Pliego m20

The Pliego m20 was the primary combat battle rifle of the Armed Forces of the Leyendo Confederation. It has been rumoured that the m20 was loosely based on the AWC G2A. It is immediately recognisable from its bullpup design, full-sized cartridge, and scope.

Technical Specifics

Caliber: 7.62x51 NATO

Action: Gas-operated, rotating bolt

Overall length: 900 mm

Barrel length: 600 mm

Magazine capacity: 20 rounds

Background

The Army of the Leyendo Confederation had seen a desire to modernise the principal rifle in 2003, but there had been a conservative element pushing for retainment of the Army's traditional doctrine of accuracy and frugal use of ammunition. After nearly a year of debate, a committee to create a new rifle was formed. The compromise was the Pliego m20, which was possibly loosely based on the AWC G2A. However, this rifle was far from satisfactory for either faction.

Whereas the traditionalist element saw a liability in the lesser accuracy of the semiautomatic rifle and found the bullpup configuration undesirable, the modernising faction tried to draw from the lessons of the Vietnam War. Studies had shown the positive effects of high rates of fire, especially in dense jungles like those of the Leyendo Confederation, but the Army remained unconvinced. During the Rogue War, the soldiers of the Leyendo Confederation used these rifles to their maximum effect. The weapon was very powerful and in the hands of very accurate soldiers, it was a dangerous combination for the Rogue Alliance soldiers.

However, the Karchozian KM-40 proved to be a much better weapon for jungle warfare and assault troops usually used the few captured examples instead. The Pliego m20 remained in use for the many snipers in the Leyendo Army. Following the surrender of all Rogue Union forces, the remaining rifles were confiscated by the Karchozian Army.