Best guns in MW3: Every Modern Warfare 3 weapon ranked

Max Candelarezi
MW3 Operators on sub base map

Picking the best weapon in MW3 can be challenging, so to help you find the most suitable one for Season 3, we ranked every Modern Warfare 3 weapon, including a countdown of the top 10 best picks.

MW3 Season 3 is in full swing, carrying several weapon buffs and nerfs, which considerably shifted the meta. So, if you’re wondering which weapons you should use to dominate multiplayer, we’ve ranked every MW3 gun and counted down the best 10 picks.

That being said, here are the best weapons you can use in Modern Warfare 3 Season 3.

Every Modern Warfare 3 weapon ranked

Here’s every Modern Warfare 3 weapon ranked, ranging from the best to the worst.

  1. MCW
  2. HRM-9
  3. SVA 545
  4. RAM-9
  5. MORS
  6. WSP Swarm
  7. MTZ-556
  8. XRK Stalker
  9. WSP-9
  10. Holger 556
  11. BP50
  12. FJX Horus
  13. Bruen Mk9
  14. Rival-9
  15. TAQ Eradicator
  16. AMR9
  17. RAM-7
  18. KV Inhibitor
  19. KATT-AMR
  20. Renetti
  21. Sidewinder
  22. DG-56
  23. Striker
  24. Longbow
  25. Holger 26
  26. Striker 9
  27. TAQ Evolvere
  28. Pulemyot 762
  29. MTZ Interceptor
  30. MTZ-556
  31. Lockwood 680
  32. WSP Stinger
  33. COR-45
  34. Gladiator
  35. KVD Enforcer
  36. DM56
  37. FR 5.56
  38. DG-58 LSW
  39. MTZ-762
  40. Riveter
  41. MCW 6.8
  42. Haymaker
  43. Karambit
  44. Gutter Knife
  45. TYR
  46. RGL-80

Keep in mind that a lower ranking on the list doesn’t mean the weapon can’t be useful, as every weapon on the list can dominate matches if you can successfully adapt your play style.

Best guns in Modern Warfare 3

10. Holger 556

Holger 556 in MW3 with logo
The Holger 556 is an easy-to-use Assault Rifle in MW3.

When jumping into a CoD game, easy-to-use and powerful Assault Rifles like the Holger 556 are the preferred choice, and Modern Warfare 3 is no different. While the Holger 556 is no longer the best weapon in the game following several nerfs, it’s still quite dominant.

9. WSP-9

WSP-9 MW3
The WSP-9 is based on the classic UZI.

When dealing with small maps in MW3, the WSP-9 SMG stands out as one of the best choices. Previous damage range and ADS time buffs made this SMG a force to be reckoned with.

Its exceptional mobility and easy-to-use design boost its performance, especially on small maps, and it’s only got better after several nerfs to its counterparts.

8. XRK Stalker

XRK Stalker with MW3 logo
The XRK Stalker was previously the best Sniper in MW3.

The XRK Stalker Sniper Rifle remains a dominant pick in Modern Warfare 3. This Sniper provides the perfect middle ground between some of its counterparts.

A speedy bolt-action Rifle, the XRK Stalker is capable of one-shotting player after player while still being fast enough to let you be more aggressive.

7. MTZ-556

MTZ-556 MW3
The MTZ-556 features impressive damage and range in MW3.

The MTZ-556 is an incredibly easy-to-use Assault Rifle in MW3, boasting great damage, fire rate, and range to dominate mid and long ranges. Following several counterparts’ nerfs with Season 3, this powerful AR quickly escalated a few spots in the Modern Warfare 3 meta.

6. WSP Swarm

WSP Swarm MW3
The WSP Swarm has a blistering TTK in MW3.

The WSP Swarm returned to the meta as one of the most popular close-range picks in Modern Warfare 3. This SMG has impressive damage, maneuverability, and a high fire rate, making it easy to use no matter your skill level.

5. MORS – Best Sniper Rifle in MW3

MORS Sniper Rifle MW3
The MORS Sniper Rifle was previously featured in SHG’s Advanced Warfare.

Coming with Season 3, the MORS Sniper Rifle has become the most popular Sniper in MW3. This weapon has outstanding damage, range, and handling. With the addition of the right attachments, this Sniper Rifle becomes lethal in long-range engagements.

4. RAM-9

RAM-9 MW3
The RAM-9 has seen an increase in popularity in both Warzone and MW3.

The RAM-9 has successfully carved out a place for itself, displacing weapons from various categories and asserting dominance in the close-range meta list.

This SMG has noticeably increased its popularity in Warzone and has been carried over to MW3 due to its ease of use, low recoil, high fire rate, and competitive damage. If you’re looking to dominate close-range combat, the RAM-9 should be your pick.

3. SVA 545

Modern Warfare 3 SVA 545
The SVA 545 is a reliable choice in MW3’s multiplayer.

Despite being the first Assault Rifle to be unlocked in multiplayer, the SVA 545 meets all the requirements to dominate in MW3. This weapon has very low recoil, ease of use, and competitive damage against its counterparts.

If you’re looking to put down a ton of firepower at mid-range, you can’t go wrong with the SVA 545.

2. HRM-9 – Best SMG in MW3

HRM-9 SMG with MW3 logo
The HRM-9 boasts incredible damage and fire rate in MW3.

The HRM-9 has managed to quickly make its way into the best weapons within MW3. This SMG is perfect for dominating at close distances, and with the correct attachments, it can be extremely easy and comfortable.

The HRM-9 boasts impressive damage and bullet velocity, making it perfect for small maps like Rust or Meat.

1. MCW – Best gun in MW3

MCW in Modern Warfare 3
Modern Warfare 3’s MCW resembles the fan-favorite MW2 ACR.

The ACR, an absolute CoD classic, returned in Modern Warfare 3 as the MCW, and it quickly claimed the title of best gun in the game. This Assault Rifle is the perfect choice if you’re looking for exceptional damage range, very low recoil, and the unique fan-favorite iron sight.

And those are the best weapons to use in Modern Warfare 3. For more on the game, be sure to check out our other guides:

How to slide cancel in Modern Warfare 3 | MW3 Ranked Play explained | How to play Modern Warfare 3 at 120 FPS on PS5 | Best FOV settings for Modern Warfare 3 | Best controller settings for Modern Warfare 3 | How to get Tac-Stance kills in MW3 | What are Clean Kills in Modern Warfare 3?