Best SMGs in Modern Warfare 2: Every Season 6 Submachine Gun ranked

Liam Mackay
Best SMGs in Modern Warfare 2

For agile maneuvering and close-range combat in Modern Warfare 2, Submachine Guns stand out as the best weapon class choice. To assist you in Season 6, we’ve ranked each MW2 SMG to highlight the best options.

As you progress through Modern Warfare 2 Season 6, there’s a plethora of weaponry to discover, including a new powerful Submachine Gun, the ISO 9mm.

If you’re the type of Call of Duty enthusiast who enjoys rapid movement across the map and engaging opponents up close, then the Submachine Gun class is tailor-made for you.

Luckily, there isn’t a single SMG in Modern Warfare 2 that’s particularly bad, but there are some that are much better than the rest. With that in mind, we’re ranking every Modern Warfare 2 SMG in the game, revealing the best choices for your play style after the Season 6 update brought new buffs and nerfs.

Best Modern Warfare 2 SMGs ranked list

Modern Warfare 2 player using FSS Hurricane SMG
Modern Warfare 2 SMGs are perfect for close-range gunfights.

Before we break down Modern Warfare 2 top 10 SMGs, we’ve ranked every Submachine Gun from best to worst in Season 6:

  1. Vaznev-9K
  2. Fennec 45
  3. ISO 9mm
  4. Lachmann Shroud
  5. ISO 45
  6. VEL 46
  7. Lachmann Sub
  8. BAS-P
  9. FSS Hurricane
  10. Minibak
  11. MX9
  12. PDSW 528

Best Modern Warfare 2 SMGs

10. Minibak

minibak in modern warfare 2
The Minibak is inspired by the PP-19 Bizon.

Modern Warfare 2’s Minibak suffers a major damage drop-off, making it not very effective at close range, which is an essential requirement for SMGs.

Although the Minibak deals a lot of damage at close range, it steadily drops off until it’s simply unusable. You’ll still be able to perform well with this gun, but any other SMG on this list will be a better option.

9. FSS Hurricane

fss hurricane in modern warfare 2
The FSS Hurricane has failed to set MW2 ablaze since launch.

The FSS Hurricane is one of the best weapons you can use when just starting out in Modern Warfare 2’s multiplayer, but it’s not as appealing in Season 6.

The Hurricane excels thanks to its large mag and high bullet velocity, but the damage just isn’t on par with some of the other SMGs on this list. But because it’s so easy to use, it’ll suit any playstyle in Modern Warfare 2.

8. BAS-P

BAS-P in Modern Warfare 2
With the rise of other SMGs, the BAS-P falls out of the top 5.

The BAS-P hit the SMG category with Modern Warfare 2’s first season. This weapon came in strong, featuring a very fast fire rate with low recoil, which is a deadly combination.

Following a series of consecutive buffs in previous seasons, it continues to maintain its place among the most used options yet. Previously, the BAS-P was a considerable distance away from the top options on this list, but its damage range and ADS speed pushed it a few places back.

7. Lachmann Sub (MP5)

Lachmann Sub in Modern Warfare 2
The Lachmann Sub is Modern Warfare 2’s version of the MP5.

The classic MP5 has been a fan-favorite SMG in almost every Call of Duty game it’s been in, and Modern Warfare 2’s Lachmann Sub continues the trend.

The Lachmann Sub is a top-tier SMG, having low recoil, great mobility, and a fantastic TTK at close range. The SMG will feel familiar and easy to use in the hands of Modern Warfare 2 players.

We previously had it ranked as the best SMG until several nerfs to its movement speed and ADS speed knocked it back a few places.

6. VEL 46 (MP7)

VEL 46 in Modern Warfare 2
The VEL 46 is Modern Warfare 2’s version of the MP7.

The VEL 46 is the fan-favorite MP7 of Modern Warfare 2, and it will serve you extremely well in Modern Warfare 2’s multiplayer. This underrated SMG continues to maintain a respected spot among all SMGs.

Luckily, the VEL 46’s previous buff to close-range damage was left untouched in Season 6, keeping it near the top five SMGs in MW2.

5. ISO 45

ISO 45 in MW2
The ISO 45 is deadly at close range.

Modern Warfare 2 Season 4 introduced players to the ISO 45 SMG. The new weapon is available via an in-game challenge, and those who already unlocked it know just how powerful it is.

The ISO 45 takes close-range encounters to the next level with devastating power and a fast fire rate. While it’s not as consistent as the next two weapons when it comes to mid-range battles, its explosiveness up close allowed the ISO 45 to sustain a top-three spot in its debut season.

4. Lachmann Shroud

Lachmann Shroud SMG Warzone 2 MW2
Season 5’s Lachmann Shroud is the burst version of the classic MP5.

Followed by Season 6’s new weapon, previously introduced Lachmann Shroud also managed to claim a high spot among the best SMGs in MW2, given its practicality and similarities with the classic MP5.

Despite the Season 6 nerf to its damage multiplier, this SMG maintains its standing from its debut season, primarily because of its user-friendly handling, highly competitive bullet speed, and low recoil.

3. ISO 9mm

ISO 9mm Warzone 2 Season 6
Season 6’s ISO 9mm is the newest addition to the ISO weapon platform.

Season 6 introduced the ISO 9mm, which rapidly secured a spot among the game’s top three best weapons. This was primarily achieved through substantial enhancements over its base weapon, the ISO 45.

The ISO 9mm stands out not only for its impressive TTK performance but also for its exceptional mobility, and minimal recoil. When wielding this SMG, you’ll effortlessly navigate the map, capitalizing on its speedy ADS and high bullet velocity, making it easier to land shots accurately.

2. Fennec 45

fennec 45 in Modern Warfare 2
The Fennec’s high bullet velocity and great mobility make it a top choice for players.

If you’re looking for a fast-killing SMG that simply deletes players, then look no further than Modern Warfare 2’s Fennec 45.

Similar to its Warzone version, the Fennec uses its blisteringly high fire rate to kill players in an instant. However, you may find that the weapon is difficult to control, given its obnoxious kick.

1. Vaznev-9K – Best SMG in Modern Warfare 2

Vaznev 9k in modern warfare 2
The Vaznev-9k is the most complete SMG in the game.

Maintaining its place as the top SMG in Modern Warfare 2 from Season 5 Reloaded to Season 6, the Vaznev-9k is the best Submachine Gun around. Even though it previously received a slight damage range nerf, the Vaznev’s consistency keeps the weapon in the top spot.

Looking and feeling very similar to the Kastov-74u but faster, the Vaznev-9K is an incredibly dominant weapon at close range. With low recoil and a fast time to kill, it’s a great all-rounder that will dominate the SMG category at essentially any range.


You can also check out the best SMGs in Warzone 2 as well as some of our other Modern Warfare 2 guides:

Best Modern Warfare 2 PC settings | Best Modern Warfare 2 controller settings | Best guns in Modern Warfare 2 | Best audio settings for Modern Warfare 2 | Best mouse and keyboard settings for Modern Warfare 2 | When is the next Modern Warfare 2 & Warzone 2 Double XP event? | 10 most popular weapons in Modern Warfare 2

About The Author

Liam is CharlieIntel's Editor who focuses on Call of Duty but also plays lots of fantasy RPGs or anything else in his massive gaming backlog. After graduating in Journalism from Edinburgh Napier University, Liam freelanced in games journalism before joining CharlieIntel in November 2020. You can contact Liam at [email protected].