Hazard Shield Generator - eh?

[nick the devil]

Would some kind soul explain to me how this thing is supposed to work? It's driving me mad.

I expected to fire on a team member and a bubble surrounds them - all it seems to do though is damage people. I'd be very grateful for a guide. Thx

[Player#2201]

The weapon provides a special ability that you can activate, like Puncturing Shot or Spray & Pray. It's not a function of the standard attack option.