Modern Warfare 3 Best SMG: Our Top 6 Picks

In Modern Warfare 3, choosing the best SMG is the way to go if you’re all about speed and action. Picking the right gun and setup can make a big difference, letting you dominate without much effort. However, not all SMGs are equal. Each one has its strengths and weaknesses.

Helpful Reads:

• Best Snipers in MW3
• Best Shotguns In MW3
• Best ARs in MW3
• Best MW3 Pistols
• Best Marksman Rifles in MW3
• Best LMGs in MW3
• Best Multiplayer Loadouts in MW3

Overview of MW3 Best SMGs

This table compares the top six best SMGs based on their unlock requirements, best perks, and base stats:

1. WSP-9

It is a great SMG to use if you are a pure damage lover, and Its ability to reach further than other SMGs is really handy when dealing with enemies at mid-range. Add some specific attachments, and it becomes even better.

It may have high damage and excellent mobility, but I desperately want higher fire rates from our SMGs. Its other stats aren’t impressive enough to boost it, especially when it performs worse than other MW3 SMGs. A buff to that low fire rate may catapult the WSP-9 compared to other SMGs.

Following is the best loadout for WSP-9:

• Muzzle: Bruen Cubic Comp
• Stock: WSP Factory Stock
• Barrel: WSP Infiltrate Integrated 
• Ammunition: 9mm High Grain Rounds
• Magazine: 32 Round Mag
• Optic: Slate Reflector

Following is the best class setup for WSP-9:

• Vest: CCT Comms Vest
• Handgun: Renetti
• Tactical: Stun Grenade
• Gloves: Commando Gloves
• Field Equipment: Dead Silence
• Boots: Tactical Pads
• Gear: Hijacked IFF Strobe

2. WSP Swarm

The WSP Swarm stands out as a top SMG in the game because of its rapid fire and a much faster time to kill. It can handle multiple nearby enemies using just one magazine in skilled hands.

It’s on par with the top SMGs in tight spots but falls short when dealing damage beyond close distances. Even the WSP-9 manages better damage at medium range. Still, it excels in the right SMG showdowns.

Following is the best loadout for WSP Swarm:

• Barrel: WSP Reckless-90 Long Barrel
• Muzzle: Shadowstrike Suppressor
• Laser: Accu-Shot 5mW Laser
• Optic: Slimeline Pro
• Stock: WSP Factory
• Magazine: 40 Round Mag

Following is the best class setup for WSP Swarm:

• Vest: Demolition
• Gloves: Quick-Grip Gloves
• Boots: Covert Sneakers
• Gear: EOD Padding
• Tactical: Stun Grenade
• Lethal: Frag Grenade
• Field Equipment: Trophy System

3. Striker 9

When examining the Striker 9, it’s natural to compare it against the dominating Striker. However, the Striker 9 remains in the shadow of its superior counterpart. Lacking the necessary firepower, it is hard to declare it the best SMG in Modern Warfare 3.

The Striker 9 does well with controlling recoil and hitting targets at medium range, although it sacrifices a bit of close-quarters damage compared to the Striker. I think that Striker 9 might seize the chance to claim the top spot with a little buff in close range. This potential shift could see the Striker 9 becoming a favored choice in the game.

Following is the best loadout for Striker 9:

• Barrel: Striker Elite Long Barrel
• Underbarrel: Dr-6 Handstop
• Rear Grip: Sakin ZX Grip
• Stock: FSS Titan Stock
• Ammunition: .45 Auto High Grain Rounds

Following is the best class setup for Striker 9:

• Vest: Infantry Vest
• Gloves: Scavenger Gloves
• Gear: Mission Control Comlink
• Lethal: Frag Grenade
• Tactical: Flash Grenade
• Field Equipment: Munitions Box

4. AMR9

If you’re searching for an SMG that covers all bases, be it taking down enemies from a good distance, dominating in close combat, and allowing you to zip around the map, the AMR9 best serves the purpose. This versatile choice ensures you’re ready for any situation during your Modern Warfare 3 adventure.

The AMR 9 behaves like a speedy Assault Rifle, customizable with attachments that match that style. I think for Assault Rifle enthusiasts, the AMR9 might feel familiar and serve as a great choice for those starting with SMGs.

Following is the best loadout for AMR9:

• Barrel: Tectonic Micro Integral Suppressor
• Underbarrel: FTAC SP-10 Angled Grip
• Ammunition: 9mm High Grain
• Rear Grip: Phantom Grip
• Optic: Corvus Mini Riser Optic

Following is the best class setup for AMR9:

• Vest: Infantry Vest
• Gloves: Scavenger 
• Boots: Covert Sneakers
• Handgun: WSP Stinger
• Tactical: Flash Grenade
• Lethal: Semtex
• Field Equipment: Comm Scrambler

5. Rival-9

The Rival-9 is all about moving fast. It’s a powerful weapon with excellent handling, offering damage and range. Like the Striker, it’s great for winning fights from a distance, even doing better than some Assault Rifles.

Its new Tac-Stance feature gives it a big boost, especially when you’re sliding and maneuvering around the maps. Its hip-fire accuracy is surprisingly good. This makes it a close-range beast and gives total value against surprise enemy attacks.

Following is the best loadout for Rival 9:

• Muzzle: Buen Pendulum
• Barrel: Rival 38-E Fire Starter Barrel
• Underbarrel: XRK Edge BW-4 Handstop
• Stock: Buen Flash v4 Stock
• Magazine: 50-Round Drum

Following is the best class setup for Rival 9:

• Vest: Infantry Vest
• Gloves: Scavenger Gloves
• Boots: Tactical Boots
• Lethal: Breacher Drone
• Tactical: Flash Grenade
• Field Equipment: Munitions Box

6. Striker

Undoubtedly, the best SMG in Modern Warfare 3 is the Striker. It’s a sharpshooter in medium distances and surprisingly effective even at long ranges. Its damage is unmatchable in close range, allowing you to tear through opponents with the right attachments and good aim.

This gun is an SMG beast because it has zero recoil and a comfortable fire rate, making aiming easy. This versatility in all departments makes it a heaven for players like me who love fast action with SMGs.

Following is the best loadout for Striker:

• Muzzle: XTEN Razor Comp
• Barrel: Striker Recon Long Barrel
• Underbarrel: Chewk Angled Grip
• Stock: Lachmann Recon Series Stock
• Rear Grip: Sakin ZX Grip

Following is the best class setup for Striker:

• Vest: Infantry Vest
• Gloves: Commando
• Boots: Covert Sneakers
• Handgun: WSP Stinger
• Lethal: Semtex
• Tactical: Stun Grenade
• Field Equipment: Trophy System

Other Honorable Mentions

Here are some other viable options that are worth mentioning. But I didn’t include them in the guide because of some individual factors.

• Lachmann Sub: A good option, but its larger capacity magazines can create an impact on your overall speed.
• Vaznev-9K: A commendable choice, as it has a good balance between high damage and accuracy, but lacks mobility.
• Lachmann Shroud: A solid pick that comes with a burst fire mode, but do not depend on it for long-range engagements.
• Fennec 45: An excellent option, that possesses a high fire rate, but has low accuracy and hard-to-control recoil as compared to the other SMGs.
• FSS Hurricane: A fine pick that has high base damage output, and woks greatly for the one’s who prefer aggressive playstyle.

My Opinion On The Best SMG

In my opinion, Striker is the best SMG in Modern Warfare 3, as the gun has high damage, and with zero recoil, it provides so much value in both close and medium range. Using the right attachments and class setup with the weapon further enhances the weapon’s capabilities.

So, for players looking for an overall balanced SMG in Modern Warfare 3, Striker is the way to go. But you can also try Rival-9 and Striker-9, according to your play style. 

For more helpful content, you’ll need to check out the guide on best PC settings for better FPS and optimization by Ayyoun Ali. Additionally, I suggest taking a look at Huzaifah Durrai’s comprehensive review of Modern Warfare 3 for an in-depth analysis.

Next:

• MW3: Best Assault Rifle In Multiplayer
• MW3: Best Sniper Rifles
• Call of Duty MW3: Best Perks
• MW3: Deep Cover Mission