"75% of the city's violence is drug-related. 75% of a frother's drugs are violence-related."
- "Trigger" Locke, SCL 7a.9

Contenders for the New Issue Sidearm, 900SD

BLA 900D

Using the barrel and trigger from a limited-edition repeating Blitzer, BLA have built a fully automatic 12.7mm handgun. The gas-operated mechanism is housed inside a sleeve along the barrel, helping to reduce recoil and balancing the weapon. Grained ceramic inserts help to dissipate heat, although the weapon is supplied with a warning that prolonged use of non-standard ammunition may warp the slide. The looks are a complete re-design for BLA, who have opted for a FEN-esque wrap-around handguard, and a minimalist "smooth" exterior. In cross-section, the barrel is like a D lying on its back, with a widened plate at the bottom for attaching additional sights and instruments.

Size: P; Calibre/Type: 12.7mmP; ROF: 5/3/1; Rng: 17; Clip: 14; Recoil: 11/7/4 (includes 3 stages of baffling)

Price: 300c

FEN Sidekick

FEN have tendered a much-updated version of the nearly 300 year-old 603 design. While visually similar, it now has improved firing characteristics, a lighter body and enhanced field-cleaning properties. The barrel and chamber can be removed as one unit and replaced with a 12mm version for operatives wanting extra bite.

Size: P; Calibre/Type: 10mmP; ROF: 3/1; Rng: 16; Clip: 22; Recoil: 6/3;

Price: 180c

The 12mm upgrade kit costs 30c and requires at least one level in Weapons Maintenance:

Calibre/Type: 12mmP; ROF: 3/1; Rng: 20; Clip: 18; Recoil: 9/6

CAF Silhouette

CAF have been granted a special licence to produce this 10mm pistol, which despite early ill-informed jeering by the press now looks to be a strong contender. CAF's expertise in making weapons suitable for civilians has payed off, allowing them to make a weapon that any operative can use. Not only this, but it is also the most concealable entry in this line-up, measuring just 20cm from tip to tail. The weapons immense functonality comes from its revolutionary design: the grip is mounted at the front, so the body of the gun rests along the firer's wrist. In its holster mode, the twin slimline 14-round magazines lie parallel to the grip, hanging down from the rear of the weapon, leaving enough space between them to for a hand to get to the grip. When pressure is applied to the trigger, they spring out into their firing position, at an angle of 45 degrees. Rounds are fed alternately from each clip, allowing easy ammunition cocktailing.

Size: P; Calibre/Type: 9mmP; ROF: 5/1; Rng: 30; Clip: 28; Recoil: 6/1; Price: 280c

FEN 895b-m3

Little has been said of this entry, despite the fact that when the competition for a new isue sidearm was announced in 895, FEN issued a release sying that ithiswould be their entry. All the FEN-related media attention has now gone to the Sidekick, which looks like being FENs entry now. Sources close to FEN have revealed that this model was a complete redesign, owing more to their new shotgun range (due for release in 901SD) than the old 603. Details remain sketchy.

Quadsteel

This sword-like weapon has four blades shaped like crescent moons arranged in two pairs facing opposite directions. Although awkward to use, the Quadsteel has the capacity to cause massive injury very quikly using the special "double hook" move. The vibrating monoblades are powered by a battery in the handle which is good for 1,000 hours continuous use.

Rules: Can be used like a sword with the standard 1-H Blade skill, but at a -1 penalty. Using the correct technique (the new Physique skill "Quadsteel") there is no penalty, and furthermore any natural roll of 18, 19 or 20 doubles the damage inflicted after armour (this is the "double hook" move).

Dmg: 4; Pen: 3; AD: 4; Weight: 2kg; Cost: 120c / 3,000u

CombatCeramic Light Angular Weapons

CCLAW (pronounced "claw") are a new company, described elsewhere. Their flagship product, the QuadSteel, has outsold the VibroSabre and VibroKatana in recent months, and the forthcoming Cclawlette looks set to put MAC in a very precarious position.

Cclawlette

This short, wide dagger is housed in the underside of a long bracelet worn on the right wrist. When needed for use, the front collar of the bracelet is twisted 90 degrees, unlocking the blade. When the wrist is jerked upright, the blade springs out, allowing martial artists to use a wrist-punch far more effectively. Furthermore, because the blade is shorter than most people's hand, it can be concealed simply by returning the hand to its normal position.

Rules: Used with the Unarmed Combat skill, the Cclawlette infers a -1 to-hit penalty. There is no penalty for use with the Martial Arts skill.

Dmg: 3; Pen: 2; AD: 1; Weight: 0.5kg; Cost: 100c / 3000u