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. Unlike the German M72 Gauss Rifle, which has an ammo capacity of 20, it has to be reloaded after each shot.

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.

The rifle is featured in one of two Chinese propaganda posters within the simulation, indicating its origin and explaining the substantially different look.

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, instead of the M72 Gauss Rifle from Fallout 2 and Fallout Tactics. The Gauss Rifle has been reassigned to the Energy Weapons category.

Bugs

 * Sometimes -- especially in free-aim firing -- the Gauss Rifle's projectile will travel straight through your foe, doing no damage and alerting him and his companions to your presence. This is likely a glitch. This is more likely to happen in close range. Until/unless it has been patched, it is suggested that players limit their use of the Gauss Rifle in free-aim mode.
 * 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.)
 * when shot in VATS, your character might disappear while he is shooting in the VATS mini scene. though this does not have any effect on your character.

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.