Facebook: http://facebook.com/XboxAhoy Twitter: http://twitter.com/xboxahoy This time, we're covering the AN-94. We round out this series with this automatic assault rifle' first sighting in the main Call of Duty series - where it's unlocked at the final level, 55. The AN-94, or 'Avtomat Nikonova, 1994' is a Russian weapon design intended as a potential replacement for the AK-74 as a part of Project Abakan. The weapon takes its name from its chief designer, Gennadiy Nikonov - and boasts a unique delayed recoil action that is able to fire two shots before the recoil of the first is felt. This increases the probability of multiple target hits, and with the initial two-round burst fired at 1800 rounds per minute, such a flurry of fire has proven very effective when tackling enemies wearing modern body armour. The rifle fires the same Russian intermediate cartridge as the AK-74, the high velocity 5.45 by 39 millimetre round. While the design's increased complexity and cost means that it is unlikely to ever replace the more simple Kalashnikov design currently in service, the AN-94 has seen limited use by some units, and the unique mode of operation may influence a future design. In-game, damage is moderate, with the AN-94 offering a reasonable 3-hit kill range - impressive by most automatic weapon standards, and only bested by the SCAR-H. At a distance, you may need up to five shots to kill - but a single headshot will guarantee a 4-shot kill at any distance, which means you should experience quite consistent damage performance across a wide variety of ranges. Penetration ability is average, the same as the majority of the other assault rifles. Rate of fire is particularly unusual - in a similar fashion to the HAMR, the AN-94 has a dual fire rate: with the first two rounds fired more quickly than the remainder. The initial two-round burst is fired at 940 rounds per minute - a very impressive rate given the weapon's higher damage - and successive shots are fired are a more sedate 625 rounds per minute. These faster rounds grant bonus effectiveness to those able to get on target rapidly with their first shots - and can decide the outcome of a firefight. When paired with select fire, the AN-94 will retain its two-round burst mode, a trait shared only with the Vector K10. When employed as a burst fire weapon, all your shots fired will be at the higher fire rate - but you will have to expend more effort in pulling the trigger repeatedly. Hipfire performance is as expected for the assault rifle class: reliable enough to repel close range enemies, but not nearly as competitive as an SMG. Recoil is more than controllable in most instances: the initial burst will normally find the same target, and the slower fire rate of the successive shots helps to moderate the effect of the weapon's kick. At longer ranges, burst firing can prove effective - both to lessen the impact of recoil, and to otherwise take advantage of the enhanced fire rate. Aim time is standard for the AN's class, at 250 milliseconds, as are switch times and your mobility: you'll move at 95 percent of the base speed. Magazine capacity is also standard: 30 rounds is on par for the assault rifle class, and will normally prove sufficient for most gunfights. Extended clip takes this capacity to 40 rounds instead. Reload times are average, at just a little shy of two and a half seconds - generally not a problem, but it's wise to keep an eye on your count mid-firefight. The AN-94 is a strong offering within the assault rifle category that offers a versatile blend of damage and handling, with the benefit of a unique output trait. The initial two-round burst is its strongest asset if you can snap onto targets quickly, with such a burst accelerating your time to kill and needing just a third shot to finish them off at a close range. Otherwise, the AN is a versatile weapon that can shrug off opponents at almost any range - it's hard to dislike the well-rounded performance. However, the slower sustained rate of fire can put you at a disadvantage when circumstances demand more output: unexpected encounters with faster-firing opponents may place you at a disadvantage. The weapon's versatility is its own downfall, too - a jack of all trades, but master of none. Plenty of weapons will outclass you up close, and the same will apply at a longer range, too. Still, such adaptability is a trait in itself - so you can worry less about positioning and instead focus on your sights. If you're able to consistently land the first shot on your opponent, rapid kills will be your reward - proving reliable when tackling targets both near and far. The AN-94 might be more Abakan than abacus, but nevertheless... ...you can definitely count on this weapon.