Black Ops 2 Shotgun & LMG Guide

Introduction

Shotguns and LMGs represent two extremes on the Black Ops 2 weapon spectrum: one excels at point-blank range with devastating one-shot kills, the other dominates long sightlines with sustained suppressive fire. Both weapon classes reward positioning more than raw gunskill, making them excellent choices for players who think tactically.

This guide covers every shotgun and LMG in Black Ops 2 with detailed stats, optimal setups, and map-specific recommendations.

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Part 1: Shotguns

Shotgun Tier List

| Rank | Weapon | Tier | Damage | Fire Rate | Best Feature | |------|--------|------|--------|-----------|-------------| | 1 | Remington 870 MCS | S | 50-15 | 75 RPM | Consistent 1-shot kills | | 2 | KSG | A | 70-50 | 60 RPM | Slug rounds, headshot machine | | 3 | S12 | B | 30-10 | Semi-auto | Rapid follow-up shots | | 4 | M1216 | C | 35-10 | 4-round rotating mag | Unique reload mechanic |

S-Tier: Remington 870 MCS

The Remington 870 MCS is the best shotgun in Black Ops 2 and one of the most satisfying weapons in the game. Its pump-action fire rate is slow, but each shot delivers a devastating cone of pellets that reliably one-shots enemies within 8-10 meters.

Damage Profile:

• 0-8m: 50 damage per pellet (8 pellets = up to 400 damage)
• 8-15m: 35 damage per pellet
• 15m+: Significant drop-off, avoid engagements

Optimal Attachments:

• Long Barrel — Extends one-shot kill range to ~12 meters. Always use this.
• Laser Sight — Tightens hipfire spread, essential for run-and-gun shotgunning.

Recommended Class:

• Primary: Remington 870 (Long Barrel + Laser Sight)
• Perks: Lightweight + Scavenger + Dexterity + Extreme Conditioning (Perk 3 Greed)
• No secondary, no equipment — maximize mobility for close-range pushes

A-Tier: KSG

The KSG fires a single slug instead of a pellet spread, making it essentially a close-range sniper rifle. A shot to the upper chest or head at close range is a guaranteed one-hit kill, but missed shots are punishing due to the slow pump action.

Key Skill: Aim for the head. The KSG rewards precision like no other shotgun. Players who can consistently land headshots will find the KSG outperforms the Remington at medium range.

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Part 2: Light Machine Guns

LMG Tier List

| Rank | Weapon | Tier | Damage | Fire Rate | Best Feature | |------|--------|------|--------|-----------|-------------| | 1 | LSAT | S | 42-35 | 750 RPM | Low recoil, laser accuracy | | 2 | HAMR | A | 45-35 | 625/500 RPM | Hybrid AR/LMG | | 3 | MK 48 | B | 50-45 | 525 RPM | Highest damage per shot | | 4 | QBB LSW | C | 35-25 | 937 RPM | SMG-like handling |

S-Tier: LSAT

The LSAT is the premier LMG in Black Ops 2. It combines manageable recoil, competitive damage, and a 100-round magazine into a weapon that can lock down entire lanes single-handedly. The LSAT excels on maps like Turbine, Carrier, and Yemen where long sightlines reward sustained fire.

Damage Profile:

• 0-30m: 42 damage (3-shot kill)
• 30m+: 35 damage (3-shot kill)

Optimal Attachments:

• Quickdraw — Compensates for slow LMG ADS time
• Stock — Critical for strafing while ADS
• Target Finder or EOTech — Clear sight picture for lane holding

Recommended LMG Anchor Class:

• Primary: LSAT (Quickdraw + Stock + Target Finder)
• Perks: Flak Jacket + Toughness + Tac Mask
• Wildcard: Primary Gunfighter
• Equipment: Claymore (watch your flank) + Shock Charge

A-Tier: HAMR

The HAMR is a hybrid weapon that fires at 625 RPM for the first few rounds, then drops to 500 RPM for sustained fire. This makes it feel like an assault rifle during burst engagements while retaining LMG capacities for suppression.

Best For: Players transitioning from ARs to LMGs. The HAMR handles closer to the SCAR-H than a traditional LMG.

LMG Tactics

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Remington 870 overpowered?

In close-quarters combat, yes — it is meant to be. On tight maps like Hijacked and Slums, a skilled shotgun player can dominate. However, shotguns are nearly useless on open maps like Turbine and Carrier. This map-dependence keeps them balanced.

Can I run an LMG without Stock?

You can, but you should not. Stock is the most important attachment for LMGs because it allows you to strafe while ADS. Without Stock, you are a stationary target while firing — an easy kill for any competent sniper or AR player.

KSG vs Remington 870: Which is better?

The Remington 870 is more consistent and forgiving. The KSG has a higher skill ceiling but punishes misses harder. For most players, the Remington is the better choice.

Conclusion

Shotguns and LMGs operate at opposite ends of the engagement spectrum, but both reward smart positioning above all else. A Remington 870 in the right room is unbeatable; an LSAT holding a long lane is unstoppable.

Master the map rotations that favor your weapon type. Shotgun players must navigate tight interiors and avoid long sightlines. LMG players must anchor predictable lanes and suppress enemy pushes. In both cases, fighting on your terms is the key to success.