Modern Warfare 2: BEST SMGs [Ranking All Guns]

SMGs are the run-and-gun choice of weapons in Modern Warfare 2, and having the best gun and loadout will allow you to shred the lobby without breaking much sweat. Not all weapons in MW2 perform equally, and each one of them comes with a set of pros and cons. That is why I have curated the Modern Warfare 2 best SMGs guide and ranked all sub-machine guns in the game based on how good they are and what players have preferred to go within the current meta. 

I have also listed basic weapon stats [the numbers reflect base values that can be tweaked after unlocking attachments] and the best loadouts of all SMGs. 

Before I begin, here are some base stats comparison of the Best SMGs in MW2.

Lachmann Sub

In every previous game, it is known as the MP5, but in this one, it has been renamed the Luchmann Sub. In Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, the MP5 is widely regarded as one of the game’s top submachine guns. This is a result of the incredible aim accuracy of the weapon. You can always trust it to pin down the opponents in a hurry, even if it has no attachments.

In my opinion, the Lachmann Sub is an excellent choice for those who value precision. As a submachine gun, it is manageable with very little effort. There are a few minor issues with the Lachmann Sub. To begin, I felt the primary factor that influenced the gun the most was its rather modest damage range.

Weapon Stats

• Fire Rate: 800 RPM
• ADS Time: 200 ms
• Muzzle Velocity: 540 m/s
• Ammo Count: 30
• Sprint To Fire Time: 110 ms

Best Lachmann Sub Loadout

• Side Arm: X12
• Barrel: FTAC M-Sub 12″
• Muzzle: SA Schalldampfer 99
• Magazine: 50 Round Drum
• Rear Grip: LM Cronus Grip
• Underbarrel: FSS Sharkfin 90
• Base Perk 1: Battle Hardened
• Base Perk 2: Tracker
• Bonus Perk: Fast Hands
• Ultimate Perk: Ghost
• Lethal Equipment: Proximity Mine
• Tactical Equipment: Snapshot Grenade
• Field Upgrade: Dead Silence

Vaznev-9K

The Vaznev-9K submachine gun (SMG) strongly resembles the AK-74u and has a rapid rate of fire in addition to exceptional performance at close quarters and at medium range. Recoil is inevitable when firing at a rapid pace; thus, choosing the right attachment for your weapon is essential.

Many professional Call of Duty streamers and YouTubers have already identified the Vaznev-9K as a go-to run-and-gun submachine gun.

If you plan on using this weapon as your main go-to SMG, then the attachment combination I have proposed below will increase the weapon’s mobility and recoil while expanding its range. This will allow the weapon to be used in various situations.

Weapon Stats

• Fire Rate: 779RPM
• ADS Time: 210 ms
• Muzzle Velocity: 540 m/s
• Ammo Count: 64
• Sprint To Fire Time: 110ms

Best Vaznev-9K Loadout

• Muzzle: Lockshot KT85
• Laser: Schlager PEG Box IV
• Stock: Markeev R7 Stock
• Magazine: 45 Round Mag
• Rear Grip: True-Tac Grip
• Secondary: Preferred pistol
• Tactical: Stun Grenade
• Lethal: Semtex
• Perk1: Battle Hardened 
• Perk 2: Double Time
• Bonus Perk: Fast Hands
• Ultimate: Ghost
• Field Upgrade: Battle Rage

PDSW 528

One of the best submachine guns (SMGs) that Modern Warfare 2 offers is a reimagined version of the legendary P90, now known as the PDSW 528. In spite of the fact that it has a novel name, the design and effectiveness of the weapon will cause you to experience emotions that are familiar to you from previous COD titles.

You will have an advantage in close-quarters combat because of how your class is configured. Because of the attachments, you will be able to deliver a significant amount of damage while also improving your range, which will result in an increase in the bullet velocity for the PDSW 528.

Weapon Stats

• Fire Rate: 909 RPM
• ADS Time: 280 ms
• Muzzle Velocity: 680 m/s
• Ammo Count: 36
• Sprint To Fire Time: 110ms

Best PDSW 528 Loadout

• Muzzle: Spiral V3.5 Flash Hider
• Barrel: 9.5″ Duke-30
• Stock: CQB Stock
• Rail: Integrated Reflex Rail
• Ammunition: 5.7x28mm Overpressured
• Base Perk 1: Double Time
• Base Perk 2: Tracker
• Bonus Perk: Hardline
• Ultimate Perk: Ghost
• Secondary: X12 Auto
• Tactical: Stun Grenades
• Lethal: Frag Grenade
• Field Upgrade: Dead Silence

Fennec 45

In Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, the Fennec 45 is not the leading firearm on my list of the best SMGs in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, but that is because other weapons, such as the MP5, are so dominant in multiplayer lobbies. Also, since the TTK ratio of the Lachmann Sub has been significantly nerfed, you might consider using the Fennec 45 as your primary weapon for the current meta.

Fennec 45 has the highest rate of fire compared to other weapons in its class. You will be able to easily destroy anybody who challenges you to combat in close quarters. However, its effectiveness suffers when used at longer distances due to a damage drop-off that occurs at those greater distances.

Weapon Stats

• Fire Rate: 1091 RPM
• ADS Time: 200 ms
• Muzzle Velocity: 300 m/s 
• Ammo Count: 30
• Sprint To Fire Time: 110ms

Best Fennec 45 Loadout

• Optic: Slimline Pro
• Barrel: Fennec Covert Force
• Ammo: Fennec Mag 45
• Grip: Fennec Textured Grip
• Stock: FTAC Locktight
• Secondary: M4 Or M16
• Base Perk 1: Overkill
• Base Perk 2: Scavenger
• Bonus Perk: Fast Hands
• Ultimate Perk: Hardline
• Tactical: Stim Shot
• Lethal: Semtex
• Field Upgrade: Portable Radar

VEL 46

The Vel-46 is a submachine gun that has a high rate of fire and a recoil that is easy to control. The MP7, which appeared in earlier Modern Warfare games, served as the inspiration for this weapon. The Vel-46 is an excellent choice of weapon for new players who are able to narrow the distance between themselves and their opponents successfully.

The standard run-and-gun gameplay seen in Call of Duty games is well matched to this weapon because of its low aim-down sights and quick sprint-to-fire time. There is no need to play any other guns to get this powerhouse of an SMG, even though VEL 46 is a part of the LMP weapon platform.

Weapon Stats

• Fire Rate: 952 RPM
• ADS Time: 200 ms
• Muzzle Velocity: 540 m/s
• Ammo Count: 40
• Sprint To Fire Time: 110ms

Best VEL 46 Loadout

• Stock: VEL A-568 Collapsed
• Underbarrel: Merc Foregrip
• Muzzle: SA Schalldämpfer 99
• Rear Grip: ZLR Combat Grip
• Laser: Point-G3P 04
• Base Perk 1: Double Time
• Base Perk 2: Scavenger
• Bonus Perk: Fast Hands
• Ultimate Perk: Quick Fix
• Secondary: .50 GS
• Tactical: Stun
• Lethal: Semtex
• Field Upgrade: Dead Silence
• Field Upgrade 2: Portable Radar

FSS Hurricane

The FSS Hurricane weapon is the best option to go with while engaging in close-quarters combat. Even for confrontations at a medium range, it is a highly effective weapon to have. The FSS Hurricane is readily in the contest with the Lachmann Sub or the MP5 SMG and is considered to be one of the strongest guns in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2’s SMG classification.

The game has a Progression system that players will have to go along by increasing their level in some firearms in order to access more; the FSS Hurricane is one of the last available firearms in the M4 tree. In order to get access to the FSS Hurricane in Modern Warfare 2, players must first achieve the FTAC Recon level 16.

Weapon Stats

• Fire Rate: 698 RPM
• ADS Time: 240 ms
• Muzzle Velocity: 680 m/s
• Ammo Count: 36
• Sprint To Fire Time: 110 ms

Best FSS Hurricane Loadout

• Side Arm: X13 Auto
• Stock: Demo Quicksilver Stock
• Laser: 4MW Laser Box 
• Rear Grip: Phantom Grip
• Barrel: FSS-X7 Barrell 
• Underbarrel: VX Pineapple Vert 6
• Basic Perk 1: Double Time 
• Basic Perk 2: Scavenger
• Bonus Perk: Hardline
• Ultimate Perk: Quick Fix 
• Secondary: X12 
• Tactical: Flash Grenade 
• Lethal: Frag Grenade 
• Field Upgrade: Battle Rage

Minibak

The PP19 Bizon from Modern Warfare has been reimagined as the Minibak SMG for the upcoming sequel, Modern Warfare 2. Those who have played Black Ops Cold War may recall that it was referred to as Bullfrog throughout their time with the game. Therefore, just like those other weapons, it is going to be equipped with a one-of-a-kind magazine that has a higher starting or base magazine than SMGs in this category and a faster rate of fire.

Although the MINIBAK or PP19 is able to perform very well in warfare at close ranges, its effectiveness at medium and long ranges is subpar. However, if the SMG is fitted with the appropriate modifications, it is capable of competing at a greater range.

Weapon Stats

• Fire Rate: 652 RPM
• ADS Time: 260ms
• Muzzle Velocity: 300 m/s 
• Ammo Count: 64
• Sprint To Fire Time: 110 ms

Best MINIBAK Loadout

• Barrel: BAK-9 279mm Barrel
• Laser: Stovl DR Laser Box
• Optic: Slimline Pro
• Stock: Otrezat Stock
• Rear Grip: True-Tac Grip
• Base Perk 1: Double Time
• Base Perk 2: Scavenger
• Bonus Perk: Fast Hands
• Ultimate Perk: Quick Fix
• Secondary: .50 GS
• Tactical: Stun
• Lethal: Semtex
• Field Upgrade: Dead Silence
• Field Upgrade 2: Portable Radar

MX9

The MX9 in COD MW2 is a versatile submachine gun, excelling at close range. Despite its slow firing rate and recoil issues, attaching a muzzle and barrel can easily address these concerns, making it suitable for both new and experienced players.

While some initially view the MX9 as weak, professional streamers acknowledge its potential when properly equipped. With added attachments, it has become one of the top meta guns in the game, gaining popularity among players.

The STB 556, part of the AUG family, is acquired at level 40. It’s a straightforward gun that can be quickly upgraded with time. To unlock the MX9, reach level 13 with the STB 556.

Weapon Stats

• Fire Rate: 741 RPM
• ADS Time: 220 ms
• Muzzle Velocity: 300 m/s
• Ammo Count: 25
• Sprint To Fire Time: 110 ms

Best MX9 Loadout

• Magazine: 32-Round Mag 
• Rear Grip: Bruen Q900 Grip
• Comb: FTAC C11 RISER
• Stock: Bruen STB 556 Stock
• Laser: EXF Solarflare
• Secondary: Lachmann-556
• Perk 1: Overkill
• Perk 2: Scavenger
• Bonus Perk: Fast Hands
• Ultimate Perk: Quick Fix
• Tactical: Flash Grenade
• Lethal: Semtex
• Equipment: Dead Silence 

BAS-P

Before I begin, I would like to mention that the BAS-P received some generous buffs in the recent Season 3 Reloaded update. Within the Patch Notes the Devs mentioned that the ADS speed as well as Maximum Damage, was increased for the gun. 

That could be mainly due to its high rate of fire and low recoil. Along with its positive sides, the Damage is not that bad either, as long as you’re not missing your shots you will surely take down enemies with ease. Although, it does lack a lot when it comes to the Range. I know SMGs are not designed for mid to long-range combat but the BAS-P really falls off within its own weapon type. 

In the optimal Loadout for the BAS-P, I will focus on maximizing Recoil Control, Aiming Stability, and ADS Speed. With that said let’s review the attachments. If you’re not playing Ranked matches then you can also go for a Laser attachment.

Weapon Stats

• Fire Rate: 870 RPM
• ADS Time: 210 ms
• Muzzle Velocity: 540 m/s
• Ammo Count: 30
• Sprint To Fire Time: 110 ms

Best BAS-P Loadout

• Muzzle: AVR-T90 Compensator 
• Optic: Slimline Pro
• Stock: Ravage-8
• Rear Grip: Bruen Flash Grip
• Magazine: 50-Round Mag
• Secondary: P890
• Perk 1: Double Time
• Perk 2: Battle Hardened
• Bonus Perk: Fast Hands
• Ultimate Perk: Quick Fix
• Tactical: Stim
• Lethal: Frag Grenade
• Equipment: Dead Silence

My Take On Best SMG

Personally, I love to use SMGs in multiplayer modes, especially in quickmatches and war mode, where intense close-range action is going on continuously. I’ve tested and tried different SMGs, and I listed the ones I like to use the most. You can try out my suggested options and see which ones suits perfect for you according to your playstyle. 

That is all the ranking hierarchy I had to list about Modern Warfare 2 Best SMGs. Which sub-machine gun is your go-to one in the game and why? Do you prefer a higher mag SMG or a lower one with more accuracy in CQC? Let me know more about it in the comments section below.

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