Modern Warfare 3 Best Weapons Tier List

With the release of Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3 on November 10, it’s time to get ready and decide what weapons you’ll be playing with. In this guide, we will analyze the optimal weapons and loadouts for most players. We also have a guide about Modern Warfare 3 Zombies Mode, for the successful completion of which you will certainly need a formidable weapon from our list. So, let’s pick the best guns in MW3 for your personal arsenal of weapons.

Modern Warfare 3 Best Weapons Key Takeaways:

• The best MW3 guns right now are MCW, Striker, BP50, Kar98k, MTZ-556, BAL-27, BAS-B, SVA 545, Superi 46, and FJX Horus.
• MCW remains one of the safest MW3 best weapons for most players because it has clean recoil, good range, and simple handling.
• Striker is the best SMG pick if you want close-range pressure without losing too much control at mid range.
• BP50, MTZ-556, and BAL-27 are strong assault rifle options for players who want faster pacing than the MCW.
• Kar98k and FJX Horus work better for confident players, since both reward aim and quick reactions.
• STG44 is still playable, but it no longer deserves the top spot after later balance changes.

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Best Modern Warfare 3 Weapons Ranked

The Modern Warfare 3 best weapons meta changed a lot after launch, so the old release-week picks no longer tell the full story. Some guns still feel great because they are easy to control, while newer seasonal weapons bring faster TTK, better mobility, or stronger close-range pressure. This tier list ranks the MW3 best guns by damage, recoil control, mobility, range, attachment value, and how useful they feel in normal Multiplayer matches. The best weapons in Modern Warfare 3 are:

• MCW — assault rifle
• Striker — SMG
• BP50 — assault rifle
• Kar98k — marksman rifle
• MTZ-556 — assault rifle
• BAL-27 — assault rifle
• BAS-B — battle rifle
• SVA 545 — assault rifle
• Superi 46 — SMG
• FJX Horus — SMG

S-Tier weapons are the safest picks for most players and work well on many maps. A-Tier guns are still strong, but they usually need better aim, better positioning, or a more specific loadout. B-Tier weapons can win games too, though they feel less stable than the top picks. C and D-Tier guns are mostly for off-meta runs, camo grind, or players who simply enjoy their feel. In other cases we recommend you to read the table with the MW3 best guns below.

S-Tier

The best meta guns right after the release of the game. Feel free to take any of them for domination!

MCW AR

MCW is one of the most comfortable and enjoyable assault rifles (and weapons in general) at medium range. Decent rate of fire and relatively low TTK will make this baby your favorite after release.

The best attachments for MCW are:

• MTZ Drifter Barrel
• Slate Reflector
• Bruen TR-24 Assault Grip
• .556 Nato High Grain
• XRK Edge BW-4 Handgrip

Striker SMG

The Striker is one of the strongest close-range SMGs with one of the lowest TTKs in the game despite having a very low rate of fire for an SMG. It always takes four shots to kill. In case there wasn’t enough justification for using it, the Striker also boasts remarkable handling speeds and minimal recoil. Obviously the best submachine gun since the rebalance. If you want to level up any of your SMGs with all attachments use our MW3 SMG Leveling.

The best attachments for Striker are:

• Striker Recon Long Barrel
• Lachmann MK2 Light Stock
• Sakin ZX Grip
• .45 Auto High Grain
• XRK Edge BW-4 Handgrip

BP50 AR

The BP50 is one of the strongest assault rifles in Modern Warfare 3 because it mixes fast handling with reliable mid-range damage. It feels lighter than many other ARs, so you can play more aggressively without losing too much control. The recoil is manageable, and the fire rate helps you win fights before slower rifles can fully respond.

The best attachments for BP50 are:

• Lore-9 Heavy Barrel
• Moat-40 Stock
• TRST-IV Grip Tape
• Bruen Heavy Support Grip
• 45 Round Mag

Kar98k MR

The Kar98k is a high-risk, high-reward marksman rifle built around quick shots and clean aim. It can delete players fast if you land upper-body hits, but it punishes missed shots hard. This weapon works best for confident players who like fast peeks, sharp angles, and aggressive sniper-style gameplay.

The best attachments for Kar98k are:

• Bryson Carbine-S Barrel
• DR-6 Handstop
• 7.92 High Grain Rounds
• Range Caller v3.4 Optic
• No Stock

MTZ-556 AR

Best short-range assault rifle with incredible damage. Basically, you can compare it even with MCW, and the only difference is that MTZ-556 has a higher rate of fire, and therefore more recoil. Also, the TTK will be smaller, but the bullet will drop faster as well. To level up your assault rifle in no time use our MW3 Assault Rifles Leveling.

The best loadout for MTZ-556 is:

• MTZ Drifter Barrel
• Slate Reflector
• Bruen TR-24 Assault Grip
• .556 Nato High Grain
• XRK Edge BW-4 Handgrip

A-Tier

Slightly worse than the S-tier weapons, but in many ways they are just as good as them. If you like one of these weapons, feel free to take them on and wish nothing away.

BAL-27 AR

The BAL-27 is a strong assault rifle for players who want a flexible gun with a faster feel than the MCW. It has good mobility, solid damage, and enough range to compete on most Multiplayer maps. The weapon can feel a little jumpy during longer sprays, so attachments should focus on recoil control and range.

The best attachments for BAL-27 are:

• Crown-H3 Barrel
• Ardent Tac Stock
• Hammer Grip
• Bruen Heavy Support Grip
• 60 Round Mag

Bas-B BR

Although the BAS-B is classified as a battle rifle, it is actually much more in line with the assault rifle than the marksman rifle category. In this regard, it embodies every need for a battle rifle: a rapid rate of fire, manageable recoil, high damage, and a respectable range. It also has access to the essential high-capacity mags.

The BAS-B is significantly dependent on the distance from which the shot is fired, and you, even after playing with this weapon for a sufficient amount of time, are unlikely to be able to quickly estimate the distance between you and the target and accurately calculate the required number of shots, it will sometimes only require four shots in scenarios where they will require five or six, making it an obvious A-Tier option.

Our team has already prepared the best loadout for BAS-B yet:

• Bruen Venom Long Barrel
• Slate Reflector
• D37 Grip
• 30 Round Magazine
• .277 Fury High Grain

SVA 545 AR

Because of its special firing mechanism, the first two rounds fire nearly instantly, followed by subsequent rounds firing at a regular pace. But this is really just a gimmick, and it doesn’t do anything to keep the 545 from feeling utterly mediocre.

This is good AR, so there is a loadout for SVA 545:

• Vehement Resolve Light Barrel
• MK23 Reflector
• Nought-Z3 Grip
• 45 Round Mag
• .556 Nato High Grain

Superi 46 SMG

The Superi 46 is one of the best SMGs in MW3 for fast movement and close-range pressure. It lets you take aggressive routes, slide into fights, and reposition before enemies can trade back. The main downside is range, since assault rifles still beat it once fights move past close quarters.

The best attachments for Superi 46 are:

• Bore 99 Short Barrel
• Rescue-9 Stock
• Phantom Grip
• XRK Edge BW-4 Handstop
• 40 Round Mag

FJX Horus SMG

The FJX Horus is a compact SMG with strong close-range damage and very quick handling. It fits players who like rushing, flanking, and forcing messy fights around corners. Still, it loses value at longer ranges, so you need smart routes and good map awareness to make it shine.

The best attachments for FJX Horus are:

• Ruse-90 Light Barrel
• No Stock Mod
• LULL-9m Grip
• DR-6 Handstop
• 48 Round Mag

B-Tier

Medium weapons. Exclusively for amateur players or for gameplay variety.

STG44

The STG44 remains a solid assault rifle, even if it is no longer the safest top-tier pick. It has good damage, clean iron sights, and a familiar feel for players who enjoy classic AR gameplay. After later balance changes, it feels more like a strong B-tier option than a true meta weapon.

The best attachments for STG44 are:

• Heinrichter C70 Long Barrel
• DR79 Combo Stock
• Citadel Grip
• Bruen Heavy Support Grip
• 50 Round Drum

Longbow SR

In certain ways, it reminds us of Kar98k, which is why we heartily suggest it. To be sure, you will acquire a lot more hitmarkers than the typical sniper, but in return, you will have incredible control and mobility. Great SR with a great mag and ADS speed.

In case you will like it, here is a loadout for Longbow to feel better:

• HMRES Mod Suppressor
• XRK Edge BW-4 Handstop
• KV Factory Stock
• SA-M Quickbolt
• 10 Round Mag

Renetti

The Renetti is one of the most useful secondary weapons in Modern Warfare 3. With the right setup, it becomes a strong backup for close-range fights when your main weapon runs dry. It will not replace a real SMG, but it can save you in tight rooms and fast follow-up duels.

The best attachments for Renetti are:

• JAK Ferocity Carbine Kit
• MLX Short Competition Barrel
• Slate Reflector
• 50 Round Drum
• Bruen Express Trigger Action

AMR9 SMG

Unfortunately, it just doesn’t have the same impact as the Rival-9’s quick movement or the Striker’s excellent TTK. However, even while the AMR9 doesn’t always feel as impressive as the Striker, it’s still a solid SMG on its own.
The AMR9 fires quickly, handles well, and has a controlled amount of recoil. We feel this weapon is a little underutilized in the meta because it can hold its own against nearly anything at close-quarters combat.

The best loadout for AMR9 is the following:

• Demo-LTS Stock
• Phantom Grip
• 50 Round Mag
• 9mm High Grain
• XTEN 12 Handgrip

Holger 26 LMG

Since the new installment of Call of Duty feels much more about the speed of combat and movement than MW2, machine guns have lost their relevance. Therefore, this Holger 26 machine gun is exclusively for the amateur.

However, here is a loadout for Holger 26:

• Ascent Lord Heavy Barrel
• HMRES Mod Suppressor
• LM Intruder Grip
• RB Crotalus Assault Stock
• Slate Reflector

C-Tier

Exotic weapons, so to speak. We don’t recommend them, but we can’t forbid them either. If you get used to these weapons, you can even feel pretty good on the battlefields. And if you’re still hesitant about choosing weapons and loadouts, our professional players are ready to help you with our MW3 Coaching.

KV Inhibitor SR

KV Inhibitor is probably the simplest sniper rifle, with a remarkably fast rate of fire, and, more importantly, speed of getting into the sights. Sniper rifles were a painful aspect of the previous Call of Duty, and here the developers decided to please us. It’s only drawback is the lack of recoil control compared to other sniper rifles. So why not take advantage of it?

Here is the most optimal loadout for KV Inhibitor:

• KAS-10 584MM Mod Barrel
• EXO-TAC
• Broadside Factory Grip
• .338 Magnum High Grain
• XRK Edge

Pulemyot 762 LMG

Despite having all the typical drawbacks of a heavy rifle (slow reload, poor mobility, etc.), the PKM, also known as the Pulemyot 762, is nonetheless deserving of a place in the S-Tier because of its ridiculously high damage per bullet when compared to other weapons. Due to its excellent damage profile, which has a very long range, you will definitely have the upper hand while gunfighting with ARs and even when facing multiple targets, the recoil is also extremely controllable, so you don’t have to worry about spending attachments negating it.

The best attachments for Pulemyot 762 are:

• Sonic Suppressor
• ST Bullpup Barrel
• Slate Reflector
• Pulemyot 762B Bullpup Conversion Kit
• Kimura RYN-03 Vertical Grip

Rival-9 SMG

Since the Striker’s TTK is higher than the Rival-9’s, we advise most players to use that SMG instead. Nonetheless, the Rival-9 boasts the finest handling and mobility of any SMG. Therefore, the Rival-9 may be preferred by aggressive players who plan to take advantage of MW3’s faster movement.

Here is loadout for Rival-9:

• Rival-38E Fire Starter
• Bruen Flash V4 Stock
• Rival Vice Assault Grip
• 40 Round Magazine
• XRK Edge BW-4 Handgrip

MTZ-Interceptor MR

The MTZ-Interceptor is a semi-auto, two-shot gun that can fire at any range. However, because of its poor semi-auto rate of fire—which involves a brief delay—you will frequently lose to a skilled opponent in the interval between the first and second shots. The Interceptor, being a marksman rifle, ought to possess less power than a sniper rifle but faster reaction times. Even though it is far less powerful than the snipers, the Interceptor feels every bit as slow.

There is a loadout for MTZ-Interceptor that might make this a good weapon for you:

• MTZ Clinch Pro Barrel
• Slate Reflector
• Bruen Archangel MK2
• 20 Round Mag
• XTEN 12 Handgrip

Riveter Shotgun

If you are a fan of shotguns, pay attention to this weapon. It is probably the only playable shotgun currently available. Good luck with pumping and mastering it!

Here’s a loadout for Riveter to make the game easier to play:

• Pneumatic Integrated Suppressor
• DAV15 Light Tactical Stock
• Xten Grip
• 30 Round Mag
• 410 Gauge Ball

D-Tier

Don’t. Just don’t take it. We warned you.

MCW 6.8 MR

While the MCW 6.8 is unquestionably the best of the ones we have, the MMRs in MW3 are not very good. It’s very basic, one shot to the head and two shots to the body, exactly like the Interceptor. However, the MCW 6.8 is more maneuverable and fires at a faster rate than the Interceptor. Although it’s still not a fantastic weapon, this is sufficient in our view to elevate the MCW 6.8 to at least a C-tier status.

Here is loadout for MCW 6.8 to make your experience better:

• VT-7 Soulstealer Suppressor
• Corio Eagleseye 2.5X
• FTAC SP-10 Angled Grip
• 30 Round Mag
• RB Rapidstrike Grip

MTZ-762 BR

Difficult to operate, nothing surprising, but has a certain charm. That’s how you can put it about this BR. Try it, test it, only then you will be able to decide whether you need it at all.

If you like it, here’s the loadout for MTZ-762:

• Purifier Muzzle Break
• MTZ Rowan Barrel
• Bruen Archangel
• MTZ Aggressor Grip
• MK.3 sight

Lockwood 680 shotgun

We have no idea why you would take this shotgun. It’s neither one thing nor another. In fact, this D-tier exists solely to highlight that bad weapon that should not be taken under any circumstances. For whatever reason, the Lockwood 680 is unreliable at one shot kill targets, even up close. Maybe it’s because of the improved health, or maybe they’ve just lessened the shotguns’ damage output this year.

Furthermore, there is rarely enough time to pump the gun and fire a second shot before you are killed when using the Lockwood, which requires multiple shots to kill. We won’t even give you a loadout because it won’t help.

Will my Modern Warfare 2 Camos Transfer to Modern Warfare 3?

Yes, they will. But! These camos will be usable only by those 77 Modern Warfare 2 guns which will be transferred too.

Also your weapon progress will be the same. So, if you have some maxed guns, they will be maxed in MW3 too. If you make progress on MW2 guns in MW3, this progress will appear in MW2.

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That’s everything you should know about Modern Warfare 3 guns. We hope our tier list and description helped you a lot, and in case this is true, make sure to share this knowledge with your friends! Good luck and see you on the battlefields!