The first Rifleman was built for Star League by Kallon Industries in 2505. Designed as a medium fire-support vehicle, this early model was lighter and less heavily armored than the current version, and mounted Kallon Class C laser cannon. Chronic overheating forced the addition of more heat sinks and the replacement of the old lasers with more efficient Magna IIs and IIIs.
         The current incarnation of the Rifleman, the RFL-3N, was first built in 2770, during the collapse of Star League. Arm-mounted Kallon Imperator-A autocannon replaced the Mark II lasers, producing the familiar configuration of two medium and two heavy lasers and two medium autocannon. Although designed to be primarily a fire-support 'Mech, the Rifleman can hold its own in close combat against lighter 'Mechs.

         The Imperator-A autocannon is an excellent long-range weapon system, combining striking power with good range and low heat buildup. Although earlier Rifleman models were plagued by ammunition-feed problems, the autocannon system is now at the heart of the 'Mech's success on the battlefield.
         Though outclassed by better-armed vehicles such as the Warhammer and the Hunchback, the versatile and reliable Rifleman can nevertheless perform as an effective component in more complex battle plans.
         Lack of ammunition is the one major flaw in the Rifleman's autocannon system. As each 'Mech can carry only 20 rounds, or ten for each cannon, it becomes a problem in longer campaigns, for example, where supply lines are fragile. The Rifleman's four lasers provide some compensation, however, as well as providing the 'Mech with close-combat capability.
         The Rifleman's secondary role is that of anti-aircraft platform, as its Garret D2j tracking system provides excellent acquisition of swift-moving aerial targets.
         Although the Rifleman is admirably suited to its fire-support role, its lack of hands and comparatively low mass make it less effective in close combat against larger machines. Despite this, the 'Mech easily overpowers lighter opponents. Its pilot is well advised, however, to avoid head-on confrontation with machines such as the Marauder and Warhammer.
         Although the Garret T11-A com system is highly efficient, its wing-shaped antenna system tends to draw fire, occasionally disrupting communications in Rifleman-led units. Some units have been equipped with the more compact, less vulnerable Tek Battlecom system, which provides highly reliable communications even in heavy combat situations. As Battlecom systems are available only by scavenging Phoenix Hawks or Wolverines, most Riflemen retain the Garret unit and its troublesome antenna.
         Today, the Successor Houses deploy the RFL-3N primarily in a mobile overwatch capacity. The 3Ns hold the heights, providing long-range bombardment for the advance of the heavier 'Mechs such as Marauders or Thunderbolts. This also enables the Rifleman to function as an effective reserve, using its lasers at close range if the main advance bogs down. As a last resort, it can even rush into physical combat against enemy forces that might penetrate the main line.

         The Rifleman was originally designed for use by Star League defense forces. With the collapse of the League, the Successor Houses appropriated Riflemen for use in their individual military retinues. In the ensuing and disastrous Succession Wars, many Riflemen (and other BattleMechs) were destroyed. However, new production has re-established the 'Mech as a common sight on the battlefields of the Successor States, with 3Ns scattered through various units.
         House Davion maintains the largest number of Riflemen. As Hanse Davion is personally fond of the design, he has attempted a number of modifications (see below). Davion's Riflemen have seen action all across Davion territory, playing important roles on Ferris and against House Kurita on Hoff.
         The early campaigns of the Succession Wars took a heavy toll on House Davion, and Riflemen also figured prominently in many of those battles. In the first Succession War, when Minoru Kurita's ruthless 'Mech legions almost reached New Avalon, the planet of New Rhodes III was the scene of fierce fighting between the two houses. When the spaceport city of Polis was threatened, Davion Garrison Commander Colonel Hezekiah Walden deployed a mixed force of Riflemen and Archers on the heights above the strategic mountain pass leading to the city.
         A Kurita force of Marauders and Warhammers was dispatched to take the pass. Davion 'Mechs held them back while the Riflemen and Archers poured down a hail of deadly fire on the Kurita troops, who were unable to respond. Kurita then dispatched light Wasps and Locusts up onto the heights to stop the ranged fire, but the Davion Archers met and engaged them while the Riflemen continued to blaze away at the 'Mechs below.
         Eventually, Davion air support arrived to drive off Kurita, and the Riflemen participated in the pursuit that destroyed a large portion of the attacking force. The defeat at Polis helped to blunt the attack on New Rhodes and drove back the Kurita invasion.
         As a result of this and several other battles in which Riflemen played an important role, House Davion values the 'Mech highly and has used it in many a later campaign. In the Third Battle of Harrow's Sun, for example, Davion Riflemen were employed in an anti-aircraft role, keeping Kurita fighters at a respectful distance while the Davion siege of the city of Mura progressed.

         Hanse Davion has attempted several interesting variations on the basic Rifleman design, including replacing the autocannon with PPC. This model, intended to compete with the heavier Warhammer, has severe overheating problems, which have forced an increase in the number of heat sinks. Although this variant is hardly a smashing success, Hanse Davion continues to tinker with PPC-armed Riflemen. Davion has also been attempting to mount heavier autocannons by sacrificing the heavy lasers and some of the Rifleman's armor. This model shows promise, but has yet to be tested in battle.

Lieutenant "Gentleman Johnny" Clavell
         Perhaps the most famous Rifleman, Gentleman Johnny's 'Mech is always maintained in perfect working condition, and carries many victory silhouettes on its gleaming grey-and-silver armor. Serving in the notorious Black Widow Company of Wolf's Dragoons, Clavell has earned a reputation as a brilliant but occasionally foolhardy commander. The Widow's Recon Lance, headed by Clavell's Rifleman, has a reputation as one of the finest in all the Successor States.