Pistols



Pistols refers to both a type of weapon and the talent that gives proficiency in them. Pistols are small firearms that are held by one hand and are often held in a holster by the side of the corresponding leg. In Mass Effect, pistols, like many weapons, are designed to be used by many species with a large grip area designed to be used by any manner of hand.

Pistols are close- and mid-range weapons designed for a variety of situations, but lack any kind of automatic fire, compared to Assault Rifles, and do only minor damage compared to ARs and Sniper Rifles. They are generally reserved as backup weapons for use with Biotic and Tech specialists as their main skills recharge.

Many components of the weapon can be modified and changed for different effects, including the ammunition fired and direct modifications of the pistol itself.

See also: Pistol Guide.

Talent Ranks

 * Level 1: Increases damage by 5%. Increases accuracy by 10%.


 * Level 2: Increases damage by 8%. Increases accuracy by 14%.


 * Level 3: Marksman: Boosts accuracy by 60%, increases rate of fire 1 round/sec, reduces heat 30% to compensate. Duration: 10s. Recharge Time: 45s.


 * Level 4: Increases damage by 10%. Increases accuracy by 17%.


 * Level 5: Increases damage by 12%. Increases accuracy by 20%.


 * Level 6: Increases damage by 14%. Increases accuracy by 22%.


 * Level 7: Increases damage by 16%. Increases accuracy by 24%.


 * Level 8: Advanced Marksman: Boosts accuracy by 60%, increases rate of fire 1.5 rounds/sec, reduces heat 40% to compensate. Duration: 13s. Recharge Time: 45s.


 * Level 9: Increases damage by 18%. Increases accuracy by 26%.


 * Level 10: Increases damage by 19%. Increases accuracy by 28%.


 * Level 11: Increases damage by 20%. Increases accuracy by 30%.


 * Level 12: Master Marksman: Boosts accuracy by 60%, increases rate of fire 2 rounds/sec, reduces heat 50% to compensate. Duration: 16s. Recharge Time: 45s.

Specialization
Commandos gain Assassin Specialization at level 12.
 * Level 12: Assassin Specialization: Reduces the recharge time on Assassinate and Marksman by 25%.

Classes
These classes have access to the Pistols talent:
 * Adept Unlockable
 * Engineer
 * Infiltrator
 * Soldier
 * Sentinel
 * Vanguard
 * Quarian Machinist

Pistol types
Below is a list of the types of pistols and their base stats: