M4A4 vs M4A1-S: Which Weapon is More Powerful and Accurate?

Counter-Strike 2 is one of the most intense online FPS battlegrounds out there. When preparing for fierce combat, your choice of weapon can make all the difference. But when you play as a Counter-Terrorist, some weapons, such as the AK-47, are unavailable.

In this case, you face a difficult choice of analogs: M4A1-S vs M4A4. The two iconic military rifles seem identical at first glance, but each has unique features, which can be confusing at the beginning of the battle.

How do you know which one to pick? Let’s see:

M4A1-S is the in-game copy of the real-world Colt Model 723 "M16A2 Carbine" — an early precursor of the well-known M4 Carbine. It is one of the main rifles available to Counter-Terrorists.

M4A4 is based on MK-18 CQBR and presented in the game as an "older" modification of the same M4 assault rifle — the main choice for Counter-Terrorists since all the older games.

Among the most popular skins, the best M4A4 skins stand out due to their design and popularity.

Let’s compare M4A4 vs M4A1-S in more detail, their characteristics, advantages, and specifics.

M4A1 vs M4A4: Let’s Compare

Both options are well-tried and efficient in skillful hands. But the ultimate question remains, “How do I decide which to pick — M4A4 or M4A1?” Let’s figure it out.

Appearance

1. M4A4
   Standard rifle design — M4A4 is classic to the bone, boasting a simple and to-the-point yet elegant look with no extras standing in the way of your headshots.
2. M4A1-S
   Sleek and compact — besides the modern-looking, slick skin, the gun allows you to attach and remove a sound suppressor to reduce the noise from gunfire, which is the stand-out feature that makes a felt difference. 

Appearance is purely subjective when choosing M4A1 or M4A4, but some players prefer the former for its stealthier look with a suppressed barrel over the M4A4 with a larger magazine protruding from the bottom. Overall, there are no winners in this category.

Rate of fire

1. M4A4
   666 rounds per minute
2. M4A1-S
   600 rounds per minute

The M4A4 has a higher rate of fire and larger magazine capacity, allowing for more shots before reloading compared to the M4A1-S. For players who prefer sustained fire and aggressive playstyles, the M4A4's higher shot volume may be advantageous.

Result: 1:0

Spray pattern

Understanding CSGO recoil patterns is fundamental for players aiming to improve their shooting accuracy.

1. M4A4
   Erratic

1. M4A1-S
   Consistent

Both weapons have distinct shot spray patterns, where the first ten bullets go straight, followed by a chaotic left-right spray during the burst fire. However, the M4A4 has a slightly more erratic spray pattern due to a higher rate of fire, giving the point to M4A1-S.

Result: 0:1

Accuracy

1. M4A4
   Standard muzzle
2. M4A1-S
   Suppressed muzzle (optionally)

One huge difference is that the M4A1-S has an integrated suppressor, which grants superior accuracy, especially when firing while moving or crouching. And you can shoot through smoke screens without giving away your position. M4A4 loses a point here, being less optimized for precision shots and stealthy gameplay without a suppressor.

Result: 0:1

Damage

1. M4A4 (not armored/armored)
   131/92 (head); 32/23 (chest); 41/28 (belly); 24/24 (legs)
2. M4A1-S (not armored/armored)
   132/92 (head); 37/26 (chest); 47/33 (belly); 28/28 (legs)

Both weapons have a similar baseline rate of damage, with M4A4 slightly worse in almost every parameter. The only thing that is the same is the headshot power potential when hitting the helmet.

Result: 0:1

Shot volume

1. M4A4

Standard shot volume

1. M4A1-S

Lowered shot volume

One major distinction between the two weapons is their shot volume during fire. Thanks to the suppressor, the M4A1-S is much quieter than the M4A4, which could be beneficial in several ways. The obvious advantage is, of course, that you can kill an enemy without revealing your position. However, it also provides better clarity during chaotic situations, allowing you to hear your surroundings and be ready for sudden opponents.

Result: 0:1

Magazine capacity

1. M4A4

   1. Mag capacity: 30
   2. Total ammo: 90

2. M4A1-S

   1. Mag capacity: 20
   2. Total ammo: 80

The M4A4 boasts a larger magazine capacity, allowing for more shots before reloading, whereas the M4A1-S has a smaller magazine size but offers a quieter firing sound due to its suppressor. Still, the M4A4's larger magazine capacity provides a tactical advantage in prolonged engagements.

Result: 1:0

Range

1. M4A4
   30 meters
2. M4A1-S
   30 meters

Short and medium range

When comparing M4A1-S with M4A4’s, the latter has a greater rate of fire, which will be advantageous in tight spots when facing enemies closely. It is an efficient option for those who prefer contact combat in closed spaces, buildings, etc.

Long range

M4A1-S has a balanced recoil control with a slightly more up-to-date muzzle design — you can cover longer ranges if you make sure to unsilence the weapon beforehand. The longer-range capacity gives M4A1 a point here.

Result: 1:1

Cost

1. M4A4
   $3,100
2. M4A1-S
   $2,900

M4A4 pays for itself in 11 kills in the competition mode ($300 for 1), and the M4A1 in 10 kills. While the cost difference is minimal, budget-conscious players may prefer the M4A1-S for its lower price tag.

Result: 0:1

Comparison Table: M4A4 vs M4A1

Here’s a table to summarize the compared characteristics:

Which Gun is Cooler?

Each model has its pros and cons, but does it really matter in practice? The fact is that both rifles have more or less similar parameters, compensating for their weaknesses by increasing accuracy, rate of fire, damage rating, etc.

Picking the weapon for competitive play is a very personal decision. But if you still need your know-how to pick the best-fitting rifle option for Counter-Terrorists, here is a sum up:

M4A4 3:5 M4A1-S

As you can see, M4A1 outplays plain old M4A4 across most aspects, with only a couple of ties. That is mostly due to M4A1 being an all-around modern, more advanced alternative. However, it’s always important to consider your individual goals, preferences, and expectations.

Through analysis and in-game experience, players have determined some of the best CS2 weapons for competitive play.

M4A1

Tactical features of the rifle:

1. moderate rate of fire;
2. high bullet flight accuracy;
3. average recoil, which is partially compensated when shooting from a crouch;
4. almost completely silent shots;
5. in the CS2 M4A4 vs M4A1 comparison, the latter has more severe damage.

Select the M4A1 with a sound suppressor if you prefer tactics and team support. This rifle has better accuracy, a quieter sound, a lower rate of fire (which allows for more accurate target hit), and slightly more damage. It is especially effective for shots at the enemy's head not protected by a helmet.

M4A4

Tactical features of the weapon include:

1. excellent accuracy at close ranges;
2. partial compensation for recoil in the crouching position;
3. moderate damage from shots to all parts of the body;
4. a short barrel that reduces the player's visibility when shooting from cover.

If speed and firepower are essential, then the M4A4 is your choice. This rifle has a better rate of fire and a magazine with a greater capacity. On top of that, it is more effective when you need to inflict maximum DPS on the enemy at close range or suppress a sniper position.

Keep in mind that buying just any arm in the hope that you can effectively use a new weapon in stressful situations is too risky. You can use this CS2 M4A1 vs M4A4 comparison to choose the right equipment, but you still need to train with it for maximum efficiency.