Ironwood Armaments Mark IAR-51 "Panther"

The IAR-51 (Infantry Assault Rifle Mark 51) is the standard assault rifle for the Emberleaf Republic Army. The Emberleaf Republic Army is comprised mostly of light infantry units who are afforded a level of training that is much greater than most armies. This is because the ELR's military personnel are mostly concentrated in the other branches (Navy, Aviation Service, and Air Armada). With fewer numbers but a significant budget, the Army can focus on quality over quantity. ERA light infantry units are trained to operate in a variety of conditions where heavier weapons and armour would be impractical.  Because these units often operate without tanks or armoured personnel carriers, they are required to carry a lot of equipment on their persons. 
The requirements laid out for the rifles that went to ERA trials in 2458 were rather demanding as a result. The weapon needed to be able to function in most climates and in the worst weather conditions. It needed to be useful in the role of both a traditional assault rifle and a shorter-barreled military carbine. It needed to be light and compact but also accurate and precise. It needed to be rugged enough to withstand any environment but also carry most of the features that soldiers had been trained to expect from their weapons. Price was no object.
A tall order, to be sure, but the IAR-51 seemed to fill it. It's more compact than a traditional assault rifle and ditches the Ironwood Armaments signature wooden furniture in favour of a specially-developed polymer that is very light but also environment-resistant and sturdy enough to take a beating. It uses the standard intermediate-calibre caseless cartridge utilised by most assault rifles in the NCA nations. The weapon can switch between full-auto (730 RPM), three-round burst (~1000 RPM), and semi-automatic. 
It forgoes most of the fancier weapon electronics to reduce weight. It has hologram sights instead of backup fibre-optic iron sights and a magnetic accessory rail for mounting optics. However, it does feature an integrated underbarrel laser/light module.
The IAR-51 is very expensive, totalling $3550 per unit. 
The civilian versions of the weapon (The Ironwood Armaments Panther), both the semi-auto and restricted select-fire versions, still have wooden furniture and a full suite of electronics. These are much heavier than the military versions and cost around $5,000 each.

Item type

Weapon, Ranged

Subtype / Model

NCASL 6mmCL Rifle Cartridge

Manufacturer

Ironwood Armaments

Rarity

The military version of this weapon can only be acquired by those with military/corporate dispensation or an E-class firearms license. The semi-auto version can be obtained by any civilian with a standard firearms license.

Weight

6.21 lbs

Base Price

$3550

Raw materials & Components

The weapon's frame is made from a unique polymer designed in cooperation with Jau-deGraaf Inc., a prominent chemical company that makes everything from construction-grade materials to household storage devices.

Although the weapon's price tag would never have been a financial issue for the Emberleaf Republic, many military officials were opposed to its adoption because of that. However, the weapon's performance in trials, combined with the emphatic endorsement of the actual soldiers and scientists involved in evaluating it made sure that the government would cut the rather substantial check.