COD MW3: 5 Best Shotguns [All Types]

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 has featured shotguns as a unique and valuable option for intense, close-range combat. Players who prefer close-range action can rely on shotguns for high-damage output.

Helpful Reads:

Key Takeaways

There are a total of 9 shotguns available in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3.
Out of all the nine shotguns, the most lethal is the Bryson 800.
Shotguns are especially effective in close combat as they can inflict devastating damage with a single shot.
The limited effective range of shotguns makes them less suitable for medium to long-range fights.

Best Shotguns In MW3

Here are the top five shotguns in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3:

Serial No	Shotgun	Damage	Rate of Fire	Max Range	Magazine Capacity	Reload Time
1	Bryson 800	120/ 110/ 102	164.4 rpm	26.7 m	8	5.4 s
2	Lockwood 680	83/ 82/ 81	150 rpm	16.5 m	6	3.1 s
3	Haymaker	52/ 52/ 52	250 rpm	21.6 m	8	2.8 s
4	MX Guardian	37/ 31/ 29	428.6 rpm	7.9 m	15	3 s
5	Riveter	35/ 28/ 27	400 rpm	31.8 m	15	2.8 s

1. Bryson 800

Best Shotgun For Hight Damage In MW3

mw3 best shotgun — Bryson 800 [Image By Me]

Damage	120/ 110/ 102
Rate of Fire	164.4 rpm
Max Range	26.7 m
Magazine Capacity	8
Reload Time	5.4 s

One of my favorite shotguns in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 is the Bryson 800. Unlike some other shotguns, it doesn’t have a detachable magazine, but in my opinion, that’s not a big deal. It actually performs better without it.

The Bryson 800 is a powerhouse, dealing massive damage to opponents. Additionally, its range is perfect for my playstyle. You can also customize it with different attachments to improve its accuracy when shooting at targets from a distance.

2. Lockwood 680

Best All-rounder Shotgun In Modern Warfare 3

Damage	83/ 82/ 81
Rate of Fire	150 rpm
Max Range	16.5 m
Magazine Capacity	6
Reload Time	3.1 s

Ranked as the second-best shotgun, the Lockwood 680 is a direct and powerful option within its optimal range. However, it falls a bit short in range compared to the Bryson 800, a shotgun with a similar feel. Despite its limitations, the Lockwood 680 remains a solid choice for those who prefer straightforward and close combats in the fast-paced world of Modern Warfare 3.

How To Unlock

Lockwood 680 can be unlocked by reaching level 6 in multiplayer.

3. Haymaker

Best Fast-firing Shotgun In COD MW3

mw3 best shotguns — Haymaker [Capture By Me]

Damage	52/ 52/ 52
Rate of Fire	250 rpm
Max Range	21.6 m
Magazine Capacity	8
Reload Time	2.8 s

The Haymaker has earned its place as my third-best shotgun in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3. It is a semi-automatic, fast-firing shotgun that strikes a great balance between damage potential and range. Although the Haymaker may not have the raw power of other weapons, it is forgiving and easy to control, making it a reliable choice. It is especially beginner-friendly and a great option for those just starting out.

How To Unlock

You need to reach level 39 in multiplayer to unlock Haymaker.

4. MX Guardian

Best Shotgun For Balanced Damage & Rate of Fire In MW3

Damage	37/ 31/ 29
Rate of Fire	428.6 rpm
Max Range	7.9 m
Magazine Capacity	15
Reload Time	3 s

The MX Guardian is a fully automatic shotgun that exceeded my expectations, particularly when used in room-clearing scenarios with the right attachments. Despite being a full-auto shotgun, it maintains its killing power, remaining reliable for one-shot kills. The ability to quickly follow up with additional shots makes it an impressive weapon. What I appreciate most about the MX Guardian is that minimal thinking is required – you can simply point and shoot.

How To Unlock

Reach level 55 to activate the unlock challenge. You can use MX Guardian after completing the challenge.

5. Riveter

Damage	35/ 28/ 27
Rate of Fire	400 rpm
Max Range	31.8 m
Magazine Capacity	15
Reload Time	2.8 s

The semi-automatic magazine-fed Riveter shotgun is in a league of its own. Its impressive fire rate, substantial magazine capacity, and unexpected range allow you to wield it almost like an assault rifle rather than a typical shotgun. Although it may not hit as hard as other shotguns, it still holds its ground in the middle of the pack.

How To Unlock

You can unlock Riveter by purchasing the vault edition, or the armory unlocks at level 25.

Modern Warfare 3 Best Shotgun – Personal Take

In Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, my top shotgun pick is the Bryson 800, as it hits hard, handles well, and has a longer range than other shotguns.

I really like the fact that I can customize it with different attachments to match my playstyle. Regarding shotguns, personal preferences align with individual playstyles, which may differ from the ones highlighted in this guide. So, while the Bryson 800 reigns supreme for me, your perfect shotgun might reflect your unique approach to the game.

This is all about the best shotguns in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3. Make sure to read about Modern Warfare 3: Best PC Settings to optimize the game and boost your FPS. Also, read Obaid’s guide on Halo Hat Trick Achievement.

Was this article helpful?

Thanks! Do share your feedback with us. ⚡

How could we improve this post? Please Help us. ✍