The SMG class is one of the most favorable weapon categories for close-range combat in Modern Warfare 3. If you want to excel in the game’s matches, we’ve ranked every SMG in MW3 from worst to best.
The Modern Warfare 3 multiplayer mode is in full swing, and you can progress and access multiple new weapons by becoming acquainted with its expanded arsenal. If you’re a player who relishes fast-paced gameplay involving quick movement and mobility, then the SMG class is perfect for you.
Luckily, Modern Warfare 3 presents a variety of choices to explore. Here’s each of the SMGs available in the game, ranked to help you determine the outright best SMG in MW3 to match your preferred play style.
- Best Modern Warfare 3 SMG ranked list
- Best SMGs in Modern Warfare 3
Best Modern Warfare 3 SMG ranked list
ActivisionModern Warfare 3 SMGs are perfect for small maps.
Before we break down the best Modern Warfare 3 SMG available, we’ve ranked MW3’s SMGs from best to worst in the:
- Rival-9
- Striker
- Striker 9
- WSP Swarm
- WSP-9
- AMR9
- Lachmann Sub
- FSS Hurricane
- Vaznev-9K
- VEL 46
- Lachmann Shroud
- Fennec 45
- ISO 9mm
- ISO 45
- PDSW 528
- BAS-P
- Minibak
- MX9
Best SMGs in Modern Warfare 3
5. WSP-9
Modeled after the classic UZI, you’ll recognize this design of the WSP-9 looks and feels quite similar to the WSP Swarm. While the weapon can output a significant amount of damage in close-quarter situations, it has almost half the fire rate and therefore less damage-per-shot, as well as more TTK than the Swarm.
4. WSP Swarm
ActivisionThe WSP-Swarm features a high fire rate and a low TTK in MW3.
The WSP-Swarm is a Modern Warfare 3 SMG with an incredibly high rate-of-fire, that is based on the MAC-10 machine pistol. Due to its fire rate, it offers low TTK and can be incredibly lethal at close quarters. You can feel a significant amount of recoil, but equipping the right attachments can mitigate any recoil-based issues.
3. Striker-9
ActivisionThe Striker-9 is great for mobility.
The Striker-9 has established itself among the top weapons for MW3 players who like to keep moving and engaging in close-range fights all over the map. In addition, the SMG features a fast time-to-kill value that is almost identical to the Striker’s, with the only difference being that the former has a slightly better range.
2. Striker
ActivisionThe Striker is Modern Warfare 3’s version of the MW2 UMP 45 and MW 2019’s Striker 45.
The classic UMP 45 is back in Modern Warfare 3 as the Striker. This beloved gun is the best option if you are looking for a quick SMG that kills fast at short and medium ranges. Similar to its previous iterations, the Striker boasts a blisteringly high fire rate to kill players in an instant, with almost zero recoil and high damage that simply destroys opponents.
1. Rival-9
ActivisionThe Rival-9 made its debut in Modern Warfare 2019 as the CX-9.
MW 2019’s fan-favorite Rival-9 makes its way back into Modern Warfare 3, serving as one of the best options in the multiplayer mode. This top-tier SMG has low recoil, great mobility, and a fantastic TTK at close range that will surely feel familiar and easy to use in the hands of veteran players.