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Facebook: http://facebook.com/XboxAhoy Twitter: http://twitter.com/xboxahoy In this episode, we're covering the first handgun - the ASP. It's a semi automatic pistol, and is available as part of one of the default classes at level 1. It's an American weapon, designed by New York gunsmith Paris Theodore in the early 1970s. It was commercially introduced in 1975, although in no great quantity - only 450 were ever made. Based on the Smith and Wesson Model 39, the ASP was designed from the ground up as a concealable pistol for covert operations. With an extensively modified frame, the ASP takes on a unique appearance - with no unneccesary protrusions and smoothed curves for a fast, snag-free draw. One such innovation was the complete removal of the front sight post - and the addition of a rear 'guttersnipe' sight instead. Although not quite as precise as conventional pistol sights the tapered channel allows for faster target aquisition, and in any case is more than adequate for covert use. The entire weapon was given a teflon coating, and the grips were also replaced with clear Lexan, allowing the operator to know precisely how much ammunition was left in the magazine. The magazine capacity isn't great, largely due to the weapon's compact size - just seven rounds. The ASP fires the NATO standard 9 by 19 millimetre Parabellum cartridge, just like the Smith and Wesson 39 it was based on. Damage is good, at least up close - 3 hits to kill within effective range puts it on par with the more powerful SMGs. Of course, the range of the pistols is limited so at any sort of distance you'll find you'll need 5 hits to kill - and given that there's only 7 rounds in the magazine that can be tricky. The ASP has the highest firecap of all of the pistols - with a potential fire rate of 937.5 rounds per minute, 50 percent higher than any other. Recoil is not a factor unless you have a very quick trigger finger - but in general within effecti

Facebook: http://facebook.com/XboxAhoy Twitter: http://twitter.com/xboxahoy In this episode, we're covering the first weapon in the launcher category - the M72 LAW. It's a single shot weapon unlocked as part of one of the default classes from level 2. An American weapon, the M72 was originally developed by the Hesse Eastern Company and later manufactured by Nammo Raufoss under license. The patent for the weapon was filed in 1963 and was adopted by the US Army as their primary anti-tank weapon the same year. The LAW was designed as a replacement for the earlier Bazooka series of anti-armour weapons, and could tackle correspondingly more modern armoured threats. Designed to be as lightweight as possible without sacrificing penetration power, the M72 used a disposable telescoping tube which came with the rocket pre-loaded for ease of use and rapid deployment, similar to the AT4, which replaced the M72 in recent years. This means that the M72 can't be reloaded, and so with each you only get a single launch. The rocket fired is a 66 millimetre High Explosive, Anti-Tank round, with folding fins that deploy after launch for increased in-flight stability. In-game, the lethal radius is 3.8 metres - although be advised that Flak Jacket will render the missile near useless, requiring a direct impact to kill an uninjured foe. Performance is more consistent against Air Support, with just one rocket impact required to down any target. The Launchers are slow weapons to handle - when equipped you'll move at 80 percent of maximum speed. Aim speed is also slower than any other weapon class, at half a second - although given that you only get one shot it's wise to take the aiming process slowly. Reload - or rather, the discard and draw of a new launcher - is slow too, taking 3 seconds, meaning that the launchers certainly aren't suited to faster-paced enagements. Although deviant from the real-life weapon, the LAW is capable of locking onto a

Facebook: http://facebook.com/XboxAhoy Twitter: http://twitter.com/xboxahoy In this episode, we're covering the second SMG - the Skorpion. It's a fully automatic weapon, and is unlocked at level 7. It's a Czechoslovak weapon, manufactured by Česká Zbrojovka (cheska zbroy-of-ka) in what is now the Czech Republic. It was first prototyped in 1959, and was formally adopted into service in 1961. The 'Samo-pal vzorr(a) šedesát jedna (shedestat yidna)', or 'submachine gun model 61' is a compact weapon designed for tank crews and special forces, normally known by its less-formal name, the 'Skorpion'. It can be fired either from the shoulder with the folding wire stock, or like a pistol with just one hand. Chambered for a smaller calibre, it's controllable even with fully automatic fire and can be easily suppressed for covert use. Magazine capacity is a little short, as might be expected for a compact weapon - 20 rounds by default, although extended mags takes this to a more healthy 30. The Skorpion fires the anemic .32 ACP round - not exactly the most powerful cartridge but certainly gets the job done at close range. In-game damage reflects the typical effective distance of this calibre, with the Skorpion having the shortest range of all the SMGs. However, within this effective radius the Skorpion is very effective - capable of two hit kills to the body up close, something no other SMG can do. The damage drops very quickly, though - almost immediately dropping to a five-hit kill outside of close range engagements. The fire rate is on the slower side for its class - 750 rounds per minute, although this at least makes the short magazine last a little longer. Aside from the massive damage at point-blank range, the Skorpion has another key benefit - it boasts the lowest recoil in the SMG category. This means that if you start on target, you'll stay on target - allowing you to tackle enemies at surprising distances, even if you do need

Facebook: http://facebook.com/XboxAhoy Twitter: http://twitter.com/xboxahoy In this episode we're covering the second assault rifle, the Enfield. It's the first fully automatic weapon in its category, and is unlocked at level 6. Hailing from the United Kingdom, the weapon is manufactured by the Royal Small Arms Factory, situated in the London borough of Enfield - hence the weapon's name in-game. The more formal designation would be the XL64 - Experimental Land Service Designation, from the year 1964. A bullpup weapon, with the magazine and action behind the trigger, the weapon was designed to fire an experimental round based on the then-nascent NATO 5.56 millimetre cartridge. Although the XL64 'Individual Weapon' saw little use outside testing, it did lay the foundation for the later British service rifles. This weapon was the predecessor of what was to be the SA80 series of weapons, which replaced the L1A1 SLR - the British made FAL. Magazine mapacity is 30 rounds, typical for most assault rifles in-game. The cartridge fired is known as the 4.85 millimetre SAA, and uses a smaller diameter bullet in the 5.56 case for lower recoil and improved penetration. Damage is low, but remains relatively consistent at range - you can rely on a 3 or 4 hit kill in almost all situations. The low damage is coupled with a slow rate of fire - 750 rounds per minute, making the Enfield's damage output lower than most. This does make the Enfield more controllable when fired full auto, though, as a slower fire rate gives the weapon more time to settle. There is some recoil, which can be an issue at long range - sustained fire can lead you to shoot above and to the right of your target. One unique trait of the Enfield is its superior aim speed - at 200 milliseconds, this weapon handles like an SMG when aiming. Reload isn't so bad, either - a little over 2 seconds is fairly average, but the low rate of fire will help make your magazines last lo

Facebook: http://facebook.com/XboxAhoy Twitter: http://twitter.com/xboxahoy In this episode we're covering the second shotgun, the Stakeout. It's unlocked at level 8, and is a pump-action weapon. The Stakeout is an American firearm, produced by the Ithaca Gun Company of New York. The Stakeout is a variant of the Ithaca Model 37, named for the year it was first produced. Also known as the 'featherweight', the Model 37 is Ithaca's best-selling and most well-known product, with a simple enduring design and rugged pump-action. The Stakeout is the pistol-grip variant of the Model 37, of a more compact size due to its shorter barrel and the lack of a stock. The weapon has a tube magazine, with a capacity of 4 shells. It fires standard 12 gauge cartridges, likely double-aught buck in game. The Stakeout is a high damage shotgun, with each pellet on par with the Olympia. Damage falls off a little sooner than with the Olympia, but the pellets have a slightly longer reach. Due to the pump action your rate of fire is limited - just 92 rounds per minute, or 109 per minute with the grip attachment. It also has the narrowest spread of all the shotguns in game - and, counter to what you may expect, aiming down the sights will narrow the spread further. Thus, the high damage paired with the narrow spread means you're far more likely to see a one hit kill towards the end of your effective range - just as well, given the slow rate of fire. Aim time is as quick as an SMG, and like the other shotguns - 200 milliseconds. Reload times are a little different in that cartridges are inserted individually. The first shell takes a second, with subsequent ones inserted every point 6 seconds. If you keep the weapon topped up, reloads are seldom an issue. Like most of the shotguns, the attachments are few and far between - with just one available there's little in the way of choice. The grip is definitely something you'll want though, as it

Facebook: http://facebook.com/XboxAhoy Twitter: http://twitter.com/xboxahoy In this episode, we're covering the second Light Machine Gun, the RPK. It's fully automatic, as you'd expect - and is unlocked at level 6. The RPK, or 'rooch-noy pul-eh-myot kalashnikova' is a weapon that originates from the former Soviet Union, and is a derivation of Kalashnikov's AK-47 design. The version represented in game is actually the RPK-74, based on the AK-74 rifle, which were both introduced in 1974. Essentially a longer barrelled version of the infantry rifle with an attached bipod, the RPK supplanted the earlier RPD as the Red Army's primary LMG. As both the AK and RPK-74 share a large number of manufactured parts, supply and maintenance of the weapons is more easily managed, and production more efficient. Magazine capacity is 40 rounds, or 80 with extended magazines - giving you an extra 33 percent when compared to the similar HK21. The RPK-74 fires the 5.45 by 39 millimetre M74 round - a smaller, high velocity round designed to yaw in flesh and cause devastating cavitation. Damage in-game is comparable to the other LMGs, consistent at all ranges and high by most other weapon's standards. Like the HK21 and Stoner 63, the RPK will kill in 3 hits at any range - or two hits if both are headshots. Rate of fire is on par with the HK21, too - 750 rounds per minute place it squarely in the middle of the category as far as fire rates are concerned. One major downside to the RPK is its heavy recoil - when fired automatically the RPK will exhibit a severe upwards pull, making staying on target nearly impossible. Outside of close range, the only way to effectively employ the RPK is to fire in short bursts, waiting for the recoil to settle before firing again. This mitigates the effect of the recoil, and has the added benefit of prolonging your ability to provide supporting fire. Aim time is typically slow for an LMG - 350 milliseconds, and des

Facebook: http://facebook.com/XboxAhoy Twitter: http://twitter.com/xboxahoy In this episode, we're covering the second sniper rifle, the WA 2000. It's a semi automatic weapon, unlocked at level 10. The Walther WA 2000 originates from West Germany, and was designed in the late 1970s, with the final design entering production in 1982. Made with urban interdiction in mind, the Walther is rapidly deployable and deadly accurate. As expensive as it is finely crafted, only 176 were ever made - its high unit cost of around ten thousand dollars at the time of its introduction discouraged sales to its intended market of counter-terror and police units. Magazine capacity is relatively short, at six rounds - extended magazines doubles that to twelve. The WA 2000 was made in three calibres - the primary being the .300 Winchester Magnum round. Its one-hit kill area is identical to the Dragunov's - a shot to the head, neck or upper chest will result in a kill. When silenced, you'll kill in one shot to just the head or neck. Rate of fire is semi-automatic, and is capped at 235 rounds per minute. Recoil is very manageable - although high compared to other weapon classes, as far as the sniper rifles are concerned the WA2000 is by far the most controllable. Aim speed is the same as the other sniper rifles - 400 milliseconds to bring up the scope. Reload time is a little slower than the Dragunov, but manageable enough at 3.2 seconds. One interesting point about the WA2000 is that the default scope zoom level is a little lower than usual for the class - about 70% when compared to the others. This means you can use the regular scope at a slightly closer range than might be possible with another sniper rifle. Warlord allows us to combine two attachments, and as most of the second tier perks have only marginal benefit for the sniper rifles we can leverage the combination of some of the more useful attachments. The ACOG coupled with extend

Facebook: http://facebook.com/XboxAhoy Twitter: http://twitter.com/xboxahoy In this episode we're covering the first special weapon, the ballistic knife. It's a single shot weapon, unlocked at level 15. Originating from the Soviet Union, it was first seen in the hands of Spetznaz forces operating in Afghanistan around the late 1970s. A largely impractical weapon, intended to extend a fighter's reach and capability in close combat, although its exact usage is unknown Although deadly when launched, the weapon is only truly effective within a very short range - a role in which a full-tang fixed blade may have been better suited. The weapon rose to some prominence in the United States, though - its reputation as the Soviet elite's close quarter weapon of choice made them quite the collectible, and in the early 1980s were a popular novelty. As collectable as they were deadly, it's little surprise that the spring-loaded blades were banned outright in 1986. In-game, The Ballistic Knife has a supply of just two blades - one ready to fire with another to spare. The blades have a cutting edge 5 inches long, and the entire assembly with handle measures about ten inches in length. The blades are spring loaded and are fired by pulling the safety pin and pressing the button on the handle, releasing a simple latch and decompressing the spring. This launches the blade at quite some velocity - typically some 60 feet per second, more than enough to embed deeply in flesh should it come into contact with the enemy. In-game, The Ballistic Knife will kill in just one hit, at any range, anywhere to the body. Unfortunately landing a hit is quite tricky, given that the blades follow a parabolic trajectory - this means at a distance you'll need to aim above your target to hit. The travel time of the blade also makes aiming difficult, particularly on a moving target - in many cases you'll need to aim ahead of the enemy, anticipating their movement.

Facebook: http://facebook.com/XboxAhoy Twitter: http://twitter.com/xboxahoy In this episode we're covering the Makarov. It's a semi automatic pistol, unlocked at level 4. Originating from the Soviet Union, the pistol is named for its designer, Nikolay Makarov. It was introduced as the standard sidearm for the Soviet military in 1951, replacing the earlier Tokarev in service. The PM, or Pistolet Makarova is a compact blowback-operated weapon, loosely based on the earlier German Walther PP design. A simple, reliable weapon - with few moving parts - the Makarov has seen extensive deployment in both military and police roles over much of Eastern Europe. Magazine capacity is 8 rounds - second only to the CZ-75 in-game, and generous enough for most usage. The cartridge fired is the 9 by 18 millimetre Makarov round - analogous to the NATO 9 millimetre round, but in terms of ballistics more comparable to the less-powerful .380 ACP. Damage in-game is identical to all other pistols, except for the Python - typically requiring 3 hits to kill at close range, and 5 at a distance. Rate of fire is capped to 625 rounds per minute - the same as most pistols, with the exception of the ASP. Recoil is again, identical to all other pistols except for the Python - and is not a factor as long as you're close to your target. Aim time is as fast as the other pistols, at just 150 milliseconds - and the reload is fairly average for its class, at a little over 1.6 seconds. The pistols share much in the way of their statistics, so there's not much to choose between them - it's the available attachments and subtler statistics that define each handgun. The Upgraded Iron Sights are one of your attachment choices, but their effect is purely cosmetic - three white dots applied to the front and rear sights giving slightly clearer target indication. They aren't much use - unlike a red dot sight which provides a better view on target, the dots do nothing f

Facebook: http://facebook.com/XboxAhoy Twitter: http://twitter.com/xboxahoy In this episode, we're covering the third SMG - the MAC-11. It's a fully automatic weapon, unlocked at level 11. An American Weapon, the MAC-11 was designed by Gordon Ingram. It was first produced in 1972, as a sub-compact variant of the earlier MAC-10. The Military Armament Corporation Model 11, or MAC-11, is a compact blowback-operated weapon. With a fire rate of around twelve hundred rounds per minute, the weapon is difficult to shoot accurately unless fired in short bursts. Designed to be used with a suppressor, the MAC-11 has a threaded barrel for quick conversion to a covert role. Its bigger brother, the Model 10, fired a more powerful cartridge, and saw some use by US forces in the Vietnam War - but the smaller Model 11 was generally regarded as lacking in stopping power, and found fewer practical applications. Magazine capacity in-game is a mere 20 rounds, or 30 with extended mags. The cartridge fired is the compact but low powered .380 Automatic Colt Pistol round - ideal for concealable weapons but otherwise anaemic when compared to the ballistically superior 9mm parabellum or 45 ACP cartridge. In game damage reflects this lack of stopping power - even at close range the MAC-11 requires 4 hits to kill to the body. The damage drop with range is less pronounced than with the higher damage SMGs, at least - granting more consistent performance near the edge of your effective range. The recoil is light too, tied with the Spectre for perhaps the best handling characteristics in the SMG category, outside the Skorpion. The weapon will tend slightly upwards and to the right - but at close to middle range it's relatively easy to remain on target. Aim time is on par with the other SMGs, at 200 milliseconds, and the reload time is favourable too - at just 2 seconds it's one of the fastest SMGs to reload. The key to successfully using the short m

Facebook: http://facebook.com/XboxAhoy Twitter: http://twitter.com/xboxahoy In this episode, we're covering the third weapon in the assault rifle category - the M14. It's a semi-automatic weapon in-game, and is unlocked at level 9. Originating from the United States, the M14 was adopted by the US army in 1957, and was standard issue from 1959 until it was replaced by the M16 in 1970. Essentially a derivation of the M1 Garand, with the introduction of a removable magazine, replacing the earlier en-bloc clip used in the Garand, and with the addition of the capability of fully-automatic fire. This technically makes the M14 a Battle rifle, rather than an assault rifle, as it fires a full-sized cartridge with selective-fire. After a series of prototypes made post World-War 2, the M14 trumped the FN FAL in the US Army's testing and saw its first action in the Vietnam War. Although unwieldy and not ideal for jungle combat, it performed adequately until superceded by the lightweight, more modern design of the M16. The M14 remains in use today, however - although not ideal for general infantry use it's found a niche in the Designated Marksman Role, and as part of the M21 and later M24 Sniper Weapons Systems. Magazine capacity is 20 rounds, identical to the other semi-automatic rifle - the FAL. Extended mags will give you 30 rounds per magazine. The cartridge fired is the NATO standard rifle cartridge - the 7.62 by 51 millimetre. This calibre's roots lie in the earlier, larger 30-aught-6 rifle cartridge, as fired by the earlier M1903 Springfield rifle. Essentially a shortened variant, the new cartridge was to be known commercially as the .308 Winchester before being adopted as the NATO standard in 1954. Damage in-game is the highest of all weapons in the assault rifle category - only the sniper rifles deal more damage per shot. At just two hits to the body at close range - and 3 at a distance, the M14 shares the same damage profi

Facebook: http://facebook.com/XboxAhoy Twitter: http://twitter.com/xboxahoy In this episode we're covering the third Shotgun - the SPAS-12. It's a semi-automatic weapon, and is unlocked at level 24. The Franchi Special Purpose Automatic Shotgun, or the SPAS-12, hails from Italian arms manufacturer, Luigi Franchi. First produced in 1979, the weapon is unusual in that it can be used in both a semi-automatic and pump-action mode. This means the SPAS-12 can fire cartridges that otherwise might lack the power to cycle a semi-automatic weapon - such as less-than-lethal rounds or tear gas. In spite of this versatility, the dual-mode operation adds weight and complexity to the weapon - adding to its expense and limiting its suitability to niche roles. It was the 'lack of sporting purpose' that led to the weapon being banned from import in the United States, making the SPAS-12 a rare weapon known for its distinctive appearance and prolific presence in cinema. The tube magazine holds 8 rounds, making the SPAS-12 the shotgun with the highest capacity in Black Ops. The cartridge fired is your standard 2 and 3-quarter inch 12-gauge cartridge, as usual for a weapon in this class. Damage in-game is low compared to the Olympia and Stakeout - although the SPAS-12 is entirely capable of killing in one shot, you'll notice it will take 2 or 3 shots to kill towards the end of your effective range. Thankfully the low damage is balanced somewhat with a good rate of fire and healthy magazine - as a semi-auto weapon you can usually rely on getting the shots you need on target in relatively short order. 312 rounds per minute is less than most semi-automatic weapons, but with the close-range power of the SPAS-12, it's more than adequate. Aim time is quick at 200 milliseconds, but the iron sights are very obstructive on the SPAS-12 - so it's fortunate that hipfiring is almost always the way to go, especially if you're using Steady Aim. Reload is done

Facebook: http://facebook.com/XboxAhoy Twitter: http://twitter.com/xboxahoy In this episode, we're covering the third LMG - the M60. It's a fully automatic weapon, unlocked at level 21. Originating from the United States, the M60 has served with every branch of the US military since its introduction in 1957. The M60's roots can be traced in part to the German machine guns of World War 2, such as the MG42 and FG42, and the earlier American Browning Automatic Rifle and M1919A6 Machine Gun. The M60 saw its first major usage in the Vietnam War after its adoption, where it was employed as both a squad automatic weapon and as a medium machine gun, mounted on Patrol Boats, APCs and Helicopters. Informally known as 'the pig', presumably for its hefty weight and insatiable appetite for lead - the M60 remains in use today, although has been supplanted somewhat by the M240. As a general purpose machine gun, the M60 fires the full-size 7.62 by 51 millimetre NATO cartridge, from a distintegrating belt of linked ammunition. Belt length is 100 rounds in-game, or a whopping 200 when paired with the Extended Mags attachment. The M60 deals the most damage per shot of all the light machine guns, although it suffers from a damage drop off to a long-range damage level on par with the others in its class. At close range you'll kill in just two shots anywhere to the body - making this a deadly weapon of defence. You pay for this high damage with a lethargic rate of fire - the slowest of any automatic weapon in the game, tied only with the Full-Auto CZ75. 535 rounds per minute does at least do much to conserve your ammunition under continuous fire, allowing sustained defense without the need to burst fire. Despite the low fire rate, recoil is still substantial - you'll see substantial horizontal and upward spread when employed full-auto. This can be mitigated by firing in bursts, but the HK21 would probably be the superior choice for long-range en

An overview of the general use of the assault rifles in Homefront multiplayer. Covers basic tactics, shooting, cover and movement - as well as loadouts, abilities, purchase slots and vehicle use. With an assault rifle, you'll be the bread and butter of any team: capable of being effective in both offensive and defensive roles, there are few weapons as versatile. With relatively low recoil, a moderate rate of fire and good damage at range they're the most balanced of all the weapons, not demanding a specific style of play but allowing for a certain degree of adaptability. The assault rifles comprise the lion's share of your total arsenal, and the two starting rifles are good all-round choices - the M4 boasts low recoil, while the ACR has the edge in damage. This makes the M4 a superior weapon for long-range maps, and the ACR excellent at assaulting interior points, while still maintaining the ranged ability of the assault rifles. The later unlocks are less versatile - the SCAR-L is a 3-round burst weapon that boasts considerable power, but demands precision in your shots - and the M16, a semi-automatic high damage weapon that suits a similarly accurate, long-range style of engagement. The two later unlocks are the T3AK rifle, with high damage and recoil with a slower fire rate - and the XM10, a high fire rate weapon blurring the boundaries between the assault rifles and SMGs. When spawning, your insertion onto the battlefield gives you a valuable insight to your enemy's position - your viewpoint will zoom down from the sky, with the red names indicating enemy threats. This is a useful guard against enemies close to your spawn location - take careful note of any enemy close to where you spawn, and use your knowledge of their position to your advantage before they can do too much damage. One thing to note is that you can spawn into the gunner seat of a teammate's vehicle if a slot is open. This is usually a good choice, as a vehicle withou

Facebook: http://facebook.com/AhoyYT Twitter: http://twitter.com/xboxahoy This time, we're covering the third sniper rifle - the L96A1. It the only bolt-action rifle in the game, and is unlocked at level 27. One of the two British weapons in-game, the L96A1 is the land force's designation for the Accuracy International Precision Marksman, or PM. Adopted in 1982, the L96A1 entered service with the British Armed Forces in 1985. The Precision Marksman went up against a few other potential rifles in trials, including the Parker Hale M85, PSG-1 and Remington 700. The PM eventually came out top, and became the sniper rifle employed by the British force, and was later adopted in a variety of roles by other nations. The original PM design was improved in the Arctic Warfare version of the rifle, named for its ability to operate in a wide variety of climates. Available in large number of different calibres and configurations, such as the Police variant, or AWP - with its shorter barrel and black furniture - and the Magnum or AWM, designed for more powerful cartridges, the Arctic Warfare range is an adaptable family of rifles suited to a large range of roles. Although the AW series of rifles are chambered for a variety of calibres, the L96A1 configuration fires the NATO standard 7.62 by 51 millimetre round. Magazine capacity in-game is on the smaller end, at 5 rounds. Extended mags will take this capacity up to 10. The L96A1 is the most powerful of all the sniper rifles - boasting the largest one-hit kill area, and dealing more effective damage per shot than any other non-explosive weapon in the game. A shot anywhere to the head, neck, chest, stomach - or even the upper arms - will result in a one-shot kill. This means that only a shot to the lower arms or legs will require a follow up shot. Silenced, the damage profile is identical to the other rifles - you'll need a head or neck shot to kill. As a bolt action, you will need to ch

An overview of the first unlocked edged weapon in Minecraft, the Wooden Sword.

Facebook: http://facebook.com/XboxAhoy Twitter: http://twitter.com/xboxahoy In this episode we're covering our third handgun - the M1911. It's a semi-automatic weapon, unlocked along with Create-A-Class at level 4. An American design, the M1911 entered service with the US Army in 1911, hence its designation. Designed by John Browning, the 1911 was a composite of various elements from his earlier handgun designs, and would later become the standard in self-loading pistols. It excelled in early tests, and saw its first service in the first world war - leading to some minor improvements to its design in the A1 variant from 1924. From there, the pistol went on as the standard sidearm throughout World War 2, the Korean War and the Vietnam War - and performed admirably, despite showing its age when compared to some modern pistols. It remained the US Army's service pistol of choice until 1985, at which point the Beretta M9 took its place - somewhat controversially. Despite its 100 years of production, the M1911 remains the pistol of choice for many today - including the Marine Corps Special Operations Command, LAPD SWAT teams, and certain departments of the FBI. The M1911 fires the powerful 45 ACP round, with its slow but heavy projectile boasting good man-stopping ability when compared to lighter rounds. Magazine capacity is a little short, at 7 rounds - but extended mags will double this to a much healthier 14. Damage is standard for the pistols, on par with all others apart from the Python - The M1911 needs 3 shots to the body to kill at close range, and 5 at a distance. The firecap is standard, too - the fastest you'll be able to fire is 625 rounds per minute. Recoil is exceedingly average, again identical to all other pistols other than the Python. Given a moderate rate of fire and close proximity to your target, it's not an issue. Aim time is very quick, on par for the pistol class - and the reload is nearly identical to

Facebook: http://facebook.com/XboxAhoy Twitter: http://twitter.com/xboxahoy In this episode, we're covering the second available launcher - the RPG. It's a single-shot weapon, unlocked at level 12. Originating from the Soviet Union, the 'Rooch-noy Protivo-tankovy Granato-meeot Séem', or RPG-7 - is a shoulder-launched anti-tank weapon. First introduced in 1961, it replaced the earlier RPG-2 as the Soviet Army's anti-tank launcher of choice. An inexpensive and rugged weapon, essentially consisting of little more than a tube and simple firing mechanism, the RPG-7 is capable of launching a wide range of ammunition. Anti-tank rounds are the most common, but high explosive, fragmentation, and thermobaric rounds can also be used, meaning that the RPG-7 is a versatile weapon, suited to a wide number of targets. The rockets themselves consist of the warhead at the front, and the rocket motor, which rests in the launch tube. When fired, the booster ignites with quite some force, leaving a sizeable backblast behind the operator. In-flight, the main motor ignites some ten metres past launch, and can propel the rocket to a distance of over a kilometre. Upon colliding with the target, the contact fuze is triggered and the shaped charge detonates, sending a deadly cone of molten metal, capable of penetrating through thick layers of armour. The RPG is a single shot weapon, having no magazine to speak of - and the 40 millimetre launch tube accepts a variety of ammunition, with the most common being the PG-7V 85mm High Explosive, Anti Tank round. In-game, you'll be equipped with 2 such rockets - or 3 should you equip Scavenger Pro. Damage is identical to the RPG's closest comparison, the M72 LAW - you'll see a lethal radius of around 3.8 metres with unprotected opponents. Against a Flak Jacket user at full health, you will need a direct impact to kill. Although unguided the RPG can be employed against air support - a successful hit should do

Facebook: http://facebook.com/AhoyYT Twitter: http://twitter.com/xboxahoy In this episode we're covering the fourth SMG, the AK74U. It's a fully automatic weapon, unlocked at level 17. Originating from the Soviet Union, the AK-74U is a shortened version of the AK-74 rifle. The AK-74 was named for the year of its introduction - 1974 - but the shortened version wasn't introduced until 1979. Technically the in-game name is incorrect - the proper designation would be the AKS-74U - the S stands for Skladnoy, meaning folding - referring to the folding stock of the weapon. The Avtomat Kalashnikova Ukorochennyĭ (oo-kar-a-chon-ye), or Kalashnikov's shortened automatic rifle, was developed to serve as a compact weapon for tank crews, airmen, and paratroopers. Although compact in size it fires the same cartridge as the full-sized rifle, albeit from a much shorter barrel. This means the muzzle velocity is lower than it might be on a larger weapon, and paired with the smaller sight radius inhibits potential accuracy at longer range. Still, it boasts better penetration than one might otherwise see in a compact, lightweight weapon - and its small size allows the weapon to be carried concealed or in confined spaces. The cartridge fired is the Soviet 5.45 by 39 millimetre round - normally a steel-cored armour piercing variant, granting increased effectiveness against body armour. Magazine capacity is good, at 30 rounds - and extended mags will give you an even better 45. The AK-74U is a high-damage SMG, tied with the MP5K - and will kill in three body shots at close range, or two to the head. Long range damage drops off to the usual 5-bullet kill for SMGs - and the 74U has the same limited range as its peers, losing its damage advantage from middle distance out. Rate of fire is relatively slow, again tied with the MP5K at 750 rounds per minute. A slower rate of fire does ameliorate the recoil somewhat, giving the AK-74U only moderate rec

Facebook: http://facebook.com/AhoyYT Twitter: http://twitter.com/xboxahoy In this episode we're covering the fourth assault rifle, the FAMAS. It's a fully automatic weapon, unlocked at level 17. The FAMAS, or Fusil d'Assault de la Manufature d'Armes de Saint-Etienne, is a French weapon currently employed as the service rifle of the french military. The FAMAS project began in 1967, and the first protoype was produced in 1971. Affectionately known as 'le Clairon' by the french soldiers who use it, literally meaning 'the bugle' - presumably for its appearance and report. The FAMAS has been employed by the French Armed Forces since 1979, and first saw service in the Chadian-Libyan conflict in 1983. Since then, the rifle has been revised to the G2 specification in 1994, closer meeting NATO requirements - and is an integral part of the modern french military's 'Felin' combat system. Interestingly, the model depicted in Black Ops, with the absent top carry handle and top rail mount, is this more recent F1 Felin variant - and its appearance is anachronistic, as it dates to the late 1990s with the introduction of the Felin program. Presumably, the weapon is supposed to be an earlier prototype, dating to the earliest days of the FAMAS project. The cartridge fired is the NATO standard 5.56 by 45mm round, as with most modern western assault rifles, and is the first French service rifle to fire a standard cartridge. In-game, magazine capacity is 30 rounds, and can be taken to 45 with extended mags. Technically the FAMAS is a low-damage assault rifle, on par with the AUG and Enfield in this respect - but in practical terms kills in the same number of shots as the higher-damage automatics, such as the commando and galil. While the FAMAS lacks the potential 2 headshot kill of those rifles, it will still kill in 3 rounds otherwise - and in addition, has a key advantage which makes it even more lethal. Rate of Fire is very high indeed, at 93

Known as the 'right arm of the free world', it's one of the most widely used rifles in history - and the west's post-war answer to the soviet AK-47. The FAL - or, to give its full name, the 'Fusil Automatique Léger', which translates to 'Light Automatic Rifle' - is a battle rifle, characterised by its selective fire ability and chambering for a full-powered rifle cartridge. Battle Rifles can trace their heritage to the bolt-action rifles wielded in both world wars, such as the Mosin Nagant, Lee-Enfield and M1903 rifles, all of which saw ample use at the start of the 20th century. It was World War 2 that marked a turning point in firearms history, where the power and long-range accuracy of the bolt action was supplanted by the more versatile automatic rifles. With the power of a full-sized cartridge, and the automatic capability of a sub-machine gun, by the middle of the 20th century the battle rifle was king. By modern standards, the FAL is a hefty weapon - modern assault rifles fire smaller cartridges and make extensive use of polymers to reduce weight - while the FAL is a full-size rifle of an entirely steel construction. With a barrel 21 inches long, the overall weapon length is 43 inches - a little over a metre - and some 20% longer than a typical modern assault rifle. The FAL's length is accompanied with commensurate mass - weighing in at 4.3 kilograms unloaded, 50% heavier than the modern M4 carbine. Despite its bulk compared to today's weapons, compared to its bolt-action predecessors, the FAL offered greater firepower with few downsides for the evolving face of infantry combat. The weapon was developed by Belgium-based Fabrique Nationale d'Herstal, or FN. FN were known for their work with American arms designer, John Browning - a man responsible for many key firearm designs of the early 20th century. It was his successor as Head Designer at FN - Dieudonné Saive - who would later finish his Hi-Power handgun design, and go on to design the FN

First episode of 'Time To Kill', a series devoted to the inner workings and mechanics of Call of Duty's multiplayer. Episode one focuses on damage - a critical part of the game, and the factors that can influence the effectiveness of your weapons. At its core, Damage is a simple concept - you have a weapon, and a successful hit with said weapon will deliver damage to your opponent - and should you deal damage sufficient you'll be awarded a kill. The weapon damage mechanics in call of duty do have some trickier points, however - as there are multiple factors that can affect your weapon's performance - and either enhance your lethality, or blunt your weapon's power. For most weapons, the distance from your target is the major factor in determining how much damage you're able to deal with each shot. Generally, the closer you are to your foe the more damage your weapon will deal. Most weapons have two damage figures - a maximum and minimum amount that it is capable of inflicting. These two numbers are paired with two distances, defining the weapon's effective range. From a point blank range to the first distance figure, your weapon will deal its maximum damage. Between the near and far range figures, damage will scale linearly from your weapon's maximum to its minimum. And from this point outwards, you'll deal minimum damage out to any distance. A weapon's category is usually a fairly good indicator of its effective range - while every weapon has its own unique range, each category tends to have similar traits. Shotguns have the shortest range, followed by pistols and SMGs. These weapons deal most damage up close, but lose effectiveness rapidly at a distance. Once shotguns reach their maximum range, they'll deal no damage at all to an opponent further away. LMGs and assault rifles have moderate effective range, hence normally performing best at a middle distance. Note that some weapons don't have any damage drop-off whatsoever - sniper rifles,

Second episode of 'Time To Kill', a series devoted to the inner workings and mechanics of Call of Duty's multiplayer. Episode two focuses on optical attachments - and the effect they'll have on your precision. It was Call of Duty 4 that first introduced weapon attachments to the series, and with it 2 optical options: the Red Dot Sight and ACOG Scope. Modern Warfare 2 expanded this to incorporate both an Eotech holographic sight, and a infra-red thermal scope, that highlights enemies in white. Now, in Modern Warfare 3 there are more options than ever - with the introduction of versatile hybrid scopes for both the assault rifles and SMGs. Of course, these attachments are optional - and most weapons can perform just as well without the addition of an optical attachment. Most come with iron sights, a cruder, more mechanical way of indicating your point of aim - but sufficient nonetheless. Iron sights are innate to the weapon, and usually quite distinctive - they contribute much to a weapon's character, from the occlusive sights of the G36 - to the wide open if slightly-unusual sights seen on the FAD. Aiming down your sight with most weapons will zoom in your view slightly - some more so than others, and naturally the optical attachments will affect this too. When aiming with iron sights, typically your view will zoom to about 1.2x magnification, providing a marginal benefit to your accuracy. This 1.2x magnification applies to SMGs, LMGs, Shotguns and Machine Pistols. Assault Rifles are an exception - they benefit from a slightly elevated zoom level, at about 1.35x magnification. This gives them the edge in precision when used without an optic, but enhanced magnification does come at the cost of reduced peripheral vision when aiming. Pistols are another exception, as they gain no magnification whatsoever when aiming - making long-range precision tricky, and limiting the pistols to close-range engagements only. Unlike most other weapons, sniper rif