Assault rifles remain a prominent choice in Modern Warfare 3, delivering an optimal mix of damage, user-friendliness, and effective range. This versatility is a key factor behind their popularity as the most favored weapon category in the Call of Duty franchise. Assault rifles can hold their own on any map, offering a competitive edge that few other classes can provide.
This trend continues in the latest installment, with assault rifles making up a significant portion of the most utilized firearms in MW3. Whether you engage in casual matches or Ranked Play, opting for an assault rifle is always a solid strategy.
To effectively leverage their potential, it’s essential to stick with top-tier assault rifles that define the current meta. Not all assault rifles perform equally; some are completely viable while others can fall flat. Keeping abreast of these changes can be challenging, particularly with ongoing buffs and nerfs that alter the meta each season.
Top Assault Rifle Loadouts
Here are the five best assault rifle loadouts for Season 6 to ensure your classes maximize competitiveness:
1. SVA 545
Optimal SVA 545 MW3 Loadout
- Muzzle: Quartermaster Suppressor
- Barrel: STV Precision Barrel
- Optic: JAK Glassless Optic
- Stock: Mane V6 Stock
- Underbarrel: DR-6 Handstop
The SVA 545 stands out as the most well-rounded primary weapon in MW3. With a fast time-to-kill (TTK), minimal recoil, and impressive range, it offers solid mobility and handling. This meta AR holds the unique distinction of having no significant downsides, solidifying its status as the premier assault rifle in the game, a position it has enjoyed for multiple seasons.
This loadout enhances the SVA 545’s accuracy without sacrificing its handling and mobility. The Mane V6 Stock is crucial, significantly minimizing recoil. With this setup, the SVA 545’s recoil is comparable to that of the STG44 and MCW, two of the most accurate weapons available, while also delivering superior damage output.
2. STG44
Optimal STG44 MW3 Loadout
- Muzzle: Quartermaster Suppressor
- Barrel: Factory Short Barrel
- Optic: JAK Glassless Optic
- Stock: DR79 Combo Stock
- Underbarrel: DR-6 Handstop
Introduced last season, the STG44 quickly established itself as a leading firearm. It effectively surpasses the MCW, providing similar accuracy and range but a faster TTK. Ideal for players who prefer a strategic, controlled approach, it excels in holding lanes. However, following nerfs in Season 6, it has been outclassed by the SVA 545.
Leveraging the STG44’s standout accuracy is key, and this loadout maximizes recoil control. The combination of the Quartermaster Suppressor and DR79 Combo Stock provides over 30% reduction in gun kick, enhancing the weapon’s already excellent accuracy. With this configuration, even novice players can pick off enemies from long distances with ease.
3. BP50
Optimal BP50 MW3 Loadout
- Muzzle: Quartermaster Suppressor
- Barrel: Lore-9 Heavy Barrel
- Optic: JAK Glassless Optic
- Stock: MOAT-40 Stock
- Underbarrel: Paracord Grip
Although the JAK Revenger Kit offered a harder hitting alternative, the recent heavy nerf to the Aftermarket Part means the base BP50 is now preferable. Thankfully, the BP50 remains a superb choice, boasting superior mobility and handling compared to its peers, as well as a fast TTK of just 280 ms, making it one of the finest options for Season 6.
This build emphasizes versatility, with each recommended attachment serving a distinct purpose. The Lore-9 Heavy Barrel increases range, while the MOAT-40 Stock minimizes recoil and the Quartermaster Suppressor ensures you stay off the enemy radar.
4. Holger 556 – JAK Backsaw
Optimal Holger 556 MW3 Loadout
- Conversion Kit: JAK Backsaw Kit
- Laser: DXS Flash 90
- Optic: JAK Glassless Optic
- Stock: RB Addle Assault Stock
- Rear Grip: Morn-20 Grip
The JAK Backsaw Kit transforms the Holger 556 into a true game-changer. With this conversion activated, its TTK drops to an astounding 255 ms, the fastest among all weapons listed here. Additionally, it features a 100 Round Drum, coupled with surprisingly quick handling and mobility. Though its unique double-barreled format may take some getting used to, it remains an exceptional firearm.
However, this Aftermarket Part restricts certain attachments, blocking off multiple slots. Nevertheless, viable options remain, including the RB Addle Assault Stock, which enhances recoil control by 14%, and the Morn-20 Grip, which reduces recoil while offering extra flinch resistance, advantageous due to the weapon’s slower fire rate.
5. MCW
Optimal MCW MW3 Loadout
- Muzzle: Quartermaster Suppressor
- Barrel: 16.5″ MCW Cyclone Long Barrel
- Optic: JAK Glassless Optic
- Stock: RB Regal Heavy Stock
- Underbarrel: DR-6 Handstop
While the MCW remains unrivaled in Ranked Play, it’s not as dominant in standard multiplayer where weapon restrictions do not apply. Nonetheless, this version of the classic ACR offers outstanding consistency with its remarkably low recoil. There’s a case to be made that it’s the best choice for average players, although its lower damage can sometimes see it outperformed by other assault rifles.
Since the MCW lacks a fast TTK regardless of attachment choices, focusing on enhancing its accuracy and range is more beneficial. Attachments such as the 16.5″ MCW Cyclone Long Barrel and RB Regal Heavy Stock work perfectly to improve damage range and recoil control, making this meta assault rifle as precise as possible.
All MW3 Assault Rifles Ranked
In Modern Warfare 3, there are currently 10 assault rifles available, with the STG44 being the most recent addition. Here they are ranked from best to worst, assuming you employ the strongest loadout for each weapon:
| RANK | GUN |
|---|---|
| 1 | SVA 545 |
| 2 | STG44 |
| 3 | BP50 |
| 4 | Holger 556 |
| 5 | MCW |
| 6 | MTZ-556 |
| 7 | BAL-27 |
| 8 | DG-56 |
| 9 | RAM-7 |
| 10 | FR 5.56 |
Meta Analysis
The Season 6 update has not significantly altered the assault rifle class, with the STG44 being the only weapon affected by nerfs. These adjustments have reduced its damage and effective range, allowing the SVA 545 to reclaim the top position on our list.
Overall, the assault rifles in MW3 remain unchanged, with none receiving new conversion kits that could disrupt the meta. As a result, the AR loadouts that were successful last season will continue to perform well this season.
While consistency is key, there are several MW2 assault rifles that have seen unexpected buffs, making some of them viable and even competitive. This opens the door for players to excel in lobbies with weapons that others may overlook.
The M13C, TR-76 Geist, and Chimera are the three weapons that benefited the most from these balance changes. All of these options are now capable contenders in any lobby, even if they fall short of being meta, allowing players to explore alternatives such as the SVA 545, STG44, and BP50.
Stay tuned for updates on the best assault rifles, as the MW3 meta is likely to shift again soon. In the meantime, check out MW3’s complete map pool, its full weapons list, as well as guides for the best PC settings and controller settings to optimize your gameplay experience.
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