When using pistols, the player would do best if his/her perk was set to Sharpshooter. Almost everything in the pistol category will be upgraded, including reload rate, damage, recoil, and trader discounts. The game difficulty also plays a large role in pistol wielding. The difference between difficulty and perk level can make a huge difference in gameplay, for better or for worse. Based on expierience, I recommend that beginner sharpshooters, (Levels 0-2) should start out on Beginner mode. Sharpshooters with level 3 can try out on Normal. Level 5 sharpshooters can begin Hard mode, and Level 6 players can attempt Suicidal and Hell on Earth.

Now, obviously, you're not going to stop a Fleshpound with that little peashooter you start off with, so you will need a few trips to the Trader. Now, I recommend that you keep the 9mm as it is; it can be hard to aim with dual weapons. If you do want dual pistols, then I think that it would be a good idea to buy either the Dual 44 Magnums, or Dual Handcannons. There isn't much of a difference between those two, but the Dual Handcannons are slightly stronger. But this still isn't quite enough to fight off a full horde. You may want to take a few big guns with you such as shotguns, assault rifles, or, if you don't want to go off-perk, take a Level Action Rifle, Crossbow, or the Single Piston Longmusket. If you want one of the 3 mentioned above, the one you should take depends on the current wave. On a short game, take the L.A.R or S.P.L on waves 1 and 2, and the Crossbow for waves 3 and 4. On a medium length game, the L.A.R on waves 1-2, the S.P.L on 3-4, and the Crossbow on the last rounds. And on a long game, L.A.R or S.P.L on waves 1-4, and the Crossbow for waves 5+.

It's not always a good idea to use the same weapon on all of the ZED. Some weapons are too weak for bigger enemies, and the strong ones may have too little ammo. So, here is a list of the recommended weapons for certain enemies. The game difficulty is Normal, player level is 4, and there is only 1 player.

Clots: Honestly, this guy is too weak for any weapon, so I would use the 9mm on one, because of its large ammo capacity of 240 bullets, and the small necessity of larger damage. However, it will take 4 shots to take one down, which leaves you vulnerable to other incoming enemies like Husks or Gorefasts, so aiming for the head, causing a 1-hit kill, is definitely the best resort.

Bloats: One critical headshot is enough to take him down, but he's still someting to be feared. His bile can really drag your health, and, more importantly for a pistol user, mess with your accuracy. Keep him away at all times.

Gorefasts: Like the two above, a headshot is enough for him, but it can be hard to hit it when he's swinging it around while he's chasing you. But there's a little trick to getting a clear shot. When he's chasing you, try to shoot him just below the neck. It will cause his head to recoil, thus giving you the perfect shot. However, you have to be quick. It will only last for about a second.

Crawlers: These little buggers are fast, and the head can be a little hard to target, so that's out of the question. 2 shots from the 9mm is enough to get rid of one, but they often times swarm in groups. If there's more than 3 in one place, then I suggest you use the 44 Magnums or Handcannons. One shot will make them fall.

Stalkers: They're hardly any diffrent than Crawlers. Really, their only difference is that the Stalker can take one more bullet than a Crawler, and the head is easier to hit. 44 Magnums or Handcannons are good for large crowds,

Sirens: You don't want these things screaming at you! You definitely want to keep them away. Sirens are the only small enemies that can survive a single headshot with a pistol. You definetly want to use the alternative weapon you chose to take them out.

Husks: The Husk isn't too dangerous when it misses, but they have a homing device installed inside them, allowing them to predict your next move. A Husk's fireball will easily melt your armor, and it will mess with your sight, as well. It's not as blinding as Bile, but it's still something to be aware of. The Husk is one of your top priorities to kill. A headshot with a Magnum, Handcannon, or L.A.R will be enough to overpower him.

Scrakes: They take far more damage from Handcannons than any other pistol. However, it's not a very good idea that you use those, In my opinion, it would be best to use a Crossbow and to score a headshot. Any less will make him angry.

FleshPounds: Forget about pistols. This guy needs a headshot with a crossbow to calm him down. This one is #1 on your "To-Kill" List. Kill on sight. Shoot first and ask questions later.

The Patriarch: A good item set against him would be a 9mm for his childen when they appear, a machete, in case you get cornered or surrounded by Clots, and an M99 for the Patrirch himself. It's a very costy weapon, but it'll keep you alive. And, as always, aim for the head.

-Unlike other sharpshooters, a pistol user has to be on the move, and out on the feld often. You're gonna wanna watch where you're going, so you don't accidently seal your own death.

-Keep moving forward, and occasionally look back to make sure no Crawlers, Stalkers, or Gorefasts are too close to you.

-Reload whenever you get the chance so you don't confidently walk into a horde, unaware that you only have 3 bullets left in your magazine.

-Take advantage of ZED time. Everything moves slower except your aim, use this as an oppurtunity to take down 5 ZED-heads in 2 seconds.

-If there is a Siren nearby, too many clots, or you just feel claustrophobic, don't be afraid to get out your knife and run. A live coward is better than a dead hero, especially in Solo mode.

-One other thing you need: quick reflexes, and a steady aim. Sometimes, you could turn around and see that there was a ZED behind you the whole time while you were walking backwards.

So, as you can see, the pistol can be a very reliable weapon. High ammo reserves, quick firing, and at low prices, too.The pistol can keep you alive through many tough moments throughout the game, but just remember, it can't do all of the work. FleshPounds and their Big Daddy can handle them quite well. Anything else, though, can be plowed through easily with these small and quick little boomsticks. Those little creeps will never know what hit them! So, enjoy your quick killing, everyone!



"Size matters not!" -Master Yoda