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Plastic Weapons

by David G. Hinkley

Lone Star Information Circular

Undetectable and Composite Weapons

ATTENTION: The following information is rated LONE STAR CONFIDENTIAL. Unauthorized viewing, reproduction, or transmission of this material is prohibited. Violators will be prosecuted.

ISSUED: 12/01/56
SUBJECT: Composite Undetectable Firearms

* The drek is about to hit the fan on these things. I’ve been hearing about them for over a year, word is that a bunch hit the street about 3-4 months ago.
* Wraith

* Lone Star put out this Information Circular about two months ago, looks like we now have confirmation that somebody is running these things. I know a guy who got popped by Star, said they totally missed a plastic shotgun he had in the trunk.
* Blackjack

Information Circular Text

Recent intelligence indicates that a limited number of undetectable composite firearms have been introduced into the Seattle Metroplex. These weapons are manufactured almost totally from composite materials (plastics, ceramics and similar materials) making them difficult to impossible to detect using standard MAD detectors and similar equipment currently used at most secure areas. This circular is intended to provide field personnel with information regarding these weapons.

Known Types

Composite Shotgun: This weapon appears to be a 12-gauge pump action shotgun with a pistol grip. Length is approximately 45 cm with a 25 cm barrel. The weapon is believed to be manufactured using a reinforced polymer/ceramic composite for the barrel, receiver and action. Steel components are limited to the firing pin, extractor and springs which total less than 100 grams. Because of the composite materials used, this weapon is believed to be capable of handling standard 12-gauge ammunition including slugs, shot, and specialty ammunition. The weapon has a 5 round tubular magazine. This weapon has a concealability of 5 (or 6 with a coat) and does 9S damage (as per standard shotgun rules).

* I’ve seen these. They work, and they work well. The problem is they are expensive as hell, and they are heavy. But if you need to get a serious weapon past security, these will do it.
* Wraith

Plastic Gyrojet Pistol: This weapon is believed to be manufactured in a similar manner to the composite shotgun using reinforced polymers and ceramics. The weapon fires a 15mm gyrojet rocket propelled projectile. Because of the nature of the projectile, the weapon has virtually no recoil. The weapon is believed to have a 10 round box magazine. This weapon has a concealability rating of 6 and does 9M damage. Range increments are 0-5/6-20/21-40/41-60 meters. Because of the rocket propelled nature of the ammunition, the weapon does not suffer range penalties. Ammunition for this weapon is believed to be very expensive and difficult to obtain.

* These things are slick. The problem is the ammo. You can’t just walk into a gun shop and buy gyrojet ammunition. You need to know somebody who knows somebody. And it’s expensive. We’re talking 50¥ a round.
* Blackjack

* Both of these weapons are rare. Very rare. I’ve been in the shadows for 10 years and I’ve only seen the shotgun once. Never seen the gyrojet. If you can get your hands on one, hold onto it.
* Wraith

Detection

Standard MAD (Magnetic Anomaly Detection) scanners will not detect these weapons. The small amount of ferrous metals used in their construction is insufficient to trigger most MAD detectors. Similarly, standard metal detectors will not detect these weapons.

Advanced MAD scanners set to maximum sensitivity MAY detect these weapons, but will also detect belt buckles, watches, pens, and other items containing small amounts of ferrous metals. Such sensitivity settings are not recommended for general use due to the high number of false alarms.

Physical searches and X-ray scanners remain the most effective means of detecting these weapons. Security personnel should be trained to recognize the distinctive profiles of these weapons.

* Translation: They can’t stop them. If you’ve got one of these and you’re careful, you can walk it right past most security. Just don’t get stupid and try to take it past an X-ray machine or into a pat-down area.
* Blackjack

Availability and Source

Intelligence indicates these weapons are being manufactured in limited quantities by one or more small manufacturers, possibly in the CAS or Aztlan. Current street price for the composite shotgun is believed to be 2,500-3,500¥. Current street price for the plastic gyrojet pistol is believed to be 3,000-4,500¥. Ammunition for the gyrojet pistol is believed to cost 40-60¥ per round.

Availability is believed to be extremely limited. Only runners and criminals with excellent connections are likely to have access to these weapons.

Game Statistics

Composite Shotgun

  • Concealability: 5
  • Ammo: 5 (m)
  • Mode: SA
  • Damage: 9S
  • Weight: 2.5 kg
  • Availability: 12/21 days
  • Cost: 3,000¥
  • Street Index: 2.5

Plastic Gyrojet Pistol

  • Concealability: 6
  • Ammo: 10 (c)
  • Mode: SA
  • Damage: 9M
  • Weight: 1 kg
  • Availability: 14/30 days
  • Cost: 4,000¥
  • Street Index: 3

Gyrojet Ammunition (per 10 rounds)

  • Availability: 10/14 days
  • Cost: 500¥
  • Street Index: 2.5

* Those are street prices. If you’re buying at character creation, double them. These things are not easy to come by.
* Mystery Man

* One last word of advice. If you get caught with one of these, you’re in deep drek. The law takes a very dim view of people trying to circumvent security measures. Expect the book thrown at you, and then some.
* Wraith

END OF CIRCULAR