Weapons of New Switzerland

[Desertfox]

First up, rifles.



The Mauser G-01 family was originally designed as an improved version of the Mauser G-98. The G-01 is considered to be one of the most accurate, powerful, and reliable rifles in the world. However, this comes at the cost of being one of the heaviest rifles in existance. Untill the arrival of the Mondragon, the G-01 was the only rifle in use by the Swiss Armed forces, but even after the arrival of the Mondragon, the G-01 still remains the main Swiss rifle due to its reliability, and the Swiss Army's emphasis on defence.

The arrival of new assault tactics meant the need for a semi-automatic weapon. The Mondragon fit the bill but was too unreliable and expensive, and the G-01 rifles too new to discard. This saw the development of the Pedersen Device. This device turned the G-01 into a reliable semi-automatic weapon. However, it added weight to an already heavy rifle. As a result it has not seen widespread use. The only units to use it are Jungle infantry with the carbine (firepower + reliability) and garrision troops (no weight issues).

The carbine was originally developed for use by cavalry units. However, the Mondragon has replaced the carbine with the cavalry. The carbines have since been reissued to infantry units, who like the lighter weight of the weapon compared to regular G-01s. The carbine (combined with the Pedersen Device) is also the standard weapon of Jungle infantry, who prefere it over the Mondragon due to its superior reliability under all conditions.

The sniper version includes a longer barrel, careful machining, and a top notch scope. These modifications turn the G-01 into what is arguably the best sniper rifle in the world. The Pedersen Device can not be fitted to this version. Only very few units use this weapon, most using regular G-01s with scopes (which are still very formidable weapons). 

The arrival of tanks have shown the need for an anti-tank weapon. The G-01 has been modified for this duty with a longer barrel firing a heavier 11.4x97mm (45 cal) round from a 5 round clip. This weapon can also be used as a sniper rifle. Only a few have been built and are in service only with trial units.

Mauser G-01 (Regular/Carbine)

Weight: 9 lb with empty magazine, 7.7 lb Carbine
Length: 49.2 in, 42.9 in Carbine
Cartridge: 7.92x57mm Mauser
Action: bolt-action
Muzzle velocity: (2,900 ft/s)
Effective range: 550 yd with iron sights, 900+ yd with optics
Magazine: 9 round clip



***


The Swiss-Mondragon is considered to be the World's first semi-automatic rifle in production & service. While a decent weapon, this rifle suffers in terms of reliability and accuracy compared to the Mauser G-01, apart from being more expensive. The Mondragon is available in both 7/57 and 7.92/57 versions. Most Mondragons are 7/57 and are used by Assault troops and Marines. The only units to use the 7.92/57 are units also using the Mauser.

The carbine version (7/57) was developed as a cavalry weapon and has completely replaced the Mauser in this field. Despite its problems, the Mondragon is prefered due to its lighter weight (compared to a Mauser carbine with Pederson Device) and ease of use (from horseback).

Civilian version of the Mondragon are very popular among paramilitary units (pirates, mercenaries, etc). These are among the world's most expensive rifles, and have custom stocks, pistol grips, optical sights, and other add ons. They are usually more reliable and accurate than standard issue Mondragons and are usually in the carbine version (7/57). Special forces also use special version of the Mondragon, but these are mainly the longer regular version firing 7.92/57 rounds. 

A fully-automatic version has also been developed and is used by all units as an assault weapon. This version uses a 20 round box or 30 round drum magazine, and is equivalent to OTL BARs.

A development of that version is being introduced as an LMG. This version includes a stand, pistol grip, and is belt-fed. Both versions have been used as aircraft (observer) weapons.


Swiss-Mondragon (Regular)

Caliber: 7x57 mm Mauser & 7.92x57mm Mauser
Action: Gas operated, rotating bolt
Overall length: 43.5 in
Weight: 9 lb empty
Magazine: 9 rounds box; also 20 rounds box or 30 rounds drum