Type-25 Carbine

If you want to read about the Covenant's carbine from Halo 2, see Covenant Carbine.

The Type-25 Carbine, more commonly known as the Spiker or the Spike Rifle, is a Covenant Brute firearm.

Introduction
The Spiker was first seen in 2537, but only in the wake of the initial stages of the Covenant Civil War has it seen widespread usage amongst the Covenant. It is a weapon preferred by Brutes. Holding 40 spikes per magazine, this vicious and dangerous rifle is favored by Brutes and in fact, is based on their native pre-Covenant technology. Old as its technology is, the rapid-firing, razor-sharp projectile can tear through armor and flesh with ease.

The Spiker is a dual-wieldable weapon resembling a cut-down shotgun with two bayonets. Though its slightly more powerful and accurate than an SMG, it has a slightly slower rate of fire. Unlike the SMG, however, there is little recoil due to the sheer weight of the gun. This negates the action of having to adjust one's aim as one has to do with the SMG. It makes its debut in Halo 3 It is possible that this weapon will replace the Brute Plasma Rifle from Halo 2.

Ammunition
The Spiker fires two-foot superheated orange metal spikes resembling Needler projectiles. . Upon impact, the spikes inflict wounds that have been described as "horrifying." The spikes fired by this weapon are armor-piercing and will penetrate energy shields. If shot directly at a surface, the spikes will crumple. However, if fired at a suffiently high angle, the spikes will ricochet with predictable accuracy, but without losing any of their efficiency. Its ammunition spikes have also been noted to be of the same material as the also Brute-issue Spike Grenade. When a Spiker fires a projectile, it leaves a peculiar vapor like "burnt hair."

The Brute Spiker has a very fast reload time in Halo 3, on par with or faster than the SMG. Even in dual wield configuration the Spiker has a fast reload. The Spiker ammunition is fed into the weapon via a small drum magazine with a 40-spike capacity. The magazine well is located on the underside of the weapon.

Bayonet
The Spiker's bayonet is made of tungsten carbide, and can be used at close range to dismember enemy soldiers. It is extremely hard and durable and a weapon to fear and take advantage of. It is reportedly capable of slicing through other weapons in addition to flesh and bone.

Capabilities
The Spiker is much the Covenant counterpart of the UNSC SMG, having very similar range and penetration capabilities. There similarities to the SMG are mainly apparent in close range combat situations, reportedly doing 'terrible things to human flesh'. Also having two large bayonets mounted under the barrel of the weapon increases its close quarters functionality. As with the SMG, firing in short, controlled bursts will result in increased accuracy. When using the weapon for medium range combat, its similarities to the SMG are limited. When in full automatic, the spikes will gain a very large spread. Another difference from the SMG is that there is very little recoil, virtually eliminating the problem of muzzle climb during dual wielding, and the need to constantly adjust aim to stay on target.

The spikes, however, have a much slower velocity compared to the SMG's rounds. If firing at mid-range, it is recommended to lead the shots.

It should also be noted that when firing at a target at medium range, the spikes have a slight arch, enough so that if the shooter is aiming at the chest or head, the spikes may end up hitting the target's feet, or may miss entirely if not using controlled bursts. It is recommended that when firing at medium range, the wielder should place the bottom of the reticle so that the bottom line of the square-shaped reticle is at the head or neck in order for the shots to hit the target's abdomen.

Another important feature to note is that when the spikes strike a surface at an angle, they will not crumple, but will deflect off the surface with predictable results, and lose none of their power. This is useful for striking at foes behind cover.

Dual Wielding
The main weapon that the Spiker is dual wielded with is other Spikers, but other combos are of course possible. The Spiker and Plasma Rifle can be devastating together, the effective equivalent of the SMG/Plasma Rifle combo from Halo 2. The Spiker takes the place of the SMG, and often works even better than the previous combo.

Another combo is the Spiker/SMG combo, which, though not as good as the plasma rifle combo, is still mildly effective at close quarters. However, the much different ammo capacities and rates of fire can make organized reloading a challenge, though it can be more effective when trying to keep a weapon available especially when still combating with enemies. Yet another combo is the Spiker/Plasma Pistol combo. This combo is effective mostly for single enemy surprise attacks. However, it is often regarded as inferior to most weapons and combos, which makes it less desirable.