Best MW3 Assault Rifle loadouts & classes ranked (Season 3 Reloaded)

You'll be a master of the mid to long-range when using the best Assault Rifle loadouts in Modern Warfare 3, and every class I've listed here dominates within that space to have you ready for what Season 3 Reloaded holds.

While SMGs are unmatched at close quarters, I've found that nothing beats the consistency of a strong AR in MW3, especially on the classic MW2 (2009) remastered maps. With a top-tier balance of stability, damage output, and even mobility with the correct attachments, a meta AR class in the game can deliver you countless wins.

Best Modern Warfare 3 Assault Rifles ranked

5. Holger 556

Best Holger 556 loadout

• Muzzle: Echoline GS-X
• Underbarrel: Bruen Heavy Support Grip
• Stock: RB Addlle Assault Stock
• Rear Grip: MORN-20 Grip
• Optic: JAK Glassless Optic

With the Holger 556 being on the receiving end of some nerfs back in Season 3, it's no longer the top-tier pick it was in the past. However, this hefty AR can still hold its own in multiplayer, especially for anyone comfortable with its handling.

The Holger has one of the higher base damage values in the Assault Rifle category, giving you the potential to deal serious harm to any opponent unfortunate enough to step into your line of sight.

The weapon is strong at medium-long range despite the recoil nerfs and is perfect for any of the bigger maps or those with longer straight sightlines.

4. MTZ-556

Best MTZ-556 loadout

• Muzzle: Echoline GS-X
• Barrel: MTZ Para Long
• Stock: MTZ Lifestrike Telescopic
• Underbarrel: Bruen Heavy Support Grip
• Rear Grip: MTZ Aggressor Grip

The MTZ-556 is an all-around monster in MW3, giving you a superfast fire rate, excellent mobility, and great damage to take down your enemies in pretty much any scenario.

It has quickly become one of the most popular options in the current meta in Season 3 Reloaded - so you'd be remiss to not have this loadout available to choose from in Modern Warfare 3.

The gun remains incredibly fast even with recoil-dampening attachments, so you don't have to worry about your ADS speed too much.

3. BP50

Best BP50 loadout

• Barrel: LHT-200 Barrel
• Stock: MOAT-40 Stock
• Magazine: 45 Round Mag
• Underbarrel: DR-6 Handstop
• Rear Grip: TRST-IV Grip Tape

While every option on this list is built for mid to long-range, the BP50 setup above reigns over the rest in smaller multiplayer maps.

Packed with devastating TTK and the fastest strafe speed in MW3, the AR loadout above is custom-made for aggressive players who are looking to run around causing chaos.

The BP50 won't match everyone's playstyle, but if you're a high-octane competitor looking to rack up kills, it's the perfect choice.

2. MCW

Best MCW loadout

• Barrel: Second Line Mammoth Heavy
• Muzzle: ZEHMN35 Compensated Flash Hider
• Conversion Kit: JAK Raven Kit
• Ammunition: Blackout High Grain Rounds
• Underbarrel: XRK Edge BW-4 Handstop

The MCW is reminiscent of the classic ACR from MW2 (2009) and it's become an instant fan favourite, surging to second in this list of the best ARs in the game. I always gravitated towards the ACR for its super low recoil back in the day, so it's fantastic to see its strength replicated in MW3 and thriving in Season 3 Reloaded.

Similar to its classic counterpart, the MCW has phenomenal recoil control and stability, making it a complete laser beam in the multiplayer setting. It's by far my favourite Assault Rifle to use for this very reason, as I know that my shots are always going to be on target.

This makes it easy to land those all-important headshots and maximise your damage output. It's also the ultimate AR in Modern Warfare 3 for holding down a power position, as it will consistently rack up eliminations in almost any scenario.

It remains the most picked weapon in the entire game according to WZStats, with a pick rate of 5.5% which is higher than any of the other Assault Rifles.

1. SVA 545

• Muzzle: Shadowstrike Suppressor
• Stock: Mane V6
• Underbarrel: DR-6 Handstop
• Ammunition: 5.54 High Grain
• Rear Grip: DEMO 650

Recent buffs have seen the SVA 545 rise in the rankings - but it always deserved to be there in the first place in my eyes. Unlike any other gun in the game, the SVA fires its first two shots simultaneously - dramatically increasing its time to kill (TTK) if you hit both shots.

The attachments that I've chosen emphasise the weapon's control - allowing you to ensure that those first two shots stay on target and give you the greatest chance of a swift elimination. Furthermore, you've even got plenty of room to breathe with the 60-round magazine, letting you spray if you really need to and deal with multiple foes.

While the MCW is slightly more popular, the SVA 545 takes the number one spot in our eyes thanks to its brilliant consistency.

Now you know the best AR loadouts in MW3, why not learn which snipers are meta so you can insta-kill foes at long range or the best loadouts for quickscoping? For everything else, be sure to check out our MW3 homepage for the latest news and guides.