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In my neverending quest to find useful ways to incorporate the "bad" units or wargear from the CSM codex into competitive armies, I have decided that I need to find a reason to use the Reaper AutoCannon (RAC from now on).

Like the Havoc Launcher, the RAC is a Chaos-only selection so it has a more unique feel then other "Spiky Loyalist" items. We're limited to 2 options to field it, either the Defiler or Terminators.

For Defilers, its part of the standard loadout along with the Battlecannon and Heavy Flamer. Now most people I know will quickly strip off both ranged weapons for more DCCWs, aruging that you're either firing the BC or fleeting. To me, this logic is sound however the point here is to try and think of a way to incorporate the RAC, luckily the RAC does have a small niche role that it can play with the Defiler and thats for busting light arrmor (AV10/11). The reason is that even though the BC is stronger, its less accurate and only has the single shot whereas the RAC is accurate enough with its 2 shots (average of 1.5 hits) and strong enough to consistently glance or penetrate the light armor. In this role, its the safer choice for stopping the small stuff.
Now truth be told, thats a pretty small niche but its there and it is valid.

For Terminators, the biggest hurdle is not the price tag, which is fairly steep to be sure, but rather that the rest of a Chaos Terminator's wargear lends itself to short range fire fights and assaults. We don't get Storm Bolters and Chaos Terminators aren't relentless so if we move, we're reduced to a max range of 12" on everything besides the RAC. The best answer I've come up with so far to fix this problem is to try and minimize everything besides the RAC and I do this buy fielding a MSU of 3 Terminators, 2 naked bullet catchers and 1 with the RAC. For 115 points, I now have a mobile 3 wound TL'd BS4 autocannon that I can either walk up the board alongside my Rhinos or deepstrike in for shots at side armor. This might seem overly expensive for 1 heavy weapon but remember that the equivalent Tac Terminator squad with either the AssCannon or CML is twice as expensive. The main oppurtunity cost here is that Termicide with Combi-Melta does the same thing for less BUT I'd argue that the point cost difference is minor and while Termicide can fry a Land Raider, its only a one-shot weapon that relies on good reserve rolls but the RAC squad can start firing starting turn 1. On top of that, Chaos has far less access to long range transport killers then Loyalist Marines and so the RAC represents a way to fill that gap, even if its not optimal.

Anyway this is my attempt at trying to use one of the "less selected" weapons that make Chaos special.

I've always quite liked the idea of the Reaper, if not always the actul product!

I will on occasion equip one of my Terminators with Reaper Autocannon, but only in the very unusual circumstance of me footslogging the unit up the board, also occasionally when deep striking.

The way I see it, if they're in a Land Raider, the best of the special weapons is the Heavy Flamer, since you'll likely only be firing at short range and maybe once or twice a game. If you're deep striking them, then combi-weapons are probably the way to go, tactically speaking.

So yes, the best niche for this weapon is probably on Terminators walking up the table dispensing pain to any transports that happen to fall in the firing line, which it is very, very good at.

As for the Defiler, I really like this thing, but I've found that it just seems to scare the pants out of my opponents so much they'll put a dozen Lascannon blasts through its face before it even takes a step. Can't really comment on the use there I'm afraid!

RAC is great antitank once you get it in the right position imo (i.e. deepstrike termies!) That's what I would use it for. Probably wouldn't use em on defilers though.

RAC is made of win in Battle Mission Kill-team, if that's your cup of tea.

In normal games, I'd say stick it on three Defilers, and use them to pop light vehicles, then BC the contents, then mop up in CC. I've tried this and it sort of works, if your Defilers survive.

I switched to lascannons though, as my luck worked better with the S9, but that's just me.

The 3 man squad with a RAC is dirt cheap and a good weapon platform for shooting a t Rhinos/Razorbacks.

A good use for them might be guarding Havocs. Havoc heavy weapon teams outgun oblits on a point for point basis, but are squishy in CC. Deploying the termies right next to the havocs would make good use of their power weapons by acting as a CC deterrent for MEQ looking to charge the havocs.

I like this idea ^^^

I've been struggling with fitting the reaper in myself. Best I can come up with is reaper terminator and 2-3 combi-plas terminator, one with fist. Either sit in cover next to oblits, sniping with reaper and frying whatever gets close or advancing in a support role. On foot or deep striking, depending on situation.

schadenfreude wrote:The 3 man squad with a RAC is dirt cheap and a good weapon platform for shooting a t Rhinos/Razorbacks.

A good use for them might be guarding Havocs. Havoc heavy weapon teams outgun oblits on a point for point basis, but are squishy in CC. Deploying the termies right next to the havocs would make good use of their power weapons by acting as a CC deterrent for MEQ looking to charge the havocs.

If only the Havocs themselves could take Reapers... Now THAT would be special.

They're nice on Havoc's, if a bit expensive.
Ugh, I was thinking normal autocannons.

The aforementioned strategy by schadenfreude is a good idea.

I've had some fun with the 3 man squad.
But.

It's an easy kill point.
The offensive output won't concern a player that goes hordes or goes mass tanks...

In addition, if you used 3.5 ed when Tank Hunters was an option.. you will definitely NOT use this RAC.

So... bleh.
It's not cost effective on the Termies, taking it lightly is not helping.
Deepstriking in to take pot shots, you'd be better off reducing the price tag on the Termicide Squad and get a combi-weapon instead. If you are DSing with intent to only use the RAC, you are missing out on 4 extra shots.... quantity has it's own quality... only more so if you take into account the good qualities of plasma and melta combi's available to them.

As for defilers... the RAC is a back up weapon and comes with the package. No real need for discussion.

I personally love the RAC on my termies, and I dont think that the cost is that prohibitive. Even in small 500pt games those termies usually do very well, busting transports and MC's. I like combining the squad up so that each terminator can take out tanks and infantry... so RAC, PW. Cflamer, PF. Cb, Chainfist, Cmelta, PW... its a pretty decent, cheap and effective all round squad. It is designed for pick up games, but would do well in any tournament at my command. Cheers!

The more I think about it, the more I think it would be wasteful to deepstrike them. I say take advantage of the 36" range, 42" since you can move and shoot.

Walking them beside your transports should give them a fairly cover save, making the entire squad fairly tough for 3 guys and if you are hiding them in cover next to your Havocs or Oblits, 3 guys is small enough to hide effective in most cover.
Speaking of which, I also like the idea of using them as a counter-assault element for your Heavy slots. 3 PWs isn't super scary but its better then nothing and a 2+ save can tarpit a unit fairly well.

As for defilers... the RAC is a back up weapon and comes with the package. No real need for discussion.

If we were limited to paying for swaps I'd agree but the real question is whether or not its worth replacing the RAC with an extra DCCW.