Machine Gun (Rapture)



The Machine Gun is the ultimate spray-and-pray weapon, firing a rapid spray of bullets. Very effective against groups or a close range. It strongly resembles a Thompson sub-machine gun but, like most weapons in the game, appears to have been assembled from parts originally meant for other purposes.

The machine gun remains an effective weapon throughout the game. Coupled with antipersonnel ammo, the machine gun can quickly kill any Splicer. It is also effective against Rosies when shot at a distance; however, Bouncers, with their melee attack, generally kill the player before enough shots are fired. Unlike most of the other guns, the machine gun does not pair well with Electrobolt or Winter Blast, as the gun's bullets are weak individually and the target quickly revives before much damage can be dealt.

Leadhead Splicers frequently drop a different version of the machine gun that has a shorter barrel and lacks the shoulder stock and front grip.

Strategy
The machine gun's greatest strength is its high capacity of ammo; despite its full-auto nature, it takes a good while to chew through any given drum. In the early game, nothing kills Big Daddies dead quite like a machine gun at close range. Even late in the game, Armor Piercing ammo can gnaw away at a Big Daddy's hit points with great efficiency.

The key to the SMG's effectiveness is the phrase close range. At long range, the kickback of the unmodified machine gun seriously impairs accuracy; even controlled bursts and rapid single shots tend to deviate a fair deal. At close range, its shots have less deviation, getting (so to speak) more bang for your buck. Again, this is most noticeable when you're hosing down Big Daddies; they're so large that, even at medium range, burying the reticle in their center mass ensures each bullet will find home. If you're desperate, though, a spray can increase your chances of hitting a speedy splicer (or a fleeing Nitro splicer).

The machine gun's biggest weakness is its lack of damage for individual shots. Don't count on whaling on a stunned foe with any level of efficiency.

Stats
Ammo: Machine Gun Rounds or Bullets Clip Size: 40 bullets Damage: Low Max Ammo: 380 Found in emergency access in the Medical Pavilion.

Upgrades at Power to the People

 * Increased damage
 * Decreased kickback

Commonly available from Leadhead Splicers later in the game and from defeated Turrets.