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M-27 Scimitar: Ariake Assault Shotgun

A Rapid-Fire Mercenary Shotgun

The M-27 Scimitar was an assault shotgun manufactured by Ariake Technologies, built around twin mass effect generators that gave it an unusually rapid rate of fire. Developed for the Eclipse, it grew popular across the mercenary bands of the Terminus.

By Joe Garratt

The M-27 Scimitar Assault Shotgun was a close-quarters firearm manufactured by Ariake Technologies. Built around twin mass effect generators, it traded the heavy per-shot punch of a conventional shotgun for a far more rapid rate of fire, making it deadly in the hands of an aggressive fighter at short range. Created for the Eclipse, it spread quickly through the mercenary bands of the Terminus Systems.

Design#

The Scimitar was an elite military shotgun designed for rapid fire. Its defining feature was a pair of mass effect generators, an arrangement that let it cycle far faster than a traditional shotgun and feed from a generous magazine. The result was a weapon that could pour a heavy volume of fire into a target at point-blank range, well suited to fighters who pressed in close rather than trading single shots from cover. That speed came at a price, however. Each individual round struck for less than a heavier shotgun would deliver, the weapon's accuracy was poor, and its pellets scattered widely, so its lethality depended on staying near the target and keeping up sustained fire. It was effective against kinetic shields and biotic barriers but comparatively weak against hardened armor.

Origin and use#

The Scimitar was created for the Eclipse, one of the major mercenary companies operating beyond Council space. Its combination of rapid fire and ease of use made it well suited to the company's soldiers, and it did not remain exclusive for long. The weapon rapidly became popular with the Blood Pack as well, and Scimitars were carried by the heavy infantry of both bands, where their short-range firepower complemented the close-quarters tactics those groups favored. By the time of the war against the Reapers the design remained in service, manufactured by Ariake Technologies and fielded by mercenaries and soldiers alike.

Frequently asked questions

What was the M-27 Scimitar?
The M-27 Scimitar was an elite military assault shotgun manufactured by Ariake Technologies. It was deadly at short range but ineffective at long range, and its fire was strong against shields and biotic barriers yet weak against armor.
What made the Scimitar fire so quickly?
The Scimitar featured twin mass effect generators, which gave it a markedly more rapid rate of fire than a traditional shotgun. This rate of fire and large magazine were its defining traits.
Who used the M-27 Scimitar?
The weapon was created for the Eclipse mercenary band, but it rapidly became popular with the Blood Pack as well. It was a common sight in the hands of mercenary heavies across the Terminus.

Sources

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