L337 Model BFG blaster rifle
The Star Wars Wiki of fan invention.
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| L337 Model BFG blaster rifle | |
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| Production information | |
| Manufacturer | |
| Model |
L337 Model BFG heavy blaster rifle |
| Type | |
| Physical and technical specifications | |
| Length |
1.2m |
| Weight |
5kg |
| Capacity |
500 shots |
| Range |
36m |
| Usage and history | |
| Purpose |
Sport hunting rifle |
| Heritage | |
| Era(s) | |
- "I hated it when I first fired it. The damn thing kicks like a ronto."
- —Camilla Sookanado describing the L337 Model BFG's recoil.
The L337 Model BFG blaster rifle was a long-range heavy assault weapon manufactured by Rheshalva Interstellar Armaments that was marketed to sportsmen and mercenaries. It was known for its dangerous recoil.
Contents |
[edit] Characteristics
The L337 Model BFG blaster rifle was a lesser-known heavy assault weapon manufactured by Rheshalva Interstellar Armaments. Constructed to be such a large firearm, it used a newly-developed phase-plasma technology to create the blaster bolts. This deviation from standard blaster technology gave the L337 impressive range and power, but also a massive recoil when fired. Powered by removable power cells, the battery units contained ultracold plasma and were designed to mimic the look of ammunition magazines utilized by older solid-state projectile weapons. The L337 was equipped with a scope for use as a long-range sniper rifle. Ridiculously oversized, the weapon was not as widely-popular as other blaster rifles. The size was a cosmetic decision, intended to intimidate targets as well as house the blaster technology and an additional internal power pack.
[edit] History
There was no doubt that the main reason for the unpopularity of the L337 was the weapon's notorious recoil. This was documented to be a potential nuisance since the blaster's early testing phases. According to Rheshalva's accident reports, an ordinance officer suffered a concussion when the L337's kickback threw him against the wall of the firing range. Since most blaster rifles possessed some degree of recoil, Rheshalva overlooked it and put the L337 on the market, hoping the weapon's power would compensate. It was not in production for long before reports of injuries to the users flooded in, ranging from minor bumps and bruises to lost eyes and broken bones. A few of the wounded gunners even took legal action against the company for medical compensation and to have the weapon recalled. Rheshalva spokespeople were quick to dismiss the claims as the gunners were "inexperienced and did not properly stabilize the blaster."
Injury reports increased in severity, including a report of a young Rodian sharp-shooter suffering a near-fatal crushing blow to the larynx, but the weapon remained in retailer storehouses. The incident that had sealed the L337's fate, however, sent the media into a frenzy; a well-respected big-game hunter was killed by blunt-force trauma when the butt of his L337 fractured his skull. The weapon had kicked, sending the stock jerking upward and driving it through the Rodian's left temple. The gruesome nature of the sportsman's death, coupled with the L337's numerous injury reports, was just too much to dismiss as a freak occurrence. Fearing that the company's name would be tarnished, Rheshalva pulled the weapon off the market, abandoning the phase-plasma technology.
Despite the potential for serious injury or even accidental death from the weapon's recoil, many owners were quite happy with their L337s. When properly stabilized, the range and power of the rifle more than made up for the bad press. Though no longer in production, used and refurbished L337s could still be purchased on the secondary market and from private arms dealers. The weapon was an uncommon item, however, due to reputation and experienced owners refusing to sell it.
Rodian bounty hunter Camilla Sookanado owned and wielded a L337 Model BFG.
[edit] Behind the scenes
The L337 Model BFG design was based loosely on that of the M16 assault rifle. The name of the weapon was comprised of a few in-jokes by Dareth Pan'dha. These referred to the weapon's almost-absurd size in comparison to Camilla in the author's initial sketch, to the BFG9000, and the internet slang for "elite" (l337, leet).
