Editing Rifleman

{{InfoBoxBattleMech
|image=Rifleman RGilClan v08.png
|name=''Rifleman''
|manufacturer=
[[Colonial Tractors]]<ref name="FM:3145p189">''Field Manual: 3145'', p. 189: "Fronc Reaches"</ref>
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[[Kallon Industries]]<ref name=TRCIp142f>''Technical Readout: Clan Invasion'', pp. 142–143: "RFL-8D Rifleman"</ref> <!-- reprinted from TRO:PP -->
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[[King Dumount Defense Facility]]<ref>''Objectives: Periphery'', p. 31, "King Dumount Defense Facility"</ref>
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[[Pride of Granada Industries]]<ref>''Objectives: Periphery'', p. 32, "Pride of Granada Industries"</ref>
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[[Red Devil Industries]]
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[[Trellshire Heavy Industries]]
|production year=2770
|year reference= <ref>''[http://www.masterunitlist.info/Unit/Details/2697/ MUL online date for the ''{{PAGENAME}}'']''</ref><ref name="TRO:3039p293"/>
|model=RFL-3N<ref name="TRO:3039p293"/>
|class=Heavy <!-- <ref name="TRO:3039p293"/> -->
|cost= 4,860,000 C-bills
|Tech Base = Inner Sphere
|mech type =BattleMech
|mass=60
|chassis=[[Kallon Type IV]] <!-- <ref name="TRO:3039p293"/> -->
|armor=[[Kallon Royalstar]] <!-- <ref name="TRO:3039p293"/> -->
|engine=[[Pitban 240]] <!-- <ref name="TRO:3039p293"/> -->
|heat sinks=10 [[Heat Sink|single]] <!-- <ref name="TRO:3039p293"/> -->
|speed=64
|comsys=[[Garret T11-A]] <!-- <ref name="TRO:3039p293"/> -->
|T&T=[[Garret D2j]] <!-- <ref name="TRO:3039p293"/> -->
|armament=
* 2x [[Large Laser]]s <!-- <ref name="TRO:3039p293"/> -->
* 2x [[Autocannon/5]]s <!-- <ref name="TRO:3039p293"/> -->
* 2x [[medium laser]]s <!-- <ref name="TRO:3039p293"/> -->
|BV (1.0) = 797<ref name=COp121>''Combat Operations'', p. 121</ref>
|BV (2.0) = 1,039<ref name="TRO:3039p293">''Technical Readout: 3039'', pp. 293–294: "RFL-3N ''Rifleman''"</ref><ref>''Record Sheets: 3039 Unabridged'', p. 473</ref>
}}

==Description==
The definitive anti-aircraft '[[Mech]], the '''''Rifleman''''' was first fielded in [[Introduction Year::2505]], making it among the earliest 'Mechs ever built.  Designed as a medium fire-support platform, the ''Rifleman'' was plagued with a variety of problems since its debut and was ill-suited as a front-line combatant.  However, its combination of long-ranged weaponry, including rapid-fire [[autocannon]]s, and its excellent targeting and tracking system ensured it would remain a viable battlefield unit through half a millennium of combat.<ref name="TRO:3039p293"/><ref name="TRO:3025p82">''Technical Readout: 3025'', p. 82</ref>

Kallon Industries built the first RFL-1N ''Rifleman'' for the [[Hegemony Armed Forces]], but chronic overheating problems forced a return to the drawing boards, with an improved RFL-2N introduced fifty years later.<ref name=XTRO:PV4p5>''Experimental Technical Readout: Primitives, Volume 4'', p. 5: "RFL-1N Rifleman"</ref>  Kallon's engineers still believed the 'Mech suffered too much from overheating, and tried to fix the problem with the definitive RFL-3N by replacing some of its heat-intensive energy weapons with autocannons.<ref name="TRO:3039p293"/><ref name="TRO:3025p82"/>  Although a marked improvement, the engineers were still not satisfied with the end result and tried to produce a 'Mech which would address the issues of heat management, protection and endurance which continued to plague the ''Rifleman''.  Their response, the ''[[JagerMech]]'', featured several improvements over the older 'Mech but did not wholly replace it, instead complementing it whenever the two served in the same unit together.<ref>''Technical Readout: 3025'', p. 88</ref>

With the collapse of the [[Star League]] and start of the [[Succession Wars (History)|Succession Wars]], the ''Rifleman'' was scattered amongst the militaries of the [[Successor States]].  [[House Davion]] fielded the largest concentration of ''Riflemen'' and used them to good effect in their battles with [[House Kurita]].  Unfortunately, combat losses increasingly forced many ''Riflemen'' to be deployed directly on the front-lines, where their deficiencies in close combat against similar-mass 'Mechs was apparent.<ref name="TRO:3039p293"/><ref name="TRO:3025p82"/>  After the recovery of the [[Helm Memory Core]], rediscovered [[lostech]] was used in an attempt to improve upon the venerable ''Rifleman'', with manufacturers deploying a number of new variants around the time of the [[Clan Invasion]].<ref name=TRO3050p150>''Technical Readout: 3050'', p. 150</ref>

By the time of the [[FedCom Civil War]], new prototypes of ''Rifleman'' variants were still being worked on, but the aging 'Mech had since acquired a poor reputation due to its weak protection and bad heat management.  The 'Mech experienced something of a revival though when Kallon's factory on the moon [[Wernke|Talon]] was subjected to a blockade by the [[7th FedCom RCT]], disrupting production of the newer JMS-7 ''JagerMech''.  The company brought up their experimental RFL-8D ''Rifleman'' to full-scale production as just a temporary measure, but the improved 'Mech wound up being fielded by both Loyalist and Allied forces during the civil war.  Additional variants were introduced since then, with both the [[Free Worlds League]] and [[Word of Blake]] making use of advanced ''Riflemen'' during the [[Jihad]].<ref name=TROPPp38>''Technical Readout: Project Phoenix'', p. 38</ref>

==Weapons and Equipment==
The ''Rifleman''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s focus on fire-support and anti-aircraft work dictated a heavy load of long-range weapons to the exclusion of everything else.  It carried a particularly heavy battery of two [[Magna]] Mk. III [[Large Laser]]s paired with two [[Imperator-A]] medium autocannons, one of each mounted in each arm. Two Magna Mk. II [[medium laser]]s were split between the side torsos to provide backup. One ton of autocannon ammunition was carried in the center torso, enough for short, sharp engagements but not enough for extended periods of combat. The 'Mech's ten [[heat sink]]s were grossly inadequate for constant fire, but in an anti-aircraft role, the ''Rifleman'' was expected to have time to dissipate heat while the target aircraft turned for its next pass.<ref name="TRO:3039p293"/><ref name="TRO:3025p82"/><ref name=TROPPp38/>

The ''Rifleman'' suffered from a miserly amount of armoring - just seven and a half tons total - with its rear torso particularly thin.  It also lacked hand or lower-arm actuators, hampering it in a melee confrontation, and was not particularly fast, with a cruising speed of 43.2 km/h.  When operating in its intended role of providing overwatch for other 'Mechs, these deficiencies were not terribly noticeable, and it could still overpower lighter opponents by dint of its size.  These drawbacks did mean that a commander would only commit their ''Riflemen'' in a head-on confrontation with heavy enemy forces as a last resort.<ref name="TRO:3039p293"/><ref name="TRO:3025p82"/>

An exceptional piece of electronics, the [[Garret D2j]] targeting-tracking system allowed the ''Rifleman'' to maintain an accurate lock on swift-moving aerial targets and achieve excellent accuracy.  The [[Garret T11-A]] was equally impressive as a communications system, although its distinctive wing-shaped design tended to draw the enemy's attention...and their fire.<ref name="TRO:3039p293"/><ref name="TRO:3025p82"/>

The ''Rifleman'' was limited to turning its torso 40° to either side, seemingly presenting a significant blind-spot in the rear to exploit.  However, its ability to flip its arms over and use those weapons to target enemies behind it presented a nasty surprise for an enemy attempting to come up and engage the 'Mech from the rear.<ref>''Warrior: En Garde'', ch. 2</ref>

==Variants==
*; RFL-1N : The first production version of the ''Rifleman'' weighed fifty tons and used primitive technology. Each arm carried a single large laser and medium laser. It was protected by eleven and a half tons of [[Primitive Armor]] and used a [[primitive engine]] to reach a top speed of 64 km/h.  Though it served in the [[Reunification War]], this version of the ''Rifleman'' was usually used by militia and second line forces thereafter.<ref name=XTRO:PV4p5/> BV (2.0) = 931<ref name=XTRO:PV4p5/>

*; RFL-2N : Introduced in [[2556]], this version replaced the primitive components with standard armor and engine. The freed space and weight allowed engineers to fit in sixteen heat sinks. The large lasers were removed from the arms and replaced by [[PPC]]s, while two more medium lasers were added, one in each side torso. Production of this model continued until the RFL-3N was introduced.<ref name=XTRO:PV4p5/> BV (2.0) = 1,093<ref>''Experimental Technical Readout: Primitives, Volume 4'', p. 22</ref>

*; RFL-3C : The second of two variants designed by [[Hanse Davion]] and debuting in [[3026]], the 3C removes the large lasers and autocannon/5s in order to mount a pair of [[Autocannon/10]]s in their place and add an extra ton of armor. Two tons of ammunition for the larger autocannons were carried in the right torso.<ref>''Record Sheets: Phoenix Upgrades'', p. 134</ref> BV (1.0) = 860;<ref name=COp127>''Combat Operations'', p. 127</ref> BV (2.0) = 1,066<ref>''Record Sheets: 3039 Unabridged'', p. 472</ref>

*; RFL-3Cr : This field refit was introduced during the [[Jihad]] in [[3071]]. It carries the Autocannon/10s of the RFL-3C, but uses an [[XL Gyro]] to provide room for a pair of medium lasers. [[Heavy ferro-fibrous]] armor increases the amount of protection. BV (2.0) = 1,129<ref>''Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Project Phoenix'', p. 111</ref>

*; RFL-4D : The 4D was the first of two variants designed by Hanse Davion; introduced in [[3021]], it was intended to compete with the heavier ''[[Warhammer]]''.  It replaced the autocannon/5s with [[PPC]]s and removed the medium lasers, using the freed-up weight to mount five extra heat sinks.  In spite of the extra heat sinks, this model suffered from significant overheat problems.<ref>''Record Sheets: Phoenix Upgrades'', p. 136</ref> BV (1.0) = 869;<ref name=COp127 /> BV (2.0) = 1,173<ref>''Record Sheets: 3039 Unabridged'', p. 474</ref>

*; RFL-5CS : Effectively a flawed compromise combination of the RFL-3C's armor profile, the RFL-5M's weaponry and a larger [[Vlar 300 XL]] from the [[Clanbuster]] cache, the RFL-5CS was hurriedly developed for the [[Battle of Tukayyid (3052)|Battle of Tukayyid]] by [[ComStar]]. An attempt to enhance the ''Rifleman''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s endurance, the RFL-5CS's higher speed of 86 km/h allows it to more easily redeploy, where the swap to [[Imperator]] [[Ultra Autocannon/5]]s and an extra ton of reloads keep it in the fight longer, ten double heat sinks able to deal with the heat generated by the UAC/5 and the retained Large Lasers. While highly successful if properly supported and screened by short-ranged escorts, unfortunately only a modest increase of armor and removal of any supporting weaponry meant that isolated RFL-5CSs became easy prey for targeted fire against their arms or headhunter [[Elemental (Battle Armor)|Elemental]] teams.<ref name=BoTp164>''BattleTech: Battle of Tukayyid'', p. 164: "Rifleman RFL-5CS"</ref> BV (2.0) = 1,303<ref name="MUL_RFL_5CS">''[http://www.masterunitlist.info/Unit/Details/7597/rifleman-rfl-5cs Rifleman RFL-5CS entry on the MUL]</ref>

*; RFL-5D : A recovered-technology version of the RFL-4D, the 5D was introduced in [[3050]] for the [[Federated Commonwealth]].  Based on the earlier 4D, it replaces the PPCs with [[Defiance 1001]] [[ER PPC]] models and restores the original model's medium lasers to the side torsos.  A 240-rated [[XL engine]] was used to free up weight for the mounting of seventeen [[double heat sink]]s and an increase in armor protection to nine tons.  Production of this model was taken up by Kallon Industries on Talon, Trellshire Industries on [[Twycross]] and Red Devil Industries on [[Pandora]].<ref name=TRO3050p150/><ref>''Record Sheets: Phoenix Upgrades'', p. 137</ref> BV (1.0) = 1,115;<ref name=COp127 /> BV (2.0) = 1,395<ref>''Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Project Phoenix'', p. 111</ref><ref>''Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 8'', p. 32</ref>

*; RFL-5M : The 5M is another product of the [[Gray Death Memory Core]] technology boom, built by Kallon Industries at [[Thermopolis]] for the Free Worlds League. Introduced in [[3049]], it retained the same energy weapons as the original 3N but replaced the standard autocannons with Imperator [[Ultra AC/5|Ultra]] models; though the ammunition load remained a single ton, it was moved to the right torso and protected by [[CASE]]. Twelve [[double heat sink]]s were mounted and another ton of Kallon Royalstar armor was carried.  The free weight for all these changes was created by the use of a Hermes 240 XL engine.  One thing which wasn't replaced however were the Garret comms and targeting systems.<ref name=TRO3050p150/><ref>''Record Sheets: Phoenix Upgrades'', p. 138</ref> BV (1.0) = 1,062;<ref name=COp121 /> BV (2.0) = 1,227<ref>''Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Project Phoenix'', p. 113</ref><ref>''Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 8'', p. 33</ref>

*; RFL-6D : This production model of the 6X introduced in [[3069]] replaces the [[Small Laser]]s with a head-mounted [[C3 slave]] to aid it in targeting. It leaves everything else except for the autocannon intact. They are replaced with a pair of [[Mydron Snakekiller]] [[light autocannon/5]]s in each arm. Each arm is fed by three-ton ammunition bins, each of which are protected by CASE. The large ammunition bins allow a variety of ammunition types to be used.<ref>''Record Sheets: Phoenix Upgrades'', p. 139</ref><ref name="tro3085-250">''Technical Readout: 3085'', p. 250</ref> BV (2.0) = 1,274<ref>''Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Project Phoenix'', p. 114</ref>

*; RFL-6X : The 6X was another experimental design by Kallon's Talon plant, intended as a fast-response anti-aircraft 'Mech and introduced in [[3063]].  Its top speed was increased to 86 km/h through the use of a larger XL engine and its chassis replaced in favor of an [[Endo Steel]] model. It carried dual [[LB 10-X AC|LB 10-X]] autocannons with four tons of ammunition, paired with [[ER Medium Laser|ER Medium]], and [[ER Small Laser|ER Small Laser]]s. The jump jets and one heat sink are removed.<ref name=TRCIp142f /><ref>''Record Sheets: Phoenix Upgrades'', p. 140</ref> BV (1.0) = 1,275;<ref name=COp127 /> BV (2.0) = 1,464<ref>''Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Project Phoenix'', p. 115</ref>

*; RFL-7G : Developed for the [[Free Worlds League]], this model carries a [[Silver Bullet Gauss Rifle]] in each arm. The torso mounted ER medium lasers remain. Each Silver Bullet has a ton of ammunition available. To make room and weight for these weapons, the 'Mech has an Endo Steel skeleton and an XL engine. BV (2.0) = 1,302<ref>''Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 8'', p. 34</ref>

*; RFL-7M : A Project Phoenix model built by [[Vicore Industries]] and introduced in [[3066]] by Kallon, the 7M was intended to act as a long-range sniper unit. It was armed with two [[Light Gauss Rifle]]s, six ER medium lasers, a [[small laser]], and a [[Guardian ECM suite]].  Both the Blakists and the Free Worlds League used this ''Rifleman'' to provide protection to their command units.<ref name=TRCIp142f /><ref>''Record Sheets: Phoenix Upgrades'', p. 141</ref> BV (1.0) = 1,166;<ref>''Combat Operations'', p. 130</ref> BV (2.0) = 1,521<ref>''Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Project Phoenix'', p. 116</ref>

*; RFL-7N : This ''Rifleman'' carries an ER Large Laser and [[LB 5-X]] in each arm, supplemented by the typical torso mounted ER medium lasers. Thirteen double heat sinks are fitted into the XL engine and the Endo Steel frame. Two tons of LB-X ammunition is carried in a CASE II protected bay in the right torso. BV (2.0) = 1,398<ref>''Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 8'', p. 35</ref>

*; RFL-7N2 : Based on the RFL-7N, the arms each carry an LB 10-X and [[Light PPC]]. Three tons of ammunition is stored in the right torso's CASE II ammo bay. This model only has ten double heat sinks. BV (2.0) = 1,452<ref>''Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 8'', p. 36</ref>

*; RFL-7X : This variant was produced during the [[Jihad]] as a field refit kit. Using an Endo Steel chassis, [[XL Gyro]], and XL engine allowed designers to increase the top speed to 97 km/h and include six [[jump jet]]s. [[Light Ferro-Fibrous]] armor protects the 'Mech, while each arm mounts a [[Light PPC]] and [[Snub-Nose PPC]]. BV (2.0) = 1,645<ref name="tro3085-251">''Technical Readout: 3085'', p. 251</ref>

*; RFL-8D : The definitive Project Phoenix model, the 8D is intended as more of a line unit. It mounts two [[Mydron Model RC]] [[rotary autocannon/5]]s with six tons of ammunition split between the arms, a pair of Bright-Blossom ER medium lasers also mounted in each arm, eleven double heat sinks and twelve tons of [[Kallon Royalstar]] armor, the heaviest of any known ''Rifleman'' variant.  Until the arrival of the 7X, it was also the only known ''Rifleman'' variant to mount jump jets, with two [[McCloud Specials (Reinforced)]] models in either leg for a total jumping distance of 120 meters.  To carry all this additional weight, the 8D uses a [[Kallon Type XV Endo Steel]] chassis and [[Hermes 240 XL]] engine, although it still mounts the same excellent Garret electronics.<ref>''Record Sheets: Phoenix Upgrades'', p. 142</ref><ref>''Technical Readout: Project Phoenix'', p. 27</ref><ref name="tro3085-251"/> BV (1.0) = 1,664;<ref name=COp127 /> BV (2.0) = 1,777<ref>''Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Project Phoenix'', p. 118</ref> or 1,664<ref name=TRCIp142f />

*; RFL-8X : Introduced in [[3068]] and used by the [[Republic of the Sphere]], this variant used twin ER PPCs and four ER medium lasers to provide heavy firepower at all ranges. This version of the ''Rifleman'' also had a higher top speed (86 km/h) thanks to a [[light fusion engine]].<ref name="tro3085-250"/> BV (2.0) = 1,798<ref>''Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Project Phoenix'', p. 119</ref>

*; RFL-9T : The ''Rifleman'' 9T is armed with a pair of Light PPCs backed up by a pair of light autocannon/5s for medium range sniping. These are backed up by a pair of ER medium lasers for close combat. All of the 'Mech's weapons are linked to a [[Targeting Computer]] for increased accuracy. The 9T also uses [[Stealth Armor]], making it much harder to hit at long range.<ref name="tro3085-251"/><ref>''Record Sheets: Phoenix Upgrades'', p. 143</ref> BV (2.0) = 1,546<ref>''Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Project Phoenix'', p. 120</ref>

*; ''Rifleman'' C : A [[Clan]]-tech retrofit of the standard ''Rifleman'', the ''Rifleman'' C was used by [[Clan Jade Falcon]] second-line garrison forces during the invasion.  This field modification removed all [[Inner Sphere]] weaponry of the original RFL-3N, and instead carried two [[Clan]]-tech [[Large Pulse Laser]]s and [[LB 5-X AC]]s split between the arms. The weight savings allowed for the addition of two single heat sinks. BV (2.0) = 1,335<ref>''Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 8'', p. 37</ref>

*; ''Rifleman'' C 2 : This version was produced for Clan Jade Falcon by Red Devil Industries in [[3083]]. Using an [[Experimental Technology|experimental]] [[XXL engine]] and [[Improved Jump Jet]]s to provide mobility, the chassis is protected by [[ferro-fibrous armor]]. Each arm mounts an ER Large Laser and [[improved heavy medium laser]].<ref name="tro3085-251"/> BV (2.0) = 2,150<ref>''Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Project Phoenix'', p. 122</ref>

*; ''Rifleman'' C 3: Built by [[Clan Sea Fox]] and based on the ''Rifleman C'', this variant uses an ER Large Laser and [[Ultra AC/5]] in each arm. Each autocannon also has a ton of ammunition allocated to it. Two ER medium lasers are carried in the torso. Clan ferro-fibrous armor and Endo Steel provide enough weight savings to allow these weapons and fourteen double heat sinks. BV (2.0) = 1,871 <ref>''Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 8'', p. 38</ref><ref>''ForcePack Record Sheets Wolf's Dragoons'', p. 4</ref>

===Custom Variants===
*; RFL-3N ''Rifleman'' Janos Marik : Originally a stock RFL-3N gifted to [[Janos Marik]] by [[Stephen Marik|his father]], the future [[Captain-General of the Free Worlds League|Captain-General]] removed the medium lasers and swapped the AC/5s for longer ranged [[Imperator Smoothie-2]] [[AC/2]]s, retaining the Large Lasers. The weight saved went into more armor, especially over the head and center torso ammo bin, and additional heat sinks.<ref name=BTLp51>''BattleTech: Legends'', p. 51: "The Succession Wars era - Janos Marik - RFL-3N ''Rifleman'' [Modified]"</ref>

*; RFL-3N ''Rifleman'' Legend Killer : Long rumored to have piloted a uniquely customized variant, one possible version of [[Gray Noton]]'s infamous ''"[[Legend-Killer]]"'' using only Succession Wars era technology was supposedly built around a lighter 180-rated engine, its lowered ground speed offset by the inclusion of three jump jets. Offensively this variant reportedly retains the Large Lasers and AC/5s with their single ton ammo bay but drops the medium lasers in exchange for four extra heat sinks and an extra half ton of armor. BV (2.0) = 1,101<ref name=RS3055U-119>''Record Sheets: 3055 Upgrade'', p. 117: "RFL-3N Rifleman (Legend Killer)</ref>

*; RFL-3N ''Rifleman'' Legend Killer 2 : Another possible version of Gray Noton's ''"Legend-Killer"'', this Third Succession War tech level variant retains the 240 rated engine of the RFL-3N but adds four jump jets for enhanced mobility. Their inclusion is made possible by the removal the Large Lasers, moving the torso medium lasers into their mounts. Still carrying a single ton of reloads, eleven single heat sinks frees weight for nine and a half tons of armor. BV (2.0) = 1,209<ref name=RS3055U-120>''Record Sheets: 3055 Upgrade'', p. 118: "RFL-3N Rifleman (Legend Killer 2)</ref>

*; RFL-3N ''Rifleman'' Sneede : The personally built 'Mech of [[Cranston Snord's Irregulars]] member [[Samual Sneede|"Shorty" Sneede]], his ''Rifleman'' is a [[FrankenMech]] featuring a ''[[Phoenix Hawk]]'' head, ''[[Warhammer]]'' right arm and the left torso and arm from an ''[[Archer]]'', with only the center and right torsos and both legs left from the parent design. Built around the 3N's standard 240 rated engine, much of the weapons and ammunition from the donor 'Mechs was retained, Sneede's custom being armed with a right-arm mounted PPC, left-torso mounted [[LRM-20]] with two tons of ammo, and four medium lasers - one in the left arm and one in each torso section. Carrying a total of fourteen single heat sinks, Sneede's patchwork ''Rifleman'' is clad in nine tons of armor. BV (2.0) = 1,248 <ref name=CSI-13>''Cranston Snord's Irregulars'', p. 13: "Cranston Snord's Irregulars - Attack Lance - MechWarrior Samual "Shorty" Sneede"</ref><ref name=SO-192>''Strategic Operations'', p. 192: "Maintenance, Repair, Salvage and Customization''</ref><ref name=FPRSSIp1>''ForcePack Record Sheets Snord's Irregulars'', p. 1: "Hybrid Rifleman RFL-3N (Sneede)"</ref>

*; RFL-3N ''Rifleman'' Sneede II: The 'Mech of [[Cranston Snord's Irregulars]] member [[Elizabeth Sneede|Elizabeth "Lizzie" Sneede]], her ''Rifleman'' is a [[FrankenMech]] featuring a similar outward appearance to the previous Hybrid Rifleman, with different weapons. The design uses a standard fusion engine, 15 Clan Double Heat Sinks, and has Clan Ferro-Fibrous armor as its armor of choice. It features several clan weapons, including a Clan ER Medium Laser, a Clan ER PPC, a Clan LRM-20 with Artemis V, and a Clan Targeting Computer. The design also has a Clan [[ECM Suite]], an Inner Sphere ER Medium Laser, a Small X-Pulse Laser, and an Improved Heavy Medium Laser. BV (2.0) = 2,165<ref name=FPRSSIp2>''ForcePack Record Sheets Snord's Irregulars'', p. 2: ": Hybrid Rifleman RFL-3N (Sneede II)"</ref>

*; RFL-4DA1 ''Rifleman'' Baia: A unique variant based on the RFL-4D this variant removed all weaponry except for the two arm-mounted PPCs. The lasers that were removed were replaced by armor and heat sinks.<ref>''Shrapnel'' Issue #4: "The Bye-Bye Brigade"</ref>

*; RFL-7N2 ''Rifleman'' ''Habeas Corpus'' : Named as a nod to his initial ambitions of becoming a barrister, originally a stock RFL-7N2 gifted by [[Anson Marik|his uncle]], [[Trenton Marik]] removed its lasers for additional armor and a larger autocannon magazine, retaining the [[Oriente Model O]] LB 10-X autocannons and [[Ceres Arms Striker]] Light PPCs.<ref name=BTLp161>''BattleTech: Legends'', p. 161: "The ilClan Era - Trenton Marik - RFL-3N ''Rifleman'' [Modified]"</ref>

*; RFL-X3 ''Rifleman'' MUSE WIND : The ''Rifleman'' MUSE WIND was an [[Experimental Technology|experiment]] by [[Nigel Griffin]] to combine [[Clan]] and [[Inner Sphere]] equipment in a production 'Mech. An Inner Sphere produced chassis, XL engine, XL Gyro, double heat sinks, and Jump Jets form the core of the 'Mech. The ferro-fibrous armor that maximizes protection comes from the Clans, as does the weaponry: Each arm mounts a [[HAG/20]] and the torso-mounted medium lasers are Clan [[Medium Pulse Lasers]]. The HAG ammo is protected by an Inner Sphere [[CASE]] system. BV (2.0) = 2,012<ref>''Experimental Technical Readout: Davion'', p. 5</ref>

===Apocryphal Variants===
{{ApocryphalContentStart}}
''From [[MechWarrior Online]]:''
*; RFL-DB ''Dao Breaker'' : Featured as a custom Solaris VII 'Mech the ''Dao Breaker'' is configured to carry twin class 5 Autocannons, twin Large Lasers and twin medium lasers.<ref name=MWO-DB>''MechWarrior Online'' Solaris-7 Sale Page</ref>

*; RFL-LK ''Legend-Killer'' : MWO's apocryphal take on Gray Noton's infamous ''Legend-Killer'' plays to the rumors it used lostech, outfitted with a 240-rated XL engine and built on an Endo Steel frame to free up the weight to swap the classic RFL-3N's AC/5s for LB-X Autocannon/10s fed with three tons of reloads. With the RFL-3N's large and medium lasers retained, the remaining weight saved after the LB-X autocannons goes towards an extra half ton of armor while a swap to double heat sinks gives it unexpected endurance in the arenas.<ref name=MWO-LK>''MechWarrior Online'' ''Rifleman'' Sale Page</ref>

''From [[MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries#Heroes of the Inner Sphere|MechWarrior 5: Heroes of the Inner Sphere Expansion Pack]]:''
*; <span id="RFL-DNA">RFL-DNA</span> ''Diana'': Piloted by [[Silvan Vaughn]] who had been working to destabilize the Federated Suns worlds near the Capellan border.  His Rifleman named ''Diana'' was a modified RFL-3N built with an XL engine and an Endo Steel Frame. The large lasers in the arms were removed, the medium lasers mounted in the side torsos were retained, and the AC/5s were replaced with lostech Gauss rifles and two tons of reloads.<ref name=MW5HoIS>''MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries, Heroes of the Inner Sphere''</ref>
{{ApocryphalContentEnd}}

==Design Quirks==
The ''Rifleman'' has the following [[Design Quirks]]:<ref>''BattleMech Manual'', p. 94: Design Quirk Table - Rifleman Entry</ref>:
* [[Anti-Aircraft Targeting]]
* [[Improved Communications]]
* [[Searchlight]]
* [[Ubiquitous]]

==Related BattleMechs==
* ''[[Rifleman II]]'' - Known as the ''Rifleman II'', the RFL-3N-2 was an upgrade fielded by the [[SLDF Royal units|SLDF Royals]], adding twenty tons to its overall mass.<ref name=TRO3075>''Technical Readout: 3075'', p. 169</ref> BV (2.0) = 1,543<ref>''Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged - Age of War'', p. 30</ref>

* ''[[Rifleman IIC]]'' - One of the 'Mechs the SLDF took with them when they left the Inner Sphere was the ''Rifleman''. The Clan variant is five tons heavier and mounts four Large Pulse Lasers, jump jets, and an active probe. BV (2.0) = 2,122

* ''[[Rifleman III]]'' - A [[Rim Worlds Republic|Rim Worlds Republican]] design, this was a prototype Assault BattleMech which was equipped with stealth system and Gauss Rifles.  Only a single unit was produced, which was forgotten in course of time after the liberation of Terra.<ref>''Experimental Technical Readout: Gunslingers'' - Basic Info on the Rifleman III.</ref>

* ''[[JagerMech]]'' - The ''JagerMech'' was created by Kallon Industries to fix the design flaws that plagued the ''Rifleman'', but, for most of his history, was still worse.

==Notable Pilots==
:''See [[:Category: Notable Rifleman Pilots]]''

==Notes==
* The ''Rifleman'' C was retconned in ''RG:ilClan v8'' from the previous version in ''The Battle for Twycross'', pages 46 & 48 and ''Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Project Phoenix'', page 121, increasing the number of heat sinks.

* In German products, the unit's proper name was altered to '''''Kampfschütze''''', a made-up-word literally meaning ''Combat Marksman''. The model code was accordingly changed to '''KMS-3Z'''.

* In French products, the unit's proper name was directly translated as '''''Fusilier'''''.

* The ''Rifleman'' was based on the ''Destroid Defender'' robot design from the anime ''Super Dimension Fortress Macross''.

* Evidently popular among some ''[[Leopard CV]]'' crews is a show called ''The RFL-3N'', most likely meant as a parody of 50s-60s television series ''[[w:The Rifleman|The Rifleman]]''.<ref>''DropShips & JumpShips'', p. 54: "Leopard CV Class DropShip"</ref>

==Gallery==
<gallery>
3025 Rifleman.jpg|Original [[Unseen]] RFL-3N ''Rifleman'' from ''[[Technical Readout: 3025|TRO:3025]]''
RFL-Rifleman.png|RFL-5M ''Rifleman'' from ''[[Technical Readout: 3050|TRO:3050]]''
Rfl-6x rifleman.png|RFL-6X ''Rifleman'' from ''[[Technical Readout: Project Phoenix|TRO:Phoenix]]''
Rfl-7m rifleman.png|RFL-7M ''Rifleman'' from ''TRO:Phoenix''
Rfl-8d rifleman.jpg|RFL-8D ''Rifleman'' from ''TRO:Phoenix''
Rfl-7X rifleman.png|RFL-7X ''Rifleman'' from ''[[Technical Readout: 3085|TRO:3085]]''
RFL-X3 Rifleman.jpg|RFL-X3 ''Rifleman'' MUSE WIND from ''[[Experimental Technical Readout: Davion|XTRO:Davion]]''
RFL-1N_Rifleman_XTROPrimitives4.jpg|Experimental RFL-1N ''Rifleman'' from ''[[Experimental Technical Readout: Primitives, Volume 4|XTRO:Primitives IV]]''
Rifleman RGilClan v08.png|''Rifleman'' from ''[[Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 8|RG:ilClan v8]]''
Rifleman (Janos Marik) BTLegends.jpg|RFL-3N ''Rifleman'' (modified) piloted by [[Janos Marik (30th c.)|Janos Marik]] from ''[[BattleTech: Legends|BT:Legends]]''
Rifleman (Legend-Killer) BTLegends.jpg|RFL-3N ''Rifleman'' ''[[Legend-Killer|"Legend-Killer"]]'' piloted by [[Gray Noton]] from ''BT:Legends''
Rifleman (Habeas Corpus) BTLegends.jpg|[[Trenton Marik|Trenton Marik's]] ''Rifleman'' ''Habeas Corpus'' from ''BT:Legends''
Camosteinerskyerangers1.png|A ''Rifleman'' in colors of the [[Skye Rangers]] from ''[[Camo Specs]]''
Rifleman (Dawn Guards) DomDiv.jpg|''Rifleman'' in colors of the [[Dawn Guards]]
Battle of Luthien (41).jpg|A ''Rifleman'' in combat during the ''[[Battle of Luthien (3052)|Battle of Luthien]]'' from ''[[Luthien (scenario pack)|Luthien]]''
Rifleman HDTFS.jpg|A ''Rifleman'' from ''[[House Davion (The Federated Suns)|House Davion]]''
MWO Rifleman.png|Model of a ''Rifleman'' from ''[[MechWarrior Online|MWO]]''
Battledroids-Rifleman.jpg|''Rifleman'' standee from ''[[Battledroids]]''
BattleTech2e-Rifleman.jpg|''Rifleman'' standee from ''[[BattleTech, Second Edition]]''
Mechs-Rifleman.jpg|''Rifleman'' miniature from ''[[...Mechs!]]'' (also used in ''[[BattleTech, Third Edition]]'')
Inner Sphere Battle Lance - Rifleman.jpg|''Rifleman'' miniature from ''[[BattleTech: Inner Sphere Battle Lance|Inner Sphere Battle Lance]]''
Battletech Essentials Rifleman Legend Killer.jpg|''Rifleman'' miniature from ''[[BattleTech: Essentials]]''
Wolfs Dragoons Assault Star - Rifleman.jpg|''Rifleman'' miniature from ''[[Wolf's Dragoons Assault Star]]''
</gallery>

==References==
<references />

==Bibliography==
<div class="desktop-3-col">


* ''[[The Battle for Twycross]]''
* ''[[BattleTech: Battle of Tukayyid]]''
* ''[[BattleTech: Legends]]''
* ''[[Combat Operations]]''
* ''[[Cranston Snord's Irregulars]]''
* ''[[Experimental Technical Readout: Davion]]''
* ''[[Experimental Technical Readout: Primitives, Volume 4]]''
* ''[[Field Manual: 3145]]''
* ''[[ForcePack Record Sheets Wolf's Dragoons]]''
* ''[[ForcePack Record Sheets Snord's Irregulars]]''
* ''[[Fortress Republic]]'' (MWDA novel)
* ''[[Historical Turning Points: New Dallas]]''
* ''[[Master Unit List]]''
* ''[[Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 8]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3039 Unabridged]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3050]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3055 Upgrade]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3067]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged - Age of War]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Project Phoenix]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: Phoenix Upgrades]]''
* ''[[Shrapnel (magazine)#Issue 4|Shrapnel]]'', issue #4
* ''[[Snord's Irregulars Assault Lance]]''
* ''[[Solaris VII: The Game World]]''
* ''[[Story of the Legend-Killer]]''
* ''[[Strategic Operations]]''
* ''[[Sword of Sedition]]'' (MWDA novel)
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3025]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3039]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3050]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3055]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3075]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3085]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: Project Phoenix]]''
* ''[[Total Warfare Style Record Sheets: Phoenix Upgrades]]''
* ''[[Warrior: En Garde]]''
</div>

[[Category:'Mechs]]
[[Category:BattleMechs]]
[[Category:Heavy BattleMechs]]
[[Category:60 ton BattleMechs]]
[[Category:ComStar BattleMechs]]
[[Category:Federated Suns BattleMechs]]
[[Category:Free Worlds League BattleMechs]]
[[Category:Star League BattleMechs]]
[[Category:Terran Hegemony BattleMechs]]
[[Category:C3 Slave Equipped BattleMechs]]
[[Category:German renamed units]]