Bolt pistol
| Bolt Weapons: | Bolt pistols - Boltguns - Storm bolters - Heavy Bolters - Psycannons - Hurricane Bolters - Vulcan Mega-bolters - Other bolt weapons |
The Bolt Pistol is a smaller handheld version of the venerable Bolter. Assault Marines in particular favour the Bolt Pistol, frequently using them alongside the Chainsword.[5] Imperial Guard Commissars and Officers also favour the weapon.[9]
Outside of Space Marines and other elite Imperial forces, bolt pistols are rare and are signs of status and power. They are only manufactured in specialized facilities on Mars and Space Marine homeworlds due to the advanced technology inherent to them. [3] Only a minority can afford them because of the high cost of maintenance and ammunition. Sometimes they are passed down through the generations of noble families as heirlooms and relics detailed with elaborate scrollwork and family crests.[1][2]
Contents
- 1 Imperial Bolter designs
- 1.1 Adeptus Astartes
- 1.1.1 Absolvor Bolt Pistol
- 1.1.2 Eliminator Bolt Pistol
- 1.1.3 Equis-Pattern Bolt Pistol
- 1.1.4 Guardian Bolt Pistol
- 1.1.5 Godwyn-Branx Pattern Bolt Pistol
- 1.1.6 Godwyn Ultima
- 1.1.7 Heavy Bolt Pistol
- 1.1.8 Phobos pattern
- 1.1.9 Ikanos pattern
- 1.1.10 Ryza-Ultima variant
- 1.1.11 Silentus Pistol
- 1.1.12 Spectris pattern
- 1.1.13 Tigrus pattern
- 1.1.14 Ultima Bolt pistol
- 1.1.15 Umbra Bolt pistol
- 1.1.16 Umbra-Magnus Bolt pistol
- 1.2 Other Bolt pistols used by Imperial or human factions and organisations
- 1.2.1 Ceres pattern
- 1.2.2 Garm Pattern Service Bolt Pistol
- 1.2.3 Cinder Crag Forge "Mauler" Bolt Pistol
- 1.2.4 Goliath Bolt Pistol
- 1.2.5 Hesh Pattern M38 Mk.II Bolt Pistol
- 1.2.6 M-six-seven-six Union Model Autobolter
- 1.2.7 Orlock Bolt Pistol
- 1.2.8 Sacristan Bolt Pistol
- 1.2.9 Volg "Spitfire" Bolt Pistol
- 1.2.10 Valhallan Mk 45
- 1.2.11 Scars Machina
- 1.2.12 More bolt pistol designs
- 1.1 Adeptus Astartes
- 2 Squat Bolt Pistol Designs
- 3 Sources
Imperial Bolter designs
Adeptus Astartes
Note that some of these are only used by specific Space Marine Chapters.
Absolvor Bolt Pistol
The Absolvor Bolt Pistol[13b] (also named as Absolver Bolt Pistol)[29] is a newer generation of Bolt Pistol seen wielded by Primaris Space Marine Chaplains. This heavy weapon would seem like a fully sized rifle in non-augmented human hands and has significant stopping power.[13b]
Absolvor Bolt Pistol wielded by a Primaris Chaplain
Eliminator Bolt Pistol
This long-barreled bolt pistol has been observed in use by Primaris Space Marine Vanguard Eliminators.[18]
Eliminator Bolt Pistol[18]
Equis-Pattern Bolt Pistol
Equis-Pattern Bolt Pistol is a variant of the Bolt Pistol, that was created by the Techmarines of the White Scars Chapter. It strains the capabilities of the gun's Machine Spirit by firing rapid flurries of bolts as the wielder charges into battle.[24]
Guardian Bolt Pistol
The Guardian Bolt Pistol is a distinction awarded to Deathwatch Space Marines regardless of rank for conspicuous gallantry, courage under fire, or actions above and beyond the call of duty. Therefore they also serve as a status sign for veterans and the bearer's name and his deed are inscribed on the weapon during the awarding ceremony. Each weapon is tailored for its wearer and he is allowed to keep it, even after leaving the Deathwatch to return to his Chapter. However if these pistols are not buried with their owner but are found somewhere they are taken back to the Deathwatch where they are enshrined along with the recorded deeds of it's previous owner. These pistols are not re-issued.[6]
Godwyn-Branx Pattern Bolt Pistol
A subtle variation on the more well-known Godwyn-Ultima pattern bolt pistol. This human-portable weapon still carries a terrifying punch, provided by the high-calibre mass reactive shells loaded into its clip.[28]
Godwyn-Branx Pattern Bolt Pistol[28]
Godwyn Ultima
Note: due to the ambiguous labelling of the images it is not possible to say if the weapon shown here is a "Godwyn Ultima" or an "Ultima".
The Minotaurs are known to have used Godwyn Ultima bolt weapons during the Badab War - it is unclear if these are Boltguns or bolt pistols.[7c]
Godwyn Ultima or Ultima (see above)[7c]
Heavy Bolt Pistol
The Heavy Bolt Pistol, also called the Special Issue Bolt Pistol,[17c] is a larger variant of the standard Bolt Pistol used by Primaris Space Marines, most notably Reivers[13a] and Assault Intercessors.[17a]
Assault Intercessor Heavy Bolt Pistol[17a]
Phobos pattern
This design dates back to the Great Crusade and Horus Heresy[11]
Ikanos pattern
This design dates back to the Great Crusade, and is a .50 caliber weapon.[12]
Ryza-Ultima variant
This design is known to have been used by the Star Phantoms during the Badab War.[7e]
Ryza-Ultima variant (Star Phantoms)[7e]
Silentus Pistol
Silentus Pistols are modified Bolt Pistols that have been created by the Raven Guard Chapter.[23]
Spectris pattern
This design is known to have been used by the Marines Errant during the Badab War.[8b]
Spectris pattern with high-capacity magazine (Marines Errant)[8b]
Tigrus pattern
Tigrus Pattern Bolt pistol was first discovered in the depths of Forge World Tigrus and the STC data for it was quickly disseminated throughout the Imperium before the beginning of Horus Heresy. Tigrus is now lost, yet the bolt-pistols that bear its name, though no longer produced, continue to see service in the 41st Millennium.[10]
Note this pattern is also spelled as the "Tigris" pattern
Ultima Bolt pistol
This design is known to have been used by the Mantis Warriors[7a] and the Fire Hawks[8a] during the Badab War.[7a] The Minotaurs are known to have used Ultima bolt weapons during the Badab War - it is unclear if these are Boltguns or bolt pistols.[7c]
Ultima Bolt pistol (Mantis Warriors)[7a]
Ultima Bolt pistol (Fire Hawks)[8a]
Godwyn Ultima or Ultima (see note below)[7c]
Note: due to the ambiguous labelling of the images it is not possible to say if the Minotaurs weapon shown here is a "Godwyn Ultima" or an "Ultima".
Umbra Bolt pistol
The Umbra Bolt pistol is one of the oldest patterns used by the Astartes. This pattern lacks many of the more advanced sensory and other power armour interfaces used by later patterns.[14] Despite this, the pattern was known as reliable and effective.[14] This pattern is known to have been used by First Captain Zerberyn of the Fists Exemplar during the War of the Beast[14], and by the Executioners during the Badab War.[7b]
Umbra Bolt pistol (Executioners)[7b]
Umbra-Magnus Bolt pistol
This design is known to have been used by the Mantis Warriors[7a] and the Carcharodons[7d] during the Badab War.
Umbra-Magnus Bolt pistol (Mantis Warriors)[7a]
Umbra-Magnus Bolt pistol (Carcharodons)[7d]
Other Bolt pistols used by Imperial or human factions and organisations
Ceres pattern
The Ceres-pattern bolt pistol is associated with the Imperial Navy and often found in the arsenal of Rogue Traders.[2]
Ceres pattern[2]
Garm Pattern Service Bolt Pistol
The Garm Pattern Service Bolt Pistol is a large and intimidating design that are therefore often used by Commissar who wear them unholstered in the line of duty.[4b]
Cinder Crag Forge "Mauler" Bolt Pistol
Mauler bolt pistols are designed for "normal" humans (not like the much heavier and bulkier Adeptus Astartes variants) and are manufactured using the best alloys and components. Each sophisticated copy is hand-made by the Servitor-savants of the Cinder Crag and unique as it has to be tailored to the client's precise biometric data.[4a]
Cinder Crag Forge "Mauler" Bolt Pistol[4a]
Goliath Bolt Pistol
Used by House Goliath of Necromunda.[2]
Goliath Bolt Pistol[2]
Hesh Pattern M38 Mk.II Bolt Pistol
Rare outside the ranks of the Adeptus Mechanicus hailing from the shrouded Lathe Worlds of the Calixis Sector, the Hesh-pattern M38 MkII was never widely adopted by the Departmento Munitorum due to its temperamental nature, difficult to maintain even by the standards of bolt weaponry. The M38 MkII almost seems as if it was designed to be used by individuals more knowledgeable of firearms than even those august members of the Imperial Guard who wield such weapons. Nevertheless, the Tech-Priests of the Lathe Worlds appreciate the weapon’s effectiveness, and do not have the same trouble with its machine spirit as those less attuned to the mysteries of technology. The MkII’s distinctive drum magazine allows for a higher rate of fire than other bolt pistols, but is also prone to more frequent malfunction.[15]
M-six-seven-six Union Model Autobolter
A type of bolt pistol similar in design to the Phobos pattern but predating the Imperial pattern designation. By the time of the Horus Heresy it was considered an antique.[26]
Orlock Bolt Pistol
Used by House Orlock of Necromunda, drum fed.[19]
Sacristan Bolt Pistol
The Sacristan Bolt Pistol is manufactured for the Ordo Calixis by the Fane of Orthlack on Scintilla. This model is based on the Godwyn-De’az patterns of the Sisters of Battle and the weapons are marked with the Inquisition's brand and seal.[4c]
Volg "Spitfire" Bolt Pistol
The Spitfire "bolt pistol" is not a real bolt pistol, see other bolt weapons.[4a]
Valhallan Mk 45
A bulky pattern of bolt pistol used by the Imperial Guard's Valhallan Ice Warriors.[16]
Scars Machina
A highly modifiable bolt pistol pattern, popular amongst the gangers and hired guns of Necromunda. Associated with the gangers of House Goliath.[27]
More bolt pistol designs
Due to the fact that in most cases specific bolt pistols images are not labelled, unnamed designs are collected here, grouped by outward similarity.
Squat Bolt Pistol Designs
Autoch-Pattern Bolt Pistol
Used by the Leagues of Votann.[25] It shares a common ancestry with Human Bolters, but works better in every respect.[32]
Bolt Revolver
Used by the Leagues of Votann. The Bolt Revolver has a clear similarity and common ancestry with those of the Adeptus Astartes, but hits harder and works better.[31]
Ironhead Bolt Pistol
Used by the Squat Ironhead Prospectors of Necromunda. The weapon is twin-barreled and features a drum magazine.[22]
Sources
- 1: Dark Heresy Rulebook, pg. 133
- 2: Rogue Trader Rulebook, pg. 122
- 3: Imperial Munitorum Manual, pg. 65
- 4: Dark Heresy: The Inquisitor's Handbook:
- 5: Codex: Space Marines (5th Edition), pg. 97
- 6: Deathwatch: Rites of Battle, pg. 134
- 7: Imperial Armour Volume Ten - The Badab War - Part Two:
- 8: Imperial Armour Volume Nine - The Badab War - Part One:
- 9: Codex: Imperial Guard (5th Edition), pg. 68
- 10: http://www.forgeworld.co.uk/New_Stuff/TIGRUS_PATTERN_BOLTER_SET.html
- 11: The Horus Heresy Book Two - Massacre, pg. 76
- 12: The Horus Heresy Book One - Betrayal, pg. 19
- 13: Codex: Space Marines (8th Edition):
- 14: Echoes of the Long War (Novel), Chapter 1
- 15: Only War: Hammer of the Emperor, pg. 112
- 16: Codex: Astra Militarum (8th Edition), pg. 139 — Heirlooms of Conquest
- 17: Codex: Space Marines (9th Edition):
- 18: Codex: Space Marines (8th Edition, 2nd Codex), pg. 95
- 19: Necromunda: House of Iron, pgs. 112
- 21: Necromunda: House of Chains, pgs. 144-146
- 22: Necromunda: Book of the Outlands, pg. 92
- 23: Codex Supplement: Raven Guard (8th Edition), pg. 59 — Special-Issue Wargear
- 24: Codex Supplement: White Scars (8th Edition), pg. 59 — Special-Issue Wargear
- 25: Codex: Leagues of Votann (9th Edition), pg. 92
- 26: The End and the Death: Volume I (Novel), 4:iv
- 27: Necromunda: Hired Gun
- 28: Warhammer 40,000: Darktide
- 29: Warhammer 40,000: The Ultimate Guide, pg. 87 of e-version (description of one of the elements on his picture)
- 30: Space Marine II - Armoury
- 31: Warhammer Community: Lore of the Votann – Ancient Quasi-divine Machine Intellects Make for Decent Gunsmiths, it Turns Out (posted 20/5/2022) (last accessed 20/5/2022)
- 32: Codex: Leagues of Votann (10th Edition), pg. 39
| Imperial Guard Weaponry | |
|---|---|
| Melee Weapons | |
| One-Handed Weapons |
Bolt Pistol • Hellpistol/Hotshot Laspistol • Laspistol • Plasma Pistol |
| Two-Handed Weapons |
Grenade Launcher • Hot-Shot Lasgun • Hotshot Marksman Rifle • Flamer • Lascarbine • Lasgun • Long-Las • Meltagun • Plasma Gun • Shotgun • Sniper Rifle • Tankstopper Rifle • Needle Sniper Rifle |
| Heavy Weapons |
Autocannon • Grenadier Gauntlet • Heavy Bolter • Heavy Flamer • Heavy Stubber • Hotshot Volley Gun • Missile Launcher • Lascannon • Mortar • Ripper Gun • Sun Gun |
| Grenades | |
| Adepta Sororitas Weapons | |
|---|---|
| Melee Weapons | Chainsword • Eviscerator • Power Sword • Hallowed Mace • Mace of the Righteous • Anointed Halberd • Power Blades • Neural Whip • Arco-Flail • Blessed Weapon • Dialogus Staff • Chirurgeon's Tools • Staff of Belief • Null Rod • Rod of Office • Sarissa • Paragon War Blade • Paragon War Mace • Null Mace |
| One-Handed Projectile Weapons | Bolt Pistol • Plasma Pistol • Hand Flamer • Inferno Pistol • Condemnor Boltgun |
| Two-Handed Projectile Weapons | Bolter • Flamer • Meltagun • Storm Bolter • Combi-Weapon |
| Heavy Weapons | Heavy Bolter • Heavy Flamer • Multi-Melta |
| Grenades | Frag Grenade • Krak Grenade • Melta-Bomb |
