Facebook: http://facebook.com/XboxAhoy Twitter: http://twitter.com/xboxahoy In this episode we're covering the Commando. It's a fully automatic weapon, unlocked at level 44. The Colt Commando is a US weapon, a shortened variant of the M16 platform and a precursor to the M4 Carbine. The specific model that most closely resembles the one seen in Black Ops - the Colt Model 733 - was introduced after 1982, although there did exist similar weapons during the Vietnam conflict. The Commando has its roots in the AR-15 platform designed by Eugene Stoner for Armalite in 1957: In 1959 the rights to the design were sold to Colt, and they developed the design as the CAR-15 series. The platform was broadened to fit different roles - and a short-barrelled carbine variant was designed to fit an intermediate niche between full-sized rifle and SMG. The first such shortened CAR-15 emerged as early as 1962, and by 1966 Colt introduced the 'Commando' appellation to their carbine designs. One such Commando design - the model 610 - was designated as the XM177 by the US Army, and the designs that followed would lay the basis for the XM4 in 1988 - the very carbine that would eventually become the M4. The Commando fires the NATO-standard 5.56mm intermediate cartridge, the same as the M16. Magazines are, again, the same as used by M16 rifles - and although modelled after a 20-round mag will hold 30 rounds in-game. Extended mags will give you 45 rounds instead. The Commando is a moderate-high damage weapon, on par with both the AK-47 and the Galil. You'll kill in 3 shots to the body up close, or two to the head - and at a distance you may need up to 4 shots to kill. Like the other high-damage automatic rifles, rate of fire is moderate - 750 rounds per minute. Because of this slower rate of fire, and a generally low level of kick: recoil is fairly mild on the Commando. Its actual performance is identical to the AK-47 - but the AK's visual recoil is quite severe, meaning the Commando will feel much more stable during automatic fire. Aim time is standard for an assault rifle, at 250 milliseconds - and reloads are the second fastest in its class, at 2.05 seconds. The Commando is a versatile weapon with favourable handling characteristics. Rock steady under automatic fire and dealing consistent damage out to a middle range, it's an excellent weapon for any aggressive player than demands consistency in their loadout. It doesn't lack speed, either - with a fast reload and serviceable aim time and hipfire, the weapon is adaptable and suited to almost any situation. However, facing a specialised weapon on its own terms can be troublesome - going toe-to-toe with an SMG up close may not always end in your favour. Ideally, you'll enter any gunfight aiming ahead of time and anticipating your enemy's movement - but should you be taken by surprise the Commando may start to show its weakness. Still, it might not be the most deadly weapon in a close-range gunfight, but the Commando shines at a middle range, and handles in a pleasingly consistent manner. If you seek a rifle that you can rely on in nearly all circumstances, equip this versatile weapon... and command your team to victory.