Modern Warfare 3 SMG Tier List: Best Close-Range Guns Ranked Meta
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 is packed with weapon choices, and while plenty of players gravitate toward Assault Rifles, Submachine Guns remain a strong pick for aggressive close-quarters play. Below is a meta-style tier ranking of every SMG in Modern Warfare 3, starting with the top performers (including the Static-HV) and moving down to options you may want to skip.
Players can also equip Akimbo Reclaimer 18 Shotguns using the JAK Devastators Aftermarket Part. Here’s the best loadout for that setup in Call of Duty: MW3 and Warzone.
S-Tier
Best Meta SMGs in Modern Warfare 3
This compact SMG starts with 50 rounds by default. It offers strong reach for the class and a solid TTK, making it a great fit for close-to-midrange encounters.
One of the few SMGs that stays meaningfully usable beyond 25 meters. It brings excellent range and tends to be the go-to option for movement-focused players, since you can trade a bit of range for attachment choices that boost mobility.
It’s essentially the UMP-45: solid range for an SMG and a controllable feel. It’s also among the more flexible SMGs you can run in a variety of loadouts.
Highlights include a strong rate of fire and decent range. It’s generally easy to control, offers good iron sights, and delivers a respectable TTK.
Excellent performance, but specifically when you leverage the JAK Decimator Conversion. That conversion changes the weapon into a fully automatic gun and adds an integrated suppressor plus Subsonic ammunition.
Basically an MP5 setup, and it plays close to the Lachmann Shroud—though this version trades better damage for worse range and is full-auto right out of the box. It’s a dependable all-rounder that’s easy for most players to pick up and use.
A-Tier
Great SMGs in Modern Warfare 3
A strong close-range SMG that kills quickly. It’s more stable than many other high-RPM options and works well for run-and-gun gameplay.
Known for a high rate of fire, strong TTK, and one of the best baseline mobility values in the SMG category. It’s a great close-range SMG, with a bit of vertical kick that you’ll want to manage.
Range and control aren’t its strengths, but the rate of fire is very high—leading to one of the quickest TTKs in the game. Best reserved for purely close-range fights.
Think of it as the Striker, but with a higher fire rate, lower damage, and improved mobility plus handling. After you dial back its recoil, it becomes a strong choice.
It has fairly low recoil for a compact SMG, and it still offers decent range even if the stats don’t make it look that way. Expect a solid TTK, great handling, and an overall strong SMG.
Strong TTK paired with a fast fire rate and good handling. By reducing recoil—especially horizontal recoil—you can make it a great option for close and medium-range engagements.
A compact SMG that’s relatively flexible in close and midrange gunfights. It delivers strong damage, and its recoil pattern is mostly vertical kick.
The Science Journal is a secret relic you can locate in Modern Warfare Zombies. Here’s how to get it and what it’s used for!
B-Tier
Viable SMGs in Modern Warfare 3
This SMG is best for strict close-range combat. It fires very fast and achieves a quick TTK, but the recoil is heavy enough to hurt accuracy when fights move out to medium range.
A relatively low-recoil SMG with a 50-round default magazine. Its kill time is comparable to other top-tier options, making it a viable SMG within the meta.
A harder-hitting SMG with a lower average fire rate. It remains perfectly usable and also has solid damage range.
Strong DPS and excellent TTK, plus versatility for both close and medium-range fights. The one drawback is somewhat awkward horizontal recoil.
Lower damage range overall, but a decent TTK at 10 meters. This makes it well-suited to close-range engagements, even if it doesn’t place at the very top of the SMG rankings.
Relatively low recoil that can actually work at medium range. It’s a workable pick, but not quite a meta standout.
C-Tier
Low Ranking SMGs in Modern Warfare 3
Weak damage range paired with extremely high vertical recoil, though it does shoot fast for a high TTK. It also includes an Akimbo Conversion Kit, letting you run it in Dual Wield.
The Minibak’s standout feature is its magazine size: it holds 64 rounds by default. It isn’t a competitive option, but it can still work with some success.
D-Tier
Modern Warfare 3 SMGs You Should Avoid
Poor TTK and a small default magazine. It doesn’t measure up as a meta contender.
It carries a larger magazine and has relatively low recoil, and you can make it work at medium range to some extent. Still, it isn’t a competitive choice.
