In Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, the popular assault rifle known as the ACR is back, now called the MCW. It’s easily one of the best guns in the game, and we have the best MCW loadout and class setup for you to use.
With the Gunsmith, the MCW can be customized into even more of a powerhouse. This is what we and many pro players think is the best MCW class setup and loadout in MW3.
How good is the MCW in MW3?
The name change for the MCW has done little to take away from its dominance in multiplayer. It’s powerful, incredibly accurate, and mobile enough to keep AR players moving quickly to their anchor positions. This works well in modes like Hardpoint or Domination, or even in MWZ missions like Storm the Castle.
MW3’s nostalgia is on full display around every turn, and the MCW (ACR) is just a part of that.
Best MCW loadout and class setup in MW3
The MCW is the odds-on favorite for the best assault rifle in MW3, and that should come as a surprise to no one. As it’s heavily inspired by the ACR of CoD’s past, this gun is reliable, powerful, and dominates in the right hands.
When it comes to CoD, the “right hands” don’t get much better than Call of Duty League pros. The MCW has become the go-to choice for pro matches in the CDL, giving this AR the ultimate seal of approval for stomping multiplayer matches.
If we’re talking about the best MCW class overall, this is the top choice for assault rifle players in Ranked Play, too.
Best MCW build in MW3
- Muzzle: T51R Billeted Brake
- Barrel: 16.5″ MCW Cyclone Long Barrel
- Optic: Slate Reflector or MK. 23 Reflector
- Stock: RB Regal Heavy Stock
- Rear Grip: RB Claw-PSL Grip
The above set of attachments is perfect for increasing the MCW’s damage, range, recoil control, mobility, and handling, all while only sacrificing a tiny bit of accuracy. But if you land your shots, that won’t be a problem. The 16.5″ MCW Cyclone Long Barrel is one of the best attachments for the weapon since it adds bullet velocity and range, aiming idle away, and firing aim stability.
The only sacrifices made with this loadout are Tac Stance spread, hipfire spread, and a little bit of aim walking speed, so the trade-off is absolutely worth it when it comes to being a strong AR player in MW3.
I personally also have a duplicate of this loadout in a second class that uses the HMRES Mod Suppressor in the Muzzle slot. Choosing between the L4R Flash Hider and a suppressor all depends on the game mode. Now that you appear as a red dot on enemy minimaps when you fire an unsuppressed weapon, stealth is sometimes the better approach, especially if you’re trying to rack up a nice kill streak.
For the optic slot, it may come down to personal preference. I like the MK. 23 Reflector for dealing with close-range engagements, but the favorite thus far for most players is the Slate Reflector, which makes its way into the modern era from Sledgehammer’s previous title, Call of Duty: Vanguard.
Best MCW class setup in MW3
- Vest: Infantry Vest
- Handgun: Renetti
- Tactical: Stun Grenade
- Lethal: Semtex
- Field Equipment: Trophy System
- Gloves: Quick-Grip Gloves
- Boots: Stalker Boots
- Gear: Tac Mask or EOD Padding
This setup is excellent for any kind of playstyle in MW3, even ranked play when it becomes available. It’s a real solid class that can cover you in no matter what situation you find yourself in. I think it’s the best MCW class overall in MW3.
The Renetti is the best pistol, while Stun Grenades will keep your foes off-kilter for a few seconds to finish off an easy kill, and the Semtex is great for clearing out objectives. Always make sure to throw down a Trophy System on an objective to protect yourself and your SMG-running teammates.
Update on March 22, 2024, by Scott Duwe: We’ve updated this article for timeliness in MW3 for Ranked Play, along with more of an explanation as to why the MCW is a top AR in the game.
