8.6 BLK (8.6x43mm)

[harsh rampart]

This might be somewhat of a controversial suggestion, seeming that it's a controversial firearm in hunting and weapons enthusiasts circles. I reckon the 8.6 Blackout could be quite a unique cartridge in game.

8.6BLK (8.6x43mm) is the bigger, cooler brother to .300BLK (7.62x35mm), which we already have in game as the Fors Elite. Although I reckon the Fors Elite was a bit of a wasted opportunity to have some sort of supressor in game, maybe we can make it right with the 8.6

8.6BLK is best know for it's subsonic performance. It's specifically designed to shoot heavier .388cal bullets with extreme RPM at subsonic speeds using a supressor to keep it quiet.

The 8.6BLK can fire subsonic or supersonic rounds if a little extra range is needed.
What I would love to see in game is 3 ammo types for this specialized rifle, 2 subsonic ammo types and 1 super sonic. The 210gr supers would be an ideal class 3-7 round with a range of 300m (and a slight but noticeable increase in how loud it is to animals because of the supersonic crack of the bullet)
A 288gr Fractureing Sub would be a good class 4-7/8, with super high RPM the bullet can easily penetrate and expand very well within its effective range of about 150m
Finally, a 350gr copper solid for the big stuff from class 6-9. The 8.6BLK has proven itself in Africa on video by taking down Lion, Buffalo and Hippo so I reckon a nice heavy round for the biggest game would be great within a limited range of 150m

Now, for sound, I reckon it'd be easiest if EW just made the gun with a supressor as is. What I'd hope is that the 8.6BLK in game is in the noise range of the Vanques 45 or the bows, like the cross bow, with the supersonic rounds being slightly louder for the animals.

Now the drawbacks to the gun, seeming that there's such an odd focus on balancing a single-player game, the 8.6BLK is expensive and has limited range if it is to work properly and be accurate.

Ok that's the end of the book I think

Here's some more reference photos. The first one is of the 288gr Fracturing bullets, second I'm not sure, third is a 10 Inch Q-Fix and lastly is one of the Buffalos taken with a 8.6BLK

Something I didn't want to mention in the main post because it was getting long is that 8.6BLK rifles need only a very short barrel (8-12') which helps in making them light, compact and maneuverable

[modern remnant]

Nice Weapon classes, nice Rifle

I'm in

[grizzled dragon]

Looks like a cool weapon, would like more silent guns in game, the classes are also nice so im for this

[sage inlet]

Actually got some range time with one of these a few days ago and I was pretty impressed with the way it feels. It shouldn't be too out of place

[edgy bloom]

Hi @harsh rampart ,

Thank you for letting us know about what you would enjoy seeing in the game. Our development team is constantly working on new content and they are open to ideas!

I will pass your suggestion on adding 8.6BLK rifle to the rest of our team for consideration. If you have any other ideas on what you'd like to see in the game, please feel free to share them with us here: https://support.thehunter.com/hc/en-us/requests/new .

[quiet hatch]

3-9 overall class range, Nice

[twilit hull]

Looks awesome we need it

[harsh rampart]

Here is my logic for why the 8.6blk should be a 3-9 class range caliber in game. This photo would actually suggest 2-9 but I won't push it for now. I know the 8.6blk also makes quick work of a Hippo going for a brainshot with lighter supersonic bullets

Also the 8.6 comes in a variety of rifles, alot of which have a very short barrel with a very aggressive twist rate, like a 1:3 twist rate. So the gun is nice and light and maneuverable as mentioned before

The previous 4 photos all feature a Q-fix in 8.6blk
These next 4 are all remington 700's with Faxon 8.6 barrels, first two are ultra lightweight stocks and the last two are regular stock 700's but with the short faxon barrels and the hubble telescope ontop for some reason