Best MW2 guns: Most popular Modern Warfare 2 meta loadouts & tier list

Picking out the best MW2 guns to add to your loadout list is incredibly difficult, especially with the arsenal of weapons expanding with every update. Season 5 Reloaded was no different, adding the Lachmann Shroud SMG to the list.
Despite this exciting addition, the main focus for players will always be identifying the best MW2 guns in the game's current meta.
To simplify the process, we've put together a top-five list that reveals the best MW2 gun loadouts in the current meta for Season 5 Reloaded based on their overall popularity, using data from WZRanked.
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Top 5 MW2 guns & meta loadouts
5. Fennec 45

Best Fennec 45 loadout in Modern Warfare 2
- Muzzle: Lacerta Compensator
- Laser: ACCU-Shot 5MW L
- Stock: Agile Assault-7
- Underbarrel: Phase-3 Grip
- Magazine: Fennec Mag 45
Once upon a time, the Fennec 45 ruled above the rest at the top of the meta with an astronomical pick rate. Now, it sits at the fifth spot with a 3.1% pick rate which is a solid position for the fan-favourite SMG.
While it's debatable whether the Fennec 45 deserves to sit in the top five, players are enjoying the SMG's deadly fire rate which makes short work of any foes in its path.
Missing your shots can be a death sentence with the Fennec, but if they all hit the target, it's lights out for them in an instant.
4. Kastov 762

Best Kastov 762 loadout in Modern Warfare 2
- Muzzle: Bore-490
- Laser: Corio LAZ-44 V3
- Stock: EXO-TAC Stock
- Underbarrel: FTAC Ripper 56
- Optic: Cronen Mini Pro
Just making it onto the list is the Kastov 762 as the third most popular AR in Modern Warfare 2 - but don't let that put you off the weapon.
The Kastov 762 is very different to the M4 and TAQ-56 as it prioritises firepower over everything else. As you would imagine, this comes with a hefty amount of recoil, but those willing to master this gun's kickback will be rewarded with a devastating TTK.
In Season 5 Reloaded, the AR has a solid 4.9% pick rate, so it's well worth testing out if you want to add a little more firepower to your loadout list.
3. M4

Best M4 loadout in Modern Warfare 2
- Muzzle: XTEN Ported 290
- Barrel: 419mm EXP Barrel
- Laser: Corio LAZ-44 V3
- Underbarrel: Commando Foregrip
- Stock: Demo Fade Pro Stock
Taking the number three spot on our list is the iconic M4 with a solid 6.7% pick rate in Season 5 Reloaded. The deadly weapon is equipped with a powerful TTK, a steady recoil pattern, and plenty of mobility for an AR.
Instead of optimising for long-distance skirmishes, the loadout above pushes the M4's mid-range damage output to the limit.
This all comes together to create a versatile AR that can easily take over a match and allow you to rack up countless kills.
2. Vaznev-9k

Best Vaznev-9k loadout in Modern Warfare 2
- Muzzle: Spiral V3.5 Flash Hider
- Stock: Otrezat Stock
- Underbarrel: FSS Sharkfin 90
- Rear Grip: True Tac Grip
At number two is the Vaznev-9k, a lethal SMG that makes short work of any opponents at close quarters. Its fast ADS time, top-tier TTK, and brilliant mobility make it the ultimate choice for aggressive players.
So, if racking up kills and collecting score streaks is your goal, the Vaznev is a perfect choice. Currently, the SMG has a 14.9% pick rate and it's likely to continue rising as we head further into Season 5 Reloaded.
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1. TAQ-56

Best TAQ-56 loadout in Modern Warfare 2
- Muzzle: VLK Koloss Flash Hider
- Barrel: 17.5" Tundra Pro Barrel
- Stock: TV XLINE Pro
- Underbarrel: Commando Foregrip
- Rear Grip: Demo Cleanshot Grip
Out of all the weapons in MW2, the TAQ-56 sits well above the rest with an astounding 24.4% pick rate. Its combination of damage, mobility, and stability makes it one of the best ARs in the current meta.
Whether you meet a foe in an enclosed space or spot them in the distance, the TAQ-56 will always deliver during intense skirmishes.
The build above pushes the gun to its limits at mid-range and makes it a force to be reckoned with in multiplayer.
What is the best gun in Modern Warfare 2?
Out of all of MW2's guns, picking out the best weapon is an incredibly difficult task, as a lot of the time, the best option will come down to personal preference.
However, based on the statistics and as shown above, the TAQ-56 AR is the best weapon in MW2 with a 24.4% pick rate.
The AR dominates at mid-range and will consistently perform in every match you have it equipped in, so make sure you add the gun to your loadout collection.
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List of all weapons in Modern Warfare 2

The MW2 guns and loadouts above are the most popular in the current meta and are guaranteed to perform well in multiplayer.
However, there are countless other options available if you enjoy experimenting with builds and finding hidden gems.
Here's the full list of weapons in Modern Warfare 2:
Modern Warfare 2 shotguns
- KV Broadside
- Expedite 12
- MX Guardian
- Lockwood 300
- Bryson 890
- Bryson 800
Modern Warfare 2 SMGs
- Lachmann Sub
- Vaznev-9K
- Lachmann Shroud
- VEL 46
- ISO 45
- PDSW 528
- FSS Hurricane
- ISO 45
- MX9
- BAS-P
- Minibak
- Fennec 45
Modern Warfare 2 snipers
- Signal 50
- Victus XMR
- SP-X 80
- Carrack .300
- MCPR-300
- LA-B 330
- FJX Imperium

Modern Warfare 2 ARs
- ISO Hemlock
- TAQ-56
- Kastov 762
- FR Avancer
- Tempus Razorback
- Chimera
- Kastov-74U
- M13B
- M4
- Lachmann-556
- STB 556
- Kastov 545
- M16
Modern Warfare 2 Battle Rifles
- TAQ-V
- Lachmann-762
- FTAC Recon
- SO-14
- Cronen Squall
Modern Warfare 2 Marksman Rifles
- Tempus Torrent
- TAQ-M
- EBR-14
- Crossbow
- SA-B 50
- SP-R 208
- LM-S
- Lockwood MK2
Modern Warfare 2 LMGs
- Sakin MG38
- RPK
- Raal MG
- Rapp H
- HCR 56
- 556 Icarus
So, there you have it, those are the best MW2 guns and loadouts in the current meta that are perfect for dominating multiplayer.
Keep in mind that the best weapons in Modern Warfare 2 are constantly changing, so we'll make sure to update our list regularly and ensure every setup is top-tier.
Be sure to check out our MW2 homepage for all of the latest news and guides, or take a look at the best Akimbo Pistol loadouts in Modern Warfare 2.