The Mojave Wasteland in Fallout New Vegas is famous for its collection of unique armaments that tell a story about the world. Among these iconic firearms, the unique battle rifle known as This Machine stands out as a devastating option for ballistic weapon enthusiasts. This guide will help you locate this powerful rifle and master its combat capabilities during your journey.
The Strategic Value of This Machine
This Machine is a heavily modified version of the standard battle rifle, drawing deep visual inspiration from the classic M1 Garand. It deals impressive base damage and boasts a rapid reload time compared to other semi-automatic rifles in the game. Characters who invest heavily in the Guns skill will find this weapon to be an indispensable asset for mid-to-long-range engagements.
Furthermore, the rifle utilizes .308 caliber ammunition, which is highly effective against armored targets across the wasteland. Its durable build quality ensures you can fire hundreds of rounds before needing to invest resources into item repairs. Embracing this weapon early can completely change how you approach dangerous mutant encounters and faction skirmishes.
How to Locate the Rifle at Camp McCarran
Acquiring this legendary rifle requires traveling to Camp McCarran, the primary New California Republic military base situated in the northern part of the map. Once inside the terminal building, you must seek out a supply merchant named Sergeant Contreras in the storage concourse. He controls an unmarked quest chain titled Dealing with Contreras that serves as your ticket to earning the weapon.
Players have two distinct choices to secure the rifle depending on their preferred moral alignment. You can choose to assist Contreras with his illegal smuggling activities, navigating his tasks until he rewards you with the weapon out of gratitude. Alternatively, players can download his terminal data and hand him over to Lieutenant Boyd, who will then grant you access to the confiscated supply locker holding the rifle.
Combat Configurations and Build Synergy
To maximize the efficiency of This Machine, players should tailor their character perks toward critical hit modifiers and physical durability. The Cowboy and Grunt perks do not affect this weapon, making general rifle upgrades like Commando or Finesse far more valuable. Maintaining your spacing during heated gunfights allows you to pick off enemy combatants before they can close the distance.
It is also highly recommended to carry hand-loaded ammunition types to pierce through deathclaw hide and Legion armor plates. Combining the high weapon damage with stealth critical multipliers can drop most non-boss enemies in a single well-placed shot. Keeping this firearm in your active inventory ensures you always have a reliable answer to unexpected threats in the wilderness.