Rifles Comparison
M4A1-S vs SCAR-20
The M4A1-S leads in 5 of 13 stats, offering a statistical edge over the SCAR-20.
Side-by-Side Stat Comparison
| Stat | M4A1-S | SCAR-20 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,900 | $5,000 |
| Kill Reward | $300 | $300 |
| Damage | 38 | 80 |
| Armor Penetration | 70% | 82.5% |
| Fire Rate (RPM) | 600 | 240 |
| Magazine Size | 20 | 20 |
| Reserve Ammo | 80 | 90 |
| Reload Time | 3.07s | 3.07s |
| Move Speed | 225 u/s | 215 u/s |
| Range Modifier | 0.99 | 0.98 |
| Wall Penetration | 2 | 3 |
| Headshot Multiplier | 4.00x | 4.00x |
| DPS (Raw) | 380 | 320 |
DPS & Time to Kill
DPS is calculated as damage x RPM / 60. TTK assumes consecutive body shots against armored targets.
M4A1-S
380
Raw DPS
SCAR-20
320
Raw DPS
Time to Kill (Armored Body Shots)
| Target HP | M4A1-S Shots | M4A1-S TTK | SCAR-20 Shots | SCAR-20 TTK |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 HP | 4 | 300ms | 2 | 250ms |
| 125 HP | 5 | 400ms | 2 | 250ms |
| 150 HP | 6 | 500ms | 3 | 500ms |
Key Differences
- The M4A1-S is $2,100 cheaper than the SCAR-20, making it a better budget option.
- The SCAR-20 deals 42 more base damage per shot.
- The M4A1-S has a higher fire rate at 600 RPM vs 240 RPM.
- The M4A1-S delivers more raw DPS (380 vs 320), meaning faster kills on paper.
- Players move faster with the M4A1-S (225 u/s vs 215 u/s).
- The SCAR-20 has higher armor penetration (82.5% vs 70%), making it stronger against armored opponents.
When to Use Each Weapon
M4A1-S
- Choose the M4A1-S on eco or semi-buy rounds when your team has limited funds.
- The M4A1-S's faster fire rate makes it effective in close-range duels and spray-downs.
- Use the M4A1-S for aggressive play or rotations — its higher move speed lets you reposition quickly.
SCAR-20
- Buy the SCAR-20 on full-buy rounds when economy allows, since it costs more.
- The SCAR-20 excels at holding long angles where each shot counts due to its higher per-bullet damage.
- The SCAR-20 is the better pick against fully-armored opponents due to its superior armor penetration.
Related Comparisons
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the M4A1-S better than the SCAR-20 in CS2?
- It depends on the situation. The M4A1-S has a lower price point, while the SCAR-20 offers different strengths. The M4A1-S leads in 5 of 13 stats, offering a statistical edge over the SCAR-20.
- When should I buy the M4A1-S over the SCAR-20?
- Buy the M4A1-S when your economy is tight — it saves you $2100. Consider the SCAR-20 when the round calls for a different approach.
- Which has more DPS: M4A1-S or SCAR-20?
- The M4A1-S has higher raw DPS. M4A1-S: 380 DPS vs SCAR-20: 320 DPS. Keep in mind raw DPS doesn't account for accuracy or recoil.
- What is the TTK for M4A1-S vs SCAR-20?
- Against a 100 HP armored target, the M4A1-S needs 4 shots (300ms) while the SCAR-20 needs 2 shots (250ms). Real TTK varies with accuracy, headshots, and distance.
Related: M4A1-S Stats SCAR-20 Stats All Rifles Weapon Compare Tool Damage Calculator Recoil Patterns Economy Calculator Weapons Database All Tools