eastern black rat snaketip

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In this episode we're covering the Adjustable Stock.

The stock has its roots in the Stalker perk first introduced in Modern Warfare 3, and sees its return as an attachment instead in Black Ops 2.

In real-life, a weapon's stock is an important factor for infantry accuracy: the ability to brace a longarm comfortably against a shoulder makes for a much more stable - and therefore more accurate - firing platform.

In-game, the adjustable stock is available for the assault rifles, shotguns, SMGs and LMGs.

It is entirely compatible with any other attachment.

The stock's effect is relatively simple: you'll be able to move faster while aiming down your sights, as your mobility while aiming is normally subject to a penalty dependant on weapon class.

Assault Rifles see perhaps the greatest benefit overall, with their default ADS movement speed buffed from 40 percent to 88 percent.

This makes for a great pairing with aggressive 'incisor' assault rifle builds - as you'll be able to preserve accuracy while driving into enemy territory, enhancing your odds of surviving a close-quarters gunfight versus an enemy wielding an SMG.

Shotguns see less overall benefit, with the stock taking the already-high 80 percent ADS mobility to just 88 percent instead.

This marginal benefit is of dubious virtue with the buckshot-firing options, as their hipfire performance is usually pretty good: only the KSG is a useful candidate, with its need for aimed accuracy.

Even so, a mere 8 percent increase perhaps isn't worth a pick-ten point - the Quickdraw Handle is usually a far better answer for the KSG's demand for rapid precision.

SMGs see an increase from 80 percent to 100 percent speed while aiming with the stock, allowing you to walk at full speed with no penalty.

This effect is most useful on the higher damage, slower firing SMGs, where aiming down sights is more critical - the PDW-57 and MSMC the best fit for this attachment.

The faster-firing options tend to perform just fine from the hip, so a laser sight might be a better pairing for reactive fire without a loss of peripheral vision.

The lethargic LMGs see a relative sizeable increase from 32 percent to 72 percent speed while aiming with the stock, although this comes with amplified sight sway while on the move.

For a static defensive class, this mobility isn't particularly useful - but if you plan on employing the LMGs in a slightly more aggressive role, the stock can be a good fit.

It might be best to pair the stock with a low-zoom optic to preserve peripheral vision while on the move - the 1.35x zoom of the reflex is the lowest on offer for the LMGs, but the ultra-low 1.1x magnification of the MMS is very useful for the other weapon classes.

This means you retain nearly all peripheral vision, in addition to the MMS's x-ray vision - paired with the stock this combo can be very effective when sweeping into enemy territory.

The Adjustable Stock is a universally beneficial attachment that enables more rapid movement while retaining pinpoint precision.

It's a great choice for aggressive builds with assault rifles and SMGs, where you can't always guarantee a good firing position in gunfights.

Being better equipped to manoeuvre mid-conflict can bamboozle your opposition: rapid strafing can help confound their aim, all while keeping your sights trained on your mark.

This instant accuracy benefits the slow-handling, slower-firing weapons the most: the stock can compensate for any lack of hipfire ability.

As such, the attachment might prove less useful for weapons with favourable hipfire characteristics: such weapons are less reliant on accuracy, and so can usually land the first shot in a gunfight without needing to aim.

I'd also avoid the Stock with the shotguns, as the benefit is relatively limited and their need for accuracy less marked in most cases.

Nevertheless, there are no downsides to the attachment and it's simply a matter of best using your pick-ten points: for some the stock is an essential choice - the nimbler handling easily missed once you become accustomed to it.

So, when considering your available options, if you value your mobility and can't compromise on accuracy...

...perhaps it's time to take stock.

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In this episode we're covering the MP7.

This fully-automatic SMG built quite a reputation in its MW3 incarnation, where its low recoil and high rate of fire made for a potent combination.

It returns as the first SMG unlock in Black Ops 2 - and while it remains a formidable close-range option, this MP7 lies firmly within its intended niche.

The MP7, or 'Maschinenpistole 7' is a German weapon, first introduced in 2001 by Heckler und Koch.

Technically a Personal Defence Weapon, or PDW, rather than a traditional SMG - the MP7 fires a smaller, higher velocity cartridge - the 4.6 by 30 millimetre round.

This round relies on speed rather than mass for its kinetic energy, and as such offers enhanced performance against body armour and lower recoil than standard pistol calibres.

All this in a compact package, with ample magazine capacity - the MP7 is an ideal weapon for modern close-quarters battle.

In-game, the MP7 is a low damage weapon: it requires 3 to 4 shots at close range to kill, and up to 6 outside of the weapon's relatively short range.

This means the MP7 is very much specialised for close-quarters combat: keeping the enemy within your 4-hit kill zone should be your priority.

In addition, like the rest of the SMGs, the MP7's ability to penetrate cover is poor: for the most part, you will want to land shots directly upon your opponent.

The MP7 makes up for these shortcomings with its rate of fire: at approximately 940 rounds per minute, you will outperform most other weapons in this regard.

The rapid fire attachment will boost this rate of fire to the incredibly high 1250 rounds per minute - but be warned, this will halve the weapon's effective range, severely limiting your mid-range capability.

This innately high rate of fire is paired with a narrow hipfire spread, like all of the SMGs: this means the MP7 is amongst the most effective weapons when fired from the hip.

While you may need to land quite a few shots to kill, the MP7's suitability for spraying means the low damage certainly isn't a problem.

Nor are any of the MP7's handling characteristics: universally fast and generally easy to use.

Recoil is moderate, largely due to the weapon's high rate of fire - this can make it difficult to land the required 6 shots upon distant targets.

You should generally seek to avoid long-range combat - stay within your effective range and the MP7 will generally stay on target.

Aim time is a little slower than typical SMGs in games past - it will take 220 milliseconds to aim down your sights, only slightly faster than an assault rifle.

This isn't a problem, however - as with the SMGs you should fire from the hip first, and wrest your aim onto target as needed.

Switch times are average for the SMG class, and your base movement speed will be the fastest possible, at 100%.

Magazine capacity is 40 rounds, above average for the SMG class and a boon given the high rate of fire. Extended Clip confers a 35% advantage, taking your capacity to 54 rounds between reloads.

While not the highest capacity in the SMG class - that accolade goes to the PDW-57 - the MP7 also boasts a very fast reload indeed, at just 1.72 seconds.

This trait is crucial for a close-range weapon, where every second spent reloading poses a critical risk of ambush: so this speedy reload is a welcome trait.
You will want to avoid long-range firefights with the SMGs - rushing headlong into your enemy's sights will not prove terribly effective.

Instead, use the extra stamina Extreme Conditioning grants to take the longer, lower traffic routes to your enemy - this will help you to strike your enemy where they least expect it, and increase your odds of winning gunfights.

Don't rush headlong into the enemy's spawn, however - with the absence of Dexterity you will need to be careful about sprinting near your opponent.

Instead, learn to anticipate engagements when you're close to the enemy, and leave sprinting to times when you need to cover some ground.

Be careful when reloading, too - with the Extended Clip attachment you have the luxury of engaging multiple enemies between reloads.

If you successfully dispatch an enemy with an unsuppressed weapon, you will alert and draw in nearby foes, who will be hoping to catch you off guard: instead, stay alert, keep your gun ready - and give the would-be assailant a swift rebuttal.

The MP7 is a weapon with some ideal traits for close-quarter gunfights - it is quick to handle and performs very well from the hip.

Its per-shot damage may be relatively low - but this means you are less reliant on a lucky bullet, and instead can benefit from extremely consistent close-range performance.

Few weapons can keep up with the MP7, and when paired with the laser sight you will be unstoppable.

For all its forgiving traits in CQB, the MP7's flaws do start to emerge once you try to tackle enemies at a distance.

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In this episode we're covering FMJ.

In Black Ops 2, FMJ acts to improve the penetration ability of your weapon - although this can be considered a major malfunction, as it's some distance removed from the real-life nature of FMJ.

FMJ is an initialism for 'Full Metal Jacket', referring to soft-core bullets encapsulated in a harder metal: usually lead with a cupro-nickel surround.

This is as a contrast to traditional bullets that were of an entirely lead construction, or modern variants such as soft-point or hollow-point, which have an exposed lead tip.

FMJ permits faster muzzle velocity without excessive lead fouling, and will protect against rifling damage with the use of armour-piercing rounds.

Most modern military ammunition is FMJ - so its depiction as a dedicated means of cutting through cover is inaccurate.

Armour-piercing rounds do exist, and this effect is normally achieved through the addition of a hardened penetrator - made of steel, tungsten or similarly tough material.

The majority of rounds fired are basic lead-core FMJ, however - Armour Piercing rounds are more likely to be used in larger calibres.

It's only with rounds such as the .50 BMG where penetration effects begin to prove particularly useful, and moreso with vehicle-mounted automatic cannons and tank main guns.

The A-10 Warthog, for instance, has a mighty 30mm cannon in the GAU-8 Avenger Autocannon.

Capable of firing up to 4,200 rounds per minute, with a depleted uranium penetrating core capable of shredding tank armour - such vehicle-mounted armaments are a far cry from your basic FMJ round.

In-game, FMJ is an attachment available for the assault rifles, SMGs, LMGs, sniper rifles, and the pistols.

It is absent for the special weapons, shotguns, and the launchers.

FMJ's effects are often misunderstood, thanks in part to the in-game statistics which indicate an increase in weapon damage.




FMJ does not, in fact, increase damage inflicted upon your enemy at all - your basic damage will remain the same.

What FMJ will do, however, is increase the effectiveness of your weapon when engaging targets behind cover.

In addition, it will boost your damage versus most scorestreaks - with the exception of turrets, you'll be able to take out enemy streaks with roughly half the number of shots than without the attachment.



Normally, you will see greatly reduced damage when shooting through surfaces: an enemy lurking behind such cover will be protected to some degree.

FMJ reduces this damage penalty, allowing your shots to more effectively cut through surfaces so they'll deal more damage to targets behind.

Given that, on occasion, your shots will strike a surface before your intended mark - FMJ will elevate the average damage you inflict upon your enemy, on a larger statistical scale.

In cases where you shoot your enemy directly, however, FMJ will grant no benefit.

In most gunfights you should aim to target the exposed portion of an enemy, instead of shooting through any cover in front of them - but should they flee into total cover, FMJ will assist in finishing off your injured quarry with penetrating blindfire.

FMJ is an attachment that suits automatic weapons with the capability to liberally spray through walls - high capacity and high rates of fire excel here.

LMGs are truly the paradigm class for the attachment - their output, combined with a high level of damage, will tear through most cover: pick 'em up and set 'em down.

The attachment is similarly useful on assault rifles - their mid-range ability and rifle-grade penetration born to kill through walls.

It's far less useful on lower damage weapons, or those with a slower rate of fire - it would be a waste of an attachment for most of the pistols, for instance.

Still, it is a universally beneficial attachment, and even on those weapons that benefit the least, there's a chance the elevated piercing power might secure a critical kill.

So show the enemy your war face, get some FMJ, and turn your enemy's cover...

...into mere concealment.

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This time, we're covering the B23R.

This 3-round burst pistol is a future derivative of the M93 Raffica seen in Modern Warfare 2, and in Black Ops 2 multiplayer it is unlocked at level 19.

The Beretta M93R is an Italian weapon, essentially a burst-fire variant of the Beretta 92, better known as the M9 in service with the US military.

The B23R is a semi-fictional derivative of the M93 design - and from the designation, we can infer that it was introduced in 2023.

The R stands for 'raffica', which is the Italian word for burst, or volley.

The B23R model is some distance removed from the existing M93R design - it more closely resembles a custom M1911 pistol in some respects.

Also of note is the folded front foregrip present on the weapon - sadly this stabilising feature doesn't see any use.

In-game, damage is moderate. The B23R is capable of killing with 3 shots at a close range, meaning a single well-aimed burst to centre mass should kill.

At a longer range, you'll need up to 6 shots to kill.

Note that there is no headshot multiplier, so aiming for the head is a fruitless endeavour - and as a smaller target going for headshots may even hamper the weapon's effectiveness.

Rate of fire is very high within the burst, at 1022 rounds per minute.

This works out at a respectable 703 rounds per minute overall, as there is a short but mandatory burst delay.

Hipfire spread is good, on par with the other pistols - although to ensure maximum burst lethality it is usually best to aim your shots.

Recoil is moderate, with the weapon tending upwards - but the burst-fire mode will help to keep your accuracy in check, with the weapon settling between bursts.

The kick can spoil your chances of landing 3 hits with a single burst from a middle range out, however - and coupled with the lower damage, the B23R's effectiveness suffers greatly outside of a close range.

Aim time is very quick, at 125 milliseconds: and you'll move at 100 percent of the maximum base speed.

Magazine capacity is generally sufficient, at 15 rounds (or 5 bursts): with Extended Clip, you'll get 21 rounds (or 7 bursts) instead.

Reloads are relatively quick, at 1.63 seconds - although in a typical firefight you will want to make your first magazine count.

As a backup weapon, the Beretta works just fine without any attachments - but if you have points to spend and don't want to elect Dual Wield, then the magazine-related attachments - either Fast Mags or Extended Clip - will usually yield the biggest improvement.

The B23R is a devastating backup weapon, capable of killing very quickly at a close range with a well-aimed burst.

No other pistol can put 3 rounds into a target as quickly as the Beretta, and within its 3-hit kill range, you'll be able to outpace even most SMGs in terms of time to kill.

However, outside of a close range the B23R loses its effectiveness very quickly indeed - with low damage and moderate recoil meaning you'll need multiple bursts to kill.

With a small but significant delay between bursts, this can mean you'll be left vulnerable - so it's best to limit the Beretta to close-range engagements only.

Still, this will usually be the case when using a pistol as a backup weapon - and within this role the B23R performs very well.

While its lack of versatility might hamper its use as a surrogate primary, a mobile loadout will help to close the gap and to preserve your effectiveness.

Should an opponent pop up and surprise you, a quick switch and 3 rounds from your trusty backup...

...might just burst their bubble.

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This time, we're covering the MSMC.

Unlocked at level 28, this fully automatic SMG is a new addition to the series.

The MSMC, or Modern Sub Machine Carbine, is also the first modern Indian weapon seen in Call of Duty.

It was developed by the Armament Research and Development Establishment, based in Pune.

Intended as a lightweight alternative to the INSAS assault rifle, the MSMC is designed for roles demanding a compact weapon, such as vehicle crews and security forces.

The weapon fires a specially-designed cartridge, the 5.56×30 millimetre MINSAS round: a scaled-back assault rifle cartridge, with traits ballistically similar to a Personal Defence Weapon.

In-game, the MSMC is the highest damage SMG on offer - edging out even the PDW-57, although they will kill with the same number of shots within their effective range.

The MSMC's range is greater, however - and even within each weapon's 3-hit kill zone, the MSMC has a slight edge against injured opponents and through thin cover.

At a middle range, the MSMC comes out on top more often - and while damage drop-off is relatively quick, you'll find yourself outperforming most other SMGs at the fringe of your effective range.

Penetration ability is low, however - as with most of the SMGs, so thin cover may stymie your weapon's effectiveness.

Rate of fire is moderate, on par with the PDW - but lacking compared to the SMG category as a whole.

Rapid fire takes your fire rate to a more respectable 1136 rounds per minute, but this comes at the cost of much of the MSMC's range - a key attribute, which may negatively affect your performance.

Hipfire spread is as good as any other SMG, but the lower rate of fire does mean it's perhaps more critical to accurately direct your shots with the MSMC, to better take advantage of the weapon's intrinsic stopping power.

Recoil is high - the MSMC both hits hard and kicks like a mule, which will greatly limit your effectiveness at a longer range.

Up close, such handling traits aren't an issue, however - it's relatively easy to remain on target as long as you stick to engagements within your effective range.

Aim time is quick, at the SMG default of 200 milliseconds.

Interestingly, the MSMC's base movement speed is better than average - with a 1.3 percent advantage over other SMGs, at 101.3 percent of the base speed.

This benefit is counter to the PDW's capacity advantage: while it might not have the largest magazine, the MSMC tops out in terms of damage and manoeuvrability.

Magazine capacity is 30 rounds: not bad by any measure - especially given the slower rate of consumption - but otherwise unspectacular.

Extended clip will take this capacity to 40 rounds.

Reloads are relatively quick, at 2.10 seconds for a tactical reload. Generally quick enough for most scenarios, although with an aggressive build being caught dry can spell your demise within milliseconds.

The MSMC is the most powerful SMG on offer in Black Ops 2, and in addition boasts a higher-than usual mobility.

Paired with the favourable handling traits of an SMG, it's a potent close quarter weapon, capable of quickly tearing through enemies within its effective range.

Of course, outside of a short range the MSMC quickly starts to lose its edge, with the rapid damage drop and heavy recoil conspiring to limit your effectiveness.

It's during such mid-ranged encounters that assault rifles will have a distinct advantage, and over longer distances it may even be wiser to flee and avoid conflict altogether.

Still, it is easier to force engagements at a close range than it is to hold an enemy at an arm's reach, so as long as you remain aware of the MSMC's shortcomings it remains a relatively easy weapon to use.

It is much like the PDW-57, with an edge in damage and mobility over the PDW's capacity - both of these traits useful when it comes to winning gunfights.

This Indian weapon's strength will curry favour with those who use it: and if you're having trouble in the heat of battle, equip the MSMC...

...and spice up your game.

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This time, we're covering the SCAR-H.

Unlocked at level 40, the SCAR design has seen multiple outings in Call of Duty: with the SCAR-H first seen in Modern Warfare 2, and the SCAR-L in MW3.

The FN SCAR, or Special Operations Forces Combat Assault Rifle, is a Belgian weapon, designed and manufactured by FN Herstal.

Produced for a US SOCOM competition in 2004, FN's SCAR platform proved successful in testing and entered into service with the US Rangers in 2009.

The rifle is offered in two key variants: the SCAR-L, or 'light', firing the NATO intermediate cartridge; and the SCAR-H as seen in Black Ops 2, firing the NATO full-power rifle cartridge, the 7.62 by 51 millimetre round.

The SCAR-H is a modern battle rifle, festooned with Picatinny rails to appeal to Special Forces' need for flexibility and customisation.

In-game, damage is good, particularly for a fully automatic weapon.

You'll kill with 3 shots to the body, or two to the head - and the SCAR retains this lethality out to quite some distance, too.

Even at the longest ranges you'll never need more than four shots to kill, and with even a single headshot guaranteeing a 3-shot kill, you'll never be left wanting for power.

Penetration ability is good, too - above average for the assault rifles, and instead on par with the LMGs.

Rate of fire is relatively slow, at 625 rounds per minute.

This is on the lower end for automatic weapons, and may hamper the SCAR's consistency in close quarters.

While hipfire spread is the same as most other assault rifles, and you will only need to land 3 shots - the lower overall output may result in a slower time to kill than a faster firing weapon such as an SMG.

Recoil is high, with the weapon rapidly kicking upwards and to the right under automatic fire.

It can be moderated if the weapon is fired in bursts, and due to the high ranged damage it is quite possible to use the SCAR at a distance with good fire control.

Aim time is standard for the class, at 250 milliseconds - and your mobility is as expected too, at 95% of the base speed.

Magazine capacity is average, at 30 rounds - typical for an assault rifle.

Extended clip will take this capacity to 40 rounds instead.

Reloads are fairly average too, at 2.4 seconds to complete - slightly on the slow end for an assault rifle, but far from inconveniently long.

The SCAR-H is a powerful automatic weapon that can prove tough to handle, but otherwise offers deadly per-shot damage and an uncompromised ability to pierce cover.

It is its damage which proves to be the SCAR's key asset, with its consistent 3-shot kill out to a substantial range beating most other automatic weapons.

With its LMG-grade penetration, not much of this damage is lost when shooting through cover - and sometimes you might find yourself surprised with unexpected kills upon hapless enemies behind your intended target.

However, you pay for this awesome damage with some serious downsides: a slower rate of fire moderates your performance in closer quarters, while the heavy recoil demands good fire control to remain effective at a longer distance.

This means the SCAR-H proves most effective within a relatively narrow middle-range band - outside the reach of shotguns and SMGs, but at a distance where the recoil isn't too hard to control.

Still, the SCAR copes relatively well out of its element, as a player with good fire control can put the higher damage to task at almost any range.

While you might not be able to compete with SMGs up close, a slightly more cautious playstyle will limit this weakness.

Beyond merely scratching the surface, this weapon can cut deep and tear flesh behind: No doubt, the SCAR...

...will leave a lasting impression.

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The entire history of video games, from their earliest origins all the way up to the end of the seventh generation, in 2013.

Emerging from engineering experimentation, the earliest titles such as Tennis for Two, Space War! and Pong helped to establish the roots of the industry.

Early arcade classics built on this, with titles like Breakout, Space Invaders, Asteroids and Pac-Man breaking into the mainstream and remaining legendary today.

Early PC titles such as Maze War, Zork and Rogue helped define new genres: and while Atari 2600 version of E.T. The Extra Terrestrial might have been disappointing, hobbyist coders continued with aplomb - giving rise to titles like Elite, Exile and Tetris.

The video game crash of 1983 dampened the home market, but arcades remained strong: Donkey Kong, Dig-Dug, Pole-Position, Q*Bert and Mario Bros. all successfully sucking quarters from people's pockets.

The mid-80s saw the rise of the Nintendo home console, starting with Super Mario Brothers and continuing with games like The Legend of Zelda, Castlevania, Metroid, Mega-Man, Metal Gear and Final Fantasy.

Dragon's Lair use of laserdisc technology gave the arcade unit graphics like none other - but a new wave of 16-bit machines would wow home users, with games such as Dungeon Master, Sim City, Shadow of The Beast and The Secret of Monkey Island.

The 1990s saw the 16-bit machines come into their own, with colourful sprites of a scale not seen before: Sonic The Hedgehog, Street Fighter 2, and Lemmings.

Strategy games did well in this era, with the first instalment of Sid Meier's Civilization and the XCOM turn-based alien tactics of UFO: Enemy Unknown.

Dune 2 saw the dawn of the RTS genre, and Wolfenstein 3D did something similar for first person shooters, and marks id's genre-defining path through Doom and Quake.

Myst was a mite more sedate, Tekken was a 3D rival to Street Fighter, Marathon a Macintosh rival to Doom and Star Fox invited barrel rolls aplenty.

The late 90s saw Nintendo go from strength to strength, with exclusives such as Super Mario 64, Chrono Trigger, Pokemon, Goldeneye, and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.

Sony responded in kind with the PlayStation, and a new era of titles such as Wipeout, Resident Evil, Gran Turismo and Grand Theft Auto.

Valve shook up the PC scene with 1998's Half Life, and Blizzard did something similar with Starcraft for the RTS genre.

The new milennium was a good time for PC gamers, with a wave of legendary FPS games such as Unreal Tournament, Quake 3 Arena, and
Counter-Strike - and a host of other exclusives in Grim Fandango, Diablo 2, Deus Ex, The Sims, and Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell.

A new wave of consoles brought some new exclusives: Bungie's Xbox launch title, Halo - the much loved Metroid Prime and Kingdom Hearts - and for a brief time, Grand Theft Auto 3.

Infinity Ward embarked on a remarkably successful franchise with Call of Duty, Blizzard single-handedly popularised MMORPGs with World of Warcraft, and Harmonix introduced a sudden need for plastic guitar peripherals with Guitar Hero.

The PS2 had a couple of good games left in it, with the critically acclaimed Resident Evil 4 - and artful Shadow of the Colossus.

2006 saw a new generation of consoles, and a new wave of shooters: Gears of War, Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, Halo 3, Bioshock, Grand Theft Auto 4 and Fallout 3.

It wasn't all blood and guts, however - with more family friendly titles like Wii Sports, The Orange Box / Portal, and LittleBigPlanet.

Hardcore games broached the mainstream, too - with titles like Bayonetta and Dark Souls proving popular without pandering to all audiences.

The rise of the indie game was perhaps unexpected, but provided welcome relief from the monotony of the mainstream - gems like Journey, Fez and Minecraft perhaps the most notable examples.

We bid farewell to Gen 7 with impressive open world titles such as Red Dead Redemption and The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim - and the impressively detailed settings of games like Bioshock Infinite and
The Last of Us.

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In this episode: the MK14 EBR - a modernised version of the American M14 battle rifle, designed for a designated marksman role.

The Mk14's damage is high - like all of the other marksman rifles, you'll kill in two shots out to a mid-long range, or with just a single headshot.

At a greater distance, you may need up to three shots to kill instead, or two shots where one is a headshot.

Rate of fire is limited to 480 rounds per minute, falling behind both the MR-28 and IA-2 in exchange for a greater effective range.

Still, this level of output is sufficient for most engagements, as you'll want to make sure your shots are accurately placed.

Unaimed fire is not particularly effective: hipfire performance is poor, with only the sniper rifles proving less reliable.

Recoil is moderate, and as such tackling distant targets mandates a slower rate of fire to be effective.

However, you can shoot more quickly in closer ranged engagements: the key is ensuring your sights are settled on your target before firing again.

Aim time is average, at 300 millseconds - the standard for both the marksman and assault rifle classes.

Your mobility is similarly middle of the road, as you'll move at 90 percent of the base speed.

Magazine capacity is 18 rounds, or 27 with extended mags - the same as most of the other marksman rifles.

Given the semi-automatic fire, the 18 rounds are normally sufficient for any engagement - the higher per-shot damage means you can successfully tackle small groups with just a single mag.

Reload times are average for the class, at 2.97 seconds: as long as you keep a buffer zone between yourself and your enemy, the brief downtime during resupplies shouldn't prove an issue.

When building a class with the Mk14 EBR, you should focus on both power and precision: the weapon can deal the highest damage in its class, but this is only useful if you can direct those shots accurately onto target.

As we'll be focussing on longer-ranged combat, the integrated scope is probably the best optical option to use: not only is it ideal for use at such distances, the integrated scope enjoys lower recoil than the alternatives - and doesn't occupy an attachment slot.

Selecting the Muzzle Brake as one of your attachments will enhance your two-hit kill distance to the maximum possible: a useful trait at the fringe of your effective range.

Pair this with Armor Piercing rounds for maximum punch per trigger pull: you'll be better able to slice through thin cover, and you'll deal more damage to killstreaks too.

While ideally you should be shooting your target directly - every so often, some scenery will intersect your shot: and the added penetration power might prove decisive.

For your perks, Focus is a must with all of the marksman rifles - as landing successive shots on targets near or far is heavily dependent on the steadiest sights possible.

Positioning is key, too - knowing where the enemy is will prove essential to choosing the most effective firing position.

Equipping Wiretap will enhance your ability to pinpoint the enemy team through use of their own Sat-Coms: this betrayal will prove their undoing, as you can efficiently pick them off from a prepared spot.

It can also be worth picking up resisitive options such as Tac Resist, to better weather enemies assaulting your position - and a good sidearm is absolutely essential to fend off foes intent on getting close.

It can be wise to pick up a fallen enemy's weapon if it's an SMG or other suitable close-range option: such weapons will normally prove more reliable than a handgun.

The Mk14 EBR is a powerful option within the Marksman rifle category that doesn't sacrifice too much in the way of controllability.

In terms of power, only the SVU can trump you within the class - and in most cases you'll enjoy similar performance with better overall handling.

A two shot kill can shut out the lower damage weapons at a distance, and when firing from a strong position you'll have a clear edge in ranged combat.

Of course, accuracy is paramount during successful use of this weapon - and if you're not able to place your shots, you'll find opponents with more forgiving weapons will have an easy time tackling you.

You'll suffer at the hands of shotguns and SMGs up close, too - even with precision the marksman rifle's slower handling will let you down in closer-ranged firefights.

Still, with good judgement and positioning you can lessen the risk of uneven odds - and with anticipation of your enemy's movement you can provide perfect interdiction.

There's no doubt - when on target, this Enhanced Battle Rifle...

...will enhance your performance.

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This time, we're covering the HAMR.

Unlocked at level 37, we round out the LMG selection with this weapon's debut appearance within the Call of Duty series.

The HAMR, or Heat Adaptive Modular Rifle is a Belgian weapon designed by FN Herstal for the US Infantry Automatic Rifle requirement in 2008.

The weapon is based on the existing SCAR design, with some modifications made for the sustained fire requirement of the IAR program.

The 'Heat Adaptive' part of the name refers to the automatic switching from a closed bolt to open bolt operation as the weapon's barrel heats up during firing.

This grants the accuracy benefit of closed-bolt operation during semi-automatic fire, with the superior heat dissipation of an open-bolt design for sustained use.

The HAMR entered into the same trials as its German rival from HK, the M27 - and ultimately it was the M27 that came out on top and was selected as the winner of the IAR competition.

Nevertheless, the SCAR design has seen some success of its own, with the United States Marine Corps and SOCOM amongst the platform's users.

In-game, damage is good: very similar to the LSAT's damage, albeit with a very slight reduction in range.

You'll kill in 3 shots up close, and may need up to 5 shots at a distance.

Effective range is fairly generous however, so you can expect consistent performance - and the HAMR's ability to penetrate walls is good, too.

Output is unusual, but in a good way: the first 7 shots are fired more quickly, with the weapon settling down into a slower sustained rate of fire.

These first 7 rounds are fired at a rate of 940 rounds per minute: comparable to most SMGs, and combined with the high damage this initial flurry makes the HAMR very effective at a close range.

The sustained fire rate is 625 rounds per minute - a little less deadly up close, but much easier to control at a distance: prolonged fire can be used to great effect over longer ranges.

Rapid Fire will make the HAMR fire at 940 rounds per minute continuously, and so is probably best left off the weapon, as burst firing will grant a similar level of output.

Hipfire is on par with the other LMGs: not spectacular in terms of spread, but the initial output will quite happily repel any close-range attackers in relatively short order.

Recoil varies with the fire rate: initially your accuracy will be poor, but once the fire rate settles recoil becomes very mild indeed.

As long as you can wrest your aim onto target after the initial burst, you'll find the HAMR is capable at most ranges.

Aim time is slow, identical to the other LMGs at 450 milliseconds - and movement is similarly slow, at just 90 percent of the base speed.

Magazine capacity is good by any measure, but on the lower end of the LMG scale, at 75 rounds.

Extended clip takes this capacity to 100 rounds instead.

Being magazine-fed rather than belt-fed, reloads are tolerable at least - although you will resupply slightly slower than the QBB, at 4.25 seconds per mag change.

When the only tool you have is a hammer, every problem might as well be a nail.

The HAMR is a well-rounded weapon that handles well and hits hard.

The dual firerate means it is an oddball, but it can work to your advantage - the rapid burst can be a lifesaver in close quarters, and once the weapon settles you can put down accurate suppressive fire to quite some effect.

All in, the HAMR is a great handling weapon that doesn't demand a particular attachment to be effective - a versatile tool with an interesting twist.

Of course, there are some downsides - notably you'll suffer from the usual slow handling traits of an LMG: the reload speed isn't too bad, but can prove inconvenient: the initial rapid burst of shots can quickly chew through your magazine, meaning you will have to endure a resupply relatively often.

In addition, the high recoil of the rapid fire burst can make it difficult to acquire long-range targets rapidly: a more accurate opponent may have the advantage over such sightlines.

Still, as long as you position yourself well you will prove difficult to dislodge, with a resistive perk set and a weapon that's effective at most ranges.

Simply put, you can't touch this weapon's versatility, so if you're too legit to quit, then stop...

...HAMR time.

Fourth episode of 'Time To Kill', a series devoted to the inner workings and mechanics of Call of Duty's multiplayer.

Episode four focuses on mobility - an essential part of traversing the battlefield, and part of establishing a positional advantage.

Positioning is key in Modern Warfare 3 - whether aggressively rushing or playing with a more conservative approach, your location will do much to determine your success.
In this episode, we're covering mobility.

Your base movement speed is determined by the weapon you carry - heavier weapons will slow you down, whereas others will let you move unhindered.
SMGs and Shotguns are the fastest weapons available - when using these you'll move at maximum speed, prior to any modifiers.
Assault Rifles and some of the Sniper Rifles - the L118A, the MSR and Dragunov, grant intermediate mobility - at 0.9x movement speed, a 10 percent penalty when compared to the fastest weapons.
The LMGs, Riot Shield, and remainder of the sniper rifle category - the Barrett, RSASS and AS50 - are the slowest weapons available, each decreasing your movement speed to 0.8x the maximum, a 20 percent penalty overall.
Secondary weapons adopt the movement speed of your primary, so switching to a pistol while using an LMG will not grant a boost to your mobility, like it did in Black Ops.
However, picking up two secondary weapons will grant you maximum mobility.

If you're using the Overkill perk, your base movement speed will be that of the slowest weapon you carry - so an SMG paired with a Shotgun will retain 100% mobility, while carrying an LMG with a Riot Shield will not reduce your base movement speed below 80%.

Your stance also affects your movement speed - standing up is the fastest means of getting about, with no penalty to your movement.
Crouching will slow you down to 65% of your base movement speed, and going prone will reduce your speed further - to a mere 15% of your base speed, a snail's pace.
Moving laterally will also slow you down, at least slightly - while moving forwards you'll travel at full speed, but when strafing or reversing you'll move at 97.5 percent of your maximum speed.
Aiming down your sights also imposes a movement penalty - the degree of which depends on your weapon class.
SMGs, Machine Pistols, and Handguns will allow you to move at 0.8x base speed while aiming - this will stack with other penalties, so for example moving while aiming and crouching with an SMG will result in mobility a little over half your base movement speed.
Assault Rifles, LMGs, Shotguns, Snipers and Launchers will move more slowly whilst aimed - with a 0.4x multiplier.
Should you employ Stalker in your third perk slot, however - the penalty for aiming is completely removed, allowing travel at your normal rate while aiming down your sights - particularly useful with these slower weapons.

The LMGs, Sniper Rifles and Riot Shield all have a 'Speed' proficiency available, which will affect your movement speed with that weapon.
The proficiency acts as a straightforward 1.1x multiplier - so the LMGs, Riot Shield and slow Sniper Rifles will move at 88% of maximum speed, and the Fast Sniper rifles will move at 99% speed - almost as fast as an SMG or shotgun.
The speed bonus only applies to the weapon in question though, so you lose the 1.1x multiplier should you switch to your secondary, or replace your primary with another weapon.
When using the specialist strike package you will gain the speed proficiency when you reach 8 kills (or 7 with hardline).
This applies even to weapons that normally wouldn't have the option of increased movement speed - but does not apply to a weapon that already has the speed proficiency active.

Finally, the Juiced deathstreak will apply a temporary multiplier to your movement speed, granting 1.25x your base speed for 10 seconds.

Another major component of your mobility is sprinting - sprinting sacrifices your ability to fire your weapon for increased movement speed, allowing aggressive players to reach critical objectives first and to surprise slower opponents.
Sprinting will increase your movement speed by 50 percent - allowing you to cover more distance in a shorter timespan. However, your ability to sprint is limited by your stamina.
Your sprint endurance is around 4 seconds by default, permitting faster movement for that length of time only.
After expending this sprint endurance, you can walk normally - but won't be able to sprint again for a couple of seconds, and won't regain full endurance until some time after that.
You can increase your sprint duration with the use of Extreme Conditioning in your first perk slot - this will double your available sprint time to around 8 seconds, allowing for positional advantages and earlier intervention at objectives.

In this episode, we're taking a look at the G36 platform - namely, the G36C and MG36.

The G36, or 'Gewehr sechs-und-dreißig' hails from Germany - designed and manufactured by Heckler und Koch.
The G36 platform was designed in the early 1990s, entered production in 1996 - and in 1997, was adopted by the Bundeswehr.
The G36C made its first appearance in Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, and returned in Modern Warfare 3.
The C stands for Compact - as it's a subcarbine-length variant of the G36 rifle.
The MG36 is the Light Support Weapon variant, with a heavier barrel and bipod making it more suitable for sustained fire.
It made its debut appearance in Modern Warfare 3.

The G36 platform replaced the G3 rifle in service with the Bundeswehr, which was introduced in 1959.
The G3 was originally a Spanish design, namely the CETME rifle, named for the establishment who designed the weapon - the 'Centro de Estudios Técnicos de Materiales Especiales', or Centre for Technical Studies of Special Materials.
The CETME and later G3 rifles both fire 7.62mm NATO rounds - and as such are classified as battle rifles, in the same category as the FN FAL.
The 1970s saw a transition towards intermediate calibres, and so there was a growing desire to replace the G3.
The G11 was intended to be West Germany's new service rifle - a unique design using caseless 4.73mm ammunition.
Sadly, the project was scuppered during the political changes during the German reunification, and the G11 didn't see widespread adoption.
During this time, H&K offered a couple of rifles in the NATO intermediate calibre - the HK33, developed in the 1960s, was essentially a smaller version of the G3 rifle intended for export.
The G41 was a more modern version, introduced in 1981 - but neither this nor the HK33 were deemed suitable replacements for the G3, and instead were bound solely for export.

The newly united Germany had a desperate need for a new 5.56mm assault rifle, and in 1990 H&K would embark on 'Project 50' - what would eventually become the G36.
In trials, the G36 would face off against the Austrian AUG - but the native rifle won out, and was adopted in 1997.
The G36's magazine design is similar to that seen on the SIG 550 - translucent polymer box mags, with studs on either side, allowing magazines to be clipped together.
Standard capacity is 30-rounds, although for the MG36 there exist 100-round C-Mag type drum magazines.
Cyclic rate of fire is 750 rounds per minute across all variants.
The original G36 weighs in at 3.63 kilograms: The G36C is considerably lighter, at 2.82 kilograms; and the MG36's heavier barrel brings the platform to 3.83 kilograms.
Overall length, again, depends on variant: The original G36 and the MG36 are a shade shy of a metre, at 999 millimetres - while the G36C is considerably shorter, at 720 millimetres.
In addition to the rifle's adoption by the Bundeswehr, the rifle is used by many other forces all over the world - including the Hellenic Armed Forces, Latvian Army, Lithuanian Armed Forces, the Spanish Army and Navy, and the SAS - and many police forces, too - including the German Bundespolizei, Australian Operational Response Group, Brazilian Federal Police, Finnish Border Guard and Police, National Police of Iceland, Mexican Federal Police, UK's Metropolitan Police Service, and the United States Capitol Police.

The G36 platform extends to a number of variants - some intended for export, such as the G36V, or 'Variant', produced for Spain and Latvia.
The MG36 was the light support weapon variant of the platform, although this version is now discontinued.
The G36K - Kurz, meaning short - is a shortened carbine version of the rifle: somewhere in-between the G36 and G36C.

The more recent G36A2 is an updated version of the platform, equipped with a quick-detachable red dot sight on a Picatinny rail.
There exist a couple of civilian models, too - the SL8 semi-automatic rifle, and R8 straight-pull bolt-action.
Unlike the G36, these variants have a thumbhole stock, and some models will accept only single-stack 10-round capacity magazines.

H&K also have their eye on American military contracts - and the G36 platform has formed the basis of their proposals for infantry weapon systems.
The XM8 rifle is essentially a dressed-up G36 action, offered for the US Objective Individual Combat Weapon contract in 2003.
However, in 2005 the OICW contract was cancelled, with the XM8 project following suit.
The HK416 was a similar attempt to break the American market, this time competing for the Individual Carbine contract, seeking a replacement for the M4.
Competition is ongoing, and the HK416 remains in the contest - with the rifle's gas system derived directly from the G36, adapted for use on the AR-15 platform.

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In this episode: the L115 - the British designation for the Arctic Warfare Magnum bolt-action rifle from Accuracy International.

Damage is very good, with the L115 boasting the largest one hit kill area of all the sniper rifles, alongside the Lynx.

You'll kill at any range with a shot to the head, neck, torso - and even the upper portion of the legs.

This makes the rifle even more deadly than its bolt action peer, the USR - although the L115 pays for this extra damage with a few negative adjustments to its handling traits.

For one, your maximum rate of fire is lower - the bolt-action will slow you down to 40 rounds per minute, slower than any other weapon in the game.

This abysmally slow output will severly hamper your performance in close quarters: and given the colossal hipfire spread, landing an unaimed shot requires a huge dose of luck.

Recoil is present but not a factor in your accuracy, with the rifle settling as you cycle the action.

As with the USR, the L115 has the benefit of a recoil compensator that gains effectiveness with every kill, resetting upon death.

The lower recoil permits retention of your scope's view on target, which can prove helpful when tackling multiple opponents: better tracking movement to line up a second shot.

Aim time is slow, albeit faster than some of the sniper rifles on offer: at 400 millseconds.

This is the same as the USR, with the two bolt-action weapons having marginally faster ADS times when compared to the semi-automatic options.

Your movement speed is a little on the slow side, however - you'll move at 85 percent of the base speed, some 5 percent slower than the USR.

Magazine capacity is the lowest in-class, at 5 rounds: but the lower fire rate of the sniper rifles mean that this isn't a significant issue.

In any case, the L115 reloads faster than any other sniper: at 3.36 seconds.

Building a class for this weapon should focus on the core feature of a bolt-action rifle: reliable one shot kills.

With the slowest rate of fire in the game, anything you can do to enhance the odds of a successful shot will pay dividends.

The logical first attachment choice is the Chrome-lined barrel, then: this will increase your weapon's one-hit kill area to cover additional portions of the limbs.

While ideally you'll aim for centre mass to maximise your odds of a kill, any enhancement to your one-hit-kill area will yield more consistent results.

The attachment does increase recoil and idle sway, but the enhanced kick shouldn't matter - as you won't be able to fire until the bolt has been cycled.

Next, Armor Piercing rounds will enhance your ability to shoot through cover, as well as increasing the damage you deal versus enemy killstreaks.

While you should aim to land a clear shot on a target, sometimes cover may occlude your foe - and in this case, the extra penetration ability can sometimes prove decisive.

For your perks, there are few that will directly affect your lethality - so accuracy is perhaps the best investment.

Focus will reduce both idle sway and view flinch from incoming fire - helping to reign in some of the chrome lined barrel's negative effects by keeping your sights as steady as possible.

Positioning is another key part of effective sniping, as you must anticipate where your enemy will spring from: Wiretap can be a good investment if your enemy makes heavy use of SatComs, as you'll be able to use them as your own for better situational awareness.

Similarly useful is Amplify: when occupying a firing location you may attract some attention from foes who would seek to displace you with a forced close-range engagement.

With this perk, you'll be able to hear them coming more clearly - giving you time to switch to an alternative weapon.

The L115 is a precision weapon with uncompromised one-shot ability, able to quickly extinguish the opposition at any range.

Only the Lynx can compare to this weapon's lethality, and unlike the heavy semi-automatic option, the L115 retains some favourable handling characteristics.

Like the USR, aim time is faster than the semi-auto rifles: and while the USR's mobility is superior, you'll still leave the Lynx in your dust.

However, you must be accurate with this weapon, else the slowest fire rate in the game will punish you: your enemy given generous opportunity to retaliate while you cycle the bolt.

The limited magazine capacity may harm your sustained support, too - with a short period of downtime required every 5 shots.

Nevertheless, the sniper rifle's single-shot ability is their key trait, and the L115 excels in this regard.

With careful positioning, and a precisely placed shot: the Arctic Warfare...

...will leave your enemies in the cold.

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This time, we're covering the XPR-50.

This new semi-automatic sniper rifle rounds out the precision options on offer, and is unlocked for use at level 52.

The XPR-50 is a fictional semi-automatic sniper rifle system that fires the powerful .50 BMG anti-materiel round.

Its closest real-life match is in a prototype Barrett Model 98 Bravo: visually similar but bolt-action instead, and chambered for .338 Lapua.

The M98B was introduced in 2008, and so the XPR-50 - which presumably stands for 'Experimental Purpose Rifle, .50 Calibre' - can be deemed a potential future derivative of this Barrett design.

In-game, damage is high: the XPR is capable of a one shot kill anywhere to the head, neck, arms, upper torso and mid torso.

When suppressed, this one-hit area is reduced to just the head, neck, upper arms and upper torso.

Like all of the sniper rifles, there's no drop-off in damage over range - so you can quickly eliminate opponents at any distance with a well placed shot: and again, like its peers - the XPR's ability to pierce cover is very good.

Fire cap is moderate, limiting your maximum fire rate to 375 rounds per minute.

This is a little lower than the SVU-AS, but considerably faster than the other two bolt-action rifles.

Hipfire performance is poor, and so despite the potent one-shot ability and semi-automatic firemode, you should seek to avoid close-range encounters.

Rapid fire can work as a last-ditch defense, but it's not entirely reliable.

Recoil is moderate, and can prove troublesome should you fire the weapon too quickly.

Instead, it pays to take a slower pace, waiting for the recoil to settle before firing again: this will help ensure maximum effectiveness, and prevent you from wasting too much ammunition.

Aim time is slow, on par with all other sniper rifles except the faster-handling Ballista, at 400 milliseconds.

Your mobility is fairly average, as you'll move at 95 percent of the base speed - the same as a typical assault rifle, as with most of its peers.

Magazine capacity is fair, although the semi-automatic fire will readily chew through your supply if you're not careful.

8 high-power rounds can be put to good use with a degree of precision, however - and Extended Clip will take this count to 11.

Reloads are the slowest in class: at 3.5 seconds, you don't want to be caught empty without a backup plan.

For a typical sniper role a slower reload isn't necessarily a huge risk, however - it's best to employ this weapon from a safe firing location - so backing out of the fight for a few seconds to resupply can normally be done without peril.

Of all the sniper rifles on offer, the XPR is perhaps the most forgiving in tighter spaces - with a much larger one-hit kill area than the SVU-AS, and faster follow-up shots than the two bolt-action rifles on offer.

In such a role, the XPR can shine - and when paired with the ACOG scope it becomes a heavy-duty designated marksman's rifle, perfect for locking down an area.

The XPR-50 is a powerful sniper rifle which retains a good potential for rapid follow up shots, rendering it ideal for repelling multiple enemies in rapid succession.

It offers similar lethality to the Ballista, but you gain the advantage of the semi-automatic fire, and thus don't need to cycle the bolt after every shot.

While you lack the handling speed of the similar yet more sprightly bolt-action, you will enjoy lower reliance on first shot precision, and as such the XPR-50 will prove more forgiving during typical use.

Like most of the sniper rifles, the XPR is slow to handle - you'll find the greatest rewards in taking a prepared position rather than rushing in on an aggressive bent.

However, you must ensure good fire control - else the relatively heavy recoil will carry your shots above your opponent's head, and you'll achieve nothing but a waste of ammunition.

Still, a modicum of patience will reap rewards, and this weapon will earn both the ire of your enemy...

...and healthy amount of XP to boot .

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In this episode we're covering the Iron Sight.

It was the very first Call of Duty that saw the introduction of powerful bolt-action rifles sans-scope: and it was World at War where we last saw such weapons feature in multiplayer.

In Black Ops 2, the Iron Sight is introduced as an attachment, replacing the more conventional scope that you might expect on a sniper rifle.

In real-life, 'iron sight' is a term used to refer to a sighting device on a firearm that makes use of two physical points along the bore axis to align the weapon towards a target.

As the name implies, such aiming devices are usually little more than metal prongs or apertures that provide a robust means of aiming.

This is opposed to optical sights, such as telescopic or reflex sights, which use lenses, crosshairs or illuminated reticles to indicate point of aim.

Many weapons have built-in iron sights, with optical alternatives a later addition - but more modern designs might eschew fixed optics with a modular rail system, permitting the user's preference - optical or otherwise - in aiming device.

In-game, the Iron Sight attachment is unique to the Ballista: no other sniper rifle has this option, and any other weapon class will have iron sights by default.

The attachment is incompatible with all other optics - naturally, you cannot combine the iron sight with the Variable Zoom, ACOG, or Dual Band Scope.

You cannot equip the Ballistics CPU with this attachment, either.

The Iron Sight's most explicit effect is the removal of the Ballista's default scope, and the use of iron sights while aiming instead.

These provide a far lower zoom level than the default scope's 4x magnification: instead, you'll retain a much wider field of view, at 1.35x magnification.

This is identical to the reflex sight, or the innate zoom level of the assault rifles: a comfortable level for mid-range engagements, although much more difficult to use precisely at a longer range.

In addition, your aim time is reduced by 15 percent - to 300 millseconds, almost as quick as a typical assault rifle.

Such a speed boost offers greater reactivity in closer quarters, lending to the mid-range role the Iron Sight opens up.

Finally, you'll also benefit from a 50% reduction in idle sway: and while the loss of ranged precision means this reduction is less advantageous, it can prove useful when lining up shots outside the iron sight's comfort zone.

The Iron Sight is a unique attachment that opens up an entirely new style of play with the Ballista.

It performs in a similar manner to the KSG, with infinite range but slower handling and smaller one-hit kill area.

The broader field of view while aiming and slightly faster aim time combine to make a weapon that performs more effectively in closer quarters - making the Iron Sight a good choice for smaller maps.

It does harm your ranged ability however, as the sight itself will obscure more of your target - and the lower magnification makes it difficult to precisely place your shot in the one-hit-kill zone of a target.

Still, there's nothing else quite like it - and while it might not be the most effective attachment for the Ballista, it does provide a unique challenge.

So, should you wish to forge victory with this unusual option...

...then strike while the iron is hot.

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This time, we're covering the Five-Seven.

First present in MW3, the semi-automatic pistol returns in Black Ops 2, occupying a similar role.

The FN Five-seven is a Belgian weapon, designed and manufactured by FN Herstal.

It was developed in conjunction with the P90 personal defense weapon, and fires the same cartridge - the 5.7 by 28 millimetre round.

It is this calibre that lends the Five-seven its name: and the unique penetration ability the steel-core rounds offer its unique selling point.

The smaller cartridge also boasts another benefit: the double-stack magazine contains 20 rounds without protruding beyond the grip base.

All in, the Five-seven is a modern polymer semi-auto pistol, chambered for an interesting cartridge with some curiously good traits - low recoil, high penetration, and unparalleled capacity.

In-game, the Five-seven is a high damage pistol - with one major caveat.

While you will be able to kill opponents in just 2 shots at a very close range, damage will very quickly drop to a 3-hit kill, after just a couple of metres.

At longer ranges, you'll need up to six shots - but, courtesy of a higher than usual headshot multiplier, you won't need more than 4 shots to the head.

Rate of fire is semi-automatic, limited by your trigger finger's ability - but otherwise capped at a fairly generous 750 rounds per minute.

Hipfire performance is good, similar to that of an SMG - although with the semi-automatic rate of fire you are better off firing whilst aiming, unless the enemy is within touching distance.

Recoil is very low - unless you're able to fire at a rate close to the firecap, the Five-seven's kick is all but non-existent.

This means the Five-seven can be used quite effectively at longer ranges, but the lower damage might put you at a disadvantage in such a gunfight.

Aim time is very quick indeed, at around 130 milliseconds - and movement speed is 100% of the base: the Five-seven is an all-round very nimble weapon.

Magazine capacity is good for the pistol class, too - 20 rounds sets it on a higher level than anything else within its class, even the automatic machine pistols.

Reloads are relatively slow for a handgun, at 1.6 seconds - but given the higher capacity, reloads are seldom a problem: 20 rounds is more than sufficient for multiple close-range kills, and a spare couple of seconds to top-up is usually easy to find.

Our build with the Five-seven is going to focus on the use of the pistols as a primary weapon.

While they might not be as competitive as some of the primaries, such a build can be surprisingly effective: making good use of the pistol's excellent handling traits can make for a very good close-quarter build.

The Five-seven makes for a superlative secondary without any attachment at all: the plain pistol is fast drawing, high capacity and easy to handle.

Effective use of the pistols usually centres around ensuring gunfights occur within a short range: most of the time, you will fare better in close quarters.

The element of surprise is essential: certain weapons, such as the SMGs and shotguns, may have a distinct advantage against you up close: if such foes don't expect your arrival, you'll stand a better chance against them.

Conversely, when employing the Five-seven as a secondary it can save your skin when an enemy attempts to surprise you: should you be caught out while holding a long-range weapon, or during a reload - the quick-swapping pistols can often thwart an unexpected enemy assault.

The Five-seven is an able secondary, both quick on the draw and easy to handle.

In uncomfortably close quarters, the two-shot kill will repel any foe audacious enough to violate your personal space - otherwise, with 20 rounds on tap, and low recoil to boot: those with a rapid trigger finger can quickly put a lot of lead downrange.

While the two-shot kill range is miniscule, the Five-seven offers consistent performance out to a middle range, with moderate damage and a decent headshot multiplier.

The pistol's key strength is in their switch time and rapid handling, however - when using the Five-seven as a primary you will find other weapons often have the advantage.

The fully-auto SMGs, with their larger magazines and superior fire rates will prove more effective up-close - and any assault rifle or LMG will have no trouble shutting you down at a distance.

Still, with the element of surprise on your side you can often get the jump on close-range foes: and when employed in its rightful place as a secondary, this pistol is the perfect complement to a long-range weapon seeking a reactive close-range companion.

Should you find yourself in a pickle, catch up with the Five-seven...

...and unleash 57 varieties of pain.

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In this episode we're covering Extended Clip.

This option was first introduced in World At War, with the SMGs and M1A1 Carbine able to extend their ready ammunition supply with the selection of this attachment.

It has returned in every game since: generally available for most weapon classes, and providing more sustained firepower to a varying degree.

In real-life, 'Extended clip' is a bit of a misnomer: 'extended magazine' would be the more accurate term.

The term clip has come to refer to magazine in popular culture, but technically the terminology only extends to a device used to assist the loading of ammunition into a magazine.

The magazine is where the firearm feeds from: and in the case of most weapons in Black Ops 2, the magazines are removable for rapid resupply.

This change of name is likely to avoid confusion between the other magazine-related attachment, Fast Mags.

In-game, Extended Clip is available for all primary weapons with the exception of the assault shield, and all pistols except the Executioner.

It is compatible with most other attachments, with the exception of Fast Mags and Dual Wield.

Extended Clip's primary effect is fairly basic: your weapon will be able to fire for longer without reloading.

Precisely how much longer depends on what you pair it with: a 34.5 percent gain is the default, but this can vary between weapons.

The Shotguns, B23R and Sniper Rifles (excluding the SVU-AS) see the largest percentage benefit, gaining 40% over a stock weapon.

The QBB LSW and HAMR see 100 rounds per reload instead of 75, a 33 percent increase.

The SWAT-556, SMR, M8A1, PDW-57, Skorpion EVO and Five-seven all see a slightly reduced benefit, with a 30 percent increase.

The M1216 sees the smallest percentage benefit, at just 25 percent - although this difference isn't necessarily indicative of overall benefit, as some weapons consume ammunition more readily.

In addition to this magazine size increase, Extended Clip will also extend your starting ammunition supply: as this is determined as a fixed number of magazines.

This can be useful as an alternative to Scavenger in terms of extending your supply: although without the perk you won't be able to pick up extra ammo in the field.

For weapons that are particularly voracious, such as the KAP-40 or Skorpion EVO, the combination of Scavenger and Extended Clip verges on essential - as their rapid consumption will otherwise leave you dry in a flash.

While Extended clip is a principally beneficial attachment, there is one downside: your reload will be slowed down slightly, by 10 percent.

This will mean a 2 second reload will take 2.2 seconds instead: a relatively minor delay, but still worth considering if you're going for a speed-oriented, aggressive build.

Extended Clip can be a critically useful attachment in gunfights, as the extra rounds might prevent you from running dry before your opponent is slain.

In such cases an untimely reload might result in your death, and as such extra bullets often prove decisive in combat.

It's great for those weapons that need reloading often: any fully-auto option with a high rate of fire will benefit.

It also works for sustained defence builds: an LMG with Extended Clip will be able to provide defensive coverage for longer, without having to pause to reload.

It's never really a bad choice for any weapon, but it does face competition from Fast Mags: sometimes a faster reload can be more useful, particularly for aggressive, speed-focused builds.

With its slight increase in reload time, you might be able to tackle more opponents at once with Extended Clip - but will be left vulnerable for longer once it comes to the inevitable resupply.

Still, the benefit will most often outweigh any downside. The extra rounds this attachment grants will extend your firepower...

...and clip your opponent's wings.

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In this episode: the CBJ-MS - a Swedish personal defence weapon resembling the Uzi which fires a high-tech armour piercing round.

The CBJ's damage is low: in fact, it has the lowest effective range of all the SMGs.

At a close range, you'll kill in 3 shots - or two headshots - but very quickly you'll find this evaporates to the point where you'll need up to 6 shots to kill.

The CBJ does prove effective against enemy equipment and killstreaks, however - courtesy of its unique armour-piercing tungsten rounds: this makes the weapon ideal for a sapper class, designed to disable enemy defenses and thwart their support.

Rate of fire is another area where the CBJ-MS shines: at 1000 rounds per minute, no other weapon can best such potential output of lead.

This high output makes hipfire a particularly viable tactic as well, and as an SMG the CBJ enjoys very good hipfire performance.

Recoil is quite severe, unfortunately - this generally isn't an issue at a close range, but does mean you should avoid combat over longer distances.

Aim time is very quick, at just 200 milliseconds - and you'll also be particularly fleet of foot, moving at 100 percent of the base speed.

Magazine capacity is fairly average, at 34 rounds, or 51 with extended mags: paired with the rapid consumption this does mean reloads are a frequent inconvenience.

At 2.97 seconds for each resupply, it may be worth investing in a means to either extend your supply or to hasten the mag change.

The CBJ-MS is a potent close range weapon, with a fire rate higher than that of any other weapon in the game.

This makes for uncompromised close-range performance, with few weapons able to keep pace.

Paired with rapid handling, the CBJ is an ideal weapon for aggressive use - and can be used to some effect when flanking or in a stealth role.

Unfortunately the ranged performance is rather lacking - with rapid damage falloff and heavy recoil, wrangling your sights onto distant targets will open up opportunity sufficient for reprisal on your enemy's part.

With rapid consumption comes rapid magazine depletion too, and reloads are not the swiftest: you may run into trouble when facing multiple opponents at once,

Still, as long as you remember to stick to the ranges SMGs excel at - and flee from gunfights at uncomfortable distances - you can make good use of the elevated lead output.