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 it through a process of electromagnetic 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 energize and magnetize each pre-loaded standard round contained in the magazine that is attached to the side of the weapon. Each round produces a small "explosion" on impact, dealing minor splash damage as well as a knock-back/stun effect on the enemy (or enemies) for a short period of time. 
 * For other versions in Fallout Shelter, see Rusty Gauss rifle, Enhanced Gauss rifle, Hardened Gauss rifle, Accelerated Gauss rifle
 * For the unique version in Fallout Shelter, see Magnetron 4000

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.

Unnamed Gauss rifle


The Gauss rifle has large, external capacitors and exposed copper wiring run alongside the barrel. The rifle operates on a charging principle: the user holds down the trigger to build up the charge which is shown on a nixie tube display above the stock. Releasing the trigger fires the round with a larger charge dealer more damage.

The rifle, like the M72 Gauss rifle, uses 2mm EC rounds as ammunition, which is fed through a dorsal mounted cylindrical magazine. When fired, its projectile produces a momentary blue trail, similar to a lightning bolt. It can also be modded with a shielded barrel, extra capacitors, a compensator or suppressor, and various sights and scopes.

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.

Enhanced Gauss rifle
An enhanced version of the M72 model.

Trivia
Technically, the Gauss Rifle isn't a rifle at all, since it doesn't have rifling in the barrel. Hence, a more accurate term would be Gauss Gun.