Counter Strike - Weapons

Note: To save me a lot of typing, Terrorists = T, Counter-Terrorists = CT

Thanks to Bigfoot for the cs weapon guide. Geist and Jeffrey Lau, for the additional detailed weapon stats. [SO]Tikka for the crosshair screenshots, and the CS team for the use of their weapon images.

Rifles

Colt M4A1 Carbine w/ 2x scope & Silencer (CTs only)

Manufacturer: Colt
Cost: $3100

Detail : Restricted to CT's, this weapon is probably the best of the Automatic rifles and probably one of the most versatile and therefore favoured "3rd stage" guns of the game. It has very little kick back, the power of the weapon makes it effective as a short range sniper rifle and a good attack/defense weapon favoured by some against the slightly more expensive Commando rifle. In beta 6 it appears to have become even more useful.
When to Use : As a quick sniper rifle on maps with small but open areas, as a stealth attack weapon in close quarters combat.
When not to Use : In storming key points of a map, over longer distances.
Try to remember : Use the silencer. Not only does it keep the weapon 'silenced' but aids accuracy. Also try to stock up on 200 ammo at the start. Fire through doors too, the bullets will go through to hit any enemy lurking behind them. 

Colt M4A1 Carbine (Silenced). By Geist (description) and Jeffrey Lau (stats) Details about how stats are calculated here.

*Colt M4A1 Carbine
Cost: $3100
Type: Assault rifle
Max ammo: 30 | 90
Reload time: 3.16
Number of shots per second: 9.37 (no silencer). 8.43 (silenced).
Damage: (39, 10) without silencer. (21, 5) with silencer.
Shots to kill: 3 (no silencer). 5 (silenced).
Kevlar penetration: 3.90 (no silencer). 4.20 (silenced).
Recoil type: Random.
Features: CT-only. Penetrates doors/walls. Removable silencer.
Changes: Reload time increased dramatically (old reload: 2.00. New reload: 
3.16). Damage without silencer is nearly 2x as much as damage silenced. 
Damage silenced is about the same as the Commando.

Hear lies the greatest change made to any of the guns since the last Beta. The M4A1 was too good, it excelled at all ranges of combat, and was considered by most as the best gun in CounterStrike. So it has been balanced out a bit, and is not quite the uber killing stick that it once was. Its still an exclusive Counter Terrorist weapon, but its more like the AK-47 now, it has lost its zoom capability, but gained a handy removable silencer just like the USP pistol. The silencer works exactly the same, it reduces noise and flash, but at the cost of some power. The M4A1 cannot be used at the extreme ranges it used to be able to cope with, the recoil is quite strong, full-auto means a lot of spraying, if you plan on rushing in, you must be prepared for the kick-back, again, bursts. It can penetrate objects like the AK-47, so keep that in mind.

Steyr AUG (CTs only)

Manufacturer: Steyr
Cost: $3500

Detail : A new weapon with beta 6, and already proving an acceptable replacement for CT's now deprived of the Commando. Very similar, its deceptively thin frame hides a powerful shot and a decent firing rate which make it slightly more multi-purpose than its cheaper Colt rival however the faster rate does mean long range sniping is less effective and takes more attention as the weapon will pull away from your target a lot quicker than the Colt.
Try to Use : Maps where your attacking, but also need to be able to defend against long range snipers.
Try not to Use : As a purely sniping weapon, there are better options with better scopes (Like the Colt)
Try to Remember : Fire in short bursts, use the secondary fire button to activate the scope and crouch when sniping for extra control. Also try moving with the scope on, its Zoom is not very powerful and doesn't hinder movement as much as on other weapons.

Steyr AUG. By Geist (description) and Jeffrey Lau (stats)
 Details about how stats are calculated here.

*Steyr Aug
Cost: $3500
Type: Assault rifle
Max ammo: 30 | 90
Reload time: 3.39
Number of shots per second: 8.47 out of scope, 6.35 in scope.
Damage: (23, 5)
Shots to kill: 5
Kevlar penetration: 4.60
Recoil type: Random.
Features: CT-only. Penetrates doors/walls. Scoped.
Changes: ROF slowed down drastically (old ROF: 12. New ROF: 8.47). Weakened 
(Old TOTAL: 35. New TOTAL: 28). The AUG and the Commando are virtually 
identical; they have the same cost, same ammunition, same reload time, 
almost the same ROF, and same damage. They both also have a scope.

The Counter-Terrorists might have lost the power of the M4A1, but the AUG remains a good weapon. Its aimed slightly towards short range combat, as it's zoom capability is the least effective of the rifles, which means that at long range, you have to be accurate, and you might be outclassed by the SIG, but it's rate of fire is high, and the recoil is less than the SIG, so its easier to be accurate in close quarters. It's not silenced, so it's quite loud, and gives your position away easily, but its becoming more popular now, and when the merits of both the AUG and SIG are taken into account, they come out equal.

AK-47 (Terrorists only)

Manufacturer: Kalashnikov
Cost: $2500

Detail : Restricted to the Terrorists, this close quarters weapon of destruction is one which can be put to good effect on the levels where close combat happens often or in defending small entrance points. It makes an awful racket and carries very little ammo, but its cheapness make it useful on those levels where you always end up face to face with your opponents. To quote Samuel L. Jackson "When you absolutely positively have to kill every m***** f***** in the room, accept no substitute".
When to use : Close Quarters combat, Defending entrances.
When not to use : Maps with large open spaces or where stealth is required.
Try to remember : Don't waste ammo, and don't hold back when up close.

AK-47. By Geist (description) and Jeffrey Lau (stats)
Details about how stats are calculated here.

*AK-47
Cost: $2500
Type: Assault rifle
Max ammo: 30 | 90
Reload time: 2.46
Number of shots per second: 8.60
Damage: (27, 5)
Shots to kill: 4
Kevlar penetration: 5.40
Recoil type: Random (see NOTES).
Features: Terrorist only. Penetrates doors/walls.
Changes: ROF may be a bit lower.

The AK-47 is an exclusive Terrorist weapon, Counter Terrorists cannot buy one, and must pick on up from a dead enemy. For the entry-level rifle its very powerful, uses high calibre rounds that cause big damage, however, the AK-47 falls down in the accuracy department because of the high recoil. You cannot go in and use it like the Sub-Machine guns, you wont hit a thing, you must use small bursts to counteract the kicking-back of the gun, and single shots can be very accurate, even at distance. Its power enables it to shoot through objects with more force than the Desert Eagle, so when faced with an enemy carrying an AK, choose your cover wisely. Its also tremendously noisy so useless for covert operations.

Sauer SG-552 Commando w/ 2.5x ACOG Scope 
(Terrorists only)

Manufacturer: SIG
Cost: $3500

Detail : The more astute yet aggressive Terrorist will go for one of these. Weighing in at a price equivalent to the most expensive CT's rifle, you get what can be a highly influential weapon in the course of a round if used correctly. It's one draw back is that it has a very nasty kick, meaning of course that if you hold down your fire button you can't expect to hit the target much :). The Zoom facility makes it a truly all purpose weapon, however some prefer the M4A1's lesser kick meaning a faster firing rate is achievable with better accuracy on that weapon. Whilst this will deal more damage up close, T's might be better of picking up a CT's weapon than sticking to this due to this kick problem. Chances are though that if you have to cross a T's line of fire in the latter rounds you will cross the scope of someone using this weapon. The obvious choice for the terrorist who likes to kill his enemy in a number of ways.
When to Use : Close Quarters Combat, Sniping from medium to long distance.
When not to Use : Medium range without the scope at high firing rates.
Try to remember : The really bad kick from firing fast, it will cost you a lot to die because of it. If using the scope, crouch. Fire through doors if you think an enemy might be hiding.

Sig SG-552 Commando. By Geist (description) and Jeffrey Lau (stats)
Details about how stats are calculated here.

*Sig SG-552 Commando
Cost: $3500
Type: Assault rifle
Max ammo: 30 | 90
Reload time: 3.20
Number of shots per second: 11.60 out of scope, 6.60 in scope.
Damage: (23, 5)
Shots to kill: 5
Kevlar penetration: 4.60
Recoil type: Random
Features: Terrorist only. Penetrates doors/walls. Scoped.
Changes: Reload time increased (Old reload: 2.50. New reload: 3.20). Weaker 
(Old TOTAL: 32. New TOTAL: 28.) Faster firing (Old ROF: 10.00. New ROF: 
11.60).

The Sig is a Terrorist only weapon and is very popular with said team. It used to be the direct opponent of the M4A1, but now that the latter has had its sight removed, it is the best of the assault rifles for long range combat. The recoil has been upped a bit, so keep firing in bursts, even single shots if the target is very far away. With the high recoil, care must be taken in close quarters to avoid death by SMG, some calculated shots towards the head will sort any would-be attackers out. Also, its armor penetration is good, so dont be afraid to shoot through thin walls and crates if you suspect an enemy is lurking behind one. 

Steyr Scout

Manufacturer: Steyr
Cost: $2750

Detail : The cheapest sniper rifle, it can make its appearance as early as the 2nd round of games. Obviously it doesn't bear up that well on inspection and on some levels it would be more useful as a makeshift baseball bat, but those with a talent for sniping will find it offers a good stepping stone before the more powerful sniper rifles.
When to Use : Early on during the level, round 3 or 4, on those levels with a decent number of open spaces.
When not to Use : On close combat levels, or as an attacking tool.
Try to remember : Crouch and zoom to get maximum effectiveness.

Steyr Scout. By Geist (description) and Jeffrey Lau (stats)
Details about how stats are calculated here.

*Steyr Scout
Cost: $2750
Type: Sniper rifle
Max ammo: 10 | 60
Reload time: 2.22
Number of shots per second: 0.79
Damage: (62, 6)
Shots to kill: 2
Kevlar penetration: 10.33
Recoil type: Sniper.
Features: Two levels of zoom. Can penetrate doors/walls.
Changes: None.

The cheapest sniper rifle in Counterstrike, although not as powerful as the AWP, it can still do a fair whack of damage with a well placed shot, and is light so you can be mobile and still use it. Its rate of fire isn't bad for a bolt action rifle, and it is quite accurate when moving, but this is made up for by the lower power. The Scout is NOT a close range weapon, if you plan on using one, make sure you hang back and keep your teammates who have close range weapons between you and the enemy, there's nothing worse than being at maximum zoom covering your team and having a sneaky enemy creep up on you from behind or the side with a SMG. Its a bargain if you can shoot accurately.

Arctic Warfare Magnum, Police Model (AWM/P)

Manufacturer: Accuracy Intl.
Cost: $4750

Detail : The Railgun of Counter Strike :). Those of you who have played Quake2/3 will be at home here, the slow reload time but the deadly effectiveness of this weapon make it a reasonably desirable choice. Its main weakness however is the "bolt" method used to load each round, meaning a second or two delay between shots. This can of course result in certain death if you're in close combat, however one direct hit from this gun should put anyone down and keep them down. It therefore can be quite useful if your creeping round a building trying to find the last 1 or 2 enemies, or in holding off a narrow entry point. Can be quite comical when you nail 4 people in a row with 4 shots, and also very satisfying.
When to Use : On maps where you can stay in one position for the entire round.
When not to Use : On maps where there are few open spaces and close combat is necessary.
Try to remember : The delay between firing, don't get into a firefight as even the weakest weapons will have an advantage if your aim is not spot on. Shooting through doors also works. Remember the snipers mantra too -  "crouch and zoom" :)

AI Arctic Warfare Magnum (AWM). By Geist (description) and Jeffrey Lau (stats)
Details about how stats are calculated here.

*AI Arctic Warfare/Magnum
Cost: $4750
Type: Sniper rifle
Max ammo: 10 | 30
Reload time: 2.75
Number of shots per second: 0.89
Damage: Excessive.
Shots to kill: POWW!!!!
Kevlar penetration: near perfect
Recoil type: Sniper.
Comments: Two levels of zoom. Can penetrate doors/walls.
Changes: Reload time slightly increased (old value: 2.50. New value: 2.75). 
ROF increased (old value: 0.59. New value: 0.89).

Note: Beta7.0 Changed the name slightly. In pervious versions this weapon was called the AWP, however now it's going to be called the AWM. So if you see some of the older players say "AWP" they mean this gun :).

H&K G3/SG1 Sniper Rifle (Terrorists only)

Manufacturer: Heckler & Koch
Cost: $5000

Detail : The second most expensive gun around, it has a price tag to match its effectiveness. Using a variable scope (change magnification by using secondary fire) it will not nail your opponents like the Magnum but it avoids the delay between firing and is almost as useful as an automatic rifle, except for the lower round / ammo capacity.
When to Use : On maps with open spaces, as support for an attacking group.
When not to Use : On maps where close combat happens a lot (enclosed areas).
Try to remember : Crouch and zoom for maximum accuracy, use the varying scope magnifications to change your sniping position. Perhaps team up with a non-sniper to provide both long and short range cover for both players .

H&K G3/SG-1 Sniper Rifle. By Geist (description) and Jeffrey Lau (stats)
Details about how stats are calculated here.

*H&K G3/SG-1 Sniper Rifle
Cost: $5000
Type: Sniper rifle
Max ammo: 20 | 60
Reload time: 4.69
Number of shots per second: 3.80
Damage: (48, 6)
Shots to kill: 3
Kevlar penetration: 8.00
Recoil type: Sniper.
Features: Two levels of zoom. Can penetrate doors/walls.

The most expensive sniper rifle in Counterstrike, and you get what you pay for. It has a much greater rate of fire than the other two snipers, and still packs a hell of a punch, retaining its brilliant accuracy even when used in fully automatic style. Its full auto properties make it slightly better in close combat, so you can be more forward than with the AWP. The reload speed is very low, so make sure you're safe before stopping to load up, but don't be too eager to get right into the thick of the action, with more than one enemy after you, you'll find yourself dead quite quickly. You will be able to tell if someone is using a G3 as it makes about as much noise as a small explosive device going off, so its best not to use it in stealth operations. All in all, the G3 is the best multi-purpose sniper rifle.

SIG-550 Commando (CTs only)

Manufacturer: Unknown
Cost: $4200

Detail : 2 levels of zoom very similar to the H&K G3/SG1 which the terrorists have. A little weaker than other sniper rifles, but seems to have more penetrating power, and faster firing rate. Worth getting if your short of cash for the AWP. 

Cost: $4200
Type: Sniper Rifle
Max ammo: 20 | 80
Reload time: (around) 5
Number of shots per second: 4
Damage: Unknown
Shots to kill: 6
Kevlar penetration: 9
Recoil type: Sniper
Features: Two levels of zoom. Can penetrate doors/walls.