M4A4 vs M4A1-S
The M4A4 and M4A1-S are the two primary rifle choices for Counter-Terrorists in CS2. This comparison helps you decide which to use based on your playstyle and the situation.
Stats Comparison
| Stat | M4A4 | M4A1-S |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $3100 | $2900 |
| Damage | 33 | 38 |
| Fire Rate | 666 RPM | 600 RPM |
| Magazine | 30 / 90 | 20 / 80 |
| Armor Penetration | 70% | 70% |
| Movement Speed | 225 u/s | 225 u/s |
| Silencer | No | Yes |
| Tracers | Yes | No |
When to Choose M4A4
- You play positions where you face multiple enemies simultaneously (B site on many maps)
- You prefer spray-heavy gameplay and need the 30-round magazine
- You play close-to-medium range positions where the fire rate advantage matters
- You value the higher total ammo pool (120 vs 100 total rounds)
When to Choose M4A1-S
- You hold long angles where the accuracy advantage is critical
- You play sneaky positions where the silencer hides your location
- You value the tighter spray pattern for easier recoil control
- You want to save $200 for an extra flashbang
- You have disciplined aim and rarely need more than 20 rounds per engagement
Key Differences
Damage: The M4A1-S deals 38 damage per hit vs the M4A4's 33, meaning fewer body shots to kill.
Silencer: The M4A1-S produces no tracers and has reduced sound, making it harder for enemies to locate you. This is the single biggest gameplay difference between the two.
Magazine Size: The M4A4's 30-round magazine is significantly more forgiving. In clutch situations against multiple opponents, the extra 10 rounds can be the difference between winning and losing.
Fire Rate: The M4A4 fires at 666 RPM vs 600 RPM, giving it a slightly faster time-to-kill when spraying.
Professional Usage
In professional CS2, the M4A1-S is generally more popular due to its silencer and accuracy advantages. However, many players switch between the two depending on the map and position they are playing. Teams often have a mix of both rifles within a single round.