Something a little different this time, being a pistol from my setting. The lore is my own writing, but the gun is from IgorKutuzov06.

Designed as general-use service pistol and replacing older conventional cased cartridge models, the HC 18 was one of the first widely-adopted firearms utilizing both plasma detonation propulsion and a coilgun system in the same weapon, hence the “hybrid” designation. While newer and more high-performance pistols exist in service, the HC 18 continues to offer itself as a rather balanced and easy-to-use sidearm, alongside being issued to nearly every single member of any armed forces branch.

Building on previously-established technologies, the HC 18’s projectiles are packed with a semi-stable crystalline isotope serving as a propellant. When the trigger is pulled, the thermal and mechanical shock of a small solid-fuel charge at the base of the projectile is enough to near-instantly ignite the propellant isotope into a superheated plasma, forcing the projectile forwards into the coilgun assembly. Combined with the coilgun and initial velocity, the HC 18 has remarkably good ballistic performance, outclassing many pistols and older rifle models.

To prevent over-penetration on softer, fleshy targets, the HC 18’s coilgun can be tuned for higher or lower velocities, depending on types of loaded ammunition. Settings can easily be changed by the user on the spot, or hard coded by different types of magazines designated to be loaded with a certain type of ammunition. Anything from hollowpoints, diamondoid sabots and less-lethals, to rounds packed with small amounts of time-delay explosives are available.

While well-liked by its users for it’s good mix of reliability, durability, stopping power and good ergonomics, the HC 18 isn’t without a few faults; Much of its durability owes to its heavier than-average frame, and the more complex internals to support the hybrid action have caused a few logistical and training issues when the pistol was first being introduced. The gun has also widely been criticized for being a “Useless brick”, owing to the fact it cannot fire with a depleted battery.

Later versions of the HC 18 (Designated as “Mod 1”) feature more energy-efficient capacitors, improved neural network connectivity features, threaded barrels, and attachment rail mounts. Despite physical sights and optics becoming less of a necessity thanks to widespread helmet and implant heads-up-displays, the design team behind the HC 18 still improved upon the weapon’s basic metal sights, incorporating tritium night sights as standard for all models going forward.