compiled overview of the 85
ton Gunslinger 'Mech, from various
BattleTech novels and game sourcebooks:
The
Clan invasion created some strange bedfellows.
The
Federated Commonwealth's and
Draconis Combine's
mutual non-aggression pact and intelligence sharing quickly evolved into a quasi-union of the two Great Houses. In the same spirit of cooperation,
engineering teams from both realms also traveled to help the
Free Rasalhague Republic relocate its single
'Mech factory. These teams had already dealt with each other on previous occasions, creating an amicable working environment.
The
Gunslinger BattleMech was not something the teams planned to design when talk around the table turned to
the Clans and the weapons that would stop them. As an exercise, the two groups tabled their opinions and then justified them. After a few such informal sessions, the engineers gave life to the
Gunslinger. The
Gunslinger was designed as a mobile assault platform, capable of crippling a Clan
OmniMech at the extended ranges at which they fight.
The
Kurita delegation voiced their admiration of
the Katana 'Mech, and it's 85-ton weight class. After that chassis was agreed upon, it was time for the weapon load to be chosen. The first and only consideration for the Clan-smashing task at hand, was dual
Gauss rifles. The
Gauss rifle being the only weapons that could equal ranges, and compare favorably in damage, to Clan equipment.
When secondary weapons were discussed,
Kurita engineers swore by the old Defiance B3M Medium Lasers that championed efficiency of design. A
F-C technician persuaded everyone to the use of medium
pulse lasers to protect the rear of the
'Mech. The weapon spread was akin to a
BattleMaster, a favorite among all present.
The
Gunslinger's
speed had been consciously set at 32kph. To improve on terrain handling, massive
jump jets were planned for the legs. The jump distance would be only 60 meters, but it would still let the
'Mech bypass most dangerous terrain features.
The final
blueprints were duplicated, and each group received a
copy before they returned home.
It was a solemn parting, as word had been received of
the Clans' attack on
Luthien. Each team promised to
pursue the production of plans as soon as possible.
The first
Federated Commonwealth Gunslinger walked off the East Wing
BattleMech line at
Defiance Industries-
Hesperus II on December 5, 3053. The
Combine had hoped to have their first
Gunslinger 'Mechs out the factory doors of
Independence Weaponry on
Quentin by the same time, but difficulties with the twin
Gauss rifle have kept the
'Mech from receiving final clearance.
Note: Information used here was released into the public domain shortly before the transfer of FASA's holdings to Wizkids LLC. Copyright of the fluff text is in limbo, but names of persons, places, & things are without any doubt the property of Wizkids LLC. Use of any terms here related to the BattleTech trademark are not meant as a challenge to Wizkids LLC's rights.