Sport Rifles, Anybody use them? Options

[sunnyside]

I think SR4 does a much better job of making the different weapon types useful. Even the usual pariahs, light pistols, get their concealability bonus and aren't so far behind heavy pistols in damage that their use is out of the question (or with S&S aren't behind at all in damage).

But is there any reason for Sport rifles? The only thing I can think of is that, maybe, they're easier to smuggle around as high caliber sniper rifles and assault rifles might attract much more legal attention and/or be harder to get permits for.

Though I suppose there isn't anything neccesarily wrong with having weapons that are just popular for sport or whatever.

The little .22 LR is still the most popular cartridge in RL after all.

[Mäx]

or be harder to get permits for.

Not just harder put imposible, their forbidden availebility.

Sport rifles are also easier to find if your in hurry.

[Rasumichin]

But is there any reason for Sport rifles? The only thing I can think of is that, maybe, they're easier to smuggle around as high caliber sniper rifles and assault rifles might attract much more legal attention and/or be harder to get permits for.

Though I suppose there isn't anything neccesarily wrong with having weapons that are just popular for sport or whatever.

The little .22 LR is still the most popular cartridge in RL after all.

That's about it, i'd say.

This point might be even more important in jurisdictions with firm gun control laws.
They might also be more appropriate equipment for certain NPCs.

But besides that...they just can't compete with sniping rifles.
Okay, the PJSS Friedrich Hornemann Elefantenbüchse is just awesome stylewise, and can truly hold its ground against the BBBs sniper rifles (unless you run out of ammo...), but as soon as you bring in Arsenal and its unholy ultrarifle of supercheese, the Barret-121...
Basically, hunting rifles aren't a runner's first choice, no.

[sunnyside]

Not just harder put imposible, their forbidden availebility.

Sport rifles are also easier to find if your in hurry.

Ah yes the sniper rifles are all forbidden (really being more like Anti-Materiel rifles).

Though the AK-97 has the same availability code as the Ruger 100.

On that note was it laid out anywhere in this edition that full auto weapons carry higher punishments and require different permits than semi auto weapons? I believe it was laid out explicity in either first or second or both. But I don't know about 3rd or 4th.

[Rasumichin]

Ah yes the sniper rifles are all forbidden (really being more like Anti-Materiel rifles).

Though the AK-97 has the same availability code as the Ruger 100.

On that note was it laid out anywhere in this edition that full auto weapons carry higher punishments and require different permits than semi auto weapons? I believe it was laid out explicity in either first or second or both. But I don't know about 3rd or 4th.

In this edition, R is R.
There's no further differentiation.

In both 1st and 2nd ed, this was different, with detailed tables regarding item restriction in various sourcebooks.

Don't know about 3rd, but it might be the same as in the first two editions there.

[Zombayz]

I'd say because of how simple they are, easy to find, easy to afford, and are pretty much just as effective as a low quality sniper until you bring in the cheese(barret 121).

And on a side note, .22 LR isn't something you'd want for combat. .22 long and .22 short are more likely ammo for light pistols and holdouts.

[Vegetaman]

I know in SR3, I'd always have somebody pack the Sport Rifle (like a Remington 750 or 950, IIRC). Amazingly, it was quite handy for use in a pinch when a pistol or a SMG just wouldn't cut it, but that was rare. I suppose if you need the extra firepower, and can actually smuggle the thing in for the run, it's pretty handy... And they're a lot more "available"; I believe.

[psychophipps]

Umm...most "sniper rifles" are nothing but tuned hunting rifles, kids.

If you were to buy the new Tikka bull-barrel "Varmint" rifle in .308 you'd have a good basis for a low-end sniper rifle, as an example. The action is smooth as butter, locks up tight, and the heavy barrel (just to tell y'all what heavy barrels are really for) won't vibrate as much as the bullet goes down the barrel to negatively effect accuracy or warp as much as the barrel heats up for cleaner follow-up shots at the low cost of a couple extra pounds. Put a good medium power scope or low-power red-dot sight on this baby and you're good to go for up to 600m or so with some training.

And yes, my current character uses a sporting rifle from time to time. He swaps his TC Centennial pistol configuration for a rifle one with the addition of a stock and swapping out the barrel for a longer rifle barrel. Yeah, it's a single-shot weapon but how often do you need two high-powered rifle rounds to get the job done?

[Yoan]

Good range, low availability... why not? I don't give out sniper rifles like candy in my games (like many here seem to), so sport rifles are a handy replacement.

Then there was the time they were more or less pinned down by two gangers in the opposite building, both with sport rifles, during a hilarious assault on the gang's compound. They could barely find them, let alone return fire.

[Wounded Ronin]

Mosin Nagant = sport rifle, probably = t3h pwn

[CanRay]

You can walk into Joe's Gun Shop and get a Sporting Rifle.

"A nice Winchester in .30-30? Please just wave your SIN over this way, thank you sir, yes, it appears you have a hunting license in the Salish-Shide Council Lands, so that won't be an issue at all. Would you like a box of ammunition with that, sir?"

[Rasumichin]

Good range, low availability... why not? I don't give out sniper rifles like candy in my games (like many here seem to), so sport rifles are a handy replacement.

Then there was the time they were more or less pinned down by two gangers in the opposite building, both with sport rifles, during a hilarious assault on the gang's compound. They could barely find them, let alone return fire.

Well, the MA-2100 and Desert Strike are both available at chargen, so anybody who's interested in longarms could by RAW already have them when the game starts.
Not to mention the restricted gear quality.
And even after that, a good fixer can get you most sniper rifles rather quickly.

But yes, they are ideal for gangers and other NPCs, as i already wrote upthread.

[CanRay]

Or, you know, PCs who are actually going on on a hunting trip.

Taking a Anti-Material Rifle to go deer hunting is a bit much, when an old Bolt Action or light Semi-Auto would do just as fine.

And *NOT* overpenetrate the deer and be a danger to everyone else in the wilderness.

Unless, of course, you're trying to cause a "Hunting Accident" and assassinate a guy through a Deer.

[Snow_Fox]

The sight of a sport rifle s not going to cause an automatic freak by customs/sec people the way an AK or M-16 would.
We rate older bolt action rifles like Mauser, Springfield and SMLE as 'sport rifles' which with a scope added are excelent sniper guns

[CanRay]

Scoped Mausers, Springfields, and SMLEs WERE Sniper Rifles back in the day. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/nyahnyah.gif)

[KCKitsune]

I think SR4 does a much better job of making the different weapon types useful. Even the usual pariahs, light pistols, get their concealability bonus and aren't so far behind heavy pistols in damage that their use is out of the question (or with S&S aren't behind at all in damage).

A light pistol with capsule rounds loaded with DMSO/Narcojet becomes pretty damn powerful and non-lethal weapon. Load that sucker up with DMSO/cyanide and it becomes more dangerous than an assault rifle.

[CanRay]

Even with stanard ammo, all it takes is one bad Armour roll to ruin someones day with a light pistol or holdout.

That, I like. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[Snow_Fox]

Scoped Mausers, Springfields, and SMLEs WERE Sniper Rifles back in the day. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/nyahnyah.gif)

yeah, I know. but most people don't. Most people hear sniper and think of the highly specialized stuff of the modern world.

[psychophipps]

Even with stanard ammo, all it takes is one bad Armour roll to ruin someones day with a light pistol or holdout.

That, I like. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

Hear! Hear!

My current character carries a few (ok, eight...with a spare magazine for each (IMG:style_emoticons/default/cool.gif) ) Cavalier Scouts and I can honestly say that the -1 DV and AP vs. a service, err...heavy pistol hasn't been missed a bit.

[DreadPirateKitte...]

I like having a tricked out light pistol. Some of them are really excellent, like the Cherry Blossom Storm(And a great name!) and all are great for sneaking into your local bar, without having a hand cannon with you.

Not so big on the sport rifle. If I wanna snipe, I wanna snipe with a really *really* big tricked out gun. =P

[ravensoracle]

I played a grumpy old hunter in one game, actually he was a retired security system design specialist, but always hunted as a hobby. The GM at the table laughed when he saw that I had specialized in Sporting Rifles. That was until we had to go thru a few customs checks. Everyone was freaking out about all their Forbiden gear. My guy just smiled walked right up to the custom official with all his gear(Various Electorincs and Armorer Toolkits and his Modded Rifle) and his own SIN.

Customs official, "And how are you today sir? May I see your SIN and Licences for all the gear you have here. Kinda strange combination don't you think, sir. All of these tools and a rifle. What is all the gear for?"

"Well son, I'm a headed out to do some consultin' work for a few businesses on some o' their remote work sites and figured while I was there, I'd would get some hunting done. Ya can see all my permits and licenses should be there."

"Very well sir have a nice day, just remember that the weapons need to be checked baggage, they cannot be carried on the plane."

It took the other team members two days to smuggle everything across and by that time My character had already done some legitmate consulting work and had bagged a deer to boot.

Sometimes being able to blend in right in plain site is all that matters.

[paws2sky]

As mentioned above, sport rifles have several advantages: cost, availability, legality, and legitimate uses other than shooting people in the face.

For me, sniper rifles really only win out in a few areas: base damage/AP, ammo capacity, and range.

Just my 2 (IMG:style_emoticons/default/nuyen.gif)

-paws

[CanRay]

yeah, I know. but most people don't. Most people hear sniper and think of the highly specialized stuff of the modern world.

I've commented numerous times to numerous people (Maybe not on this board but in other places), never, ever forget what you used to know.

High Tech does not always mean Better Tech. Sometimes, all you need is a Compass and a Map.

And, all the weapons you mentioned went through two of the worst wars humanity had to deal with. And served well. You can't ask for better for what they're designed to do.

The SMLE is still in Canadian Service, BTW. Canadian Arctic Rangers use them. Most other rifles don't work in the icy conditions, save AKs. And the SMLE can outshoot the AK without half trying.

[Jackstand]

Not so big on the sport rifle. If I wanna snipe, I wanna snipe with a really *really* big tricked out gun. =P

That's why I've got a scope on my Panther cannon.

[The Jopp]

Well, all equipment in the books have their place.

Sure, not many runners use a hunting rifle in the sprawl and sniper rifles are military issue and harder to get.

But I'll bet my last Nuyen that as soon as you get out in the countryside or the local hillbilly area each and every farmer will have hunting rifles and aim for your chromed ass if you enter their lands without permission.

Runners might not have a lot use for them but farmers sure do...

Not to mention paracritter hunters and normal hunters.