Gauss Rifle

Gauss rifles are hand-held weapons utilizing electromagnetic coils to propel metal slugs at extremely high velocities.

While in Fallout 2 the Gauss rifle uses the Small Guns skill, it uses the Energy Weapons skill in Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas.

Background
The Gauss rifle, also called a coil gun, is a device used to propel a ferromagnetic projectile by accelerating them through a process of magnet induction. The Gauss rifle (and Gauss gun) are named after German mathematician Carl Friedrich Gauss, who formulated mathematical descriptions of the magnetic effect demonstrated by magnetic accelerators.

M72 Gauss rifle


The M72 rifle is of German design. It uses an electromagnetic field to propel rounds at tremendous speed... and pierce almost any obstacle. Its range, accuracy, and stopping power are almost unparalleled.

It uses 2mm EC magazines containing both batteries and ammunition. In 2241, it is often used by Enclave soldiers.

Scoped Gauss rifle


The scoped Gauss rifle is an advanced sniper rifle used during the invasion of Alaska. Unlike the M72 Gauss rifle, which uses 2mm EC magazines containing both batteries and ammunition, this gun requires the user to load in the microfusion cells needed to energizes and magnetize each pre-loaded standard round contained in the magazine attached to the side of the weapon. Each round produces a small "explosion" on impact, dealing minor splash damage and blow back the enemy for a short period.

YCS/186


The YCS/186 is a unique version of the scoped Gauss rifle. In 2281, it is found in the hands of a group of mercenaries. Its appearance is similar to the scoped Gauss rifle but rustier and with an additional 4 coils around the barrel. It requires fewer microfusion cells per shot, is more accurate, and causes greater damage than the normal variant found in the Mojave Wasteland.

Enhanced Gauss rifle
An enhanced version of the M72 model.

Beta Gauss rifle


The Beta Gauss rifle is a beta version of the Scoped Gauss rifle that uses the model of a laser rifle and features a five round magazine. It only does about 25% of the damage of the final version, but has a 100% knock-down chance. It is only obtainable through console commands.