimal tactical performance. A corrosion-
resistant finish protects the weapon from harsh environments. The Damage: 2d8 Magazine: 5 int
stock includes a cushioned rubber recoil pad to protect the shooter Critical: 20 Size: Large
during firing. Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 7 lb.
Variants: Several SDASS models are produced to fulfill a vari- Range Increment: 40 ft. Purchase DC: 17
ety of different roles, including both tactical and hunting roles. Rate of Fire: S Restriction: Lic (+1)
These feature barrels of varying lengths and full-length high-ca-
pacity magazines. The SDASS Riot is a relatively short-barreled
model, popular with police. It weighs 6 pounds but otherwise has Franchi PA3
statistics similar to the SDASS Tactical (see below). The SDASS Italian 12-Gauge Pump-Action Shotgun
Tactical represents a dedicated combat model, incorporating a
standard sighting rail on the receiver that permits the attachment
of sighting devices. Flip-up rifle-style iron sights are fitted as a
backup. The forward grip is extended in length to permit a variety
of firing stances.

Critical: 20 Size: Large The PA3 is a shotgun built around a lightened version of the Franchi
Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 7 lb. SPAS 12 action (see below). The semiautomatic-fire mechanism is re-
SHOTGUNS
Range Increment: 40 ft. Purchase DC: 17 moved, allowing use only as a pump-action. An extremely compact
Rate of Fire: Single Restriction: Lic (+1) weapon, the PA3 is designed as a concealed weapon. A folding SPAS
12 stock is fitted for stability.
Because of the similarity to the SPAS 12, the PA3 can use any of
Fabarm FP6 its standard accessories, including alternate stocks, choke tubes,
Italian 12-Gauge Pump-Action Shotgun scopes, slings, and so on.
Variants: There are three different PA3 models, with progressive-
ly shorter barrels: the PA3/470, the PA3/345, and the ultracompact
PA3/215. The number following the slash refers to the length of the
barrel in millimeters.
Who Uses It: The PA3 is in service with a number of Italian police
agencies, including the elite NOCS counterterrorism team.
The FP6 is a conventional pump-action shotgun intended for law en- d20 Modern Rules: The PA3/215 model grants a +2 circumstance
forcement use. The furniture is made from an advanced composite bonus on Sleight of Hand checks made to conceal the weapon. The
material. The shoulder stock can be quickly detached and replaced slightly longer PA3/345 grants a +1 circumstance bonus on Sleight of
with a pistol grip to reduce length. A ventilated heat shield protects Hand checks made to conceal the weapon.
the barrel. Twin action bars in the pump ensure smooth cycling,
even when the weapon is worked very rapidly.

d20 MODERN
law enforcement agencies and counterterrorist teams throughout
PA3/470 (12-Gauge Shotgun) both Europe and the rest of the world.
d20 Modern Rules: This weapon is unreliable when firing low-
powered shells at the semiautomatic rate of fire.
PA3/345 (12-Gauge Shotgun) Range Increment: 40 ft. Purchase DC: 17
Damage: 2d8 Magazine: 5 int Rate of Fire: Single, S Restriction: Lic (+1)
Range Increment: 40 ft. Purchase DC: 16 Franchi SPAS 15
Rate of Fire: Single Restriction: Lic (+1) Italian 12-Gauge Dual-Action Shotgun
PA3/215 (12-Gauge Shotgun)

The SPAS 15 is an advanced tactical shotgun design created in re-
sponse to a military requirement for a close-in weapon system and 147
Franchi PA8E building on the experience of the SPAS 12. It features a dual-action
system, allowing the user to choose between semiautomatic and
pump-action modes as dictated by the ammunition used. The
SPAS 15 features a detachable box magazine, permitting more rapid
reloading. A top-mounted carrying handle also serves as a sight
mount. The charging lever rests on the top of the receiver, shielded
by the carrying handle.
Variants: The SPAS 15 is available in both fixed- and folding-stock
models. Each stock is detachable and can be quickly replaced by the
The Franchi PA8E is a conventional pump-action shotgun de-
other type if desired. The SPAS-15 MIL, a military version designed
sign fitted with a distinctive plastic pistol grip and shoulder
to fire a special round too powerful for most other shotguns, has
stock. It is intended primarily for law-enforcement use. The
statistics identical to the SPAS-15.
PA8E uses many of the components of the better-known SPAS
Who Uses It: The SPAS 15 is in service with the Italian Army and
12, including the trigger mechanism. Variable screw-in choke
with a number of law enforcement agencies worldwide.
tubes are available.
d20 Modern Rules: The SPAS-15 MIL fires standard shotgun
Variants: The PA8I is a variant model fitted with a folding metal
shells as well as custom shells that deal +1 damage. The purchase
stock and pistol grip. The PA7 features a more conventional shotgun
DC for custom shells is increased by 1.
stock, available in either plastic or wood, but it is otherwise identi-
cal with the PA8E.
Heckler & Koch HK512
SHOTGUNS
Franchi SPAS 12 German 12-Gauge Semiautomatic Shotgun
Italian 12-Gauge Dual-Action Shotgun
The HK512 is a tactical shotgun from one of the world’s premier

gunmakers. It features a gas-operated semiautomatic design, a
The Franchi SPAS 12 emerged in the early 1980s as one of the first
standard stock, synthetic furniture, and a nonreflective black finish.
shotguns to be designed for the tactical role rather than being
Rifle-style blade-and-leaf sights are fitted. A special shot diverter
converted from a sporting weapon. It was also among the earli-
is attached to the muzzle, which ensures an even and consistent
est dual-action models, designed to be either a semiautomatic or
rectangular-shaped shot pattern; however, this limits the use of the
pump-action weapon.
HK512 with specialty rounds, such as slugs or gas cartridges.
Variants: Both fixed- and folding-stock models are available. The
d20 Modern Rules: This weapon is unreliable when firing low-
latter is more common and features a special loop that hooks over
powered shells.
the shooter’s arm, permitting one-handed firing in an emergency.
Who Uses It: The SPAS 12 enjoys wide use, particularly among

d20 MODERN
Damage: 2d8 Magazine: 7 int Damage: 2d8 Magazine: 8 int
Rate of Fire: S Restriction: Lic (+1) Rate of Fire: Single Restriction: Lic (+1)
Ithaca MAG-10 Roadblocker Ithaca Stakeout

American 10-Gauge Pump-Action Shotgun American 12-Gauge Pump-Action Shotgun
The MAG-10 Roadblocker is a heavy shotgun, chambered for big

10-gauge shells. This powerful round offers a considerable perfor- The Stakeout is a compact shotgun designed to be carried discreetly
mance improvement over the more common 12-gauge shells. As by undercover or plainclothes police personnel. Derived from the
its name suggests, the Roadblocker was developed for use against basic Model 37 action, it features a shortened barrel and a pistol grip
criminals in vehicles, when the added power of the 10-gauge shells with no shoulder stock to keep total length down.
is a significant advantage. Variants: A 20-gauge variant fires a round generally considered
To compensate for the increased kick of the big round, the too weak for tactical use, although it remains adequately effective
148 Roadblocker incorporates a patented “count recoil” system. Aside
from this, the Roadblocker is entirely conventional in configuration
at close range. Furthermore, the associated reduction in recoil is
particularly important given its short barrel and lack of a stock. The
and operation. It’s a pump-action design that incorporates a tubular 20-gauge Stakeout weighs 4 pounds but is otherwise identical to
magazine under the barrel, capable of holding three of the big 10- the 12-gauge model.
gauge shells. Who Uses It: The Stakeout is used as a special-purpose weapon
Who Uses It: The MAG-10 Roadblocker is in widespread use for undercover officers or SWAT teams by police departments
with law enforcement in the U.S., particularly state highway throughout the U.S.
patrol agencies. d20 Modern Rules: The 12-gauge Stakeout and 20-gauge
Stakeout each grant a +2 circumstance bonus on Sleight of Hand
Damage: 2d10 Magazine: 3 int checks made to conceal the weapon.
Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 11 lb. Damage: 2d8 Magazine: 5 int
Ithaca Model 37 Series
American 12-Gauge Pump-Action Shotgun
Izhmash IZH-81M
Russian 12-Gauge Pump-Action Shotgun
Introduced in 1937, the Model 37 is one of the oldest pump-action

shotguns still in widespread use today, both in sporting and tactical
SHOTGUNS
roles. The ejection port for spent cartridge cases is on the bottom A popular sporting shotgun from the former Soviet Union, the
of the receiver, rather than on the side, making it particularly well IZH-81M has recently appeared on the American market. The
suited for left-handed shooters. The action is designed to withstand IZH-81M features a typical pump-action arrangement, except that
harsh field conditions. it has a rifle-style detachable box magazine just forward of the
Variants: Variants of the Model 37 tend to be optimized trigger guard.
for different hunting uses. The birding gun is known as the Variants: Both fixed- and folding-stock versions are produced;
Model 37 Turkeyslayer, while the deer gun is called the Model the latter uses a plastic Kalashnikov-style stock. All models are avail-
37 Deerslayer. The Deerslayer includes a precision-rifled barrel able in a variety of barrel lengths as well.
and iron sights for slug shooting. Trap and skeet versions are also Who Uses It: IZH-81Ms are in service with the Russian armed
produced. Hunting Model 37s are available in a camouflage finish. forces. They have been sold in some numbers as sporting weapons
Ithaca also produced a special LAPD version featuring combat in the West.
sights, a rubber recoil pad on the stock, and a carrying sling; its
magazine holds 5 shells, but otherwise its statistics are similar to Damage: 2d8 Magazine: 7 box
the basic model. Critical: 20 Size: Large
Who Uses It: The LAPD model is in service with the Los Angeles Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 8 lb.
Police Department, as well as a number of other police agencies Range Increment: 50 ft. Purchase DC: 16
in the U.S. Rate of Fire: Single Restriction: Lic (+1)

d20 MODERN
Izhmash MP-131K KS-23 Special Carbine
Russian 12-Gauge Pump-Action Shotgun Russian 23mm Pump-Action Shotgun
The MP-131K is a new pump-action tactical shotgun developed for The 23mm KS-23 is probably the largest pump-action shotgun ever
the law enforcement market. It features two magazines, both a made. Called a “special carbine” by its makers, it bears a conven-
conventional underbarrel tube and a detachable 3-round box. The tional configuration and appearance, with a sliding pump grip and
firer can switch to feed from either magazine as desired, permit- tubular magazine. What sets the KS-23 apart is that it fires incredibly
ting a rapid selection from two different types of ammunition. large shells, roughly the equivalent of a 4-gauge. This round is far
The selector switch for this feature is located on the detachable too powerful to be controllable. The KS-23 produces so much recoil
box magazine, rather than on the weapon itself. Because the box that it is actually dangerous to the user.
magazine holds only 3 rounds, it is meant either to serve as an Variants: For those unimpressed by the standard model, the
emergency reserve or to hold specialty ammunition types, such as KS-23M Drozd is a short-barreled version with a pistol grip and
door openers or nonlethal rounds. no shoulder stock. It has a range increment of 20 feet and weighs
The MP-131K’s pump action operates in the traditional manner. A 8 pounds; otherwise, it has statistics similar to the KS-23 model. A
long sight rail runs along the top of the action. commercial sporting version for hunting large game also exists.
Who Uses It: The KS-23 and KS-23M are in service with the
Damage: 2d8
Critical: 20
Magazine: 5 int/3 box
Size: Large
Russian MVD and military SPETSNAZ forces.
d20 Modern Rules: Firing this weapon deals 2d6 points of 149
Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 9 lb. nonlethal damage to the user.
Rate of Fire: Single Restriction: Lic (+1) Damage: 2d12 Magazine: 3 int
Knights Armaments Master Key “S” Range Increment: 40 ft. Purchase DC: 16
American 12-Gauge Pump-Action Shotgun Rate of Fire: Single Restriction: Lic (+1)
Mark Three Jackhammer

American 12-Gauge Automatic Shotgun
The Master Key “S” from Knights Armament Company is a highly

modified version of the Remington Model 870 shotgun designed
to be attached to an M16 rifle, creating a combination assault rifle/
shotgun weapon. The shotgun’s stock is removed, and the barrel and
magazine are cut down to a minimum length. It then attaches under The Jackhammer is a highly unusual shotgun designed for automatic
the rifle’s barrel, hooking onto the bayonet lug. The rifle’s magazine fire and configured as a bullpup. Instead of a traditional magazine,
forms the firing grip for the shotgun. For controllability, the mount- it is loaded with 10-round ammunition “cassettes” that are shipped
ing bracket is designed to transfer recoil down the rifle barrel when loaded and shrinkwrapped from the factory. When inserted into
the shotgun is fired. the weapon, they function much like a revolver cylinder, but the
The shotgun can be removed from the rifle without tools. When Jackhammer’s action cycles automatically.
this is done, a pistol grip can be attached to the rear of the shotgun, When the weapon is fired, the barrel is driven forward slightly. This
allowing it to be used independently. causes it to disengage from the cassette, which rotates to advance
SHOTGUNS
Carrying two longarms at once means a heavy burden for the the next round. The barrel then locks back into place, sealing the
soldier. The combination of both an assault rifle and a pump-action action in the firing position. A prominent muzzle brake is used to con-
shotgun, however, gives considerable tactical flexibility, especially trol recoil. A half-pull of the trigger fires a single semiautomatic shot,
in close-in urban fighting. while pulling it back all the way releases a burst of automatic fire.
Variants: A similar product, again using a cut-down Remington The Jackhammer is a bulky weapon. To keep weight down, it is
870 mounted to an M16 assault rifle, is the 12-gauge Ultimate from constructed mostly of advanced plastics—only the barrel, bolt, and
Ciener, Inc. springs are metal. It features a pistol grip and overhead sight rail
d20 Modern Rules: Attaching this weapon to (or removing it and carrying handle. Behind the magazine, in the skeleton stock, is
from) an M16 is a full-round action. If fired separately, the shotgun a decocking lever, which disengages the action once the weapon is
imposes a –2 penalty on attack rolls. loaded to prevent accidental firing. The front sling swivel can rotate
freely around the barrel’s axis, so that the weapon will hang natu-
Damage: 2d8 Magazine: 5 int rally no matter how it is slung.
Critical: 20 Size: Large The Jackhammer’s firing mechanism can take remarkably high
Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 6 lb. chamber pressures, which has led the manufacturer to experiment
Range Increment: 40 ft. Purchase DC: 17 with various high-powered loads for the weapon. This durability also
Rate of Fire: Single Restriction: Lic (+1) makes a variety of exotic specialty ammunition types possible.
The Jackhammer is still in development and has yet to go into

d20 MODERN
production. Though it shows great promise, it is a complex, costly, gun variant features a rifled barrel; it uses slug ammunition instead
and unconventional design, and it may never actually go into wide- of shot ammunition.
spread use. Who Uses It: The M9200 Persuader variant is in service with a
d20 Modern Rules: This weapon can fire 3 1/2-inch shells. number of police agencies, though it is not as popular or common
as the Remington Model 11-87.
Damage: 2d8 Magazine: 10 box d20 Modern Rules: The M9200 Viking variant uses slug and slug
Critical: 20 Size: Large penetrator ammunition only (see Shotgun Ammunition, at the start
Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 11 lb. of this chapter, for details).
Rate of Fire: S, A Restriction: Res (+2) Damage: 2d8 Magazine: 5 int
Mossberg Line Gun Range Increment: 40 ft. Purchase DC: 16
American 12-Gauge Line Launcher Rate of Fire: S Restriction: Lic (+1)
Mossberg M9200A1 Jungle Gun

American 12-Gauge Semiautomatic Shotgun
The Mossberg Line Launcher is a specially modified Model 500 shot-

gun designed for use by rescue or salvage personnel, especially on the
150 water. It is designed to safely throw a line much farther than could be
done by hand. A blank 12-gauge shell is used to fire the rope projectile,
which is fed by a spool attached near the muzzle of the gun. The line In the late 1980s, the U.S. military issued a requirement for a
travels up to 500 feet horizontally or 250 feet vertically. If desired, a semiautomatic tactical shotgun for use in counternarcotics in the
floating buoy can be attached to keep it on the surface of the water; jungles of Central America. Mossberg responded with a derivative
this reduces the maximum range by half. A chemical light stick can be of its M9200 sporting gun. The Mossberg Jungle Gun, as it came
inserted in the buoy to improve visibility, especially at night. to be known, is a highly sophisticated weapon, well suited to the
The spool contains 2,500 feet of synthetic rope altogether. It harsh conditions of the tropical climate. Mossberg subjected the
floats, is brightly colored for improved visibility, and supports loads M9200A1 Jungle Gun to the same torture tests used on its pump-
of up to 350 pounds under normal conditions. It is impractical for action models (see the Model 500, below) and found that the Jungle
climbing, because the propellant charge is too weak to throw a grap- Gun functions flawlessly.
pling hook any great distance. To improve reliability, the gas system was redesigned to eliminate
The Line Gun is made of nickel-plated steel to resist corrosion the need for rubber seals or o-rings that might corrode in the damp
in the marine environment. The furniture is a distinctive orange environment. The recoil spring, normally housed in the weapon’s
plastic, befitting its role as a piece of rescue equipment rather than stock, was moved to wrap around the magazine tube, permitting
a tactical weapon. a folding stock to be fitted. The Jungle Gun will feed any type of
Who Uses It: The Mossberg Line Gun is in service with the 12-gauge shell, but it is optimized for use with 00 buckshot loads,
U.S. Coast Guard and other marine law enforcement and rescue which give the best performance in dense foliage.
agencies. Variants: The Mossberg Jungle Gun is available with either a con-
d20 Modern Rules: This weapon’s synthetic line is fired at a ventional shotgun stock or a folding stock/pistol grip combination.
specific 5-foot square (Defense 10) instead of a target creature or Who Uses It: The Mossberg Jungle Gun is in service with the
object, as though it was a grenade or other hurled explosive. U.S. military Special Forces.
Damage: — Magazine: 1 int
Critical: — Size: Large Damage: 2d8 Magazine: 5 int
Damage Type: — Weight: 9 lb. Critical: 20 Size: Large
SHOTGUNS
Rate of Fire: Single Restriction: Lic (+1) Range Increment: 40 ft. Purchase DC: 16
Mossberg M9200 Series

American 12-Gauge Semiautomatic Shotgun Mossberg Model 500 Bullpup
American 12-Gauge Pump Action Shotgun
The Model 9200 is a semiautomatic shotgun with a gas-powered ac-

tion and a tubular magazine. The recoil spring extends into the stock.
The M9200 is most popular as a sporting weapon and available
in a variety of different hunting and target-shooting configurations. Designed for police and paramilitary use, the Model 500 Bullpup
The tactical model is known as the M9200 Persuader. It features is a highly modified derivative of the basic Mossberg Model
synthetic stocks and an overall black finish. An M9200 Viking slug 500 design (see below). Using the same action, it rearranges the

d20 MODERN
component parts into a bullpup configuration to maintain a long The M500 Viking fires only slug and slug penetrator ammunition
barrel on a reduced-length weapon. The mechanism is housed in a (see Shotgun Ammunition, at the start of this chapter, for details).
high-impact plastic casing that incorporates the forward slide and
gives the weapon a decidedly military appearance. A ventilated
shroud protects the shooter from the hot barrel. The spent cases
Model 500 (12-Gauge Shotgun)
are ejected out the right-hand side of the weapon behind the firing
grip. Most Bullpups also feature a vertical foregrip on the slide for
more rapid cycling.
Who Uses It: The Model 500 Bullpup is in service with a number of
police departments throughout the U.S., particularly with SWAT teams.
d20 Modern Rules: The Model 500 Bullpup grants a +2 circum-
stnce bonus on Sleight of Hand checks made to conceal the weapon.
This weapon can fire 3 1/2-inch shells.
Mossberg Model 590 Series
American 12-Gauge Pump-Action Shotguns
The Model 590 is a special tactical derivative of the Model 500 series.
Mossberg Model 500 Series It retains the proven M500 action and incorporates a new 9-round
extended magazine. Its furniture is synthetic, and the finish is black. It
can be fitted with a heat shield to protect the user from a hot barrel. 151
As an optional accessory, the M590 is available with a “speed-
feed” stock, featuring a hollow space behind the grip that holds four
shells ready for rapid reloading when needed.
Variants: The Model 590DA features a long-pull trigger that
duplicates the feel of a double-action pistol trigger. This feature
helps police officers who are used to double-action pistols. A
The Mossberg Model 500 is one of the most popular and reliable
nickel-plated Mariner version is also available.
shotguns in police service today, rivaled only by the Remington
Who Uses It: The Model 590 is a popular police shotgun and is
M870. Twin guide bars on the slide ensure smooth operation, even
in service throughout the U.S. and worldwide.
during rapid cycling. The receiver is lightweight aluminum, and the
d20 Modern Rules: This weapon and its variants can fire 3
bolt is machined from steel. The ambidextrous safety catch is lo-
1/2-inch shells.
cated at the rear of the receiver.
The M500 (and the derivative M590) survived a grueling U.S. mili-
tary torture test for its tactical shotguns. This test involved firing
3,000 rounds, after which the weapons were frozen, baked, dropped
from varying heights, and fired again. The weapons’ success on this
test led to the military adoption of the M500 and M590.
Due to its simple design, the M500 is a relatively inexpensive
weapon, cheaper than many of its competitors. Coupled with its
reliability and quality, this has ensured the weapon’s popularity.
Variants: The Model 500 is produced in a variety of configura-
Mossberg M590A1
tions, including sporting weapons for hunting or skeet shooting.
Some of the most important versions are described below.
M500 Persuader: This tactical model incorporates combat
sights and an overall black finish. A ventilated heat shield for the SHOTGUNS
barrel is available as an option.
M500 Cruiser: A popular law enforcement model, the Cruiser
features a pistol grip instead of a full-length shoulder stock, for
The M590A1 is a military-issue version of the Mossberg Model 590
easier stowage in police cars and other vehicles.
tactical shotgun. Using a standard Model 590 as a starting point, it
M500 Viking: This is a slug gun with a rifled barrel and a standard
is optimized for military use through the fitting of a heavy barrel,
scope mount. Its magazine holds 5 rounds instead of 8, but other-
polymer furniture, a nonreflective black finish, a bayonet lug, and
wise the weapon’s statistics are identical to other models.
ghost-ring sights. Like the M500, it survived the military torture test
M500 Mariner: This model has a corrosion-resistant nickel fin-
to win adoption—a strong indication of its rugged dependability.
ish for use in an aquatic environment.
Who Uses It: The M590A1 is currently in service with the U.S.
Who Uses It: The M500 is in widespread use throughout the
armed forces. It has also been widely exported and is in military or
U.S. In addition to being used for hunting and sport shooting, it
police service in thirty-two different countries.
is a popular home-security weapon. It is widely issued to police
departments across the U.S. and worldwide. It was also issued in
large numbers to the U.S. military, though it has now been largely
replaced by more modern designs. Unfortunately, its low cost and
ready availability also make it a popular weapon for criminals.
d20 Modern Rules: All variants of this weapon can fire 3 1/2-
inch shells.

d20 MODERN
Neostead Norinco M98
South African 12-Gauge Pump-Action Shotgun Chinese 12-Gauge Pump-Action Shotgun
The Norinco M98 is a conventional pump-action shotgun design

based on the Remington 870. It features composite stocks and grips
and a matte black finish.
The Neostead is an unusual shotgun from South Africa. Designed as Variants: The M98 is available with either ghost-ring sights or a
a tactical shotgun rather than a converted sporting weapon, it in- conventional bead-type foresight. It is available with an alternate
corporates a number of innovative features. The pump action slides stock featuring a pistol grip; this version also has a cavity in the stock
forward to load the weapon rather than backward (which is more allowing reload rounds to be stored and carried for ready use.
common). This means that the need for a bolt is largely eliminated; Who Uses It: The Model 98 is used by Chinese military and law
the return stroke of the slide pulls the barrel back over the loaded enforcement units. It is sold commercially overseas as well.
round, sealing the action for firing. Consequently, the action is
simpler and more reliable. Damage: 2d8 Magazine: 5 int
The Neostead features twin tubular magazines running parallel Critical: 20 Size: Large
to each other over the barrel. Each holds 6 rounds, for a total of Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 8 lb.
12. A switch allows the shooter to select feed from either maga- Range Increment: 50 ft. Purchase DC: 16
152 zine, which can be loaded with different types of ammunition,

such as shot in one and slugs in the other, for tactical flexibility.
The shooter can also set the weapon to feed alternately from
each magazine. Norinco M2000
For loading the magazines, the whole upper part of the weapon Chinese 12-Gauge Semiautomatic Shotgun
swings open and the user simply inserts rounds into the open tubes
much like on a break-open design. Clear plastic windows running the
length of each magazine allow the user to instantly check remaining
ammunition.
The Neostead’s action is encased in a plastic shell, which forms
the structure of the weapon. This keeps weight to a minimum. It also
features a bayonet lug for melee combat and a carrying handle with The M2000 is a Chinese copy of the Remington 11-87 semiautomatic
integrated sights. All controls are ambidextrous, and spent shells shotgun, much as the M98 is copied from the pump-action Model
are ejected out the bottom. Redundant internal safeties prevent 870. The M2000 features black plastic furniture and an oversized
accidental firing, even if the weapon is dropped. charging handle for easier use. Conventional in appearance and
Variants: Future models of the Neostead are planned, in- operation, it functions identically to the Model 11-87.
cluding an ultracompact version with a short barrel for close-in Variants: The M2000 is available with either bead or ghost-
fighting. This will be just 55 centimeters long, with twin 4-round ring sights. It is also produced with both conventional and
magazines. pistol-grip stocks.
Who Uses It: The Neostead is just entering production. Its nu-
merous innovative features give it great promise, especially for the Damage: 2d8 Magazine: 4 int
law enforcement market. Critical: 20 Size: Large
d20 Modern Rules: This weapon can fire 3 1/2-inch shells. Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 8 lb.
Neostead (12-Gauge Shotgun)
SHOTGUNS
Critical: 20
Size: Large
Weight: 9 lb.
Omega SPS-12
Neostead Compact (12-Gauge Shotgun)

Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 7 lb. The SPS-12 is a clip-fed 12-gauge semiautomatic shotgun designed
Range Increment: 30 ft. Purchase DC: 17 for tactical use. Produced by Norinco of China, it is exclusively dis-
Rate of Fire: Single Restriction: Lic (+1) tributed worldwide by Omega Weapon Systems of Tucson, Arizona.
Its arrangement is conventional, except that it is fed from a rifle-
style box magazine located just in front of the trigger. Ghost-ring
tactical sights are fitted as standard. The grips and stock are made
from black composites.
Variants: An optional pistol-grip stock is available in place of the
conventional shotgun stock.

d20 MODERN
Damage: 2d8
Critical: 20
Magazine: 10 box
Size: Large
Remington M870 Mark 1
Poseidon Micro
Turkish 12-Gauge Pump-Action Shotgun
The M870 Mark 1 is representative of the Remington shotguns in
military service. The metal surfaces have a matte black finish. Early
models had wood furniture treated with oil to resist decay; more
modern M870 Mark 1s feature synthetic stocks. The magazine tube
is extended for higher capacity and has a standard bayonet lug.
Rifle-style sights are fitted as well.
Variants: A number of other models were developed for U.S. mili-
tary service. The Mark 3 is similar but lacks the bayonet lug. The Mark 6,
The Poseidon Micro is a truly international weapon system.
used by Air Force security police, sported a smaller 4-round magazine.
Produced by Akkar Limited in Turkey, it fires a specialized “min-
Who Uses It: The M870 Mark I was adopted by the U.S. Marine
ishell,” a shortened version of the 12-gauge shotgun shell. These
Corps in 1966. It was used by military police units and saw action
minishells are designed to give the same performance as a full-sized
in Vietnam. Military M870s were used by all branches of the U.S.
shell, while allowing a significantly higher magazine capacity. Recoil
armed forces. Though officially replaced in U.S. forces by Mossberg
is reduced significantly, which is useful for smaller shooters. The use
of minishells also makes the Poseidon a compact design.
The Poseidon can be purchased with either a standard shotgun
models in the early 1990s, M870s remain in service in large num-
bers. The design is still in production today for police and military 153
customers.
stock or a pistol grip. Ammunition is held in a tubular magazine
under the barrel. A sight rail on top of the receiver permits the use
of tactical sights. A cartridge carrier holding 10 additional rounds at
the ready can be attached to the receiver side as well.
d20 Modern Rules: This weapon fires 12-gauge “minishell”
ammunition only (same purchase DC as standard 12-gauge 00
buckshot).
Damage: 2d8
Critical: 20
Magazine: 11 int
Size: Large
Remington M870P
Remington Model 870 Series

The M870P is the law enforcement version of the Model 870 series
from Remington. It is available in a variety of configurations, includ-
ing short-barreled versions that fit better in police patrol cars and
extended-length barrels for long-range shooting by prison tower
guards. Stocks can be wood or composite. Sights are either conven-
tional, rifle-type, or ghost-ring.
Who Uses It: The M870P is in use with police forces worldwide.
Introduced in the 1950s, the Remington Model 870 is probably SHOTGUNS
the most common pump-action shotgun ever produced. It has
been sold worldwide and adapted to virtually every possible
application—hunting, skeet shooting, slug shooting, police, and
military use.
The M870 is the standard against which other pump-action shot-
guns are compared. It features a conventional arrangement with a
tubular magazine under the barrel.
Variants: The Remington Model 870 is available in dozens of dif-
ferent configurations, including different barrels, magazines, stock
Remington Model 11-48
arrangements, chokes, and finishes.
Who Uses It: The M870 is particularly popular with law enforce-
ment agencies and is used by police forces around the world.

The Model 11-48 is an early semiautomatic design built around
a gas-powered action, with wooden furniture and overall steel
construction. Later replaced by the more popular Model 1100,

d20 MODERN
the Model 11-48 has yielded various sporting and hunting variants Damage: 2d8 Magazine: 5 int
popular with civilian shooters. Critical: 20 Size: Large
Damage: 2d8 Magazine: 4 int Range Increment: 40 ft. Purchase DC: 16
Critical: 20 Size: Large Rate of Fire: S Restriction: Lic (+1)
Rate of Fire: S Restriction: Lic (+1) Reutech Protecta
South African 12-Gauge Revolver Shotgun
Remington Model 11-87 Series

The most notable feature of the South African Protecta is its 12-
round revolving magazine. A simple and robust weapon, it operates
The Model 11-87 is an improved derivative of the popular Model on the double-action principle, which offers both responsiveness
1100 semiautomatic shotgun from Remington. The action and firing and good protection against accidental discharges. Unlike most
mechanism operate in the same way but have been strengthened revolvers, spent cartridge cases are not held in the cylinder but are
to allow the use of more powerful 3 1/2-inch Magnum shells. These ejected out the right side of the weapon as they are fired.
154 shells offer improved range performance and stopping power but
result in greater recoil. The 11-87 is somewhat heavier than the
The large revolver cylinder is bulky. The rest of the weapon,
however, is kept as lightweight as possible, with a short, compact
Model 1100 as well. barrel and a vertical pistol foregrip. For storage or transport, the
Variants: Like the M1100, the 11-87 is available in a variety of stock folds out of the way.
configurations suitable for nearly any shotgun role—hunting, target The Protecta is designed to require minimal maintenance.
shooting, slugs, police, or tactical. The standard law enforcement Cleaning is essentially unnecessary. When stripped, the weapon
version is the Model 11-87 Police. This weapon features a 7-round disassembles into three primary components—the grip and stock,
magazine, a synthetic stock, and a matte black finish. It is available the barrel and action, and the magazine.
with either conventional, rifle-style, or ghost-ring sights. Aside from Variants: The Bulldog is a compact variant of the Protecta re-
its larger magazine, the weapon has statistics identical to the basic volver shotgun. It features the same overall layout with a radically
model. The Model 11-87 SPS, another tactical model, has a longer shortened barrel and no folding stock. The twin pistol grips are re-
barrel and a standard 5-round magazine. tained to ensure controllability. Though the length is much shorter,
Who Uses It: The Model 11-87 is popular with both police and the bulk of the big magazine makes it a difficult weapon to conceal.
sportsmen alike. It is best suited for close-quarters battle.
d20 Modern Rules: This weapon can fire 3 1/2-inch shells. Who Uses It: The Protecta is used by South African security
forces and has been exported as well.
Protecta (12-Gauge Shotgun)
Remington Model 1100 Series Rate of Fire: S Restriction: Lic (+1)
Protecta Bulldog (12-Gauge Shotgun)
SHOTGUNS

Just as the Model 870 is one of the most popular and reliable
pump-action shotguns in the world, the Remington Model 1100 is
the bestselling semiautomatic shotgun of all time. Now more than RM-93
forty years old, it remains in production despite the introduction of Russian 12-Gauge Pump-Action Shotgun
more modern designs. The Model 1100 uses a semiautomatic action
incorporated into an overall design meant to replicate the feel of a
pump-action sporting gun. By design, it incorporates many of the
components of the Model 870, including barrels, magazines, and
trigger mechanisms.
Variants: The Model 1100 has been produced in a huge range
of different models, optimized for different sporting uses. Early The Tula RM-93 is an innovative 12-gauge tactical shotgun design
models had wooden furniture, which has since been replaced by intended for the law enforcement market. The tubular magazine
synthetics. It is available in both 12-gauge and 20-gauge versions. is located above the barrel, which is the opposite of the more

d20 MODERN
conventional shotgun arrangement. Shells are loaded into a port the AK series as well, including the swinging arm safety catch. The
on top of the receiver. A folding metal stock covers the feed port, semiautomatic action features a large gas tube above the barrel.
preventing loading when the stock is folded. As on the Neostead, the Overall, the weapon retains a very AK-like appearance, despite the
slide grip is pumped forward to cycle the action, rather than back- differences in internal operation.
ward (as on virtually all American shotguns). This feature allowed the Variants: The Saiga-12 is available in both sporting and tactical
designers to do away with the bolt—when the slide is racked back variants. Versions include a conventional shotgun-style shoulder
to close the weapon, it pulls the barrel back into battery over the stock and grip, a vertical pistol grip, and folding stocks with short-
loaded round. This, in turn, facilitates feed and extraction. ened barrels for close-quarters fighting.
The RM-93 features a long-pull double-action-style trigger, Who Uses It: The Saiga-12 is in service with Russian security
which helps prevent accidental firing by police officers who are forces. It has also been widely sold as a hunting weapon.
more used to double-action pistols or revolvers.
All controls are ambidextrous, and spent rounds are ejected out Damage: 2d8 Magazine: 7 box
the bottom of the weapon. The RM-93 is available in a variety of Critical: 20 Size: Large
finishes, including a striking stainless steel version. Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 9 lb.
Variants: Tula produces a series of shotguns with different Range Increment: 40 ft. Purchase DC: 16
designations, including RMB-92, RM-94, and RM-96. Despite the Rate of Fire: S Restriction: Lic (+1)
differences in designation, these weapons are identical. The coding
probably refers to minor improvements made in the manufacturing
process for the weapons, rather than actual differences in perfor- Saiga-20
mance or features. Russian 20-Gauge Semiautomatic Shotgun

Critical: 20
Size: Large
Weight: 7 lb.
155
Like the Saiga-12, the Saiga-20 is essentially semiautomatic shotgun
based on a radically modified Kalashnikov rifle action. It fires the
SAE Alsetex RO5 more compact 20-gauge shells, however, resulting in a lighter and
French 12-Gauge Shotgun more controllable weapon. The weapon is particularly well suited
to smaller shooters, who might find 12-gauge weapons a bit over-
whelming.
Variants: The Saiga is also available in the diminutive .410 gauge
chambering. Though the tactical applications of this low-powered
cartridge are limited, it is useful for hunting small game.
The RO5 is a purpose-built tactical shotgun from France. It uses a Damage: 2d8 Magazine: 8 box
conventional pump action with a tubular magazine and replaceable Critical: 20 Size: Large
screw-in chokes. It is available in a variety of configurations, includ- Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 8 lb.
ing different barrel lengths. Range Increment: 40 ft. Purchase DC: 16
Variants: The PM5 is a variant model that features a 7-round Rate of Fire: S Restriction: Lic (+1)
detachable box magazine, allowing for more rapid reloading. Its
statistics are otherwise identical to the RO5.
Scattergun Technologies Custom Shotguns
Damage: 2d8 Magazine: 8 int The Scattergun Technologies company of Nashville, Tennessee, has
Critical: 20 Size: Large established a reputation as one of the leading producers of custom
Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 8 lb. tactical shotguns for police and military use. Taking a customer’s
Range Increment: 40 ft. Purchase DC: 16 shotgun, they rebuild it into a highly sophisticated custom weapon SHOTGUNS
Rate of Fire: Single Restriction: Lic (+1) system. Modifications include a rebuilt action, improved feed system,
a new barrel, and synthetic stocks. Rifle-style sights are standard, for
use with modern close-quarters battle doctrine. A shot clip holds 6
Saiga-12 spare rounds on the left side of the action for ready access during
Russian 12-Gauge Semiautomatic Shotgun combat. The weapon also sports a protective matte black finish. A
corrosion-resistant nickel-plated finish is also available.
Scattergun produces an extensive range of custom designs and
will create new ones to supplied specifications. The designs in
Scattergun’s standard line are named for various law enforcement
agencies. Each contains a different set of features. Although most
are built on pump-action Remington M870 actions, a number of
The Russian Saiga series is essentially the Kalashnikov rifle action re- semiautomatic models made from Model 11-87s are also produced.
chambered to fire shotgun shells. The change required an extensive Border Patrol: This model features a medium-length barrel,
redesign because of the much larger bore of the shotgun ammuni- which makes it well suited to indoor use.
tion. The extraction process for spent cartridges was especially Border Patrol Short: As its name suggests, this model is identi-
problematic, requiring near total reworking. cal to the Border Patrol except for a shorter barrel and magazine.
Like the Kalashnikov, the Saiga features a detachable box Compact: This model has a full-sized stock but an ultrashort
magazine, which speeds reloading. The controls are similar to barrel and magazine tube.

d20 MODERN
TABLE 6–1: SCATTERGUN TECHNOLOGIES CUSTOM SHOTGUNS
Border Patrol (12-gauge shotgun) 2d8 20 Ballistic 40 ft. Single 7 int Large 8 lb. 16 Lic (+1)
Border Patrol Short (12-gauge shotgun) 2d8 20 Ballistic 40 ft. Single 6 int Large 7 lb. 16 Lic (+1)
Compact (12-gauge shotgun) 2d8 20 Ballistic 40 ft. Single 5 int Large 7 lb. 16 Lic (+1)
Entry (12-gauge shotgun) 2d8 20 Ballistic 40 ft. Single 5 int Large 8 lb. 16 Lic (+1)
Expert (12-gauge shotgun) 2d8 20 Ballistic 40 ft. Single 7 int Large 9 lb. 16 Lic (+1)
FBI (12-gauge shotgun) 2d8 20 Ballistic 40 ft. Single 5 int Large 8 lb. 16 Lic (+1)
Patrol (12-gauge shotgun) 2d8 20 Ballistic 40 ft. Single 5 int Large 8 lb. 16 Lic (+1)
Professional (12-gauge shotgun) 2d8 20 Ballistic 40 ft. Single 6 int Large 8 lb. 16 Lic (+1)
Standard (12-gauge shotgun) 2d8 20 Ballistic 40 ft. Single 7 int Large 9 lb. 16 Lic (+1)
Urban Sniper (12-gauge shotgun) 2d8 20 Ballistic 50 ft. Single 7 int Large 9 lb. 17 Lic (+1)
K-9 Semiauto (12-gauge shotgun) 2d8 20 Ballistic 40 ft. S 7 int Large 9 lb. 16 Lic (+1)
Patrol Semiauto (12-gauge shotgun) 2d8 20 Ballistic 50 ft. S 5 int Large 8 lb. 16 Lic (+1)
SWAT Semiauto (12-gauge shotgun) 2d8 20 Ballistic 50 ft. S 6 int Large 9 lb. 16 Lic (+1)
d20 Modern Rules: All variants of this weapon can fire 3 1/2-
inch rounds. The Urban Sniper variant is also designed to fire slug
rounds and slug penetrator rounds.
The Compact and Entry variants each grant a +2 circumstance
156 SWAT Semiauto
Smith & Wesson Model 3000
American 12-Gauge Single-Shot Shotgun
K-9 Semiauto
Entry: The Entry is essentially identical to the Compact, above, The Model 3000 is a conventional pump-action design from Smith
except that it features a built-in illuminator and a grip-loop on the & Wesson. It was sold in both hunting and police versions, including
slide for the nonfiring hand. a model with a pistol grip and a folding stock. The pump action uses
Expert: The Expert features a medium-length barrel, extended dual parallel bars for smoother cycling. The receiver is machined
magazine, and built-in illuminator. It also features a corrosion-resis- from steel, and the barrel is designed to be easily replaceable.
tant nickel finish. Who Uses It: The Model 3000 is no longer in production, but it
FBI: The FBI is similar to the Expert but features a shorter maga- is still in use with a number of police agencies throughout the U.S.
zine, reducing overall weight. It is also widely used as a civilian hunting weapon.
Patrol: The Patrol is similar to the Border Patrol model, only with
the shorter magazine. Damage: 2d8 Magazine: 6 int
Professional: This weapon is essentially the same as the Border Critical: 20 Size: Large
Patrol Short model, except for the addition of a built-in illuminator. Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 7 lb.
Standard: This is a full-length version with a long magazine and an Range Increment: 40 ft. Purchase DC: 16
illuminator, like the Expert, only with the standard matte black finish. Rate of Fire: Single Restriction: Lic (+1)
Urban Sniper: The Urban Sniper is an accurized slug-gun
de≠signed for aimed fire. Built around a semiautomatic 11-87 action,
Techno Arms MAG-7
SHOTGUNS
it features a rifled barrel, adjustable bipod, long eye-relief scope,

and a stock with cheekpiece. The Urban Sniper lacks the range of South African 12-Gauge Pump-Action Shotgun
a true sniper rifle, but it is more than adequate for short-range en-
gagements, in which its slugs pack tremendous stopping power. It is
also useful for shooting locks from a safe distance.
K-9 Semiauto: This model features the same medium-length
barrel and extended magazine of the Border Patrol model, but it is
built on a semiautomatic Model 11-87 action instead.
Patrol Semiauto: This is a full-length model with all the features
of the standard Patrol model, except that it is built on the semiau- The MAG-7 is an unusual pump-action shotgun that uses a box
tomatic 11-87 action. magazine, which feeds into the weapon’s pistol grip much like the
SWAT Semiauto: The SWAT is essentially the same as the Israeli Uzi submachine gun. This arrangement permits a relatively
Professional, with a compact barrel and an illuminator, but it is a large magazine capacity (5 rounds) in a relatively compact weapon.
semiautomatic design. The unusual configuration of the MAG-7 necessitates the use of
Who Uses Them: Scattergun Technologies rebuilds are highly specialty ammunition. The magazine is too short to fire ordinary
sought after by police SWAT teams. Their high cost precludes their shotgun shells; instead, it uses an exotic 60mm-long 12-gauge
use by most ordinary beat cops, but departments in larger cities shell, which is shorter than most commercial shotgun ammunition.
might well issue such weapons to special tactical teams. Finding these specialized shells can be difficult, which makes the

d20 MODERN
MAG-7 impractical for some users. The smaller round is also less
effective at long range.
Viking Arms SOS
British 12-Gauge Pump-Action Shotgun
The MAG-7 is designed to fire without a stock, but a folding stock
is available as an option.
Unfortunately, the MAG-7 suffers from a number of design flaws.
It has an awkward control arrangement that makes it difficult to use.
The safety catch and slide release are badly positioned and cannot
be reached from a firing grip. The trigger suffers from an extremely
heavy pull, which often pulls the weapon off target before the
The SOS is a tactical shotgun from Viking Arms that operates using
round is fired. Combined with the difficulty of finding its specialty
a conventional pump-action mechanism and features a tubular
ammunition, this flaw seriously limits the MAG-7’s usefulness.
magazine under the barrel. Its appearance is somewhat unusual,
Variants: The MAG-7 is primarily intended for use as a police or
however, owing to its overhead carrying handle and a straight-
paramilitary weapon, but the manufacturers also produce a civilian
line stock designed to direct recoil forces directly back into the
model with an extended-length 20-inch barrel and a fixed wooden
shooter’s shoulder to reduce muzzle climb.
shoulder stock. Together, these modifications turn the compact
A number of features make the SOS well suited to police tacti-
MAG-7 into a full-length longarm weighing 13 pounds, doing away
cal use. Its barrel is rifled for use with high-power rounds, slugs,
with the advantages of its compactness.
or tear gas shells. The weapon can be quickly disassembled, which
d20 Modern Rules: This weapon is unreliable.
facilitates maintenance.
The more compact police and paramilitary models of the MAG-7
Who Uses It: The SOS is in police service in the U.K. and in a
grant a +2 circumstance bonus on Sleight of hand checks made to
number of European countries.
conceal the weapon.
d20 Modern Rules: This weapon can fire 3 1/2-inch shells, slug
This weapon fires special 60mm-long 12-gauge shells only; a
package of 10 rounds has a purchase DC of 6.
rounds, and slug penetrator rounds.
157
SHOTGUNS

Chapter Seven
MACHINE GUNS
Machine guns are designed to provide sustained automatic fire, with the
intent of riddling a single target with bullets, wounding or damaging multiple
targets within an area, or laying down suppression fire.
Machine guns are primarily military weapons. They have little or no police
or civilian use and are much rarer than rifles, pistols, or shotguns. Because
they spray out fire indiscriminately, they are of little use to law enforcement,
even to heavily armed SWAT teams. Law enforcement depends on carefully
aimed shooting to minimize the risk of collateral
damage to unintended targets, and machine guns
are fundamentally incompatible with this role. Just
the same, many large police departments have access
to a few machine guns for emergency use.
Modern machine guns are dominated by designs so old
that they might well be considered antiques. After World
War II, many of the less successful designs were phased out of
use, while those that had proven their worth in combat were
retained. Today, many machine guns date from the World War
II era or even earlier. The Browning M2 and the German MG3,
for example, are both more than fifty years old,
and yet both are still in front-line service with
the world’s best-equipped armies. Improvements
in ammunition and mounts have been effective
enough to allow these guns to remain valuable
even on the modern high-tech battlefield. While more
advanced designs have been developed, they have failed
to entirely supplant the older weapons.
Most modern small arms are fed from box magazines
with a few dozen rounds (usually, 20 to 30 at most).
When the clip runs out, the shooter ejects it and loads
a new one. This forces a pause in the firing of the weapon,
which lets the action and the barrel cool down. Machine
guns, on the other hand, are designed with sustained fire
in mind. Many are fed by belts that hold hundreds of
rounds, making it possible to fire a machine gun for
an extended length of time—much longer than a clip-
fed personal weapon. This necessitates the use of heavy barrels
and robust actions designed to absorb the heat and stresses of
sustained fire.
Even when using heavier barrels, machine guns often
build up so much heat that their barrels begin to break down
rapidly. In extreme cases, they can even begin to melt while
being fired. Many early machine guns featured water-filled jackets
that encased the barrel to keep it cool, but this made them heavy

d20 MODERN
and cumbersome weapons. Today, many machine guns are designed compensate for the difficulty of hitting a target when firing from a
with quick-change barrels that can rapidly be detached and replaced moving aircraft. Although some miniguns can be used from tripod
in the field with minimal tools. ground mounts, the sheer impossibility of moving a reasonable am-
Machine guns are generally large, heavy weapons, awkward munition supply around without a vehicle to carry it means that
to carry and fire by hand. Because of their weight, machine guns miniguns are of limited military use in this manner.
are usually fired from bipods or tripods, or from fixed mounts on
vehicles. Due to size and weight, all but the lightest machine guns
are crewed by teams of two or three. One person is the gunner,
who carries the weapon. The others serve as assistants to carry
d20 MODERN RULES
The rules in this section supplement those in the d20 Modern
the tripod and spare barrels (if necessary) and to help feed the
Roleplaying Game and apply to the firearms described in
weapon. In addition, because machine guns can rapidly consume
this chapter.
a huge quantity of am≠munition, the weight of the ammo soon
becomes significant as well. Assistant gunners serve an important
feat to fire a light machine gun, general purpose machine gun, or
role as ammunition carriers.
medium machine gun without taking a –4 penalty on the attack
For civilian collectors, semiautomatic variants of some historically
roll. One must have the Advanced Firearms Proficiency feat to fire
significant machine guns are produced by specialty gunshops. To
on automatic without taking a –4 penalty on the attack roll.
comply with gun control laws, the internal firing mechanisms in these
One must have the Exotic Firearms Proficiency (heavy machine
weapons have been reworked to make them impossible to convert
guns) feat to fire a heavy machine gun or minigun without taking a
to automatic. These weapons are highly exotic, rare collectors’ items
–4 penalty on the attack roll.
and are not often seen even among shooting enthusiasts.
Belt-Fed Weapons: Weapons fed by a belt offer the advantage
Machine guns are broadly grouped into a number of categories.
of a large—or even continuous—source of ammunition. However,
Light machine guns (LMGs) are, as the name implies, relatively
lightweight and designed to be carried and fired by one person. They
fire rifle-caliber ammunition. Most are fitted with bipods for station-
belt-fed weapons have some disadvantages.
Ammunition: Ammunition can be purchased in belts. A 159
single belt consists of 100 bullets. Belts are available in ball
ary use, but they can also be fired from the hip, even while moving.
or tracer am≠munition. The purchase DC for a belt of belted
LMGs are sometimes called squad automatic weapons, or SAWs.
ammunition is equal to 6 + the purchase DC for a 20-round box
General-purpose machine guns (GPMGs) emerged in the years
of the ammunition type.
following World War II. The GPMG is a weapon that falls somewhere
Loose ammunition can be hand-linked to create a belt. Doing so
between the light machine gun and the medium machine gun in size
requires a supply of belt links (purchase DC 4 for a box of 100 links,
and weight, and is capable of serving in either role. When used as an
which allows the creation of a 100-bullet belt). Belt links for one
LMG, the GPMG is fired from a bipod with a shoulder stock. When
caliber of ammunition cannot be used to create a belt for a different
used as a medium machine gun, the GPMG is mounted on a tripod
caliber, but no restriction exists on the type of ammunition (for ex-
for long-range sustained fire.
ample, armor-piercing) that can be used. Creating a belt using loose
Medium machine guns (MMGs) are the next step up. They still
ammunition and belt links takes 10 minutes per 100-bullet belt.
fire rifle-caliber bullets but are bigger and heavier than LMGs and
Belts can be combined or broken to any length. Two 100-bullet
are capable of significantly higher rates of fire. Though still readily
belts can be connected to create a 200-bullet belt. Likewise, a
portable, they are generally too heavy to be fired except from a
100-bullet belt can be split to create (for example) one 40-bullet
tripod. MMGs are also used with pintle or coaxial turret mounts
belt and one 60-bullet belt. Connecting or splitting a belt is a
on vehicles.
move action.
Heavy machine guns (HMGs) are too large to be easily carried,
Loading: Loading a belt-fed weapon is a full-round action. A new
MACHINE GUNS
and essentially require a large tripod or vehicle mount for stability.
belt can be connected to a loaded belt, provided that loaded belt
The most important reason for their large size is that they fire large-
still has 5 or more bullets. (If the loaded belt has fewer than 5 bullets
caliber ammunition significantly bigger than ordinary rifle rounds.
left, a new belt cannot be connected and the weapon must instead
This gives them excellent long range and antiarmor performance.
be reloaded.) Connecting a new belt is a move action.
Because of their high power, HMGs are often used as antiaircraft
Assistance: A weapon with a belt of 50 or more bullets cannot
weapons. HMGs are so heavy that several crew members are needed
be fired by a single user unless it is on a bipod or mount. An assistant
to move the weapon and its mount about. Furthermore, even when
gunner is necessary to prevent the belt from twisting or tangling.
they are used on a tripod, their recoil is so strong that the legs of the
Assisting is an attack action.
tripod must often be weighed down with heavy sandbags to keep
Belt and Box Feeds: Some machine guns accept both belts and
the weapon steady during firing.
box magazines. If a weapon is loaded with both a belt and a box
Miniguns are the most complex machine guns. Like 19th-century
magazine at the same time, it will not function. Only one ammuni-
Gatling guns, these feature multiple barrels that rotate when the
tion source can be used at a time.
weapon is fired. The rotating barrel design permits an astonishingly
Bipods: Unless noted otherwise, a machine gun comes equipped
high rate of fire, because the individual barrels have time to cool
with a bipod (see Bipods in the introduction for game rules).
between shots. On most machine guns, the recoil force of fired
Chambered Rounds: Any machine gun with a box magazine can
rounds drive the action. Miniguns, however, are mechanically com-
carry an extra cartridge in the chamber. To put a cartridge in the
plex enough that this doesn’t provide sufficient power. As a result,
chamber, the weapon is loaded as normal. (Chambering a round is
an electric motor is added to drive the rotating barrel mechanism
part of the normal loading process.) Then, the magazine is removed,
and feed in the ammunition—making an already complex weapon
even more so.
and the magazine is reinserted. This process takes an extra full round
Miniguns have been developed in a range of calibers and to
beyond the time normally required to load the weapon.
serve a variety of roles, but their tremendous rate of fire demands
Folding Stocks: A few machine guns feature folding stocks.
a huge quantity of ammunition—far more than can be easily car-
(Some weapons feature collapsible stocks; for game purposes,
ried by even a sizable crew. Consequently, miniguns are virtually
these are the same as folding stocks.) Folding a weapon’s stock
always used on vehicle or aircraft mounts. They have proven es-
grants a +2 circumstance bonus on Sleight of Hand checks made to
pecially popular on helicopters, where the high rate of fire helps
conceal the weapon.

d20 MODERN
Using a Large or larger weapon with the stock folded imposes a 7.5mm cartridge, it was redesigned to fire 7.62mm NATO. This change
–1 penalty on all attack rolls. Folding or unfolding a folding stock is a increased its popularity, and it remains in use to this day.
move action. If you have a base attack bonus of +1 or higher, you can The action of the AAT-52 is rather clumsy, using a blowback system
fold or unfold a folding stock as a free action when moving. with a two-part bolt to slow the operation and a fluted chamber to
Hot Barrels: Machine guns fire powerful rounds at a high rate of prevent the cartridge case from sticking. This design is barely ad-
fire. In most roleplaying scenarios, barrel heat shouldn’t be an issue. equate to contain the tremendous firing pressures, and consequently
However, if a mchine gun is fired on automatic every round for 5 the AAT-52 can be unreliable. It has a distinctive appearance, thanks
or more consecutive rounds, its barrel overheats and the weapon to its long, tubular shape and a supporting monopod located behind
becomes unreliable. the pistol grip. It is usually used with a bipod but can also be mounted
Many machine guns are designed to allow a quick change of on a U.S.-pattern tripod or on a vehicular pintle mount as well.
barrels. If an extra barrel is available (purchase DC equal to the Variants: The AAT-52 was originally chambered in 7.5mm. Most
weapon’s purchase DC – 10), it can be swapped in. Doing so takes guns were later rebuilt to 7.62mm NATO instead, but some older
two full-round actions, but if someone is available to help, the bar- guns chambered in the old caliber remain, particularly in overseas
rel can be swapped with a single attack action from each person. service. There are two main versions—the heavy tripod-mounted
An overheated barrel (one that has been fired on automatic every model (known as the Fusil Mitrailleuse) and a bipod-mounted
round for 5 or more consecutive rounds) cools in 10 minutes, at which light-support model with a shorter and lighter barrel (the Fusil
point it can be used again without the weapon being unreliable. Mitrailleur). Special variants for use on aircraft, vehicular pintle
Optical Sights: Some machine guns feature optical sights. mounts, and vehicular turret mounts exist as well.
Unless otherwise noted, optical sights function identically to Who Uses It: The AAT-52 is the standard GPMG of French forces.
standard sights. It is also in service with the armies of a number of former French
colonial possessions as well.
160 MACHINE GUN DESCRIPTIONS

The machine guns in this chapter are presented alphabetically.
AAT-52 Light (7.62mm Machine Gun)
Damage: 2d10 Magazine: Linked
6P41 Pecheneg Range Increment: 100 ft. Purchase DC: 21
Russian 7.62mm General-Purpose Machine Gun Rate of Fire: A Restriction: Mil (+3)
AAT-21 Heavy (7.62mm Machine Gun)

Rate of Fire: A Restriction: Mil (+3)
An advanced derivative of the popular PK series of general-purpose
machine guns, the 6P41 sports a new, heavier barrel designed to
improve accuracy. The bipod is moved from the gas tube to the end
Ameli
Spanish 5.56mm Light Machine Gun
of the barrel. The receiver features a sight rail, allowing a variety of
MACHINE GUNS
optical devices, such as night sights to be easily fitted. Numerous

other minor modifications have also been implemented to further
reduce the weight over that of the PKM.
Though still in development and yet to enter service, the
Pecheneg shows considerable promise. It could well serve as an
effective replacement for the thousands of PK-series weapons cur-
rently in use and nearing the end of their service lives.
The Spanish Ameli is a sophisticated LMG design from Spain. It
resembles a scaled-down version of the World War II-era German
MG42. in appearance, particularly with respect to its barrel and
shoulder stock. The main operating mechanism is adapted from
the roller-locked CETME rifle. The rear sights are incorporated
into a carrying handle atop the receiver, while the front sights are
mounted on the barrel’s jacket.
Variants: A lightweight version of the Ameli, known as the
AAT-52 Ameli-L, uses plastic components to reduce weight. It weighs 12
pounds but is otherwise identical to the standard Ameli.
French 7.62mm General-Purpose Machine Gun
Who Uses It: The Ameli has been adopted as the squad auto-
matic weapon of Spain and Mexico and has been sold to a number
of other countries as well.

The AAT-52 was developed after World War II and became the stan-
dard French GPMG in the 1950s. Originally chambered for the French

d20 MODERN
Beretta AS70/90 LMG Damage: 2d12
Critical: 20
Magazine: Linked
Size: Huge
Italian 5.56mm Light Machine Gun
CIS Fifty
Singaporean .50 Caliber Heavy Machine Gun
The AS70/90 LMG is derived from the Beretta AS70/90 assault rifle
and designed for use as a squad automatic weapon. The operating
mechanism is largely unchanged but fires from an open bolt to
increase rate of fire. A heavy barrel and folding bipod are fitted
for sustained fire. The metal forward grip is designed to accept the
folded bipod, while the shoulder stock permits a two-handed grip
The CIS Fifty was introduced in the 1980s as a lightweight and high-
when firing from the bipod. A prominent overhead carrying handle
tech competitor for the popular but aging Browning M2 HB design.
can be detached to mount a variety of sighting devices.
The entire weapon is designed with simplicity in mind and features
modular construction that facilitates maintenance—each subassem-
bly in the action can be quickly removed and serviced individually
as needed. The barrel can be changed quickly without affecting the
Weight: 14 lb.
Purchase DC: 20
weapon’s zero.
The CIS Fifty can be attached to a tripod or mount.
161
Perhaps the most interesting feature of the CIS Fifty is its abil-
ity to accept two ammunition belts, one feeding into each side of
Browning M2HB the receiver. The shooter can quickly switch between the two by
throwing a single lever, allowing different targets to be engaged
American .50 BMG Heavy Machine Gun
with different ammunition types as necessary (for example, using
ball ammunition for personnel targets and armor-piercing rounds
for vehicles).
Who Uses It: The CIS Fifty serves with the armed forces of
Singapore.

The Browning M2, or “Ma Deuce” (as American troops affectionately
refer to it), is one of the most successful heavy machine gun designs of
all time. Developed in the years following World War I, it entered service
in the 1930s. It served with distinction throughout World War II and ap-
peared on vehicles, aircraft, naval vessels, and tripod ground mounts.
MACHINE GUNS
The M2 remains the standard HMG of the U.S. armed forces
today, serving with all four branches of the military. The current
Colt M16A2 LMG
American 5.56mm Light Machine Gun
version, standardized in 1978, features a heavier barrel and is thus
known as M2 Heavy Barrel (or M2HB). Recent developments in
am≠munition design have further improved the .50 BMG cartridge,
making it both more accurate and more powerful.
A huge weapon, the M2 can only be fired from a tripod or pintle
mount. When used on a tripod, the weapon must be further stabi-
lized by placing sandbags on the tripod’s legs. Both the weapon and
its ammunition are cumbersome and difficult to carry around, which
The M16A2 LMG is a derivative of the M16 assault rifle designed to
makes it impractical for infantry use. Its powerful cartridge and rate
serve as a SAW. It features a heavy sustained-fire barrel, which is
of fire give it a tremendous punch, however, and it is an excellent
fitted with a folding bipod and a redesigned forestock. This incor-
weapon for mounting on armored personnel carriers or other ve-
porates a vertical forward grip for improved stability when firing
hicles. It is also superb for use in static defense of fixed positions.
from the hip, and a new carrying handle situated on the new center
Variants: The M2 is produced under license by Fabrique Nationale
of gravity with the heavy barrel installed.
of Belgium in a version known as M2 QCB (Quick Change Barrel).
The M16A2 LMG operates identically to the standard assault rifle,
As its name implies, this variant features a barrel that the user can
which simplifies training for troops already used to the M16. It also
quickly switch out as needed. It also features numerous minor differ-
uses the same ammunition and magazines.
ences designed to suit European manufacturing requirements.
Who Uses It: The M16A2 LMG is in service with the U.S. Drug
Who Uses It: The M2HB serves in the U.S. and throughout NATO,
Enforcement Administration. Military forces in other countries,
as well as with a great many Third World nations. Despite its age, it is
including Brazil and El Salvador, also use it.
expected to remain in service for at least several more decades.
d20 Modern Rules: This weapon may be purchased with a
d20 Modern Rules: This weapon can be disassembled into two
loads (one weighing 50 lb. and the other 34 lb.) to be carried by two
When the three-round burst version is used with the Burst Fire feat,
people. A tripod is available for this weapon; it has a purchase DC
it fires only three bullets instead of five and can be used with only
of 12 and weighs 22 pounds.

d20 MODERN
three bullets in the weapon. This setting does not grant the ability Developed in the 1930s, the DShK-38 served with distinction as the
to make burst fire attacks without the Burst Fire feat; if you use the Red Army’s primary HMG during World War II. Following the war,
setting without the feat, you make a normal attack and the extra the feed mechanism was completely redesigned, and the more
two bullets are wasted. The three-round burst version has no auto- reliable DShK-38/46 variant appeared. This version remains in pro-
matic rate of fire and cannot be used to make autofire attacks. duction in some countries to this day.
The DShK finds use as a vehicular weapon. For ground use, the
Damage: 2d8 Magazine: 30 box DShK is normally fitted on a heavy mount with two wheels to
Critical: 20 Size: Large facilitate its movement around the battlefield. This mount can be
Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 13 lb. converted to an antiaircraft tripod as needed. Most surviving DShKs
Range Increment: 80 ft. Purchase DC: 19 today serve in the antiaircraft role or on vehicular mounts.
Rate of Fire: A Restriction: Res (+2) Who Uses It: The DShK still serves with Russia and most former
Soviet client states. It has been produced under license in a number
of countries, including China, Iran, Pakistan, and Romania.
CZ 2000 LMG
Czech 5.56mm Light Machine Gun Damage: 2d12 Magazine: Linked
FN MAG
162 The CZ 2000 LMG is a derivative of the CZ 2000 assault rifle de-
signed for use in the squad automatic weapon role. It is essentially
Belgian 7.62mm General Purpose Machine Gun
just a modified version of the assault rifle, which shares many com-
mon parts. A long, heavy barrel is fitted and equipped with a folding
bipod. The weapon has a muzzle brake and folding stock, but no
bayonet lug.
The CZ 2000 LMG’s furniture is made from high-impact plastic.
Long-range iron sights are fitted, and a standard scope rail permits
the use of an optical or night sight as well. As with the assault rifle, The FN MAG is the most successful general-purpose machine gun
the LMG can be quickly broken down into its component parts for design of the Cold War era. Appearing in the late 1950’s, it went on
cleaning or maintenance. to enter service with dozens of armies worldwide. Even after the
Though the CZ 2000 LMG can accept the 30-round transparent eclipse of the heavier 7.62mm round by its lighter 5.56mm counter-
magazines used by the assault rifle, as well as any standard M16-pat- part, the FN MAG remains in service.
tern magazine, it is designed for use with a large 75-round drum to Mechanically, the FN MAG is simple in design and operation. The
provide sustained automatic fire. action is gas-powered and features a tipping breech block. The bar-
Variants: As with its assault rifle counterpart, the CZ 2000 LMG rel can be quickly changed when necessary, and a bipod is fitted; this
was originally produced in 5.45mm and was known as the Lada LMG. bipod can be folded up to form a rudimentary forward handgrip.
Both versions are available for export. The fixed stock is usually made of wood, but this has been replaced
MACHINE GUNS
d20 Modern Rules: This weapon features a three-round burst by plastic on more modern examples. Though it can be fitted to a
setting. When used with the Burst Fire feat, it fires only three tripod and used as a medium machine gun, the FN MAG is more
bullets instead of five and can be used with only three bullets in commonly used with the bipod. It is also often found on vehicular
the weapon. This setting does not grant the ability to make burst or aircraft mounts.
fire attacks without the Burst Fire feat; if you use the setting Variants: The FN MAG has been produced worldwide, and lo-
without the feat, you make a normal attack and the extra two cal variants incorporating minor modifications abound. FN Herstal
bullets are wasted. produces a pintle-mount version for vehicle or helicopter use and a
coaxial version for turret mounts.
Damage: 2d8 Magazine: 75 box Who Uses It: The FN MAG has been adopted by dozens of coun-
Critical: 20 Size: Large tries worldwide. It serves in several NATO armies and throughout
Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 10 lb. Latin America, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. It has served on
Range Increment: 80 ft. Purchase DC: 20 opposing sides in several different wars, notably the 1982 Falklands
Rate of Fire: S, A Restriction: Res (+2) War and the 1991 Gulf War. It is produced under license in the U.S.,
the U.K., Argentina, Egypt, India, and Singapore. In Britain, it is known
as the L7 GPMG and goes by the affectionate nickname “Gimpy.” In
DShK-38/46 the U.S., it is designated M240 and has long been used as a coaxial
Russian 12.7mm Heavy Machine Gun machine gun on armored vehicles (including the Abrams battle tank
and Bradley fighting vehicles). More notably, a modernized version
designated M240G was recently selected by the U.S. Army to serve
as its new standard GPMG, replacing the venerable M60.

The DShK, popularly known as the “Dash-K” or “Dooshka,” is an old Range Increment: 100 ft. Purchase DC: 21
design that continues to serve in many former Soviet client states. Rate of Fire: A Restriction: Mil (+3)

d20 MODERN
FN Minimi This arrangement permits the individual barrels to cool between
shots. The concept was derived from the 20mm Vulcan, a six-bar-
Belgian 5.56mm Light Machine Gun
reled cannon that found considerable success as an aircraft gun.
The M134’s action is driven by an electric motor, rather than by
the mechanical recoil forces of firing. This feeds ammunition in and
rotates the firing mechanism. As the mechanism rotates, the barrels
close into the bolt for firing, and then withdraw to eject the spent
cartridge case and feed in a fresh round. The entire process happens
very quickly. When the M134 is fired, the sounds of the individual
shots blur together into a single loud, ripping roar.
FN Minimi Much of the M134’s length is in its barrels. The actual firing
mechanism is quite compact for such a powerful weapon. The
weapon has rudimentary sights, consisting of little more than a
simple aiming ring; the shooter is expected to observe the stream
of fire’s fall and adjust the gun onto the target accordingly.
To keep up with the M134’s voracious appetite for ammunition,
it is normally fed from 4,000-round ammo boxes. These boxes are
FN Minimi Para connected to the weapon by a flexible plastic chute. The ammuni-
tion boxes are far too heavy to be moved about by hand. Instead,
the M134 is designed for use as a vehicular or aircraft weapon—it is
Like its predecessor, the FN MAG, the Minimi has won tremendous suc-
particularly well suited for use as a helicopter door gun, where its
cess. Originally designed to serve as a counterpart to the FNC assault
high rate of fire makes up for the relative inaccuracy that comes with
rifle, the Minimi has come into its own and entered service with dozens
of armies. Much as the MAG was adopted by virtually every country us-
using a flying helicopter as a firing platform. The weapon can also be
mounted on a tripod for use as a static defense weapon.
163
ing 7.62mm NATO for its service rifles, the Minimi found similar success
The M134 incorporates motor and drive mechanisms that are
among nations using 5.56mm weapons. A major factor in this success
unnecessary on a more conventional machine gun. Consequently, it
was its adoption in the 1980’s as the U.S. Army’s M249 squad automatic
requires considerable maintenance to ensure continued operation.
weapon, a decision that led many other nations to follow suit.
Who Uses It: All four branches of the U.S. armed forces use the
The Minimi serves as a squad-level support weapon, a role in
M134. It has been widely exported and serves as an aircraft gun with
which the less powerful cartridge is perfectly adequate.
a number of foreign nations.
The Minimi is lightweight, rugged, accurate, and easily controllable
d20 Modern Rules: This weapon must receive at least 1 hour of
when firing on automatic. It features a dual-feed mechanism that al-
maintenance between engagements or become unreliable.
lows it to use either belts of ammunition or NATO-standard STANAG
rifle magazines. The hollow forward grip contains cleaning tools, while
the pistol grip holds an oil bottle. A folding bipod is standard.
Variants: The Minimi Para model is a cut-down version designed
to be as compact as possible. It features a shortened barrel and a
folding stock; it has a range increment of 70 feet, but otherwise its
statistics are identical to the Minimi.
In the US, the Minimi is known as the M249 squad automatic
weapon (SAW); in Australia, it is called the F89; in Korea, it is called
Heckler & Koch MG3
MACHINE GUNS
the K3; and in Taiwan, it is called the Type 75 light machine gun. It is
German 7.62mm General-Purpose Machine Gun
also made in Greece and Italy.
Who Uses It: The Minimi has been widely adopted throughout
the world, serving in many of the nations that have adopted the
5.56mm NATO cartridge for their service rifles. Its users include
Belgium, the U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Greece, France,
Italy, Sweden, the United Arab Emirates, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia.
Damage: 2d8 Magazine: Linked, 30 box

The MG3 is a direct descendant of the World War II-era MG42, a
highly successful design that proved its worth in combat. It has been
rechambered to fire the new NATO 7.62mm cartridge and remains
an excellent weapon despite the age of the design.
The MG3 features a roller-locked action that was, in many ways,
General Electric M134 Minigun the forerunner of the mechanism used in the H&K G3 series. The
barrel can be quickly changed.
American 7.62mm Minigun
Variants: The MG1 and MG2 were developmental models of the
same weapon. A coaxial variant designed for vehicular mounting
also exists.
Who Uses It: The MG3 has been widely exported through-
out Europe and Third World countries. It serves with Austria,
Germany, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey, and many other states.
It has been built under license in many of these countries and in
the former Yugoslavia.
The M134 was the first modern machine gun to use the Gatling-gun
principle, in which six revolving barrels rotate around the firing axis.

d20 MODERN
Damage: 2d10 Magazine: Linked will have its work cut out for it. Although still in the advanced
Critical: 20 Size: Large testing stage, the MG43 shows considerable promise. It has already
Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 24 lb. undergone a punishing series of torture tests in the harsh desert
Range Increment: 100 ft. Purchase DC: 23 environment at Yuma Proving Grounds in the U.S., chewing its
Rate of Fire: A Restriction: Mil (+3) way effortlessly through a mountain of ammunition with little
mechanical trouble.
Variants: H&K is reportedly developing a 7.62mm NATO version
Heckler & Koch MG36 of the MG43.
German 5.56mm Light Machine Gun
The MG36 is the LMG variant of the G36 assault rifle currently in H&K Roller-Locked Machine Guns
service with the German armed forces. As with most LMGs derived German Light Machine Guns
from assault rifles, it is largely unchanged. The only modifications Heckler & Koch developed a line of machine guns based on its G3
are a longer, heavier barrel with a folding bipod and the provision of battle rifle. Built around the same rolling-lock action used on the
a 100-round ammunition box, permitting sustained automatic fire. G3 and the MP5 submachine gun, these weapons have established a
It retains the composite construction and folding stock of the G36 reputation for accuracy and reliability.
164 rifle. It also retains the dual optics system: an optical sight combined
with a red-dot sight for close-in fighting. For additional details, see
All of these weapons are essentially variants of different H&K
rifles. The H&K 11 and H&K 21 series are derived from the G3 and fire
the G36 entry in Chapter Two. the 7.62mm NATO cartridge. The H&K 13 and H&K 23 are derived
Variants: The MG36E is an export version, which replaces the from the HK33 and fire the smaller 5.56mm NATO round. They dif-
standard dual optics system with a single optical sight. fer from their rifle counterparts primarily in the fitting of bipods,
Who Uses It: The German Army uses the MG36 as a squad-level long-range sights, and heavy quick-change barrels. They also have
light support weapon, serving alongside the G36 assault rifle. special shoulder stocks, shaped to facilitate a two-handed grip
d20 Modern Rules: This weapon features a three-round burst when firing from the bipod. Like the rifles, early models tend to be
setting. When used with the Burst Fire feat, it fires only three fitted with the older SEF trigger groups, while newer ones use the
bullets instead of five and can be used with only three bullets in pictographic groups.
the weapon. This setting does not grant the ability to make burst The machine guns in the “10” series (the H&K 11 and H&K 13) are
fire attacks without the Burst Fire feat; if you use the setting designed to fire from the standard 20- or 30-round assault rifle box
without the feat, you make a normal attack and the extra two magazines. High-capacity ammunition drums are also available. The
bullets are wasted. machine guns in the “20” series (H&K 21 and H&K 23), on the other
hand, are modified to fire belted ammunition and are therefore bet-
Damage: 2d8 Magazine: 100 box ter suited for sustained fire.
Critical: 20 Size: Large Variants: All of these weapons have undergone considerable
Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 9 lb. development over the years, and a number of improved variants
MACHINE GUNS
Range Increment: 80 ft. Purchase DC: 23 have appeared. The most recent models are identified by a suffix
Rate of Fire: S, A Restriction: Mil (+3) “E” (such as H&K 21E), for “Export.” The export version features a
lengthened barrel shroud, which moves the forward sight farther
out and lengthens the sight radius. It also includes a three-round
Heckler & Koch MG43 burst setting and a vertical foregrip to help stabilize the weapon
German 5.56mm Light Machine Gun when it is fired from the hip.
While Heckler & Koch has enjoyed considerable success with
these designs, there have been a number of less successful machine
gun designs over the years. The H&K 12 made use of the Soviet
7.62×39mm cartridge and never got beyond the prototype stage.
In the 1980s, H&K experimented with weapons that incorporated
a baked-on camouflage finish, available in either a green-brown
woodland pattern (designated HL13C) or a tan-green desert pat-
The MG43 is a new LMG design from Heckler & Koch. Chambered tern (designated HK13S). Neither version was put into widespread
in 5.56mm NATO, it serves as a lightweight and portable squad production.
automatic weapon. Its newly developed firing mechanism is a The GR6 and GR9 were improved versions of the H&K 21E. The
conventional gas-operated action fed by a disintegrating link am- GR6 used a special ammunition box with a transparent back, which
munition belt. The bolt uses a rotary locking system rather than the allowed the firer to keep track of how many rounds remained. The
roller locks used by earlier H&K designs. Intended for use as a sup- GR9 used a belt-feed instead. Again, neither model was adopted or
port weapon, the MG43 fires in automatic mode only—there is no produced in large numbers.
semiautomatic setting. The feed system can lift very long and heavy Who Uses Them: The H&K roller-locked machine guns are in
ammo belts, optimizing the MG43 for sustained fire. military use in a number of countries worldwide.
The MG43 is similar in weight, performance, and appearance d20 Modern Rules: The H&K 21E and H&K 23E models each fea-
to the Belgian FN Minimi, one of its direct competitors (see the ture a three-round burst setting. When used with the Burst Fire feat,
M249 Squad Automatic Weapon entry, below). The worldwide the weapon fires only three bullets instead of five and can be used
popularity of the Fabrique Nationale design means that the MG43 with only three bullets in the weapon. This setting does not grant

d20 MODERN
TABLE 7–1: H&K ROLLER-LOCKED MACHINE GUNS
H&K 11 (7.62mm machine gun) 2d10 20 Ballistic 100 ft. S, A 80 box Large 18 lb. 21 Mil (+3)
H&K 13 (5.56mm machine gun) 2d8 20 Ballistic 80 ft. S, A 100 box Large 18 lb. 23 Mil (+3)
H&K 21 (7.62mm machine gun) 2d10 20 Ballistic 100 ft. S, A Linked Large 21 lb. 22 Mil (+3)
H&K 21E (7.62mm machine gun) 1 2d10 20 Ballistic 100 ft. S, A Linked Large 20 lb. 22 Mil (+3)
H&K 23 (5.56mm machine gun) 2d8 20 Ballistic 80 ft. S, A Linked Large 19 lb. 22 Mil (+3)
H&K 23E (5.56mm machine gun) 1 2d8 20 Ballistic 80 ft. S, A Linked Large 19 lb. 22 Mil (+3)
1 This weapon has a three-round burst setting.
the ability to make burst fire attacks without the Burst Fire feat; if of 70 feet, its statistics are identical to the standard Negev.
you use the setting without the feat, you make a normal attack, and Who Uses It: The Negev and the Negev Commando are cur-
the extra two bullets are wasted. rently in service as squad-level automatic weapons with the Israeli
Defense Forces.

H&K 11 Range Increment: 80 ft. Purchase DC: 20
INSAS LMG 165

Indian 5.56mm Light Machine Gun
H&K 13
The INSAS LMG uses the same action as the INSAS assault rifle,
and its heavy barrel comes with a bipod. A high-capacity 30-round
magazine is standard. The weapon has long-range sights, but the
INSAS rifle’s three-round burst setting is removed. The bayonet lug
H&K 21 has also been omitted.
Unfortunately, the troubles of the INSAS program plague the
LMG as well. It is still slated to enter Indian military service, but
production problems continue to delay widespread use.
Variants: A folding-stock model is available for use by airborne
MACHINE GUNS
H&K 23 or mechanized troops.

IMI Negev LMG
Israeli 5.56mm Light Machine Gun
KPV
Russian 14.5mm Heavy Machine Gun
The Negev is Israel’s answer to the Belgian Minimi design and is built
around a similar rotating-bolt action. Constructed primarily from
The KPV was developed after World War II as a machine gun cham-
metal stampings to keep costs down, it can be readily disassembled
bered to fire the heavy 14.5mm round used in wartime antitank
to facilitate field maintenance. By design, it can accept either belts
rifles. Often called the Vladimirov after its designer, it is one of the
or ammunition boxes and can be fitted with an adapter that allows
heaviest machine guns ever developed and begins to blur the line
standard Galil or M16 rifle magazines to be used. A folding tubular
between HMGs and light autocannons. Originally designed to serve
stock is fitted as standard.
as an antiaircraft gun, the KPV is most often found on large, wheeled
Variants: A compact version of the Negev, known as the
air-defense mounts known as ZPU-1, ZPU-2, or ZPU-4, which respec-
Commando, features a shortened barrel. Aside from its range increment
tively feature one, two, or four KPVs mounted to fire together. The

d20 MODERN
KPV has also proven successful as a turret-mounted vehicular
weapon. The powerful, heavy cartridge gives good performance
L7A2 GPMG
British 7.62mm General-Purpose Machine Gun
against lightly armored targets such as APCs and scout cars.
Variants: The turret-mounted vehicular version is known as
the KPVT. Poland has developed a special tripod-mounted ver-
sion known as the Pirat. The KPV is also produced under license in
Bulgaria, China, North Korea, and Romania.
Who Uses It: The KPV serves both in Russia and throughout the
former Soviet world as a heavy machine gun. It has also won a role
as an air-defense weapon (for example, seeing heavy use with Iraqi
The British L7A2 is a derivative of the Belgian FN MAG GPMG. It is
forces during the 1991 Gulf War) and appears in the turrets of light
identical to the FN MAG, except for minor modifications to facilitate
armored vehicles.
manufacturing in British factories. Consequently, its component
parts are not interchangeable with the Belgian MAG.
As an LMG, the L7A2 is fitted with a shoulder stock and bipod. As
an MMG, its shoulder stock is removed and it is fitted to an adjust-
able tripod that incorporates recoil buffers.
Variants: The L7 was produced in a number of specialized vari-
ants, including aircraft and vehicle-mounted models.
Who Uses It: The L7A2 served for years as the standard GPMG
L4A4 Bren of the British armed forces. Today, it has largely been replaced in the
LMG role by the L86A1 Light Support Weapon. The L7A2 remains in
British 7.62mm Light Machine Gun
166 use as a medium support weapon.

The Bren gun was first adopted by the British Army in the 1930s
and has proven itself one of the most enduring of LMG designs.
L86A1 LSW
British 5.56mm Light Machine Gun
Originally designed in Czechoslovakia, it was rechambered to
fire the standard British .303 caliber cartridge used by the Lee-
Enfield rifle. Highly successful in this configuration, it was used
by British and Commonwealth forces in all theaters throughout
World War II. Its distinctively curved top-loaded magazine (de-
signed for when the shooter is lying prone) made it instantly
recognizable. Its accuracy and dependability quickly endeared
it to the troops.
MACHINE GUNS
The Bren’s reliability stems from its simplicity. It uses a straight-

The L86A1 Light Support Weapon is a heavy-barreled machine gun
forward gas-powered action that can be easily field stripped for
with a long, heavy barrel for sustained fire. A vertical grip for the
maintenance and cleaning, making it easy for troops in the field to
nonfiring hand is located just behind the magazine well for use when
keep it functioning, even in harsh battlefield conditions. The user
firing from the bipod.
can quickly change the barrel as needed. Its straight-line stock trans-
The firing mechanism is modified to fire from an open bolt when
fers recoil forces directly back, reducing muzzle climb. The Bren’s
using automatic fire, to improve cooling and reduce the risk of a
biggest drawback is its magazine, which holds only 30 rounds. This
cook-off of unfired ammunition. Semiautomatic fire still uses a
necessitates frequent reloading, limiting the Bren’s sustained-fire
closed bolt and is particularly accurate given the LSW’s long barrel.
capability as compared to belt-fed weapons.
When coupled with a standard optical sight, the L86A1 becomes an
With the adoption of the 7.62mm NATO-standard cartridge in
extremely accurate precision-fire weapon.
the 1950s, the Bren received a new lease on life. Existing wartime
Who Uses It: The L86A1 LSW is the current squad-level machine
stocks were rechambered to fire the new round. Externally, the
gun of the British Army.
weapon was largely unchanged, except that the 7.62mm magazine
was much straighter than the sharply curved .303 model. The new
version, known as the Bren L4, proved just as capable and reliable
as earlier models.
Who Uses It: The Bren L4 remains in service with reserve units
in Britain and a number of Commonwealth nations. It has largely
been replaced by the L86A1 Light Support Weapon (see below) in
front-line British combat units.


d20 MODERN
M51 Variants: A number of specialized M60 variants emerged in addition
to the types described above. The M60C was a stripped-down version
Swiss 7.5mm General-Purpose Machine Gun
with a solenoid trigger designed for use with fixed aircraft mounts, es-
pecially on helicopters. The M60D was a helicopter door–gun version
with twin spade firing grips at the weapon’s rear; this version was also
used on patrol boats and armored vehicle pintle mounts. The M60E2
was a specialized variant for armored vehicle coaxial mounts.
Who Uses It: The M60, in its various configurations, has seen
been in continuous U.S. service since the early 1960s. It was widely
used in the fighting in Vietnam and in the 1991 Gulf War. Though
The M51 uses precision-machined parts in place of many metal stamp-
not as successful internationally as the FN MAG, it has also been
ings, resulting in a somewhat heavy and expensive design. The internal
widely exported and serves with Australia, South Korea, Taiwan, and
roller-locked action is modified to use locking flaps instead. The M51
a number of U.S. client states. The M60E3 and M60E4 are in use with
features an efficient belt-fed mechanism, and quick-change barrel.
the U.S. Marines, as well as the U.S. Navy SEALs.
Who Used It: The M51 served with both the Swiss and Danish
d20 Modern Rules: The M60 model can be converted into an
armed forces. It has now been replaced in front-line service by more
M60E3 model using a special conversion kit (purchase DC 14). The con-
modern designs.
version requires 30 minutes and a successful Repair check (DC 10).
M60 167
M60 Series
American 7.62mm NATO General-Purpose Machine Gun
The belt-fed M60 was developed in the 1950s to replace the old
Browning M1919 .30 caliber machine gun. Chambered in the 7.62mm
NATO cartridge, this hard-hitting weapon proved both rugged and
M60E3
reliable in field conditions.
The M60 was not without problems, however. The carrying handle
was attached to the receiver, not the barrel; this meant that it could
not be used to grip the hot barrel for changing in the field. With no
practical way to remove the dangerously hot barrel, M60 gunners
were issued asbestos gloves to use when performing this task. At
best, this was an impractical solution. Furthermore, the bipod was at-
tached to the end of the barrel. This meant that it essentially had to be M60E4
discarded when the barrel was replaced, and spare barrels had to have
bipods attached to them, making them heavier and bulkier to carry.
MACHINE GUNS
In response to these shortcomings, the manufacturer (Saco
Defense) developed an improved M60 in the early 1990s. Known
as the M60E3, this version featured two different interchangeable
barrels—a compact “assault” barrel and a longer, heavier barrel for
M240 GPMG
American 7.62mm General-Purpose Machine Gun
sustained fire. The forward grip gave way to a barrel shield fitted with
a plastic pistol grip to improve controllability. The bipod was moved
to the receiver, and a carrying handle was moved to the barrel, mak-
ing barrel changes easier. Saco also manufactured a kit to enable
existing M60s to be converted to the M60E3 configuration.
The U.S. Army’s decision to adopt a new GPMG in the late 1990s
led Saco to further improve the M60, resulting in the M60E4.
The M60E4 featured numerous minor improvements, including
The M240 is an American-produced version of the Belgian FN MAG
strengthened components, a better belt-feed mechanism, and an
machine gun that has been in American service as a coaxial-mount
integral sight rail on top of the receiver. Ultimately, however, the
weapon on tanks and other armored vehicles since the 1970s. In
Army decided to adopt the Belgian-designed M240G instead. The
1995, it was selected to replace the M60 series in U.S. Army service
only customer for the M60E4 was the U.S. Navy, which purchased a
as a GPMG for infantry use.
small number to equip SEAL special warfare teams.
TABLE 7–2: M60 SERIES MACHINE GUNS

M60 (7.62mm machine gun) 2d10 20 Ballistic 100 ft. A Linked Large 33 lb. 23 Mil (+3)
M60E3 Assault (7.62mm machine gun) 2d10 20 Ballistic 100 ft. A Linked Large 19 lb. 23 Mil (+3)
M60E3 Long (7.62mm machine gun) 2d10 20 Ballistic 100 ft. A Linked Large 20 lb. 23 Mil (+3)
M60E4 Assault (7.62mm machine gun) 2d10 20 Ballistic 100 ft. A Linked Large 22 lb. 23 Mil (+3)
M60E4 Long (7.62mm machine gun) 2d10 20 Ballistic 100 ft. A Linked Large 23 lb. 23 Mil (+3)

d20 MODERN
Today, two main infantry variants of the M240 serve in the U.S. differs from the standard Minimi in a number of minor features, most
military. The M240B is the Army’s GPMG version. The most obvious of which are ergonomic modifications. The most obvious visual dif-
external difference from the standard FN MAG is the presence of a ferences are the redesigned stocks and grips, which were developed
ventilated forward handguard, protecting the shooter from the hot after exhaustive trials with the standard Minimi were conducted.
barrel. A standard sight-mounting rail is located on the receiver, and Other minor modifications were made to facilitate manufacturing.
there is provision for mounting the weapon on a HMMWV (“hum- With its pistol grip and shoulder stock, the M249 SAW is designed
vee”) light vehicle. A number of other minor modifications have so the shooter can fire it either from the hip or the bipod. It can
been made to reduce manufacturing costs. In all other respects, it also be mounted on a HMMWV (“humvee”) for vehicular use. It has
is essentially identical to the Belgian original. recently been upgraded with a new feed-tray cover that features
The M240G is the Marine Corps version. It is largely identical, an integral accessory rail, permitting the use of standard scopes.
except that the handguard over the barrel is omitted. A new compact ammunition box has recently been introduced for
Who Uses It: The M240B is in service with the U.S. Army as a improved portability in the assault role.
platoon-level support weapon. The M240G serves a similar role in Who Uses It: The M249 SAW is used by both Army and Marine
the U.S. Marine Corps. Corps infantry units as the standard squad-level light machine gun.
Damage: 2d10 Magazine: Linked Damage: 2d8 Magazine: Linked, 30 box

Rate of Fire: A Restriction: Mil (+3) Rate of Fire: A Restriction: Mil (+3)
168 M249 Special Purpose Weapon

American 5.56mm Light Machine Gun
Model 62 GPMG
Japanese 7.62mm General-Purpose Machine Gun
The Japanese Model 62 GPMG is a rather conventional design,

The M249 Special Purpose Weapon (SPW) is intended for use by similar in appearance and operation to the Belgian FN MAG. It uses
Special Forces units. To keep down its weight, a number of compo- a straightforward gas-powered action but incorporates a number of
nents, such as the magazine-feed adapter and the gas-regulation unusual features.
system, are omitted. Several internal components are lightened For safety, the Model 62’s firing pin mechanism is ordinarily out
as well, with lightweight alloys being substituted for steel. The of alignment with the cartridge case; only at the moment of firing
shortened barrel and a collapsible stock are fitted to reduce overall does a dropping wedge permit it to strike the cartridge primer. This
length. The result is a highly portable version of the basic Minimi design prevents accidental discharge. The extraction system is also
design (see the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon entry, below). unconventional, relying on the bolt return cycle rather than a more
The SPW features a number of accessory rails, permitting the use of typical spring-loaded extractor hook.
MACHINE GUNS
a wide range of additional mission-specific devices. As on the M16A4 The weapon’s overall metal construction sports wooden furniture.
assault rifle, these are located around the barrel and on the top of the The heavy barrel can be quickly changed. A folding bipod is fitted as
receiver, over the feed-tray cover. An illuminator, a vertical foregrip, standard, though the Model 62 can also be mounted on a tripod.
and a bipod can be attached to the forward grips. The receiver mount Variants: The Model 74 is a derivative designed for use as a tur-
can be used to attach an optical sight or night vision device. ret-mounted coaxial tank weapon.
Who Uses It: The M249 SPW is used by U.S. military special Who Uses It: The Model 62 is in service with the Japanese
operations forces. armed forces.
Damage: 2d8 Magazine: Linked, 30 box Damage: 2d10 Magazine: Linked

Rate of Fire: A Restriction: Mil (+3) Rate of Fire: A Restriction: Mil (+3)
M249 Squad Automatic Weapon Model 59 “Rachot”

American 5.56mm Light Machine Gun Czech 7.62mm General-Purpose Machine Gun
The M249 Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW) is the designation given The Model 59 is better known by its nickname, Rachot. A rather
to the Belgian FN Minimi LMG produced for U.S. military service. It conventional gas-powered design chambered in the powerful

d20 MODERN
7.62×54mm Russian caliber, it can be used as either a hand-carried
LMG or a tripod-mounted MMG.
Type 74 (7.62mm Machine Gun)
The Rachot uses an unusual cocking mechanism, in which the pis-
tol grip doubles as a charging handle. After loading a belt, a release
is depressed, and the whole pistol grip cycles forward and backward
to charge the action for firing. The ammunition belt is fed into the
right side of the receiver. A 50-round box can be attached to the
side of the weapon for use as an LMG, making the Rachot easy to
carry and fire by hand. When the weapon is mounted on a tripod for
use as an MMG, a larger 250-round box is available.
Norinco Type 85 AAMG
Chinese 12.7mm Heavy Machine Gun
In addition to its iron sights, the Rachot features a mount and a
standard scope, and these can be supplemented by an infrared night
sight. A bipod is fitted at the front of the quick-change barrel, as is
a cone-shaped flash hider designed to protect the shooter’s night
vision when firing in the dark.
Variants: An export model chambered in 7.62mm NATO is desig-
nated the Model 68 Rachot and has statistics identical to the Model
The Type 85 is a belt-fed HMG designed primarily for use as an an-
59. It is possible to convert between the two calibers by simply
tiaircraft weapon. Its powerful cartridge makes it highly effective
replacing the barrel, breechblock, and a few other parts. There are
against ground targets as well. It uses a gas-powered firing mecha-
also models designed for mounting on vehicle turrets.
nism. For such a large and heavy weapon, it weighs significantly less
Who Uses It: The Model 59 was adopted as the standard GPMG
than the Soviet-designed DShK, which fires the same cartridge and
of the Czechoslovakian military. It remains in service today with the
independent Czech and Slovak armed forces.
d20 Modern Rules: This weapon comes with a scope mount and
preceded it in Chinese military service.
The tripod issued with the Type 85 features long legs, enabling 169
the weapon to be positioned for standing use as an antiaircraft
a standard scope. It has iron sights.
gun. The legs can also be lowered to reduce the profile when used
Converting the Model 59 into a Model 68 (or vice versa) by re-
against ground targets. An optical sight is fitted as standard.
placing the barrel and a few other parts requires 15 minutes and a
Variants: The QJZ89 is a modernized derivative of the Type
successful Repair check (DC 10).
85. Its new dual-action firing mechanism uses both gas and recoil
systems, which improves reliability. The redesign also results in a
substantially lighter weapon (48 lb.); its statistics are otherwise
identical to the Type 85.
Who Uses It: Both the Type 85 and the newer QJZ89 are used by
the Chinese People’s Liberation Army.
Norinco Type 67 LMG Critical: 20
Size: Huge
Weight: 60 lb.
Chinese 7.62mm Light Machine Gun
MACHINE GUNS
Norinco Type 95 Light Support Weapon
Chinese 5.8mm Light Machine Gun
The Type 67 is a light machine gun incorporating elements from

a number of Soviet machine gun designs. The resulting weapon
is sturdy and reliable. Chambered to fire the heavy 7.62×54mm
cartridge used by the Russian PK, the Type 67 uses a simple gas-
powered action that fires from an open bolt. The ammunition belt
feeds into the right side of the receiver. Construction is steel, with
This weapon is the LMG variant of the Type 95 QBZ assault rifle family.
a wooden pistol grip and shoulder stock.
Using the same bullpup action as the assault rifle, the Type 95 LSW
Variants: The Type 74 is a lightweight version, chambered to fire
incorporates a number of modifications for the LMG. A longer and
7.62×39mm rounds.
heavier barrel with a folding bipod is fitted for sustained automatic
Who Uses It: The Type 67 is in service with the Chinese and
fire. The plastic housing is lengthened as well, providing a better for-
Vietnamese armies. Introduced in the early 1970s, it saw action in
ward grip. The weapon offers no provision for a belt-feed mechanism,
the latter part of the Vietnam War.
but a large 75-round ammunition drum is available for sustained fire.
The LSW accepts standard QBZ rifle magazines as well.
Type 67 (7.62mmR Machine Gun) Who Uses It: The Type 95 LSW serves alongside the assault rifle
Damage: 2d10 Magazine: Linked, 50 box in elite units of the Chinese armed forces.
Rate of Fire: A Restriction: Mil (+3) Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 10 lb.

d20 MODERN
NSV “Utyos” PK Series
Russian 12.7mm Heavy Machine Gun Russian 7.62mm General Purpose Machine Gun
The NSV, also known by its nickname Utyos, was developed in the
1970s to replace the wartime DShK HMG. It features a rugged, gas- Designed in the late 1950s, the PK was the first GPMG to enter Soviet
powered action well suited to withstand the rigors of field use as well service. Chambered in the heavy 7.62×54mm cartridge, it is primarily
as a quick-change barrel. It can be used as a heavy ground-mounted intended for use as a company support machine gun.
machine gun, an antiaircraft machine gun, or vehicular weapon (ei- Internally, the PK uses a number of subsystems from earlier
ther on a pintle or coaxial mount). When used on a tripod, a shoulder machine gun designs. The gas-powered firing mechanism is derived
stock and optical sight can be fitted to improve accuracy. from the AK assault rifle. This is coupled with a well-designed belt-
The designation NSV, by which this weapon is popularly known in fed mechanism taken from the Czech Model 52 LMG (predecessor
the West, is apparently something of a misnomer. The NSV is actu- to the Model 59 Rachot). The PK’s gas tube runs under the quick-
ally a variant designed for pintle mounts on main battle tanks. The change barrel, rather than over it as on the AK rifle.
“standard” ground-mounted version is known instead as the NSVS. The PK is fitted with a wooden pistol grip and shoulder stock, for
Variants: Specialized variants for use on vehicular mounts have firing from the bipod. When used with the bipod, the ammunition
been developed. An updated version known as the NSVP features a box attaches to the underside of the weapon, which centers the
170 more efficient muzzle brake to reduce recoil and a repositioned ammu-
nition box that gives the weapon better overall balance, but otherwise
balance. When used on a tripod, it connects to the left-hand side
of the receiver instead, placing it out of the way.
its statistics are identical to the standard model. Another modernized The PK is impressively lightweight for a GPMG, making it a highly
variant with an improved muzzle brake is known as the Kord. practical weapon that is well suited to infantry use. It has been
Who Uses It: The NSV is in service with Russia and with many widely adapted for a number of other roles as well. The most com-
former Soviet client states. It is the standard pintle weapon on mon variants are described below.
T-72 and T-80 tanks. It saw considerable use in the fighting in the PK: The standard machine gun, mounted on a bipod for use as
former Yugoslavia. an LMG.
PKS: The tripod-mounted PK, used as an MMG.
Damage: 2d12 Magazine: Linked PKM: A modernized and improved version, which is both lighter
Critical: 20 Size: Huge and simpler than the original PK.
Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 55 lb. PKMS: The MMG version of the PKM.
Range Increment: 110 ft. Purchase DC: 23 PKB: A standard PKM, fitted with twin firing grips for use on a
Rate of Fire: A Restriction: Mil (+3) vehicular pintle mount or helicopter door gun.
Who Uses It: The PK series is in widespread use with the Russian
armed forces. It was widely exported to Soviet client states and
Pirat can be found in service worldwide. Since its introduction in 1961,
Polish 14.5mm Heavy Machine Gun it has seen considerable action wherever Soviet or Russian troops
have fought.
MACHINE GUNS
d20 Modern Rules: This weapon (and its variants) is unreliable.
PK (7.62mmR Machine Gun)

The Pirat is a version of the Soviet KPVT heavy machine gun.
Whereas the KPVT is normally mounted in vehicle turrets, the Pirat
adapts the design to a tripod ground-mount. The biggest differ-
ences are iron sights (taken from the PKM machine gun), an integral
optical sight mount, and clamps for fitting boxed ammunition to PKS and PKMS (7.62mmR Machine Gun)
the side of the receiver. Damage: 2d10 Magazine: Linked
The Pirat is an enormous and heavy weapon, requiring a crew of Critical: 20 Size: Large
several men just to move it about. Damage Type: Ballistic Weight: 42 lb.
Who Uses It: The Pirat is still in development and has yet to Range Increment: 100 ft. Purchase DC: 19
enter military service. Rate of Fire: A Restriction: Mil (+3)
d20 Modern Rules: This weapon can be disassembled into five
components to be carried by five or more people. Each component
weighs approximately 89 pounds. It takes five people 5 minutes to
PKM (7.62mmR Machine Gun)
reassemble the weapon.

d20 MODERN
RPD Damage: 2d10
Critical: 20
Magazine: 40 box, 75 box
Size: Large
Russian 7.62mm Light Machine Gun
RPK-74
The RPD is a Russian LMG chambered to fire the same 7.62mm car-
tridge as the AK assault rifle, which it was designed to supplement
as a squad-level machine gun. Derived from earlier Soviet LMGs, it
has gone through a progressive series of improvements throughout
its service life. Though early models suffered from feed problems,
the final version is a rugged and dependable weapon.
The RPD is belt-fed from an ammunition drum holding 100
The RPK-74 is the most recent LMG variant of the AK-74 assault
rounds. This attaches to the weapon’s center of gravity, giving good
rifle. The action of the weapon is largely unchanged, but it sports a
balance with the heavy load of ammunition. This placement means
heavier barrel, a special machine gun stock, a bipod, a heavy muzzle
that the feed mechanism must lift the belt a considerable distance,
brake, and a high-capacity 45-round magazine.
which led to the RPD’s early reliability troubles and necessitated
Variants: The RPK-74 comes with a fixed or folding stock, and
repeated redesigns.
it can be fitted with an integral sight mount. An export version
The heavy barrel is fixed and cannot be quickly changed. Soviet
training and doctrine instead emphasized frequent pauses in firing
chambered in 5.56mm NATO has been produced; it weighs 9
pounds and has a 30-round magazine, but otherwise its statistics
171
to give it a chance to cool, eliminating the need for changes in the
are similar to the standard RPK-74. An advanced derivative with
field. The RPD’s furniture is wood, including its distinctive wrap-
composite furniture, known as the RPK-74M, was developed to
around forward grip. A folding bipod is also fitted.
complement the AK-100 series of assault rifles; it weighs 9 pounds
Who Uses It: The RPD was the standard squad-level LMG of the
and has a purchase DC of 18, but its statistics are otherwise identi-
Red Army in the 1950s and 1960s. It was widely used by the Warsaw
cal to the RPK-74.
Pact nations and other Soviet client states. It has now been largely
Who Uses It: The RPK-74 serves alongside the AK-74 in Russia
replaced in front-line service, but it was exported in huge numbers
and many other former Soviet bloc nations as a squad-level light
and can still be widely seen in developing nations worldwide.
machine gun.
RPK SAR-21 LMG
MACHINE GUNS
Singaporean 5.56mm Light Machine Gun
The RPK is simply the AK-47 assault rifle modified to serve as a light
machine gun. Changes include a longer and heavier barrel (fitted
This is simply the machine gun variant of the SAR-21 assault rifle. It
with a bipod), a special stock, and high-capacity magazines (40
features a heavy barrel, a bipod, and a modified action that fires
rounds) or drums (75 rounds). It can also use standard AK magazines
from an open bolt and lacks a semiautomatic setting. It is otherwise
if necessary. The result is a simple, practical weapon with all the
identical to its parent assault rifle.
advantages of the proven Kalashnikov action.
Who Uses It: The SAR-21 LMG is the squad-level automatic
Variants: The RPK is available with either a fixed or folding stock,
weapon of the Singaporean armed forces.
and with or without an integral scope mount (allowing a variety of
optical devices to be fitted). It is produced under license in numer-
ous countries, including Bulgaria, Iraq (where it is known as the
Al-Quds), and Romania.
Who Uses It: The RPK was exported wherever the Kalashnikov
rifle went, making it a very common sight on the world’s battlefields.
It served with the Soviet Union and most of its client states. It has
been replaced in Russian service by the more advanced RPK-74 but
can still be found in many Third World nations.

d20 MODERN
SS-77 Steyr AUG HBAR
South African 7.62mm General-Purpose Machine Gun Austrian 5.56mm Light Machine Gun
The SS-77 is a rather conventional, if heavy, GPMG design built
by Vektor of South Africa. The gas-powered action derives from
that of the wartime Soviet SG medium machine gun, which the
South Africans had encountered in the hands of their guerrilla
adversaries.
The SS-77 is designed to be rugged and reliable and to function in
the harsh combat conditions of southern Africa. The action is sealed
by dust covers. The weapon sports plastic furniture, and the folding
stock (the same as that used on the R4 assault rifle) can be removed The AUG HBAR is a machine gun version of the AUG weapons sys-
and replaced by spade-type firing grips for when the weapon is fit- tem (see Chapter Two). The AUG LSW takes a basic AUG rifle action
ted to a pintle mount. and adds a long, heavy barrel with a muzzle brake and a folding
Variants: During the 1990s, Vektor introduced a conversion bipod for sustained autofire. As a sniper weapon, the LSW uses the
kit that allows the SS-77 to be adapted to fire the 5.56mm NATO closed-bolt mechanism of a standard assault rifle. When it is used
cartridge. This variant is known as the Mini SS. as a light machine gun, the bolt and hammer mechanism can be
Who Uses It: The SS-77 is the standard GPMG of the South swapped out and replaced with a modified version that fires from
African armed forces. It also serves in Kuwait. an open bolt. This change permits a higher rate of fire.
d20 Modern Rules: The SS-77 can be reconfigured into a Mini In the sustained fire role, the AUG LSW is still limited by the rela-
SS (and vice versa) with a special conversion kit (purchase DC 14), 1 tively small size of its magazine; there is no provision for a belt feed.
hour of work, and a successful Repair check (DC 10). An increased-capacity 42-round magazine is available to partially
172 alleviate this problem.

Variants: As on the standard assault rifle, the AUG LSW comes
with either an integral optical sight or a standard scope rail mounted
on the receiver. The fixed-scope version includes a standard scope.
Who Uses It: The AUG LSW is in military service with the
SS-77 Australian, Malaysian, and Tunisian armed forces.
d20 Modern Rules: In addition to being available as a com-
plete weapon, this weapon can be obtained as a conversion kit
(purchase DC 17, Res [+2]) for the Steyr AUG assault rifle (see
Chapter Two). Using the conversion kit to change an AUG rifle
into an AUG HBAR or back requires 10 minutes and a successful
Repair check (DC 10).
This weapon may be modified to have a three-round burst set-
ting instead of the automatic rate of fire. (When modified in this
manner, it can fire on semiautomatic or three-round burst only.)
Mini SS The modification requires a successful Repair check (DC 10) and 1
minute. It can be returned to its original state with another Repair
check (DC 10) and 1 more minute.
MACHINE GUNS
SS-77 (7.62mm Machine Gun) ability to make burst fire attacks without the Burst Fire feat; if you
Mini SS (5.56mm Machine Gun) Range Increment: 80 ft. Purchase DC: 20
Damage: 2d8 Magazine: Linked Rate of Fire: S, A Restriction: Res (+2)
Range Increment: 80 ft. Purchase DC: 21 Stoner LMG
Rate of Fire: A Restriction: Mil (+3) American 5.56mm Light Machine Gun
After the failure of the M63 weapon system, American arms de-
signer Eugene Stoner turned to designing a new light machine gun
chambered for the 5.56mm NATO round. The result was called the

d20 MODERN
Ares, a weapon using a gas-powered action locked by a rotating
bolt. The Ares was extremely compact and lightweight, and it could
Ultimax M100
Singaporean 5.56mm Light Machine Gun
easily be carried and fired on the move. A folding stock was fitted
to reduce length. Though an excellent design, the Ares lost out to
the Belgian M249 Minimi (see the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon
entry, above) for the U.S. Army’s SAW trials in the early 1980s and
was never put into widespread production.
The Ares design has recently been revived by Knights Armament
Company (KAC) in a new incarnation called the Stoner Light
Machine Gun. This is a thoroughly modernized version, incorpo-
The Ultimax was developed to be as light as possible so that it could
rating a number of advanced features. The new Stoner is even
be effectively carried and employed by a single individual, even on
lighter than its predecessor and uses a shorter barrel to reduce
the move. Extensive use is made of metal stampings to keep weight
length still further. For maintenance, it disassembles quickly into
down. The furniture is plastic. The action features an unusually long
six components.
recoil spring, which allows the bolt to travel backward and recip-
The Stoner incorporates a number of hardware components
rocate without striking the rear receiver plate (a patented feature
from the latest M16 assault rifle models. The pistol grip and collaps-
called “constant recoil”). This slows the rate of fire significantly but
ible shoulder stock are taken from the M4 carbine. The receiver and
also keeps the Ultimax from jumping about when fired.
forward grip feature KAC mounting rails, permitting the quick fitting
Variants: The Ultimax Mk I and Mk II are earlier models with
of a variety of different accessories. Popular attachments include a
fixed barrels. The Mk III is an improved version featuring a quick-
light bipod, a vertical forward grip for firing from the hip, and optical
change barrel.
sights or night-vision devices for aiming.
Who Uses It: The Ultimax serves with the armed forces of
Damage: 2d8
Critical: 20
Magazine: Linked
Size: Large
Croatia and Singapore. It has proven popular with special opera-
tions and counterterrorist forces (including the U.S. Navy SEALs) 173
because of its light weight and low recoil.
Uirapuru Range Increment: 80 ft.
Rate of Fire: A
Purchase DC: 20
Restriction: Mil (+3)
Brazilian 7.62mm General Purpose Machine Gun
XM214 Microgun
American 5.56mm Minigun
The Uirapuru uses a conventional gas-powered action and fires
MACHINE GUNS
the 7.62mm NATO cartridge. Its tubular receiver and squared belt-
feed cover give it a distinctive appearance. The barrel features a
The XM214, also known as the Six Pack, is essentially a scaled-down
quick-change mechanism and a highly efficient muzzle brake.
version of the General Electric M134 rechambered to fire the smaller
A flexible weapon, the Uirapuru can be fired either from a bipod
5.56mm NATO cartridge. It functions in much the same manner as
or a tripod as circumstances dictate. It can also be used in pintle
its larger cousin, but it incorporates a number of improvements to
mounts on vehicles, naval vessels, and helicopter door guns.
the basic system. A safety lever is fitted to disable the action and
Variants: A special coaxial version has been developed for use
prevent firing, and a clutch system stops the rotating barrels when
in vehicle turrets.
the trigger is released. The mechanism can be disassembled without
Who Uses It: The Uirapuru is the standard GPMG of the Brazilian
tools, making maintenance easier.
armed forces.

Chapter Eight
GRENADE
LAUNCHERS
Grenade launchers are heavy weapons designed to provide high-explosive
fire support, meant to fill the gap between the longest range of hand-thrown
grenades and the shortest range of infantry mortars or other artillery. They
are widely used by military infantry units for this role. Police forces also use
grenade launchers, especially to fire tear gas or flash-bang grenades during
riot control and hostage-rescue operations.
The earliest grenade launchers were simple attachments on the ends of
rifle barrels, used to fire specialized shells known as
“rifle grenades” or “shoot-through grenades.” Rifle
grenades were widely used in World War II. They
remain in use to this day but are no longer as popular.
After the war, experimentation led to the development of what
was essentially a large shotgun—a simple, single-shot weapon
firing a large-bore shell. The shell used was essentially a con-
ventional ammunition cartridge made in a large caliber, such
as 40mm. The grenade shell had a cartridge case that held the
propellant charge, an explosive projectile, and a primer. It was
loaded and fired just like a large bullet. These grenade launchers
fired at a relatively low muzzle velocity to counter-
act the recoil that comes from such a huge round,
enabling the weapons to be fired by hand.
This new type of grenade launcher proved
remarkably successful, giving the infantry squad
considerable additional firepower. In addition, the low
muzzle velocity of the grenades made it necessary for
them to be fired in high, plunging arcs down onto their
targets—enabling them to be lobbed over intervening
terrain to hit targets in defilade, as with a mortar. Typical
of this type of grenade launcher is the American M79,
which proved effective during fighting in Vietnam.
The biggest drawback of the M79 was that its weight
prevented the grenadier carrying it from carrying a rifle
for protection at the same time. When not firing
grenades, the grenadier was forced to rely on a side
arm or the covering fire of fellow soldiers. This proved
problematic in combat, because many grenadiers found that
they needed a rifle for close-in fighting. The solution was to
combine the rifle and the grenade launcher into a single weapon
system. The grenade launcher was mounted under the rifle’s
barrel, allowing the grenadier to switch between the two
weapons as needed. This approach proved popular, enabling
the infantry squad to benefit from the fire support of a grenade
launcher without having to give up one of its riflemen to do so.

d20 MODERN
Today, this type of underbarrel grenade launcher is widely used by
armies worldwide. A typical example is the American M203. d20 MODERN RULES
While the combined rifle/grenade-launcher weapon system The rules in this section supplement those in the d20 Modern
provided a way to include a support weapon in the infantry squad, Roleplaying Game, and apply to the firearms described in this
it had a few problems of its own. The combined weapon system chapter.
was often heavy and awkward. The added weight of the grenade Proficiency: One must have the Exotic Weapon Proficiency
launcher, which was set well forward on the rifle’s barrel, threw (grenade launchers) feat to fire a grenade launcher without taking a
off the weapon’s balance and made it difficult to aim properly. In –4 penalty on the attack roll.
light of this, many modern assault rifles are designed to incorporate Attacking a Square: Attacking with a grenade launcher is iden-
grenade launchers from the outset. The launcher mechanism is tical to throwing an explosive (see Grenades and Explosives, page
seamlessly incorporated into the rifle, providing a balanced and ef- 104 of the d20 Modern Roleplaying Game). You make a ranged
ficient total package. Typical of this trend are the Belgian FN F2000 attack against a specific 5-foot square (instead of targeting a person
and the Russian OTs-14 weapon systems. or creature). A 5-foot square has a Defense of 10, modified by cover.
Most hand-held grenade launchers are single-shot weapons. The differences between using a grenade launcher and throwing
They are mechanically simple, consisting of little more than a an explosive lie in the range of the weapon (which far exceeds the
break-open breech, a trigger mechanism, and a barrel. This design distance a hand grenade can be thrown).
simplifies maintenance and training, and it keeps production costs Folding Stocks: A few grenade launchers feature folding stocks.
down. The tradeoff is in rate of fire—typically, a grenade launcher (Some weapons feature collapsible stocks; for game purposes, these
has to be reloaded manually after every shot. are the same as folding stocks.) Folding a weapon’s stock grants a
A few grenade launchers have been designed with ammunition +2 circumstance bonus on Sleight of Hand checks made to conceal
magazines to eliminate the need to constantly reload the weapon. the weapon.
Such weapons are capable of rapid semiautomatic fire, allowing Using a Large or larger weapon with the stock folded imposes a
the grenadier to lay down a volley of high-explosive shells like a
one-man mortar barrage. Typical examples of this kind of weapon
–1 penalty on all attack rolls. Folding or unfolding a folding stock is a
move action. If you have a base attack bonus of +1 or higher, you can
175
include the South African MGL Mark 1, which operates as a large fold or unfold a folding stock as a free action when moving.
revolver, and the Russian GM-94, which uses a tubular magazine
like a large shotgun.
The vast majority of military grenade launchers in use today are
chambered to fire 40mm rounds. This can be a bit misleading, since
GRENADE LAUNCHER DESCRIPTIONS
The grenade launchers in this chapter are presented alphabetically.
there are many different 40mm ammunition types in use. Automatic
See Table 8–1: Explosive Projectiles, on the following page, for sta-
grenade launchers use high-velocity shells that are too powerful to
tistics of different types of grenades.
use in hand-held weapons. Even when just dealing with low-veloci-
ty, hand-fired shells, there are both NATO and Soviet bloc standards
GRENADE LAUNCHERS
for ammunition, and the two are not always compatible. As with
shotgun ammunition, the shooter must ensure that the rounds being
6G-30
Russian 40mm Rotary Grenade Launcher
used are appropriate for the weapon in question.
A wide range of shells is available in 40mm, giving grenade
launchers tremendous tactical flexibility. The large size of launched
grenade rounds means that designers can include a considerable
“payload” for delivery to the target. High-explosive and frag-
mentation shells can be used for fire support. Hollow-charge,
armor-piercing rounds can be used for antitank fire. White phos-
phorus and incendiary shells are available for fire attacks. Smoke
The 6G-30 is a six-shot rotary grenade launcher system. It was de-
grenades are available in a variety of colors and can be used either
signed for use by Special Forces units of the MVD (Russian Ministry
to signal or to create a smokescreen. Nonlethal grenades include
of Internal Affairs) to provide rapid volleys of high-explosive fire for
baton rounds that can incapacitate a target without killing, rubber
suppression or support. When fighting broke out in Chechnya in the
shot rounds that can spray an area with stinging rubber pellets, and
early 1990s, the MVD issued an emergency requirement for a semiau-
flash-bang shells that can be fired through windows or doorways
tomatic grenade launcher. The 6G-30 was developed in a high-speed
that are too far away for a grenade to be thrown by hand.
crash program in late 1993, taking just eleven days to go from the
Their tactical flexibility makes grenade launchers highly useful
drawing board to the first working prototypes. It was rushed into
and practical weapons. A grenadier can drop high-explosive rounds
service with MVD troops in combat in Chechnya one month later.
on an enemy strongpoint, lay down a smokescreen to cover the
The 6G-30 is built around a large revolver cylinder. A collapsible
movement of friendly troops, or hit a tank with armor-piercing fire.
shoulder stock provides stability. The trigger mechanism works as a
Modern infantry tactics rely on this readily available and highly
double action only. Iron sights are fitted for aiming.
flexible fire support.
Each chamber in the 6G-30’s cylinder is actually a GP-25 grenade
Nonlethal ammunition makes grenade launchers valuable to
launcher barrel. As the weapon is fired, the chambers rotate and
police forces as well. They are especially important for delivering
advance the next barrel to the firing position. When the action locks
tear gas as an antiriot weapon, giving police the ability to disperse a
for firing, the cylinder slides forward to seal the individual chamber
crowd without the need to get too close and risk a violent melee.
against the weapon’s main barrel.
While military grenade launchers are usually designed to fire
The 6G-30 takes a long time to reload. In response to this, an
40mm shells, those developed especially for police use are more
extractor has been fitted to quickly eject the spent cartridge cases
often chambered in 37mm. Consequently, police grenade launchers
once all six chambers have been fired. In addition, the MVD has
are demonstrably more benign than full military weapons, since
issued a requirement for the development of new specialty 40mm
they cannot be used to fire the most devastating munitions.
ammunition for the 6G-30, including nonlethal types.
Who Uses It: The 6G-30 is in service with special units of the
Russian MVD and has been offered for export sales.

d20 MODERN
this way, it essentially works like a scaled-up version of the PSS or
Damage: See Table 8–1 Size: Medium MSP silent pistol.
Range Increment: 70 ft. Weight: 3 lb. After firing, a new grenade must be loaded by hand. The propel-
Rate of Fire: Single Purchase DC: 14 lant action is cycled with a bolt, which ejects the empty cartridge
Magazine: 6 cyl Restriction: Mil (+3) case, loads a new propellant charge, and resets the firing piston.
The BS-1 attaches to a parent weapon in the same manner any
other underbarrel grenade launcher. So far, it has always been seen
BS-1 Silent Grenade Launcher mounted on a suppressed AKS-74U assault carbine with a specially
Russian 30mm Single-Shot Silenced Grenade Launcher modified forward grip. Whether it has been adapted for use on
other weapons is uncertain.
The BS-1 is also sometimes referred to in Russian literature as the
RGA-86. This is apparently nothing more than an alternate designa-
tion, since the weapon is the same.
d20 Modern Rules: This is a silenced weapon. A Listen check
(DC 20) is required to notice the sound of the weapon firing.
Damage: See Table 8–1 Size: Large

The BS-1 is a single-shot grenade launcher designed for silent firing, Range Increment: 50 ft. Weight: 3 lb.
for use by special operations units. The idea of a silent grenade Rate of Fire: Single Purchase DC: 16
launcher is somewhat counterintuitive, since the exploding grenade Magazine: 1 int Restriction: Mil (+3)
will make plenty of noise in any event; however, there are some
advantages. The silent firing of the BS-1 may keep enemies from
176 pinpointing the source of the grenades being fired at them. The
weapon’s reduced firing signature is also beneficial for fighting in
CIS 40GL
Singaporean 40mm Single-Shot Grenade Launcher
confined spaces.
The BS-1’s designers knew that silencing a grenade launcher
would call for creative thinking. A conventional suppressor would
be impractical on a 30mm launcher bore. Instead, they did away
with a cartridge-style grenade round entirely. Each “shot” for the
BS-1 consists of two separate parts—a compact propellant charge,
which is really just a powerfully loaded blank pistol cartridge, and a
30mm high-explosive shell. The propellant charges are loaded into
a box magazine that feeds into the BS-1’s firing grip, just as on an The 40GL is a single-shot grenade launcher from Chartered
GRENADE LAUNCHERS
autoloader pistol. The shells are loaded into the BS-1’s muzzle, as Industries of Singapore. It consists of a barrel, a receiver with a
on the GP-25. When the BS-1 is fired, the mechanism detonates the plastic pistol grip, and the attachment mount. This mount can be
blank propellant charge in the chamber. The expanding gases are removed, allowing it to attach to a variety of modern assault weap-
used to drive a large piston, which forces the grenade shell out of ons, and replaced with different versions. It can also be replaced
the barrel and downrange. The piston traps all the firing gases inside with a plastic shoulder stock, allowing the 40GL to be used as a
the weapon, together with the smoke, flash, and noise of firing. In stand-alone grenade launcher. To load the weapon, the safety catch
TABLE 8–1: EXPLOSIVE PROJECTILES

Damage Burst Reflex Purchase
Weapon Damage Critical Type Radius Save DC Size Weight DC Restriction
20mm burst shell 3d6 1 — Slashing 5 ft. 14 Tiny 0.5 lb. 18 Mil (+3)
30mm HEAT grenade 3d62 — Slashing 10 ft. 16 Tiny 1 lb. 19 Mil (+3)
35mm incendiary cartridge 2d6 3 — Fire 20 ft. 12 Tiny 1 lb. 15 Mil (+3)
37mm rubber bullet 3d6 nonlethal 20 Bludgeoning — — Tiny 1 lb. 15 Mil (+3)
37mm tear gas shell Special1 — — Special1 — Tiny 1 lb. 15 Res (+2)
4
40mm shotgun/”Beehive” round 4d10 20 Ballistic — — Tiny 1 lb. 14 Mil (+3)
40mm fragmentation grenade 3d6 — Slashing 10 ft. 15 Tiny 1 lb. 16 Mil (+3)
40mm smoke grenade — — — Special5 — Tiny 1 lb. 10 —
3
40mm white phosphorus grenade 2d6 — Fire 20 ft. 15 Tiny 1 lb. 16 Mil (+3)
43mm flare grenade — — — Special6 — Tiny 1 lb. 10 —
43mm flash bomb 3d6 — Bludgeoning 20 ft. 16 Tiny 1 lb. 19 Mil (+3)
43mm fragmentation grenade 3d6 — Slashing 10 ft. 15 Tiny 1 lb. 16 Mil (+3)
40mm smoke grenade — — — Special5 — Tiny 1 lb. 10 —
76.2mm HE shell 4d6 — Slashing 30 ft. 16 Small 2 lb. 19 Mil (+3)
1 See the tear gas grenade in Chapter Four of the d20 Modern Roleplaying Game for additional rules.
2 This projectile ignores 5 points of hardness when fired at an object or structure.
3 See the white phosphorus grenade in Chapter Four of the d20 Modern Roleplaying Game for rules on additional damage in
subsequent rounds, smoke, and catching fire.
4 This is a 40mm bundle of darts with a range increment of 20 feet. Like shotguns, reduce the damage of this projectile by 1 point for
every range increment of the attack.
5 See the smoke grenade in Chapter Four of the d20 Modern Roleplaying Game for additional rules.
6 The flare provides light equivalent to daylight in a 60-foot radius for 1 minute. Individuals using nightvision goggles within the flare’s
radius must succeed on a Fortitude save (DC 15) or be blinded for 2d6 rounds.

d20 MODERN
is first swung to the rear. This unlocks the barrel, allowing the breech barrel, a trigger mechanism, and a distinctively shaped wooden
to be opened and a round inserted. The action is then snapped gripstock. Its simple design and operation make it well suited to
closed, which locks it into place for firing. When the safety catch is the rigors of field use.
released, the 40GL is ready to fire. Iron sights are also provided. For loading, the M79 breaks open much like a shotgun, and a sin-
CIS markets the 40GL in conjunction with the Czech Model 58 as- gle 40mm shell is inserted into the open breech. It is then snapped
sault rifle. A special mount replaces the Model 58’s normal foregrip, closed and is ready to fire. This break-open mechanism allows the
allowing the 40GL to be attached. M79 to be safely carried with the action open.
Because of the M79’s relatively low muzzle velocity, it must
Damage: See Table 8–1 Size: Large be fired in a relatively high, plunging arc for long-range shots. In
Range Increment: 70 ft. Weight: 5 lb. this manner, it can be used much like a mortar, to lob shells over
Rate of Fire: Single Purchase DC: 14 intervening cover or terrain. The flip-up volley sights are unusually
Magazine: 1 int Restriction: Mil (+3) tall because of this.
The M79 simplicity and practicality make it a highly successful
design. Its indirect fire capability lets it double as a light mortar
Colt Launcher System as well.
American 40mm Single-Shot Grenade Launcher Who Uses It: In 1961, U.S. forces adopted the M79. It saw consid-
erable action in Vietnam. In the 1970s, it was replaced by the M203
(see below). The M79 was exported to dozens of other nations as
well and remains in service in many of them to this day. In addition
to military service, it has also seen widespread police use as a tear
gas grenade launcher.
Damage: See Table 8–1

Size: Large
Weight: 7 lb.
177
The Colt Launcher System is an accessory set designed to allow Rate of Fire: Single Purchase DC: 14
an M203 grenade launcher to be used independently of the M16 Magazine: 1 int Restriction: Mil (+3)
rifle. While a pistol grip assembly has long been available for the
M203, permitting its use when not fitted to a rifle, it was designed
as a secondary method of use for emergency situations where the Colt M203
M16 was not available for mounting. The Colt Launcher System is a American 40mm Single-Shot Grenade Launcher
more sophisticated design, intended to turn the M203 into a fully
independent weapon in its own right.
The Launcher System is a relatively simple collection of parts.
GRENADE LAUNCHERS
It consists of an M16A2 shoulder stock, pistol grip, and forward
grenade-launcher grip mounted on a simple chassis that is designed
to accept the M203. For aiming, the standard M203 flip-up sights
mount on the front of the handguard, just as they do on the full-
sized rifle. The shoulder stock is detachable, allowing the launcher
to be fired with just the pistol grip if desired. This reduces the over- The M203 was designed to replace the M79 in U.S. military service.
all length considerably, at the cost of accuracy. A collapsible M4 Though effective, the M79 was large and heavy enough that it was
carbine stock can also be fitted instead of the standard rifle stock. impractical for a single soldier to carry both it and a regular rifle.
The Colt Launcher System works exactly like an M203 mounted This left M79 grenadiers vulnerable in combat, because they had to
on an M16. It is a single-shot weapon with a break-open action and rely on rifle fire from their fellow troops for protection. The M203
sights designed for high-angle lobbing fire. Sling swivels are provided was developed to provide a combination rifle/grenade launcher
to facilitate carrying. system, allowing the grenadier to fight as an ordinary rifleman
when not actually firing grenades.
Damage: See Table 8–1 Size: Medium The solution was to take a simple 40mm grenade launcher action
Range Increment: 70 ft. Weight: 7 lb. and attach it under the barrel of a standard M16 rifle, allowing either
Rate of Fire: Single Purchase DC: 14 weapon to be used as needed. The action of the M203 slides open,
Magazine: 1 int Restriction: Mil (+3) rather than breaking open like a shotgun. The barrel slides forward
to open the firing chamber, allowing a 40mm round to be inserted.
The barrel then slides back, locking the action shut for firing. A
Colt M79 trigger is positioned at the rear. When mounted on the rifle, this is
American 40mm Single-Shot Grenade Launcher adjacent to the rifle’s magazine, allowing that to serve as a grip.
Mounting the M203 to the M16 is straightforward and can be
done in minutes with a common screwdriver. The M203 incorpo-
rates a new forward grip pierced with ventilation holes, which
replaces the standard plastic foregrip. On newer models, this spe-
cial foregrip is omitted and replaced with mounting lugs allowing
it to be attached to a standard accessory rail, as is incorporated on
the KAC (Knights Armament Company) rail interface system of the
Affectionately dubbed the “Blooper” by U.S. troops due to its M16A4 (see the M16 entry in Chapter Two).
distinctive firing sound, the M79 was one of the first dedicated Like the M79, the M203 is designed to fire in a high arc, allowing
grenade launchers to enter widespread military service. Essentially it to shoot over intervening obstacles. Special sights are fitted for
a large single-shot, break-open shotgun designed to fire low-veloc- this high-elevation aiming. Construction is from an aluminum alloy
ity 40mm grenade rounds, the M79 consists of little more than a to keep weight down. When not attached to the rifle, the M203 can

d20 MODERN
be fitted with a pistol grip and folding stock, allowing it to be used behind the breech. All that is necessary to fire the weapon is insert-
as a stand-alone grenade launcher. ing a shell and pulling the trigger.
The M203 was an innovative and practical solution to a serious The GP-25 replaces the forward grip of the Kalashnikov rifle.
problem. The over-under rifle/grenade launcher concept has since The GP-25 can be mounted onto virtually any Kalashnikov series
been widely copied by other manufacturers. In addition, though the weapon, including the compact AKS-74U (through the addition of
M203 was originally developed for the M16, adapters have been pro- a barrel extension).
duced permitting its use on virtually any assault rifle in use today. Who Uses It: The GP-25 has been issued in large quantities and is
This includes the Steyr AUG, the FN FAL, the H&K G3, the AK series, in widespread use throughout the former Soviet Union and its client
and dozens of others. states. It is also made under license in Bulgaria.
Who Uses It: Over two hundred thousand M203s have been
built, and more than half of them are in U.S. military service. The Damage: See Table 8–1 Size: Medium
M203 is issued at the squad level in both Army and Marine infantry Range Increment: 60 ft. Weight: 4 lb.
units. It is also popular with special operations units worldwide, Rate of Fire: Single Purchase DC: 14
even in nations where it is not issued to rank-and-file troops. M203s Magazine: 1 int Restriction: Mil (+3)
are produced under license in South Korea,and in Egypt (where it is
known as the Maadi; see below).
GP-30
Damage: See Table 8–1 Size: Medium Russian 40mm Single-Shot Grenade Launcher
Range Increment: 70 ft. Weight: 4 lb.
Rate of Fire: Single Purchase DC: 14
Magazine: 1 int Restriction: Mil (+3)
178 GM-94
Russian 43mm Pump-Action Grenade Launcher
The GP-30 is a follow-on derivative of the popular GP-25 grenade

launcher, designed to be smaller, lighter, and easier to manufacture.
The barrel is shortened, and the rear frame behind the firing grip is
omitted. The attachment mount has been redesigned as well, allow-
ing it to use a variety of weapons instead of just AK-pattern assault
rifles. It was originally developed for the AK “Hundred Series.”
In most other respects, the GP-30 is identical to the GP-25. It
GRENADE LAUNCHERS
The GM-94 is similar in design and operation to the RM-93 tactical fires the same 40mm ammunition and has comparable ballistic
shotgun (see Chapter Six). The GM-94’s tubular magazine holds up performance.
to 4 rounds. Unlike most shotguns, the magazine tube runs over the Who Uses It: The GP-30 is slowly replacing the earlier Kastyor in
barrel. The pump action is cycled forward to eject the spent round many states, including Russia.
and then backward again to load a new one off the magazine and
seal the chamber for firing. For loading, ammunition is fed into an Damage: See Table 8–1 Size: Medium
opening in the top of the weapon. Range Increment: 60 ft. Weight: 3 lb.
Construction is metal overall, with plastic grips. A folding stock Rate of Fire: Single Purchase DC: 14
improves stability. The large bore over-under tubes of the barrel and Magazine: 1 int Restriction: Mil (+3)
magazine give the GM-94 a distinctive appearance.
The GM-94 is chambered in an unusual 43mm caliber, rather than
using standard Russian 40mm shells. GP-95/GP-97
Russian 40mm Single-Shot Grenade Launchers
GP-25 Kastyor
Russian 40mm Single-Shot Grenade Launcher
The GP-95 and GP-97 are ultracompact grenade launchers designed
for use with the A-91 and A-91M assault rifles, respectively. The GP-
95 attaches under the A-91’s barrel, while the GP-97 fits on top of
the A-91M, above the forward firing grip.
Apart from the differences in mounting hardware and trigger
placement, the GP-95 and GP-97 are essentially identical. Similar
in operation to the GP-25, they are considerably smaller, with very
The GP-25 was the Soviet answer to the American M203 underbar- short barrels.
rel grenade launcher, designed to attach to an AK-74 assault rifle in Neither the GP-95 nor the GP-97 has gone into widespread use.
much the same way that the M203 fits onto an M16. Their fates no doubt will be linked to their associated rifles—if either
The GP-25 is a compact and lightweight design with a very short the A-91 or A-91M finds success, then the resulting demand for a
barrel. The trigger and a rudimentary grip are positioned directly compatible grenade launcher will follow.

d20 MODERN
Damage: See Table 8–1 Size: Medium Who Uses It: The HK69 is the standard grenade launcher of the
Range Increment: 60 ft. Weight: 3 lb. German armed forces, though it is gradually being replaced by the
Rate of Fire: Single Purchase DC: 14 newer AG36. It has also been widely exported and serves in both
Magazine: 1 int Restriction: Mil (+3) Saudi Arabia and Sri Lanka.

H&K AG36 Range Increment: 70 ft. Weight: 6 lb.
German 40mmm Single-Shot Grenade Launcher Rate of Fire: Single Purchase DC: 15
H&K HK79
German 40mm Single-Shot Grenade Launcher
The Heckler & Koch AG36 is a new underbarrel grenade launcher de-
signed for use with the G36 assault rifle. The combined rifle/grenade
launcher, known as the tactical group system (TGS), fires all NATO-
standard 40mm grenade rounds.
The earlier HK79, designed for use on the G3 rifle family, was The HK79 is an underbarrel grenade launcher designed for use with
criticized for being too heavy. H&K responded with the lightweight the G3 series of assault rifles. Unlike the earlier HK69A1, it cannot
AG36 design, whose construction includes composite materials and be used as a stand-alone weapon system. Although less tactically
a barrel made of aluminum alloy.
The form of the AG36 is designed to mate seamlessly with the
flexible than the HK69, the HK79 presents a more streamlined design
that is less awkward when attached to the rifle.
179
G36 rifle, creating a neatly balanced combined system. Its barrel The HK79 uses a break-open action in which the barrel drops
swings to the side to open the breech for loading. A flip-up sight down for loading. The user then cocks the weapon, which locks the
fits over the top of the barrel. A plastic pistol grip is fitted for inde- firing pin back. A large trigger button is positioned on the left-hand
pendent use when the AG36 is not fitted to the rifle. This serves as side of the mounting grip. A safety catch is also fitted.
a vertical foregrip for the rifle when attached. Attaching the HK79 to the G3 is a simple procedure that can be done
In addition to its G36 mounting system, H&K has developed in minutes without tools. The forward grip of the G3 is removed, and the
attachment lugs for use with M16-pattern rifles in an attempt to HK79 is snapped into place and held in position with a pin. The mount is
export the AG36 to the large community of M16 users. designed not to touch the barrel in any way, so the accuracy of the rifle
Who Uses It: The AG36 is in service with the German armed forces. is unhindered. Flip-up iron sights are attached to the rifle’s rear sight.
GRENADE LAUNCHERS
Variants: A modified HK79 was adopted for use with the British
Damage: See Table 8–1 Size: Medium L85A1 assault rifle. Designated SA-80, it is essentially identical to the
Range Increment: 70 ft. Weight: 3 lb. HK79 except for the different mounting grip.
Rate of Fire: Single Purchase DC: 15 Who Uses It: The HK79 is in service in Nicaragua, Norway, and
Magazine: 1 int Restriction: Mil (+3) Panama.
Damage: See Table 8–1 Size: Medium

H&K HK69A1 Granatpistole Range Increment: 70 ft. Weight: 3 lb.
German 40mm Single-Shot Grenade Launcher Rate of Fire: Single Purchase DC: 15
HAFLA DM 34
German 35mm Single-Use Flame Cartridge Launcher
The 40mm HK69A1 is a lightweight compact grenade launcher—es-

sentially just a large pistol with a vertical firing grip, a collapsible
shoulder stock, and a break-open action. It was designed to function
in two different roles as needed: either as an underbarrel weapon
on the G3 series of assault rifles, or for independent use as a stand-
alone grenade launcher like the American M79. The HAFLA DM 34 is a disposable hand-fired rocket launcher de-
For loading, the barrel swings open just above the pistol grip, a signed to hurl an incendiary cartridge. It consists of an aluminum
40mm round fits into the breech, and the barrel snaps closed. The launch tube holding a single rocket shell. The folding handgrip
hammer cocks back manually, signaling that the weapon is ready to opens to expose the trigger. Because the weapon is meant for use
fire. An ambidextrous safety catch is fitted to prevent accidental at relatively close range, no sights are fitted. After firing, the empty
firing. The weapon’s iron sights fold down flush with the barrel launch tube is discarded.
when not in use. The shell contains both a propellant charge and an incendiary
Variants: The HK69 is also produced in 37mm, designed for use as cartridge designed to explode two seconds after launch, bursting
a riot-control weapon with tear gas or rubber projectiles. The 37mm in midair to disperse flaming red phosphorus fragments over a
version has a range increment of 50 feet; otherwise, its statistics are 20-foot radius.
identical to the 40mm version. Who Uses It: The HAFLA DM 34 is in German military service.

d20 MODERN
Damage: See Table 8–1 Size: Large The AUG’s exposed barrel necessitated the ISL 274’s relatively
Range Increment: 20 ft. Weight: 17 lb. short length. Like most underslung grenade launchers, the ISL 274 is
Rate of Fire: Single Purchase DC: 15 a simple break-open mechanism designed for use with low-velocity
Magazine: None* Restriction: Mil (+3) shells. To open the action, the barrel swings to the side, exposing
*This weapon is fired once, then discarded. the open breech and allowing a grenade to be loaded. After firing,
the spent cartridge case jettisons when the action is opened. The
side-swinging mechanism can be set by the user to open in either
ISTEC ISL 200 Compact Series direction.
British 40mm Single-Shot Grenade Launcher Attaching the ISL 274 requires that the AUG’s standard forward
handgrip be removed and replaced with a special model that in-
corporates the grenade launcher mount. The launcher can then be
easily fitted and removed as needed.
Variants: The ISL 274 is available with a range of different mount-
ing hardware, allowing it to be fitted to a number of assault rifles in
current use. The version designed for use with the M16/M4 series is
called the ISL 275 and has statistics identical to the ISL 274.
The ISL 200 series is a range of compact grenade launchers that can Damage: See Table 8–1 Size: Medium
be used independently or underslung beneath other primary arma- Range Increment: 70 ft. Weight: 3 lb.
ments. Their small size makes them suitable for use on submachine Rate of Fire: Single Purchase DC: 14
guns or short-barreled assault carbines. They were originally devel- Magazine: 1 int Restriction: Mil (+3)
oped for use on the H&K MP5 submachine gun and the HK35 assault
180 carbine, which are popular in the special operations community.
When the ISL 200 employed as a stand-alone weapon, it uses a Lacroix Samourai Urban Warfare Weapon
pistol grip and a folding shoulder stock that incorporates iron sights French 76.2mm Single-Shot Support Weapon
for aiming. These can be easily detached so that the launcher can be
fitted to a rifle or submachine gun. The ISL 200 uses a simple break-
open action; for loading, the barrel swings out to the side much
like on the ISL 274 (above). The trigger operates as a double-action
mechanism, with a long pull to prevent accidental firing.
Variants: Four designations are used for the different configura-
tions of the ISL 200: ISL 201 for the underslung 40mm model, ISL
202 for the underslung 37mm model, ISL 203 for the hand-held
GRENADE LAUNCHERS
40mm model, and ISL 204 for the hand-held 37mm model. Since The French Samourai Urban Warfare weapon (SUW) is a shoul-
the weapon can be readily converted between these four different der-fired launcher designed to support infantry units in close-in
arrangements as needed, they are essentially all the same system. fighting—a role traditionally filled by recoilless rifles, which are
Some police departments, however, may not issue the 40mm essentially shoulder-fired rocket launchers. Recoilless rifles have
barrels, so that their ISL 200s can be used only with riot-control limited use in urban combat due to their powerful backblast, mak-
37mm ammunition and not with the more dangerous 40mm high- ing them dangerous to fire in enclosed spaces such as buildings or
explosive shells. vehicles. The Samourai seeks to solve the problems traditionally
d20 Modern Rules: Any weapon in the ISL 200 series can be associated with recoilless rifles. Instead of firing a rocket, it fires a
converted to fire a different ammunition type—40mm grenades, conventional large-bore cartridge with a primer, propellant charge,
37mm grenades, or 12-gauge shotgun shells—in 5 minutes with a projectile shell, and metal casing. These factors eliminate backblast,
successful Repair check (DC 10). allowing the user to safely fire the Samourai in confined spaces.
The Samourai’s big 76.2mm HE shell is considerably larger than
Damage: See Table 8–1 Size: Medium the 40mm cartridges fired by most of today’s grenade launch-
Range Increment: 70 ft. Weight: 3 lb.* ers, giving it far more powerful blast and fragmentation effects.
Rate of Fire: Single Purchase DC: 14 Ordinarily, the recoil forces on such a large-bore weapon would
Magazine: 1 int Restriction: Mil (+3) preclude its use in a hand-held system. To counteract this, the
*The ISL 203 and ISL 204 versions each weigh 5 lb. Samourai uses a complex series of shock absorbers to disperse
recoil forces to a manageable level. It is breech-loaded, much like
an old bazooka. The shell is inserted into the back of the weapon,
ISTEC ISL 274 and the breech is then closed and locked for firing. The spent shell
British 40mm Single-Shot Grenade Launcher casing is automatically ejected during the firing cycle, leaving the
weapon ready for instant reloading.
Simple optical sights are provided for aiming, and the shells are
fin-stabilized to improve accuracy. The SUW’s low muzzle velocity
gives it a relatively short range.
Though still in development, the Samourai shows considerable
promise as a tactical weapon system for urban warfare.

The ISL 274 was developed for the Australian Army’s AUG/F88 as- Range Increment: 50 ft. Weight: 8 lb.
sault rifles. The bullpup configuration and the unique shape of the Rate of Fire: Single Purchase DC: 17
AUG made it unsuitable for use with the American M203, which is Magazine: 1 int Restriction: Mil (+3)
the most common underslung grenade launcher in use today.

d20 MODERN
Maadi GL Milkor UBGL
Egyptian 40mm Single-Shot Grenade Launcher South African 40mm Single-Shot Grenade Launcher
The Egyptian Maadi GL is essentially a licensed-built copy of the The Milkor UBGL (Under Barrel Grenade Launcher) is a conventional
American M203 designed for use on the Kalashnikov rifle. Conversion over-under grenade launching system adapted for use on a variety
kits are available (purchase DC 12), allowing it to be mounted on a of modern assault weapons. It comes with a range of mounting rails,
variety of other popular assault rifles, as well. Appearance and and the launcher can be quickly removed from (and reattached to)
operation are essentially identical to the M203. It can be quickly its mounting rail as needed. Operation is simple, with a break-open
removed and reattached to a rifle as needed. system in which the barrel swings up to the side to open the breech.
The Maadi GL is also produced as a stand-alone weapon, using a The double-action-only trigger mechanism permits safe carry with-
wooden thumbhole shoulder stock to permit independent use. out the risk of accidental discharge.
Who Uses It: The Maadi GL is the standard grenade launcher of
the Egyptian Army. Damage: See Table 8–1 Size: Medium
Damage: See Table 8–1 Size: Medium Rate of Fire: Single Purchase DC: 14
Weight: 3 lb.
Purchase DC: 14
181
PALLAD
Polish 40mm Single-Shot Grenade Launcher
Milkor MGL Mark 1
South African 40mm Revolver Grenade Launcher
GRENADE LAUNCHERS
The Polish PALLAD is a single-shot 40mm grenade launcher designed
for underbarrel mounting on an AKM assault rifle with minimal
The MGL Mark 1 from South Africa is a stand-alone grenade launcher modification. A simple and conventional design, it features a break-
that incorporates a large 6-round revolver cylinder, eliminating the open firing chamber and iron sights.
need to reload after each shot and allowing a rapid semiautomatic Variants: The PALLAD is also produced in a stand-alone version,
volley of grenades. Though bulky, the MGL Mark 1 is surprisingly designed for independent use instead of for mounting on a rifle. Known
light due to extensive use of aluminum alloy in its construction. It as the PALLAD-D, this variant features a folding stock, a standard
features vertical grips and a folding shoulder stock, allowing it to be Kalashnikov pistol grip, and iron sights; it is considered a Large weapon,
held and fired like a rifle. but otherwise its statistics are similar to the standard PALLAD.
For loading, the rear of the weapon is unlocked and swings away Who Uses It: The Polish military has adopted both the PALLAD
from the cylinder, exposing the six chambers. The cylinder is wound and the PALLAD-D.
by hand on a coil spring, which advances it after every shot. The pro-
cess is simple and quick, facilitating a high sustained rate of fire. Damage: See Table 8–1 Size: Medium
With the action closed, the firing pin is kept in the uncocked posi- Range Increment: 70 ft. Weight: 5 lb.
tion until the moment of firing with the double-action trigger. This Rate of Fire: Single Purchase DC: 14
prevents unintended firing if the weapon is jolted or dropped. When Magazine: 1 int Restriction: Mil (+3)
the weapon is fired, gas pressure is used to unlock the cylinder,
which is then advanced to the next round by the coil spring.
The MGL Mark 1 is fitted with an optical sight. Simple iron sights Romarm AG-40 M80
are fitted underneath as a backup. Romanian 40mmm Single-Shot Grenade Launcher
Variants: An earlier version was introduced in the early 1980s
and refined into the MGL Mark I after extensive field experience. A
special pintle mount is also produced, allowing use as a vehicular
weapon.
Who Uses It: The MGL Mark I serves with the South African
armed forces. It has been exported to numerous countries, includ-
ing Colombia, Mexico, and Peru. It has also been illegally copied and
produced in Croatia.
The AG-40 Model 80 is a conventional underbarrel grenade launcher
Damage: See Table 8–1 Size: Large designed for use with Romanian-produced AK assault rifles. The
Range Increment: 70 ft. Weight: 12 lb. mounting hardware attaches to the AK’s forward grip. It is chambered
Rate of Fire: S Purchase DC: 15 to fire the Warsaw Pact-standard 40mm shells used by the Russian
Magazine: 6 cyl Restriction: Mil (+3) GP-25. It can also be used with NATO-standard 40mm rounds.

d20 MODERN
A lever unlocks the weapon’s action, allowing the barrel to slid
forward as on the American M203. This opens the breech for load-
SIG GL5040
Swiss 40mm Single-Shot Grenade Launcher
ing. When a round has been inserted, the barrel slides back into
place and locks. Instead of a trigger, a firing button is located on
the left-hand side of the receiver. A safety catch and iron sights are
fitted as well.
Variants: ROMARM also produces a NATO-standard version, de-
signed for use on AKs chambered to fire the NATO 5.56mm round. It
has statistics similar to the AG-40 M80.
Who Uses It: The AG-40 M80 is in service with the Romanian
The GL5040 is an underslung 40mm grenade launcher designed for
armed forces.
use with the SIG SG550 assault rifle. Like the American M203, it
features a simple break-open design with a barrel that slides forward
to open the breech for loading. It can be mounted on the SIG rifle
quickly and without tools. The weapon is fashioned from a light-
weight aluminum alloy and has a synthetic handgrip. For winter use,
the trigger guard is designed to accept heavy gloves or mittens.
Variants: SIG also produces a variant model, the GL5140,
RGB-1 designed for use on the compact SG551 carbine. Statistically, it is
identical to the GL5040; however, its attachment hardware has
Croatian 40mm Single-Shot Grenade Launcher
been modified for the shorter carbine barrel.
182 Damage: See Table 8–1

Size: Large
Weight: 4 lb.
The RGB-1 is a simple single-shot weapon designed to fit under the

forward grip of an AK-series assault rifle. The breech hinges out to
the left for loading. The trigger rests at the rear of the weapon,
allowing the shooter to use the rifle’s magazine as a firing grip. Iron
sights are provided for aiming. Alternative mounting hardware al-
lows the RGB-1 to be fitted to Galil rifles.
GRENADE LAUNCHERS
Who Uses It: The RGB-1 is in service with the Croatian Army.
Damage: See Table 8–1 Size: Medium


d20 MODERN
armed much along the same lines as their big-city counterparts.
APPENDIX I: Autoloaders such as Glocks or S&Ws are common. For a more col-
orful character, however, consider a high-powered revolver such as
WEAPONS IN USE the Ruger Super Redhawk or the Colt King Cobra instead. Because
police in rural areas often have to work far from the nearest backup,
they are more likely to have shotguns readily available in their cars
The vast number of firearms available today can be more than a
as well. Typical are the Ithaca Model 37 or the Remington Model
little bewildering, even to gun experts. Because of this, knowing
870P. Note that today many small towns also boast SWAT teams.
which weapon to equip the heroes and supporting characters with
Forest Rangers: Working in remote areas, forest rangers often
in a campaign can be difficult. This section is designed to aid you,
have to be ready to deal with a variety of threats. Dangerous animals
the GM, in choosing plausible and consistent firearms for your
are a more common hazard than violent criminals. For a side arm, a
adventures.
big, powerful revolver such as the S&W Model 586 is preferred. In
For heroes, this section should just be a guideline, unless the GM
places where especially large animals, such as grizzly bears, are com-
specifically decides otherwise. In most campaigns, players should
mon, a .44 Magnum model such as the Colt Anaconda or the Ruger
be free to choose the weapons for their characters; however, if
Super Redhawk packs more of a punch. Most rangers keep shotguns
they don’t know what to choose, this section can provide some
(such as the Remington Model 870) and high-powered rifles (such as
useful advice.
the Remington Model 700) close at hand as well.
The information in this appendix focuses on the United States,
Overseas: Police in Europe tend to be equipped with autoloader
where gun control laws are relatively relaxed and firearms are read-
pistols, much like their American counterparts. Glock and H&K mod-
ily available. For other countries, similar types of guns should be
els are widely popular. Instead of shotguns, many European police
used, but they might not be as common for some types of charac-
departments issue submachine guns, such as the Israeli Uzi or the
ters. For instance, in Europe, a bartender might not have a shotgun,
German H&K MP5. These are often semiautomatic-only versions,
but an armored car guard will probably be armed along the same
lines as his or her U.S. counterpart.
incapable of automatic fire. 183
When you want to equip a type of character that is not covered
here, try to find a similar category and use that as a guide. For
instance, say you are making up an adventure in which the villains
are members of a violent biker gang, and you want to know what
FEDERAL AGENTS
This category includes agents working for vrious government or-
weapons to give them. Biker gangs aren’t specifically listed here, but ganizations such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau
you can look to the entries for petty criminals or street gangs to of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF), and the Drug Enforcement
come up with a fair approximation. Administration (DEA).
The FBI: The current issue side arm for FBI agents is the .40
caliber Glock 22 or, for those who prefer it, the smaller Glock 23.
POLICE FORCES
This category includes beat cops, undercover officers, and SWAT
Backup pistols are the ultracompact Glock 27 and Glock 36. The
previously issued pistol was the 9mm SIG-Sauer P226 or P229, which
is still carried by some agents. Heavier weapons include semiauto-
team members.
matic-only versions of the H&K MP5 (in both 9mm and 10mm), the
Beat Cops: Ordinary cops once carried revolvers, generally mod-
5.56mm M4 carbine, and the Scattergun Technologies FBI Model
els such as the Colt Mark V series or the S&W Model 64. Since the
pump-action shotgun.
1980s, the shift has been toward autoloader pistols with high-capac-
Ordinary agents are not permitted to carry automatic weapons;
ity magazines. Popular models are the Glock 19 (used in New York
however, the FBI maintains a number of regional SWAT teams who
and Washington, D.C.), the Beretta Model 92 (used in Los Angeles),
can. These FBI SWAT teams use the automatic MP5 submachine gun
or one of the S&W Third Generation autoloaders. Shotguns are
in 9mm and 10mm, the M4 carbine, and the M165A2 assault rifle.
widely issued as well, usually pump-action models such as the
They also carry the Springfield FBI SWAT variant of the M1911. SWAT
Mossberg M590 Persuader or the Remington Model 870P.
snipers use Remington Model 700 and McMillan Model 87 rifles.
Detectives: Police detectives rely on brains more than brawn
The FBI’s elite counterterrorist unit is the Hostage Rescue Team
when dealing with crime. Most detectives carry the standard ser-
(HRT). Members are equipped largely along the same lines as the
vice side arm used by the rest of their departments (see Beat Cops,
regional SWAT teams. The HRT also employs the Barrett M82A1
above). Older detectives might be more set in their ways and may APPENDIX I
antimateriel rifle.
still carry revolvers instead of the newer autoloaders. Common
U.S. Marshals: The standard issue side arm for U.S. Marshals is
types include the S&W Model 64 or the Colt Mark V in .38 Special.
the Glock 19. The Special Operations Group (SOG) uses the 9mm
Undercover Police Officers: Undercover police officers favor
Colt 635 SMG, the Colt CAR-15 carbine, the M16A2 assault rifle, the
small, concealable weapons that they can carry without attract-
Ithaca Model 37 shotgun, and the Remington M24 sniper rifle.
ing attention. Typical are the ultracompact “Baby” Glock pistols,
Sky Marshals: Plainclothes agents aboard commercial air flights
the Colt Mustang, the AMT Backup, the Downsizer, or the SITES
carry the SIG-Sauer P228 pistol.
Resolver.
ATF: The standard side arm for ATF agents is the SIG-Sauer P228
SWAT Teams: When things get ugly, the SWAT team gets called
pistol. Agents may also carry the SIG P225, P226, or P239 if preferred.
in. Most SWAT teams consist of several different groups of officers.
Backup pistols include the S&W Model 64 revolver in .38 Special
Sniper teams provide overwatch, with Remington 700 or Savage
with a 2-inch snub barrel or the SIG-Sauer P230. ATF agents also
Model 110 rifles. Flankers secure the perimeter and guard the exits,
carry semiautomatic versions of the MP5 submachine gun and the
with M4 carbines or Ruger Mini-14 assault rifles. If necessary, the
CAR-15 carbine, as well as the Remington Model 870 shotgun.
entry team goes in to deal with the criminals directly. Entry teams
The ATF’s SWAT teams, known as Special Response Teams (SRT),
carry a mix of MP5 submachine guns and Benelli M3 or Franchi SPAS-
are equipped with automatic MP5s and CAR-15s. Snipers use cus-
12 shotguns. SWAT officers carry side arms as well; these are either
tom-built Remington Model 700.
department service pistols (as above) or, more rarely, special models
DEA: DEA agents are issued Glock 22 or Glock 23 pistols. Agents
such as the Colt M1911A1 Custom.
may carry a number of other .40 caliber designs if preferred; the
Small-Town Sheriffs: The police in small towns are often
compact version of the H&K USP is particularly popular.

d20 MODERN
Heavier weapons include the H&K UMP, the HK53 carbine, the use, such as the Beretta Model 92 or the Colt Python. When things
Colt M4, and the Remington Model 870P shotgun. To counter espe- get more serious, or when they’re defending their home turf, they
cially well-armed narcotics traffickers, the DEA has a few machine pull out shotguns such as the Remington 870, submachine guns such
guns, including the Colt M16-HBAR and the M-60. as the Uzi or Beretta Model 12, and rifles such as the AR-15.
Customs: Customs officers at border crossings and airports Crime Bosses: Crime bosses usually keep their own hands clean
generally carry the H&K USP Compact in .40 caliber. and let their underlings do the dirty work. They prefer subtle weap-
The Customs Service Special Response Team (SRT) carries the ons that can be hidden away until needed. Typical are the Walther
H&K MP5, the Colt CAR-15, the Steyr AUG, and the Remington PPK, the Beretta Model 9000, and the Colt Mustang.
Model 870P shotgun. Assault rifles and submachine guns are burst- Crime Boss’s Bodyguards: The trusted henchmen who keep
fire weapons rather than automatic weapons. Snipers use custom the bosses safe and sound are armed to the teeth with submachine
models of the Remington Model 700 rifle. guns such as MP5s and Uzis and shotguns such as Benelli M1s and
INS: The agents of the Immigration and Naturalization Service Remington 11-87s. They all carry pistols as well.
carry the .40 caliber H&K USP Compact. Gunrunners: Gunrunners know guns, and they equip themselves
Agents of the Border Patrol (which is part of INS) carry Beretta with the best. Most carry several guns—a big, powerful pistol such
Model 96D, a variant of the Model 92 chambered in .40 caliber. Long as a custom-model M1911 as their main weapon and a smaller
arms include the Scattergun Technologies Border Patrol shotgun holdout piece such as the Downsizer or the Backup (stashed in a
and the Colt M4A1 carbine. concealed holder) in reserve.
The Border Patrol also maintains heavily armed tactical units, Professional Hit Squads: To professional hit men, guns are
known as BORTAC. These units carry the H&K MP5 and UMP tools—they choose the one they need to get their job done. For
submachine guns, the HK53 and Colt M4 carbines, and the M16 close-in work, they favor big, powerful pistols such as the Colt
and HK33 assault rifles. Heavy weapons include M79 and M203 gre- M1911A1. When maximum firepower is needed, the spray of a
nade launchers and M60E3 machine guns. Sniper rifles include the submachine gun, such as the Uzi, can’t be beat. When working at a
184 Remington Model 700, the Steyr SSG-P, and the Springfield M1A.
Secret Service: The standard side arm for Secret Service agents
distance, hit men use scoped rifles such as the SR-25.
Assassins: Professional assassins are a cut above your everyday
is the SIG-Sauer P228 chambered in .357 SIG. The special Counter hit squads. Assassins specialize in getting to targets nobody else
Assault Team (CAT) assigned to protect high-value individuals car- can—and in getting away afterward. They are adept at using silent
ries heavier weaponry, such as the FN P90, the H&K MP5 (including weapons and top-of-the-line military sniper rifles. Assassins prefer
the MP5K variant concealed in attaché cases), the Remington Model to take out targets from long range with a rifle such as the Dragunov
870P shotgun, and the M4A1 carbine. Snipers employ custom-built SVD, the Accuracy International Covert, or the H&K PSG-1. If the
Remington Model 700s and SSR Mark 2 suppressed rifles. nature of the job forces an in-close situation, an assassin would
probably use a suppressed pistol, such as the Chinese Type 67 or
the Russian PSS.
SPIES
Spies are information gatherers skilled at infiltrating rival organiza-
Sinister Cultists: Holed up in a remote compound and driven
by a paranoid worldview, a fanatic sect might well start to stock-
pile arms, with military weapons, such as M16 and AK-47 rifles, in
tions or handling situations requiring stealth or finesse.
high demand. Less wealthy or successful cults will have to make
Secret Agents: These individuals have to blend in with the sur-
do with more commonplace sporting weapons, such as Mossberg
roundings and can’t afford to be seen with heavy ordnance. Most
590 shotguns or Remington 700 rifles. They will probably also have
spies prefer discreet, concealable pistols, such as the Baby Glocks,
a variety of different pistols. The true extremists might even be
the AMT Backup, or the traditional favorite, the Walther PPK. When
able to lay their hands on an M60 machine gun or a Barrett M82
something more powerful is needed, secret agents most often turn
antimateriel rifle.
to a compact submachine gun such as the MP5K or the Micro-Uzi.
The “Cleaner”: When a secret mission goes wrong, cleaners get
sent in to straighten things out. Because cleaners don’t show up
until things have already gotten out of control, they aren’t as con-
cerned with keeping a low profile—cleaners are all business. They
OTHER FOLKS
This category includes anyone with a mind to carry a firearm, par-
also carry compact rifles, such as the G-36C or the AKS-74U. ticularly individuals whose profession demands it.
Bartenders: When things get out of hand in their establish-
APPENDIX I
ments, bartenders might need to produce some “persuasion”

THE UNDERWORLD
Members of organized crime use the term “underworld” to describe
to keep rowdy patrons from smashing up their establishments.
Generally, the more dangerous the neighborhood, the more likely it
is that the bartender will have something stashed behind the bar. A
the realm in which they operate, a place where the rules are set by
reliable old shotgun, such as the Ithaca Model 37 or the Mossberg
shady and immoral crime lords.
Model 500, is the most common. Bartenders might also favor large
Street Thugs: Muggers, con men, and petty criminals favor
revolvers, such as the Colt King Cobra.
cheap and readily concealable pistols, such as the Bryco M-48, the
Hunters: Hunters choose their weapons based on the type
S&W Model 29, and the Russian Makarov. When more firepower is
of game they’re after. For ducks or geese, a shotgun, such as the
called for, a big pump-action shotgun such as the Mossberg Model
Remington Model 870 or the S&W Model 3000, loaded with bird-
500 is the most common choice.
shot is preferable. For deer or other larger animals, hunters might
Street Gangs: Organized street gangs equip themselves a little
carry the same shotgun loaded with buckshot or slugs instead. They
better than the average petty criminal and will often carry illegally
might also choose rifles, such as the Winchester Model 70 or the
converted automatic weapons, such as the AK-47, the Ingram MAC-
Howa M-1500. A rifle is particularly suited for hunting big or danger-
10, or the TEC-9. For backup, they use pistols such as the Beretta
ous game such as elk, moose, or bear.
Model 92, the Glock 17, or the Ruger P89.
Private Eyes: Private eyes carry a broad variety of weapons,
Gang Leaders: Gang leaders favor powerful, flashy weapons
depending on personal preferences, price, and availability. Older,
such as the Taurus Raging Bull, the Desert Eagle, and the Automag.
experienced detectives usually prefer large, reliable pistols such as
Mafia Soldiers: Mafia rank-and-file carry pistols for everyday
the Colt M1911A1. Their younger or wealthier counterparts might go

MODERN d20
for more modern designs such as the Glock 17 or S&W Sigma series.
Individual tastes vary widely—a private detective could conceivably
carry nearly any weapon in the book, but pistols are the most com-
APPENDIX II: THE
mon. Many private eyes have concealed firearm permits, due to the
risks associated with their work, and favor discreet, easily hidden
LANGUAGE OF
pistols such as the Downsizer, especially for undercover work.
Private Bodyguards: Private bodyguards for a wealthy or
famous person take a no-nonsense approach to their work. They
GUNS
generally have a powerful concealed pistol, such as the H&K USP accurized: Manufactured to tighter-than-normal tolerances to
Tactical, in a shoulder holster. For especially dangerous circum- improve accuracy.
stances or high-risk targets, a bodyguard might also carry a compact action: The operating mechanism of a firearm.
backup pistol stashed in an ankle holster or an attache case with an
H&K MP5K submachine gun or an FN P90 PDW. antiaircraft machine gun: A machine gun designed for use in an
air-defense role. This generally means that it is fitted on a tall pintle-
Armored Car Guards: The guards for bank trucks are generally
style mount, making it easy to point skyward. Ring-style sights are
armed much like police officers. They carry autoloader pistols such also generally fitted to help rapid acquisition of fast-moving targets.
as the Beretta Model 92 or the S&W Third Generation series. They AAMGs are usually large-caliber heavy machine guns, because the
also have a shotgun or two in the truck, probably pump-action rounds need considerable power to get up to altitude.
models such as the Remington Model 870P or the Mossberg Model
590 Persuader. antimateriel rifle: A large-caliber rifle designed to be used
Security Guards: Private security guards are often unarmed, against enemy equipment, such as battlefield electronics, aircraft,
carrying walkie-talkies and perhaps a can of mace instead of a gun. or light vehicles. AMRs are generally similar to sniper rifles, in that
Sometimes in particularly dangerous locations, they are issued fire- they are highly accurate and are equipped with sophisticated op-
arms. When this is the case, you can assume they will be equipped
like armored car guards (see above).
tics. The biggest difference is caliber; AMRs are chambered to fire
heavy machine gun or even light cannon rounds, from the .50 BMG
cartridge on up.
185
Corporate Executives: Most corporate executives prefer the
boardroom to the firing range and won’t carry a gun; however, antitank rifle: Predecessor of the modern antimateriel rifle, the
sometimes, they get in over their heads—after all, it is a dog-eat-dog ATR is an ultraheavy rifle that was developed during World War I for
world out there. When corporate execs take up guns for personal use against early armored vehicles. These weapons fell out of use
protection, they usually choose modern autoloader pistols, such after World War II, when advances in armored vehicle technology
as the Beretta Model 92 or the H&K USP, which they can carry in resulted in armor that was too strong for them to pierce.
concealed holsters. armor-piercing: A type of ammunition designed to defeat
Millionaires: The ultrawealthy generally collect all sorts of armor. This can be done in several ways, but the most common
items, and firearms are no exception. Many will carry highly so- method in small-arms ammunition is to use projectiles that are
phisticated and expensive weapons such as the Korth Revolver, the made out of very dense material and fired at very high velocity.
Korth Pistol, or the Sphinx AT 2000. They might also have precision They are also jacketed to prevent the rounds from breaking up on
custom hunting rifles such as the Dakota Longbow. Depending on the armor when they strike the target.
the nature of the character, millionaires might even have military- armor-piercing discarding sabot (APDS): This is a specialized
style automatic weapons such as the H&K MP5 submachine gun or type of armor-piercing ammunition that achieves extremely high
the M4 carbine. They also often surround themselves with at least velocity in flight through the use of a small subcaliber projectile,
a few private bodyguards (see above). held in place by a device called a sabot, which falls away once the
round leaves the barrel.
armor-piercing incendiary (API): An armor-piercing round
that also has incendiary properties. API ammunition is generally
used in antiaircraft weapons.
assault carbine: A lightweight, compact, select-fire weapon
chambered to fire rifle-caliber ammunition and usually fitted with a
folding stock and a shortened barrel. Generally, assault carbines are APPENDIX II
cut-down versions of assault rifles.
assault light: Another term for illuminator (see below).
assault rifle: A rifle with an automatic action, a box magazine,
and select-fire capability. Such weapons are generally seen to pro-
vide the best combination of firepower, portability, and long-range
performance for infantry soldiers. Assault rifles form the bulk of
military small arms today.
autoloader: A pistol with a semiautomatic action.
automatic: An action that uses the power of the firing cartridge
to drive a mechanical action that cycles the bolt, ejects the empty
cartridge case, and loads a fresh round into the firing chamber,
without the need to manually operate any controls other than the
trigger. An automatic action continues to fire successive bullets until
the trigger is released.
automatic grenade launcher: A grenade launcher with an
automatic action. This large, heavy weapon requires the use of a
tripod or vehicle mount.

d20 MODERN
backblast: A jet of hot gases that vents backward out of rocket box magazine: A container that holds a number of rounds
launchers, missile launchers, or recoilless weapons when they are of ammunition and is attached directly to a weapon and feeds
fired. These gases can injure or even kill someone standing behind the ammunition into the weapon’s action. Because this is both a
one of these weapons when it is fired. They also make such weapons convenient way to transport ready ammunition and permits rapid
unsafe to fire from within confined spaces, such as vehicles, bunkers, reloading, the box magazine is the most popular type of magazine
or small rooms. used on modern military small arms.
ball: A term referring to ordinary jacketed ammunition, as op- brass: A colloquial term for cartridge cases.
posed to tracer, armor-piercing, or some other specialty type. break-open action: A type of action used on single-shot weap-
ballistic coefficient: A measure of how much a bullet drops ons (and some revolvers) in which the entire weapon swing opens
or falls toward the earth as it flies downrange. This is basically an on a hinge at the breech. Rounds are loaded directly into the firing
expression of how efficiently the bullet moves through the air. This chamber (or chambers) and the weapon is closed to make it ready
is particularly important for long-range shooting, in which the drop to fire. Such actions are popular on sporting weapons, because they
of the bullet can have a significant effect on accuracy. cannot be fired when open and thus can be carried safely.
ballistics: The science studying the motion of projectiles in breech: The end of weapon’s barrel that joins to the firing
flight. chamber.
barrel: The tube on a weapon through which projectiles pass after breechblock: The mechanical component of a firearm’s action
leaving the firing chamber and that directs them toward the target. that closes and seals the rear of the chamber.
bayonet: A bladed weapon that can be affixed to the end of Browning action: A widely used locking mechanism for auto-
a longarm for use as a thrusting spear. Most bayonets look like loader pistols, developed around the beginning of the 20th century
knives and can be used as such when not attached to a rifle. Some by American gun designer John Browning. In the Browning action,
are permanently fixed to another weapon and fold out of the way the barrel is locked to the slide. The barrel disengages from the
A-II when not in use.
bayonet lug: A metal bracket on the end of a longarm to which
slide by means of an actuating cam when the weapon is fired and
the slide recoils.
a bayonet can be attached, allowing it to be used like a spear in buckshot: A large-caliber shot that is designed for use against
melee combat. large game. Buckshot creates a smaller pattern than birdshot, reduc-
bead sight: A type of sight commonly used on shotguns, consisting a weapon’s accuracy against small, fleeting targets. The damage
ing of a round bead fastened to the upper side of the barrel near dealt is much greater, however, making them more useful against
the muzzle. large targets.
belt-fed: A term describing a weapon that accepts ammunition bullet: A projectile fired from a gun.
in chains of cartridges linked together as belts. Such belts can be bullpup: A configuration for a weapon in which the magazine
connected to one another, which allows for a theoretically unlim- is inserted behind the firing grip. This configuration allows for a
ited quantity of ammunition to be fed into the weapon without the shorter overall length of the weapon, while keeping a long barrel.
need to stop and reload. caliber: (1) Caliber is used to indicate the type of ammunition
bipod: A device with two legs that stabilizes a weapon during used by a weapon, and as a rough approximation of how powerful
firing. Most bipods are made of metal and are designed to fold out the weapon is. (2) The measurement, in hundredths of an inch, of
of the way when not in use. Some weapons incorporate integral the diameter of a given bullet. Thus, we speak of .38 caliber or .45
bipods as part of their design; others can be equipped with add-on caliber rounds.
bipods. carbine: A short, compact longarm. This contradictory defini-
birdshot: A small-caliber shot designed for use against birds. tion includes two distinct subsets. Traditionally, carbines were
Birdshot spreads out over a wide area when fired, increasing the long-barreled weapons that fired pistol ammunition. Lightweight
chance of a hit; however, the pellets do very little damage individu- and handy, they were useful for short-range firing. Today, semi-
ally. Thus, they are of little value against large targets except at very automatic-only versions of submachine guns (often sold for law
close range. enforcement or civilian hunting use) are called carbines. The term
blowback: A type of automatic or semiautomatic action in has also come to refer to short-barreled rifles, firing full-power rifle
which the reactive force of the exploding cartridge is used to ammunition, especially the cut-down versions of full-sized rifles
APPENDIX II
cycle the bolt and reload the weapon. This is the simplest type of that have be≠come popular in recent years.
automatic action, but it is suitable for use only with relatively low- cartridge: A round of ammunition that contains in a single unit
powered cartridges. the projectile, a propellant charge to drive it, a primer to detonate
bolt: A moving part of a firearm’s action. The bolt moves the propellant, and a case (usually made of metal) to contain it all.
forward and locks into place to seal the chamber for firing; it is cartridge case: The container that holds the propellant, primer,
then un≠locked and moves rearward to open the action, allowing and bullet in a round of ammunition. Most cartridge cases are metal,
the empty cartridge case to be extracted and a fresh round to be usually a brass alloy. Shotgun shells generally use plastic or paper
loaded in its place. cases with a metal base instead.
bolt action: A type of action, used most often on rifles, in caseless ammunition: Ammunition in which the propellant
which the bolt is moved manually, as opposed to automatically. charge is molded around the bullet, eliminating the need for a
Bolt-action weapons are slower to operate than semiautomatics, cartridge case. Because there is no need for an ejection port for
but they can be made to more exacting tolerances. For this reason, spent cartridge cases, weapons firing caseless ammunition can
they are generally considered preferable for highly accurized target have actions that are completely sealed, preventing dirt or dust
or sniper rifles. from getting in.
bolt catch: A device in a weapon’s action that holds the bolt centerfire: A type of ammunition cartridge in which the primer
back in its open position. is located in the center of the base of the cartridge case. The firing
bolt lever: An arm attached to the bolt of a bolt-action weapon, pin strikes the base of the case to fire the round.
allowing the operator to cycle the bolt between shots. charge: (1) The quantity of propellant in a cartridge that combusts

d20 MODERN
to drive the projectile. (2) The action of loading the first round from cylinder: The round magazine on a revolver, which rotates to
a magazine or belt into an automatic or semiautomatic weapon, advance the rounds of ammunition into the firing position.
making it ready to fire. decocking: The act of making a weapon unready to fire by
charging handle: A grip used to charge an automatic or semi- lowering the hammer or releasing the firing pin without actually
automatic weapon. firing the weapon.
cheekpiece: The portion of a longarm stock on which the firer’s discarding sabot: A specialized type of armor-piercing ammuni-
cheek rests. Sniper rifles often feature adjustable cheekpieces, tion that achieves extremely high velocity in flight through the use
which allow the user to customize the weapon for maximum sup- of a small subcaliber projectile that is held in place by a device called
port for his or her firing stance. a sabot, which falls away once the round leaves the barrel.
choke: The muzzle opening of a shotgun’s barrel. disintegrating link: A type of belt for machine guns that chains
choke tubes: Attachments to a shotgun barrel that control or the rounds together with a series of individual links. When the
affect the spread of shot after it is fired. Different choke tubes pro- weapon is fired and the belt feeds through the action, the rounds
vide different effects, from more open spreads for hunting small, are driven out of the links. Both the spent cartridge cases and the
fleeting targets such as birds, to closed spreads that concentrate individual links are then ejected. Disintegrating link belts avoid the
the cloud of pellets in a small area for larger game. Many modern problem of having an empty belt hanging out of a weapon.
shotguns are threaded, allowing the choke tube to be unscrewed designated marksman’s rifle (DMR): A weapon intended for
and replaced as needed to permit a single gun to be used for a use by a marksman and optimized for that role through the fitting
variety of types of game. of sights, bipods, target stocks, or other modifications.
clip: (1) A metal device used to hold a number of ammunition door gun: A weapon (generally a machine gun) mounted to
cartridges for rapid loading into a weapon; this is also sometimes fire out of the open door of a helicopter. Door guns are used to
called a “stripper clip,” because the rounds are stripped off it when suppress enemy forces while transport helicopters load or unload
they are fed into the weapon. (2) A term for a box magazine.
coaxial mount: A mounting for a weapon in a vehicle turret
under fire.
door opener: A specialized type of ammunition for shotguns or
187
that locates it alongside another weapon so that the two of them grenade launchers that is designed to destroy door locks or hinges,
are swiveled, elevated, and aimed together. This most commonly allowing the firer to force entry into a building.
refers to a machine gun mounted alongside a heavy tank cannon. double action: A type of pistol action in which pulling the trig-
Originally, these were loaded with tracer rounds and used to help ger first cocks the hammer back into its ready-to-fire position, and
aim the tank’s main gun; however, coaxial machine guns have proven then releases it. This type of action eliminates the need to manually
useful in their own right (for suppressive fire against infantry or soft cock the weapon before firing, but it results in a longer and more
targets), and they remain in widespread use today. difficult trigger pull, which can reduce accuracy.
cocking: The act of mechanically readying a weapon for firing. double action only: A type of pistol action in which the
On single-action weapons, this involves drawing the hammer back weapon always functions in the double-action mode. There is no
and locking it in position. On automatic or semiatutomatic weap- way to cock the hammer back without pulling the trigger. Double-
ons, this means the same thing as charging—loading a round from action-only pistols are meant to be safer because they eliminate the
the magazine into the firing chamber. possibility of accidental discharges.
cocking handle: A lever used to cock a weapon. This often takes double-stacked: A type of magazine in which the bullets are
the form of a spur on the weapon’s hammer. loaded into two parallel columns, side by side. The rounds are fed
cold-loaded ammunition: A specialty ammunition that has a alternating from each column as the weapon is fired. This con-
reduced propellant charge so that the projectile will not exceed the figuration permits a higher magazine capacity, but it can lead to an
speed of sound in flight. This eliminates the supersonic crack of the uncomfortably bulky grip in the shooter’s hand.
bullet, making such ammunition useful in suppressed weapons. double tap: A firing technique in which the shooter rapidly fires
combat sights: Iron sights optimized for quick target acquisition two rounds at a single target in an attempt to score two hits and
in combat conditions. reduce the probability that the target will escape incapacitation
compensator: A device on the end of a weapon’s barrel that through a lucky circumstance.
redirects the jet of gases from the propellant to counteract the dragon’s breath round: A shotgun projectile containing incen-
tendency of the weapon to climb during firing.
cook-off: A phenomenon that occurs when an automatic
diary material, which creates a brilliant burst of flame when fired
and can be used to set a target alight.
APPENDIX II
weapon keeps firing uncontrollably, when live rounds fed into the drum: A type of magazine shaped like a wide, flat cylinder. The
hot chamber detonate immediately whether or not the trigger is ammunition is held in a spiral within the drum. Many drum maga-
pressed. Most automatic weapons are designed to fire from an open zines make use of springs that must be wound (like a clock) to feed
bolt to prevent this problem. the rounds into the weapon.
crosswind: Winds blowing at an angle to the line of sight dry firing: The act of working a weapon’s action (as if firing it)
be≠tween the shooter and the target. A crosswind can drive a when the weapon is unloaded.
projectile in flight off to the side and away from the point of aim. duplex round: A cartridge containing two projectiles within a
The greater the range, the greater the effect a crosswind has on a single case, generally located one behind the other. Thus, two bul-
bullet in flight. lets are fired with each pull of the trigger, improving the chances
cyclic rate: A measure of the rate of fire of an automatic that at least one hit will be scored.
weap≠on, normally measured in rounds per minute. The cyclic rate ejection port: An opening in an automatic or semiautomatic
is a measurement of how fast the weapon’s action works; it doesn’t weapon’s receiver housing through which spent cartridge cases are
factor in the time necessary to reload the weapon. Because very few jettisoned from the weapon during the extraction phase of the fir-
weapons hold enough ammunition to fire continuously for an entire ing cycle. To prevent dust and debris from getting into the weapon’s
minute, this rate is not practically achievable. It is a useful measure action, most ejection ports have covers that remain closed except
of the mechanical speed of the action, however. during the extraction step.

d20 MODERN
elevation: An adjustment in aiming in which the gun is pointed gas regulator: A device controlling the quantity of gas cycled
above the target in order to compensate for the drop of the bullet back through a gas-powered action. This affects the weapon’s rate
in flight. of fire, allowing it to be turned up for increased firepower or turned
entry gun: A shotgun with a very short barrel, designed to be as down for better automatic controllability.
maneuverable as possible in close-quarters fighting. gas tube: A tube on a gas-powered weapon, usually fitted paral-
extraction: A step in the operation of an automatic or semiau- lel to the barrel, that contains the piston used to cycle the action.
tomatic weapon in which the empty cartridge case is removed from general-purpose machine gun (GPMG): A machine gun that is
the firing chamber and ejected out of the weapon, making room for designed to be used either as a tripod-mounted medium machine
the next round to be fed in. gun or a bipod-mounted light machine gun, as circumstances dic-
extractor: A mechanical device that pushes spent cartridge tate. Due to their flexibility, GPMGs have replaced medium machine
cases out of the weapon’s firing chamber. guns in most armies today.
eye relief: The distance from a telescopic sight that the firer ghost-ring sights: A sighting system often used on shotguns
holds his or her eye when looking through the scope. that uses an oversized rear sight shaped as a circular aperture. The
firer focuses on the forward sight and keeps both eyes open to look
feed mechanism: The operating device that takes ammunition for targets. The rear sight goes out of focus, becoming blurry and
into the weapon’s action. “ghosting” out of visibility. This arrangement permits rapid acquisi-
firing pin: The component of a weapon’s action that springs for- tion and engagement of targets and has proven popular for combat
ward when the trigger is pressed to strike the cartridge, detonating or hunting weapons in which engagement speed is important.
the primer and firing the round. Glaser safety slug: A type of specialized pistol ammunition
flash-bang grenade: A grenade that explodes with a powerful originally developed for sky marshals serving aboard aircraft.
charge that creates tremendous noise and a blinding burst of light. Glasers contain a number of submunition shot pellets, suspended in
a Teflon gel and encased within a soft jacket. On impact, they break
188 This explosion disorients and incapacitates those within its burst
radius and can be very painful, but it lacks sufficient power to kill or open, causing extraordinarily terrible wounds; however, they have
almost no ability to penetrate materials and will not go through the
even seriously injure under normal conditions. Flash-bang grenades
are used in operations in which the risk of injury to people must be back of a seat (to injure other passengers) or the skin of the aircraft
minimized, such as hostage rescues. (which could lead to a dangerous decompression). They are almost
useless against armored targets.
flash hider: A device attached to a weapon’s muzzle that shields
or breaks up the flash of gases escaping from the end of the barrel grenade: A small explosive device. Some grenades are designed
during firing. Some flash hiders are complex designs with various to be thrown, others to be fired from specialized launchers, and oth-
vents and ports; others are simple cones. Flash hiders are generally ers to be fired from modified rifle barrels. There are many different
not meant to hide the flash from the weapon’s target, but to hide types of grenades—high explosive, fragmentation, armor-piercing,
it from the firer, so as not to interfere with his or her night vision smoke, incendiary, and others.
when firing in darkness. grips: Parts of a weapon designed to be held by the firer during
fluting: Grooves cut down the length of the outside of a use.
weap≠on’s barrel. These grooves serve two purposes: They remove grooves: Spiraling cuts on the inside of a weapon’s barrel,
material, making the weapon lighter; and they increase the surface de≠signed to impart spin to the projectile as it moves through.
area of the barrel, making it cool more rapidly.
half cock: A setting available on some firearms in which the
forearm: The portion of a longarm located ahead of the receiver weapon’s hammer is drawn back partway and locked there. This is
and normally gripped by the nonfiring hand. primarily a safety feature, since the weapon cannot be fired from
forward grip: A place for a longarm user to hold the weapon the half-cocked position.
with his or her nonfiring hand. hammer: A metal armature that swings forward when the trig-
fouling: The residue of material left over inside a weapon after ger is pressed to strike the firing pin and discharge the weapon.
it is fired. The more the weapon is fired, the more fouling accu- Hammers are found most often on pistols and some shotguns; most
mulates. If too much fouling builds up, the weapon will eventually rifles use bolts instead.
cease working until it is cleaned. hand grenade: A grenade designed to be thrown, rather than
APPENDIX II
frame: The underlying structural component of a firearm to fired from a launcher. Hand grenades have a pin, which is pulled to
which the action, barrel, magazine, and furniture are attached. arm the grenade and ignite a fuse. The hand grenade then explodes
approximately five seconds later, giving the user enough time to
free-floating: A type of firearm design in which the barrel throw it to the target.
contacts the rest of the weapon only at the breech end. This ar-
rangement contributes to accuracy by isolating the barrel from hang fire: A situation in which the trigger is pulled but the weap-
stress placed on any other portion of the weapon. on fails to fire because the primer doesn’t ignite the propellant.
front sight: The foremost element of a sighting system, usually headspace: The distance between the firing chamber and the
located near the forward end of the barrel. breech of the barrel.
furniture: Components of a weapon that are not part of heavy machine gun (HMG): A machine gun that fires ammuni-
its operating mechanism or sights—grips, stocks, handles, and tion that is larger than ordinary rifle calibers. Such weapons are
the like. Traditionally, weapon furniture has been made from extremely powerful and can fire out to very long ranges. They are
wood, but in recent decades composite or plastic materials have too heavy to be fired by hand, or even from a bipod, and require
become popular. large tripods or vehicle mounts.
gas-powered: An operating system for an automatic or semi- hollow charge: A type of armor-piercing round that makes use
automatic weapon in which the expanding propellant gases are of a shaped explosive warhead to blast through the target’s armor
tapped through a small hole in the barrel and used to drive a piston. with directed explosive force. Such charges have to be so large that
It then pushes the bolt backward to cycle the action and readies the they are impractical for small-arms caliber ammunition; most are
weap≠on for refiring. found on handheld antitank weapons, such as bazookas or rocket-
propelled grenade launchers.

d20 MODERN
hollow-point: A specialty ammunition type in which the projec- locking system: A mechanism for holding the action closed
tile has a hole or opening at its tip. This makes the projectile expand when the weapon is fired so that the pressures of the expanding
or “mushroom” when it hits the target, spreading out to several propellant gases are contained and focused on driving the projectile
times its original size from the force of the impact. The resulting through the barrel.
wound is thus dramatically increased in severity. Hollow-points machine gun: A weapon designed to provide sustained auto-
have reduced performance against armor, because the armor is bet- matic fire. A machine gun is usually equipped with a bipod or tripod
ter able to absorb the dispersed shock of the impact. Hollow-points for improved stability, a heavy barrel to prevent degradation, and a
are most often used in pistol and shotgun slug ammunition. robust action to absorb the stresses. Machine guns are usually fed
illuminator: A flashlight attached to a firearm and mounted from belts or high-capacity drums to reduce the need to reload.
to point down the firearm’s barrel, giving the shooter a source of magazine: A container holding the rounds of ammunition for
illumination for the target. a firearm.
incendiary: A type of ammunition that is designed to set the magazine catch: A button or lever that holds a magazine in
target on fire on contact. place. Pressing it releases the catch, allowing the magazine to be
iron sights: The ordinary sights on a weapon, as opposed to a removed.
telescopic scope or optical sight attached to it. magazine well: The aperture into which a box magazine is
jacketed: A type of ammunition in which the soft metal projec- inserted to load a weapon.
tile is encased in a stronger metal jacket. marksman: A shooter trained to provide accurate aimed fire, but
jacket: A hard metal covering or skin over the outside of a softer who lacks the extensive specialty training of a full sniper.
metal projectile. The jacket helps keep the round together through match-grade: Manufactured to the highest standard; suitable
the stresses of firing, flight through the air, and impact on the target; for use in high-end target-shooting competition.
jacketed rounds also have good armor penetration performance.
One disadvantage of jacketed rounds is that they can “blow through”
the target, which results in a less severe wound and can potentially
medium machine gun (MMG): A machine gun chambered to
fire ordinary rifle ammunition and designed to be fired from a tripod 189
lead to collateral damage if the projectile strikes something else. or vehicle mount.
jam: A situation in which a weapon’s action malfunctions and the minigun: A multibarreled machine gun powered by an external
weapon doesn’t fire. This can be due to a mechanical failure in some motor. Such weapons are capable of a tremendous rate of fire, giving
part of the action, fouling from dirt or debris in the mechanism, a them a great deal of firepower, but the quantity of ammunition they
dud round of ammunition that fails to fire, or some other problem. consume makes them impractical as portable weapons.
Jams can be prevented by keeping weapons clean and using good- mounting rail: An attachment point for various accessories,
quality ammunition. especially sights, that runs along a length of a weapon.
lands: The spaces on the inside of a rifled barrel that run in Mozambique: A firing technique in which the shooter rapidly
between the grooves cut into it to impart spin. fires two rounds into the target’s center of mass, quickly followed by
laser sight: A sight attached to a firearm that projects a target- a third round to the head. The Mozambique technique is designed
ing dot downrange on the impact point. This device allows for rapid to ensure that the target is incapacitated or killed.
acquisition and engagement of the target. It also has considerable muzzle: The open end of a weapon’s barrel.
intimidation value and can be used to convince an opponent to
surrender without having to fire. The dot projected from some laser muzzle brake: A device designed to reduce recoil by venting
sights can also be set to infrared, so that it cannot be seen without firing gases so as to counteract muzzle climb.
special IR goggles. muzzle climb: A phenomenon experienced in automatic firing
lead: An adjustment in aiming in which the gun is pointed to through which the weapon’s barrel has a tendency to rise, pulling it
one side of a moving target to compensate for its movement. The off target. This movement is caused by the bolt striking the rear of
faster the target’s motion, the more lead the shooter needs to give the receiver housing as it reciprocates during the firing cycle.
his shot. necked: Ammunition in which the portion of the case that holds
lever action: A type of action in which the bolt is cycled the propellant is larger in diameter than the bullet or projectile.
manually with a lever, rather than being directly moved by a handle Necked cartridges are considerably more powerful than straight car-
attached to it. Lever actions can be found on shotguns and rifles. tridges and are used in all modern rifles. They are becoming popular APPENDIX II
in advanced personal defense weapons now being developed.
light machine gun (LMG): A machine gun chambered to fire
ordinary rifle ammunition and designed to be carried and operated night vision sights: Sights that are designed to operate in dark-
by a single person. Most LMGs are equipped with bipods to improve ness, letting the firer see his or her target. Most night vision sights
stability, though some are light enough to be fired from the hip are infrared, thermal, or light-intensifying in nature.
as well. Infantry squads are commonly equipped with an LMG for optical sights: Sights that use a lens and reticle. Many optical
supporting fire. sights provide low levels of magnification, but are not true tele-
link: An element in a disintegrating link belt that connects the scopic scopes.
rounds of ammunition together. penetration: A measure of a given weapon or cartridge’s abil-
loaded-chamber indicator: A device on an autoloader that ity to defeat armor protection. Factors influencing penetration are
in≠dicates the presence of a cartridge in the firing chamber. On bullet diameter, mass, and velocity.
some weapons, this is a button or prong that pops up; on others, personal defense weapon (PDW): A compact firearm designed
it is an opening that shows the brass of the cartridge case in the for use by military vehicle crews, rear-echelon personnel, and others
chamber. Loaded-chamber indicators are safety features designed who do not need to carry a bulky and awkward full-sized weapon.
to prevent users from mistaking a loaded gun for an unloaded one. PDWs are designed to be as small as possible, so that they are easy
lock time: The time between when the trigger is pulled and to carry. Many are chambered in advanced, high-powered small-
the bullet is actually fired. This is generally just a fraction of a bore cartridges that are designed to defeat armor protection.
second—the amount of time it takes for the firing mechanism to Picatinny rail: A standardized mount for accessory devices, such
detonate the primer and fire the round. as sights or illuminators. A Picatinny rail can be readily attached to

d20 MODERN
many firearms, and a number of modern designs incorporate them on the point of impact, it is projected into a glass lens in the sight
as a standard. Most modern weapon accessories are designed to be itself. It can thus be used to aim without the target being aware
used on a Picatinny rail. of it. Reflex sights are small and lightweight when compared to
pintle mount: A mount for a machine gun or heavy weapon telescopic sights, and recent designs are extremely rugged and
that incorporates a swiveling vertical shaft. Pintle mounts are most reliable as well.
commonly used on vehicles to mount weapons alongside crew reticle: A graphic (such as a crosshair) in a targeting sight, cuing
hatches. the shooter to the weapon’s aim point. Many reticles contain ad-
pistol: A firearm designed to be held and fired with one hand ditional information as well, such as rangefinding or windage cues.
(though a two-handed firing stance will still improve accuracy). revolver: A type of pistol that holds its ammunition in a rotat-
Most modern pistols are either revolvers or autoloaders. A few ing cylinder.
single-shot weapons can still be found, usually as hunting or target rifle: A longarm with a rifled barrel.
pistols.
rifle grenade: A grenade designed to be launched or fired from
pistol grip: A firing grip shaped like that of a pistol. Most an adapter on the muzzle of a rifle.
mod≠ern combat firearms incorporate pistol grips.
rifling: Spiraling grooves cut into the inside of a weapon’s barrel
piston: A component in a gas-powered automatic or semiauto- to impart stabilizing spin to the projectile as it passes through.
matic weapon action that transmits the energy from the expanding
firing gases to drive the bolt assembly rearward when the weapon riot gun: A shotgun optimized for law enforcement use. Riot
is fired. guns generally use a pump-action design with compact barrels.
point-blank range: Technically, the distance out to which a rimfire: A type of cartridge in which the primer is located on
bullet will not appreciably drop as it flies through the air. Out to the rim of the case.
point-blank range, a shooter will not have to consider elevation roller-locked: A type of action in which the blowback of the
190 when aiming. The weapon need simply be pointed directly at
the target. More informally, the term is used to mean extreme
action is retarded by a pair of rollers until the bullet has had time to
leave the weapon, and the venting of gases out of the open barrel
short range. causes the chamber pressure to drop.
practical shooting: A competitive sport, usually involving sabot: A part of a high-velocity cartridge designed to hold a
pistols, in which participants move through a course and engage subcaliber projectile in place in the weapon’s barrel; the sabot
a variety of targets under conditions meant to simulate combat falls away once the round leaves the weapon. Also referred to as
shooting. Targets often pop up or appear for only a second or so, a discarding sabot.
requiring quick reactions and engagement.
safety catch: A mechanical device that prevents a weapon from
primer: A tiny explosive charge located in the base of a car- firing when it is engaged.
tridge. The primer is detonated by the weapon’s action to ignite the
propellant charge. sawed-off shotgun: A shotgun with the barrel cut down to a
very short length. Such weapons are more concealable than full-
propellant: The charge that imparts energy to the projectile. sized shotguns. They also create a much wider spread of projectiles,
When ignited by the primer, the propellant combusts rapidly, burn- which dramatically increases the chance of hitting a target at close
ing to a quantity of gas many times its original volume. This causes a range. They are virtually useless at long range, however, because the
massive increase in pressure within the firing chamber, which forces projectiles quickly spread out so much as to be ineffective.
the projectile down the barrel and out the weapon at speed.
sear: A mechanical linkage that connects the trigger to the
projectile: The object that is fired by a weapon. hammer. When the trigger is pulled, the sear moves, releasing the
pump action: A design in which the weapon’s action is cycled hammer to fire the weapon.
by manually moving a handle mounted along the axis of the barrel. select-fire weapon: A weapon with multiple fire settings.
Pump actions are used most often in shotguns. Generally, this refers to semiautomatic and automatic. Modern
quick-change barrel: A barrel designed to be easily replaced in weapons may have a burst setting as well.
the field without using tools or the need to remeasure the weapon’s selector: A switch or lever that allows a weapon’s user to choose
headspace. one of several settings for firing the weapon—automatic, burst,
semiautomatic, and safe, for example.
APPENDIX II
rate of fire: A measure of how quickly an automatic weapon

can be fired, usually expressed in rounds per minute. There are two scope rings: Circular brackets that hold an optical scope in place
different rates of fire. The cyclic rate is purely a measure of how on a weapon.
fast the weapon’s action works; this is essentially the mechanical
speed of the weapon. The practical definition of rate of fire factors scout scope: A low-powered telescopic sight with extremely
in the time necessary to reload the weapon when its magazine is long eye relief. It is mounted far forward on the weapon and allows
exhausted, and thus is significantly slower. the shooter to keep both eyes open when looking through it. Scout
scopes are less useful at extremely long range, but in close, they
rear sight: The element of a sighting system located at the back allow for very rapid target acquisition and engagement.
of a weapon, closest to the firer’s eye.
sectional density: A ratio of a bullet’s diameter to its weight.
receiver: The housing for a weapon’s bolt assembly. The barrel at- This number provides a measure of the bullet’s ability to maintain
taches to the receiver, and the bolt moves back and forth within it. its speed as it moves through the air. Inertia keeps projectiles with
recoil: A phenomenon caused by the rearward reactive force to high sectional density moving more quickly, and, therefore, more
the firing of a bullet. Recoil makes a firearm jerk about in the firer’s accurately.
hand, often pulling it off target. Generally, the more powerful the semiautomatic: (1) A firing mode in which each pull of the trigger
round being fired, the more dramatic the effects of recoil. fires a single round and cycles the action, loading a fresh round into
red-dot sight: Another term for reflex sight (not the same as the chamber and leaving the weapon ready for instant firing again. (2)
a laser sight). A weapon capable of semiautomatic (but not automatic) fire.
reflex sight: A type of sight with a reflected reticle for rapid shot: Small, spherical submunitions fired by shotguns.
target acquisition. Instead of putting the targeting dot downrange,

d20 MODERN
shot diverter: A device that restricts the end of a shotgun bar- stripper clip: A metal clip that holds a number of rounds of
rel, causing shot to spread (sometimes in a particular pattern) as it ammunition, allowing them to be positioned over the open action
leaves the muzzle. of a weapon and pushed into it together. Today, stripper clips have
shotgun: A longarm with a large, smooth bore, designed to fire been almost completely supplanted by box magazines.
shot cartridges. submachine gun (SMG): An automatic weapon chambered to
sight radius: The distance between the front and rear sights on fire pistol-caliber ammunition.
a weapon. Generally, the greater this distance, the more accurate submunition: A projectile contained in a single cartridge with a
the weapon. number of other projectiles, such as an individual shot pellet within
sights: Devices attached to a weapon that the firer uses to align a shotgun shell. Submunition cartridges release a number of projec-
the weapon correctly with the target. tiles each time the weapon is fired.
silencer: A device that incorporates a suppressor with the means subsonic ammunition: Any ammunition with a velocity lower
to slow fired bullets to subsonic velocity. This term is sometimes than the speed of sound.
incorrectly used to mean suppressor. suppressor: A device attached to the barrel of a firearm that
single action: A type of action in which pulling the trigger reduces the velocity of escaping gas to below the speed of sound.
only releases the hammer. The hammer must be manually cocked This silences the muzzle blast of the weapon, but not the supersonic
between shots. crack of the bullet. Suppressors can be detachable, or they can be
built into the weapon.
single stacked: A type of magazine in which the rounds are
loaded in a single vertical column. This configuration limits the take-down: A type of construction that allows a weapon to
weapon’s capacity when compared to designs using multiple parallel be easily disassembled or folded for convenient carry, storage, or
columns. It results in a slimmer grip that is better suited for smaller concealment.
shooters or concealed carry. target: The objective that a shootertries to hit with a fired
slide: A part of an autoloader pistol that moves back and forth projectile. 191
during the firing cycle. It is generally located above the frame, target rifle: A rifle optimized for highly accurate target shoot-
housing both the barrel and the receiver. The firer manually works ing, generally in sporting competition.
the slide in order to chamber the first round after loading a fresh target shooting: A competitive sport in which participants try
magazine. to shoot as close to a small bullseye as possible.
slide release: A lever on an autoloader pistol that allows an top strap: The metal bar running over the top of the cylinder
open slide to spring closed, chambering a round of ammunition. on a revolver.
sling: A strap attached to a longarm, which can be looped thermal sights: Specialized sights that detect the heat radiated
around the firer’s forearm and used to brace it during firing. by objects and display it as visible light. Such sights are particularly
slug: A single solid projectile fired from a shotgun. useful at night and work even in total darkness.
slug gun: A shotgun that has been specialized to fire slugs, gener- thumbhole stock: A type of rifle stock in which the base of the
ally through the fitting of a long rifled barrel and long-range sights. handgrip is joined with the shoulder stock, leaving an opening for
sniper: A shooter who has been specially trained in both marks- the firer’s thumb.
manship and specialized sniping tactics. Snipers are an elite among tracer: A type of ammunition containing flammable material,
marksmen and are perhaps the most highly trained shooters in the which ignites when the round is fired and burns visibly as the
world. round travels downrange. This visible trail allows the shooter to
sniper rifle: A highly accurized rifle designed to be used by a observe where the rounds are falling and correct them onto the
sniper. target as necessary.
speedloader: A clip holding a number of rounds together so trigger: A lever that the firer pulls to fire a weapon.
that they can be inserted into a revolver’s cylinder all at once. This tripod: A three-legged mount for heavy weapons.
dramatically speeds the reloading of a revolver, making them nearly tritium: A luminous material used in weapon sights, making
as fast as box-magazine fed autoloaders. them more readily visible in darkness.
sporting weapon: A weapon designed for civilian use, generally
for either hunting or target shooting.
twist: A measurement of how quickly the grooves in a rifled
barrel complete a spin around the barrel. The faster the twist, the
APPENDIX II
STANAG: A system of standardization adopted by the NATO greater the spin imparted to the projectile, but also the greater the
countries that provides for the design of weapon components. The reduction in its muzzle velocity.
STANAG agreement provides for a number of elements, including varmint rifle: A weapon designed for hunting small game at very
accessory mounts, rifle grenade launchers, and magazines. It adopts long range. Such weapons are often highly sophisticated and accurized
the M16 rifle magazine as standard among all NATO countries; today, target rifles that are chambered in small high-velocity calibers.
their weapons have been redesigned to accept such magazines.
wadcutter: A bullet with a cut-off, flattened nose. Wadcutters
stock: The part of a weapon that braces against the firer’s shoul- were originally designed for target shooting, because they produce
der, facilitating aim and absorbing the recoil of firing. neat, clean holes in paper targets, which makes scoring easier. Today,
stoppage: A problem in an automatic or semiautomatic weapon they have fallen out of favor, because they are generally less accu-
in which the firing cycle is stopped by a mechanical failure. This rate than other types of bullets. They do cause increased damage,
prevents the spent case from being ejected and a new round from however, and are sometimes used as a combat round.
being loaded, resulting in a jam. The firer must clear the stoppage weaver rail: A standardized accessory-mounting rail used to
before the weapon can be fired again. attach scopes to firearms.
stopping power: A rough measurement of how likely a given windage: An adjustment in aiming in which the gun is pointed
cartridge is to incapacitate a human target. Stopping power is a to one side of the target in order to compensate for the effect of
factor of bullet size and, to a lesser extent, velocity. crosswind on the bullet in flight.

Weapons Locker

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Designer

Additional Design and Development

Director of RPG R&D Digital Production Specialist

KeDesign ManagerotterKeith Potter

U.S., CANADA, EUROPEAN HEADQUARTERS

620_88157_WeaponLocker3.indd 2 11/26/03, 2:24:33 PM

trademarks of Wizards of the Coast, Inc.

Printed in the U.S.A. ©2004 Wizards of the Coast, Inc.

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adventuring in a foreign country where their ﬁrearms are prohibited,

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way to link this test to a particular weapon or shot—all it tells you

equipment bonus on attack rolls that a bipod provides when it is

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Game Rules and Color Text

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d20 MODERN RULES Critical: 20

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Unfortunately, the exotic ammunition proved to be the Critical: 20 Size: Small

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APS Stechkin Armenius Vindicator (.357 Revolver)

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ASAI onePRO (.45 Autoloader)

Critical: 20 Size: Small

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+2 circumstance bonus on Sleight of Hand checks made to conceal

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relatively low capacity. double-stacked magazines, holding up to 14 rounds of ammunition.

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produced for export with the similar in general dimensions and

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primarily intended for use by

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Damage: 2d8 Magazine: 20 box

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28 Damage: 2d6 Magazine: 9 box

good choice as a concealed ﬁrearm. Though it is too new to be in

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30 Damage: 2d6 Magazine: 13 box

Range Increment: 30 ft. Purchase DC: 17

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thus preventing accidental dis-

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Damage: 2d6 Magazine: 9 box

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34 Damage: 2d6 Magazine: 15 box