Gauss Rifle (Fallout 3)

The Scoped Gauss Rifle uses an electromagnetic field to propel rounds at tremendous speed. Its range, accuracy and stopping power are almost unparalleled.

Upon completion of the Operation: Anchorage simulation you will gain access to an armory where you can find a Gauss Rifle. It is an extremely powerful sniper rifle with a long range scope equivilent to that of a regular sniper rifle in the game. It has a knock-down effect that will knock enemies off their feet following a successful hit.

Appearances
While this Gauss Rifle model does not appear in the main Fallout 3 game, it makes an appearance in the Operation: Anchorage downloadable content pack, replacing the M72 Gauss Rifle from Fallout 2 and Fallout Tactics. The Gauss Rifle has apparently been reassigned to the Energy Weapons category. It also has a scope for long-range fire.

Bugs

 * This weapon does not deal proper damage when in VATS. The knockdown effect is still there, though less powerful.
 * When in 3rd person view, with power armor equipped, the gauss rifle causes the power pack on the back of the armor disappear.
 * When in third person and firing and moving, the weapon may freeze in place and remain stationary in mid air while the character model appears to be holding nothing but the hands are stationed as if a Gauss Rifle was being held. (this happened in Megaton while wearing the winter T51b. It is not clear if this occurs with any other armor or clothing or in any other location.)
 * Sometimes bullets will straight through the enemy, not damaging him at all(but alerting him.)

Trivia

 * The slugs which this weapon fires appear to be fed through a magazine on the right side of the weapon. Since only Microfusion Cell ammunition is required to fire it, there appears to be an unexplained limitless supply of slugs for it.