CS-Nation

Covering the future of Counter-Strike
m4a1
M4a1
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cost: $3100
description: this popular ct weapon includes a silencer, adding to the versatility.
The M4A1, Colt, or whatever it's called in retail version *bah*. Quite possibly the best gun in the game to experienced players and newbies alike. Just about any well-balanced player will always seem to have a bit more of an edge with a colt than with the terrorist equivalent, the AK. Let's take a look at a few reasons why this is true.

The silencer has been a long-debated topic with any of the CS weapons. While equipped with a silencer, the colt will lose some of its power and just a bit of accuracy. The trade-off, of course, is definitely less noise. Everyone, even the pros, seem to argue about whether or not to use a silencer. Personally, I prefer the silenced version of any gun because of the stealth and the power loss isn't significant enough to me to make any difference. A silencer is great when your among the last few people left standing. If they do hear your shots, most likely won't be able to tell where the sound came from. If you take the time to master the M4A1 with silencer, you'll most likely become just as effective as if you'd taken time to master it without the silencer, so it's just a matter of preference.

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Eat it, terrorist scum!
As with most guns, the colt is best used in bursts. A 3-4 shot burst followed by just enough time to let your crosshair settle a bit is ideal, though this gun also is among the top when it comes to going full auto and still maintaining decent accuracy. Tip: Only go full auto if you are in close range or your enemy is almost dead and you just need the one final shot to finish him off. The m4a1's recoil tends to send the crosshair towards the upper right of your screen when you shoot, so if you think you've mastered the weapon, try and go full auto while adjusting your aiming to hit your target.

For sniping with the colt, aim at the chest, the most noticable part of the body. A 2 round (occasionally 3) burst while crouching is perfect for sniping with the Colt. The first shot, if you aligned it right, will hit the chest, and the second will move up slightly and be right at the level of your target's head. If you miss the second time, strafe a bit to the side. Wait until your crosshair settles (about 1/4 a second), and repeat. If they're already damaged, it'll probably take them out on your first burst, and if not, the second will normally take care of them.

While approached in close-ranged combat situations with the M4A1, the best thing to do is usually just to go full auto until your opponent's dead. There are acceptions, but this is normally true because of the M4A1's relative accuracy.

The colt's accuracy and stealth make it an easy favorite over the AK. This is probably part of the reason CTs always seem to have an advantage. You will always find Terrorists happy to have picked up a colt or mad at someone for letting them lose their Colt by dying. So next time you see one of those pretty, black, delightful things on the ground, pick it up.

-H-13