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The best assault rifles in Modern Warfare 2

Equip yourself with one of the best assault rifles in Modern Warfare 2 to ensure you have a powerful weapon available no matter what situation you’re in

Best assault rifles in Modern Warfare 2: a soldier with a moustache holds an assault rifle

Want to use the best assault rifles in Modern Warfare 2? For most players, assault rifles are the go-to weapon type in this FPS game and the best assault rifle in Modern Warfare 2 is the Kastov 762; not only does it hit like a truck, but with the right attachments, the recoil can be controlled with ease. Other ARs, like the Lachmann 556 and the M4, lean more towards the ranged, controlled brand of warfare. We have all the details below on the best assault rifles and how to set them up below.

The best Modern Warfare 2 assault rifles

Here are the best Modern Warfare 2 assault rifles:

  • M4
  • M16
  • Kastov 74u
  • TAQ 56
  • Lachmann 556
  • STB 556
  • Kastov 545
  • Kastov 762

Call of Duty Modern Warfare best M4 loadout: the stock M4 in MW2's Gunsmith menu

M4

The M4 is one of the most beginner friendly weapons in Modern Warfare 2 thanks to its well-rounded stats. Some weapons on this list can be difficult to control when firing from a distance, or they might feature bad mobility stats, but the M4 seems to do everything right. With its decent damage output, manageable recoil, and impressive damage range, the best M4 loadout is the perfect option for most players.

Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2 best assault rifles: a stock M16 surrounded by foam in the preview menu

M16

We’ve seen some players dismiss the M16 due to its burst firing nature, but this weapon can become lethal when using the right set of attachments. Using the best M16 loadout, you can give this gun the potential to kill with a single burst of bullets. We’ve improved the damage range on our loadout to ensure the M16 is capable of taking down targets from great distances.

Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2 best assault rifles: The Kastov-74u surrounded by foam in Modern Warfare 2's preview menu

Kastov 74u

Featuring the base components of an AK-47, it’s no surprise that the Kastov-74u is one of the strongest assault rifles on this list. The Kastov 74u is so special due to its SMG-like qualities, giving players access to an assault rifle that has the mobility of a submachine gun. Make sure you equip this weapon on close-quarters maps to get the most out of the best Kastov 74u loadout.

TAQ 56

The TAQ 56, or the SCAR as it was previously known, is a slow-firing behemoth of an assault rifle. With a difficult recoil pattern to control, it can be an unwieldy beast, but in the right hands is absolutely devastating. For the ideal attachments to bring that recoil in line, we have the best TAQ 56 loadout in Modern Warfare 2 here.

Lachmann 556

Ever used the M4 and wished it could land shots from further away? Just switch to the Lachmann 556 to have your prayers answered. This assault rifle sacrifices mobility for accuracy stats, making it a real threat when you can spot enemies in the distance. You won’t be able to sprint out of the way if someone manages to sneak up behind you, so you may want to equip a shotgun or SMG for these situations.

If you’re looking to extend the range of this assault rifle even further, we have the best Lachmann 556 loadout here.

Best Modern Warfare 2 assault rifles: the stb sits in a cushioned gun case

STB 556

A versatile, modular assault rifle that excels in mid/long-range engagements. With the best Modern Warfare 2 STB 556 loadout, you’ll be decimating enemies from across the map with ease. The STB can be customised to fit any situation you may find yourself in; from clearing interiors, to open warzones, this assault rifle can do it all.

If you’re looking for the best attachments to equip, we have the best STB 556 loadout in Modern Warfare 2 here.

The best assault rifles in Modern Warfare 2: a Kastov 545 assault rifle sits in a cushioned gun case

Kastov 545

A more refined AK47, the Kastov 545, as its name implies, is chambered with 5.45×39 caliber rounds, lowering the recoil and increasing the rate of fire over its 7.62 counterparts. Although the damage from the Kastov 545 is lower overall compared to the other Kastov-branded weapons in the assault rifle category, the controllable recoil pattern means you’ll be able to hit more of your shots.

If you’re wondering what the best attachments are for getting the best out of this accurate assault rifle, we have the best Modern Warfare 2 Kastov 545 loadout here.

The best assault rifles in Modern Warfare 2: a Kastov 762 assault rifle sits in a cushioned gun case

Kastov 762

The Kastov 762 is the hardest-hitting assault rifle currently available in Modern Warfare 2, and with a heavy kick to your shots, you’ll have to be on point with controlling that recoil. For those who do manage to get that recoil down, this assault rifle can destroy entire squads in a single magazine. For the best loadout attachments, we have the best Modern Warfare 2 Kastov 762 loadout here.

Don’t forget, your assault rifle expertise will help you earn different weapons and attachments with the Modern Warfare 2 Gunsmith system, so don’t forget to check out our best sniper rifles and best battle rifles guides to experience two unique weapon types, while our guides to the best SMGs and the best shotguns will kit you out for close-quarters combat situations. Alternatively, look to the best LMGs if you have an adverse reaction to reloading.