The following terms and abbreviations appear on the various weapon tables.
8G, 10G, 12G: The gauge of a shotgun – the number of lead balls of its bore size that weigh one pound. Thus, 10G shot is larger than 12G shot.
ATGM: Anti-Tank Guided Missile. An anti-vehicular missile steered to its target by the firer.
auto: A term that designates a semi-automatic firearm.
blaster: A particle-beam weapon.
cartridge rifle: A breech-loading, single-shot rifle.
coif: A hood, usually made of mail.
electrolaser: A weapon that transmits an electrical charge to its target along a path ionized by a low-powered laser beam.
Gauss: Jargon for any electromagnetic gun.
GL: Grenade Launcher.
glaive: A staff tipped with a heavy blade.
gyroc: A spin-stabilized (“gyrostabilized”) rocket.
HMG: Heavy Machine Gun.
ICW: Infantry Combat Weapon. A rifle with an integral grenade launcher.
katana: A long, slightly curved sword used by Japanese samurai.
laminated steel plate: Japanese samurai armor.
LMG: Light Machine Gun.
lorica segmentata: Roman legionary armor.
morningstar: A flail consisting of a metal ball attached to a haft with a chain.
musket: A single-shot, smoothbore, muzzle-loading long gun.
naginata: A staff tipped with a lightweight blade.
nunchaku: A flail consisting of a pair of short clubs joined by a chain.
PDW: Personal Defense Weapon. A pistol- to SMG-sized automatic weapon that fires powerful ammunition, intended as an emergency weapon for vehicle crews.
prodd: A crossbow that fires lead or stone pellets.
rifle-musket: A single-shot, rifled, muzzle-loading long gun.
RPG: Rocket-Propelled Grenade.
SAM: Surface to Air Missile (e.g., Stinger).
SAW: Squad Automatic Weapon. A kind of light machine gun.
scorpion: A bolt-throwing engine that resembles a giant crossbow.
shuriken: A throwing star. Purportedly used by ninjas.
SMG: Submachine Gun.
sollerets: Metal-plated shoes.