Need your help/advice on optics , supressors and so on!

[B.T.]

Hi everybody!

I need your help in certain aspects of accessories for firearms. I'm GMing a campaign using the v2.2 rules. I stick to the given timeline. Therefore I assume, that a lot of special parts, like the SOPMOD kits for the M16/M4 carbine and similar equipment, are not in widespread use. But certain pieces are certainly available. Some pieces can even be homemade, given the talents (Gunsmith skills!).

1) How do you handle the effects of supressors? I use the noise table from MERC 2000, but I'm not sure, how a supressor would vary the ranges. All kinds of silencers and supressors basically slow the bullet's speed. This must have some effect on the ranges!
By the way: "Infantry weapons of the world" does not reduce the range of the bullet. For example: the data for the MP-5A2 and the MP5-SD3 are identical but as far as I can see, the range for the supressed MP should be reduced.
Has any one of you some kind of house rule?

2) How do you handle laser pointers in the game? In the early 90ies some pistols could be equipped with those. And laser pointers were very popular in schools and universities. These could easily be fitted to a rifle. Specialized rifle or pistol equipment will certainly be better suited for combat, but more "civil" items could be used (Maybe with reduced sighting ranges?).
How far does the beam go?
Isn't it easier to aim? Would a shot with a laser beamer or pointer become easier, i.e. reducing the difficulty level?

3) Last, not least, how alter flashlights, used as an aiming device, the chances of aiming? Is it easier to aim with them (again: decrease of the difficulty level?)? What about the "effective range" of the beam?

I'm well aware, that certain circumstances - like fog, rain, snow, or dust - have their effects on flashlights and laser pointers. Any ideas, how to handle this?

I'm afraid, the "Use your wits/experience!"-approach does not work here, because I have non.

I'd be verry thankful for any help on these and related issues.

Thanks for your help!