Okay, this one is weird even for me.  I'll blame it on the late hour,
working a massive amount of overtime, and not thinking well.  This is meant
to be a humours event.  It is written in the first person perspective af a
BGC universe arms dealer.  The gaps in the conversation are intentional.  I
picked up both the idea and the funny first person technique from reading
"A Gun for Dinosaur" by L. Sprague De Camp.  Even if this is a little
off-beat, I hope you enjoy it.

A Gun for Boomers

	So you want to hunt boomers?  First question:  Are you crazy?!?

	Scratch that, I don't think I really want to know.  Long as your
money's good, it don't matter.  Instead, I'll ask a second question:  Are
you crazy enough?

	Okay, you just might be after an answer like that!  Tell you what,
here are some basics and you can ask any questions you want about specifics
later.

	First of all, yes, combat boomers are the most dangerous of all
prey.  Way more dagerous than any of the big five.

	The big five?  That's short for the five most dangerous animals.
Old African hunting saying.  Stands for Elephant, Rhino, Lion, Hippo and
Cape Buffalo.  However, even a basic 55-C bodyguard boomer is way more
dangerous.  Their sensors are way better than what any animal naturally
has, and they are hardwired for combat, making for wicked response time to
a threat.  Add to that a powerful computer brain, and the ability to take
an enormous amount of damage, and you have something that would have made
ole' John Taylor himself think twice.

	First of all, which way do you want to hunt them?  Do you plan on
going for military hardware and raising a real rumpus?  Or do you want to
take them on man to boomer with more traditional firearms?

	Well, there are some major differences in hardware.  In addition,
there are some big differences in cost.  Of course the better equipment you
buy the more likely you are to succeed.  Myself, I would measure sucess by
survival.

	Let's start with traditional weaponry.  It's a bit cheaper and a
little easier to come by, even for me.  By traditional weaponry, I mean
hunting rifles and firearms.  I don't mean bows and arrows or spears or any
other archaic weapons.  I sell firearms and a few 'related items', nothing
else.

	As to caliber, I wouldn't suggest anything under a .375 for boomers
in the 55-C size range.  This would include the rare 33-S and the earlier C
class boomers.  The .375 has a good balance between velocity, slug size and
penetration.  However on the bigger boomers it just ain't enough.  Even on
these realatively small boomers,  a .458 or .460 would be a better idea.

	To go after bigger boomers like the Doberman, the .470 Nitro
Express would be the absolute minimum choice.  In fact I would try to
persuade you to go for a .600 or .700 Nitro Express.

	Magazine capacity?  Well, most of the rifles from .375 to .460 have
three round magazines.  The Nitro Expresses are all double barrels, so they
have two shots.

	Yep, that's the biggest problem with traditional firearms.  The
best bet with these is to shoot from hiding and make the first shot or two
count.  Don't like that idea?  Okay, we'll look at some milspec stuff.

	Even with military stuff, I still recommend going large caliber.
Look at the AD Police.  They use that little full auto carbine.  They have
lots of ammo and have a special semi-armor piercing round and some
explosive ammo, but the slug just ain't big enough to deliver a lot of
knock down power.  Look at the mortality rate on the rapid response squads.

	Now this beauty would be a great choice.  It is a vinatge Barrett
light fifty.  It has a ten round magazine, a thermal/night vision/range
finding scope, muzzle break to control recoil and shoots the venerable .50
BMG round.  Though it is semi-automatic, this baby has lots of punch.
Works really good on boomers.   I can get you full metal jacket,
armor-peircing-incendiary, depleted uranium or SLAP (Sabot Light Armor
Piercing) ammo.  You could load a couple clips with different ammo, or mix
several in one clip to cover all bases.

	Sure, this is a really long gun, but it is a nice combination.
Lots of power, and excellent accuracy out past 1,000 yards.  Granted at
close range it would be difficult to use, but I wouldn't want to get overly
close to a boomer myself.

	Well, this here would be a great close in gun.  It is a Steyr Model
2024 LAAC, or light anit-armor carbine.  It is a 25mm caseless round with a
semi-armor piercing/explosive bullet.  It is full auto with a thirty round
magazine.  Turn even a Doberman into swiss cheese at close range.  Of
course, you have to be able to control the thing on full auto, but you look
pretty strong.

	Whoa, why the sudden change in topic?

	No, I don't know where you can find the Knight Sabers.

	Does this mean you won't be purchasing a gun for boomers?

	Okay, you have a nice day now, and come back if you change your mind.



	Hi Sylia?  That nosey reporter you warned me about was in asking
about the Knight Sabers.  Wanted a gun to hunt boomers with.  You might
want to have a close look around next time you guys go up against a boomer.
That reporter might be hanging around.  I'll bet she wanted the gun to keep
from being ambushed by a boomer.  Well, gott go....



Well, thanks for reading this.  Have a great night!

Big Bore and the Nitro Express!


Visit Bob and Tanya's Alaskan Homepage at
www.geocities.com/Yosemite/Trails/5144