OL Pattern M1718
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| Type: | Battle rifle |
| Place of origin: |  Shireroth
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| Used by: | |
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| Designed: | 1717 AN–1718 AN |
| Manufacturer: | Royal Ordnance Factory Lichkeep
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| Produced: | 1719 AN – present |
| No. built | 3,901,432 (1734 AN) |
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| Length: | 1,126 mm |
| Barrel Length: | 559 mm |
| Weight: | 4.9 kg (loaded) |
| Cartridge: | 7.62×67mmB |
| Action: | Gas-operated |
| Rate of Fire: | 700–750 rounds/min |
| Muzzle Velocity | 853 m/s |
| Effective Firing Range | 800 m |
| Feed system | 10 to 20-round detachable box magazines |
| Sights | Adjustable iron sights
Optical sights (optional) |
The OL Pattern M1718 is a select-fire automatic battle rifle chambered for the powerful 7.62×67mmB cartridge. It was adopted by the Imperial Forces of Shireroth in 1718 AN after a year of design work, and has been the standard-issue infantry rifle since 1719 AN. Produced by the Royal Ordnance Factory Lichkeep, over 2.4 million OL Pattern M1718 rifles had been manufactured by 1731 AN.
Design
The OL Pattern M1718 is a gas-operated, magazine-fed rifle with a 559mm barrel. It has an overall length of 1,126mm and weighs 4.9 kg when loaded. The rifle fires the 7.62×67mmB cartridge from 10 or 20-round detachable box magazines and has an effective range of 800 meters. It features a gas system derived from the M1610 rifle and a rotating bolt similar to the M1591. The OL Pattern M1718 has a selective fire capability, allowing both semi-automatic and full-automatic operation up to 750 rounds per minute.
Iron sights are standard, featuring an aperture rear sight adjustable for windage and elevation. Optional optics can be mounted on the receiver's integral sight base. The rifle has a wooden stock and handguard, with a barrel mounted bayonet lug.
Advantages
- Powerful Cartridge: The 7.62×67mmB round offers excellent range, penetration and stopping power compared to intermediate cartridges.
- Accurate Fire: With its precise barrel and sighting, the OL Pattern M1718 is an accurate rifle for midrange engagements.
- Penetration: The 7.62×67mmB can penetrate light cover and body armor better than smaller calibers.
- Familiarity: Many Shirerithian soldiers had prior experience with similar bolt-action rifles before adoption of the M1718.
Disadvantages
- Weight: At nearly 5 kg loaded, the M1718 is heavy for an infantry rifle, causing fatigue on long patrols.
- Recoil: The powerful 7.62×67mmB cartridge generates substantial recoil, making automatic fire difficult to control.
- Limited Magazine: The 20-round magazine is relatively small for a battle rifle.
- Obsolete design: While an excellent design for its type, the M1718 belonged to an an aging Imperial tradition of weapon design, increasingly outclassed by more modern infantry weapons.
Field Issues
Soldiers carrying the OL Pattern M1718 have experienced several issues during field deployment:
- Weight and Recoil: The rifle's heft and powerful recoil make it tiring to carry and fire over extended periods, limiting its utility in sustained combat.
- Maintenance: The M1718's gas system is susceptible to fouling from propellant residue and foreign debris, requiring regular cleaning.
- Ammunition Consumption: The 7.62×67mmB's greater size and weight limit the amount of ammunition an individual soldier can carry compared to smaller caliber rifles.
- Reliability Issues: As a complex design with many tight tolerances, the M1718 can be prone to malfunctions if not meticulously cleaned and maintained.
- Limited Accessory Support: The rifle's older design offers limited ability to mount modern accessories like optics and lights compared to newer firearms.
Production history
- Production during 1734 was initially interrupted by the destruction of Lichkeep during the first days of the Shiro-Benacian War, but resumed following the commencement of decentralised light manufacturing via "shadow factories" established in the provinces.
| Year | Output |
|---|---|
| 1719 | 9,601 |
| 1720 | 28,545 |
| 1721 | 58,952 |
| 1722 | 185,552 |
| 1723 | 111,564 |
| 1724 | 219,679 |
| 1725 | 218,535 |
| 1726 | 208,611 |
| 1727 | 241,359 |
| 1728 | 276,200 |
| 1729 | 289,089 |
| 1730 | 277,650 |
| 1731 | 296,367 |
| 1732 | 286,420 |
| 1733 | 235,771 |
| 1734 | 957,537 |
| Total | 3,901,432 |
