M6C/SOCOM/Gameplay

Campaign and Firefight

 * The M6C/SOCOM was designed as a very powerful scoped pistol in tribute to the fan-beloved M6D from Halo: Combat Evolved. The M6C/SOCOM combines the fire rate of the M6C with the accuracy, range, and scope of the M6D. However, it does not have the stopping power of an M6D or M6G (due to the reduction in bullet velocity due to the silencer), so it's best used to use headshots against unshielded enemies. Indeed, the weapon's non-headshot damage is so mediocre that even a Grunt can survive several torso shots from the M6C/SOCOM. This places the weapon as the lowest-damaging of all the M6 series pistols in-game, which is surprising due to it being issued to special forces teams. However, it can still be useful for stealth operations, and skilled marksmen capable of consecutive headshots can dispose of Grunts and Jackals with startling ease, efficiency, and speed, thanks to the low recoil, high accuracy, and high magazine capacity of the pistol.
 * The M6C/SOCOM is most effective against Grunts and Jackals, however it is ineffective against Hunters. When going up against Jackals, the combat strategy used throughout the previous Halo titles remains effective.
 * The M6C/SOCOM is essentially useless against enemies with energy shields. The most common way to take down shielded infantry is to take down their shield using the M7S SMG, MA5C assault rifle, or a Plasma Pistol/Rifle and then follow up with a headshot with the M6S. If another, more powerful weapon like the Type-51 carbine is available and has significant ammunition, the latter weapon is preferred. The carbine is good for taking down shields and scoring headshots, but lacks stealth.
 * The SOCOM is excellent when used in conjunction with the Brute plasma rifle against Brutes.
 * One effective tactic against Jackals is to target their exposed arm causing the Jackal to flinch back, exposing the torso and head enough for a fatal headshot, this move is usually executed with 2-3 shots.