Sub Machine Guns

General Strategy

None of the five sub machine guns can penetrate walls or thin surfaces when fired. While SMG shots may create bullet hole decals on walls or objects on the other side of permeable objects (the vent on cs_assault for example), we've found that they don't do any actual damage.

A universal strategy when using any SMG (not to mention the first four rifles) is to take advantage of the first two shots in any burst. Aim for the head with the first two shots. The further into the burst you get, the less likely it will be to get a headshot even if you compensate for the recoil by lowering your crosshair (due to the random spread on the horizontal axis).

Of course, getting a headshot eight rounds into a clip is entirely possible, but it's much easier to get one by aiming well with the first few shots. As tempting as it is, don't go for the chest with your initial shots. Start with the head, and then pull the crosshair down to the chest two or three rounds into the clip.

MP5 Navy

MP5 buy screen

MP5 in action

Availability: Terrorists and Counter-terrorists
Cost: $1500
Rounds per clip: 30
Rate of fire: 13 rps
Reload time: 2.7 Seconds
Avg. damage to unarmored chest: 28 health
Avg. damage to unarmored head: 84 health
Avg. damage to armored chest: 12 health, 6 armor
Avg. damage to armored head: 44 health, 22 armor

MP5 spread

The MP5 is the most popular sub machine gun in the game for good reason. The screenshot of the bullet spread should tell most of the story. It is the most accurate automatic weapon there is, and it still maintains a pretty tight spread when you go full auto. Couple that with a $1500 price tag, and you have the ideal weapon when cash is running low. Mastering the MP5 is an absolute must. It obviously doesn't pack the same punch as any of the rifles, but it can still take anyone down very quickly when used properly.

Note how much armor reduces MP5 damage. If we have the choice between buying a rifle without armor or an MP5 with armor, we'd choose the latter. There's a good chance you can pick up a better weapon off the ground during the round, perhaps from the fellow who chose the rifle over the armor.