One of my favorite things to do in Combat Arms is to be on Pistol Servers. So far most people haven’t caught onto the dual pistol trick, and it makes it pretty easy to pwn a few noobs if you use this simple tactic. I always go into pistol servers decked out with my M1911 (plus the extended magazine) and M9 (also with extended magazine). Then I make sure to have a heavy bullet proof vest, and a helmet as well. This gives me pretty good protection against the noobs using their M9’s and enough time to move out of the way if I get shot from the side or somewhere I can’t see.
I’ve not experimented with it yet but have heard that the USP is a better choice for first line of fire. I wouldn’t disagree as the M1911 only carries 7 rounds per clip stock, and 12 with a modified clip. Yet with the modified clip you only get two usable clips worth of fire, which can leave you dead in a firefight. Also another reason I carry two pistols into battle at all times. With my extended clips in both the M1911 and M9 I get a full 32 shots before I must reload 12 of which are potentially one shot kill shots with their .45 caliber bullets being fired to the head. It also helps if your enemy has standard, or light armor on which makes pistol wars almost impossible.
Next, lets talk about armor. Personally I like to go into battle armored to the gills. Like I said before it allows me to take a couple shots before worrying, also makes for approaching enemies outnumbered 3 to 1 a little more feasible. If they’re bunched up it’s actually quite easy to take out a pack of 3 or more enemies, simply strafe around them (or back and forth from the opening as this generally happens in tunnels or the like), pointing towards their chest and empty your first clip as fast as you can, the trick is to count your shots and as soon as you get to lets say eleven if you have a twelve round clip hit “2″ to get out your second pistol, never stop clicking the mouse pointing at their chest, or moving and you can very easily take them all out. One of the reasons for this is when you strafe they will turn their guns to follow often times ignoring their partners and shooting them too. If friendly fire is on they’ve helped you by injuring and possibly killing their friends (or if they’re smart they’ll quit firing if behind their friends which means shots aren’t being fired at you either), if it’s not their friends will block a number of shots that could potentially hit you.
These are pretty basic tips for pistol only fights on Combat Arms… but it will help a few of you who are frusterated when you enter Combat Arms pistol battles. Personally I like a good pistol war every now and again since you don’t get the “Pistol Round” like you could in Counter Strike: Source. I do still miss my Dual .40 Cal. Berreta’s in CS:S though.
