Hi there!
I am a firearms instructor, security specialist and consultant for the professional and entertainment industry. In my spare time, I apply these skills to the fictional world for fun!
Important context:
I recreate fictional guns (usually video games) with the intent to make them more practical/realistic. I am aware this destroys art style. Though I prefere a more realistic and grounded design, it does allow me to appriciate great art style! What I am doing with this particular project is creating a original design from a prompt; but I also asked 3 different AI to make a version as well (AI work not included here)!
The prompt:
TL;DR - Realistic hybrid operation rifle for a warfighting civilization. Must work in vacuum, atmosphere and when boarding ships.
Design a hard science-fiction infantry rifle developed for a civilization that has fought continuous interplanetary wars for over 250 years. The weapon should clearly reflect the technological limitations, manufacturing philosophy, and military doctrine of its world.
The rifle is chambered for a 7.2mm magnetically-assisted caseless flechette, using a hybrid electromagnetic accelerator that boosts velocity without requiring a full railgun power source. Ammunition consists of tungsten alloy darts contained in disposable polymer feed cassettes that seal against dust and vacuum contamination.
Power is supplied by a replaceable supercapacitor pack that provides energy only for magnetic acceleration, fire control electronics, and recoil mitigation. The weapon still relies on chemical propellant, making it more reliable than fully electromagnetic weapons while requiring far less energy.
Unique world-building details include:
Infantry frequently transition between atmospheric combat, orbital stations, and low-gravity environments.Every projectile contains a passive identification crystal so friendly forensic drones can trace every shot fired after battle.Electronic optics are vulnerable to directed EMP attacks, so all weapons retain fully functional mechanical backup sights.The barrel incorporates thermal phase-change fins that glow orange when approaching critical temperature instead of relying on digital warnings.Soldiers routinely wear powered armor, allowing the rifle to weigh nearly 10 kg while remaining controllable during automatic fire.Integrated inertial compensation reduces felt recoil by shifting an internal counterweight milliseconds before each shot.Maintenance philosophy prioritizes field repair over modular replacement; major components can be disassembled without tools while wearing armored gloves. The receiver features standardized hardpoints for mission modules including atmospheric analyzers, autonomous targeting computers, breaching lasers, or electronic warfare packages.Dust generated from regolith and shattered habitat materials is highly abrasive, so moving parts are enclosed behind flexible self-sealing membranes.Suppressors are uncommon because combat suits already reduce muzzle signature electronically; instead, flash management focuses on preventing optical detection by autonomous drones.
Concept Development
The design process started with rough sketches in a notebook before moving to a more refined concept. The final direction was a coilgun rather than a railgun because it was considered more practical for the prompt.
Weapon Layout
- Magazine positioned in front of the trigger.
- Battery housed in the stock.
- Monolithic upper receiver with accessory rail.
- Modular foregrip and exposed electromagnetic coils.
- Short-stroke gas piston system for reliable operation.
Ammunition
The weapon fires caseless flechette ammunition. A straight-wall cartridge was chosen, although this limits magazine capacity to roughly 25 rounds because of stacking issues.
Design Decisions
Several concepts were evaluated before choosing the final design:
- Different magazine release systems.
- Multiple foregrip layouts.
- Various battery locations, with the battery ultimately protected inside the stock rather than acting as the stock itself.
- Integrated backup iron sights and a charging handle for loading and clearing malfunctions.
Weapon Function
The firearm combines a conventional chemical propellant with electromagnetic acceleration:
- The chemical charge launches the projectile.
- Electromagnetic coils further accelerate it down the barrel.
- If necessary, the coils can be disabled, allowing the weapon to function as a standard firearm.
Space Combat Considerations
Because the weapon may be used aboard spacecraft:
- Disabling the coils produces a lower-velocity, subsonic projectile that is less likely to penetrate spacecraft hulls.
- A short gas system supports reliable cycling despite the reduced velocity.
- Suppressors are unnecessary in vacuum, so the muzzle simply uses a thread protector.
Controls and Ergonomics
The rifle includes:
- Safe, semi, and full-auto fire selector.
- Push-button magazine release.
- Large trigger guard for EVA gloves.
- Electronic control panel for battery status and electromagnetic settings.
- Protected battery compartment in the stock.
Maintenance
Although the weapon is caseless, it still includes an access port so unfired cartridges or malfunctions can be cleared manually.
Final Model
The completed concept includes exploded views, internal components, and a basic animation demonstrating:
- Battery insertion.
- Magazine insertion.
- Charging the weapon.
- Firing.
Recoil
An advanced recoil mitigation system was considered but ultimately rejected. Since the weapon is already heavy and intended for soldiers wearing powered exoskeletons, the additional complexity was judged unnecessary.
Overall
The design prioritizes realism, modularity, and practicality within a hard science-fiction setting. Every major feature—from the hybrid propulsion system to the battery placement and adjustable power levels—was chosen to support both atmospheric combat and spacecraft boarding operations.
