Call of Duty/Weapons

This is a compendium of the weapons in the game. Know them well. In general, you will want a rapid-firing, short and medium range SMG and a long-range rifle of some sort, as well as a pistol and grenades.

German weapons
The German force has the most balanced weapon set of the four sides. German weapons are best at a longer range but can hold their own in close combat.

Luger

 * Range: Short
 * Rate of Fire: Medium
 * Damage: Low
 * Mobility: Very Fast
 * Magazine: 8
 * Max Ammo: 64

The Luger is the other pistol besides the Colt .45. From experience, it deals slightly less damage than the Colt, although it makes little difference. In fact, the Luger would probably be preferable because of its extra bullet. It is also the default Russian pistol (the TT-33 is only in the expansion pack).

Kar98k

 * Range: Long
 * Rate of Fire: Slow
 * Damage: Very High
 * Mobility: Medium
 * Magazine: 5
 * Max Ammo: 120

The Kar98k is the standard bolt-action rifle for the Germans. It is quite accurate at long range. Its iron sights take the shape of a "u" with a small iron bar in the middle. Aim at the top of this bar to hit your target. Because it is bolt-action, and because it is primarily a long-range weapon, don't try close combat unless you are very skilled. It takes two shots in the chest to kill with the Kar98k, so aim for the head. It doesn't have much in its clip (only five rounds), but it has a decent amount of maximum ammo to carry, 24 clips. The chances are that you will be able to hit this maximum during the campaign, since most Germans carry this weapon.

For multiplayer, it's recommended that you go with the MP44 instead, because of its rifle-like zoom and larger magazine and rate of fire. While the Kar98k is a solid weapon in Campaign, the chances are that most people online have submachine guns and will be readily able to outgun you. If you do choose this, stay back and give cover fire in team multiplayer modes. In deathmatch, use your lean ability, take cover, and always aim for the head unless you are sure the enemy has been wounded previously.

MP40

 * Range: Short/Medium
 * Rate of Fire: Fast
 * Damage: Moderate
 * Mobility: Fast
 * Magazine: 32
 * Max Ammo: 320

The MP40 is the main sub-machine gun for the German forces. The MP40 is very light and compact, and as a result is perfect for running and gunning. It has a capacious 32-round clip, but its rate of fire can chew through that quite quickly. The best thing about the MP40 is that it has practically no kickback, meaning to say that it will not make your weapon rise as you fire it, unlike the MP44. However, it is less accurate and fires slightly slower than the MP44 (it is, however, the most accurate submachine gun, compared to the Sten, Thompson, and PPSh-41). Enemies close by can be easily gunned down full auto, standing or moving. However, medium to medium-long range is trickier. Go prone, fire in controlled bursts, and aim down the sight. With this strategy, it is actually possible to gun down people from quite far away.

In multiplayer, the MP40 is often passed up for the stronger MP44. Although it is weaker, its lesser recoil and quicker mobility makes it a favorite for the run 'n' gunner. By all means, give this weapon a try! If used correctly, it will not fail to disappoint.

MP44

 * Range: Medium
 * Rate of Fire: Fast
 * Damage: High
 * Mobility: Slow
 * Magazine: 30
 * Max Ammo: 240

The MP44 was the first assault rifle in history. It is a fairly rare weapon in Campaign, but gets more common as you go on. It is able to function both as a rifle and a heavy machine gun. The MP44 is quite powerful and is quite accurate with single shots. In fact, aiming down the sight gives a zoom comparable to a rifle's. Because of its power and versatility, it is favored online, for good reason. Perhaps the only downsides are that the MP44 makes you move rather slow and more susceptible to ambush, it has some kickback, and it is not particularly accurate when repeatedly fired, even at a larger burst. It may be set on semi-automatic or full-automatic mode; the former is primarily if you prefer to snipe, but most often full-automatic is the mode of choice.

Scoped Kar98k

 * Range: Very Long
 * Rate of Fire: Slow
 * Damage: Very High
 * Mobility: Medium
 * Magazine: 5
 * Max Ammo: 200

This is virtually the same rifle as the Kar98k but with a 4x scope. Like any other sniper, it should only be used at long ranges. Be sure you have a backup weapon or pistol or something to defend yourself with when you are not sniping. When sniping, there is some natural sway, just compensate for this by moving your scope along with your own movements. Always aim for the head, even the tip of a helmet is enough to instantly kill someone. In Campaign, it will be there only when you need a sniping job taken care of, so don't expect to pick it off any dead bodies. Of course, the rifle is quite widely used in multiplayer. Remember to snipe responsibly. A sniper's job is to give cover to his comrades and lessen resistance against them, not just stay in some corner and camp. Camping is not only a way for your allies to hate you for life, it will also attract enemies to your position who will surely finish you off. Although the scoped Kar98k has increased ammo, you load each round individually, which makes reload time quite long. Don't get caught off guard while you reload.

FG42

 * Range: Very Long
 * Rate of Fire: Fast
 * Damage: High
 * Mobility: Slow
 * Magazine: 20
 * Max Ammo: 120

The FG42 is one of the most effective weapons in the Campaign mode. It is a rather stocky weapon with a magazine sticking out to the side and a 4x scope. It has two firing modes: semi-auto and automatic. Its damage is about the same as that of the BAR or the MP44, and it is more accurate than both of them when it comes to semi-auto, long range. Because it lacks that one shot potency of a rifle, headshots are needed. Although full-auto is nice, the FG42 is extremely inaccurate in this mode and can fire off its magazine of 20 rounds in a second or two, leaving you open for a few seconds while you reload. For this precise reason, do not use the FG42 for full auto combat unless your target is at very close range. Because of its unbalanced nature, it appears in boxes lying around in multiplayer, although many servers have this weapon banned. Don't count on using this weapon much, because it is very rare, in campaign and even more so in multiplayer.

Panzerfaust 40

 * Range: Long
 * Rate of Fire: n/a
 * Damage: Explosive
 * Mobility: Very slow

The Panzerfaust is your main anti-tank weapon. It is basically a tube with a giant bomb on top of it; there is no reloading. It is extremely powerful and can take down any tank in one hit. It is the heaviest weapon in the game and thus you will move very slowly when carrying this. Besides taking down tanks, the Panzerfaust is also very useful for clearing out rooms full of soldiers. In the campaign, where panzerfausts spawn infinitely, it's great fun to keep grabbing them and blasting away all the soldiers in your midst. Don't aim directly at your enemy if it is not as big as a tank. Instead, aim directly at a soldier's feet, and if they are standing within three feet of you, do not fire or you will die. The weapon takes a second to fire, so don't get yourself killed before it is done firing. In multiplayer, panzerfausts are found in boxes. There are no tanks in multiplayer, so it is primarily used to kill people just for the heck of it, clear rooms, or create a giant smoke cloud to give yourself some cover. Panzerfausts are sometimes banned, but not banned as often as FG42s. They are analogous to the RPGs (aka "noobtubes") in Call of Duty 4.

MG42

 * Range: Long
 * Rate of Fire: Very fast
 * Damage: High
 * Magazine: Infinite

You can't carry MG42's with you, you can only use them wherever they are unless you are playing a mod. In the campaign, it is advantageous to man one of these when enemies are coming your way. Because the computer does mostly blind charges, you should be able to mow down a ton of Germans with one of these babies. The muzzle flash and smoke from these are enormous, so fire in short bursts. It is quite accurate, and can hit from a pretty fair distance. In multiplayer, MG42s are a mixed blessing. While they can kill enemies in an instant, they also make you a sitting duck for snipers and people coming at you from the back. Only man one when there's someone in the line of fire, and once that person's been taken care of, get your butt out of there. When facing other people manning these, rushing out is a sure way to get your ass lit up. Instead, use your lean, an accurate rifle or LMG, and grenades to help eliminate the threat.

Flak cannons

 * Range: Very long
 * Rate of Fire: Slow-Very fast
 * Damage: Explosive
 * Magazine: Infinite

Flak cannons come in two different varieties, and can only be used in the Campaign (although they can be seen but not manned in multiplayer). Their reticules come in the form of a black "T." The first is the Flak 88. This one has a single long barrel and fires single, slow shots that are capable of destroying tanks in a single shot. They turn very slowly, and the open seat allows you to get shot at. Carefully aim each shot, but since you have infinite ammo, you can use it against tanks and infantry alike. They are unaffected by gravity, so you can just aim straight at your target. In the campaign, these are often objectives for destruction, but you really only get to use them in three missions.

The second is the Flakvierling. This one has four short barrels, and fires very fast. It is primarily used against aircraft, but it may also be used against infantry. When blasting down aircraft, don't worry about accurate shots. Just hold down your mouse button and place continuous fire. Since the flak takes a while to reach the aircraft, aim slightly in front of the aircraft rather than centering your sights directly on the aircraft. The planes will run into the flak and explode. Flakvierlings are only used in one single mission.

American weapons
The American arsenal is a little less damage dealing overall than the Germans, but is the fastest firing. All of its weapons except for the Springfield are semi-auto or automatic. It is the second largest with 6 weapons.

Colt .45

 * Range: Short
 * Rate of Fire: Medium
 * Damage: Low
 * Mobility: Very Fast
 * Magazine: 7
 * Max Ammo: 56

The Colt .45 is the main sidearm of the Americans and the British. It deals slightly more damage than the Luger, but the difference is negligible. If possible, the Luger's extra bullet might help you more. Don't depend on this weapon much, unless you have nothing else to shoot. In multiplayer, if you run through all the ammo to both your weapons, you will probably want to switch to this and finish them off rather than reload.

M1A1 Carbine

 * Range: Long
 * Rate of Fire: Medium
 * Damage: Medium
 * Mobility: Very Fast
 * Magazine: 15
 * Max Ammo: ??

Damage-wise, the carbine is the weakest rifle. However, it has the largest magazine capacity, the fastest mobility of any primary weapon, and one of the fastest firing rates for a rifle. Because of its single flaw of damage, it is often looked down upon, but it is actually one of the better rifles in the game. The ability to reload in between firefights and the larger magazine size is appreciated over the Garand. Range and accuracy-wise, it fares well at all ranges except for extremely long distances; however, for maximum efficacy it is advisable to go medium range. Also, taking out and putting away the weapon takes a second because the stock needs to be unfolded or folded; take this delay in mind when you switch weapons. In multiplayer, the carbine is good but not great. The Thompson's fire is much better at medium range and can put down a target more efficiently, while long distances are better handled by the stronger Garand.

M1 Garand

 * Range: Long
 * Rate of Fire: Medium
 * Damage: High
 * Mobility: Medium
 * Magazine: 8
 * Max Ammo: 240

The Garand is probably the best rifle in the game overall. When each trait is looked at individually, its stats do not seem as great, but overall it is a accurate and powerful rifle. The main downside to this rifle is the fact that it can't be reloaded between firefights. You have to fire off all your shots, and when the clip is released there is a very distinctive "ping" that will betray your presence to your enemies. Still, in multiplayer this is the rifle of choice. If you are playing multiplayer, if you have three or less shots left in the magazine, fire them off to make yourself reload. Because ammo preservation is a very low priority in multiplayer, you can fire off shots and reload them with no worries. In Campaign, firing them off is your call. You should definitely go for headshots and make every single shot count.

BAR

 * Range: Medium-Long
 * Rate of Fire: High
 * Damage: High
 * Mobility: Slow
 * Magazine: 20
 * Max Ammo: 300

The BAR is a very powerful light machine gun. Its high rate of fire and high damage make this a very potent weapon. It is limited by its slow mobility, its not-so-stellar accuracy while moving, heavy recoil, its relatively small sized clip, and its slow reload. The BAR, as a support gun, is not well suited for running and gunning, although there are some player who do this well. Instead, it is most effective when fired prone; accuracy and overall damage is top notch when prone. Crouched will also do. Fire in short, controlled bursts, as the recoil makes it unsuitable for fully automatic fire. In multiplayer, make sure you have some teammates covering your back with this weapon. The BAR is also very deadly in deathmatch, coming only third to the Bren and the Thompson in terms of sheer pwnage.

Thompson

 * Range: Medium
 * Rate of Fire: High
 * Damage: Medium
 * Mobility: Fast
 * Magazine: 30
 * Max Ammo: 360

The Tommy Gun is a legendary weapon, one of the favorites in Call of Duty, and the American's submachine gun. It has a very fast rate of fire, very good mobility, and a fair-sized magazine to allow it to be the run and gunner's staple weapon. Although its accuracy and range leaves much to be desired, in the right hands and in short bursts it can kill a target from a decent distance. There is a slight recoil that can be most readily perceived when aiming down the sights. The Thompson is best used on the run in close-up action, much more so in multiplayer, where it is probably the favorite weapon of the Americans. You can chew through your magazine very quickly, so reload after each firefight to make sure you won't get caught by surprise.

Springfield

 * Range: Very Long
 * Rate of Fire: Slow
 * Damage: Very High
 * Mobility: Medium
 * Magazine: 5
 * Max Ammo: 200

The Springfield is the American sniper rifle. It is equipped with a 4x zoom. Like any other sniper rifle, it should only be used at long ranges. Be sure you have a backup weapon or pistol or something to defend yourself with when you are not sniping. When sniping, there is some natural sway, just compensate for this by moving your scope along with your own movements. Always aim for the head, even the tip of a helmet is enough to instantly kill someone. This weapon is only available in one mission in the Campaign, but sees increased use in multiplayer. Remember to snipe responsibly. A sniper's job is to give cover to his comrades and lessen resistance against them, not just stay in some corner and camp. Camping is not only a way for your allies to hate you for life, it will also attract enemies to your position who will surely finish you off.

British weapons
The British arsenal is very simple but in my opinion the most deadly. The Lee-Enfield and the Bren especially are absolutely devastating when used correctly.

Lee-Enfield
The Lee-Enfield is the British main long rifle. It has a unique 2 stip clip capacity. Meanin it can carry a maximum of 10 rounds but can only be reloaded if below 5 (Round Amount+5). If you have no ammo left it will automatically (like any other gun) reload to the full 10. It has rather strange sites as well. Before lining up the sights (if you need more time, that is) get your enemy between the cross-hairs and then look down the sight. This will give you a slight edge with the accuracy. Like any other long rifle, stay at long to medium range.

Bren LMG
The Bren LMG (LMG stands for ligh-machine gun, which refers to it's portability during post WWI) is the heavy machine gun for the British force. This gun is extremely heavy but extremely accurate when prone. Shoot in bursts at medium to long ranges, try to stay at these ranges as well, this is not a good close range gun because of its slow rate of fire. It has a thirty round top-load magazine. This is a support gun, give your temmates cover fire if needed.

Sten
The Sten is an extremely light sub-machine gun, it is debated to be the least accurate sub-machine gun in Call of Duty. It has a 32 round side-load magazine. As mentioned before, this gun is very inaccurate, use at close ranges only unless absolutely needed at medium ranges. It's light weight and quick reloading make it great for assaults, its rate of fire is decent enough, but not quite at the same level as the Thompson SMG.

Russian weapons
The Russian faction has never been known for variety or quality in their weapons, but they get the job done if you know how to use them correctly. Besides the PPSh, in my opinion the best spray and pray weapon of all time, it's best if you stick with German weapons instead.

Mosin-Nagant
The Mosin-Nagant, or Mosin for short, is the Russian's main long rifle. It is about as accurate as the Kar98k and functions just as well. It is quite light in weight and has a five round clip, and can be quick-loaded at any time. Stay at medium to long ranges and aim down the sight often when shooting at these ranges. If the situation calls for short range ignore iron sights and aim for the upper torso.

PPSh
The PPSh is the main (and only) sub-machine gun for the Russian force. It has an extremely high rate of fire but an extremely low rate of damage. The PPSh is often referred to as the "noob-gun" because it is very easy to down people with very little experience. This weapon is very light and has a gigantic 71 round drum for "spraying and praying". Aim at the lower torso and ignore restraining the weapon and let the kick back drive up the enemy's body.

Scoped Mosin-Nagant
Like any other sniper rifle, stay at an extremely far positions and pick off other enemies. It is wise to carry a backup weapon if the situation calls (semi-auto or sub-machine gun). This weapon is fairly light and has a five round clip, no single load like the Kar98k scoped.

Grenades
Grenades are basically the same for each faction: they explode and do great splash damage. The American M2 Fragmentation Grenade and the German Stielhandgranate seem to be the lightest grenades, and the Russian RGD-33 grenade seems to be the heaviest. Keep this in mind when you toss in an arc. German grenades can be found in black boxes. You can hold a maximum of 10 grenades.