The MCW is a powerful assault rifle in MW3 that offers unrivalled accuracy at long range, especially when used with a meta loadout.
Back in the original Modern Warfare 2, the ACR dominated multiplayer. 14 years later, it returns as the MCW in Call of Duty’s latest title, picking up exactly where it left off. Just like before, the MCW is a top-tier weapon that has been dominating across all MW3’s maps.
What makes it so special is its high accuracy, with the MCW capable of lasering enemies from practically anywhere. This makes it an ideal option for newcomers and veterans alike, with the popular gun offering something for everyone.
However, various balance and meta changes throughout the seasons mean that your old MCW loadout won’t hold up anymore, and you’ll want to be using our optimized build instead.
Best MCW MW3 loadout
- Muzzle: Quartermaster Suppressor
- Barrel: 16.5″ MCW Cyclone Long Barrel
- Optic: JAK Glassless Optic
- Underbarrel: DR-6 Handstop
- Rear Grip: RB Claw-PSL Grip
To make the MCW as strong as possible, you’ll want to reduce its recoil as much, further cementing its place as the most accurate gun in MW3. The Quartermaster Suppressor and RB Claw-PSL Grip are great for this, as they improve recoil control by a combined 20%, with the former also suppressing all outgoing shots, making it harder for enemies to find you.
The MCW’s other biggest strength is its incredible damage range, which can be enhanced by using the 16.5″ MCW Cyclone Long Barrel. This boosts the gun’s effective range by 15% while also improving other key stats like bullet velocity and firing aim stability.
Since this gun is all about accuracy, it makes sense to use a meta optic like the JAK Glassless Optic, as this remains the best close to medium range sight in the game. Equipping this attachment makes it easier to see and track enemies from a distance, which is a must given the MCW’s high damage range.
Finally, the DR-6 Handstop is an exceptional underbarrel that improves aim down sight speed, as well as several other important handling stats. This makes the MCW feel much snappier and helps it keep up with Modern Warfare 3’s fast-paced action.
Best MCW class: Perks and equipment
- Vest: Infantry Vest
- Gloves: Scavenger Gloves
- Boots: Covert Sneakers
- Gear 1: EOD Padding
- Gear 2: Tac Mask
- Lethal: Sticky Grenade
- Tactical: Stun Grenade
- Field Upgrade: Trophy System
You’ll want to use the Infantry Vest, as this is the most well-rounded vest in Modern Warfare 3. It doubles the duration of Tactical Sprint while also providing a wide range of equipment and perk slots.
You can fill the gloves slot with the Scavenger Gloves to ensure ammo will never be a problem for you. As for the boots slot, Covert Sneakers are always a great option, as they silence your footsteps, letting you sneak up on the enemy team undetected.
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For the two gear slots, EOD Padding reduces damage taken from explosives, while Tac Mask reduces the effects of enemy tacticals. This combination makes incoming equipment less effective, giving you one less thing to worry about as you rack up score, especially if you add in a Trophy System, which cancels out enemy equipment entirely
You might be protected from enemy equipment, but that doesn’t mean they are protected from yours. A Sticky Grenade can be quickly thown to pressure and blow up enemies trying to hide in cover. You’ll want to partner that with a Stun Grenade to immobilize players, letting you swoop in and take them out without a fight.
MCW pros and cons
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Very low recoil | Slow close range TTK |
| Easy to use | Mediocre handling stats |
| Fast long range TTK | Mediocre mobility stats |
| High damage range |
Where is the MCW in the MW3 meta?
The MCW is a great weapon that is also the most used in Modern Warfare 3. It excels thanks to its high accuracy and low recoil, which make it incredibly strong on medium to large maps where it can take advantage of the long sightlines.
This gun is a particularly good choice for low to medium skill players that might not be as confident in their ability to control recoil. The MCW is very forgiving in this area, with even newcomers being able to laser enemies from a distance.
On the other hand, the MCW doesn’t have the fastest time to kill up close. This can be improved by hitting a single headshot, which reduces its TTK to just 252 ms, which is exceptional given its ease of use. Without this, the popular assault rifle is often outgunned by competitors like the SVA 545 and STG 44, so it’s worth trying to hit at least one headshot.
How to unlock the MCW
You can unlock the MCW by reaching level 44 by playing multiplayer, Zombies, or Warzone. As progression is shared across these three modes, you are free to play whichever you prefer.
MW3 MCW alternatives
The MCW is already one of the best weapons in Modern Warfare 3, but if you are looking for an alternative, the Holger 556 is also worth choosing. It isn’t as accurate but hits much harder, making it a great choice for those that can control its recoil.
Now that you’re all caught up, be sure to check out our other Modern Warfare 3 content, such as the best MW3 loaoduts, best MW3 AR loadouts, best controller settings, and all guns and killstreaks.