Best MW3 guns: Ultimate tier list with the best loadouts

Modern Warfare 3 recently made its grand entrance, so we’ve carefully tested, and selected the best MW3 guns for you to dominate the battlefield

The arrival of Modern Warfare 3 not only brings a fresh grind for camos and unlocks but also reintroduces players to remastered versions of all 16 legendary MW2 (2009) maps.

Turning our attention to the game‘s meta, this year presents a new challenge. For the first time in Call of Duty history, all weapons carry over from the previous game. So, in total, there are 114 weapons available in MW3 at launch, comprising 37 new weapons and 77 weapons returning from Modern Warfare 2.

Our attention for this list is on the best MW3 guns, but our guide on the best MW2 weapons will give you a general idea of which loadouts to keep in mind. With that all out of the way, let’s jump right into your rankings.

Best Modern Warfare 3 guns, ranked

5. MTZ-556

Activision

Attachments

• Barrel: MTZ Clinch Pro Barrel
• Optic: MK.3 Reflector
• Stock: MTZ Marauder Stock
• Rear Grip: Bruen TR-24 Assault
• Underbarrel: FTAC SP-10 Angled Grip

Perks

• Vest: Infantry Vest
• Gloves: Commando Gloves
• Boots Stalker Boots
• Gear: Bone Conduction Headset
• Lethal: Frag Grenade
• Tactical: Stim

Some players would probably choose the SVA 545 as worth of taking fifth place among MW3’s guns. However, we believe that the MTZ-556 deserves this spot as it has the second fastest TTK among ARs at 287ms, and is extremely mobile.

You will definitley have to get used to the gun’s kick, but once mastered, this AR can make an argument for being the best option in the game.

4. DG-58

Activision

Attachments

• Muzzle: Casus Brake
• Barrel: OG-56 LS18 Barrel
• Underbarrel: FTAC Ripper 56
• Optic: MK. 3 Reflector
• Comb: FSS Last Stand Comb

Perks

• Vest: Infantry Vest
• Gloves: Commando Gloves
• Boots Stalker Boots
• Gear: Bone Conduction Headset
• Lethal: Frag Grenade
• Tactical: Stim

If you were a fan of the M8A7 in Black Ops 3, you will absolutely love MW3’s DG-58. There is nothing more satisfying than two tapping enemies with this burst rifle. Don’t be surprised if this weapon even receives a nerf soon, as it dominates multiplayer lobbies.

Community members will surely appreciate a burst rifle holding a place in the meta for what feels like forever. But semi-automatic weapons aren’t for everyone, so we won’t put it any higher than four for now. If you’re keen on semi-automatic weapons, though, this could compete with other guns higher up for you as one of MW3’s best guns.

3. Rival-9

Activision

Attachments

• Muzzle: Bruen Pendulum
• Barrel: Rival-C Clearshot Barrel
• Underbarrel: Xten Phantom-5 Handbrake
• Ammunition: 9mm High Grain Rounds
• Stock: EXF Close Quarters

Perks

• Vest: Infantry Vest
• Gloves: Commando Gloves
• Boots Stalker Boots
• Gear: Bone Conduction Headset
• Lethal: Frag Grenade
• Tactical: Stim

One weapon stood head and shoulders above its competition during the MW3 beta. You would be hard-pressed not to see multiple Striker users during any multiplayer match, as the SMG dominated short-range engagements and even outgunned ARs at longer ranges.

Sledgehammer Games stepped in and nerfed the SMG’s damage ranges and ADS speed as part of the day 1 patch. As a result, the Rival-9 has stepped in and overtaken the throne as tbne best SMG in Modern Warfare 3

2. MCW (ACR)

Activision

Attachments

• Optic: Slate Reflector
• Barrel: 16.5” MCW Cyclone Long Barrel
• Muzzle: L4R Flash Hider
• Underbarrel: XTEN TX-12 Handstop
• Ammunition: 5.56 High Velocity

Perks

• Vest: Infantry Vest
• Gloves: Commando Gloves
• Boots Stalker Boots
• Gear: Bone Conduction Headset
• Lethal: Frag Grenade
• Tactical: Stim

Everyone’s favorite ACR returns triumphantly in MW3 with a new name, the MCW. Unfortunatley, the AR failed to deliver the same devastating power we all know and love in the beta. But fortunately, the devs stepped in and buffed the AR’s bullet velocity by 18% on launch day.

No weapon quite comes close to touching the Holger 556, considering what the monstrous AR is capable of. But this is the next best option if you want something a tad more mobile.

1. Holger 556 (G36C)

Activision

Attachments

• Optic: Slate Reflector
• Underbarrel: XTEN Phantom-5
• Ammunition: 5.56 High Velocity
• Rear Grip: Intruder Grip
• Stock: RB Addle Assault Stock

Watch out because the Holger 556 is here and nearly unstoppable. This AR has scared community members so much that the weapon is already starting to get banned in pro tournaments, and it’s easy to see why it’s the best gun in MW3.

The Holger 556 shreds through enemies despite there being a slower TTK. Players will have to adjust for slightly slower mobility, but the AR dominates at every range and is sure to cause many headaches for enemies who try to fight back.

What is the best gun in MW3?

As showcased above, we believe the Holger 556 is the best weapon in MW3. Players probably expected to see the MCW or Striker on top instead, but no other gun really comes close to this AR when it comes to sheer ability.

Be aware that every playstyle, map, and game mode naturally favors certain types of weapons, so the Holger 556 might not be the best gun for you. Even so, it’s the best all-around weapon that offers a bit of everything.

That’s our ultimate tier list for the best guns in MW3! For more content on the game, check out our guides below:

Best Modern Warfare 3 AR class loadouts | How to slide cancel in Modern Warfare 3 | Best controller settings in Modern Warfare 3 | All maps & modes | How to play Modern Warfare 3 at 120 FPS on PS5 | Modern Warfare 3 TTK | How long is the Modern Warfare 3 campaign? | Campaign mission list | How to fix packet burst | How to play MW3 Zombies in third person