In the fast-paced fray of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III's Multiplayer mode, your weapon choice can often dictate the outcome of your battles. Picking the right firearm for short range combats can make a significant difference to your survival rate and kill count. In this guide, we'll rank the top 10 META and A Tier short range weapons in Multiplayer Season 1. To explore the complete MW3 Meta, visit our dedicated page: 👉 MW3 Meta.
| Attachment Slot | Attachment Name |
|---|---|
| MUZZLE | Shadowstrike Suppressor |
| LASER | VLK LZR 7MW |
| STOCK | NO STOCK |
| UNDERBARREL | XRK Edge BW-4 Handstop |
| REARGRIP | SAKIN ZX GRIP |
The Striker submachine gun is a hard-hitting firearm suited for close to mid-range combats, offering power-packed performance in .45 Auto. Its usability and control make it a favorite among players, securing its top spot in the meta ranking. However, its high damage does require a slight trade-off in terms of recoil control.
| Attachment Slot | Attachment Name |
|---|---|
| MUZZLE | L4R FLASH HIDER |
| BARREL | RIVAL-C CLEARSHOT BARREL |
| STOCK | EXF Close Quarters Assault Stock |
| UNDERBARREL | SL Skeletal Vertical Grip |
| REARGRIP | Rival Vice Assault Grip |
Chambered in 9mm, the Rival-9 is a lightweight SMG built for agility and room clearing prowess. It is quick on the draw and can lay down rapid fire, making it a formidable tool in high-pressure combat situations. Its mobility and fire rate make up for the slightly lower damage output compared to other top-tier weapons and make it a strong contender in the short-range meta.
| Attachment Slot | Attachment Name |
|---|---|
| MUZZLE | L4R FLASH HIDER |
| BARREL | WSP RECKLESS-90 LONG BARREL |
| OPTIC | MK. 3 REFLECTOR |
| STOCK | WSP FACTORY STOCK |
| MAGAZINE | 100 ROUND DRUM |
A highly combat-capable weapon, the WSP Swarm boasts a fast firing rate and excellent maneuverability. This 9mm SMG is designed for close-quarter domination, allowing players to swiftly engage targets and overwhelm them with rapid-fire precision. Its impressive damage potential balanced with good control solidify its place as a short-range favorite.
| Attachment Slot | Attachment Name |
|---|---|
| MUZZLE | Shadowstrike Suppressor |
| LASER | 1MW Quick Fire Laser |
| OPTIC | Slate Reflector |
| UNDERBARREL | SL Skeletal Vertical Grip |
The BAS-P provides a great combination of a high firing rate, good recoil management, and excellent mobility. This SMG shines brightest at close range, where its high damage per second can quickly neutralize opponents. Despite having a high rate of fire, it's recommended to use short, controlled bursts to maintain optimal accuracy.
| Attachment Slot | Attachment Name |
|---|---|
| MUZZLE | Shadowstrike Suppressor |
| LASER | VLK LZR 7MW |
| OPTIC | Slate Reflector |
| REARGRIP | STIP-40 Grip |
| RAIL | GR33 Light Rail |
For players valuing mobility above all else, the PDSW 528 is a strong choice. Its high rate of fire and maximum mobility make it a fierce competitor in swift, close-quarter fights. However, potential users should take time to adapt to its iron sights, which have proved to be divisive among players.
| Attachment Slot | Attachment Name |
|---|---|
| MUZZLE | Bryson Choke |
| BARREL | SA Draven-20 Long Barrel |
| LASER | Corvus PEQ Beam-5 |
| UNDERBARREL | Bruen Bastion Angled Grip |
| AMMUNITION | .410 Gauge Dragon's Breath |
The Riveter, a unique shotgun-assault rifle hybrid, delivers lethal .410 round volleys, making it an effective tool for hole-punching enemies. Its full-auto capability ensures you can maintain pressure on your adversaries, although its overall power balance could lead to tricky situations in long-ranged battles.
| Attachment Slot | Attachment Name |
|---|---|
| MUZZLE | Shadowstrike Suppressor |
| LASER | VLK LZR 7MW |
| STOCK | Demo RXT Stock |
| UNDERBARREL | SL Skeletal Vertical Grip |
| REARGRIP | ZLR Combat Grip |
The VEL 46 is a high fire SMG that's user-friendly and boasts low recoil. It delivers good combat performance and is a solid competitor in close to mid-ranged battles. The rapid-fire capability combined with control makes it easy to maintain aim while dealing satisfying damage.
| Attachment Slot | Attachment Name |
|---|---|
| BARREL | Tectonic Micro Integral Suppressor |
| LASER | VLK LZR 7MW |
| STOCK | Demo D50 Buffer Tube |
| UNDERBARREL | XRK Edge BW-4 Handstop |
| REARGRIP | PHANTOM GRIP |
The AMR9 is an all-rounder in the SMG category. Its versatility lies in both its effective firing rate and 9mm chambering, making it a deadly force within close to mid-range combat situations. Combatants will appreciate this gun's fast pace when shredding through their opponents.
| Attachment Slot | Attachment Name |
|---|---|
| MUZZLE | Shadowstrike Suppressor |
| BARREL | HISS SHORT LIGHT BARREL |
| OPTIC | Slate Reflector |
| UNDERBARREL | XRK Edge BW-4 Handstop |
| MAGAZINE | 32 ROUND MAG |
Slow and steady win the race with the WSP-9. Despite a slower rate of fire, it compensates with high damage, control, and mobility. As a close combat weapon, its full-auto feature ensures continued firepower to keep opponents at bay.
| Attachment Slot | Attachment Name |
|---|---|
| BARREL | MLX Short Competition |
| LASER | Verdant Hook Cylindral Laser |
| MAGAZINE | 30 Round Mag |
| REARGRIP | Akimbo Grips |
| TRIGGERACTION | Fiammata Trigger |
The Renetti bursts onto the scene with its staggering fire rate, offering power and control when operated correctly. As a burst-fire handgun, it presents a unique challenge to players used to SMGs and ARs, but with practice, it can deliver devastating effects on the battlefield in the hands of a true marksman.
Proper weapon choice is crucial in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III, particularly in Multiplayer Season 1. It's essential to get familiar with the META and A Tier short-range weapons provided in this guide to optimize your in-game performance. Be sure to experiment with the different guns and their builds to find one that best suits your gameplay style.