The MCW is one of the best weapons in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, especially considering the game launched with a meta heavily favoring ARs. But you can take an already good gun and make it special. I’ll show you the best MCW build and loadout in CoD: MW3.
The Best MCW Build and Loadout in CoD: Modern Warfare 3
As the spiritual successor to the ACR from MW2 (2009), I think the best MCW build relies on mid-to-long-range accuracy. The big sacrifice we’re making here is its up-close performance, and I have to admit: we’re losing a lot of it. However, with the right attachments and the right playstyle, the MCW can outperform almost every other AR in the game (save the Holger 556).
Related: Best ARs in Modern Warfare 3, Ranked
And If you enjoy this article, don’t forget to take a look at our MW3 How to Get Uncommon Aether Tool Plans guide and dominate Uzbekistan by upgrading one weapon to Uncommon rarity.
Best MCW Barrel: 16.5″ MCW Cyclone Long Barrel
This MCW build isn’t about hipfire or Tac Stance. We’re all about laser accuracy while in ADS. The 16.5″ MCW Cyclone gives us exactly that. It averages a 23% improvement between Bullet Velocity and both Minimum and Effective Damage Range. The big trade-off is a massive 25% detriment to everything hipfire and Tac Stance. However, if you’re playing this MCW loadout correctly, you should rarely be in a close enough range for that drawback to matter.
Best MCW Muzzle: HMRES Mod Suppressor
We’re adding a bit of recoil to the MCW with the HMRES Mod Suppressor, but hear me out. In return, we not only eliminate the minimap red dot when we shoot, but we also get a 10% increase to bullet velocity. The bullet velocity stat is key in MW3, as it helps ensure a more consistent, easier-to-use weapon. Not pinging on the radar when you shoot is incredibly important in Modern Warfare 3, as the UAV spam is plentiful. Pair a suppressed MCW with Ghost, and there aren’t many you can’t outplay.
Best MCW Rear Grip: RB Claw-PSL Grip
You’ll get a bit more idle sway with the RB Claw-PSL Grip equipped, but nothing you can’t account for. The real treat is the average of about 8% reduction to overall recoil. If you’re seeing a pattern here, then I’m doing my job right. I care less about the mobility of our soldiers than I do about the way our weapons handle in a fight.
Related: Best Guns in MW3 Ranked
Best MCW Underbarrel: Bruen Heavy Support Grip
We’re getting a smidge more vertical recoil and a slower ADS speed with this attachment (4% and 10%, respectively), but gain a massive 13.5% reduction to horizontal recoil and gunkick. As with all the other attachments on our MCW, mobility isn’t the goal with the Bruen Heavy Support Grip. Accuracy down range is. You can still be more than mobile with these relatively minor nerfs to your movement, as nothing here adjusts movement speed, sprint speed, or slide speed.
Best MCW Sight: MK.3 Reflector
Probably the best sight in the game, the MK.3 Reflector has the cleanest sight picture and is still more than able to frame any enemy that walks in front of you. I use it on every one of my builds if I’m able. And while you don’t need a sight to use this weapon well, I highly recommend one.
And that’s my take on the best MCW build and loadout in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3. You’ll need to invest some time in the weapon to unlock everything you need, but trust me: it’s more than worth the effort. This MCW build can do much more out much farther. For more tips and tricks, check out our guides on the best DG-58 and Rival-9 builds, plus tons more in our MW3 guides hub.
