Hit Location Oddness

[Aimen]

First, I’ve been playing Battletech off and on for about 30 years, so this didn’t seem odd, until someone I play with challenged me to find the rule.

In MM, a hit from the side can result in rear torso armour damage. This is not supported by the rules TW or BMM, and appears to be a legacy of earlier versions of Battletech.

Can anyone explain to me why MM has this behaviour, or find me the rule in TW or BMM which allows it to happen?

Thanks in advance!

[Southernskies]

You probably have "advanced hit locations" turned on.  Fairly sure it is on by default.

[Obvious]

TacOps p76-77, Advanced ’Mech Hit location Table

[Aimen]

Thanks, folks!