Best Black Ops 2 M8A1 Class Setup: Burst Rifle Loadout Guide
The M8A1 in Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 fires in a four-round burst, and even though it isn’t fully automatic, it can still cut down enemies reliably at both mid-range and longer distances. If you’re willing to push in and take fights up close, it can work there too—just play it with intent.
Best M8A1 Class Setup Overview in Black Ops 2
This is the class configuration the author personally uses, framed as a strong option for staying alive while racking up kills. It’s meant to support engagements from medium and farther out, and it fits a more cautious, awareness-focused style rather than a pure “run-and-gun” approach.
Best M8A1 Attachments
- Reflex Sight
- Adjustable Stock
- Quickdraw Handle
The build uses the Primary Gunfighter wildcard so the M8A1 can equip three attachments. The idea is that each piece has a clear purpose and helps the rifle in multiple ways.
First, the Reflex Sight is emphasized because the default iron sights aren’t considered helpful for aiming, since the reticle doesn’t support clean targeting. With the Reflex Sight, players get a red-dot aiming option that improves range and accuracy, making it easier to remove opponents at distance.
Next is the Quickdraw Handle, valued for faster aiming. The author points out that quicker aim reduces the time spent bringing the weapon up to shoot—especially when an enemy already has their shot lined up. Since the build relies on ADS (aiming down sights), shaving time off the ADS process is a direct benefit.
Finally, the Adjustable Stock is described as a key part of the rifle’s handling. It allows faster movement while aiming, and while some players prefer to stand still and focus only on shots, the stock is meant to support strafing so opponents miss more often. With the M8A1’s burst pattern, landing every burst matters—so maximizing movement while aiming is the goal.
The author notes you can skip Primary Gunfighter if you want the extra loadout slot, but argues that these three attachments are what make the M8A1 “the best it can be.”
Best M8A1 Perks
- Perk 1: Ghost
- Perk 2: Toughness
- Perk 3: Dexterity
Ghost is chosen for Perk 1 because the M8A1 is described as feeling a bit safer than other close-range options. The author’s approach involves holding distance, peeking through windows and using cover, and staying untrackable—especially against UAVs. In objective modes, Ghost is also framed as helpful while planting or defusing bombs to avoid being marked.
Toughness is the pick for Perk 2 since it reduces flinch when you’re hit. The author stresses that flinch can throw off aim, and dampening it helps you secure the kill before your opponent, which becomes especially important at longer distances.
Dexterity takes the Perk 3 slot because it supports faster ADS after sprinting. The author plans to move around with the M8A1, and since hipfire is described as not being useful, aiming is essential—so faster aiming and quicker gun draw are treated as a direct advantage over opponents.
The author acknowledges alternatives like Flak Jacket and Tactical Mask, but argues that with distance on your side, lethal and tactical equipment shouldn’t pose much of a threat.
Best M8A1 Secondary Weapon & Attachments
- Secondary: Executioner
- Attachments: Long Barrel
The secondary choice is the Executioner, selected for its close-range stopping power. The author doesn’t feel the need to cover medium and long distances with the secondary; instead, it’s meant as a backup when someone gets too close. The reasoning is straightforward: if the fight turns into a rush, a handheld shotgun-style backup makes sense, and Long Barrel is included to add a bit more reach.
Best M8A1 Scorestreaks
- UAV (425 Score)
- Counter-UAV (600 Score)
- Orbital VSAT (1,200 Score)
The build starts with UAV as a classic option. While rocket launcher users can destroy UAVs, the author claims the streak is still worth it because it can either reveal where an enemy is located or contribute assist points for teammates benefiting from the information.
What to Watch Next: Scorestreak Rationale and How It Fits the Playstyle
The Counter-UAV is described as the default go-to streak because it interferes with enemy sightlines. By shutting down their minimap—temporarily but effectively—the author argues it blinds the opposing team and helps them aim and shoot without being able to track bullet locations on the minimap.
The final streak, Orbital VSAT, is picked for its ability to provide enemy team positioning and direction that the opposing side can’t escape from or destroy. The author also notes it increases personal score through teammate assists.
Overall, the scorestreak selection is explained as part of a preference: the author wants to know where opponents are and doesn’t want opponents to know where they are. The result is framed as better game control, plus added teamwork value that leads to more assist points.
