Pistol

Pistol
Lore/Real Name	1911 Protector
Based on	M1911A1
Tier	I
Weapon Slot	Secondary
Weapon Type	Semi-automatic Pistol
Prestige Weapon Version	✗
DLC Weapon Version	✓
Challenge Coins Version	✓

The Pistol, also known as the 1911 Protector, is a Tier I secondary weapon in World War Z.

For classes in Co-op Campaign, it is the default starting secondary weapon of every class in the game. For classes in Multiplayer, it is the default starting primary weapon of the Demolisher and the Striker.

Overview

The Pistol is the usual go-to stealth weapon for the majority of the game. Being one of two weapons to possess a suppressor by default, it is extremely useful when trying not to alert or attract idle zekes and calling in a wave. Thanks to it being silent, it is recommended that you take time to aim at the head of idle zekes since headshots are deadly to regular zekes even with a gun as weak as the Pistol.

Some upgrades can allow players to sacrifice the suppressor for more power and accuracy, or keep the suppressor and gain better handling with only slightly increased power.

Performance

The Pistol has a unique perk that is called Bounty Hunter. This makes the weapon a very useful tool against special zombies, especially since the damage bonus is greater than that of the class perk version some classes possess. The damage allows quick kills on Lurkers or Gasbags with headshots and even just body shots in case mutators make headshot damage impossible or problematic, shooting the Bomber's legs is highly effective on top of the additional damage he takes from them already, and headshots are much more powerful against the Infector. Sniping far away Screamers with the Pistol is a bit more viable now if the primary weapon currently in a player's possession is not fit for the job. While other weapons should be used when against the Bull, firing it directly into the Bull's back after a failed charge is the best option.

Damage breakpoints

Unless noted otherwise, the numbers are provided for the Co-op Campaign mode on Extreme difficulty (5 skulls) with no active mutators. The weapon is assumed to have maximum base stats. The target Zeke is assumed to be at point-blank range (less than 4 meters away from the player).

Common Zeke

• 1 headshot without any perk & class modifiers.

Lurker

• 2 headshots without any perk & class modifiers.
• 1 headshot with the Pistol's "Bounty Hunter" perk.
• 1 headshot with 3 perk bonuses active at the same time: the Pistol's "Power" perk plus the "Gunslinger's Annihilator" & "Bounty Hunter".
• 1 headshot with the "Gunslinger's Switcheroo" bonus.

Weapon Stats

Early levels

Level 1–Level 4 stats
Level	Power	Accuracy	Handling	Fire Rate	Max Penetration	Magazine capacity	Max Carried Ammo
1	2	7	6	3	0	14	84
2	2	7	6	3	0	20	120
3	3	7	7	3	0	20	120
4	3	8	7	3	0	20	120

Base stats after level 5

Power	Accuracy	Handling	Fire Rate	Max Penetration	Magazine capacity	Max Carried Ammo
4	9	7	3	0	20	120

Perks

Unique perks

Name	Effects	Available at weapon level	Unlock conditions
Bounty Hunter	+50% Damage to special zombies	6	950
Biathlete	While this weapon is equipped, sprint stamina is spent 15% slower or 30% slower if you also carry a Virus sample	6	500
FMJ Rounds II	+2 Accuracy, +2 Penetration, -4 Magazine capacity	12	3 documents for New York 4: Dead In The Water
Ghost	When killing an enemy with a headshot from this weapon, you get a masking effect for 5 seconds if you have taken damage from zombies in the last 15 seconds (the cooldown is 60 seconds)	11	100

Common perks

Name	Effects	Available at weapon level	Unlock conditions
Extended Mag	+2 Magazine capacity	8	500
Custom Sight	+2 Accuracy, -10% Reloading speed	8	500
Ergonomics II	+2 Handling, -1 Accuracy	9	1 document for New York 2: Tunnel Vision
Power	+15% Damage	10	500
Fine Motor Skills I	+25% Weapon switching speed	13	500
Veteran I	+15% Reloading speed. The reloading speed bonus is stackable but can't be higher than 50%	14	500
Ammo Pouches	+10% Max ammo for this weapon	15	500

Weapon Progression

Unlock requirements by level

Level-up requirements
Level	2	3	4	5	6	7	8
XP	100	175	275	375	400	400	425
	150	500	750	1000	1000	1250	1250
Level	9	10	11	12	13	14	15
XP	425	450	450	475	475	500	500
	1500	1500	1750	1750	2000	2000	2000

Design

The Pistol is based on the M1911A1. The weapon's actual name, the 1911 Protector, references that specific model. The magazine would likely only be capable of carrying just seven rounds instead of the 14 it does in-game. The same is also true for the extended magazine which would appear to only carry 10 at most.

As with all customizable weapons, subsequent versions include a multitude of accessories to visually represent a different style. Attachments on the Pistol include extended magazines, flashlight/laser combos, red dot sights, fingergroove grips, and muzzle brakes. The Pistol on the alternate branch of skins swaps out the black aluminum slide to a slightly longer carbon fiber one.

The Lobo Weapon version of the Pistol is based on the second version on the alternate branch of skins, as it is missing the suppressor and has the same carbon fiber slide. Strangely, it lacks the 20-round extended magazine seen on most versions of the Pistol and yet is somehow able to carry just as many rounds without it.

The Challenge Coins version of the Pistol is also based on the second version on the alternate branch of skins. However, it has the extended magazine and uniquely, a suppressor, which is not seen on any of the Pistol versions on that branch of skins.

Gallery

Default Pistol

Level 1

Pistol (Main Branch)

Level 2

Level 3

Level 4

Pistol (Alternate Branch)

Level 2

Level 3

Level 4

Level 5

Pistol (Unique Versions)

Lobo Weapon Version

Challenge Coin Version

Legacy

Before the Horde Mode XL update (released on January 24, 2023) that redesigned the game's weapon system, the Pistol's progression model looked as follows.

Legacy stats & level-up model
Level	Icon	Power	Accuracy	Handling	Fire Rate	Max Penetration	Magazine	Carried Ammo Capacity	Silencer Upgrade
1		2	6	6	4	0	14	84	✓
Main Branch
2		2	6	6	4	0	20	120	✓
3		3	6	7	4	0	20	120	✓
4		3	7	8	4	0	20	120	✓
Alternate Branch
2		3	6	6	4	0	14	84	✗
3		3	7	6	4	0	20	120	✗
4		3	8	7	4	0	20	120	✗
5		4	9	7	4	0	20	120	✗
Unique Versions
Lobo Weapon (DLC)		4	8	8	4	0	20	120	✗
Challenge Coins		4	7	7	4	2	20	120	✓

Unique Versions

Lobo Weapon (DLC)

A Pistol with a unique design and high stats was included as part of World War Z's pre-order bonus and subsequent "Lobo Weapon Pack" DLC. This version of the Pistol could be equipped regardless of the weapon's level.

Challenge Coins

A Challenge Coins version of the Pistol could be bought for 1000 Challenge Coins after reaching level 5. This version came with a unique perk. It also had the suppressor upgrade. It was also the only Pistol version that had penetration, allowing bullets to pass through and hit multiple zekes at once.