Best Shotguns in MW3 Season 4 Reloaded

When engaging enemies at close range in MW3, the best Shotguns can prove to be an outstanding option. The list of Shotguns has grown following the arrival of the Reclaimer 18 in Season 4.

To help you pick the best one, we have ranked them from the most effective to the least.

Every Modern Warfare 3 Shotgun ranked

1. Lockwood 680
2. Haymaker
3. Riveter
4. KV Broadside
5. MX Guardian
6. Reclaimer 18
7. Bryson 800
8. Lockwood 300
9. Bryson 890
10. Expedite 12

There are ten Shotguns for you to choose from, and we’ve ranked each one from the best to the worst to make your choice easier.

Rankings explained

10. Expedite 12

The semi-auto Expedite 12 Shotgun simply can’t keep up with the other weapons on this list. Naturally, plenty of weapons from MW2 find themselves down the rankings, with MW3 weapons dominating the game. The Expedite 12 is certainly one of those weapons, as it lacks the mobility, power, and fire rate to compete.

9. Bryson 890

Activision

The Bryson 890 is a step up from the Expedite 12, but it’s not much of a step in the grand scheme of things. While it has a decent magazine size and above-average reload speed, there’s simply no reason to be using it in Season 4 Reloaded.

8. Lockwood 300

The Lockwood 300 had its time in the sun thanks to the insanely broken one-shot Doom Blueprint, but that time is long gone. The weapon was nerfed into obscurity following a brief period at the top of the close-range meta.

7. Bryson 800

Activision

Shotgun fans will be glad to hear that the Bryson 800 brings slightly more value to the table than its cousin, the Bryson 890. The 800 version is somewhat viable thanks to its versatility. Instead of having several strong qualities, it succeeds by not having many glaring weaknesses in terms of mobility, damage, and range.

6. Reclaimer 18

Activision

The Season 4 Reloaded update brought the Reclaimer 18 to the game via the Battle Pass. The Shotgun is a rare case of a seasonal weapon not being broken when it first arrives. The weapon was mocked by players for being severely underpowered, compared to its MW3 counterparts.

Its limited maximum damage range leaves a lot to be desired and it’s not often it can kill with one shot up close. Nonetheless, it has the mobility of a classic pump action Shotgun that allows it to edge out most MW2 options.

5. MX Guardian

The MX Guardian is a fully automatic shotgun with an exceptional fire rate that is devastating at close range. When equipped with the right attachments, you can take advantage of its hip-fire capabilities, allowing you to kill enemies in quick succession without aiming down sight.

However, when compared to its counterparts, I noticed this Shotgun doesn’t boast as much firepower, lacking the damage output that’s necessary to take it to the next level.

4. KV Broadside

Activision

Despite looking identical to an SMG, the KV Broadside is a top-tier Shotgun that pales only in comparison to the top three within the category. It boasts a quick fire rate, impressive movement speed, and controllable recoil.

When equipped with meta attachments, like the JAK Jawbreaker Conversion Kit, the KV Broadside can lay waste to enemies in just a few shots at medium range and can be lethal up close.

3. Riveter

The Riveter is a powerful full-auto Shotgun that allows you to fire in quick succession. Naturally, Shotguns deal a ton of damage up close but with its rapid firing, you’ll deal an even greater amount of damage.

Although its recoil control is more challenging compared to the top two options, it can still be an excellent choice if you prefer to spray and pray at close range.

2. Haymaker

Veteran CoD players will feel comfortable with the Haymaker in their hands, as it closely resembles the Origin 12 Shotgun from MW 2019. Featuring a sizable magazine and an impressive rate of fire, this weapon allows you to quickly eliminate opponents.

1. Lockwood 680 – Best Shotgun in MW3

The Lockwood 680 stands out as the best Shotgun thanks to its rate of fire and damage output. On top of its fair magazine size, the weapon is precise and easy to use when equipped with the right attachments.

Don’t be afraid to fire from the hip when using this weapon to secure one-shot kills in close quarters combat.

The best weapons are nothing without the optimal settings, so make sure your audio, controller, and FOV settings are all on point.