O/P-17 Trost-Metch (trˈostʲ-mʲˈet͡ʃʲ)
Personal Defense Pistol
The current standard-issue personal defense weapon for officers and police forces is the Trost-Metch, a lightweight pistol utilizing the Arshanov pistol cartridge. While this weapon lacks the punch of its higher-caliber Sh/P-16 Korotkij-Metch cousin, it can still stop unarmored hostile targets while being smaller than a combat-size weapon. The Trost-Metch comes with a 10-round magazine and supports a 20-round magazine that extends past the hand grip.
Manufacturing
The gun is built off the Kepplinger method for modular weapons, using the Kepplinger Pistol Design pattern. While its heavier cousin's design uses a milled carbide-steel frame, the Mech Trost uses an injection-molded polymer instead. This polymer allows the weapon to be even lighter than its combat variant. The firearm's internal mechanisms are also adjusted to accommodate the lighter payload of the pistol caliber round.
While Kepplinger developed his designs around modularity and attachments, the Mech Trost includes a built-in set of backup iron sights complete with a glow-in-the-dark coating. These iron sights are not removable but are low-profile and don't hinder attachable sights.
Accessories
As part of the Kepplinger Modular Weapon System, the Trost-Metch can accept a variety of attachments. The barrel can accept threaded compensators, flash hiders, and suppressors. Any accessory utilizing a Kepplinger lock mount, such as weapon sights, lights, or laser modules, is compatible with the O/P-17.
Standard issue for the O/P-17 includes a non-magnified low profile reflex sight and a LAM/flashlight mount, specifically designed to be compatible with various concealed holsters.
History
The O/P-17 and its larger cousin, the Sh/P-16, share a common history. Both pistols were developed together by Kepplinger, despite the Admiral Director initially only looking for a new combat pistol model. Admiral-Director Puskova was uninterested in the smaller Trost-Metch or in trialing a new defensive pistol model at the time. However, the Ekho Intelligence Forces expressed interest in an updated compact model for E.R.A. agents and other intelligence officers. This interest swayed other force commanders to test a new compact pistol as well, and weapon trials began shortly after the designation of the Korotkij Mech as the new Sh/P-16 combat pistol.
The Trost-Metch, designated the XP/17-1 during testing, only had two other competitors during the development and trial period: The Model 4 Kallej, an imported Sionian design designated XP/17-2; and the XP/17-3, a bespoke Arshan model developed by a former Halo operator. The Trost-Metch won out with its similarity to the new combat pistol. The growing familiarity with the Kepplinger modular weapon system throughout the Federation's military aided the Trost-Metch's acceptance. The standard-issue combat rifle, the A/R-32 Arrow, was also a Kepplinger model that had passed its trials several months prior.
Regulators scrapped the XP/17-3 design after a critical failure resulting in injury during a trial. The Kallej remains a popular option within the Republic of Sion and an occasional alternative chosen by Ekho agents operating within Sionian territory.
The Federation ran weapons trials for only a month before issuing the Trost-Metch in January of 483 AST. The new personal defense pistol is now a standard issue for all command officers, vehicle crewmembers, and other personnel who do not want the full-size Korotkij Mech or need a smaller option for concealment or storage purposes.
Extended
This article is part of the Extended Lore series. These articles exist to provide extra background information on various aspects of Galaxies End but are typically not the core focus of any RPG modules or writings, whether released or planned for the future.
Table of Contents
Trostʹ-meč
Etymology
"Trost-Metch," or "Trostʹ-meč," is the latinized form of the russian term "Трость-меч", loosely translating to "Cane Sword".
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