AK-47

Overview
The AK-47 is an assault rifle used extensively by both the Combine and the Resistance. It is widely used due to its power and accuracy, being able to kill an Ace in 6 body shots, and being able to snipe rather effectively should it be fired carefully.

The AK sports a fairly slow fire rate and reload speed, as well as a heavy recoil, so care must be taken to get the most out of it.

Acquisition
The AK can first be found in Highway 17, shortly after obtaining the Scout Car. A few Combine Soldiers can be found shooting Antlions with it. Afterward, it appears on a table near Odessa. if missed there, it will begin appearing somewhat uncommonly in the hands of various Combine and Resistance members.

It becomes vastly more common in later chapters of the game, such as Nova Prospekt.

Advantages
-High damage for an assault rifle.

-Very accurate if fired slowly.

-Decent 30 round magazine.

-Decent iron sights.

-Becomes more common in later levels; ammo may become less of a concern.

Neutral
-Slower than average fire rate, which helps with accuracy, but can make tackling groups more difficult.

Disadvantages
-Heavy recoil, especially if fired too quickly.

-Accuracy diminishes quickly if fired automatically.

-Ammo is fairly rare in earlier maps.

-Somewhat slow reload of 3.3 seconds.

-Enemies with this rifle become common later on, and can become a problem for both the player and their allies.

Tactics
-Be sure to fire this weapon slowly. Accuracy and recoil becomes quite an issue if fired too quickly.

-Try not to use this weapon too much in the early levels, as ammo is fairly difficult to come by. Later levels fix this somewhat.

-This weapon is able to tear down hardy enemies quickly. Consider using it on them.

-Spraying with this weapon is best left saved as a last resort.

-Aiming for the head is lethal to almost all Combine enemies. Only Augmented and heavy enemies are able to survive a hit to the head.

-The AK is one of the few weapons capable of shooting through Riot Gear. Consider using it on units armored with it. Even if it doesn't successfully penetrate, it will almost certainly destroy the gear in a few shots.