M3

Unpack the downloaded archive and move the .mdl files to cstrike/models, agreeing to overwrite when asked. If the archive includes sounds, put the .wav files in cstrike/sound (typically in cstrike/sound/weapons). Make copies of the original files before replacing anything. After that, start the game, buy or pick up the shotgun, and see how the model appears in game.

Place them in the folders that correspond to the file type:

• Models (.mdl) - cstrike/models
• Sounds (.wav) - cstrike/sound, preserving the subfolders from the original game
• Sprites or HUD images - cstrike/sprites

If your build has a localized folder like cstrike_russian, files there take precedence, so place the model where the game actually loads it from.

A weapon model typically includes the first-person view model (v_*.mdl), the model seen in the player's hands from the outside (p_*.mdl), and the model lying on the ground (w_*.mdl). These replace the standard files in cstrike/models and must keep the exact names from the archive. Don't rename them and back up the originals first.

There's nothing to enable in the menu - weapon models in CS 1.6 are client-side and load automatically when the weapon is used. Just buy the shotgun or pick it up from the ground and the new model will appear. To test it quickly, start a local map through New Game or with the map command in the console.

Verify that the .mdl files are directly in cstrike/models and not inside an extra subfolder from the archive. File names must match what the game expects - renamed or missing files either leave the default model or crash the game. If you have a localized mod folder like cstrike_russian, remember its files override those in cstrike. If nothing helps, remove the custom files and restore your backups.

Delete the custom .mdl and .wav files you added, or copy the originals from the backups you made before installing into cstrike/models and cstrike/sound. If you have no backups, verify or reinstall the game files, or take the original files from a clean CS 1.6 installation. Restart the game after the swap and the standard shotgun model will be back.

Weapon models are client-side, so on most servers you will see your own model normally. Some servers force their own models or use consistency checks, which can replace your files or kick you for mismatched content. Other players never see your custom model - they see their own files. If a server rejects it, switch back to the default model while playing there.