The following is a guide to the real weapons that the Sniper Ghost Warrior Contracts game weapons are based on. Thanks to: http://www.imfdb.org/wiki/Sniper:_Ghost_Warrior_Contracts for their excellent work in confirming all these weapons. Frankly, I would love that someone would do a mod that corrects all the names and maybe even corrects all the magazine capacities to reflect reality. But, I haven't seen a single mod for this game which tells me that perhaps it cannot be modded. Too bad.

This is not a play guide, so if you’re looking for that, move right along, nothing to see here. Also, no guarantee I don’t have some errors in here.

I served in the military and have experience with a limited number of these weapons and some of the cartridges that are listed here. The reality is a lot of these weapons are very new or exotic or both, so honestly, most of these I had never even heard of before I started researching this guide.

Background on Cartridges: Generally the heavier the bullet, the less it is affected by wind, and the higher the velocity the flatter the ballistic arc of the bullet. Both of these translated to higher damage to the target (heavier, faster = more damage). Though the game lists about three or four cartridges (confusingly!) for the game rifles, it actually divides them into two categories: “Sniper Rifle Bullet” and “Heavy Sniper Rifle Bullet,” and completely unrealistically makes all the rounds within those categories interchangeable.

Scope background: Scopes come in a variety of magnifications (some variable) and sizes. If you see a scope described as a 6x 30, that means it has a 6 power magnification and a 30mm objective lens. The objective lens is the end of the scope towards your target and the larger that is the more light it can gather. A 4-8x 45 means it is a 4 power variable to 8 power scope with a 45mm objective lens. What it also means that when you’re at 4 power, you’re getting more light into the scope, in fact, twice as much, as you do when you’re at 8 power. The reticle is the crosshair pattern that you see when you look through the scope.

Image 01 from left to right:
1. 7.62mm x 51 NATO
2. .300 Winchester Magnum
3. .338 Lapua Magnum

Image 02 from left to right:
1. 7.62mm x 54R (RU)
2. 7.62mm x 51 NATO
3. 7.62mm x 39 (RU)
4. 5.56mm x 45 NATO
5. 5.45mm x 39 (RU)

7.62mm x 51 NATO (pictured image 01 #1 and image 02 #2)
Originally called the T65E5, this cartridge was adopted as NATO’s standard cartridge in 1954. This round was used by battle rifles such as the FN FAL, and the M14, and joined together in metal disintegrating link belts for medium machine guns such as the German MG3, the FN MAG, and the M60. For these weapons the cartridge consisted of a 147 grain bullet traveling approximately 2,800 fps (850 m/s), and is designated as the M80 FMJ (full metal jacket). For sniper use the primary round (though there are more) was a 175 grain BTHP (boat tailed hollow point) going 2,600 fps (790 m/s) and designated as the M118 Special Ball. Note that this wasn’t an expanding hollow point but a tiny hollow point that improved the ballistic coefficient of the bullet.
In the game this is categorized as a “sniper rifle bullet.”

7.62mm x 54R (Russian) (pictured image 02 #1)
Developed and introduced by the Russian Empire as their service cartridge originally for their Mosin Nagant rifle, this cartridge began service in 1891 and continues to the present day. It remains one of the few standard issue rimmed cartridges still in military use and has had one of the longest service lives of any military issued cartridge, ever! This cartridge fired a 148 grain spitzer bullet at about 2838 fps, nearly identical in weight and velocity of the 7.62mm x 51 round. Note: The R is for Rimmed.
In the game this is a generic “sniper rifle bullet.”

.300 Win Mag (Winchester Magnum) (7.62mm x 67) (pictured image 01 #2)
Introduced by Winchester in 1963 and was originally designed as a hunting cartridge for big game such as Moose and Elk. This cartridge has been adopted by many western military units and law enforcement departments for long range sniping. There are a variety of ammunition manufactures that produce this popular ammunition such as 165 grain GMX traveling at 3,300 fps (1,000 m/s), and the 220 grain Sierra Match King (BTHP) reaching 2,875 fps (876 m/s).
In the game this is a “sniper rifle bullet.”

.338 Lapua Magnum (8.6mm x 70) (pictured image 01 #3)
This powerful Finnish cartridge was developed by Nammo Lapua Oy in the 1980’s as a high-powered, long range cartridge specifically for military snipers. It was a joint venture by Finnish rifle manufacturer SAKO and British rifle manufacturer Accuracy International. This cartridge fills the (rather large!) gap between the 7.62mm x 51 NATO sniper round and the .50 cal BMG sniper round. There are numerous types for this round ranging from 200 grain bullets going 3,360 fps (1,023 m/s) to 300 grain bullets traveling at 2,780 fps (847 m/s).
In the game this is a “heavy sniper rifle bullet.”


Picture 03 left
1. .338 Lapua Magnum
2. .50 BMG



.50 BMG (USA) (12.7mm x 99) (pictured left #2)
This monster round was developed as an anti-aircraft cartridge at the end of WWI and is one of the longest serving cartridges in history. Primarily designed as a heavy machine gun round, it was eventually developed into an anti-material sniper round. Rounds for this weapon include 647 grain Speer bullets traveling at 3,044 fps (928 mps) to 800 grain Barnes bullets moving at 2,895 fps (882 m/s). As you can see this round is at least twice as heavy as the .338 Lapua and over four times as heavy as the 7.62mm x 51.
In the game this is a “heavy sniper rifle bullet” but in reality it should be in a class entirely by itself.

Picture 04 left
Left 5.8mm x 42 PRC
Right 7.62mm x 39 Russian

5.8mm x 42 (DBP87) (People's Republic of China)
This Chinese rimless military cartridge is similar in size and likely in performance to the 5.56mm x 45 NATO, and the Russian 5.45mm x 39. Of course the PRC claims that this round performs better than the NATO round (doubtful) and the Russian round (possible). China probably just doesn't want to use Russian designed military hardware like they have for the last 70+ years. It is likely there is very little performance difference between these three competing rounds. This 64 grain round has a muzzle velocity of 3,100 fps (930 m/s).
In the game This round is only fired by the QBU-88 and this weapon is only available on the PS3.


Picture 05 Left
From left to right:
1. Sts-130PT sniper round
2. STs-130PT2 sniper round with solid bronze bullet
3. STs-130VPS high penetration / armor piercing

12.7mm x 55 subsonic (Russia)
This is a unique rimless subsonic cartridge used in only a few Russian firearms such as the VKS Sniper Rifle and the ShAK-12 battle rifle, and even the RSh-12 revolver. There are a variety of cartridges available in this size to include 911 grain bullets traveling at 970 fps (295 m/s) (#1 above) and 1,173 grain bullets traveling and similar velocities (#3 above).
In the game this round is fired by the VSSK Vykhlop sniper rifle.

SNIPER Ghost Warrior Contracts categorizes all of its sniper rounds into two, and only two, categories (sniper rifle bullet and heavy sniper rifle bullet), and I believe this reflects the damage they inflict on the game battlefield. It's little too simplistic for my taste.


I categorized these rounds by damage inflicted with a rating of 1 though 10, 10 being the most damage inflicted. I based the damage number on the foot pounds of energy delivered to the target by each of these rounds, understanding that there are multiple cartridges for each of these calibers with their own manufactured variations of bullet weight and muzzle velocity. This foot pounds of energy diminishes with distance and is certainly not the best determinate for damage but it does show the actual energy differences between the types of rounds and would be more realistic than the what the game models. So, here is my table:


As you can see, the .50 BMG should be in a class entirely by itself.

HUB-93 is based on:
QBU-88 (aka Type 88) chambered in a proprietary 5.8mm x 42mm cartridges (which is similar in size and ballistics to the Russian 5.45mm x 39 AK-74 cartridge or the 5.56mm x 45 NATO cartridge.) (PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA)
This semi-automatic bullpup designated marksman rifle was developed by Norinco for the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and claims to be effective from 500 to 1000 meters though that is unlikely as it fires such a light round that wind too easily effects its accuracy. It uses a 10 round detachable box magazine and a variable 3-9x 40 (for military) or a 6-24x 44 (for police) telescopic sight. A designated marksman rifle is meant to be used by a regular infantry soldier and not a sniper. The 64 grain DBP87/95 round travels at around 3,100 fps (930 m/s), and the 77 grain DBP88 FMJ round travels at 2,900 fps (870 m/s). China claims their 5.8mm x 42 cartridge is superior to both the NATO 5.56mm x 45 and the Russian 5.45mm x 39 round, which must be true because the Chinese government never lies. Norinco does make an export version chambered in 5.56mm x45 NATO.
In the game this is treated as a sniper rifle bullet and in reality it should produce the least amount of damage in the game and at least be in its own separate category for damage. This weapon is also only available if you’re playing the game on the PS4 platform.

Tactical XCR 700 is based on:
Remington 700 action mounted on a MDT ACC Chassis System chambered in 7.62mm x 51 (USA)
This weapon mounts the bolt-action Remington 700 rifle onto the MDT ACC Chassis System. The Remington 700 rifle is battlefield proven system known for its exceptional accuracy and is the basis for the US Army’s M24 Sniper Weapon System and the US Marine Corps’ M40A1 Sniper rifle. This system uses 5, 10, and 12 round detachable box magazines.
In the game rifle is categorized as using a “sniper rifle bullet.” This weapon also has a pretty significant scope wobble which should have nothing to do with the weapon and everything to do with your shooting position.
I've fired the US Army M24, which is basically the Remington 700 action. Even firing 20 rounds at the range will give you a bruise on your shoulder the next day and soreness that you will keep for a week. Wait till you're shooting 50 to a 100 rounds a day over a week. That's what Ibuprofen is for.

Madison EMS 25 is based on:
Knight’s Armament SR-25 (Stoner Rifle-25) chambered in 7.62mm x 51 NATO (USA)
This semi-automatic rifle has been employed as a designated marksman rifle and a sniper rifle and was designed by Eugene Stoner and manufactured by Knight’s Armament Company. It is similar in design to the M16 series of rifles only chambered for the larger cartridge and has been in service in the US Military since 1990. A separate though similar and improved design by the same company is the M110, also employed by the US Military. The SR-25 comes with 10 and 20 round detachable box magazines.
In the game this weapon uses the “sniper rifle bullet.”
I've fired the M110 and consider it a great semi-auto sniper system that gives you the ability to engage multiple targets accurately and quickly. I really liked it.

SV-Amur is based on:
Chukavin SVCh chambered in 7.62mm x 51 NATO (RUSSIA)
This Russian Kalishnikov developed semi automatic weapon was designed to replace the aging SVD Dragunov sniper rifle and comes in versions chambered in 7.62mm x 54R and .338 Lapua Magnum. It features a Picatinny rail for mounting optics and it is fed by detachable 10, 15 or 20 round magazine.
In the game this weapon does not appear unless you’re on a PC platform/and you buy it specifically in a DLC. It uses the “sniper rifle bullet.”

OFB SVDM is based on:
SVD Dragunov chambered in 7.62mm x 54R (RUSSIA)
The SVD ( Snáyperskaya Vintóvka sistém’y Dragunóva obraz’tsá 1963 goda - “Sniper Rifle, System of Dragunov, Model of the Year 1963”) is a semi-automatic rifle used as a designated marksman rifle. This weapon used wood furniture that has been pretty much discarded by modern sniper systems as the wood can swell in humid environments and have a negative affect on accuracy. Dragunov does produce a black plastic furniture version called the SVDM (pictured below) but the weapon depicted in game obviously still has a wooden stock. China produced
an unlicensed copy from weapons captured during the Sino-Vietnamese war and designated them the Type 79 and Type 85. The Iranians even made a version from the Chinese copy. The SVD typically uses the PSO-1 telescopic sight which is 4x 24. It fires from a detachable 10 round box magazine.
In the game this fires the generic “sniper rifle bullet”
I've fired the older SVD and the Chinese version and though accurate, it is not in the same accuracy category of western 7.62mm x 51 NATO sniper systems.

HJ 7.62 is based on:
JS 7.62 chambered in 7.62mm x 54R (PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA)
This Chinese rifle is bolt-action and was designed by Jianshe Industries for the PLA, and Chinese government Police and Security Forces. It comes with either a 3-9x 40 or a 6-24x 44 scope but the Picatinny rail allows the mounting of any scope. Supposedly the JS 7.62 is more accurate than the QBU-88 which is believable as it fires a better cartridge. The weapon uses a 5 round detachable box magazine.
In the game this weapon is only available if you play the game on the Xbox platform. It uses the “sniper rifle bullet.”

Blower R93 is based on:
Blaser R93 Tactical LRS2 chambered in .300 Winchester Magnum (GERMANY)
Manufactured by Blaser Jagdwaffen GmbH and based on their Blaser R93 hunting rifle. This straight pull bolt-action weapon was produced from 1993 to 2017 and was ultimately replaced by the Blaser R8. The R93 Tactical was also produced in .223 Remington (5.56mm x 45), .308 Winchester (7.62mm x 51 NATO), and .338 Lapua Magnum. It is used by German and Dutch police forces, Australian military and police, and the Russian Federal Protective Services and the FSB (read new KGB). It uses a detachable box single stack 4 round magazine.
In the game this weapon uses the “sniper rifle bullet” category.

S00-KSV 2020 in .300 Win Mag is based on:
VSSK Vykhlop chambered in a proprietary 12.7mm x 55 subsonic cartridge (RUSSIA)
This bullpup straight pull bolt-action rifle was designed by the Russian Central Design Bureau of Sporting and Hunting weapons in 2002. It features an integral suppressor and uses a proprietary 12.7mm x 55 subsonic round travels at 300 m/s. It claims an effective range of 600 meters and is in use by the Federal Security Service of Russia. I have my doubts but that's a big bullet so maybe...
In the game this weapon is listed as firing the .300 Win Mag round (a generic “sniper rifle bullet”) when in fact it uses a very unique .50 caliber round designed just for this rifle. Because it is subsonic it should not remotely have the range nor ballistics of any of the supersonic rifle cartridges, though this round should have significant damage due to the size of the bullet--probably similar to the NATO 7.62mm x 51 or the Russian 7.62mm x 54R.

Reese ESR 2020 is based on:
Remington MSR (Modular Sniper Rifle) chambered in .338 Lapua Magnum (USA)
This bolt-action sniper rifle, introduced in 2009, was produced by Remington Arms for the United States Army. It was called the Mk 21 Precision Sniper Rifle but then reevaluated that it did not conform to SOCOM requirements in 2018 and the program switched to the Barrett MRAD in 2019 as the Mk 22 Advanced Sniper Rifle. The MSR has quick change barrels and can be switched to .300 Winchester Magnum, and 7.62mm x 51 NATO making it a very versatile system. Advanced Armament Corporation (AAC) produced the muzzle break and suppressors that come with this system. It comes with 5 or 10 round magazines.
In the game this uses the “heavy sniper rifle bullet” category. Though not used by the United States Military, it is employed by the government or military in Algeria, Brazil, Columbia, France, Israel, Italy, Mexico, and Turkey.

Sturm-Precision is based on:
Ruger Precision Rifle chambered in .338 Lapua Magnum (USA)
This bolt-action rifle came out in 2015 and is produced by Sturm, Ruger & Co. This rifle is also produced in versions for numerous cartridges including the 7.62mm x 51, .300 Winchester Magnum, and 5.56mm x 45 NATO, among others. It is fed by a 10 round detachable box magazine.
In the game this uses the “heavy sniper rifle bullet.” As far as I know this weapon is not used by any government or military anywhere, making it a very obscure weapon to be included in the game.

SORIS T50 is based on:
ORSIS T-5000 chambered in .338 Lapua Magnum (RUSSIA)
This Russian bolt-action sniper rifle is produced by ORSIS in their Moscow Factory and was introduced in 2011 and has been in service since 2018. It is also produced in 7.62mm x 51 NATO and .300 Win Mag, and apparently, is not produced for the Russian 7.62mm x 54R. It has a picatinny rail for scope mounts and uses a 5 round detachable box magazine.
In the game this uses the “heavy sniper rifle bullet.” I could not find information that the 10 round and 15 round extended magazines are actually available. The weapon is in use in China and Russia, Egypt, Iraq, and a few former Warsaw Pact countries.

Model RON B82 is based on:
Barrett M107A1 chambered for the .50 BMG cartridge (USA)
Manufactured by Barrett Firearms Manufacturing Company, this .50 caliber semi-automatic rifle is employed by the US Military primarily as an anti-material weapon though it has certainly been employed in the anti-personnel role. It features a picatinny rails system allowing the mounting of any scope. It also comes with a bipod and a monopod to improve stability. It weighs a significant 28.7 lbs (13 kg) and has a detachable box magazine capacity of 10 rounds.
In the game this uses the “heavy sniper rifle bullet” though realistically its damage should be in a category by itself. It also can be suppressed but the game does not offer that option.
This weapon is one of the most popular .50 caliber sniper systems in the entire world.

B95 Chris is based on:
Barrett M95 chambered for the .50 BMG cartridge (USA)
Manufactured by Barrett Firearms Manufacturing Company, this .50 caliber bullpup bolt-action rifle is employed by the US military similarly as the M107A1 above, though its bolt-action insures higher accuracy but makes for slower follow-on shots. It weighs 23.5 lbs (10.7 kg) which is significantly lighter than its semi-automatic brother, and uses a 5 round detachable box magazine.
In the game, like its related M107A1, it is treated as a “heavy sniper rifle bullet” that, like the M107A1, should be in a category all by itself. This weapon is not as popular as its semi-automatic brother (above) but it is still in use in numerous NATO countries and places such as the Philippines, Serbia, Spain, Thailand, India, Georgia, and Austria.

From left to right:
1. 7.62mm x 51 NATO
2. 7.62mm x 39 (RU)
3. 5.56mm x 45 NATO
4. 5.45mm x 39 (RU)

Note: All these rifle cartridges are categorized as “rifle bullets” and are inexplicably interchangeable with every other secondary weapon cartridge, save for the 12 gauge shotguns. In fact, the shotgun round is the only realistic cartridge in the game as it can only be loaded and fired from shotguns.

5.45mm x 39 (RUSSIA) (pictured top left #4 above)
This Soviet cartridge was introduced in 1974 and was used in the redesigned and improved AK-74 rifle and for the most part, replaced the 7.62mm x 39 round. The designers were following the trend of developing a lighter, faster bullet similar to the NATO 5.56mm x 45 round that would allow their troops to carry more ammunition for the same weight. Though there are many rounds in this caliber, the primary round consisted of a 53 grain bullet traveling at 2,900 fps (880 m/s).
In the game this fired only by the MKA-12.

5.56mm x 45 NATO (pictured top left #3 above)
Developed in the late 1970’s by Belgium’s FN Herstal it became the NATO standard cartridge in 1980. Though not entirely identical, the 5.56mm was derived from, and is for the most part interchangeable with, the .223 Remington cartridge of the early 1960’s. This is the round fired by the M16 and M4 series of weapons in the US Military and by every NATO country. The original M193 round consisted of a 55 grain bullet with a muzzle velocity of approximately 3,260 fps (993 m/s). The more modern “Green Tip” round consists of a 62 grain bullet at approximately 3,150 fps (961 m/s).
In the game this is fired only by the Hunt AR65.

7.62mm x 39 (RUSSIA) (pictured top left #2 above)
Designed in the years after WWII, this round remained the Soviet standard until the 1970’s. It is one of the most prolific cartridges in the world as it is fired from the AK-47 and AKM series of weapons. The round (Soviet M43) consists of a 123 grain boat tail bullet traveling at approximately 2,421 fps (738 m/s). In spite of its age and being superseded by the Russian 5.45mm x 39 bullet, it is still in production.
In the game this is fired only by the AKA-47.

7.62mm x 51 NATO (pictured top left #1 above)
Originally called the T65E5, this cartridge was adopted as NATO’s standard cartridge in 1954. This round was used by battle rifles such as the FN FAL, and the M14, and joined together in metal disintegrating link belts for medium machine guns such as the German MG3, the FN MAG, and the M60. For these weapons the cartridge consisted of a 147 grain bullet traveling approximately 2,800 fps (850 m/s), and is designated as the M80 FMJ (full metal jacket). Match versions of this same round are used for sniper rounds in many popular and battle tested sniper rifles.
In the game this is fired only by the AMA ACE-7.

12 Gauge Shotgun (pictured top right above)
This round is the most popular shot shell cartridge in the world and has both civilian and military applications. For most military use the cartridges consist of 00 Buck (“double aught” buck) and slug. 00 Buck consist of between 8 and 15 .33 caliber pellets shot in an expanding pattern. Up close this round is devastating but distance to target can reduce the number of pellets that hit the target as the shot group size increases. Slug rounds can be equally damaging as they consist of a 1 oz slug (437 grains) traveling about 1600 fps (487 m/s).
In the game this is fired by the Kell-T pump shotgun and the Giovanni M4 semi-automatic shotgun.

The game doesn't seem to differentiate between the different ammunition used by these rifles. In fact, picking up ammo seems to reload any of these weapons, no matter the actual completely different rounds these rifles fired. Oh well. As for shotguns, the game gives you two types of ammunition: 00 Buck, and Slug.

This is my interpretation of the damage that should have been assigned to these rifles based on the actual cartridges they fired. This is comparable to the previous table I created with a damage of 1-10, with 10 being the highest. You'll notice that some of these secondary weapon rifles and some of the sniper rifles chamber the exact same round.


Shotgun is an entirely different matter, especially when dealing with shot loads. The closer your target, the more likely you'll put the entire shot pattern into the target and inflict the most damage. The further you are away, the more your shot pattern expands and potentially the fewer shot pellets will hit your target. Pellets also lose velocity pretty quickly, having only half their energy at 40 meters that they had at 10 meters. For the table below we'll assume that 00 Buckshot has nine .32 or .33 caliber pellets. DPP is Damage per pellet at that particular distance. Note that while it's possible to put the entire pattern into a 10 meter target, it is less likely at 40 meters and longer because of the spread of the pattern.


For shotgun slugs it's a bit easier to estimate damage comparable to the rest of the rifles in the game:


Many shotguns will take 3 inch shells but the game does not include them, besides the fact that you usually can carry one less round in your magazine if you're loaded with 3 inch shells. No matter. I just wanted an extra line in my table.

Kell-T is based on:
Kel-Tec KSG chambered for the 12 gauge shotgun cartridge (USA)
Designed by Kel-Tec, this bullpup pump-action shotgun uses two internal tube magazines which the user much switch between manually. Each tube holds seven rounds giving it a total capacity of 14+1 (1 in the chamber). It also has a picatinny rail for mounting optics. This shotgun was introduced in 2011 and is in service in South Korea, France, and the UK.
In the game this weapon can shoot 00 Buck or slug and you switch between either round just as you switch specialty rounds for your sniper rifle.

AKA-47 is based on:
AKM rifle chambered for the 7.62mm x 39 cartridge (RUSSIA) (photo from the Swedish Army Museum, Stockholm)
The AKM ( Avtomát Kalášnikova Modernizírovannyj or Kalashnikov’s Automatic Rifle Modernized) was designed by Mikhail Kalashnikov in 1959 as an improved version of his semi-automatic select fire iconic AK-47 rifle from the late 1940’s. Though not the most ergonomic of rifles (awkward magazine change and difficult selector switch) it is perhaps the most reliable of all the 20th Century rifles. It has been in service continually since 1959 though in Russia it has been replaced by the AK-74 and then the AK-12 rifle. It typically uses 30 round detachable box magazines though there are also 10 and 20 round magazines and it can take the 40 round box and 75 round drum magazines from the RPK light machine gun. It has a cyclic rate of 600 rpm (rounds per minute) and fires a 123 grain bullet at approximately 2,346 fps (715 m/s). It is likely the most prolific assault rifle in the world with over 10 million produced.
In the game the 30 round magazine is accurate but the 45 round extended magazine does not exist. It is also select fire but only fires full auto.

Hunt AR65 is based on:
Remington R5 RGP (Remington Gas Piston) chambered for the 5.56mm x 45 NATO cartridge (USA)
Designed and manufactured by Remington Arms from 2010 to 2016, it is one of many versions of the ubiquitous semi-automatic select fire M4 Carbine that uses a gas piston operating system to improve the reliability of the original gas operated direct impingement system of the original M16 design. Cyclic rate of fire is likely similar to the standard military M4 Carbine of 700-950 rpm. It comes in two barrel lengths: 10.5 inches and 14.5 inches and can accept all STANAG standard magazines for the 5.56mm x 45 round. Typical magazine capacity is 30 rounds though there are also 5, 10, 40, 50 round box magazines, 60 and 100 round casket magazines, and 90 round snail drum and 100 round drum magazines. Of course all the heavier magazines or drums reduce any M4 type rifle’s handling speed.
Sadly, Remington Arms Company, LLC, though founded in 1816, went out of business in 2020 and assets were divided up and sold to a number of buyers.
In the game this is the only weapon to fire the popular 5.56mm x 45 NATO cartridge and the magazine capacities offered in the game bear no resemblance to reality. The real weapon is select fire but apparently this one is stuck on full auto.

Giovanni M4 is based on:
Benelli M4 Super 90 chambered for the 12 gauge shotgun cartridge (ITALY)
Designed by Benelli Armi SpA, this gas operated semi-automatic shotgun has been in service since 1999 with numerous militaries and civilian agencies. This shotgun can also use low powered less than lethal or specialty rounds but must be cycled manually. It also has a picatinny rail for mounting optics. The military version holds 7+1 in an internal tubular magazine while the civilian version holds 5+1. Like all shotguns, when firing shot, its maximum effective range is around 50 yards while with slugs, its maximum effective range is about 150 yards.
In the game this weapon can shoot 00 Buck or slug and you switch between either round just as you switch specialty rounds for your sniper rifle. The game also correctly lets you fire this semi-auto quicker than a pump shotgun.

AMA ACE-7 is based on:
Galil ACE 52 chambered for the 7.62mm x 51 NATO cartridge (ISRAEL)
Produced by Israel Weapon Industries (IWI) the ACE series of semi-automatic select fire rifles comes in versions chambered for the 5.56mm x 45 NATO (ACE 21 & 23), and 7.62mm x 39 (ACE 31 & 32). The ACE series is based on the AK design but is known to have a better trigger and greater accuracy. The ACE 52 uses a 25 round detachable box magazine and fires at a cyclic rate of 620-680 rpm. ACE rifles are found in service around the globe.
In the game this select fire weapon can only fire on full-auto and it realistically, should be much more difficult to keep on target during that full-automatic fire. The 25 round magazine in the game is accurate but I haven’t found information on any extended round magazine offered for this weapon.

MKA-12 is based on:
AK-12 chambered for the 5.45mm x 39 cartridge (RUSSIA)
Manufactured by Kalashnikov, this semi-automatic select fire rifle has been in service with the Russian military since 2018. The folding stock version is called the AK-12K. It is also produced in 7.62mm x 39 (AK-15, AK-15K), 5.56mm x 45 NATO (AK-19), and 7.62mm x 51 NATO (AK-308). It features a picatinny rail for mounting optics and accessories. It has a cyclic rate of 600-650 rpm and fires a 53 grain bullet at around 2,900 fps (880 m/s). It takes a standard 30 round detachable box magazine and can take the 45 round magazines for the RPK-74, and even 60 round casket magazines and 95 round drum magazines.
In the game the weapon is missing the distinctive AK-74 style muzzle brake. The 20 round standard magazine offered for this weapon is incorrect and short by 10 rounds as the 30 round extended magazine is actually the standard magazine. It should be select fire but it only shoots full auto in the game.

Left to Right
1. .44 Magnum
2. .45 ACP
3. 9mm Parabellum






The game uses three types of pistol cartridges: 9mm Parabellum, .45 ACP, and .44 Magnum. It also categorizes ammunition into three groups: “Pistol Bullets,” “Heavy Pistol Bullets,” and Pistol Bullets Light.” You would think this would be the closest in getting it right but they actually went in in the completely opposite direction and get it entirely wrong. Depending on the pistol, the 9mm Parabellum can be any one of the three categories—and the .45 ACP round, pretty much accepted to be harder hitting the 9mm Parabellum, is considered a “Pistol Round Light.” This confusing inconsistency is made worse by almost every semi-automatic pistol magazine capacity not matching up with its real world magazine capacity.

.44 Magnum (.44 Remington Magnum, 10.9mm x 33 Rimmed) pictured #1 above
Developed from the .44 Special handgun cartridge by Elmer Keith and Smith & Wesson in 1954, this cartridge remains one of the most powerful pistol cartridges on the market today. There are a number of lever action carbine rifles available and chambered for this popular cartridge that is powerful enough to take down Elk. Generally meant for revolvers, there are a few specialty semi-autos that have been able to cycle this cartridge. Cartridges in this caliber range from the 240 grain Remington SJHP (Semi-Jacketed Hollow Point) traveling at 1,180 fps (360 m/s) to 340 grain +P+ rounds producing 1,425 fps (434 m/s) (fired from a 7.5 inch barrel).

.45 ACP (Automatic Colt Pistol) (.45 Auto; 11.43mm x 23) pictured #2 above
This rimless cartridge was designed by John M. Browning in 1904 for his prototype Colt semi-automatic pistol that ultimately became the iconic M1911 pistol. The standard round for this pistol was a 230 grain bullet that traveled at about 830 fps (250 m/s) when fired from a 1911. This cartridge was famous during both WWI and WWII for it's stopping power compared with the faster, though smaller 9mm Parabellum cartridge and was also fired from the popular M1A1 Thompson submachine guns and the M3 "Grease Gun" SMG. A side benefit of this cartridge was that it was subsonic making it a good fit for suppressed weapons. This cartridge has remained extremely popular since its inception and has produced many loyal users (myself included).

9mm Parabellum (9mm x 19; 9mm Luger) pictured #3 above
Designed by Austrian Georg Luger--the designer of the iconic Luger pistol--in 1901, this cartridge is the most popular handgun and SMG cartridge in the world. It is the standard cartridge for NATO. One of the more popular loadings for this cartridge uses a 124 grain bullet that travels at about 1,150 fps (350 m/s). The standard 9mm cartridges are most often supersonic, making them more difficult to suppress, so some suppressed firearms actually drill holes in the barrel (STEN Mk IIS, H&K MP-5SD) to vent some of the expanding gas so the projectile will not reach supersonic speed, while other ammunition manufacturers offer cartridges with a heavier bullet that does not reach supersonic velocities.

The game also does not take into account the many different types of pistol ammo from regular ball (Full Metal Jacket) to a variety of expanding hollow-points. Of course, hollow-points are not so effective against body armor. Anyway...

These are the sidearm cartridges and how the game divides them up into damage categories.


These are my estimates of what the damage the game should have assigned for each cartridge comparable and compatible with my previous damage estimate tables.

IMP-443 is based on:
MP-443 Grach chambered in 9mm Parabellum (RUSSIA)
This Russian semi-automatic pistol has been in production since 2003 and is in service in Russia and Armenia. It fires from a 17 round detachable box magazine (18 since 2004) and is chambered for the standard 9mm Parabellum round at about 1,470 fps (450 m/s). It is unusual as it uses many western design points to include a double stacked high capacity magazine, and is even chambered for the standard NATO 9mm round instead of the Russian 9mm Makarov. Supposedly there have only been a few thousand of these pistols manufactured, if so, it would be rare and prized by its owners.
In the game this pistol shoots the “Pistol Bullet.” The 8 round normal magazine and the 14 round extended magazines are far short of the actual magazine capacities for this weapon.

Spring 686 is based on:
Smith & Wesson Model 686 chambered for the .357 Magnum (USA)
This US Pistol was designed in 1980 and has been in production since 1981. It comes in various barrel lengths to include 2.5 inches, 3 inch, 4 inch, and 6 inch. It uses a 6-shot cylinder though 7 shot cylinders are available.
The game description of this revolver declares it is .44 Magnum though the 686 revolver is only produced in .357 Magnum. Whether .357 Mag or .44 Mag, this revolver rightly shoots the “Heavy Pistol Bullet.”

Fort P99 is based on:
Walther P99 chambered in 9mm Parabellum (GERMANY)
Manufactured by Walther this polymer-framed semi-automatic has been in production since 1997. It is also manufactured for .40 S&W cartridge and the .38 Super round. Though 10 round detachable box magazines are available the primary magazine for the compact version holds 15 rounds while the regular version holds 17 rounds. 20 round extended magazines are also available. This weapon comes in different trigger version also: double action only (DAO), double-action/single-action (AS for anti stress), and QA for quick action with a Glock style trigger.
In the game this pistol shoots the “Pistol Bullet.” Neither the 10 round normal mag in the game or the 14 round extended magazine make any sense as they are far short of the actual magazine capacities.

Falcon IRM is based on:
Desert Eagle Mk XIX chambered in .44 Magnum (ISRAEL)
This powerful pistol was introduced in 1995 and is also comes in versions chambered for .357 Magnum and .50 AE (Action Express). There are numerous .44 Magnum cartridges manufactured for this pistol with bull weights ranging from 240-340 grains and corresponding muzzle velocities from 1,180 fps (360 m/s) to 1,425 fps (434 m/s). This pistol uses a detachable, single stacked 8 round magazine.
In the game this shoots the “Heavy Pistol Bullet.” Remarkably, the basic magazine for this weapon matches the actual magazine capacity. As for the extended magazine that holds 12, I could find no information to confirm that such a magazine is available.

Guss M9 is based on:
Beretta M9 chambered in 9mm Parabellum (ITALY)
Adopted by the US Military in 1985 this high capacity 9mm has served well since its introduction in spite of replacing the venerated M1911A1. It is not necessarily popular among US Special Ops units who have replaced it with a variety of weapons to include the M11, Mk 23 (below) and a variety of modernized M1911 pistols. It has a standard 15 round detachable box magazine and also can use 20, 30, 32, and 35 round extended magazines.
In the game the initial magazine capacity is a ridiculous 6 rounds compared to the 15 it actually holds. It also inexplicably is categorized as a “Heavy Pistol Bullet” but only when fired from this pistol.

Rotweil M23 is based on:
H&K Mk 23 chambered in .45 ACP (GERMANY)
Developed by Heckler and Koch for a US Special Operation Offensive Handgun Weapon System, this weapon has been fielded since 1996. It is a large pistol and is not meant to be concealable and comes with a suppressor and a laser aiming module. It fires a 230 grain bullet at approximately 850 fps (260 m/s) and comes with 12 round magazines though 17, 20, and 24 round extended magazines are also available.
In the game this ammunition is inexplicably categorized as “Pistol Bullet Light.” Once again, none of the magazines offered in the game match what is available in real life. In addition, this pistol (like the .44 Magnums offered in the game) are realistically too big for “Seeker” to carry in real life since he’s already carrying a sniper rifle and a regular rifle. A better option would have been the H&K USP in .45 ACP.

Gaston 21 is based on:
Glock 21 chambered in .45 ACP (AUSTRIA)
Produced by Glock GmbH in Austria starting with the Glock 17 in 9mm in 1982, the standard size Glock 21 in .45 ACP is part of a long line of polymer-framed pistols that were so revolutionary that nearly every major gun manufacture now offers their own polymer-framed, striker fired, safe action trigger pistol. Glock also offers full size, compact, and sub-compact models for nearly every popular pistol cartridge. Glock has also continued to improve that original design and currently they are on their 5th generation. Glock pistols use what they call a ‘safe action’ trigger which offers the trigger weight and length of pull similar to a single action trigger with the resulting greater accuracy. The Glock 21 uses a detachable box magazine holding 13 rounds. Glock pistols are in use in over 48 countries.
The game’s description for this weapon is confusing as it talks about a .9 (?) version and then actually says “Glock 21” later on when describing the magazine. This weapon also fires full-automatic though the only select-fire or full-automatic pistol that Glock produced was the Glock 18 in 9mm Parabellum. The game should have used the 5th Generation version as it has a slot near the rear sight for mounting a reflex sight. This would not require the bulky mounting system depicted in the game, which realistically would make it difficult to find a suitable holster. The game also does not (but should) offer a suppressor for this weapon. The ammunition is categorized as “Pistol Bullet Light.” The standard magazine offered for this magazine is 15 (too high) and I don’t know of an extended magazine for this pistol, though one certainly may exist.

Sturm Military 45 is based on:
Ruger American Duty chambered in .45 ACP (USA)
Introduced in 2015 by Sturm Ruger, this polymer-framed pistol is striker fired similar to the Glock series of pistols. This pistol also comes in versions chambered for the 9mm Parabellum cartridge and comes in compact versions and with or without a manual safety. It has a picatinny rail on the lower frame for mounting accessories. It uses a detachable box magazine that holds 10 rounds.
In the game this weapon is only offered for the game on the Xbox platform. I don’t know how accurate the game magazine capacity matches with the real world or how the cartridge is categorized as I’m not on the Xbox. If you know, let me know.

Sturm Bodyguard 9 is based on:
Ruger Security-9 chambered in 9mm Parabellum (USA)
Designed by Sturm Ruger the polymer-framed Security-9 also comes in a compact version and has a picatinny rail system on the lower slide for mounting accessories. It comes with a 15 round detachable box magazine (compacts have a 10 round magazine).
In the game I’m not sure what category this weapon’s ammunition is because it is a DLC weapon for the PC and I haven’t purchased it. If any of you know, let me know.



P5Q Steel is based on:
Walther PPQ Q5 Match chambered in 9mm Parabellum (GERMANY
This Match quality version of the Walther PPQ was introduced in 2017 and based off the Walther P99. It has a picatinny rail on the lower frame for mounting accessories and has a slot for the rear sight that can be removed for mounting reflex type sights. It also comes with three removable backstraps so you can attach the one most comfortable for your grip. The Q5 comes with 15 round detachable box magazines.
In the game this weapon is offered only for those playing on the PS4. I don’t know how this round is categorized in the game (Pistol Bullet Light?) or how accurate they are in the magazine capacity. If any of you know, let me know.