Pistol (Left 4 Dead 2)

The SIG Sauer P220 Pistol is the backup weapon of all Survivors. It is also the only weapon they can use when knocked down, although with a slower rate of fire and greatly decreased accuracy. Besides the minigun, the pistol(s) is the only weapon that has infinite ammunition. However, they are still limited to a magazine capacity of 15 rounds.

Even though they are meant as emergency weapons, the pistols make great secondaries, or even primaries for hunting rifle and shotgun users. They pack a punch slightly greater than that of the assault rifle, and possess above average accuracy. Pistols will usually spawn on the first level of each campaign. This occurs most frequently on easy and normal. However, on advanced and expert, they are often not available during the first level.

Dual-Wielding
If a second pistol is found, they can be dual-wielded. Once you equip another Pistol you will have a Glock 17. Except for the Magnum. Second pistols are placed periodically by the Director, and can also be picked up from fallen teammates. This allows for twice the ammo capacity, as well as the rate of fire being increased from 300 RPM to 600 RPM. The downside of having two pistols is that it takes slightly longer to reload, but the extra damage and rounds are worth it. When dual-wielded, the pistol in the left hand will not have a light.

Tactics

 * Pistols can be quite effective in the right hands. However, to be an effective pistol user, you must be accurate; try to crouch when the situation permits, as it will tighten your crosshairs and accuracy.
 * The pistols have great accuracy, and a pistol user must take advantage of this. When using a pump shotgun or auto shotgun, it is a good idea to use pistols for distant targets, as shotguns are bad at long range.
 * When using the hunting rifle, it is advantageous to use pistols while running, as the hunting rifle is not as good while running.
 * In certain situations, switching to pistols may be a better option than waiting for your reload.
 * If a distant teammate is disabled by a Hunter or a Smoker and your magazine is empty, then draw your pistols and open fire. This will probably kill the Special Infected faster than if you were to reload, reducing the damage taken by your teammate.
 * Pistols have unlimited ammo, so switching to them will conserve your primary ammo for more dangerous situations, such as a horde or Tank.
 * The faster you click the mouse/press the trigger to fire, the faster the pistol fires. However, it's not automatic, so holding the button down does nothing.
 * Like any other weapon, try to keep your pistols fully loaded even when you're not using them, as they are your only resort if you are to become unexpectedly incapacitated.

Trivia

 * The P220 in Left 4 Dead 2 doesn't have a walking animation, it stays completely still on your screen.