Semi-OT: Do Gauss Rifles Kick?

[kato13]

I wouldn't be surprised if one of the largest, if not the largest, part of such a weapon's mass would be its power pack.

Guns, Guns, Guns theory on this is that Gauss weapons would not be the equal to propellant weapons (in term of cost, power, etc) until room temp superconductors were invented for power storage. Vehicle based weapons and niche anti material weapons could be practical before then however.

Also using their system, lasers would be generally superior in terms of damage (but not in flexibility) over Gauss weapons. This is due to the fact that a laser's firing chamber can be folded (allowing more power in a smaller weapon) and a Gauss weapon's cannot.

[Legbreaker]

Here's a thought - include the power source with each round of ammo.
Ammunition is supplied in prepacked magazines and each two part round has just enough power to propell the projectile, or the actual magazine is the power pack....

Yes, definately needs a huge advance in technology, but could be something to think about.

[kato13]

Here's a thought - include the power source with each round of ammo.
Ammunition is supplied in prepacked magazines and each two part round has just enough power to propell the projectile, or the actual magazine is the power pack....

Yes, definately needs a huge advance in technology, but could be something to think about.

Guns^3 and the Expansion More Guns^3 have rules for these. Another neat thing about Gauss weapons is that you can dial up or down the power depending on the situation. Useful for subsonic, additional range, and to prevent over penetration.

[headquarters]

I yield

recoil acknowledged.

http://74.125.77.132/searchq=cache:ojH0XVNVvdUJ:www.knowledgerush.com/kr/encyclopedia/Gauss_rifle/+gauss+gun+recoil&cd=2&hl=no&ct=clnk

someone said something about lasers being superior - I just thought I would mention that "pluming" seems to be a dealbreaker with these.I.e the target starts vaporizing at POI and the vapour disperse the beam and lessens effect .
A Gauss gun might be more practical for an infantry portable weapon..

superguns thread Kato

bz-zapp!

[Legbreaker]

I just thought I would mention that "pluming" seems to be a dealbreaker with these.I.e the target starts vaporizing at POI and the vapour disperse the beam and lessens effect.

How dare you bring actual science into this!!


Oh, wait. That was me...

[Targan]

Guns^3 and the Expansion More Guns^3 have rules for these. Another neat thing about Gauss weapons is that you can dial up or down the power depending on the situation. Useful for subsonic, additional range, and to prevent over penetration.

Hmm, "More Guns, Guns, Guns". I might have to get that. I've been using 3G for years, including for all of my Gunmaster conversions.

[kato13]

someone said something about lasers being superior - I just thought I would mention that "pluming" seems to be a dealbreaker with these.I.e the target starts vaporizing at POI and the vapour disperse the beam and lessens effect .
A Gauss gun might be more practical for an infantry portable weapon..

superguns thread Kato

bz-zapp!

Blooming is a problem but given the 'instant' rate of transmission of energy lasers have found success in the Boeing YAL-1.

I have zero objections to such a thread, but an "OT-" is probably merited.

Hmm, "More Guns, Guns, Guns". I might have to get that. I've been using 3G for years, including for all of my Gunmaster conversions.

My More 3G is one of my only RPG books that has never been put into storage for any period of time. It comes from the same publishers of Timelords and Corps which make up the base of my custom gaming system.

[pmulcahy11b]

...or the actual magazine is the power pack....

That's how I've heard that most such proposals would work.

[Legbreaker]

Ignoring battery size and weight for the moment, how much power is required to propel a slug of say 10 grams

[kato13]

Ignoring battery size and weight for the moment, how much power is required to propel a slug of say 10 grams

It is kinda complicated but 3G handles it well IMO

From 3G
Below are the final muzzle energies of certain rounds and how fast that muzzle energy would propel a 10g projectile.
200 J (.22) - 201 m/s
400 J (.38 Special) - 284 m/s
600 J (9 mm) - 347 m/s
1000 J (.357 Mag) - 448 m/s
1400 J (.44 Mag) - 531 m/s
1800 J (5.56mm) - 602m/s
3500 J (7.62mm) - 839m/s

The tech level of the weapon then determines the transfer ratio from battery -> capacitor -> accelerator

We are at the begining of TL12 which requires 1600 J Battery -> 400 J Capacitor -> 100 J Muzzle energy

Capacitors of 2.0 J/g are the limiting factor at the moment (batteries can have 1100 J/g) for multishot or powerful weapons. Room temp Super conductors will change everything as they can store 125 J/g.