Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 (MW3) - Best Weapons Tier List

Best Weapons Tier List for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 (CoD: MW3)

S Tier Weapons

Name	Type
MCW	Assault Rifle
STRIKER	SMG
LONGBOW	Sniper Rifle

MCW (Assault Rifle)

Name	Category	Max Level
MCW	Primary Weapon	21
Ammo Count (Rounds/Reserve)
30/90
Weapon Description
This remarkably adaptable AR features phenomenal recoil control and versatility from a lightweight frame chambered in 5.56.

The MCW is an assault rifle with top-class versatility. Its light weight is excellent for close- to mid-range encounters while also boasting minimal recoil for quick or sustained fire. These qualities make it the most reliable primary weapon in the game across all skill levels.

STRIKER (SMG)

Name	Category	Max Level
STRIKER	Primary Weapon	23
Ammo Count (Rounds/Reserve)
30/90
Weapon Description
A hard-hitting and controllable SMG chambered in .45 Auto. Reliable at close to mid-range.

Despite being nerfed through the recent update, the STRIKER is still a formidable SMG with its deceptive range that is unusual for its weapon class. The STRIKER still enjoys amazing mid-range stopping power and is generally easy to use when not going for the MCW.

LONGBOW (Sniper Rifle)

Name	Category	Max Level
LONGBOW	Primary Weapon	31
Ammo Count (Rounds/Reserve)
25/75
Weapon Description
TA lightweight, heavily modified sniper rifle designed for precision shooting and repeat shots thanks to recoil control and magazine capacity.

The LONGBOW’s exceptional rate of fire for a sniper rifle allows it to be deadly at almost any range. While not boasting the same recoil control as its only rival, the KV INHIBITOR, it boasts better versatility throughout the game.

A Tier Weapons

Name	Type
SVA 545	Assault Rifle
MTZ-556	Assault Rifle
RIVAL-9	SMG
LOCKWOOD 680	Shotgun
RIVETER	Shotgun
HOLGER 26	LMG
KV INHIBITOR	Sniper Rifle
MTZ INTERCEPTOR	Marksman Rifle
RENETTI	Handgun
WPS STINGER	Handgun
COR-45	Handgun

SVA 545 (Assault Rifle)

Name	Category	Max Level
SVA 545	Primary Weapon	30
Ammo Count (Rounds/Reserve)
30/90
Weapon Description
This weapon system fires the first two rounds nearly at the same time, making this an incredibly lethal weapon in careful hands.

Perhaps the most unique feature of the SCA 545 is its ability to fire its first two rounds almost at the same time, giving it tremendous burst potential if you land hits. The weapon does suffer from being slightly heavier than the average assault rifle which is somewhat a fair trade-off for its stopping power.

MTZ-556 (Assault Rifle)

Name	Category	Max Level
MTZ-556	Primary Weapon	26
Ammo Count (Rounds/Reserve)
30/90
Weapon Description
Boasting an exceptional fire rate for a 5.56 weapon, this close-quarters assault rifle excels at close and mid-range.

The MTZ-556 is essentially a lesser version of the MCW down to its rate of fire, handling, and effective range. Beginners and veterans alike could get good results with this assault rifle during the early stages of the game until you can replace it with the superior MCW by reaching the required character level.

RIVAL-9 (SMG)

Name	Category	Max Level
RIVAL-9	Primary Weapon	20
Ammo Count (Rounds/Reserve)
30/90
Weapon Description
A lightweight 9mm SMG built for agility and quick room-clearing.

True to its class, the RIVAL-9 shines during close-range engagements in tight indoor spaces. Its light weight also makes it a preferred weapon of those who rely on mobility to outlast opponents during firefights as well as those who are good at sneaking up on unsuspecting targets.

LOCKWOOD 680 (Shotgun)

Name	Category	Max Level
LOCKWOOD 680	Primary Weapon	27
Ammo Count (Rounds/Reserve)
6/18
Weapon Description
This highly effective and versatile 12-gauge pump shotgun can be modified to excel in most scenarios.

The LOCKWOOD 680 12-gauge shotgun enjoys very good customizability to pit it against any enemy. Opponents will often respect your damage output up close so expect to have to work more to get into your effective range, especially in open areas.

RIVETER (Shotgun)

Name	Category	Max Level
RIVETER	Primary Weapon	24
Ammo Count (Rounds/Reserve)
15/45
Weapon Description
A full-auto, .410 shotgun built around an Shotgun receiver, the Riveter is a hole-punching machine.

The RIVETER’s unique selling point is its unique marriage of the characteristics of a shotgun and an assault rifle. This automatic variant of the close-range weapon allows you to rapidly unload shells. The RIVETER is already versatile enough for a variety of engagements (especially considering its class), though you can further improve its adaptability via available attachments.

HOLGER 26 (LMG)

Name	Category	Max Level
HOLGER 26	Primary Weapon	21
Ammo Count (Rounds/Reserve)
60/120
Weapon Description
A highly modular light machine gun that can be adapted to most combat scenarios. Chambered in versatile 5.56 ammunition.

The HOLGER 26 LMG is another primary weapon that banks on its good versatility to be among the typical weapons picked up by new players. Performance-wise, using this weapon feels like a good compromise between an assault rifle and SMG. The level of customizability you can apply to the HOLGER 26 may also appeal to those who like to experiment with its effective range.

KV INHIBITOR (Sniper Rifle)

Name	Category	Max Level
KV INHIBITOR	Primary Weapon	31
Ammo Count (Rounds/Reserve)
10/30
Weapon Description
This semi-auto sniper rifle chambered in .338 offers undeniable recoil control and stability for the discerning operator.

The KV INHIBITOR sniper rifle boasts excellent recoil control and is generally the better choice over the LONGBOW if you prioritize ammo efficiency over fire rate. As mentioned earlier, the KV INHIBITOR lags behind its only rival considerably when it comes to adaptability so switching to a different weapon during close-range firefights is recommended.

MTZ INTERCEPTOR (Marksman Rifle)

Name	Category	Max Level
MTZ INTERCEPTOR	Primary Weapon	18
Ammo Count (Rounds/Reserve)
10/40
Weapon Description
A high-powered Marksman rifle chambered in 7.62. Control mid to long distances with this semi-auto weapon.

The MTZ INTERCEPTOR offers an incredible balance of good range and high burst firepower which is what the marksman rifle class strives for. You do get some degree of versatility with this weapon, though you will get the best results at mid- to long-range, especially after upgrading the gun’s magazine size and improving recoil control.

RENETTI (Handgun)

Name	Category	Max Level
RENETTI	Secondary Weapon	21
Ammo Count (Rounds/Reserve)
15/60
Weapon Description
A burst-fire pistol with a staggering fire rate and controllability in the right hands.

The RENETTI handgun’s excellent burst fire rate and light weight all make for a solid weapon to use, especially for firefights in small areas. This weapon can also basically be remodeled into something close to an SMG via the Conversion Kit (max weapon level) which may suit certain players in the game.

WPS STINGER (Handgun)

Name	Category	Max Level
WPS STINGER	Secondary Weapon	14
Ammo Count (Rounds/Reserve)
20/80
Weapon Description
Keep your enemies close with this highly effective, room-clearing weapon with a blazing fire rate.

The WPS STINGER is an easy-to-use fully-automatic pistol for cleaning up enemies at close range. It has enough reliability to be a go-to back-up weapon when paired with longer-range guns like the MCW or LONGBOW. While not yet released, the WPS STINGER’s Akimbo Conversion Kit allows you to dual-wield two of the pistols, giving it even more respectable damage during tight-space encounters.

COR-45 (Handgun)

Name	Category	Max Level
COR-45	Secondary Weapon	16
Ammo Count (Rounds/Reserve)
14/56
Weapon Description
Semi-auto ballistic pistol chambered in .45 Auto. Delivers excellent handling and recoil control.

The COR-45 uses .45ACP rounds in semi-automatic fire. It boasts impressive damage and recoil control at close range and can be modded with attachments to essentially make it perform somewhat like a small SMG.

B Tier Weapons

Name	Type
MTZ-762	Battle Rifle
BAS-B	Battle Rifle
PULEMYOT 762	LMG
MCW 6.8	Marksman Rifle

MTZ-762 (Battle Rifle)

Name	Category	Max Level
MTZ-762	Primary Weapon	24
Ammo Count (Rounds/Reserve)
20/80
Weapon Description
A fully automatic Battle Rifle designed to send hard-hitting 7.62 rounds downrange at high velocity.

The MTZ-762 battle rifle’s rate-of-fire using 7.62mm rounds gives it high damage output which most players will respect in the game. This weapon is best used in semi-automatic configuration and will give you good results out of the box, though upgrading its barrel with something like the MTZ Precision Blackthorn could result in better effective range and stability.

BAS-B (Battle Rifle)

Name	Category	Max Level
BAS-B	Primary Weapon	29
Ammo Count (Rounds/Reserve)
20/80
Weapon Description
A highly controllable and powerful Battle Rifle chambered in .277 Fury designed for all-around reliability and performance.

Another battle rifle making B Tier is the BAS-B which features solid all-around operability and performance. Despite this, you may want to upgrade its 20-round magazine to 30 rounds to improve its reliability for drawn-out engagements that typically occur in large team-play maps.

PULEMYOT 762 (LMG)

Name	Category	Max Level
PULEMYOT 762	Primary Weapon	26
Ammo Count (Rounds/Reserve)
100/100
Weapon Description
Chambered in 7.62, this belt-fed heavy machine gun provides excellent suppressive fire, dealing a massive amount of damage at long ranges.

The PULEMYOT 762 is a belt-fed LMG that finds its effectiveness at long range. The sheer size of its ammo capacity makes it ideal for suppressive fire during team engagements. Upgrading its ammo size even more via attachments is recommended when choosing to use the PULEMYOT 762 as it allows you to cover your team with even less downtime.

MCW 6.8 (Marksman Rifle)

Name	Category	Max Level
MCW 6.8	Primary Weapon	24
Ammo Count (Rounds/Reserve)
10/40
Weapon Description
Chambered in 6.8, this highly modular Marksman Rifle features exceptional damage and reliability.

The MCW 6.8’s hybrid characteristics allow it to be effective in mid-range firefights but generally loses out to its superior competition’s range and versatility in the MTZ INTERCEPTOR. Despite this, players can try to get more out of the 6.8 via attachments, especially to compensate for its drawbacks when compared to the INTERCEPTOR.

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