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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.