The Spacepiress of Chaos
Intent: Updating the SSI Model 850 Flechette Launcher for use by the Confederacy of Independent Systems
Image Source: N/a
Canon Link: N/a
Permissions: N/a
Primary Source:
Manufacturer:
Affiliation:
- Closed-Market
- M58/FL
- Limited
- Mass-Produced
- Slugthrower Components
- Durasteel
- Oro Wood
Classification: Flechette Launcher
Size: Handheld
Weight: Average
Ammunition Type:
- Flechette Shell
- 8 gauge or 12 gauge or 16 gauge
- Average
- 12+1 round tubular magazine
- Personal
- Average
- High
- Average
Collapsible Stock
Forearm Grip
Upper Picatinny Rail
Side Mounted Sights
Forearm Grip
Upper Picatinny Rail
Side Mounted Sights
Anti-Personnel - Much like its predecessor, the M58/FL is best used in close quarters against large numbers of individuals where it can be used to the best of its effect.
Ammunition Exchange - The tubular magazine of the weapon permits a degree of freedom when it comes to the ammunition that the operator is capable of utilizing. With two rapid pumps, the shell is ejected (successive pumps will unload the magazine). Either this or the more commonly used means of loading a round directly into the chamber permits the rapid exchange of various munition types.
Picatinny Rail - The addition of a Picatinny rail on the upper section of the weapon permits limited modularity to the weapon in terms of additional equipment that can be installed.
Forearm Grip - A simple grip mounted on the pump action of the launcher allows for ease of firing and a more secure grip on the weapon.
Armor - The M58/FL is designed primarily to deal with individuals that are either unarmored or lightly armored - and to this effect is outmatched when dealing with heavier armors. An example being that standard stormtrooper armor is capable of withstanding anything short of a point-blank shot from the weapon; even then it may only incapacity the individual rather than outright kill them.
Tubular Magazine - The overall design of the M58/FL retains much of the previous Model 850 design, including the hinged door of the tubular magazine. While designed to ensure the ease of loading rounds into the weapon; this door is still finicky and prone to jamming if the proper care of the weapon is not taken.
Close Quarters - The M58/FL is designed for close-quarters combat and is otherwise ineffective against targets at further ranges.
When facing an enemy wielding a lightsaber, or a wall of troopers storming your position, or even needing to clear the trenches - the M58/FL is the upgraded variant of the older Model 850 Flechette Launcher. Retaining its primary role as a close-quarters support weapon with the capability of rapidly exchanging munition types, the M58/FL excels in its designation. Containing a tubular magazine that holds 12+1 rounds - over double of its predecessor - ensures that the weapon always has one in the chamber. Its pump-action ensures that reloading is still just as easy as with the previous Model 850; and much like that weapon, the M58/FL fires just as rapidly as the operator is capable.
Often utilized as a secondary weapon - its capability of switching between munitions ensures that it remains a versatile weapon. From unleashing clouds of jagged flechettes to tear through unarmored individuals, or a solid slug to tear down a door, the M58/FL is useful in all save a few incidents. An example of this is its incapability of taking on heavily armored individuals - with even its solid slugs or sabot rounds incapable of denting some of the heaviest armor in the galaxy. Though more often than not in these cases, a point-blank blast from the weapon tends to incapacitate the target rather than outright kill the individual.
Like the Model 850, the M58/FL still has problems in its design, primarily the hinged door of the tubular magazine - which can often jam if not properly cared for or if introduced to extensive physical abuse. Its lack of range is also a hindrance, often relegated it to a secondary weapon to be utilized when the enemy is closer or if operating in close-quarters areas. However, the M58/FL still excels in its primary role as an anti-personnel weapon, and its capability to chamber non-lethal rounds makes it an excellent choice for peacekeeping officers across the Confederacy.
