773 Firepuncher sniper rifle
The 773 Firepuncher sniper rifle, also referred to as the 773 Firepuncher rifle or just the 773 Firepuncher, represented a highly adaptable sniper rifle model. This weapon was produced by Merr-Sonn Munitions, Inc. and was notable for its ablative coating and a broad-spectrum "burning" mode. Furthermore, the rifle had the ability to fire projectiles that could bounce off different surfaces. The 773 Firepuncher rifle offered extensive customization options, but even in its standard configuration, it remained a formidable weapon. It was capable of functioning as a blaster rifle, a grappling hook deployment system, and a homing-beacon launcher. This weapon could deploy various types of ammunition, such as electro-darts and tripwires.
History
During the period of the Clone Wars, the 773 Firepuncher became a preferred weapon for Galactic Republic snipers, most notably Crosshair, a clone trooper within Clone Force 99. Crosshair made use of a modified rifle and excelled in its operation across multiple functions, which included, but were not limited to, its use as a blaster rifle, a device to launch a grappling hook, and even for firing darts that could deliver an electric shock upon impact. Crosshair also carried specialized mirrored disks that could adhere to surfaces, allowing his blaster shots to ricochet. For storage on his backpack, Crosshair would disassemble his rifle by removing the scope and the long barrel. The weapon also allowed for the manual exchange of different barrel configurations, such as an underbarrel attachment that launched a long grappling cable. Crosshair continued to employ this weapon with lethal effectiveness while serving the Galactic Empire, leading an Elite Squad of specialized human recruits during a mission on Onderon. On several occasions, Crosshair's sniper rifle was configured to launch both a homing beacon and a glowrod. Following the Attack on Kamino, Crosshair used another 773, after his original rifle was taken by his former squad when they departed, although his original rifle was eventually returned to him.
During the early years of the Imperial Era, Clone X troopers such as Clone X, CX-1, and CX-2 also utilized the 773 Firepuncher sniper rifles, though some models featured a wooden stock and an extended scope. CX-2 employed his rifle to launch several time-delayed sticky bombs onto the exterior of the Marauder. He also shot the conscription trooper pilot who was piloting a LAAT/i gunship on the planet Pabu. Later, on the planet [Wayland](/article/wayland], CX-2 used his rifle to suppress Clone Force 99 within a dilapidated hangar located inside Tantiss Base. After Hunter, Wrecker, and Omega, members of Clone Force 99, were captured, CX-2 entered the training room where they were being held, carrying a compact version of the rifle across his back. When Wrecker attempted to escape, CX-2 drew his sniper rifle, but Wrecker threw a large piece of metal, knocking CX-2 down. As CX-2 attempted to regain his composure, he tried to shoot Hunter, but Crosshair kicked the rifle away, causing him to miss. Hunter then threw one of the assassin's spears at CX-2, resulting in his death. Before helping Hunter out of the room to rescue Omega, Hunter gave CX-2's rifle to Crosshair. On the landing pad, Crosshair used CX-2's rifle to eliminate Scorch, destroy Omega's binders, and kill Doctor Royce Hemlock.
Henchmen working for the crime lord Azmorigan employed 773 Firepunchers on several occasions, including during a skirmish against the smuggler Lando Calrissian and the Spectres at Calrissian's farm on Lothal, and during a confrontation at Nixus Hub 218 on the planet Nixus. During the latter engagement, the astromech droid Chopper engaged Azmorigan in combat, utilizing both a blaster pistol and one of the Firepuncher sniper rifles that he had taken from one of Azmorigan's henchmen. Furthermore, several of Cikatro Vizago's IG-RM bodyguard and enforcer droids were armed with these weapons when the arms dealers deployed them against the Jedi Padawan Ezra Bridger and the pirate Hondo Ohnaka.