This Sawed-Off guide explains when the T-side shotgun is worth buying and how to make its short range work for you. The Sawed-Off hits harder per pellet than any other shotgun. It also has the shortest useful range of any gun in the game. That combination makes it a specialist weapon.
For a comparison of every shotgun, read our CS2 shotguns guide. This page covers the Sawed-Off by itself.
What are the Sawed-Off stats in CS2?
These values come from the csdb.gg weapon database. Updates can change them.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Side | T only |
| Price | $1,100 |
| Kill reward | $900 (competitive) |
| Damage per pellet | 32 |
| Armour penetration | 75% |
| Magazine / reserve | 7 / 32 |
| Fire rate | 71 RPM |
| Movement speed | 210 units/s |
The database describes meaningful damage as limited to roughly five metres. Inside that range, one blast is very dangerous. Beyond it, pellets spread wide and damage falls fast. The 210 units per second movement speed is also slower than pistols and SMGs.
Why is the Sawed-Off a hard buy on T?
The T side usually has to attack. That means crossing open ground into a site that CTs are already holding. A weapon that only works at a few metres is at a big disadvantage in that situation. The CTs see you first and fight you from range.
This is why the Sawed-Off is rarely bought in organised play. It is not a bad gun. It simply needs the fight to come to you, and the T role rarely allows that.
When should you buy the Sawed-Off?
Anti-eco rounds
If the CTs are saving, they may push for picks or play close. The $900 kill reward makes each kill nearly pay for the gun. Our anti-eco guide compares it with SMGs for these rounds.
Holding a flank or lurk spot
A lurker who waits in a tight corner for rotating CTs can use the short range well. The fight starts close, which is exactly what the gun needs. Our lurker guide covers timing and positions.
Post-plant hiding spots
After the bomb is down, the CTs must come to you. A close corner near the bomb lets you wait for defenders to walk into short range. The post-plant guide explains how to set up.
When should you skip the Sawed-Off?
Skip it on most standard executes into open sites. Skip it on long-range maps where every approach is a wide lane. And skip it on a force-buy against rifles if a cheaper pistol plus armour would let your team buy utility. For general force-buy choices, see our force-buy guide.
Sawed-Off guide to ambushes: how do you use it well?
- Wait, don't hunt. Choose a corner where enemies must pass within a few metres, and hold still.
- Use sound. Listen for footsteps and be ready to shoot as they round the corner.
- Aim at the upper body and head. With high per-pellet damage, a well-placed blast often kills outright.
- Stop before shooting. Moving inaccuracy is more than double standing inaccuracy.
- Reload after each fight. Shells load one at a time, so stay topped up.
Which mistakes waste the Sawed-Off?
The biggest mistake is running into open space with it. You will lose almost every fight beyond a few metres. Another is taking it on a team execute where you are first through the door, facing an angle from range.
A third mistake is holding a spot that enemies can see from far away. If a CT can spot you from across the site, the gun cannot answer. Pick hidden, close spots only.
How to practise with the Sawed-Off
Open a private match with bots and test the damage at different distances. You will quickly see where the gun stops being lethal. Then practise holding a corner and firing the moment a bot appears. Learn two or three close spots per map that suit it.
Sources and checks
Stats, price and kill reward were checked on 2 November 2026 against csdb.gg Sawed-Off page. The five-metre effective range is the database's own estimate. Weapon values can change with any CS2 update.
Frequently asked questions
Can CTs buy the Sawed-Off?
No. It is T only. The CT equivalent is the MAG-7.
What is the Sawed-Off range in CS2?
Very short. The csdb.gg database estimates meaningful damage within about five metres.
Is the Sawed-Off worth $1,100?
Only for specific spots and anti-ecos. On open T-side attacks, a pistol or SMG is usually a better buy.
