S12 - Black Ops 2 Weapon Guide

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This time, we're covering the S12.

A new weapon to the series, this semi-automatic option is the weapon of choice for those seeking an overwhelming wave of firepower.

The S12, or Saiga-12, is a Russian 12-gauge combat shotgun.

The design is a gas-operated, semi-automatic one, and is patterned after the familiar AK47 rifle design.

There are some concessions made for the larger 12-gauge shells, such as a wider extraction port, and a two-setting gas system that permits use of both high-power slugs and less-than-lethal bean bag rounds.

Some semi-automatic shotgun designs are plagued with feed reliability issues, but the Kalashnikov philosophy of accepting looser tolerances within the design means the Saiga shares the legendary reliability of the AK platform.

In-game, the S12 is a high-damage weapon by most standards, but compared to the other weapons in its class its one-shot ability pales somewhat.

Like the M1216, it's fair to consider the S12 as a low-damage shotgun - although it is more than capable of a one-shot kill at a close range.

Its range is very limited, however - more so than the Remington 870, with the S12's damage quickly yielding unreliable one-shot kills.

The S12's key strength is in its rate of fire: although semi-automatic, it can dole out up to 468 rounds per minute: altogether an impressive amount of buckshot.

Multiple pellets per shot mean you can liberally pepper a close-range target and quickly secure a kill - and the shot spread means multiple close-range enemies are easily tackled, too.

It is this rate of fire that means the S12 is more consistent in its performance than the pump-action shotguns: despite the lower range and damage, faster follow-up shots will prevent you being left vulnerable.

Handling is generally OK - recoil is high, but seldom an issue due to the shot spread - precision simply isn't important with this shotgun.

Aiming yields a tighter shot pattern, useful for enemies at the edge of your effective range: and aim time is relatively quick, at 250 milliseconds.

Movement speed is 100% of the maximum base speed, as with all of the shotguns.

The S12 is magazine-fed, meaning all rounds are resupplied in a single action, as opposed to the per-shell reload of the pump-action weapons.

Each mag holds 10 rounds, which is more than enough for most engagements but will mean you'll need to pause to top up more often than with the slower-firing options.

Reload duration is 3.04 seconds: not critically slow, but with a close-range weapon it is enough to leave you vulnerable.

Fast mags or an able secondary weapon would be a good choice to ensure you're not caught out in the resupply.

Your greatest success will come from flanking your enemy and attacking from an unexpected angle: the Saiga's ideal prey is a room full of unaware snipers.

With Extreme Conditioning, you'll have the stamina needed to take the long way round: slip unseen through the lesser-travelled side of the map, and get into a good position to strike.

Tactical Insertion is another possible consideration for this build: choosing your own spawn point is a powerful option in objective games with fixed spawns, saving you the trouble of traversing well-defended open ground.

Mobility should always be your prime concern - as getting close with the S12 will be essential to your success.

The S12 is a potent close-quarters weapon, wanting for reach but devastating in tight spaces.

Few weapons can consistently tackle multiple enemies at once, but the Saiga's shot spread and fire rate make this weapon a camper's worst nightmare.

The semi-automatic fire means you won't be left vulnerable between shots, and unless your magazine runs dry you'll always have the answer to an enemy's feeble protest.

Unfortunately, you pay for this output with a limited effective range, and unless you get very close to your opponent it will be difficult to directly compete.

Clever use of cover, flanking routes - and the element of surprise - are all essential, as you won't fare well if you're caught in the open.

Still, few weapons can consistently tackle and clear multiple enemies from entrenched positions - in such circumstances there's nothing better than the S12.

With super-sonic performance, this shotgun will be the genesis of your victory: when it comes to overwhelming close-range performance...

...to be this good takes Saiga.

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