Call Of Duty Black Ops: Weapon Guide

More than any Call Of Duty, Black Ops selection of weapons is far more balanced than ever before. We have the details of every tool here, and where they can best be utilised to make the decision of what to spend your credits on that little bit easier.

Sub-machine Guns

MP5K
Best with: ACOG
Considering the damage over distance of this starting sub-machine gun means you may never want to swap out of this weapon anyway. You will want to remain stationary and use short bursts over greater distances, since the recoil can cause you to miss a couple of shots and, inevitably, the kill. Scoping with an ACOG will give you extra range to counter this.

Skorpion
Best with: Rapid Fire
The range on this weapon is abominable over any kind of long distance. If that’s your preferred style, avoid this weapon entirely. It is, however, very accurate – especially from the hip – so perfect for close quarters maps like Cracked. Sticking Rapid Fire or Dual Wield on will give you even faster fire-rate, making it unstoppable in one-on-one situations.

MAC11
Best with: Grip
This is a fairly forgettable weapon in most categories. Its damage is it’s forgiving feature, however, which will drop most enemies if you can get the first shots off. Ultimately we’d recommend you hold out for something a little more special. Sticking a Grip on will give you better control over it when attacking your foes.

AK74u
Best with: Red Dot Sight
Since you’ve no doubt already heard of this weapon, you’re probably aware that it is a decent weapon. And the same is true in Black Ops, covering most bases that you want a sub-machine gun to cover: power, accuracy, range – it’s got it all. For this reason the choice of attachment lies with your preference, a grip for more precise shots over distance or a grenade launcher for those so inclined.

Uzi
Best with: Grip
Much like the MAC11, the Uzi requires specific situations to really excel. Getting the jump on enemies and in close range combat is really the only way to use this. It’s accuracy and recoil will be the biggest downfall, so shooting from the hip will save the day. Using a grip will help over distance, but we wouldn’t bother.

PM63
Best with: Extended Mag
This is the most accurate of the sub-machine guns, and it packs a punch too. There are very few options available to you with this weapon, which says a lot about how useful it is. The choice is yours then, from a grip for slight accuracy upgrade or extended mag to increase its rather limited clip size.

MPL
Best with: Red Dot Sight
A 32 bullet clip makes this practically an assault rifle. Unfortunately, it lacks the punch of bigger weapons so is limited in its use. Best for maps like Havana and Cracked, which have a lot of corners and inside sections, while giving range across the longer stretches – albeit only with short bursts.

Spectre
Best with: Red Dot Sight
A fairly versatile weapon that excels in no real area. It has a bit of damage but not enough to rival the AK or PM63. It can be used across various distances without worry providing you use single shots, but can also be used in close quarters if needed. A red dot sight will help you with aiming, but switching out for a grip or rapid fire will give you your own playstyle.

Kiparis
Best with: Grip
If you’re not using a grip then make sure you use single shots here, since the unforgiving kick will really put you off. It makes up for this with an excellent range and accuracy, however, that really makes up for it horrible recoil. If you don’t want to use a grip, then the ACOG scope will give you an extra element of distance.

Assault Rifles

M16
Best with: Red Dot Sight
For many this will be the only assault rifle they need. Lucky, then, that it’s also the first rifle. It is a burst fire weapon, however, which may cause a problem – this is easily countered by spamming three or four shots into your enemy, dealing the required damage to take them down. The choice of attachment comes down to play style, but a sight will give you better control over headshots.

Enfield
Best with: ACOG Sight
Where the M16 is powerful, the Enfield is fast. Because of this it does lack some of accuracy and range, which can be easily negated with attachments, but it is nonetheless an excellent weapon to use in maps like Grid where even distant foes aren’t too far away. Its damage will drop most enemies without a worry.

M14
Best with: Sight
This is the first semi-automatic rifle you can unlock, so if you prefer accurate shots to a spray of bullets you will want to start using this. Unfortunately, its accuracy isn’t as perfect as you might hope, so a grip could be the best option for you. Make you always follow each shot though, since even headshots may not kill automatically.

Famas
Best with: Sight
The poor damage of the Famas is improved with its high accuracy and range. You can use burst fire across long distances with no worries, while unloading your clip when racing through corridors. Assault rifles are the most customisable, so attachments are best chosen to suit your gameplay, though a sight will give you more visibility for shots.

Galil
Best with: Dual Mag
As one of the most weighted assault rifles with a big clip size, the Galil is for those who want a bit more clout for their money. As a result the recoil can be problematic, especially over greater distances, but for many this isn’t going to be an issue. We’d recommend the Dual Mag if you’re not a Sleight Of Hand user, to make reloads quicker.

AUG
Best with: Sight
The AUG is a deadly weapon in the right hands, giving great accuracy with very little recoil. For those who like their shots to hit, this is the best one to go for. The damage is decent enough to allow for close quarters combat too, especially is the Masterkey attachment is added.

FN FAL
Best with: ACOG Sight
Put simply, this is the best single shot assault rifle you can use. Which isn’t surprising considering there are only two. Between this and the M14, pick this one – obviously – since it’s increased damage and spot on accuracy makes it a fearsome weapon in the right hands. An ACOG scope will finish off a deadly long-range package.

AK47
Best with: Sight
Everyone’s favourite assault rifle, despite its poor accuracy and recoil. This is a rifle for those who like to be quick and deadly, since it’s damage is unrivalled by its fully automatic peers. If you want a long shot though, use only short bursts. The sight of your choosing is the best option, but don’t worry about adding range to this weapon.