Phase rifle
From Memory Alpha, the free Star Trek reference
The phase rifle was the standard-issue directed energy weapon in use by Earth's MACO forces in the mid-22nd century. (ENT: "Regeneration")
The weapon fired blue pulses of concentrated energy at its target and was capable of multiple settings. The observed power settings range from stun, to kill, to a high-power kill setting capable of blasting a perfectly symmetrical hole over an inch in diameter through a Human torso. (ENT: "The Augments") Power levels could be changed by manipulating either of a pair of circular dials mounted on either side of the weapon. Rotating the power level selector forward / away from the user appears to increase the power level. (ENT: "In a Mirror, Darkly")
The weapon featured a tubular stock, vertical foregrip, and a multifunction scope that could be retracted into the body of the weapon. There may also be a sniper variant, though it is unclear whether or not the sniper / designated marksman version is a distinct weapon system or a standard MACO phase-rifle with a retractable barrel or separate barrel attachment. (ENT: "The Xindi")
- A short, tubular-shaped part of the rifle beneath the muzzle of the weapon that is very similar to a set of three objects the MACO's carry in a specialized pouch / carrier on their utility belts, suggesting the ability for the weapon to be reloaded. The MACO variant of the EM-33 energy pistol features an identical object, also beneath the muzzle of the weapon, which may also be storage space for spare power cells for the rifle and pistol.
While extremely powerful when set to kill, its stun setting appeared to be somewhat ineffective against species that were more physically resilient, such as enraged Vulcans, Xindi-Reptilians and the Augments. (ENT: "Impulse", "Rajiin", "Borderland")
Phase rifles were in use as late as 2161, when a team of MACOs utilized the weapons during a mission to rescue Talla, the daughter of Shran and Jhamel, from a group of alien kidnappers on Rigel X. (ENT: "These Are the Voyages...")
[edit] Appearances
- ENT:
- "North Star"
- "Damage"
- "Babel One"
- "United"
