Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 (MW3) is one of the most popular installments in the Call of Duty series, known for its intense multiplayer mode, diverse weapons, and customizable loadouts. First here are all the guns in MW3, then how they fit into different loadouts.
In Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 (MW3), players have access to a wide variety of firearms, each suited for different playstyles, combat scenarios, and missions. This section will provide an overview of all the guns in MW3:
What Are Assault Rifles in MW3?
Assault rifles in MW3 offer versatility, combining medium-range accuracy with decent power and a moderate rate of fire.
M4A1
- Description: The M4A1 is a fully automatic assault rifle with moderate accuracy and damage. It’s highly customizable and well-balanced.
- Attributes: Low recoil, moderate damage, decent accuracy.
- Prominent Use: Popular for mid-range engagements.
ACR 6.8
- Description: Known for its low recoil and high accuracy, the ACR 6.8 is an effective weapon at medium to long ranges.
- Attributes: Low recoil, high accuracy, moderate damage.
- Relevance: Common in competitive play due to its stability.
AK-47
- Description: The AK-47 is recognized for its high damage output, but it comes with significant recoil.
- Attributes: High damage, high recoil, slower fire rate.
- Popularity: A classic weapon favored for raw power in close to mid-range combat.
SCAR-L
- Description: The SCAR-L delivers heavy damage but suffers from moderate recoil, making it suitable for controlled bursts.
- Attributes: High damage, moderate recoil.
- Prominent: Effective for players who can control recoil.
FAD
- Description: The FAD has a high fire rate and decent accuracy but lower damage compared to other rifles.
- Attributes: High rate of fire, low damage.
- Popular: Great for aggressive players who favor quick engagements.
What Are Submachine Guns (SMGs) in MW3?
SMGs are lightweight, fast-firing guns ideal for close-quarters combat (CQC).
MP7
- Description: The MP7 is known for its low recoil and high fire rate, making it deadly in close combat.
- Attributes: High fire rate, low recoil, moderate damage.
- Popularity: A fan favorite for fast-paced gameplay.
PP90M1
- Description: The PP90M1 boasts a high rate of fire, excelling in extremely close engagements.
- Attributes: Extreme fire rate, moderate damage, significant recoil.
- Relevance: Often used in high-intensity CQC scenarios.
UMP45
- Description: The UMP45 has moderate fire rate and high stopping power but struggles at longer ranges.
- Attributes: High damage, slow fire rate.
- Prominent: Favored for mid-range SMG play.
P90
- Description: The P90’s large magazine size and high rate of fire make it a strong choice for players preferring mobility.
- Attributes: Large magazine, high fire rate, low damage.
- Popular: Used for sustained engagements in fast-paced modes.
What Are Shotguns in MW3?
Shotguns excel in close-range combat, offering high damage per shot but limited range.
SPAS-12
- Description: The SPAS-12 is a semi-automatic shotgun known for its high damage output in close quarters.
- Attributes: High damage, slow fire rate, limited range.
- Popularity: Preferred for one-shot kills at close range.
Striker
- Description: The Striker has a high fire rate compared to other shotguns, offering continuous close-range power.
- Attributes: High fire rate, moderate damage.
- Prominent Use: Used for aggressive, close-quarters strategies.
Model 1887
- Description: The Model 1887 is a lever-action shotgun with immense stopping power but limited range and slow reload speed.
- Attributes: High damage, slow reload.
- Relevance: Effective in extremely close-range engagements.
What Are Light Machine Guns (LMGs) in MW3?
LMGs offer sustained firepower, suitable for suppressing fire and controlling large areas.
L86 LSW
- Description: The L86 LSW has a high rate of fire and damage but comes with significant recoil.
- Attributes: High damage, moderate fire rate, high recoil.
- Prominent Use: Used for suppressing fire from medium ranges.
MG36
- Description: The MG36 provides high firepower but has a slow reload speed, making it ideal for holding positions.
- Attributes: High firepower, slow reload.
- Popular: Great for defensive players.
What Are Sniper Rifles in MW3?
Sniper rifles are designed for long-range precision, offering high damage per shot.
Barrett .50cal
- Description: A semi-automatic sniper rifle with immense stopping power, capable of one-shot kills at any range.
- Attributes: High damage, slow fire rate, long-range.
- Relevance: Used for long-range engagements with devastating power.
MSR
- Description: The MSR is a bolt-action sniper rifle known for its accuracy and high damage.
- Attributes: High accuracy, moderate fire rate.
- Prominent: Favored for precision shooting.
Dragunov
- Description: The Dragunov offers semi-automatic fire but lower damage compared to the Barrett .50cal.
- Attributes: Lower damage, faster fire rate.
- Popularity: Often used for more rapid follow-up shots in mid-to-long-range combat.
What Are Handguns in MW3?
Handguns provide a secondary option for players, offering quick draw times and moderate damage.
Desert Eagle
- Description: The Desert Eagle is known for its high damage but suffers from significant recoil.
- Attributes: High damage, high recoil.
- Relevance: Favored for its stopping power as a backup weapon.
USP .45
- Description: The USP .45 is a reliable semi-automatic handgun with moderate damage and accuracy.
- Attributes: Moderate damage, high accuracy.
- Prominent Use: A well-rounded sidearm for various engagements.
The vast selection of guns in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 allows players to choose weapons that fit their playstyles, whether it be fast-paced SMG play or long-range sniping. Each weapon brings unique attributes and benefits to the battlefield, making loadout selection a crucial aspect of gameplay.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 Guns and Loadouts
In this section, there are the guns in MW3 and how they fit into different loadouts, and also some frequently asked questions we get from players.
What Is the Best Assault Rifle Loadout in MW3?
When building the best assault rifle loadout in Modern Warfare 3, it’s essential to consider a weapon’s accuracy, damage, and versatility across various ranges. One of the top choices for players is the ACR 6.8, which has minimal recoil and excellent range.
- Weapon: ACR 6.8
- Attachments: Red Dot Sight, Silencer
- Perks:
- Sleight of Hand (faster reloads)
- Assassin (stay off enemy radar)
- Stalker (move faster while aiming)
This loadout is excellent for medium- to long-range combat and is perfect for players who value precision and control over rapid fire.
What Is the Best Sniper Loadout in MW3?
Sniper rifles in MW3 are designed for long-range accuracy. The MSR and Barrett .50cal are top picks, but they have distinct differences. The MSR is a bolt-action sniper rifle that is popular for its one-shot kill potential and incredible accuracy, while the Barrett .50cal offers semi-automatic fire and immense stopping power.
Best MW3 Sniper Loadout
- Weapon: MSR (bolt-action sniper rifle)
- Attachments: Extended Mags, Variable Zoom
- Perks:
- Quickdraw (aim down sights faster)
- Marksman (identify enemies at long range)
- Dead Silence (move quietly)
This loadout is perfect for players who prefer a stealthy approach while maintaining long-range lethality. The combination of Quickdraw and Dead Silence allows for fast engagements without giving away your position.
What Is the Best SMG Loadout in MW3?
For players who enjoy close-quarters combat (CQC), submachine guns (SMGs) are the way to go. The MP7 is one of the most reliable SMGs in MW3, offering a fast fire rate and minimal recoil, making it perfect for aggressive playstyles.
Best MW3 MP7 Loadout
- Weapon: MP7
- Attachments: Silencer, Extended Mags
- Perks:
- Extreme Conditioning (sprint for longer distances)
- Assassin (undetectable by UAVs and other devices)
- Steady Aim (improved hip-fire accuracy)
This loadout allows you to move quickly around the map, stay off the radar, and take down enemies efficiently in close-range battles. The Silencer keeps your position hidden, while Extended Mags ensures you won’t run out of ammo during intense firefights.
What Is the Best Striker Loadout in MW3?
The Striker is a semi-automatic shotgun, known for its high fire rate and ability to take down multiple enemies in close combat. It’s a popular choice for players who want to dominate smaller maps or close-quarter combat scenarios.
Best MW3 Striker Loadout
- Weapon: Striker (semi-auto shotgun)
- Attachments: Grip, Extended Mags
- Perks:
- Sleight of Hand (faster reloads)
- Blast Shield (reduce explosive damage)
- Steady Aim (improved hip-fire accuracy)
This loadout is designed for fast-paced, close-range combat, allowing you to reload quickly and stay on the move. The Striker’s high fire rate is ideal for taking on multiple enemies, while Blast Shield helps protect against explosives, which are common in close-range battles.
Which LMG Should You Use in MW3?
Light machine guns (LMGs) offer superior firepower and are ideal for players who prefer to control large areas of the map. The L86 LSW is a great option due to its high damage and decent fire rate, though it can be harder to control due to its recoil.
Best LMG Loadout in MW3
- Weapon: L86 LSW
- Attachments: Grip, Thermal Scope
- Perks:
- Scavenger (replenish ammo from dead enemies)
- Hardline (fewer kills needed for killstreaks)
- Marksman (identify targets at longer range)
This LMG loadout is perfect for players who like to suppress enemies from mid-range. The Grip attachment helps control recoil, while the Thermal Scope provides better visibility in smoke or dark areas.
Are Shotguns Good in MW3?
Shotguns in MW3 can be devastating in the right hands, especially on smaller maps. The SPAS-12 and Striker are among the best, offering high damage at close range.
- SPAS-12 Loadout: Best used with Sleight of Hand for quick reloads and Steady Aim for better hip-fire accuracy. Attach a Silencer to remain hidden while you sneak up on enemies.
Shotguns excel in modes like Domination or Headquarters, where players are constantly moving through tight spaces. With good positioning and map awareness, shotguns can easily dominate close-quarter engagements.
How to Choose the Right Loadout in MW3?
The key to building the perfect loadout in Modern Warfare 3 depends on your playstyle and the map you’re playing. Here are a few general tips for choosing the best loadout:
- For Long-Range Maps: Opt for sniper rifles like the MSR or assault rifles such as the ACR 6.8. These weapons are perfect for open spaces and long sightlines.
- For Small Maps: Use shotguns like the Striker or SMGs such as the MP7. Their high mobility and fast fire rates make them ideal for close-range combat.
- Balanced Playstyle: If you want a mix of range and mobility, the M4A1 is a great all-rounder. Pair it with a Red Dot Sight for better accuracy and a Silencer to stay off enemy radar.
Which Guns Are Best for Multiplayer in MW3?
Some of the best guns in multiplayer are those that provide a balance of power, accuracy, and versatility:
- Assault Rifles: The ACR 6.8 and SCAR-L are top-tier choices for consistent performance across all ranges.
- Submachine Guns: The MP7 and UMP45 excel in close-quarters combat, with high fire rates and good mobility.
- Shotguns: The SPAS-12 and Striker are perfect for small maps where enemies are often at point-blank range.
These guns are popular because they provide the right mix of attributes needed to win in a variety of situations.
Case Study: How Loadouts Affect Gameplay
Take a look at Dome, one of the smallest maps in MW3. Players using SMGs like the PP90M1 or shotguns like the SPAS-12 tend to dominate because of the tight spaces and short sightlines. In contrast, maps like Resistance, with open spaces and long alleyways, see players gravitate towards sniper rifles like the MSR or Barrett .50cal to control the map’s open areas.
This highlights the importance of adapting your loadout to fit the map’s layout. Players who consistently change their weapons based on the environment often perform better and help their teams achieve victory.
Conclusion
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 offers a wide variety of weapons that allow players to customize their loadouts based on their playstyle and the map they’re playing on. Whether you prefer long-range sniper engagements, close-quarters combat with SMGs and shotguns, or balanced play with assault rifles, MW3 provides something for everyone. By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each gun and building loadouts that suit different scenarios, you can dominate the battlefield.
Players looking for the best results should always consider how the map, mode, and their personal playstyle affect their choice of weapon.
