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" popular among American gun owners (though the weapon itself is selective-fire), 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-101 or the AK-102 (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. It's also the trademark weapon of Lucas Simms, sheriff of Megaton.

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. You're going to need a Gauss Rifle (from the Quartermaster), a Combat Shotgun (included in the Close Assault weapon package), 3-4 Micro Fusion Cells and one ammo refill of Shotgun Shells. DO NOT speak to Sgt. Montgomery, instead head out by yourself to any mission objective.

Once you have a Chinese Soldier in sight, pull out your Gauss Rifle, aim at his weapon in V.A.T.S. and fire once. The un-suspecting soldier will be knocked off his feet, but will still be alive. Immediately run towards him and activate him, as you will be able to pick-pocket him at 100% chance of success. Remove his 5.56 rounds and replace them with all your Shotgun Shells and your Combat Shotgun. Wait for him to stand up and pull out his new Combat Shotgun, then aim at his gun in V.A.T.S. again and fire once. The Shotgun will be knocked out of his hands (it's the only weapon with a 95% hit chance), and you'll be able to take your Shotgun Shells, pick up your Combat Shotgun and relieve him of his Chinese Assault Rifle, making this glitch repeatable. WARNING: this glitch doesn't work on Chinese Snipers and Chinese Technicians.

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
Judging by its look, this rifle's appearance was inspired by several existing firearms:
 * the AK family of weapons (overall appearance), specifically the AKS-74U and AK-107 assault rifles (barrel, muzzle brake, gas tube, front sight);
 * RPD machine gun (front handguard, possibly rear sight);
 * Type 56-II assault rifle, of actual Chinese production, although only for export (metallic folding frame stock).

Appearances
Chinese Assault Rifles appear only in Fallout 3. However, another Kalashnikov-like weapon exists in the Fallout universe; the AK-112 Assault Rifle.