This isn't a direct answer, but give me a moment to explain and it should become clear that it could help you in the long run.

For really getting into modding, I recommend using either TextPad or Notepad++, as both permit searching for a string/value in a specified filetype in a given directory and its subdirectories.

Then you can just search for "PresetName = Muzzle Flash Pistol" in all .ini files in your Cortex Command folder and subfolders, and it should quickly locate the original instance.

They also support syntax highlighting (no use for CC ini files, but useful for Lua scripts) and other useful stuff, like multiple files via tabs, and Notepad++ can "collapse" sections of Lua scripts for easier scrolling/browsing.

KattenKrad, that would have been useful if I had been better acquainted with the syntax, but now that you pointed me in the right direction I got it figured out ^^

Arcalane, as with anything new I'd have to start using it and get used to a program before I use it on any large scale, but for now gimp, paint, and notepad are getting me where I need to go (but I did install notepad++ for future use)

first gun ever is coming along nicely, should be able to move on to another one soon.

It's great to see new people joining the modding community! I always recommend the modding templates to anyone just starting out with modding. They're a great way to jump into making basic mods! Like the rest have posted here, I could help with coding/troubleshooting and such (specifically .ini code). Just shoot a PM my way if you need any help.

I'm looking forward to seeing this mod come together. And your enthusiasm towards modding for CC is a welcome sight!

well Pantera, I like this game (as bloody frustrating as it can get) and want to see it come to it's full potential.
I admit that I sorta want to get good enough that I can begin really pushing CC towards it's final builds, but that is just thinking ahead.

in the meantime, I've been putting in about a days worth of actual work on my mod and so far I've got two functional weapons (only one of which I've got to the specs that I want though...)
in the end I want to have the full compliment of 18 weapons, 16 actors, at least 3 scenes, and hopefully (code willing) one scenario.

guess I'll just lay down what I have in mind:
2 factions: Angels (Rebels) and Demons (Imperial Army)
rebels have one actual actor but he/she has multiple suits of armour. This faction boasts the most weapons, 14 in all, and one vehicle (though I will most likely leave this out)
imperials have several actors, the two main being the grunt and the special unit (a counter to the rebels only actor) and only 4 weapons, but they have mounted units (tanks, AA) and giant mechanized units
scenes: right from the game this is based on. wasteland, winter, ruins
scenario: hopefully I can get something put together that emulates the game

I've got sounds, I've got the reference pics, and I've got a vision, now I just need to pace myself so I don't get bogged down.
I will ask questions throughout the development process, and my hope is that once this mod is complete I will have enough knowledge of the game to put some effort into helping the game progress in it's builds.

I'm very happy to be here besides; I don't mean to insult anyone but it seemed like the community was becoming a bit stagnant in regards to CC (slow development is, I'm sure, a huge factor) and it would sadden me to see this place die from a sort of inbreeding syndrome.

Nice to see some new blood, hope your modding goes well, kinda makes me wanna mod again...

I do so wish there was a mod making tool for atachables and walk-paths though.

I'm sure it'll come along.
I think I'll post a link to the progress which I'm posting in Minor Mods for now.

So I've only been a member of this forum for about a week, with patchy involvement at best, but I want to know how I can get more involved.
yeah I've already started work on a mod but that's only so much, and I'm sure you all understand that focusing on just one thing will only lead to a burn out, so I'm asking yall (being those that have been around here the longest) where should I look to get more involved in this community? I've sorta grazed over the forum games, but those have never really appealed to me very much (note that I said "grazed" so this is subject to change)
I read this post and it made me realize that I won't get much support for any of my CC endeavours if I don't get involved in other ways, so I'm making a public announcement to say "hey! I want to be involved!"