Table of Contents

The Ultimate Modern Warfare Sidearm Showdown: Picking Your Perfect Pistol

The best sidearm in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare is, without a doubt, the .50 GS (Desert Eagle). While not the fastest or easiest to master, its unparalleled stopping power and high damage output, particularly with well-placed shots, make it a game-changer in close-quarters combat. For players with accurate aim and a patient trigger finger, the Desert Eagle offers the potential for one-shot kills to the head and rapid takedowns in standard multiplayer.

Diving Deep: Why the .50 GS Reigns Supreme

While the .50 GS might not be the weapon of choice for run-and-gun players, its strategic value is immense. Here’s a breakdown of what makes it a top-tier sidearm:

Raw Power: The .50 GS boasts the highest damage per shot of any pistol in the game. This translates to fewer shots needed to eliminate an enemy, giving you a crucial edge in firefights.
Effective Range: While its optimal range is shorter than some other options, the .50 GS maintains respectable damage at medium distances, especially when equipped with attachments to improve accuracy.
Attachment Versatility: The .50 GS has a diverse range of attachments allowing you to tailor the weapon to your individual playstyle. You can improve its accuracy, handling, or even its magazine size.

Contenders to the Throne: Other Viable Sidearms

Of course, the .50 GS isn’t the only worthwhile pistol in Modern Warfare. Several other sidearms offer distinct advantages:

P890: A reliable and versatile semi-automatic pistol, the P890 is known for its accuracy and manageable recoil. It excels in medium-range engagements and is a great choice for players who prefer a balanced weapon. The P890 is also lethal when used akimbo.
X13 Auto: This fully automatic pistol functions more like a submachine gun, offering a high rate of fire and excellent close-quarters damage. The X13 Auto is a strong choice for aggressive players.
Basilisk (Revolver): For a more unconventional option, the Basilisk is a powerful revolver with a surprisingly high rate of fire. It requires precise aiming but can deliver devastating damage with each shot.

Akimbo Pistols: Doubling Down on Destruction

The akimbo perk, allowing you to dual-wield pistols, can significantly alter the effectiveness of certain sidearms.

Akimbo P890: When dual-wielded, the P890 becomes an absolute monster in close-quarters combat. The combination of accuracy, manageable recoil, and a high rate of fire makes them incredibly lethal.
Akimbo X13 Auto: The X13 Auto turns into an SMG like weapon with akimbo.
Akimbo .50 GS: While powerful, akimbo .50 GS is a risky choice due to its heavy recoil.

Fine-Tuning Your Sidearm: Essential Attachments

Selecting the right attachments is crucial for optimizing your chosen sidearm. Here are some key attachment categories to consider:

Muzzles: Suppressors can help you stay off the radar, while compensators can reduce recoil.
Barrels: Longer barrels improve range and accuracy, while shorter barrels enhance mobility.
Lasers: Lasers improve hip-fire accuracy, which is essential for close-quarters engagements.
Magazines: Extended magazines provide more ammunition, allowing you to engage multiple enemies without reloading.
Rear Grips: Grips affect recoil control and handling.

Finding Your Perfect Fit: Playstyle and Preference

Ultimately, the best sidearm for you depends on your individual playstyle and preferences. Consider these factors:

Aggressive vs. Tactical: Do you prefer to rush into combat or play a more cautious, methodical game?
Accuracy: Are you a skilled marksman or do you rely more on volume of fire?
Range: Do you prefer close-quarters engagements or longer-range firefights?

Experiment with different sidearms and attachments to find the combination that best suits your strengths and weaknesses.

The Importance of Practice

No matter which sidearm you choose, practice is essential. Spend time in the firing range or in multiplayer matches to get a feel for the weapon’s recoil, handling, and effective range. The more comfortable you are with your chosen sidearm, the more effective you’ll be in combat.

Beyond the Game: The Broader Appeal of Gaming

The strategic thinking and problem-solving skills developed in games like Call of Duty can be applied to various aspects of life. Organizations like the Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org) explore the educational potential of games and their impact on learning and development. Check out the great resources offered by the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.

Mastering the Sidearm: A Continuous Journey

Choosing the best sidearm is not a one-time decision. As the game evolves and new weapons and attachments are introduced, the meta will inevitably shift. Stay informed, experiment with new options, and continue to refine your skills to stay ahead of the curve.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the best overall pistol in Modern Warfare 2?

The .50 GS (Desert Eagle) is arguably the best overall due to its high damage and potential for one-shot kills, but it demands accuracy.

2. Which pistol is best for close-range combat?

The X13 Auto excels in close-quarters due to its fully automatic fire and high rate of fire.

3. Is the P890 a good sidearm?

Yes, the P890 is a very good sidearm. It’s a reliable and versatile semi-automatic pistol with good accuracy and manageable recoil.

4. What are the best attachments for the .50 GS?

Prioritize attachments that improve accuracy and recoil control. A muzzle brake, laser, and grip are good starting points.

5. How do I unlock Akimbo for pistols?

Akimbo is unlocked by reaching a certain level with a specific weapon. The X13 Auto is the only weapon that receives Akimbo because of another weapon, meaning that you unlock it from the X12.

6. Are Akimbo pistols viable in Modern Warfare 2?

Yes, Akimbo pistols can be very effective in close-range engagements, especially the P890.

7. Which pistol has the best range?

The .50 GS, despite being a heavy pistol, maintains respectable damage at medium range, especially when equipped with appropriate attachments.

8. What is the best sidearm for underwater combat?

The P890 pistol are lethal when used akimbo.

9. How much does the X13 AMD weigh?

The text is speaking about a sidearm called the X13 Auto inside of Call of Duty, not the computer the ThinkPad X13 Gen 3; it weights 2.62lbs.

10. Which handgun is automatic?

The X13 Auto is a fully automatic pistol.

11. Is the X12 or X13 auto better?

Part of the XRK weapon platform, the X13 Auto is an upgraded version of the X12 that, as mentioned in the name, is an automatic version of the light 9mm semi-auto pistol that trades range, recoil, and overall weapon stability for an almost SMG-like rate of fire.

12. What gun is the P890 in real life?

P890 / SIG Sauer P220.

13. What is the new pistol in Modern Warfare 2?

The new 9mm Daemon pistol has some of the most elaborate and absurd animations in the game thus far.

14. What is the best one shot pistol in modern warfare?

As far as pistols go, two can offer one-shot kills: both the .357 revolver and .50 GS have one-shot headshots. While the revolver has better range, the Desert Eagle has quicker follow-up shots and better attachment options, making it one of the best pistols in Modern Warfare.

15. Did they nerf the X13?

Call of Duty: Warzone has made nerfs to three popular handguns in the game, upsetting players who prefer pistols in combat. The latest patch reduced the damage of the Basilisk, FTAC Siege, and X13 Auto handguns, either as bug fixes or because they were too powerful.

What is the best sidearm in cod Modern Warfare?