P90 submachine gun
From SGCommand
| FN P90 submachine gun | |
|---|---|
| |
| Production information | |
| Manufacturer | |
| Model |
Bullpup-configuration submachine gun |
| Type |
Projectile weapon |
| Technical specifications | |
| Discharge |
5.7x28 mm Armor-piercing rounds |
| Weight |
2.4 kg (empty), 3.0 kg (loaded) |
| Usage | |
| Affiliation | |
- "This is a weapon of war. It's meant to kill the enemy."
- —Jack O'Neill
The P90 submachine gun is the standard submachine gun for SG-1 since the mission to P3X-888 (SG1: "The First Ones"), as well as the standard issue weapon for the Atlantis Expedition (ATL: "Rising"). It was selected because it had better armor-penetrating and killing power than the 9mm Heckler & Koch MP5 it replaced. Although it has been standard SGC issue since 2000, Daniel Jackson and Teal'c have only begun using the weapon in recent years. (SG1: "Avalon", "The Quest, Part 1").
Like other firearms, it is technologically primitive compared to Goa'uld, Wraith, and Ori weapons, but it is more than capable of piercing the armor worn by Jaffa, Ori soldiers, and Wraith warriors. According to Jack O'Neill, it is a weapon of war, designed to kill the enemy, and holds better offensive capabilities than the staff weapon, which he said was designed primarily to intimidate (SG1: "The Warrior").
Within the SGC and Atlantis, they are typically either black or olive green.
The SGC uses the P90TR variant, which has two R.I.S. (Rail Interface System) mounting rails on each side of the weapon and one across the top of its reflex sight. They're used for mounting accessories, such as a Kull disruptor or flashlights (which are commonly shown on nearly every weapon). Laser projectors for sighting purposes can be mounted either inside the fore-grip under the barrel or on one of the rails. (SG1: "The Tomb")
[edit] Notes
- The P90 is classified as a Personal Defense Weapon (PDW). It is a class of weapon designed for close-range self-defense by support troops, gunners, and vehicle crews or use in Close Quarter Battle by commandos and anti-terrorist / hostage rescue teams.
- Colonel Jack O'Neill erroneously describes the P90's rounds as being "teflon-coated" (SG1: "The Warrior") when they are actually copper-jacketed.
- One of the reasons the "Carter Special" was created was to address a shortage of P90 blanks during Season 7. According to an interview with Amanda Tapping, this was due to the increased demand for P90 ammo during the invasion of Iraq.
