M249 vs M4A1-S

Damage

The M249 deals less damage (24) than the M4A1-S (25).

The M249 fires faster (750 RPM) than the M4A1-S (600 RPM).

The M249 deals more damage per second (300) than the M4A1-S (250).

The M249 loses less damage due to distance (2.9 %) than the M4A1-S (5.8 %).

The M249 has higher armour penetration (80 %) than the M4A1-S (70 %).

Accuracy and mobility

The M249 is less accurate (9.7) than the M4A1-S (5.4).

The M249 has more movement penalty (22 %) than the M4A1-S (10 %).

Economy

The M249 is more expensive ($ 5200) than the M4A1-S ($ 2900).

The M249 earns the same kill reward ($ 300) as the M4A1-S ($ 300).

Other attributes

The M249 has a larger clip (100) than the M4A1-S (20).

The M249 has more ammunition in reserve (200) than the M4A1-S (80).

The M249 reloads slower (5.7 s) than the M4A1-S (3.1 s).

The M249 deploys at the same speed (1.1 s / 1 s - No Reserve) as the M4A1-S (1.1 s).

Closing thoughts

The M249 behaves like a rifle, but gives up accuracy and movement speed in exchange for higher armour penetration and rate of fire, which results in extremely high damage per second. Coupled with a huge magazine capacity, the main drawback is its high $5200 price tag.

The M4A1-S is generally considered the strongest rifle purchase for the Counter-Terrorists; it kills quicker than other options while also costing less. It is accurate and deals great damage - even at long range.

The silencer provides a benefit that is difficult to quantify, but can buy you precious seconds while also allowing you to spray through smoke with less caution. Removing the silencer is possible, but does nothing other than make the weapon both louder and more inaccurate.