Akimbo shotguns are back as a Call of Duty meta after 15 years away

The new JAK Devastator kit is the perfect throwback to Modern Warfare 2's Model 1887.

12th Sep 2024 16:35

Images via Activision

MW3 Akimbo Shotgun

Back in 2009, fewer things hit harder than two slug rounds bursting into your face. Modern Warfare 2's Model 1887 shotgun was the perfect back-pocket support for your Intervention or ACR, swiftly coming from behind with an akimbo attachment to provide devastating up-close damage.

But it's been the better part of two decades since this Call of Duty meta was worthwhile putting in your loadout. That is, until this week in Modern Warfare 3. Even as last year's CoD comes to the end of its cycle, Sledgehammer Games still has a few welcome surprises for us. 

Modern Warfare 3's akimbo Spas are the new meta

Modern Warfare 3 has already tried to revive the dual shotty meta with an Aftermarket Part kit, as the JAK Wardens kit for the Lockwood MK2 rifle replicated the old-school models. 

But with the addition of the Spas-12-like shotgun, the Reclaimer 18, Sledgehammer Games has now introduced the JAK Devastators kit.

The kit is unlocked for completing the Week 8 Challenges in MW3 and sees the Spas mimics get an Akimbo pop-up. Safe to say, they are sublime.

Given that we currently have five new Shipment variants and nearly every map that we play in MW3 is a small playfield, these shotguns have already proven to be possibly the most punishing weapons in the game.

As showcased by "Detonated", the JAK Devastators are a one-shot kill (or two, I guess, one from each wing) at close range and come with the cleanest weapon inspection in the game.

Unfortunately, their power doesn't quite translate to Warzone, where the fire rate doesn't match up to the TTK with the extra health. This means that while they're welcome in MW3, they will be outgunned by many SMGs in the battle royale favourite.

Still, it's fun to get onto those rustic and remastered 2009 maps and blast away with akimbo shotguns again in Modern Warfare 3, reliving the golden years as if we never grew up.

Jack Marsh

About The Author

Jack Marsh

Jack is an Esports Journalist at GGRecon. Graduating from the University of Chester, with a BA Honours degree in Journalism, Jack is an avid esports enthusiast and specialises in Rocket League, Call of Duty, VALORANT, and trending gaming news.

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