Modern Warfare best guns explained: Our best assault rifle, sniper rifle, shotgun, SMG and LMG weapon recommendations

What are the best guns in Modern Warfare?

At launch, the meta shows a tendency towards ranged combat thanks to a few areas in each map with long sightlines.

This means that it's generally best to consider using a marksman rifle or a sniper rifle. The good news is that you don't have to sacrifice anything to use these weapons.

You unlock a perk called Overkill once you hit level 8 which allows you to equip two primary weapons at once. At the moment, this perk feels more or less essential due to the one true gun within the meta: the M4A1.

The chances are that, if you get killed in Modern Warfare, that person was using the M4A1. This gun is an excellent all-rounder with the benefit of being easy to acquire, so you're going to want to have this equipped alongside anything else you might be interested in.

That said, we've picked one gun from each of the primary weapon categories. This should allow you to pick and choose to suit your playstyle, as for the most part, you'll likely be using (and probably should be using!) the M4A1.

This is especially true if you pre-ordered the game and have access to the XRK Blueprint for the M4A1, starting you off with a wonderfully customised one to use.

Of course, this is a little unfair against those who didn't pre-order, but that's not your fault.

Let's talk a bit more in-depth about what makes certain Modern Warfare guns so good:

Best Assault Rifle in Modern Warfare recommendation: M4A1

Unlock level: 6

The M4A1 is simply excellent in nearly every situation, and is far more stable than is reasonable, which makes it attractive for pros and amateurs alike.

It's almost hard to believe you get it so early on in the progression, but you'll want to take advantage of it - unless you prefer to use underdog weapons, or a different weapon type entirely.

Best Sniper Rifle in Modern Warfare recommendation: AX-50

Unlock level: 37

Snipers have the AX-50, which isn't unlocked until far later in the progression but has incredible stopping power. More often than not a single shot from it will put an enemy down and it has good mobility when compared to the other options.

This makes it a great choice for people who like to fire once and then move to a new position.

Best Marksman Rifle in Modern Warfare recommendation: MK2 Carbine

Unlock level: 15

The MK2 Carbine is a particularly powerful marksman rifle and is a good choice if you want to try something a little bit different. It is, however, a rather slow firing, so you'll want to make sure you fit the title of marksman if you're going to use it.

Best Shotgun in Modern Warfare recommendation: 725

Unlock level: 17

If you prefer close-range combat, then the 725 Shotgun offers formidable stopping power with a surprising range. It's double-barreled and has a fairly tight spread when firing too, this allows it's effective range to be much higher than most shotguns and makes it far more versatile as a result.

Best SMG in Modern Warfare recommendation: MP5

Unlock level: 12

On the other hand, the MP5 SMG is an excellent option if you're not as confident in your ability to hit a target at close-range but still like to tussle. While it lacks the speed of the MP7 it has a bit more oomph behind each bullet and offers an easy-to-manage recoil as well. A great choice for enclosed spaces.

Modern Warfare has arrived! There's a number of Modern Warfare campaign missions with the return of a story-focused mode this year. Elsewhere, learn how to kill a Juggernaut in Modern Warfare. There a lot to learn in multiplayer too, including the best guns in Modern Warfare, Blueprints, how to access Modern Warfare Hardcore modes and Modern Warfare Ground War, and how to earn a Watch in Modern Warfare when you're ready.

Best LMG in Modern Warfare recommendation: M91

Unlock level: 25

Finally, the M91 LMG sacrifices mobility in favour of pure stopping power and even has a substantial range to boot. Just keep in mind that trying to use it in a close-quarters battle is likely to lead to you losing your life.

As it stands, it's very hard to recommend any LMG over any of the other weapon classes, but the option is there if you want it.

That should be plenty of firepower to keep you going. And if you want to fast track your way to certain armaments, learning about Modern Warfare Blueprints can help.