Chinese Assault Rifle (Fallout 3)

The Chinese Assault Rifle is a weapon in Fallout 3. It is affected by the Small Guns skill.

Characteristics
The rifle is gas-operated, uses a rotating-bolt locking mechanism, and is visibly based on the classic Kalashnikov design. It was designed and manufactured by Chinese industrial conglomerate Norinco for the People's Liberation Army during the Resource Wars, for the purpose of equipping the Chinese infiltrators and American fifth-columnists. To this end, it was made to outwardly resemble semi-automatic Kalashnikov variant "assault weapons", and chambered for the 5.56x45mm round indicating that it is neither an AK-74 (Avtomat Kalashnikova model 1974) firing a 5.45x39mm round, nor its variant the AK-47 (Avtomat Kalashnikova model 1947) firing a larger 7.62x39mm round, but in fact the AK-103 or the AK-104 (two of the lesser known variants of Mikhail Kalashnikov's design) both firing the 5.56x45mm NATO approved round.

Thousands of these weapons were smuggled into the US for use by Chinese operatives and sympathizers on the East Coast, and many remain functional even two hundred years after the Great War. These rifles are also proven to be ready for manufacturing in post-war conditions.

Surviving examples are used by various groups and individuals in the Capital Wasteland, including super mutants (particularly super mutant masters), Talon Company mercenaries (on lower levels), Chinese commandos (before and after the war), certain scavengers and the Eastern Brotherhood of Steel (and some brotherhood paladins found inside the Citadel). It's also the trademark weapon of Lucas Simms, sheriff of Megaton. Jericho is also armed with this weapon.

Operation: Anchorage
In the first DLC pack certain weapons have been re-skinned to make them look like actual pre-War weapons. The Chinese Assault Rifle is among the small group that was chosen for use in the DLC.

The new looks include brown-colored hand- and foregrips, and the outer plating is a darker black with fewer scratches than the post-War version. The stats and name are exactly the same, but the durablity (as with every in-simulation item) is near-infinite, making the weapon (almost) impervious to damage and frequent use. The only downside is that the condition must be lowered dramatically if you wish to repair this weapon up to 100%.

Despite the barriers the developers have placed to prevent looting, it is possible to acquire as many of these as you can carry and take them out of the simulation into the rest of the game, by using a combination of glitches. To do this you'll first need to prepare the simulation pod so you can take your pre-War items out of the simulation. A guide including a video with instructions can be found on the Operation: Anchorage page, under the 'Glitch' section.

After you're done preparing, enter the simulation and just keep playing until you're at the US Army HQ, and the quest Paving the Way begins. Now acquire the Gauss Rifle via the Quartermaster, but do NOT initiate any missions with Sgt. Montgomery.


 * 1) As already mentioned, acquire a Gauss Rifle, and also another weapon of your choice (except the Assault Rifle) along with its matching ammo.
 * 2) Find a Chinese soldier holding the gun (it is advisable to eliminate any other units), and knock him down using the Gauss Rifle (it is advised to aim for his weapon). It is best to perform this in the Ice Camp, as its front “area” is small and can be attacked from a distance.
 * 3) Once he is knocked down, crouch next to him and repeatedly “interact” with him until his inventory shows up (meaning you have pickpocketed him). Now remove his 5.56mm ammo (you have a 100% chance of success here), and instead plant the other weapon you picked and its ammunition.
 * 4) Once the soldier gets up, wait until he equips his new weapon, then knock him down again (aim for the weapon) using the Gauss Rifle. Once again, pickpocket him, and now remove your brand new Chinese Assault rifle!

Use in game
The Chinese Assault Rifle is not the most accurate weapon, which is further exacerbated by the wear and tear on the barrels after many years of use, though careful use can make it effective at long ranges. As such, it is best suited to fighting in close quarters and semi-open terrain (read: urban). It is also recommended to keep automatic fire limited to short (3 or 4 rounds), controlled bursts. Use the full auto only on tougher targets or bigger targets (like super mutants). When using the weapon in V.A.T.S., the user will squeeze off a three-round burst with every attack. It is not the most powerful small gun, however it is considered to be one of the best small guns in the game because of its widespread availability for repairs as well as ammunition, and thanks to a very respectable amount of power. Notably, this gun degrades slower and hits harder than the R91 Assault Rifle.

Behind the scenes
The rifle's appearance was based on the AK family of weapons (overall appearance), specifically the Type 56 assault rifle. The Type 56 was the standard military issue weapon for China from 1956 to the mid 1980's.

Appearances
Chinese Assault Rifles appear only in Fallout 3.