The Legacy of This Machine: Exploring the History and Power of Fallout’s M1 Garand

Introduction

Fallout: New Vegas. The name alone conjures images of a post-apocalyptic Mojave Wasteland, brimming with dangers, factions vying for control, and a dizzying array of weaponry. From laser pistols to plasma rifles, from sledgehammers to power fists, the game offers a combat style for almost every player. But amidst this arsenal of futuristic and brutal implements of destruction, one weapon stands out, a relic of a bygone era, yet undeniably powerful and perennially popular: This Machine. This unique M1 Garand, more than just a gun, represents a connection to history, a testament to enduring design, and a powerful tool for survival in the unforgiving Wasteland. In this article, we’ll delve into the legacy of This Machine, exploring its history, strengths, weaknesses, and the reasons why it remains a fan favorite years after the game’s release.

What is This Machine?

This Machine, as its name implies, is no ordinary firearm. It’s a unique variant of the classic M1 Garand, a semi-automatic rifle chambered in the .308 caliber round, a more common and often more accessible alternative to the classic .30-06. Visually, it’s immediately recognizable as an M1 Garand, with its wood stock, steel receiver, and distinctive “ping” sound that accompanies the ejection of its en-bloc clip. The weapon’s appearance is decidedly retro, contrasting sharply with many of the more futuristic and cobbled-together weapons found throughout the Mojave. It has a well-worn aesthetic, implying its history in the wastes, but still functions reliably if maintained properly.

Beyond its historical appearance, This Machine boasts impressive stats. It delivers a significant punch with each shot, making it effective against a wide range of enemies. Its accuracy is commendable, especially with a high Guns skill, allowing for precise shots at medium to long distances. While not fully automatic, the semi-automatic action allows for rapid follow-up shots, making it versatile in combat situations. Where it truly shines however, is in its increased critical hit chance and multiplier, setting it apart from other rifles in the game. This allows a skilled player to take down enemies quickly and efficiently, and is one of the primary reasons for its lasting appeal.

The weapon’s stats paint a picture of a reliable and powerful weapon, but the increased critical hit chance is the reason many players specifically seek out This Machine in their playthroughs.

Acquiring the M1 Garand

Obtaining This Machine requires a bit of legwork and a willingness to engage in the morally ambiguous underbelly of Camp McCarran. The primary method involves undertaking the quest “Dealing with Contreras,” which centers around Lieutenant Boyd, the head of the supply for the NCR. Boyd’s inventory of ammo is of paramount importance to the war effort against Caesar’s Legion. The NCR’s supplies are coming from the Crimson Caravan Company, and if Boyd is suspicious of any tampering with the supply routes, the player will have to investigate.

The quest begins with Contreras, a suspicious arms dealer located within the Camp McCarran terminal building. Contreras is a shady character involved in smuggling arms and supplies, and the player can uncover his illicit activities through dialogue and skill checks. By confronting Contreras about his operations, players unlock the opportunity to either expose him to the NCR or participate in his scheme.

To acquire This Machine, you’ll need to navigate this quest carefully. Completing certain steps in the questline, such as uncovering Contreras’s smuggling operation and then informing him that you will keep his secret, will result in Contreras adding This Machine to his inventory for sale. This approach requires a decent Speech skill or the ability to bribe Contreras. Alternatively, for players prioritizing a more lawful (or less lucrative) path, exposing Contreras to the NCR will result in him being arrested, making the weapon unavailable through legitimate means. However, skilled pickpockets might see an opportunity amidst the chaos.

Strengths and Weaknesses in Combat

This Machine excels in medium to long-range engagements, delivering accurate and powerful shots that can quickly eliminate targets. Its semi-automatic action allows for faster follow-up shots compared to bolt-action rifles, providing an edge in firefights. The combination of respectable damage and the critical hit chance makes it exceptionally effective against lightly armored opponents and enemies vulnerable to critical hits, such as Deathclaws. Furthermore, .308 ammunition is relatively common in the Mojave Wasteland, ensuring a steady supply for prolonged engagements. Due to this ammo availability, it makes it a dependable choice throughout a playthrough. This allows the courier to engage in numerous conflicts, whereas energy ammo can often be difficult to find.

However, This Machine is not without its limitations. Its relatively slow rate of fire compared to automatic weapons makes it less effective in close-quarters combat, where fast-moving enemies can quickly overwhelm the player. Furthermore, the M1 Garand’s reload mechanism, while iconic, can be slow and vulnerable, leaving the player exposed during critical moments. Against heavily armored opponents, its damage output may prove insufficient, requiring multiple shots to neutralize the threat. Also, while the .308 ammunition is fairly common, a character who favors this weapon will quickly burn through their ammo stores.

The weapon’s strengths and weaknesses highlight the importance of tactical awareness and careful positioning when using it in combat.

Synergy with Builds and Perks

To unlock the full potential of This Machine, players should consider character builds and perks that synergize with its strengths. A Guns-focused build is essential, maximizing the weapon’s accuracy and damage output. Perks that enhance critical hit chance and damage, such as Better Criticals and Finesse, are particularly valuable, further amplifying This Machine’s inherent strengths. Additionally, perks that improve VATS accuracy and action point regeneration, such as Action Boy/Girl and Grim Reaper’s Sprint, can enhance its effectiveness in VATS-assisted combat. Since this gun relies so heavily on dealing critical damage, the Ninja perk can also drastically increase damage output.

Beyond combat-oriented perks, skills like Repair are crucial for maintaining This Machine in optimal condition. A well-maintained weapon deals more damage and is less likely to malfunction, ensuring consistent performance in combat. The Jury Rigging perk allows the player to repair it with a wider range of items, further simplifying maintenance.

Ammo and Modifications

The effectiveness of This Machine can be further enhanced by utilizing the appropriate ammunition type. While standard .308 rounds are readily available, specialized ammunition types offer unique advantages. .308 JSP rounds provide improved armor penetration, making them effective against heavily armored opponents. .308 Match rounds enhance accuracy, improving long-range precision. And .308 Hand Load rounds increase damage output, making them ideal for maximizing critical hit potential.

Unfortunately, This Machine cannot be modified with scopes or other attachments, limiting its customization options. However, its inherent accuracy and damage make it a formidable weapon even without modifications.

Comparison to Other New Vegas Weapons

Fallout: New Vegas boasts a diverse array of rifles, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. The Hunting Rifle, a versatile bolt-action rifle, offers a good balance of damage and accuracy but lacks the semi-automatic action of This Machine. The Marksman Carbine, a semi-automatic rifle, offers a faster rate of fire but deals less damage per shot. The Gobi Campaign Scout Rifle, a unique bolt-action rifle, boasts a higher critical hit chance but is less common and requires a more specialized build. The Service Rifle, a common NCR weapon, offers a decent rate of fire and readily available ammunition but lacks the raw power of This Machine.

Ultimately, the choice of weapon depends on individual playstyle and preferences. However, This Machine stands out as a potent and versatile option, offering a unique combination of damage, accuracy, and critical hit potential that few other rifles can match. If a player wants to use VATS to deal critical hits, this is the weapon for them.

The Lore and Significance of the M1 Garand

The M1 Garand holds a special place in the history of firearms. As the standard-issue rifle of the United States military during World War II, it played a pivotal role in the Allied victory. Its robust design, semi-automatic action, and powerful .30-06 cartridge made it a formidable weapon on the battlefield. The Garand’s iconic “ping” sound, produced when the en-bloc clip is ejected, became synonymous with American military power and ingenuity.

In Fallout: New Vegas, This Machine serves as a tangible link to this historical legacy. Its presence in the game evokes a sense of nostalgia and reverence for the past, reminding players of the sacrifices made by those who wielded the M1 Garand in defense of freedom. The inclusion of such a weapon in a world of lasers and plasma weapons serves as a stark reminder of how far humanity has come, and the old war relic serves as a powerful reminder of how far humanity still has to go to regain the old world.

Conclusion

This Machine is more than just a weapon in Fallout: New Vegas; it’s a symbol of history, power, and enduring appeal. Its unique combination of damage, accuracy, and critical hit potential makes it a formidable tool in the hands of a skilled player. Its historical significance adds a layer of depth and meaning, connecting players to the past in a post-apocalyptic world.

Whether you’re a seasoned Fallout veteran or a newcomer to the Mojave Wasteland, This Machine is a weapon worth seeking out. Its legacy speaks for itself, and its performance in combat will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression. The hunt for the perfect weapon in Fallout: New Vegas is a fun, and often rewarding experience, and this weapon is one of the best rewards in the game. So, venture forth, Courier, and claim This Machine as your own. The Wasteland awaits.