M4A4 Spray Pattern: The CT Workhorse
Updated October 10, 2026 · MyCS2Guru crew
The M4A4 is the CT rifle for players who like volume. It fires 30 bullets at a slightly faster rate than the AK, its recoil is a bit more forgiving, and it's a beast in retakes where you might need to spray through two or three Ts. It costs $2,900.
The M4A4 pattern
| Bullets | Recoil | Your pull |
|---|---|---|
| 1 to 3 | Accurate | Aim and click |
| 4 to 10 | Climbs up, a bit less violently than the AK | Pull down steadily |
| 11 to 17 | Drifts to one side | Counter in the opposite direction |
| 18 to 24 | Swings back | Counter the other way |
| 25 to 30 | Small wobble | Light corrections |
The M4A4 climb is softer than the AK, so players coming from AK practice often over-pull. Use sv_showimpacts 1 to check your groups.
When to use the M4A4
- Retakes: 30 bullets means you can spray through multiple enemies.
- Close-quarters holds: spots like B site on Inferno or Ramp on Nuke where Ts come in groups.
- Aggressive CT play: if you like taking fights and spraying, the M4A4 fits.
M4A4 vs M4A1-S quick comparison
| Stat | M4A4 | M4A1-S |
|---|---|---|
| Magazine | 30 | 20 |
| Fire rate | Faster | Slower |
| Recoil | Medium | Easier |
| Tracers | Visible | Silenced, no tracers |
| Best for | Retakes, sprays | Precise holds, long range |
Practice drills
- Wall sprays at 10m focusing on the first 10 bullets.
- Full sprays on two bots for transfers.
- Retake servers, where M4A4 shines.
Common M4A4 mistakes
- Using AK muscle memory. The M4A4 climbs less, so pull down less.
- Holding long angles with it. It's fine at range, but tapping is a must. The M4A1-S is slightly better for those spots.
- Wasting bullets on wallbangs blindly. 30 bullets disappear fast. Know your wallbang spots.
Want the silenced version? Check the M4A1-S spray guide.
M4A4 by distance
| Distance | Technique |
|---|---|
| Close (under 10m) | Full spray, pull down steadily |
| Medium (10 to 25m) | Bursts of 4 to 7 |
| Long (25m+) | Taps |
M4A4 10-day plan
| Days | Drill |
|---|---|
| 1 to 3 | Wall sprays, first 15 bullets |
| 4 to 6 | Full 30-bullet sprays |
| 7 to 8 | Spray transfers between bots |
| 9 to 10 | Retake servers |
When the extra bullets matter
The M4A4's 30 bullets shine in situations with multiple enemies close together: retakes, stopping rushes and holding close sites. If you're the player who often ends up fighting two or three Ts at once, the M4A4 gives you the ammo to finish the job.
Damage note
The M4A4 does less damage per bullet than the AK and usually needs two headshots to kill an armored player at most ranges. That's why tapping one head and following up quickly matters. Aim for the head and keep shooting until they drop.
Final tip
Choose one M4 and stick with it for at least a few weeks so your spray control becomes automatic.
M4A4 FAQ
- Is the M4A4 better for beginners? Its extra ammo is forgiving.
- Does it need a long pull-down? Yes, steady and consistent.
Related guides
Choosing between the M4s
Prefer the M4A4 if you fight multiple enemies often; prefer the M4A1-S if you hold long angles and want stealth.
Example drill
Start with the first ten bullets against a wall, focusing on the strong vertical pull. When the grouping is tight, extend to fifteen, then the full magazine. Finish with spray transfers between two bots placed a few meters apart.