Best guns in MW3 Season 6 – Weapon tier list

Modern Warfare 3 is packed with powerful weapons, but you’ll need to pick out the best guns if you want to win matches consistently and rack up high-kill games.

The rankings are constantly evolving with each new season, and while Warzone has its own meta thanks to its additional health and sprawling maps, the fast-paced action of multiplayer means that some guns are given more room to shine.

Here are the best guns in MW3 Season 6, including a ranked list of every weapon in the game.

Every Modern Warfare 3 weapon ranked

Tiers	MW3 guns
S	MTZ-556, Rival-9, Kar98k, Superi 46, MCW, STG44, Static-HV, DTIR 30-06, SVA 545, BAS-B
A	Holger 556, BP50, AMR9, RAM-9, TAQ Eradicator, RAM-7, Renetti, Striker, TAQ Evolvere, Pulemyot 762, SOA Subverter, Torque 35, WSP-9, Striker 9, WSP Swarm, BAL-27, MORS, FJX Horus, Reclaimer 18, Kastov LSW, XRK Stalker
B	Lockwood 680, WSP Stinger, COR-45, Gladiator, KVD Enforcer, DM56, DG-56, Spear, DG-58 LSW, RAM-9, KV Inhibitor, KATT-AMR, Sidewinder, Longbow, Holger 26, Bruen Mk9, HRM-9
C	FR 5.56, MTZ-762, Riveter, MCW 6.8, Haymaker, Karambit, Gutter Knife, Sledgehammer, TYR, RGL-80

Weapons within each tier are not ranked in order. Keep in mind that the meta will likely continue to evolve as more buffs and nerfs arrive, so we’ll update this list to reflect any changes.

Rankings explained

10. BAS-B

Activision

The BAS-B was once the king of MW3, and thanks to buffs back in Season 5 Reloaded improved its lower body damage, it’s enjoying a resurgence. When using the best attachments, there aren’t many guns that are easier to use and more devastating at a distance.

If you’re not used to utilizing Battle Rifles, discovering the BAS-B’s range and damage sweet spots could take some getting used to, which is why it’s in 10th place. But it’s well worth experimenting with if you somehow didn’t use it back when it was the best in the game.

9. Rival-9

Activision

You’re probably wondering what the Rival-9 is doing so far down in Season 6. While it dominated the early stages of the game, its effectiveness dropped off as new SMG options arrived. However, with the JAK Headhunter Carbine Conversion Kit and Quartermaster Suppressor attachment combination, it’s still a force to be reckoned with.

This lethal duo hides your shots from enemy radar and boosts recoil control, damage, bullet velocity, and range, making the Rival the ideal weapon for virtually any map.

8. Kar98k – Best Marksman Rifle

The iconic Kar98k quickly became one of the most dominant long-range guns in MW3 after arriving in Season 4. Despite being classified as a Marksman Rifle, this gun provides outstanding damage, range, and handling.

It received a few inevitable nerfs after arriving in an overpowered state, reducing its aim assist to make it far more difficult to use. However, the best Kar98k loadout can still one-shot at most ranges, remaining among the best guns available.

7. Superi 46

Activision

The best Superi 46 loadout is extremely easy to use and incredibly speedy, making it perfect for dominating close-quarters maps like Rust and Meat. I found that the weapon’s mobility allows you to snap onto enemies quickly, all while providing better damage range than most other weapons in its class.

The SMG category is one of the most hotly-contested in the entire game, so although it may seem a little low compared to its rivals, that doesn’t mean you should ignore it completely.

6. MTZ-556

The MTZ-556 grabs a spot among the top five best guns in Modern Warfare 3. This incredibly easy-to-use Assault Rifle boasts great damage, fire rate, and range to dominate mid and long distances.

After a noticeable damage range buff introduced at the start of Season 5, this powerful AR remains a worthwhile weapon to use in Season 6. Overall, it’s one of the best all-round options on offer, and since it’s one of the first weapons you unlock, you likely already have all the attachments unlocked.

5. MCW

The MCW kept the top spot on our list from MW3’s launch to the Season 4 update. While it currently sits in fifth, its consistency as a top weapon in the game is impressive.

This iconic Assault Rifle is the perfect choice if you’re looking for competitive damage range, very low recoil, and the unique fan-favorite iron sight. If you’ve dabbled with MW3 Ranked Play, you’ll find the same success with the best MCW loadout across the game’s other playlists.

4. SVA 545

Activision

Often overlooked as it’s one of the first guns unlocked, the SVA 545 remains an absolute beast in MW3 Season 6. This lethal Assault Rifle is a dream to use, picking off enemies at all ranges with its low recoil and rapid TTK.

If you’re running the best loadout, it even manages to stand above the likes of the MCW and MTZ. While the newer guns might be more appealing at this later stage of the game’s lifecycle, you could do a lot worse than the SVA on the biggest maps.

3. Static-HV – Best SMG

Activision

After taking multiplayer by storm in Season 5, the Static-HV is a great SMG for close-quarters fights. It resembles the fan-favorite PDW-57 from Black Ops 2, boasting a rapid fire rate, great damage output, and mobility.

Although it’s been hit by multiple nerfs to try and end its dominance, its ridiculous close-range TTK and impressive range make it virtually unstoppable in the right hands. As long as you play to its strengths, there is almost no other weapon that can outgun you.

2. STG44 – Best Assault Rifle

Veteran players will recall the power of the STG44 in previous titles, and in MW3, it meets all the requirements to grab the second-place spot. This Assault Rifle has very low recoil, outstanding damage, and range.

Players have been calling the best STG44 loadout overpowered since its arrival in Season 5, and while it received hefty nerfs in Warzone, these changes have not made their way to multiplayer. So, you can continue to dominate with the classic weapon at any range.

1. DTIR 30-06 – Best gun in MW3

Activision

It’s not unusual for the latest weapons to completely take over the meta, and the DTIR 30-06 has done exactly that, stealing the crown of the best weapon in MW3. Much like the BAS-B at launch, this Battle Rifle is viable in pretty much any situation and is untouchable on the larger maps.

Not only does it have next to no recoil and a steady fire rate, but as a BR it also has exceptional damage. This all adds up to a weapon that’s clear of all the competition, so don’t be surprised to see it taking over lobbies between now and Black Ops 6.

Now that you’re armed with the meta guns in MW3, check out the best settings for controller, mouse and keyboard, and the optimal FOV so you don’t miss any details while playing.