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Disambiguous This article is about pistol weapons in Mass Effect 2 and Mass Effect 3. For pistol weapons in Mass Effect and Mass Effect: Andromeda, see Pistols. For the talent in Mass Effect, see Pistols (talent). For the skill in Mass Effect: Andromeda, see Pistols (skill).
A Predator heavy pistol

Heavy pistols are one of the primary weapons in the Mass Effect universe. Heavy pistols have supplanted the pistol class of weapons seen in the first game, making their introduction in Mass Effect 2.

Mass Effect 2[]

Heavy pistols are a class of semi-automatic weapons with a relatively low rate of fire and limited ammunition but relatively high damage per shot. They are an invaluable backup weapon, effective against armor and fairly accurate at even long ranges. Like all other non-heavy weapon types in Mass Effect 2 with the exception of sniper rifles, heavy pistols benefit from increasing damage against targets at close ranges, maximized at point-blank (melee) range.

All player classes start the game able to use heavy pistols. The following squadmates in Mass Effect 2 utilize heavy pistols: Jack, Jacob, Miranda, Mordin, Tali, Kasumi, Liara and Wilson.

Heavy Pistol Models[]

Below is a list of heavy pistols in Mass Effect 2.

M-3 Predator

M-3 Predator Heavy Pistol
  • Manufacturer: Elanus Risk Control Services
  • Base Damage: 37.2
  • Damage Multipliers (Armor / Barriers / Shields): x1.5 / x1.0 / x1.0
  • Default ammo: 12 / 60
  • Acquisition: Default starting weapon.

M-5 Phalanx

M-5 Phalanx Heavy Pistol

M-6 Carnifex

M-6 Carnifex Hand Cannon
  • Manufacturer: Unknown
  • Base Damage: 85.4
  • Damage Multipliers (Armor / Barriers / Shields): x1.5 / x1.0 / x1.0
  • Default ammo: 6 / 18
  • Acquisition: Dossier: The Professor

Upgrades[]

See also: Upgrade Guide, Research
  • AP Heavy Pistol (Sabot Jacketing)
Provides +50% heavy pistol damage against armor. Upgrades heavy pistols and hand cannons for your entire squad.
  • Heavy Pistol Critical (Smart Rounds)
Heavy pistols sometimes deal double damage. Upgrades the heavy pistols and hand cannons of your entire squad.
  • Heavy Pistol Damage 1 - 6 (Titan Pulsar)
Provides +10% heavy pistol damage. Upgrades heavy pistols and hand cannons for your entire squad.

Mass Effect 3[]

Heavy pistols are incredibly versatile weapons. Depending on the model and any modifications used, they can vary widely in weight and stopping power. Heavy pistols can be customized to fill almost any role, from niche backup weapon, all the way to devastatingly powerful primary weapon.

Most heavy pistols are semi-automatic and fairly accurate by default, and their accuracy can usually be increased by aiming down sights, taking cover, or equipping a basic scope.

Heavy pistols can also be modded to enhance power damage, melee damage, or to drastically reduce their weight, all of which can make them attractive for any user not primarily reliant on weapon damage. Having a heavy pistol as the active weapon allows for faster melee attacks than with shotguns, sniper rifles, or assault rifles.

The following squadmates utilize heavy pistols: Admiral Anderson, EDI, Javik, Kaidan, Liara, Tali, Wrex, Nyreen, Jack, Jacob, Kasumi, and Miranda.

Heavy Pistol Models[]

Below is a list of the types of heavy pistols in Mass Effect 3 and their base stats. Note that WCFDA stands for weight, capacity, fire rate, damage, and accuracy. The relevant values for those statistics are presented in that order.

Acolyte

Acolyte Pistol

Arc Pistol

Arc Pistol

Executioner Pistol

Executioner Pistol

M-3 Predator

M-3 Predator

M-5 Phalanx

M-5 Phalanx

M-6 Carnifex

M-6 Carnifex

M-11 Suppressor

M-11 Suppressor

M-77 Paladin

M-77 Paladin
  • Manufacturer: Unknown
  • Base WCFDA: 33 / 15 / 10 / 55 / 66
  • Fire Mode: Semi-Automatic
  • Default ammo: 3 / 21
  • Acquisition: Spectre Requisitions

M-358 Talon

M-358 Talon

N7 Eagle

N7 Eagle

Scorpion

Scorpion

Weapon Modifications[]

See also: Weapon Mods#Heavy Pistol Upgrades, Equipment Guide (Mass Effect 3)#Pistol Mods
  • Pistol Melee Stunner I - V
Small attachment to muzzle, causing massive damage to melee targets.
  • Pistol Piercing Mod I - V
Capacitor boosts kinetic coil generators, increasing shot penetration.
  • Pistol Magazine Upgrade I - V
Increases magazine capacity, allowing more shots before reload.
  • Pistol High Caliber Barrel I - V
Allows wider projectiles, causing more trauma on impact. Ballistically optimized to maintain penetrative power.
  • Pistol Scope I - V
Simple 2x optical scope enhances stability while zoomed. Increases accuracy while moving and taking damage.
Increase headshot lethality by balancing barrel calibration so that ammunition pierces bone and explodes in soft tissue.
Superior lightweight alloys replace weapon parts, making the weapon less obtrusive and easier to handle.
A pistol barrel that produces and withstands extreme kinetic and thermal energy.
Generator designed to enhance the effectiveness of tech or biotic attacks.

See Also[]

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