The KSG is a pump action shotgun in Black Ops 2, available in multiplayer and in the campaign. With the exception of the campaign, where the KSG fires buckshots, the KSG is the only shotgun in MP that fires slugs. Because of this, the KSG is a extremely lethal weapon, and longer ranges than other shotguns.
For those that don't know the difference between a buckshot and a slug, a buckshot is a shotgun shot that spreads out. It has pellets that spread out as the shotgun is being fired. A slug operates much differently, as one giant ball of metal is fired out that doesn't spread. In real life, you would never want to be hit with a shotgun slug.
The fact that the KSG fires slugs brings in a few advantages and disadvantages.
Hip Fire
Because the KSG does not fire buckshots, hip fire with this weapon will be more difficult, and isn't recommended. It is always recommended that users aim down the iron or optic sights to fire, as hip fire can be inaccurate. Hip fire is possible, and is doable. Do so is only recommended for experienced players, though.
The actual "box" for hip fire isn't all terrible. It isn't too big when running, and is much smaller (the smaller, the better) when standing still, and even better when prone.
Iron Sights
I actually like the iron sights on this weapon. In fact, they remind me of the iron sights on the Commando and M16 from the original Black Ops game. Iron sights on this weapon are highly (but not extremely) accurate and easily get the job done. Of course if you are not comfortable with the iron sights on this weapon you can always use an optic sight, but personally I don't think that using an optic sight is necessary.
Recoil
I'd say that there is virtually no recoil on this gun. Of course there is recoil, but since the pump action on this gun is slow, your sights are almost-always going to be re-centered by the time you are ready to take your next shot. On top of that, most shots are going to be one shot kills anyways (unless you are firing from long ranges), so recoil shouldn't be too much of a concern.
Reload
The reload speed on this weapon is terribly slow. To reload, the animation shows the character having to manually load bullets into the gun by hand. However, as a trade off this gun starts off with 14 rounds in the camber, ready to go. Unless you are a good player you never have to reload this weapon, as you would die before you would have to. If you do find yourself missing shots or killing many people, I recommend you go with something like fast mags. Extended mags allow you to hold 20 slugs in your chamber, but once again you will have to endure that painfully show reload speed even longer.
Damage
Damage with this weapon is very lethal, if used correctly. Most shots to a person will be one shot kills at close to medium range, and two shot kills for ranges farther than that. Hitting shots in the head do help, and all head shots will be one shot kills. In hardcore mode the KSG will always deliver one shot kills.
Range
Since this weapon fires slugs, this gun has incredible range. It has the longest range of all of the shotguns available in multiplayer, and with the long barrel attachment the range is even longer. The range of this gun is incredible, but it doesn't go as far as a sniper, though.
One of the funniest things I like to do to show off range with this weapon is to shoot a enemy from across a map, with the enemy just standing still in their spawn. Just line up your iron sights, and shoot. You'll be amazed by the range of this weapon.
Misc.
While this really isn't a stat, it is a good tip to know that this weapon can almost be compared to quick scoping. If you are good at quick scoping people with sniper rifles (no matter the rifle), it will be generally easy to use this weapon as if you were quick scoping. The single slug shot and long range almost make this gun appear like a sniper.
Attachments
There are a variety of attachments for this gun. The following attachments are available:
- Reflex Sight (unlocked weapon level 2)
- Long Barrel (unlocked weapon level 3)
- Fast Mag (unlocked weapon level 4)
- Laser Sight (unlocked weapon level 5)
- Adjustable Stock (unlocked weapon level 6)
- Suppressor (unlocked weapon level 7)
- Extended Clip (unlocked weapon level 8)
- Quickdraw Handle (unlocked weapon level 9)
- MMS (unlocked weapon level 10)
Stock is also a great attachment to use. Stock will allow you to strafe faster from left to right, and is useful for going behind cover while you are doing the pump-action animation (as this is a pump-action shotgun).
Like I said before, I use long barrel and quick draw. Stock is also a great attachment to use, but I'm more a rusher-type player, where quickdraw handle comes in handy and long barrel increases the range, as always.
Overall
Overall, this is a good shotgun. If you know how to use it, it can easily be the best shotgun in the game. The fact that this shotgun fires slugs instead of buckshots certainly makes it unique. If you know how to use it, then by all means use it.
