Over 100 weapons, that's what COD MW3 offers at launch, especially with the carry-forward feature. Needless to say, it's not easy to choose among so many weapons. To help solve this problem, I will list all the weapons below, rank them category-wise, and let you know which one is the best in each category and why.
One thing is for sure, after going through the list below, you can easily determine which weapon you should go with.
Assault Rifles
In total, MW3 consists of 21 assault rifles, out of which 6 are new. For those of you who are unaware, assault rifles are versatile guns that work equally well in mid-range and long-range combat. They are usually known for their decent firing rate and high accuracy.
The Best Assault Rifles In MW3
1. Holger 556
2. MCW
3. DG-58
4. SVA 545
5. MTZ-556
6. TAQ-56
7. Kastov-74U
8. M4
9. Lachmann-556
10. ISO Hemlock
11. FR 5.56
12. Chimera
13. Kastov 762
14. FR Avancer
15. TR-76 Geist
16. Kastov 545
17. M13B
18. STB 556
19. M13C
20. Tempus Razorback
21. M16
Why is the Holger 556 the best assault rifle in MW3?
The primary reason is that the Holger 556 is suitable for combat over any range. Even over long-range, it has decent accuracy and firepower. The gun is similar to the G36C found in COD 4: Modern Warfare. Its high damage is the reason why most players love it.
With that being said, it does have some issues with recoil management. If you go for attachments like the muzzle, under-barrel, and barrel, it's easy to deal with recoil and even further enhance damage. One thing to keep in mind is that it has a slow firing rate, which can be improved with the right attachments. The downside is you can only unlock it at level 37.
All in all, when you look at the complete package, it is certainly a formidable assault rifle.
Battle Rifles
Any gun with a fully automatic or semi-automatic firing mechanism that can be used over mid and long-distance combat is considered a battle rifle. Such guns usually cause high damage, but often, the problem is recoil.
The Best Battle Rifles In MW3
1. BAS-B
2. Sidewinder
3. MTZ-762
4. FTAC Recon
5. TAQ-V
6. Lachmann-762
7. S0-14
8. Cronen Squall
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Why is BAS-B the best battle rifle in MW3?
Surprised to find it on top of the list?
Yes, there are reasons why it's better than Sidewinder and other opti ons. The balance that it offers between recoil and firing power is its highlight. Add to that the right attachments, and it can help you defend any chokepoints Not to speak of its ability to help you gain some quick kills.
Wondering which attachments are these?
Bruen Venom Long Barrel is a good option, along with a VT-7 Soulstealer suppressor and D37 grip. Unlock the 45-round mag, and you have even more firepower at your disposal. The only downside is the slower firing rate, but since it causes more damage with each bullet, it pretty much compensates for that.
So, no surprises with BAS-B here.
SMGs
SMG stands for Submachine gun. It can be considered as a cross between a Light Machine gun and a Pistol, with the fire rate of the former and the mobility of the latter. Arguably, it's the most commonly used weapon in COD. Choose one carefully when going with an SMG, as some have a high bullet spread or sway.
The Best SMGs In MW3
1. Rival-9
2. Striker
3. Striker 9
4. WSP Swarm
5. WSP-9
6. AMR9
7. Lachmann Sub
8. FSS Hurricane
9. Vaznev-9K
10. VEL 46
11. Lachmann Shroud
12. Fennec 45
13. ISO 9mm
14. ISO 45
15. PDSW 528
16. BAS-P
17. Minibak
18. MX9
Why is Rival-9 the best SMG in MW3?
Rival-9 was last seen in 2019 MW and is now making a comeback. The SMG offers low recoil and great mobility. In close combat, it's really difficult to match the TTK of Rival-9, which means you will dominate in close quarter combat. In mid-range combat as well, it fares pretty well.
That doesn't mean it excels in all departments. There are better SMGs available for long-range combat. If you look at individual SMG attributes, there might be better guns available, but the all-around performance of Rival-9 is what makes it a top-of-the-pack SMG.
Shotguns
Most of you would be familiar with shotguns. Technically, they are close combat weapons suitable for smaller maps. Their primary advantage is that they are lethal at close range. However, they are unsuitable for long-range combat because of the spread due to high recoil.
The Best Shotguns In MW3
1. Lockwood 680
2. Haymaker
3. Riveter
4. Lockwood 300
5. Expedite 12
6. Bryson 800
7. Bryson 890
8. KV Broadside
9. MX Guardian
Why is Lockwood 680 the best shotgun in MW3?
Many might be surprised to find Lockwood 680 on top of this list. However, when you take into account its high accuracy in close range and better handling, it's easy to understand why it’s a better option. Sure enough, recoil control could have been higher, but with the right attachments, you can enhance that. Important is its damage ability.
Instead of using it as it is, combine it with the right attachments to fully harness its power. Some such attachments include the Bryson Hammerforged Long Barrel, Express Light Bolt, and XRK Edge BW-4 Handstop.
As for its cons, like most shotguns, it doesn't have a large range, but it compensates for that with its one-shot kill ability.
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LMGs
While shotguns were for close-range combat, LMGs (Light Machine Guns) cover the other 2 range options. With large magazines and decent damage, they can certainly help you clinch the game.
The Best LMGs In MW3
1. Pulemyot 762
2. DG-58 LSW
3. Holger 26
4. Bruen Mk9
5. TAQ Eradicator
6. Sakin MG38
7. HCR 56
8. 556 Icarus
9. Raal MG
10. RPK
11. Rapp H
Why is Pulemyot 762 the best LMG in MW3?
Low recoil, high accuracy, and a good amount of damage, the Pulemyot 762 offers you all that. To add more to this list, it offers a long range, which means bumping off enemies is easier with the Pulemyot 762. 75-round magazine capacity means reloading repeatedly won’t be an issue.
On the slip side, you have to deal with moderate time to kill, but with a magazine that large, you can get some kills under your belt. If you want to make it more effective and similar to an assault rifle, get the 762B Bullpup Conversion kit, and you can magnify LMG's power.
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Marksman Rifles
Marksman rifles can be considered mini snipers of sorts. They are excellent over medium range and are very precise.
But why should you sacrifice the long range snipers?
Because Marksman rifles are mobile and offer better handling. That's why if you want a gun that's a cross between sniper and assault rifle, go with Marksman rifles.
The Best Marksman Rifles In MW3
1. KVD Enforcer
2. MCW 6.8
3. DM56
4. MTZ Interceptor
5. EBR-14
6. SP-R 208
7. Lockwood MK2
8. LM-S
9. SA-B 50
10. TAQ-M
11. Crossbow
12. Tempus Torrent
Why is KVD Enforcer the best Marksman rifle in COD MW3?
What works in favor of KVD Enforcer is the handling it offers. Accuracy doesn't take a hit because of handling. Mobility is another highlight of KVD Enforcer. Pair it with the right attachments, and you make it even more effective. The battle rage and frag grenade attachments work pretty well with it. Marksman rifles are usually suitable for medium range, but this one can cause significant damage in close combat due to better recoil control.
However, it does have a con as well. That's the low firing rate it offers. Still, when you compare this Marksman rifle with others, it certainly fares well.
Sniper Rifles
Sniper rifles are best known for their ability to kill in a single shot at any range. The problem is that they don't perform well at close range because of the slow fire rate. Most, if not all, sniper rifles have a slow reloading rate.
It means if you miss at close range, you are gone. However, with a scope and one-shot kill ability, they are formidable long-range weapons. If you have cover, you can reload safely and take a second shot if you miss the first time around in long-range combat.
The Best Sniper Rifles In MW3
1. KATT-AMR
2. Longbow
3. KV Inhibitor
4. MCPR-300
5. Signal 50
6. LA-B 330
7. SP-X 80
8. Victus XMR
9. FJX Imperium
10. Carrack .300
Why is KATT-AMR the best sniper rifle in MW3?
Truth be told, it's tough to choose between KATT-AMR and Longbow. However, KATT-AMR has a few features that help it stand out. The damage which it can cause is great. Besides, it offers good mobility, so moving around or taking cover at a distance shouldn't be a problem. It certainly doesn't slow you down significantly.
The long range of this rifle is another advantage. The Longbow does have a longer range, but the damage that the KATT-AMR inflicts is what works in its favor. Once again seasoned players would say the Longbow does offer that as well, but high base damage across headshot, Upper, and Lower torso works in favor of KATT-AMR.
At just 41.4 rpm, the rate of fire isn't something to write home about.
All in all, it's just a tad bit better than Longbow.
Pistols
With 12 pistols available, there are plenty of secondary weapon options. Pistols are great backup weapons in MW3 and are also great to use when you want to sprint around. Apart from that, their fast draw time helps you save a second or two, which matters in a fast-paced game like MW3.
The Best Pistols In MW3
1. COR-45
2. Renetti
3. TYR
4. WSP Stinger
5. P890
6. .50 GS
7. X12
8. Basilisk
9. X13 Auto
10. GS Manga
11. FTAC Siege
12. 9mm Daemon
Why is the COR-45 the best pistol in MW3?
COR-45 is a semi-automatic pistol that uses .45 auto rounds. The pistol is known for its excellent handling due to its recoil control. If you just want to start firing the second, you see an enemy, this is a great weapon. Whether you want to get some kills or clear out areas, it's a great option for both purposes.
Since it's semi-automatic, a lot depends on your firing skills when using this weapon. However, with a bit of practice, it becomes easier to fire rapidly, putting the enemy in a conundrum.
The only downside is that it offers 14 rounds, which is less than some other pistols.
However, when you consider the entire package, it surely is a formidable weapon.
Launchers
Simply put, launchers are weapons that help you shoot projectiles. They are a good option when trying to eliminate multiple enemies. Apart from that, if you want to blow up campers, they are a good option. The problem is when you are equipped with launchers, your movement slows down significantly.
The Best Launchers In MW3
1. RGL-80 (MWIII)
2. RPG-7 (MWII)
3. PILA (MWII)
4. JOKR (MWII)
5. Strela-P (MWII)
Why is RGL-80 the best launcher in MW3?
Range and damage is what makes RGL-80 such a good choice. With such high damage rate and 6 rounds, you can eliminate multiple enemies with this weapon. Mid-range accuracy and mobility certainly make it easy to use this launcher.
On the negative side, the fire rate is low and the handling is not that great either. Then again the launchers are mostly known for their fire power more than anything else. That's the reason it's such a good choice.
FAQs
How many guns are there in COD MW3?
There are 36 guns from MW3 but around 100 guns if you count MW2 ones too. That certainly makes it one of the largest cache of weapons in any COD game.
Was the M16 in MW3?
M16 has made a comeback in MW3. With numerous loadouts available you can certainly enhance its capability even more.
How do you get gold guns in mw3?
To unlock gold camo, complete 4 multiplayer challenges and level up the weapon to a certain level. After that complete 1 last challenge using the weapon and you can unlock the gold camo. The exact challenge and level needed varies from one weapon to another.
Wrapping it up
Since All MW3 guns listed & ranked above, choosing between 100 gun options is now easier than ever. Simply follow the guide above and choose one from your favorite category. Once you do so, your gaming skills combined with the best gun in its category will provide you a distinct advantage.
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