Gauss Rifles are infantry fielded coilguns that appear in Fallout 2, Fallout 3, Fallout Tactics, Fallout: New Vegas, Fallout 4 and Fallout 76.
Background
The Gauss Rifle utilizes magnetic induction to propel projectiles to high speeds.[1] The German M72 variant fires 2mm EC steel rounds.[2][3] A U.S. Army variant was developed and used before the Great War and in the Battle of Anchorage.[4][5]
Models
M72 Gauss Rifle

The M72 has an electromagnetic accelerator, which uses an auto-loading 2mm EC cartridge (carrying both the 2mm steel slugs and the battery necessary to power it) slid into the magazine well, located in front of the trigger guard. The combination of German engineering and attention to detail make it a tremendously powerful weapon, with the slugs capable of piercing most targets at extreme ranges.[2][3] It is used by Enclave soldiers.
Gauss Rifle

Advertised as the United States Army's newest weapon,[6] the scoped Gauss rifle was originally deployed in the Resource Wars. There is a test cell Gauss rifle variant in the TestPhil cell.
- For the unique Gauss rifle that appears in Fallout: New Vegas, see YCS/186.
- For other versions in Fallout Shelter, see rusty Gauss rifle, enhanced Gauss rifle, hardened Gauss rifle, accelerated Gauss rifle.
- For the unique Gauss rifle that appears in Fallout Shelter, see Magnetron 4000.
Gauss Rifle

This type of coilgun uses a series of high-powered capacitors and hypermagnetized coils to propel the projectile.
Prototype Gauss Rifle

Behind the Scenes
- The Gauss Rifle was set to appear in the cancelled game, Fallout Extreme.
Gallery
M72 Gauss Rifle as seen in Fallout Tactics.
Gauss Rifle as seen in Operation: Anchorage
See also
References
- ↑ Fallout 4 loading screens: "The Gauss Rifle uses magnetic induction to propel a projectile at incredible, and devastating speed. Each shot can be "charged" for maximum damage by keeping the trigger held in for a moment before releasing."
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Fallout 2 item description: "{39200}{}{M72 Gauss Rifle}"
"{39201}{}{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 is almost unparalleled. Min ST: 6.}"
(PRO ITEM.MSG (Fallout 2)) - ↑ 3.0 3.1 Fallout Tactics item description: "name_gaussRifle = {M72 Gauss Rifle}"
"desc_gaussRifle = {The M72 rifle is of German design. It uses an electromagnetic field to propel 2mm steel rounds at tremendous speed... and pierce almost any obstacle. Its range, accuracy and stopping power is almost unparalleled.}"
(Items.txt) - ↑ Thumbnail of "Prototype Gauss Rifle" Creation
- ↑ Creation Club description: "Wielded with deadly effect before the Great War, the Prototype Gauss Rifle uses electromagnetic induction to shoot a projectile at tremendous speed. It is, in essence, a sniper's best friend."
- ↑ FO4 Creation Club - Gauss Rifle Prototype.png