[ZeConster]

I wasn't aware guns had a device rating of -12, which is what you'd need for [8+(DR/2)] to be 2.

[Namikaze]

Guns get bricked with 2 points of Matrix Damage.

Wut?

Sorry - I was typing too fast and mistyped.  It should say 9 damage boxes.  That's 8 + (Device Rating /2).  This would not be a problem if I used the numbers on the top of the keyboard.  I use a 10-key and sometimes my fingers go where they want. 

[Razhul]

In my understanding of the smartgun systems, they can and do actually prevent your gun from firing when aimed at friendly targets. That means, they're quite invasive into the weapon and its firing mechanism (whether it's an internal or external smartgun system).

Hence, if that gets catastrophically fried (as called for by RAW), your gun won't shoot.

[RHat]

In my understanding of the smartgun systems, they can and do actually prevent your gun from firing when aimed at friendly targets. That means, they're quite invasive into the weapon and its firing mechanism (whether it's an internal or external smartgun system).

Hence, if that gets catastrophically fried (as called for by RAW), your gun won't shoot.

Well, that's the purpose of the Advanced Safety System in SR4's Arsenal, which was essentially an upgrade upon the smartgun system.  But given its various functions, it clearly must be more than something you just slap on top.

[jim1701]

Wouldn't that be a good argument to have the best commlink you can get and slave your guns (and other vulnerable equipment) to said commlink?  It would offer a lot more protection to lower rated devices.  At least that is how I understand it.  Also, if in doubt, REBOOT!  Sure you are out for a combat turn but it's better than having a bricked gun.  Then you can still shoot your decker later for not protecting your stuff better. 

As far as smartgun systems go from what I read even the most basic guns have a computer chip in them and can be bricked.  A mounted smartgun system must either plug into the gun's built in computer or interacts with it wirelessly. 

[Michael Chandra]

Yeah, slaving to a good commlink is a nice way to make it harder to hack. Especially if you let the team's mage own that commlink and manage your defenses. Also, make sure you (or the mage) got a Low Lifestyle so you're on the Public Grid: It gives Deckers a -2 to hack you.

And of course Wireless Jammers are a nice way to raise the odds against the hackers.

[JackVII]

I kind of assumed the Public Grid is open to anyone, even those with high lifestyles and wouldn't require a test to hop to it.

[Michael Chandra]

Hm, good point. In that case you can simply go Public Grid, period, to protect yourself.

[jim1701]

They can hop to the public grid but IIRC all tests done ON the public grid are at a -2 dice penalty due to the crappy nature of the public grid.  At least that is how I understood it. 

[Kanly]

Yes that's true but that's only for matrix actions. So if you don't do any (not a decker or rigger) you don't need to worry about that!

[Michael Chandra]

It's fun how everyone talks past each other and reaches the same conclusion.

[jim1701]

Yes that's true but that's only for matrix actions. So if you don't do any (not a decker or rigger) you don't need to worry about that!

Don't you need a decker/technomancer/IC/Sprite (one or more of the above) to brick a gun using Matrix actions?   

[Michael Chandra]

Which I think was Kanly's point. That everyone can switch to the Public Grid as defense against hackers.

[jim1701]

Ah, ok.  Timepieces are now synchronized.   

[Twilight]

Sigh.  WTF?  A gun stops firing because the electronics in it stop working?  I don't think so.  A firing pin is purely mechanical and should not be affected whatsoever by electronics meltdown in the gun.  With each new edition of Shadowrun, I get more and more fed up with the completely illogical and unrealistic matrix/hacking rules (each version fixes some things and breaks others (with core SR4 being the worst)).