abstract
| - Light Arms include a wide array of portable weapons intended for personal defense, ranging from handheld blasters to shoulder-mounted needler rifles. While not suited to major military offensives, this line of weaponry is more than adequate for protecting oneself in close quarters combat. And with piracy on the rise throughout the colonies, the need for protection has never been greater. It would seem that most Light Arms are produced by the Liberty company Detroit Munitions, which is owned by Ageira Technologies. The other major producer of personal firepower in Sirius is Daumann Heavy Construction, which manufactures guns in its factories on Planet New Berlin and The Ring. It's worth noting that firearms purchased at the source in Rheinland cost twice as much as Detroit's weapons: this may be due to subsidies in Liberty for Detroit Munitions, or might even be enshrined in the trade agreements between Liberty and Rheinland signed in the aftermath of the 80 Years War. It is also possible that Daumann's weapons incorporate a great deal of cosmetic embellishments, such as inlays of precious metals, or exotic wood stocks and grips. Due to prices and proximity, it seems logical that Bretonia purchases most of its firearms from Liberty; however, it is possible that Bretonia manufactures a small amount of weapons intended for home use, rather than export. Apparently, Kusari has a complete ban on the manufacture of personal firearms in their territory, echoing the near-total Japanese gun ban of 20th Century Earth. Therefore, firearms used by Kusari security forces are purchased from Liberty and shipped by Universal.
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