Modern Warfare 2 Weapons Tier List [All Ranked]

With so many guns in Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2, knowing which ones are the best weapons will help you dominate the multiplayer modes. Even though you unlock all weapons and attachments, trying every weapon for yourself will give you a good idea of which gun suits your playstyle the best. However, our COD Modern Warfare 2 weapons tier lis ranks every single firearm based on its effectiveness & will give you an excellent idea about the performance of ARs, SMGs, LMGs, Shotguns & more.

We have listed every weapon’s base stats and suggested a loadout as well that can give you an edge while fighting opponents in various multiplayer modes in MW2.

Our Tier List Picks

Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2 Weapons Ranking Table
Weapon Types	S-Tier	A-Tier	B-Tier	C-Tier
Assault Rifles	M4, Kastov 762, TAQ-56, ISO 45	Lachmann-556, STB-556, Kastov-74u, M13B, ISO Hemlock, Tempus Razorback, Chimera	M16, FR Avancer	Kastov 545
SMG	Lachmann Sub, FSS Hurricane, Vaznev-9K, ISO 45	VEL 46, Fennec 45, PDSW 528	MX9, BAS-P	MINIBAK
Shotgun		Lockwood 300, Expedite 12, KV Broadside Shotgun	Bryson 800, Bryson 890, MX Guardian
Sniper/Marksman Rifle	Signal 50	MCPR-300, SP-X80, Victus XMR, SP-R 208, Lockwood MK2, FJX Imperium, Carrack .300	LA-B 300, TAQ-M, SA-B 50, EBR-14	LM-S, Tempus Torrent
LMG		HCR 56, RPK, 556 Icarus	RAPP H	RAAL MG, Sakin MG38
Battle Rifles		FTAC Recon, Lachmann-762, Cronen Squall		TAQ-V, SO-14

Here’s a complete comparison of each and every weapon listed in our MW2 Tier List:

Weapon	Tier	Fire Rate	ADS Time	Muzzle Velocity	Default Mag Size	Sprint to fire Time
M4	S	811 RPM	240ms	590 m/s	30.0	210ms
Kastov 762	S	600 RPM	270ms	590 m/s	30.0	210ms
TAQ 56	S	625 RPM	240ms	590 m/s	30.0	210ms
Lachmann Sub	S	800 RPM	240ms	540 m/s	30.0	110ms
FSS Hurricane	S	698 RPM	240ms	680 m/s	50.0	110ms
Vaznev-9k	S	779 RPM	210ms	540 m/s	30.0	110ms
Signal 50	S	107 RPM	690ms	650 m/s	5.0	250ms
ISO 45	S	896 RPM	210 ms	540 m/s	30.0	110 ms
Lachmann-556	A	723 RPM	240ms	590 m/s	30.0	210ms
STB-556	A	741 RPM	240ms	590 m/s	30.0	83ms
Kastov-74U	A	652 RPM	260ms	590 m/s	30.0	210ms
M13B	A	652 RPM	260ms	590 m/s	30.0	210ms
ISO Hemlock	A	600 RPM	260ms	510 m/s	30.0	210ms
VEL 46	A	952 RPM	225ms	540 m/s	40.0	110ms
Fennec 45	A	1091 RPM	200ms	300 m/s	30.0	110ms
PDSW 528	A	909 RPM	260ms	680 m/s	50.0	110ms
Lockwood 300	A	171 RPM	375ms	320 m/s	2.0	160ms
Expedite 12	A	127 RPM	320ms	320 m/s	7.0	160ms
KV Broadside Shotgun	A	208 RPM	345ms	-	8.0	170ms
MCPR-300	A	40 RPM	600ms	780 m/s	10.0	250ms
SP-X80	A	51 RPM	531ms	780 m/s	5.0	270ms
HCR 56	A	741 RPM	425ms	700 m/s	60.0	250ms
RPK	A	600 RPM	430ms	700 m/s	75.0	250ms
556 Icarus	A	779 RPM	370ms	700 m/s	75.0	250ms
FTAC Recon	A	500 RPM	263ms	480 m/s	10.0	210ms
Lachmnnn-762	A	606 RPM	246ms	660 m/s	20.0	210ms
Victus XMR	A	36 RPM	625ms	780 m/s	5.0	250ms
SP-R 208	A	59 RPM	350ms	680 m/s	5.0	270ms
Lockwood Mk2	A	95 RPM	280ms	600 m/s	6.0	244ms
Tempus Razorback	A	833 RPM	220 ms	590 m/s	30.0	150 ms
Chimera	A	800 RPM	240 ms	350 m/s	30.0	210 ms
FJX Imperium	A	44 RPM	580 ms	780 m/s	5.0	250 ms
Carrack .300	A	188 RPM	505 ms	780 m/s	6.0	270 ms
Cronen Squall	A	674 RPM	285 ms	660 m/s	20.0	140 ms
M 16	B	811 RPM	290ms	590 m/s	30.0	210ms
FR Avancer	B	923 RPM	280 ms	650 m/s	25.0	210 ms
MX Guardian	B	429 RPM	350 ms	320 m/s	15.0	210 ms
MX9	B	741 RPM	220ms	300 m/s	25.0	210ms
BAS-P	B	855 RPM	240ms	540 m/s	30.0	210ms
TAQ-M	B	231 RPM	280ms	680 m/s	10.0	210ms
SA-B 50	B	65 RPM	310ms	640 m/s	10.0	270ms
EBR-14	B	286 RPM	280ms	680 m/s	10.0	210ms
Bryson 800	B	75 RPM	365ms	320 m/s	8.0	182ms
Bryson 890	B	75 RPM	365ms	320 m/s	8.0	182ms
LA-B 300	B	47 RPM	610ms	780 m/s	5.0	308ms
RAPP H	B	800 RPM	480ms	700 m/s	75.0	250ms
Tempus Torrent	C	316 RPM	330 ms	680 m/s	20.0	218 ms
Kastov 545	C	652 RPM	260ms	590 m/s	30.0	210ms
MINIBAK	C	652 RPM	275ms	300 m/s	64.0	110ms
RAAL MG	C	556 RPM	510ms	730 m/s	100.0	270ms
Sakin MG38	C	652 RPM	460ms	700 m/s	100.0	250ms
TAQ-V	C	577 RPM	290ms	660 m/s	20.0	210ms
SO-14	C	429 RPM	302ms	660 m/s	20.0	270ms
LM-S	C	333 RPM	290ms	680 m/s	10.0	210ms

S-Tier

All the S-tier guns that we have listed in our COD MW2 weapons tier list are the absolute best and are dominating the meta right now. Pick these weapons, and they’d perform exceptionally well with or without attachments. Of course, if you slot in attachments, you will improve the effectiveness of these guns significantly. 

M4

A wide number of attachments are available for the M4 in Modern Warfare 2, allowing for extensive personalization options. Whether you need it for long-range killing or for close-quarters battle, the M4 will always play out in every situation. With an optimal loadout, you can surely dominate the lobby!

Kastov 762

The Kostov 762 assault rifle is an integral part of the AK family of weapons in Modern Warfare 2. It can fire 7.62 x 39mm rounds and has a huge caliber chamber, making it a potent weapon in the professional’s hands. However, the weapon’s accuracy and ability to regulate recoil are below par. Hence, it’s more suited for experienced players.

TAQ-56

Expert Call of Duty streamers generally agree that the TAQ-56 is a weaker weapon than the Kastov 762. Despite these drawbacks, it is a powerful and reliable AR with a good time to kill and excellent handling metrics. This means that trying out different loadouts to see if you can find one that works well for you is time well spent.

Lachmann Sub

Lachmann Sub, or MP5, is one of the best SMGs in MW2. This is because of the weapon’s pinpoint precision. Even when unattached, you may rely on it to quickly secure the opponents. If accuracy is important to you, the Lachmann Sub is a great option. The MP5 has several advantages when it comes to mobility. It’s a compact, lightweight submachine gun that’s easy to use.

FSS Hurricane

As one of the most powerful SMGs in COD MW2, the FSS Hurricane can hold its own against the likes of the Lachmann Sub, VEL-46, MX9, and more. When fighting at close range, the FSS Hurricane is the preferred gun. It is a very useful SMG to have, including for medium-range encounters.

It is recommended that players reach FTAC Recon level 16 before attempting to unlock the FSS Hurricane in MW2.

Vaznev-9K

The Vaznev-9K submachine gun (SMG) has a high rate of fire and excels in both close and medium-range combat, drawing comparisons to the AK-74u. Recoil is unavoidable when shooting rapidly. Thus, it’s important to have the correct equipment for your firearm.

Signal 50

The Signal 50 is designed to be handled with little effort, even under intense combat conditions. This gun is capable of taking cover and killing attackers from a distance while firing 50-caliber bullets. Neither its ADS nor its sprint-to-fire speeds are very fast.

Thus, it is challenging to perform in an increasingly hostile way. Fortunately, its high rate of fire compensates for its other flaws, letting you go off rapid follow-up rounds if you misfire.

ISO 45

ISO 45 is a pretty decent weapon to use not only in Modern Warfare 2 but also in Warzone 2.0. It has been the go-to SMG for tons of players which is why we’ve included it in the S-tier. ISO 45 has rapid ADS time along with the generous spint movement speed. Both of these aspects instantly make it a great weapon to use in the Multiplayer mode of MW2!

A-Tier

The guns we have listed in our A-rank COD tier list are second to none. They are almost close to performing the S-tier guns but still are foreshadowed by the performance of S-ranking weapons. Still, if you pick and use these weapons, you can’t go wrong.

Lachmann-556

The Lachmann 556 is a versatile primary weapon that can be used effectively at both long and short ranges. In general, the rifle is easy to use for both experienced pros and those who are just starting out in MW2.

STB-556

The STB 556 is optimized for use at intermediate to long ranges. Its pinpoint precision makes it ideal for use against close-range targets. Our STB 556 loadout setup offers excellent mobility, making you competitive in any battle taking place between short and medium ranges.

Kastov-74U

The Kastov-74U is one of the game’s most effective weapons, yet it isn’t without its drawbacks. Nothing about the AR is a dealbreaker if you equip it with the right accessories and perks. It’s a basic gun that can do serious damage up close and has the potential to be effective at greater ranges, too.

M13B

M13B is an assault Rifle that can be unlocked either by extracting with it in DMZ or by buying it from the store. It can not be unlocked by leveling up your guns, unfortunately. M13B is a gun that offers high damage while having a recoil that everyone can control. If users are able to control the control, this gun is overpowered.

ISO Hemlock

ISO Hemlock is the latest introduction in Modern Warfare 2 Arsenal. It is an Assault Rifle that has the potential to be a meta weapon. This gun has low recoil at the cost of a slow fire rate. It deals lots of damage to opponents and is a good option for mid-range battles.

VEL 46

Vel-46 is a high-velocity submachine gun. This firearm was inspired by the MP7 from previous COD MW games. If you’re a beginner and you’re good at closing the gap between you and your opponents, the Vel-46 is a great choice of weapon.

Each user of an SMG should prioritize increasing their firing rate and mobility to quickly and easily kill their opponents. The weapon will be accessible for use as soon as you join a multiplayer session.

Fennec 45

When compared to similar firearms, the Fennec 45 boasts the greatest rate of fire. If anybody dares to confront you in a close-quarters fight, you will simply wipe them off.

The Fennec 45 boasts one of the fastest fire speeds in the game, making it useful in close quarters but less so at extended distances owing to a damage drop-off at those larger ranges. However, its low damage output deems it below the Lachmann Sub on our MW2 Weapons Tier List.

PDSW 528

The PDSW 528, a redesigned version of the iconic P90, is one of the greatest submachine guns (SMGs) in MW2. The weapon may have a new name, but it will evoke feelings from prior Call of Duty games thanks to its recognizable design and capability.

Here we have compiled the optimal loadout and class configurations for the PDSW 528.

Lockwood 300

The Lockwood 300 is widely regarded as MW2’s premier shotgun. Unfortunately, you won’t get access to this weapon until level 36, so don’t expect to use it right away. The shotgun is more precise and has a wider spread of fire than any other firearm. Additionally, this gun may have its reach and destructive potential extended by a wide variety of attachments.

Expedite 12

Some say the Expedite 12 is the ideal shotgun for beginners. Its amazing popularity in the Modern Warfare 2 beta has carried over to the full game & now it continues to dominate run and gun shotgun play style.

Due to the weapon’s high firing rate and relatively large magazine capacity, you may swiftly rack up enemy kills. The weapon’s magazine holds 7 bullets, so you won’t always have to reload it.

KV Broadside Shotgun

KV Broadside Shotgun is a new addition to the Modern Warfare 2 arsenal. This is a semi-auto shotgun whose fire rate is high in comparison to other shotguns. The best thing about this gun is that with a fire rate, it has high damage. This gun has the power to two-shot opponents.

MCPR-300

MCPR-300 is a rookie-friendly sniper rifle, you may begin leveling it up quickly to develop a playstyle that suits you. Even so, the rifle’s weight and size make it difficult to be super effective or round corners to take shots. The MCPR-300 is a very powerful long-range weapon. It can be outfitted to drop a lot of players from afar with the appropriate attachments.

SP-X80

When it comes to sniping in Modern Warfare 2, the SP-X 80 is your best bet. It’s the most reliable and efficient sharpshooter available. An aggressive approach to utilizing the gun allows you to quickly and easily dispatch large groups of enemies if your aim is on point. Maximizing the gun’s agility, ADS, and firing rate will result in a sniper that can one-shot enemies.

HCR 56

The incredible damage output of the HCR 65 means that you should be able to help knock down your enemy with only a few bullets. In comparison to the various LMGs in our COD Modern Warfare 2 tier list, this gun’s basic damage is among the greatest. You won’t have any trouble keeping the firearm under control, and it handles and moves really well.

RPK

The RPK LMG’s large, heavy barrel makes it useful in both close quarters and at longer ranges. If you want to give this weapon an even greater advantage, there are a ton of add-ons you can choose from to customize it. The RPK, unlike the other choices, maybe a bit tricky to manage.

The RPK is a respectable light machine gun. This LMG is not available right away; you must first achieve a certain objective. This involves raising the level of the Kastov 762 to 16, at which point the RPK will become usable.

556 Icarus

The Icarus 556 is the most mobile of all of the light machines weapons in our tier list, and it does incredible damage in Modern Warfare 2. The incredible range of the 556 ICARUS is another of its many impressive features. The LMG’s easy-to-manage recoil pattern means you will not need to worry about dropping it. It may be improved even more by using various attachments.

FTAC Recon

The extreme recoil and lack of stability make FTAC Recon a challenge to use; therefore, few players have taken to it. Shooting in a wide arc in the hopes that anything sticks will not work with this weapon. However, for OG COD players the FTAC Recon is a viable choice.

Lachmnnn-762

The Lachmann-762 is quickly ascending the ranks to become the game’s standard weapon since it is used by all of the best players in COD MW2. The enormous firepower of this weapon, as well as the fact that it may kill a target with only one shot to the head, is what prompted gamers to unlock and use it in-game.

Victus XMR

Victus XMR is one of the best snipers in Modern Warfare 2. This gun has the potential to one-shot opponents at long ranges. Its Aim Down Sight speed is not fast but its ability to kill opponents in one shot cancels that out. In the below loadout, all five attachments are not used because we have to keep their weight low so that they can ADS quickly.

SP-R 208

SP-R 208 is the most suitable Marksman weapon in Modern Warfare 2. If you are able to hit your shots, this gun is one of the best you can use. This gun will have a scope on it which will make you feel like a quick scoper.

Lockwood Mk2

Lockwood Mk2 is a lever-action marksman Rifle having high damage. This gun looks like it’s from the Old West with a mixture of modern-day aesthetics. This gun is a hard-hitting, agile weapon. You can use this as a Run-n-Gun, shoot a person, and relocate quickly.

Tempus Razorback

The Tempus Razorback is a fairly new Assault Rifle in Modern Warfare 2. Surprisingly in a short amount of time, the Tempus Razorback has cemented its place as one of the best ARs, which is why we have ranked it in the A tier of our Weapons Tier List in Modern Warefare 2. 

Chimera

Here’s a quick nostalgic trip! Remember Honey Badger from COD Ghosts? Well, the weapon makes it return as “Chimera” in COD Modern Warfare 2. Similar to the FR Avancer, the Chimera also has a high fire rate which makes it a great weapon for the Multiplayer mode. It can easily replace an SMG with the right attachments.

FJX Imperium

Sniping in Modern Warfare 2 never gets old! The FJX Imperium is a bolt-action sniper rifle that is used by a good chunk of snipers in the game. It’s a common fact that using a sniper in Multiplayer maps is not something everyone can do. However, if you’re planning to switch up your play then rolling with the FJX Imperium is a great choice!

Carrack .300

Just like the FJX Imperium, the Carrack .300 is another great Sniper rifle that easily makes its spot in the A-tier of this Weapons Tier List of Modern Warfare 2. The Carrack .300 is a no-go in Warzone 2.0 because of its low damage. However, for the Multiplayer mode in MW2, the Carrack .300 excels thanks to its high RPM along with a magazine of 6 bullets.

Cronen Squall

The Cronen Squall is a certified S-tier weapon in Warzone 2.0. However, the Battle Rifle is pegged down to A-tier in the Weapons Tier List of Modern Warfare 2. Don’t get us wrong, it’s still an amazing weapon. However, since it’s a battle rifle its fire rate is much slower than the other AR/SMGs that players use. Therefore, the Cronen Squall usually loses out against high RPM weapons in MP maps.

B-Tier

The B-ranking guns need some balancing to damage, recoil, and handle, and they’d be equivalent to A-tier weapons’ performance. Slotting in attachments does improve the performance of these weapons, but still, they’re average in the current meta. 

M16

If you have good aim and can accurately target the head or body, the M16 is a fantastic weapon option. The weapon may also be used for target practice if that’s what you’re after. However, keep in mind that there will be a little lag or stop in bullet action after each fire.

The M16 is a great Assault Rifle in Call of Duty: MW2’s burst weapon category, and it performs similarly to the M16s in previous games in the series.

FR Avancer

Similar to the Tempus Razorback, the FR Avancer is one of the most recent AR additions to Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2. For me, the FR Avancer felt like a B-tier weapon, although, after using it for a few games and getting a hang of it the gun did feel a lot smoother. FR Avancer doesn’t do well in long ranges which is fine as long as you are playing MP in MW2.

MX Guardian

MX Guardian may not be as good as the KV Broadside but it’s surely a fun shotgun to use in Modern Warfare 2, especially in the Multiplayer modes. The MX Guardian is a fairly new shotgun in the game and it comes with three different firing modes. As for its description, it’s a fully automatic shotgun but you can use it in the other modes too, which include:

• Burst Fire.
• Semi-Auto.
• Full Auto.

For me, the Burst Fire mode is the most fun for CQC maps. However, if you’re a newbie then it is best to opt for the Full Auto mode. 

MX9

The MX9 has been called an indomitable SMG due to its ability to tear through enemies at close range in previous COD games but not in MW2. Small adjustments would make it the ideal intermediate SMG. Like all the other weapons in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, the MX9 has its pros and cons. And after assessing them we decided to put this weapon in the B-Tier.

BAS-P

BAS-P is SMG is a small gun that can pack a punch. The right attachments can help the player take down a bunch of enemies in the lobby. Although this gun is only good at supporting, it is best not to use it solely.

TAQ-M

If you are a player who wants all the battles covered, close and far, Marksman Rifles are best for you. TAQ-M is a good option in this category. TAQ-M belongs to the family TAQ-56, Which is basically a semi-auto sniper version of TAQ-56. This gun is the best at long and mid ranges, and it deals with a high amount of damage.

SA-B 50

SA-B 50 is a good marksman Rifle that is very good at long-range fights and which allows users to be mobile too. It is unlocked when SP-R 308 is raised to level 13. This gun is famous for its mobility and handling, but it is lacking in fire rate.

EBR-14

EBR-14 is an OG favorite weapon of old Modern Warfare 2 players. It is a lethal, deadly, and quick marksman rifle. It is essentially a semi-automatic Assault Rifle. Additionally, EBR-14 has top-notch accuracy and damage; with tuning, you can make it even deadlier. Players can one-shot people at almost every range with EBR-14.

Bryson 800

There are a number of reasons why the Bryson 800 might be the greatest shotgun you will ever have in COD MW2. In every respect, this model outperforms the Bryson 890. Bryson 800 shotgun is equivalent to Expedite 12 firearm.

As a result of Expedite 12’s low range, you must be in very close proximity to your targets in order to ensure successful execution. The Bryson 800, though, has a wide variety of accessories that may greatly extend its range.

Bryson 890

The Bryson 890 can fire eight rounds from its magazine and has sixteen shells in spare. The removable mag is what renders this shotgun a good option. The shotgun’s removable magazine allows for quicker reloads than those of comparable weapons.

LA-B 300

A bolt-action sniper rifle with exceptional portability, the LA-B 330 is a quick-scope gun and will help you clear your surroundings and then go for your targets with confidence. It can quickly and easily scope foes because of its excellent agility and handling. However, it’s far inferior to SP-X 80, hence the tier list ranking.

RAPP H

The RAPP H‘s recoil pattern is quite easy to regulate despite the LMG’s reputation for being tough to operate. You can use this LMG with ease, even if you’re just starting out. This renders the RAPP H a great option for gamers of any skill level. However, there are multiple better options when it comes to choosing LMGs.

C-Tier

Firearms that we have mentioned in our C-ranking are underperforming in the current meta. We have hardly any luck winning a match or two with a good K/D ratio while running with these guns in the lobby.

Tempus Torrent

The Tempus Torrent is a Marksman Rifle which is not that popular among the player base of Modern Warfare 2. Being a Marksman Rifle it has a slower fire rate and only holds 10 rounds in a mag. As far as Multiplayer is concerned the Tempus Torrent is a C-tier weapon in my weapons tier list of Modern Warfare 2. However, if you’re playing DMZ then the Tempus Torrent is a viable choice.

Kastov 545

Long-term use of the Kastov 545 will convince you that it is an excellent AR. Comparing the Kastov 545 to the Kastov-74U reveals a great deal of similarity between the two ARs. The main difference is that it inflicts slightly less damage but has a greater range and far less kick than the other.

MINIBAK

Players of Black Ops Cold War will remember hearing the name “Bullfrog” across their experience. For the future sequel, Modern Warfare 2, the PP19 Bizon has been reworked & renamed into the Minibak SMG.

Therefore, it will have a unique magazine that has a large magazine having a higher bullet count than most SMGs in COD MW2. While the MINIBAK/PP19 does well in close-quarters combat, its performance drops off significantly at medium and long ranges.

RAAL MG

This RAAL MG light machine gun has a 75-round clip and is one of the most powerful LMGS in COD MW2. It has the second-highest damage of all of them. This allows you to rapidly and easily kill your foes with a minimum of effort. It has passable accuracy, and the ability to dampen recoil enables it to keep bullets under control.

The RAAL MG is an average LMG for MW2 maps. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to use it until level 25; thus, it’s not a firearm for the early game.

Sakin MG38

The Sakin MG38 has a clip capacity of 100 bullets. If you’re looking for an LMG, the MG8 isn’t the first option that would come to your mind because of its inferiority in comparison to the other LMGs in MW2.

TAQ-V

The TAQ-V excels in medium-range confrontations, and the addition of an auto-firing mode renders the gun more accessible than the various options available to players of that class. In Modern Warfare 2, if you plan on wielding TAQ-V in encounters that take place at medium to long ranges, then you must need our recommended loadout.

SO-14

The SO-14 rifle has a wide range of applications because of its semi-automatic and fully automatic shooting methods. Unfortunately, the recoil from the high rate of fire is difficult to master, and that could be problematic for a few players.

LM-S

LM-S is one the most precise and powerful weapons in Modern Warfare 2. The LM-S can even rival some sniper rifles in mid-range battles. It can be used in both Close and long combat. In order to get the maximum out of this gun, you need to have the best perks and equipment.

COD MW2 Weapons Tier List Criteria

Our COD MW2 weapons tier list and ranking criteria were curated after a couple of eXputer’s tier list writers sat down and shared their experience with all weapons. The ranking hierarchy reflects our experience, and it will change as the meta changes in upcoming seasons of COD Modern Warfare 2. 

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