Maverick M4A1 Carbine

Maverick M4A1 Carbine

Alternate name(s)	M4
Game(s)
Price	$3100
Magazine cost	$60
Origin	United States
Caliber
Magazine capacity	30/90
Firing mode(s)	Automatic
Rate of fire	666 RPM
Weight (loaded)	3.22 kg
Projectile weight	4 g
Muzzle velocity	2900 ^ft/_s
Muzzle energy	1570 J
Used by	Counter-Terrorists
Reload time	3.07 seconds
Counterpart	AK-47
Movement speed (units per second)	230
Entity	`weapon_m4a1`

For its alternative version in Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, see M4A1-S.

The Maverick M4A1 Carbine, often referred to as the M4, is an assault rifle featured in the Counter-Strike series, exclusive to the Counter-Terrorists. The counterpart for the Terrorists is the AK-47.

In Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, it was replaced by the M4A4 but was reincarnated in the Arms Deal update as the M4A1-S, taking up the same slot as its replacement.

Overview

The M4A1 is a moderately powerful assault rifle available exclusively to the Counter-Terrorists. Its acceptable power, combined with its incredibly controllable recoil, low spread, and excellent rate of fire, makes it an effective AK-47 counterpart. The M4A1 can be mastered for nearly every situation. For these reasons, the M4A1 is one of the most popular weapons in the Counter-Strike series, especially by Counter-Terrorists. It is also chosen to be the default auto-buy primary weapon for CT. the others being the FAMAS, and the MP5.

In Counter-Strike and Condition Zero, the silencer allowed the M4A1 to inflict more damage. In Source, the silencer does not affect damage but regardless if the silencer is attached or not, this rifle inflicts more damage than 1.6.

Properties

CS 1.6 and CS:CZ
Hitbox	Primary Attack		Secondary Attack
Hitbox	Unarmored	Armored	Unarmored	Armored
Head	134	86	137	89
Chest & Arm	31	21	32	22
Stomach	38	27	40	28
Leg	23	23	24	24
Red signifies a fatal hit.

CS:S
Hitbox	Primary Attack
Hitbox	Unarmored	Armored
Head	131	92
Chest & Arm	32	23
Stomach	41	28
Leg	24	24
Red signifies a fatal hit.

The M4A1 is a moderate weight weapon. While wielded, the player’s movement speed is 230 units per second (default speed is 250), meaning they suffer moderate speed reduction. The M4A1 is one of the many weapons able to shoot underwater.

Advantages

Fairly high damage per bullet
Excellent at close to medium range
Low recoil and accurate
High accuracy can be maintained when fired in bursts
The silencer is ideal for stealth
The silencer increases damage at close range in Counter-Strike 1.6
Higher rate of fire than the AK-47
Lighter than most assault rifles

Disadvantages

Damage per shot is inferior to the AK-47
Fairly expensive
In Counter-Strike 1.6, the silencer decreases accuracy
Silencer increases damage fall off
Outclassed at long range combat by sniper rifles
Not very accurate at long ranges when firing this weapon continuously

Gameplay

Tactics

Due to the low recoil and good rate of fire, the M4A1 can be a deadly weapon against enemy players at close-range. Basically, users can continuously fire this rifle if they are accustomed to the recoil.
- Eliminating targets is normally easy; just be sure to score headshots and keep firing to finish off assailants.
- Aim for the chest and spray bullets when encountering an enemy assailant at medium range. This strategy may allow you to score a headshot. Alternatively, fire in bursts and aim for the head.
- Recoil has slightly increased in Source. Fire in bursts to maintain accuracy.
Unlike the AK-47, this rifle is not made to engage enemy players at long range, although it is possible to successfully hit an opponent at the head.
- For long ranged combat, using a silencer may not be preferable unless enemy is not aware of your position. Firing in short bursts is recommended and avoid engaging snipers unless in close proximity.
Adding silencer is recommended in early games, as it increases damage and cuts down noise.
If you do plan to use the silencer, be sure to attach it before entering combat, preferably at freeze time.
- A silenced USP can be equipped to maintain stealth.

Counter-Tactics

Avoid close contact with users at all times!
- If the user is hiding in close areas, use a HE grenade to flush him out.
Use a flashbang and finish off M4A1 users.
- A smoke grenade can prevent enemies from seeing/aiming well. Moreover, an unsuppressed M4A1 will emit muzzle flashes upon firing in the smoke. However, if an assailant has attached a silencer, the situation could favor him as he can maintain stealth within/near the exhaust.
The AWP and other long range weaponry is a good choice to wield against enemies. The Schmidt Scout is not recommended though, unless you are good at scoring headshots or they are not aware of you.
More accurate weapons, such as the Krieg 552, can outgun users of the M4 beyond the close range.
More powerful weapon or weapons with higher rate of fire, can be used at close range.
- For long range combat, the AK-47 can easily eliminate M4A1 users. Nevertheless, they might burst fire against you, so you still need to engage with caution.
Do not rush at an enemy whilst you fire at him. The M4A1 has low spread and experienced users can easily control the recoil. Furthermore, its high accuracy and rate of fire will often means the outcome will not be in your favor.