Handgun

In the Metal Gear Solid games you get two types of handgun; a projectile and a tranquillizer gun. These are important because they are usually the first weapons you get in the game, and are usually the stealthiest weapons with which to dispatch enemies with.

Kinetic Projectile Type


More powerful than tranquilizer, capable of noise suppressor upgrade.

Makarov PM (9mm) - Standard Issue Soviet sidearm, until it was replaced by the Makarov PMM in 1990, which could hold twelve rounds, rather than the original eight.
 * SOCOM(MK 23) - Equipped with a laser sight that's effective for making more precise shots. Has a noise suppressor which has to be found. Once attached its effect is permanent, and it can not be removed.
 * USP9 (9mm) Comes equipped with a light that can be used to illuminate areas, or to temporarily blind opponents.
 * M1911A1 - Standard .45 caliber handgun. Naked Snake gets a custom made version from Eva after his original one got dismantled by The Boss
 * Single Action Army This gun allows you to ricochet bullets, but it's biggest drawback is you only get six shots instead of the makarov's eight.

Tranquillizer Type
The main disadvantage for all tranquillizer type guns is that you have to reload after every shot. Because of this it is even more important to make sure you don't miss than with a normal gun.
 * M9 comes with a suppressor. It is modified to fire tranquilizer darts rather than 9mm rounds.
 * EZ Gun permanently suppressed, has a laser pointer to make aiming easier and keeps your camouflage index at a minimum of 80%.
 * Mk 22 Hush Puppy Modified Hush Puppy that uses tranquillizer darts instead of normal rounds.

Suppressors
In Snake Eater the two main pistols the M1911 and the Mk 22, and both have detachable suppressors. With a suppressor attached you only have a certain number of shots you can use in which the suppressor will remain effective. There are a limited number of suppressors for each gun so it is best to only use the suppressor when necessary.