Mk. VII revisited

The legendary "Mk. VII long rifle" has endured as the Ellisians' weapon of choice for many generations, but as the times have changed its new range of uses have been expanded and modified.

One of the biggest changes is that post-schism the bolt and firing pin assembly is no longer integrated right to the rifle. Spare bolts had gotten so common that it became quicker and easier to reload by affixing each round with its own firing pin and bolt handle. With that said, most pragmatic riflemen will keep one or two spare bolts just in case new ammunition doesn't come pre-bolted.

Other miscellaneous accessories had become more scarce, but by the personal order of Empress Gilead all newly-produced Mk. VIIs would have proper fittings for various suppressors, bayonets, optics, and even muzzle-firing rifle grenades.

All of the older qualities remained more or less intact. Ellisians still insist on their old favorite of 14.5x130mm caliber ammunition, though the payloads of these rounds have tended to vary more. Explosive tipped anti-pred shells are still the standard, but with human foes becoming the more pressing concern new additions have been added to the inventory. Discarding-sabot antimaterial rounds, incindiary "morale-sappers", even multi-flechete shotshells for unconventional warfare.

The entirety of the barrel is shrouded by the extensive gas regulator and recoil compensation system that feeds from it. With such oversized ammunition this system is crucial for the weapon to be successfully operated. Unfortunately the compensator adds significantly to the weapon's weight and bulk. Its no coincidence that Ellisians prefer to fight from prepared positions where keeping the weapon raised isn't as necessary.

All the same, they are entirely willing to heave their long rifles into an aggressive role when the time comes, and one might find that with the proper motivation even ponderous weapons like these can be brought to bear with surprising speed. Never underestimate the value of a sling!