Modern Warfare 2: Best Assault Rifle & Loadouts [Season 6]

After spending over 100 hours in MW2, here is my recommendation for the best Assault Rifles.

Assault Rifles are fast, versatile, and can be used in all sorts of combat range engagements while playing COD MW2. Having the knowledge of the best weapons, and how to unlock guns and attachments gives you an edge while playing multiplayer mode. However, if you’re an AR FPS player, then you should know about the Modern Warfare 2 Best Assault Rifle in the current meta. 

Key Takeaways
  • Assault Rifles are very versatile and fast and can be used in all kinds of engagements in COD Modern Warfare 2.
  • Each Assault Rifle has its own characteristics and differs from one another in terms of performance.
  • The selection of the right AR depends on the fighting style of a player.
  • However, to fully utilize their prowess, player will need to equip the optimal attachments for each AR in MW2.

Kastov 762

Best Early Game Assault Rifle
Kastov 762 MW2
Kastov 762 MW2 [Image Credit: eXputer]
  • Why I Chose This: Fast Time to Kill (TTK) in close-range combats.

The assault rifle known as the Kostov 762 is a vital component of the AK platform. It has a large caliber chamber with a 7.62 x 39mm diameter that can hold bullets, and it can deliver powerful shots in the hands of skilled players. On the other hand, both the precision and the recoil control of this weapon are below average.

You have the ability to choose between two different firing modes: full-auto and semi-auto. On the other hand, and this should come as no surprise, you will be employing the latter for brief bursts in order to guarantee precision in MW2.

It is hard for me to resist mentioning the Kastov 762 when a discussion about the finest assault rifles is taking place. This is one that is sure to stick out above the others in the metagame because of its powerful kick and weighty feel overall.

Weapon Stats

  • Fire Rate: 600 RPM
  • ADS Time: 270 ms
  • Muzzle Velocity: 590 m/s
  • Ammo Count: 30
  • Sprint To Fire Time: 210ms

Best Kastov 762 Loadout

  • Muzzle: Katovia DX90
  • Barrel: KAS-7 406MM
  • Underbarrel: FSSSharkfin 90
  • Magazine: 40-Round Mag
  • Rear Grip: Ivanov ST-70 Grip
  • Secondary Weapon: P890
  • Lethal: Semtex
  • Tactical: Stun Grenade
  • Perk 1: Bomb Squad
  • Perk 2: Battle Hardened
  • Bonus Perk: Fast hand
  • Ultimate perk: Ghost
  • Field Upgrade: Trophy System
  • Reliable TTK
  • Auto and semi firing mode
  • High base damage
  • Versatile weapon
  • Challenging recoil
  • Less accuracy

STB 556

Best MW2 Mid-Range Assault Rifle
STB 556 MW2
STB 556 mw2 [Image Credit: eXputer]
  • Why I Chose This: High Range and Accuracy.

In Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, players who want to offer covering fire while maintaining their accuracy have a viable alternative in the form of the STB 556 assault rifle. The STB 556 differs from other assault rifles in that it can be fitted with a large number of different attachments. You have a lot of leeway to personalize it in accordance with your own tastes.

In Modern Warfare 2, the STB 556 is a kind of Assault Rifle that, in order to make the most of its potential and mitigate its recoil, is most effective when used in conjunction with a certain set of attachments. 

The STB 556 is an AR designed for combat at medium and long ranges. It has a high accuracy, allowing it to be utilized for firing at targets that are quite close up.

Weapon Stats

  • Fire Rate: 741 RPM
  • ADS Time: 240 ms
  • Muzzle Velocity: 590 m/s
  • Ammo Count: 30
  • Sprint To Fire Time: 82 ms

Best STB 556 Loadout

  • Barrel: FTAC FB20
  • Optic: Cronen Mini Pro
  • Comb: FTAC C11 Riser
  • Ammo: 5.56 High Velocity
  • Rear Grip: Bruen Q900 Grip
  • Secondary: X13
  • Tactical: Smoke Grenade
  • Lethal: Semtex
  • Field Upgrade: Ammo Crate
  • Base Perk 1: Battle Hardened
  • Base Perk 2: Bomb Squad
  • Bonus Perk: Fast Hands
  • Ultimate Perk: Birds Eye
  • Beginner friendly
  • Versatility in attachments
  • Manageable recoil
  • Good TTK
  • Can be dominated by powerful A
  • Lower Mobility

M4

Most Versatile Assault Rifle
M4 MW 2 Loadout
Best M4 Loadout in Call of Duty Modern Warfare II (image credit: eXputer)
  • Why I Chose This: Can be tuned for all types of ranges.

There is a great deal of room for customization on the M4, particularly in regard to the variety of attachments that it can make use of in Modern Warfare 2. The M4 will constantly have your back, whether you need it for long-range elimination of an opponent or for close-quarters combat scenarios.

In Modern Warfare 2, the M4 serves as the first AR. It is important to note that increasing its level will allow you to obtain more Assault Rifles as you advance throughout the game, such as the M16. This will be accomplished by increasing its overall level. 

Because of this, the AR is basically one of the best weapons in Modern Warfare 2 and can be used effectively in virtually every position that the player may find himself in.

Weapon Stats

  • Fire Rate: 811 RPM
  • ADS Time: 240 ms
  • Muzzle Velocity: 590 m/s
  • Ammo Count: 30
  • Sprint To Fire Time: 210 ms 

Best M4 Loadout

  • Muzzle: Forge-Tac Castle Comp 
  • Barrel: Hightower 20″ Barrel 
  • Stock: Corio Precio Factory 
  • Rear Grip: Phantom Grip 
  • Optic: Cronen Mini Red Dot 
  • Basic Perk 1: Overkill or Bomb Squad
  • Basic Perk 2: Scavenger or Double Time
  • Bonus Perk: Fast Hands
  • Ultimate Perk: Quick Fix or Ghost
  • Secondary Weapon: Expedite 12
  • Tactical Equipment: Stun Grenade
  • Lethal Equipment: Proximity Mine or Semtex
  • Field Upgrade: Munitions Box or Dead Silence
  • Easy to handle and carry
  • Popular in Community
  • User-friendly
  • Versatility in attachments
  • Not fastest TTK

Lachmann 556

Well-balanced Assault Rifle
Lachmann 556 MW2
LACHMANN 556 [Image Credit: eXputer]
  • Why I Chose This: Suitable for all types of ranges with decent recoil control.

The Lachmann 556 is an excellent main weapon for both long and short-range combat. The gun, in general, is straightforward to use, whether for seasoned gamers with years of experience or for newcomers to MW2 as well. Because of its high rate of fire and relatively low total damage per shot, it is most useful at medium to long ranges.

Since it has a relatively low recoil, you’ll be able to steadily and consistently follow and attack your foes from a great distance. Recoil is controlled, and the quick mobility that can be achieved with this choice makes it a very important weapon to have in your inventory.

Simply reaching level 13 with the Lachmann 762 is all that is required to open up access to the Lachmann 556. The Lachmann 762 is another excellent choice for a beginning weapon, and it is quite simple to advance its level.

Weapon Stats

  • Fire Rate: 723 RPM
  • ADS Time: 240 ms
  • Muzzle Velocity: 590 m/s
  • Ammo Count: 30 
  • Sprint To Fire Time: 210 ms

Best Lachmann 556 Loadout

  • Muzzle: Echo line GS-X Suppressor 
  • Barrel: Lach – 12
  • Underbarrel: FSS Sharkfin 90
  • Magazine: 40-Round Mag
  • Optic: Cronen Mini Red Dot
  • Secondary Weapon: Lachmann sub
  • Perk 1: Overkill 
  • Perk 2: Scavenger
  • Bonus Perk: Quick Fix
  • Ultimate Perk: Ghost
  • Equipment: Flash Grenade and Semtex
  • Field Upgrade: Dead Silence
  • Easy to carry
  • Manageable recoil
  • Reliable TTK
  • Lower Range
  • Accuracy decreases with distance

M16

The Burst-Fire Assault Rifle
Best M16 Loadouts in COD Modern Warfare 2
M16 Assault Rifle [Image Credit: eXputer]
  • Why I Chose This: Best option for burst-fire lovers.

In Call of Duty: MW2, the M16 is an excellent choice for a weapon to use if you are skilled at shooting head or body shots. In the event that you desire to hone your targeting skills, you may utilize the weapon for that purpose as well. Bear in mind, though, that there will be a little pause in between each burst of activity on your part.

The M16 is one of the best Assault Rifles in Call of Duty MW2 under the burst weapon category, and it plays quite similarly to the other iterations of the M16 that have been included in past Call of Duty games. 

Therefore, if you want great accuracy, you will need to utilize the M16 at medium to long ranges. This is the only way to do this. It is imperative that you refrain from utilizing the M16 while you are in a confined space. If it does not happen, all you will be doing is firing rounds into the air.

Weapon Stats

  • Fire Rate: 811 RPM
  • ADS Time: 290 ms
  • Muzzle Velocity: 590 m/s
  • Ammo Count: 30
  • Sprint To Fire Time: 210 ms

Best M16 Loadout

  • Underbarrel: The Vx Pineapple Vert Grip. 
  • Rear Grip: The Sakin ZX Grip 
  • Stock: The Demo Fade Pro Stock 
  • Optic: Cronen Mini Red Dot 
  • Muzzle: Forge Tac Castle Comp 
  • Perk 1: Bomb Squad 
  •  Perk 2: Double Time 
  •  Ultimate Perk: Fast Hands 
  •  Bonus Perk: Quick Fix 
  •  Field Upgrade: Dead Silence. 
  •  Tactical Equipment: Stun Grenade 
  •  Lethal Equipment: Semtex 
  • Good balance and weapon control
  • Accuracy in mid range
  • High fire rate
  • No auto mode
  • Challenging at close quarters

Kastov-74U

Best Short-Mid distance Assault Rifle
Kastov-74U MW2
KASTOV-74U [Image Credit: eXputer]
  • Why I Chose This: High base damage and Firing Rate.

The Kastov-74U is one of the most powerful weapons in the game, albeit having its own set of advantages and disadvantages. There are no drawbacks to the AR that, with the addition of the appropriate attachments and perks, cannot be countered.

The Kastov-74U’s range is the only potential drawback I have while thinking about this weapon. However, despite the fact that it is still fairly excellent at long range, it is not the strongest. Due to variables like its range and firing rate, it is difficult to employ effectively at long ranges in combat situations.

Having said that, it is very possibly the most effective close-range weapon currently available in the game. There is no other submachine gun or assault rifle that even comes close to competing with the Kastov-74U; at least, that is what most writers at eXputer think.

Weapon Stats

  • Fire Rate: 652 RPM
  • ADS Time: 210 ms
  • Muzzle Velocity: 590 m/s
  • Ammo Count: 30
  • Sprint To Fire Time: 210ms 

Best Kastov-74U Loadout

  • Muzzle: RF Crown 50
  • Barrel: BR209 Barrel
  • Underbarrel: Merc Foregrip
  • Stock: Markeev R7 Stock
  • Grip: True-Tac Grip
  • Perk 1: Battle Harden
  • Perk 2: Double Time
  • Bonus Perk: Focus
  • Ultimate Perk: Quick Fix
  • Equipment: Flash Or Stun
  • Lethal: Semtex
  • Field Upgrade: Dead Silence
  • Versatile attachment capability
  • Good base damage
  • Excellent Firinf Rate
  • Lacks in Long Range
  • Acuuracy decreases with distance

TAQ-56

The Well-Rounded Assault Rifle
TAQ-56 MW2 Loadout
TAQ-56 [Image Credit: eXputer]
  • Why I Chose This: Can add different attachments to tune it according to personal playstyle.

When contrasted against either the Kastov or the M4, the TAQ-56 is a powerful weapon that also has certain advantages. The AR may be carried together with any of the other two weapons with ease. The TAQ-56 as a whole is well-rounded, and selecting an AR out of the several options available ultimately boils down to a matter of personal opinion. 

The TAQ-56, in comparison to the Kastov 762, is, according to the widespread opinion of professional Call of Duty broadcasters on Twitch and YouTube, the lesser weapon. However, despite its flaws, it is still a dependable and powerful rifle that has a respectable time to kill and strong handling metrics.

Since of the variety of attachments that are detailed below, this TAQ-56 loadout is the most effective one that I’ve seen so far because it achieves an excellent balance between minimal recoil and strong stopping power. 

Weapon Stats

  • Fire Rate: 625 RPM
  • ADS Time: 240 ms
  • Muzzle Velocity: 590 m/s
  • Ammo Count: 30
  • Sprint To Fire Time: 210 ms

Best TAQ-56 Loadout

  • Muzzle: Echoless-80
  • Rear Grip: FSS Combat Grip
  • Underbarrel: Demo IMP-44 Grip
  • Barrel: 14.5″ Tundra Pro Barrel
  • Stock: TV Cardinal
  • Secondary: X12
  • Tactical: Stun Grenade
  • Lethal: Drill Charge
  • Field Upgrade: Portable Radar
  • Base Perk 1: Bomb Squad
  • Base Perk 2: Battle Hardened
  • Bonus Perk: Fast Hands
  • Ultimate Perk: Bird’s Eye
  • Good accuracy
  • Recoil control
  • Easy to carry
  • Slow TTK
  • Less effective in long range

Kastov 545

Best MW2 Assault Rifle In All Aspects
MW 2 Kastov 545 AR Loadout
Kastov 545 mw2 [Image Credit: eXputer]
  • Why I Chose This: Very versatile and worth mastering.

Players are able to exercise greater levels of command because of the smaller 5.45mm bullets that are fired by the Kastov 545. When shooting the weapon for an extended amount of time, you will find that this is a superb AR. The Kastov 545 and the Kastov-74U are extremely comparable to one another. The most important distinction is that it does somewhat less damage but has a longer range and less recoil than its predecessor.

If you want to keep your foes at bay at a safe distance, the Kastov 545 Assault Rifle is an excellent choice. It offers a high rate of fire and excellent accuracy. In addition to that, it has a rapid firing rate, which enables it to wipe out foes in a very short amount of time. The weapon is designed to be very effective at medium to close ranges of combat.

Despite the fact that this weapon is not presently a dominant AR in the metagame, it is still a fantastic rifle that allows you to construct the optimal loadout to shred your opponents.

Weapon Stats

  • Fire Rate: 652 RPM
  • ADS Time: 260 ms
  • Muzzle Velocity: 590 m/s
  • Ammo Count: 30
  • Sprint To Fire Time: 210 ms

Best Kastov 545 Loadout

  • Barrel: BR209 Barrel
  • Rear Grip: Ivanov ST-70 Grip
  • Laser: FSS OLE-V Laser
  • Stock: KSTV-RPK Factory
  • Muzzle: FSS Covert V
  • Tactical: Flash Grenade
  • Lethal: Semtex
  • Perk 1: Battle Hardened 
  • Perk 2: Scavenger
  • Bonus Perk: Fast Hands
  • Ultimate Perk: Quick Fix
  • Field Upgrade: Munitions Box
  • Low Recoil
  • Good Base damage
  • High TTK
  • Impressive Muzzle Velocity
  • Poor Iron Sight

My Thoughts On Best AR

Huzaifa Malik Steam Profile
My Steam Profile

Among all the Assault Rifles, the eight are my top picks in MW2. Each weapon has different capabilities and you can find the best one for you by testing them out in the battlefield. You can start from my top three recommendations and you will surely get a good headstart. 

That is pretty much everything I had to entail about Modern Warfare 2 Best Assault Rifle. If you do not like to run and gun with the best assault rifles in COD Modern Warfare 2, then you can always look for the best SMGs, Shotguns, or even snipers. Let me know more of your thoughts in the comments box below.

Additionally, I suggest taking a look at Huzaifah Durrai’s comprehensive review of Modern Warfare 2 for an in-depth analysis.


Next Up:

Did you find this article helpful?

Thanks! Do share your feedback with us. ⚡

How can we make this post better? Your help would be appreciated. ✍

Get up-to-speed gaming updates delivered right to your inbox.

We don’t spam! Read more in our privacy policy.


Moiz Banoori is the brains behind eXputer. Having worked at various Video Game sites, with 8 years of Content Writing Experience and a Journalism Degree at hand, he presently monitors teams, creates strategies, and publishes qualified pieces through his aptitude at eXputer. Feel free to get in touch with him through his gaming profile on Steam and PSN.

Experience: 8+ Years || Manages Teams, Creates Strategies, and Publishes Guides on eXputer || Education: Bachelors in Journalism.

Related Articles