Best MW3 assault rifles ranked – our top 5 AR picks to strike fear in Modern Warfare 3

If you just dropped to the ground in a Modern Warfare 3 match, chances are that an assault rifle defeated you. While they’re great in Zombies, the best MW3 assault rifles are just as potent against real players.

And with 21 assault rifles to pick from, it can be a daunting task. 15 of them return from Modern Warfare 2 with slight tweaks, meaning that returning players will already have favorites. If you want to climb the ropes quick, here are our MW3 multiplayer tips and tricks. If you prefer nimble SMGs instead, our Striker loadout will have you testing the patience of even assault rifle wielders. Read on to learn about the best MW3 assault rifles.

5 best assault rifles in MW3 ranked

We’ve ranked the top assault rifles in MW3 based on their performance in combat. While stats don’t tell the whole story, we’ve backed up our evidence by testing them across a variety of maps and environments. To keep things simple, we’ve stuck to a list with five assault rifles.

We’ve picked them after a good number of rounds with each weapon to get a feel for their offensive capabilities. Note that external factors like perks and killstreaks can also improve your effectiveness in combat. While this ranking might depend on our playstyle, you can try these guns out in the firing range or even in matches before you pick a favorite. After all, some players will prefer the three round-burst approach over spraying and praying in Modern Warfare 3.

5. The M4 is a decent all-round AR

Best M4 loadout options	Item
Muzzle	FTac Castle Comp
Barrel	Hightower 20″ Barrel
Stock	Corio Precio Factory
Rear Grip	Phantom Grip
Optic	Hybrid Firepoint

The M4 is a familiar name for returning Call of Duty players. It’s been an essential part of several campaigns and multiplayer experiences. With a high rate of fire and decent recoil, the M3 is good at close and medium ranges. With the right attachments, it can be a serious threat. But with a slightly long TTK (Time To Kill) of about 0.44 seconds, there are better guns out there. But if you’ve given the M4 a spin or if you’ve loved it in earlier titles, it’s worth trying out across the best MW3 maps.

4. The SVA 545 packs a ‘buy 1, get 1 bullet free’ boost for massive damage

Best SVA 545 loadout options	Item
Muzzle	HMRES Mod Suppressor
Barrel	Authority IV Short Barrel
Stock	Skelly Folding Stock
Rear Grip	Chewk Angled Grip
Optic	MK.3 Reflector

I liked the SVA 545’s interesting approach to burst fire. Instead of a three-round burst, this AR fires two shots with every trigger press, making it particularly devastating. While this makes it a touch harder to handle, you should be able to swiftly knock down threats once you get the hang of things. It’s also got some impressive range and a quick fire rate, making it particularly handy for Warzone’s long-distance skirmishes. Here’s our SVA 545 loadout to maximize its potential.

3. The DG-58 knocks heads thrice with its three-round burst

Best DG-58 loadout options	Item
Muzzle	Shadowstrike Suppressor
Barrel	DG-56 LS18 Barrel
Stock	Extended Tp-9 Buttplate
Rear Grip	Varanus Steady Grip
Optic	Slate Reflector

As someone who’s particularly fond of three-round bursts, the DG-58 quickly grew on me. While I (and the Call of Duty community) agree that there are better weapons, I can’t help but get attached to its consistency. As long as you land your shots, you can keep moving foes down at medium range. True, its 1.14-second TTK might sound concerning. But in practice, landing the first few shots usually means that you’ll come out of a firefight alive with the DG-58. With upgrades and special blueprints, the weapon becomes even more deadly.

✓ Antony’s annotation

TTK isn’t everything in MW3

While guns that can kill enemies quickly are great, pick a gun that feels great to you. Surprise an enemy and half a second won’t always change the outcome. Three-round burst weapons fit a certain niche and players love them for it.

2. The nimble Holger 556 is a good starting point

Best Holger 556 loadout options	Item
Muzzle	Shadowstrike Suppressor
Barrel	Chrios-6 Match
Stock	RB Addle Assault Stock
Rear Grip	MORN-20 Grip
Optic	Slimline Pro

Unlocking this at level 12 gives newcomers a perfect starting point in the AR category. With an absurdly high fire rate and stable recoil, it’s a good pick for players who spray enemies like they’re watering a lawn. And while it isn’t especially potent at long ranges, the Holger 556 will serve you well when you’re up close against danger. Use upgrades to make the most of this AR.

1. The MCW takes the Time To Kill crown

Best MCW loadout options	Item
Muzzle	L4R Flash Hider
Barrel	Second Line Mammoth Heavy
Stock	MCW Lancer Tactical Stock
Rear Grip	RB Talon-X3 Grip
Optic	QTG Reflex Sight

With a 0.42 seconds TTK, the MCW takes the top spot in our best assault rifle rankings. Thanks to solid recoil control and the ability to drop threats at medium range, it’s the best gun for most situations. Use the right sight and our best MCW loadout to climb up the leaderboards in no time. 

That covers the best MW3 assault rifles. If you’re thinking of diving into Zombies with these beasts, here are some handy MW3 Zombies tips and tricks. ARs are the most reliable weapons across all game modes. And they let you take advantage of MW3 perks to dish out some serious damage. Drop into a lobby and cause mayhem with an assault rifle across PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S.

Best MW3 Assault Rifles FAQ

What is the deadliest assault rifle in modern warfare 3?

The MCW is the best AR option in MW3.

Does MW3 have new guns?

Yes, there are new assault rifles and SMGs among other additions in MW3.