MW3 Meta: Your Unbeatable Guide to the Best Short Range in Multiplayer Season 1

Key Takeaways

  • The Striker submachine gun is a reliable close to mid-range firearm, offering hard-hitting power in .45 Auto.
  • The lightweight Rival-9 submachine gun is renowned for its agility and rapid room-clearing ability.
  • The WSP Swarm is an ultra combat-capable 9mm SMG, feared for its fast rate of fire.

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.

MW3 Meta Ranking for Short Range in Multiplayer Season 1

#1 Striker

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.

#2 Rival-9

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.

#3 WSP Swarm

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.

#4 BAS-P

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.

#5 PDSW 528

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.

#6 Riveter

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.

#7 VEL 46

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.

#8 AMR9

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.

#9 WSP-9

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.

#10 Renetti

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.

Conclusion

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.

Guns in this article

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