Rifles Comparison
AK-47 vs M4A1-S
The AK-47 leads in 7 of 13 stats, offering a statistical edge over the M4A1-S.
Side-by-Side Stat Comparison
| Stat | AK-47 | M4A1-S |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,700 | $2,900 |
| Kill Reward | $300 | $300 |
| Damage | 36 | 38 |
| Armor Penetration | 77.5% | 70% |
| Fire Rate (RPM) | 600 | 600 |
| Magazine Size | 30 | 20 |
| Reserve Ammo | 90 | 80 |
| Reload Time | 2.50s | 3.07s |
| Move Speed | 215 u/s | 225 u/s |
| Range Modifier | 0.98 | 0.94 |
| Wall Penetration | 2 | 2 |
| Headshot Multiplier | 4.00x | 3.48x |
| DPS (Raw) | 360 | 380 |
DPS & Time to Kill
DPS is calculated as damage x RPM / 60. TTK assumes consecutive body shots against armored targets.
Time to Kill (Armored Body Shots)
| Target HP | AK-47 Shots | AK-47 TTK | M4A1-S Shots | M4A1-S TTK |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 HP | 4 | 300ms | 4 | 300ms |
| 125 HP | 5 | 400ms | 5 | 400ms |
| 150 HP | 6 | 500ms | 6 | 500ms |
Key Differences
- The AK-47 is $200 cheaper than the M4A1-S, making it a better budget option.
- The M4A1-S deals 2 more base damage per shot.
- The M4A1-S delivers more raw DPS (380 vs 360), meaning faster kills on paper.
- The AK-47 has a larger magazine (30 rounds vs 20), giving more sustained fire before reloading.
- Players move faster with the M4A1-S (225 u/s vs 215 u/s).
- The AK-47 has higher armor penetration (77.5% vs 70%), making it stronger against armored opponents.
The Economics
The price gap is $200: the AK-47 costs $2,700 against $2,900 for the M4A1-S. On a full buy with armor and utility (~$1,000-1,400 on top of the gun), that difference decides whether a third teammate can buy a smoke or a flash — weapon choice is a team-economy decision, not just a personal one. Both pay the same $300 per kill, so neither builds economy faster. Run full round scenarios in the economy calculator.
Bottom line: The AK-47 leads in 7 of 13 stats, offering a statistical edge over the M4A1-S. Raw output favors the M4A1-S (380 DPS vs 360), but CS2 rounds are won on first-shot accuracy and positioning — treat the stat edge as a tiebreaker, not the decision. Once you know which one you are carrying, dress it: see the best AK-47 skins and best M4A1-S skins.
When to Use Each Weapon
AK-47
- Choose the AK-47 on eco or semi-buy rounds when your team has limited funds.
- The AK-47's larger magazine is ideal for holding rushes or clearing multiple enemies without reloading.
- The AK-47 is the better pick against fully-armored opponents due to its superior armor penetration.
M4A1-S
- Buy the M4A1-S on full-buy rounds when economy allows, since it costs more.
- The M4A1-S excels at holding long angles where each shot counts due to its higher per-bullet damage.
- Use the M4A1-S for aggressive play or rotations — its higher move speed lets you reposition quickly.
Related Comparisons
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the AK-47 better than the M4A1-S in CS2?
- It depends on the situation. The AK-47 has a lower price point, while the M4A1-S offers different strengths. The AK-47 leads in 7 of 13 stats, offering a statistical edge over the M4A1-S.
- When should I buy the AK-47 over the M4A1-S?
- Buy the AK-47 when your economy is tight — it saves you $200. Consider the M4A1-S when the round calls for a different approach.
- Which has more DPS: AK-47 or M4A1-S?
- The M4A1-S has higher raw DPS. M4A1-S: 380 DPS vs AK-47: 360 DPS. Keep in mind raw DPS doesn't account for accuracy or recoil.
- What is the TTK for AK-47 vs M4A1-S?
- Against a 100 HP armored target, the AK-47 needs 4 shots (300ms) while the M4A1-S needs 4 shots (300ms). Real TTK varies with accuracy, headshots, and distance.