One of the numerous issues that plagued Vanguard was the excessive strength of the sidearms. Throughout the year, we witnessed individuals dominating with the RATT, which greatly impacted the game’s overall experience negatively. Fortunately, the developers have addressed this problem and the pistols are now much more appropriately balanced. In comparison to Vanguard, the game as a whole is now better in terms of balance. However, let’s shift our focus back to discussing the topic of pistols.

In Modern Warfare 2, a variety of impressive pistols were introduced upon its release. Now, it’s time to assess and determine the ultimate pistol within the game. So, which pistol reigns supreme in Modern Warfare 2?

The Best Sidearms In Modern Warfare 2

7. GS Magna

Introducing the full-auto Desert Eagle, equipped with a maximum magazine capacity of just 13 rounds. As anticipated, its performance leaves much to be desired due to the uncontrollable recoil it exhibits.

It transforms into an incredibly peculiar akimbo shotgun, which is the only one of its kind to be truly efficient.

Whoever considered a fully automatic Deagle must have had questionable judgment.

6. X12

The X12 is a traditional, entry-level Glock firearm. It lacks any extravagant features; it offers low damage, but excels in terms of mobility and handling. Due to its low damage output, we advise against relying on it to eliminate enemies unless you are absolutely certain of a one-shot kill. Instead, its primary utility lies in providing swift movement speeds at the start of each round.

With a default magazine capacity of 17 rounds, the X12 has a clear advantage in that aspect.

5. .50 GS

The .50 GS is essentially the Desert Eagle, known for its immense firepower capable of eliminating enemies in a single shot when equipped with appropriate attachments. However, it should be noted that the weapon’s speed is relatively slow, necessitating precise aim to be effective. In our perspective, the Deagle demands a higher level of skill compared to other pistols, which is why we consider it to be ranked relatively lower.

If you successfully land all your shots, the .50 GS proves to be incredibly powerful; otherwise, you may find yourself at a significant disadvantage.

4. P890

The P890 pistol is truly impressive. With its speed and ability to eliminate targets in just two hits, many individuals would likely consider it superior, even prompting a debate about whether it should replace the X13 Auto. Personally, I find the X13 to be even more user-friendly, but the P890 remains an excellent alternative when you exhaust your primary weapon’s ammunition.

3. X13 Auto

While the X13 may not deal significant damage, its full-auto feature is a game changer for most players. When running out of ammo, you can rely on it to spray and hope for enough hits to secure a kill. Keep in mind that the X13 is most effective in close combat, but within a few meters, its time-to-kill (TTK) can compete with certain actual SMGs.

2. Basilisk

Typically, a slow revolver wouldn’t be our top choice. However, surprisingly, there exists a damn broken configuration for this pistol that not only makes it effortless to wield but also incredibly potent. Those who recall the Snakeshot revolver from MW2019 will understand what I mean. By equipping Akimbo, you can wield two of these badass weapons simultaneously, with shotgun ammunition. It’s undeniably frustrating for others, but for you, it proves to be highly effective and straightforward.

1. FTAC Siege

This is no mere pistol; it is an SMG that has cleverly infiltrated the pistol category. As a result, it surpasses all other pistols by a significant margin.

The fire-rate of this weapon is astonishing, with recoil that is surprisingly manageable, and it comes equipped with eye-catching 72-round drum magazines.

Using the FTAC Siege is incredibly enjoyable, and there really is no valid reason to avoid using it unless you’re opting for the Overkill perk.

Ladies and gentlemen, that concludes our comprehensive overview of the top sidearms in Modern Warfare 2. If you’re interested in finding out which weapons excel in the primary slot, we have tier lists available for both ARs and SMGs.

If you are curious about the other changes in MW2, be sure to watch this video.