M4A1-S vs M4A4 - Best CT rifle in CS2

M4A1-S Stats

Here's a list of all the relevant stats of the M4A1-S:

• Magazine: 20 bullets in magazine, 80 in reserve

• Accuracy range: 28 meters

• Armor penetration: 70%

• Range modifier: 0.94

• Reload time: 3.1 sec

• Movement speed: 225 hammer units per sec

• Fire rate: 600 rounds per minute

• Silencer: attached

• Recoil: easy

• Price: $2900

Damage profile:

M4A4 Stats

Here's a list of all the relevant stats of the M4A4:

• Magazine: 30 bullets in magazine, 90 in reserve

• Accuracy range: 28 meters

• Armor penetration: 70%

• Range modifier: 0.97

• Reload time: 3.1 sec

• Movement speed: 225 hammer units per sec

• Fire rate: 666 rounds per minute

• Silencer: none

• Recoil: difficult

• Price: $3100

Damage profile:

Comparison

If you look closely at the stats above, you'll see that there are only a few differences. Damage-wise they are close to the same, Both options can not one-shot a T-Agent with armor to the head and can also not eliminate an armored enemy with less than 4 bullets to the body.

So what are the most important differences?

First of all, the silencer makes a huge difference. The silencer makes it much harder for the enemies to hear you shoot, especially at a long distance. It also provides more stability for the rifle, which results in much less recoil that needs to be compensated by the player.

In contrast to that, the M4A1-S has less bullets in the magazine and less bullets in reserve, which makes it much more punishing if you miss a shot or two.

Which one should I choose then?

It feels like the M4A1-S and M4A4 are designed for different purposes and playstyles:

• The M4A1-S is designed to quietly take out the enemy over a longer range. As the rounds per minute and magazine size are lower than its counterpart M4A4, you should hit every bullet. The spray pattern of the M4A1-S is relatively easy to control, which has to be countered by the smaller magazine size of only 20 bullets. Therefore, the M4A1-S is designed for holding angles from a higher range and a patient playstyle.

• The M4A4 is better for close-range combats as it provides a faster damage output than the M4A1-S. Spraying on longer ranges requires a larger amount of skill, aim, and spray control. The M4A4 should be used for a faster pace playstyle in closer combat. If you win the first round on the CT side, you should also go for the M4A4 as it has a faster stopping power to help you eliminate the enemies on their eco rush.

Spray Pattern Comparison

Both options are definitely viable, but the M4A1-S is preferred by the larger part of the CS community due to its attributes fitting the spirit of the CT side a bit better. But if you consider yourself an active player even on CT sides, then you should definitely check out the M4A4. In the end, it all comes down to personal preference, so why don't you test both options and see which one fits your playstyle the best?

Whatever rifle fits best for you, all skins for both options (M4A4 & M4A1-S) can be found on Skinport.