Best Assault Rifles in Modern Warfare 3

MW3 features a wide array of weapons, and the best Assault Rifles will grant you exceptional range and destructive power to dominate gunfights on any map.

Here are the best Assault Rifles in MW3, including a countdown of the top ten meta picks in Season 5 Reloaded.

Every MW3 Assault Rifle ranked

1. STG44
2. MCW
3. BAL-27
4. SVA 545
5. MTZ-556
6. BP50
7. RAM-7
8. Holger 556
9. DG-56
10. TAQ-56
11. M4
12. Kastov-74u
13. Lachmann-556
14. ISO Hemlock
15. FR 5.56
16. Chimera
17. M13B
18. Kastov 762
19. FR Avancer
20. TR-76 Geist
21. Kastov 545
22. STB 556
23. Tempus Razorback
24. M16
25. M13C

Best ARs explained

10. TAQ-56

Not many MW2 guns can hold their own in MW3, but with the best TAQ-56 loadout you can. This Assault Rifle offers great mobility, but it does not have as lethal damage as the other options on the list. Given it was carried forward, many players still choose it because of its ease of use.

9. DG-56

Activision

MW3’s best DG-56 loadout is the only burst option among the top picks and offers significant advantages for those who can master its fire rate. With excellent base damage, it requires precise aiming to eliminate enemies at any range. While initially challenging to use, mastering this AR will make it a powerful ally.

The DG-56 was one of the few Assault Rifles that received a buff with the Season 5 Reloaded update. It had its lower torso damage multiplier increased slightly, securing its spot on this list.

8. Holger 556

An easy-to-use Assault Rifle is key in multiplayer, and the best Holger 556 loadout is one you don’t want to leave aside. Given the weapon category hasn’t received many buffs or nerfs throughout Season 5, the weapon holds its position on the list, being dominated by other options with greater damage, fire rate, or range.

7. RAM-7

Just like in MW 2019, the best RAM-7 loadout is a favorite option for many players due to its fire rate, high damage, and great mobility. Right around the time of its release, the weapon dominated long-range fights, but several nerfs pushed it a few spots down the list. Still, the AR is a great pick during Season 5 Reloaded.

6. BP50

Activision

After arriving post-launch, the BP50 quickly stood out as an excellent pick. This Assault Rifle excels in close-quarters combat, showcasing its versatility and earning it a spot as a fan-favorite weapon modeled after the classic F2000.

A substantial nerf back in Season 4 took some of the sting out of its tail, but it remains a top pick for many players compared to its counterparts.

5. MTZ-556

The best MTZ-556 loadout has always been a reliable option, but thanks to multiple buffs it’s now also one of the best. While other weapons on this list require a bit of time to learn their quirks, the MTZ is as straightforward as they come.

Not only does it have incredibly easy-to-control recoil, but it also deals plenty of damage that makes it strong on virtually any map – big or small.

4. SVA 545

Activision

The SVA 545 is an easy-to-use AR and it’s remained a dominant pick since the game’s launch. Its remarkable damage output and low recoil make it a great choice for mid to long ranges.

While no balancing changes have been applied to the weapon, the BAL-27’s increase in popularity pushed it to the third-place ranking. However, it still retained a top five position for the fifth season in a row.

3. BAL-27

The BAL-27 has emerged as one of the most popular Assault Rifles, and that holds in Season 5 Reloaded after a buff to its recoil control at the start of the season. Last seen in Advanced Warfare, this deadly option strikes the perfect balance between long-range accuracy and close-range power.

What sets it apart is its unique fire rate, which increases after the first four shots. Although it takes some getting used to, you’ll be picking off enemies at any distance.

2. MCW

The MCW has been top of the food chain in MW3 since launch, but a new arrival has pushed it down the pecking order. However, its stability and damage range are enough to keep it in second place following the mid-season update.

This Assault Rifle has unmatched accuracy thanks to its low recoil, impressive range, and iconic iron sight that frees up an extra attachment slot. If you want a weapon that can compete in nearly any scenario, the best MCW loadout is the Assault Rifle option for you.

1. STG44 – Best Assault Rifle in MW3

After returning in Season 5, the STG44 instantly snatched the title of best Assault Rifle in MW3. The iconic gun has dominated virtually every CoD it has appeared in and it quickly took over this year’s game as well.

While the mid-season update brought it substantial nerfs in Warzone, they didn’t make their way to MW3. After the Season 5 Reloaded update, it maintained its non-existent recoil, which makes it ridiculously easy to beam enemies from across the map.

It also has one of the strongest TTKs in the category, outgunning most of the meta options on this list.

No matter which AR you choose, be sure to use the best controller and audio settings to level them up fast.