Hello, this is XboxAhoy and this is the twenty-first episode of my Black Ops 2 Weapon Guide.
This time, we're covering the FAL OSW.
The 'right arm of the free world' is unlocked at level 22, and is the first of two single-shot
assault rifles.
The FAL, or 'Fusil Automatique Leger' is a Belgian weapon, designed at FN Herstal and
in production since 1953.
The OSW variant, or 'Operator Specialist Weapon', seen in Black Ops 2 is the 'DSA SA58 Para
Elite Compact', an American-built FAL with a short barrel and folding stock.
The OSW's short overall length means it could conceivably be used by paratroopers - as indeed
some shortened FAL variants have been.
However, the SA58 is principally designed for police use, and this compact weapon fires
the powerful 7.62mm NATO round - a full power rifle cartridge for times when compromising
on power isn't an option.
In-game, damage is high - the FAL will kill with just two shots to the body at a close
range.
This drops to a 3-hit kill at a middle range, or a two shot kill where one is a headshot
- and across the longer sightlines you'll always need 3 shots.
Penetration ability is high, on par with the LMGs, the SWAT-556, and SMR.
Rate of fire is limited to 625 rounds per minute, generous enough for most trigger fingers.
When using the select fire attachment, the FAL will become fully automatic - but will
fire at a reduced rate of 468 rounds per minute.
Hipfire performance is poor, due to a larger-than-average spread when compared to the other assault
rifles, and the slower rate of fire.
The FAL's recoil is relatively light - almost not a factor when fired semi-automatically
at a moderate pace.
When employed as a full-auto weapon via select fire, recoil is much heavier due to reduced
centerspeed - but for mid-range engagements is still relatively easy to manage.
Aim time is standard for the class, at 250 milliseconds - and you'll move at 95 percent
of the maximum base speed.
Magazine capacity is a little lower than typical for the assault rifles, at 25 rounds: but
given the slower rate of fire and higher damage it's rare that you'll need all 25 shots in
a single engagement.
In any case, reloads are relatively swift - at just 2.15 seconds to complete.
Our class with the FAL OSW is an aggressive one: an incisor build, designed to slowly
but surely push into the enemy with vice-like force.
As such, our selection revolves around choices which enhance your mobility while preserving
accuracy - with the FAL's slow rate of fire, shot placement is critically important to
your success.
First up is the Primary Gunfighter wildcard, to permit a truly customised weapon with three
attachments.
First of the three is Select Fire: giving you the option to fire in both semi-automatic
and fully-automatic modes.
This does come at the cost of a portion of your effective range, and will also increase
recoil - but a full-auto FAL remains a force to be reckoned with at close range, and for
long range engagements you can always switch fire mode.
In any case, you'll never need more than three hits to kill an opponent, and the flexibility
Select Fire brings means you can focus less on your trigger finger and more on your aim.
Next up, the Adjustable Stock will permit faster movement while aiming down your sights:
and this will allow you to instantly get accurate fire onto an opponent while still remaining
relatively mobile.
A core part of our 'incisor' build, the stock negates the need for quickdraw or dexterity,
and instils good discipline in an aggressive approach with the assault rifles near the
enemy: you need never be caught mid-sprint again.
Our final attachment choice is the reflex sight - or any other optic of your choice.
Optics are a good choice with the FAL, as precision is important - and the clearer view
on target synergises well with the adjustable stock, as you'll have a less obstructed view
while on the move.
The EOTech and MMS would also work in this role, the former giving you a slight zoom
advantage for the longer sightlines, and the latter with electronic assistance and larger
viewfinder.
Lightweight is our first perk choice, giving us 7 percent faster movement speed for even
better manoeuvrability in conjunction with the Adjustable Stock.
You'll be able to strafe while tackling opponents and baffle their aim - and such tactics can
often tilt gunfights in your favour.
Toughness is our next choice, an essential part of any class that's reliant on making
every shot count.
While you should be entering gunfights with your sights up and ready, that will do you
no good if viewkick knocks you off your mark - and so Toughness will prove its worth very
often indeed.
Similarly useful is Tactical Mask in tier 3 - enemies may employ shock charges, flashes
or concussions against you - but Tac Mask will ensure your sights are always crystal
clear, as well as rock steady.
Our next point spend is on a lethal grenade of your choice - frags or semtex will allow
you to extend your reach behind cover, flushing out prepared enemies and sending them into
your sights.
Finally, a good close-range secondary weapon is essential - the FAL's slow rate of fire
and poor hipfire spread means you will be in trouble should you find yourself in an
ambush, so the quick-swapping close-range power of a pistol can be very useful indeed.
That's our build - an aggressive loadout that makes no compromise when it comes to accuracy,
designed to sweep into enemy territory and quickly put down any defenders.
The two hit kill of the FAL means it can be quite effective up close, but only if you're
able to accurately direct your shots - so it's imperative that you make good use of
the adjustable stock, keeping your sights up whenever moving into the enemy's domain.
Sprinting is a sure-fire way to get yourself killed, with the FAL left unready and ineffective
until you're able to get your sights onto your target - so a modicum of patience is
the key, with careful ratcheted progression in favour of a blind rush.
The FAL OSW is a powerful weapon, capable of quickly killing opponents when fired accurately.
Few weapons in its class can kill with just two shots, and paired with the FAL's balanced
handling, this weapon boasts a blend of power and flexibility that few can match.
However, there is a trade-off made in exchange for this awesome power - and the slower rate
of fire and worse-than average hipfire can hamper your effectiveness up close.
The FAL's need for accuracy does force you to play in a more cautious fashion, too - if
you're not able to place shots where they need to be, you'll find the FAL quickly loses
its effectiveness.
Still, despite these downsides the FAL remains a terribly effective weapon - with its high
damage giving it a noticeable advantage both at a mid-range and at a distance.
Such power is a blessing beyond measure: and this 'FN gun'...
...will be your opponent's curse.
Thanks for watching, this has been XboxAhoy.
Join me next week, when I'll be covering the Crossbow.
Until then, farewell.