Best Modern Warfare 3 AR class loadouts: Attachments & setups ranked

Assault Rifles are always a strong option in MW3 as they provide a balance of damage, ease of use, and versatility. Here are the best Modern Warfare 3 AR loadouts in Season 3 Reloaded to make the most of these meta weapons. 

There’s a good reason why Assault Rifles are the most used gun class in Call of Duty. These extremely versatile weapons are competitive on every map in the franchise in a way that no other weapon type can match. 

MW3 is no exception to this rule with ARs making up a large bulk of the most used guns. Even so, they aren’t all equal with some being top-tier meta and others not even viable. 

To help you figure out which is which this guide ranks every assault rifle from worst to best as of Season 3 Reloaded. This list does not include any MW2 weapons as these aren’t competitive in most cases. 

Best MW3 Assault Rifles, ranked

There are 9 Assault Rifles in Modern Warfare 3 with Season 3 Reloaded’s BAL-27 being the latest addition. With various nerfs in the latest update the meta has shifted again with a new AR taking the top spot. 

Here are all 9 MW3 Assault Rifles ranked from best to worst:

1. BP50
2. MCW
3. Holger 556
4. SVA 545
5. MTZ-556
6. BAL-27
7. RAM-7
8. DG-56
9. FR 5.56

Best MW3 Assault Rifles in Season 3 Reloaded

These are the five best assault rifles to use in Modern Warfare 3 Season 3 Reloaded:

5. MTZ-556

Activision

Best MTZ-556 MW3 Loadout

• Muzzle: Scratch 20-L Suppressor
• Optic: JAK Glassless Optic
• Stock: JAK Cutthroat
• Underbarrel: XRK Edge BW-4 Handstop
• Rear Grip: Bruen TR-24 Assault Grip

The MTZ-556 is perhaps the most underrated assault rifle in MW3. It lacks the long-range capabilities of the other entries on this list so it’s not for everyone, but the MTZ-556 is still fantastic. As long as you keep gunfights within around 30 meters, this loadout dominates. It’s also hyper mobile which makes the MTZ-556 a great option for those who prefer an aggressive playstyle. 

4. SVA 545

Activision

Best SVA 545 MW3 Loadout

• Barrel: NT Quietus Suppressed Barrel
• Optic: JAK Glassless Optic
• Stock: Mane V6 Stock
• Underbarrel: SL Skeletal Vertical Grip
• Rear Grip: Citadel Grip

Though it has a bit more recoil than the later entries on this list, the SVA 545 is deadly offering one of the best medium-range TTKs of any weapon. If you can keep it on target this AR is phenomenal and the loadout listed makes that relatively easy to do. You can even run the SVA 545 in burst fire to turn it into a gun that is still accurate at extreme distances.

3. Holger 556

Activision

Best Holger 556 MW3 Loadout

• Muzzle: Wrathguard Compensator
• Optic: JAK Glassless Optic
• Stock: RB Addle Assault Stock
• Underbarrel: DR-6 Handstop
• Rear Grip: Morn-20 Grip

Back in Season 1, the Holger 556 was undoubtedly the best assault rifle. However, a series of nerfs, the introduction of new weapons, and its competition being buffed have seen it get less use these days. Don’t underestimate this weapon though as Modern Warfare 3’s rendition of the iconic G36 is still an excellent option that can dominate just about any lobby.

2. MCW (JAK Raven)

Activision

Best MCW MW3 Loadout

• Conversion Kit: JAK Raven Kit
• Muzzle: Zehmn35 Compensated Flash Hider
• Barrel: Second Line Mammoth Heavy
• Optic: JAK Glassless Optic
• Underbarrel: XRK Edge BW-4 Handstop

The MCW with the JAK Raven Kit equipped has built up a reputation in Warzone for being a top-tier sniper support weapon. However, that’s not its only use as this conversion kit makes the MCW incredible in multiplayer too for much the same reasons. It has a fast TTK, rapid-fire rate, and impressive mobility. With this Aftermarket Part equipped the MCW is the most well-rounded assault rifle in MW3.

1. BP50 (JAK Revenger)

Activision

Best BP50 MW3 Loadout

• Conversion Kit: JAK Revenger Kit
• Muzzle: Zehmn35 Compensated Flash Hider
• Optic: JAK Glassless Optic
• Ammunition: 9mm High Grain Rounds
• Rear Grip: TRST-IV Grip Tape

Though the base BP50 has fallen out of favor following further nerf in Season 3 Reloaded, the introduction of the JAK Revenger conversion kit has pushed this AR back to the top spot. This incredible Aftermarket Part converts the BP50 into an AR-SMG hybrid with unbelievable mobility and handling. With this loadout, the BP50 isn’t just the best assault rifle in MW3 but arguably the best gun altogether.

Be sure to check out these other Modern Warfare 3 guides to stay ahead:

Best MW3 loadouts | Best Modern Warfare 3 ranked play loadouts | Best controller settings in Modern Warfare 3 | Modern Warfare 3 best settings on PC for FPS, graphics, visibility, more