A question for the GMs out there that straddles the line between 4th and 5th Edition rules.
Assume the following:
The table allows weapon modification rules from Arsenal (4th Edition), including the Easy Breakdown modification. If you're not familiar with it, this is what it does:
"With this modification, weapons can be modified to easily break down to pieces small enough to be easily hidden (a rifle might fit into a large briefcase, while the parts of a pistol might serve as pieces of jewellery, etc.)."
Question 1: Would you allow a disassembled rifle to be carried in the Large Smuggling Compartment of SR5?
The large smuggling compartment is described as follows:
"This is a larger version of the smuggling compartment (p. 455). It can hold something the size of a heavy pistol or a small SMG (gamemaster’s discretion—think breadbox size as a guide)."
Question 2: If you would not allow it to be carried in a single compartment, what about two or more?
My thinking is that an assault rifle or larger weapon could be made to fit in two large smuggling compartments, with the possible exception of the barrel. My hip is approximately 15" long, just about long enough for the 14.5" barrel of an M4 Carbine but not long enough for the 20" barrel of an M16. It would definitely not be long enough to fit the barrel of most sniper rifles, as they easily exceed 20" in most cases.
Question 3: Alternatively, would you allow the Easy Breakdown mod to be applied to all components of a weapon, including a barrel, at additional cost?
If yes, what would you consider an appropriate cost for something like a nanotech "memory metal" barrel or a barrel that can break down into multiple sections?