COD Modern Warfare 2: Best Assault Rifles [Top 8]

Assault rifles are generally considered to be the go-to weapon type Modern Warfare 2. They excel in almost every quality, may it be having a fast fire rate or great range for farther shots but also retains damage and control at close range. Considering the amount of versatility in the weapon types in Modern Warfare, I would recommend checking out the Best Loadouts in Modern Warfare 2 so you can get the gist of something you might like.

Best Assault Rifles & Comparison

No.	Rifles	Damage	STK	TTK	DPS	RPM	ADS	Full Reload	Tac Reload	Move Speed	Mag Size
1	Kastov 762	77/42/35/35	3	194ms	432	617	250ms	2.6s	2.15s	86%	30
2	M4	44/28/28/28	4	218ms	385	824	220ms	2.3s	2.23s	87%	30
3	STB 556	42/36/33/33	3	162ms	460	766	220ms	3.03s	2.22s	86%	30
4	Kastov-74U	77/42/38/35	3	178ms	473	675	200ms	2.52s	2.13s	93%	30
5	Lachman 556	44/36/32/28	3	162ms	444	740	230ms	3,43s	2.95s	86%	30
6	Kastov 545	61/33/30/28	4	267ms	371	675	250ms	2.5s	2.15s	89%	30
7	M16	51/39/34/30	3	241ms	324	498	280	2.33s	2.25	86%	30
8	TAQ-56	43/34/31/29	3	185ms	367	647	250ms	2.57	2.08	86%	30

Being an FPS player, you want to be at the top of your game with precise aim and perfect timing, and to help increase the odds of you winning the fights, you also need the best equipment. I will now cover all the best Assault Rifles in a Ranked manner, starting from the best assault rifle to the least preferred.

Kastov 762

Attribute	Value
Damage	77/42/35/35
STK	3
TTK	194ms
DPS	432
RPM	617
ADS	250ms
Full Reload	2.6s
Tac Reload	2.15s
Move Speed	86%
Mag Size	30

The Kastov 762 stands out as one of the best assault rifles in Modern Warfare 2, boasting high fire rate and excellent handling speed, resembling SMGs. It features a light frame and a large magazine.

Its primary strength lies in its damage output, making it arguably the best in its category. The damage ranges from 77 to 35, depending on limb hits, making it effective at medium distances.

However, it suffers in recoil control and precision shooting. You can address the precision issue by using its two firing modes: Semi-Auto for accuracy and Full-Auto for rapid fire.

While the base stats are passable, the best configurations turn the Kastov 762 into a formidable weapon. We’ll discuss weapon additions and provide a recommended loadout, including magazine size.

Loadout

1. Magazine Amount: 40 Bullets
2. Rear Grip: ST-70 Grip
3. Barrel: KAS-7 406MM
4. Muzzle: Katovia DX90

M4

Attribute	Value
Damage	44/28/28/28
STK	4
TTK	218ms
DPS	385
RPM	824
ADS	220ms
Full Reload	2.3s
Tac Reload	2.23s
Move Speed	87%
Mag Size	30

The optimal counterpart to the Ak-based Kastov is the Famous M4. It is very easily recognizable as one of the most used weapons, and its reliability has kept its position as one of the best Assault Rifle in modern warfare 2. The M4 has a good amount of damage with moderate accuracy, it can be used both in a close and medium range to utilize its full potential. This gun’s specialty is how fast you mow down opponents and how easily as well.

Along with its great damage output and fast reliability, it is also very customizable which allows it to be in the meta almost all the time. It is also crucial to note that this is the first Assault rifle you are given in the game, so it has an emphasis on its cruciality as the basic weapon. This gun can be used in almost every situation imaginable and always has your back, even when its long ranged fights or close-quarters duels.

The M4 also suffers from the same issues as the Kastov, which its greatest disadvantage being the Recoil. You can reduce the Recoil with a few attachments and also add further advantages to your gun.

I will mention the Best add-ons below for the M4 to help substantially improve the weapon. This will boost the performance, and I will also mention the Magazine size.

Loadout

1. Magazine Amount: 30 Bullets
2. Rear Grip: Phantom Grip
3. Barrel: Hightower 20 Barrel 
4. Muzzle: Castle Comp Forge-Tac

STB 556

Attribute	Value
Damage	42/36/33/33
STK	3
TTK	162ms
DPS	460
RPM	766
ADS	220ms
Full Reload	3.03s
Tac Reload	2.22s
Move Speed	86%
Mag Size	30

More commonly known as AUG, the STB 556 is a beast assault rifle if you’re looking for something that has long-range potential. It is best for people looking for an assault rifle but also wants the perks of DMR and Snipers. Its reasonable recoil control further solidified this potential use as a long-range weapon. However, if you feel like taking it to another level, using attachments will allow you to almost get rid of the recoil and make it look like you are feeling no kickback at all.

However, with so many advantages, it needs to be nerfed in some way or another to make it balanced. That’s where I will talk about its DPS due to its lower fire rate. This forbids the weapon to be good up in close range just because of its lacking fire rate and burst potential.

Different from the other guns mentioned before, this gun shines due to its recoil and stability as an assault rifle. It is perfect for you if you like to keep distance between yourself and your enemies and perhaps like the feel of an assault rifle over any other category.

Loadout

1. Magazine: 30 Bullets
2. Barrel: FTAC FB20
3. Rear Grip: Bruen Q900 Grip
4. Comb: FTAC C11 Riser

Kastov-74U

Attribute	Value
Damage	77/42/38/35
STK	3
TTK	178ms
DPS	473
RPM	675
ADS	200ms
Full Reload	2.52s
Tac Reload	2.13s
Move Speed	93%
Mag Size	30

If you want a low-skill but powerhouse of a gun, then look no further and go for the Kastov-74U. This small beast of a gun will surprise you with its light body and ability to act as an SMG while simultaneously being an Assault Rifle. With its high speed and relatively alright fire rate, it is great for running and gunning, and the damage is outrageous. It has a max damage of 77 to a minimum of 35, considering the limb hit.

The reason why it lands so low on the list is due to its bad recoil and considerably low fire rate. This enables its inability to mow down opponents with ease but can somewhat still prove to be a good weapon. However, the place where it lacks the most is most probably the range. It has very poor range and can still shoot at longer distances but is very much less effective. With a few attachments, this weapon will be on its way to being one of the top contenders in this list, and I can assure you of that.

Being a more close-quarter combat-oriented gun, you will definitely have fun sliding and shooting your enemies and dominating the close-range game. Also, the small size and light weight help with mobility, so even more bonuses.

Loadout

1. Magazine: 30 Bullets
2. Muzzle: RF Crown 50
3. Barrel: BR209 Barrel
4. Grip: True-Tac Grip

Lachmann 556

Attribute	Value
Damage	44/36/32/28
STK	3
TTK	162ms
DPS	444
RPM	740
ADS	230ms
Full Reload	3.43s
Tac Reload	2.95s
Move Speed	86%
Mag Size	30

The Lachmann 556 offers a balance between long-range capability and moderate damage, making it a versatile choice. It has a longer range than the M4 but doesn’t pack as much punch. However, its manageable recoil is great for long-range engagements.

Its versatility lands it lower on the list because it excels in various areas without being the best in any one category. It’s good but not outstanding in terms of damage and accuracy, falling between the M4 and STB 556.

The Lachmann 556 is user-friendly, with a high fire rate, low recoil, and good mobility, making it suitable for beginners.

Loadout

1. Magazine: 30 Bullets
2. Muzzle: Echo line GS-X Suppressor 
3. Optic: Cronen Mini Red Dot
4. Underbarrel: FSS Sharkfin 90
5. Barrel: Lach – 12

Kastov 545

Attribute	Value
Damage	61/33/30/28
STK	4
TTK	267ms
DPS	371
RPM	675
ADS	250ms
Full Reload	2.5s
Tac Reload	2.15s
Move Speed	89%
Mag Size	30

The Kastov 545 shares similarities with other Kastov guns, particularly the Kastov-74U. However, it stands out with lower recoil and reduced damage, making it more suitable for longer-range engagements compared to the Kastov-74U.

Its lower position on the list is due to the Kastov-74U’s existence, which excels in close-range combat as an SMG. This makes the Kastov 545 somewhat awkward as it feels like an SMG but is categorized as an assault rifle. While it may not be the top choice, some players may prefer it over the Kastov-74U for its manageable recoil, better range, and mobility.

Loadout

1. Magazine: 30 Bullets
2. Muzzle: FSS Covert V 
3. Rear grip: Ivanov ST-70
4. Laser: FSS OLE-V Laser
5. Barrel: BR209 Barrel

M16

Attribute	Value
Damage	51/39/34/30
STK	3
TTK	241ms
DPS	324
RPM	498
ADS	280
Full Reload	2.33s
Tac Reload	2.25
Move Speed	86%
Mag Size	30

The M16 has been a relatively well-known Assault Rifle for a long time and was most players’ first choice in previous games, but in Modern Warfare 2, it doesn’t even come close to being the best Assault Rifle. The damage output has been reduced a lot, and it doesn’t hit as it used to before. However, with the decreased Damage output, the Recoil has been decreased as well and you have more controllability over the gun alongside extra effective range. The M16 is truly a skill-based gun as it requires you to have good aim so you can land Head and body shots accurately. It has a burst-type style and can be a deadly weapon if in the right hands.

If you are the type of person that prioritizes accuracy over everything, then the M16 is perfect for you considering it has the best accuracy and recoil for long and medium ranges. I would recommend using some Attachments to make your M16 Experience better, and will also mention some below as well.

Loadout

1. Magazine: 30 Bullets
2. Muzzle: Forge Tac Castle Comp 
3. Underbarrel: The Vx Pineapple Vert Grip
4. Rear grip: The Sakin ZX Grip 
5. Optic: Cronen Mini Red Dot 

TAQ-56

Attribute	Value
Damage	43/34/31/29
STK	3
TTK	185ms
DPS	367
RPM	647
ADS	250ms
Full Reload	2.57s
Tac Reload	2.08s
Move Speed	86%
Mag Size	30

The TAQ-56 comes last in the list because its existence is futile, considering you already have better options in the game. The main contender to the TAQ-56 is the M4, which is better in every way possible. However, it isn’t completely obsolete due to the M4, it also has some advantages to using it. It has a controllable recoil, good damage output, and mediocre mobility. Also, It is very satisfying to get kills with it, but honestly, very hard to pick this over any other option because of how much better the other options are.

The TAQ-56 is an overall well-rounded Assault Rifle that is dependable in certain scenarios, but there are way better assault rifles to choose from as well. However, if you still want to use this AR, I would recommend using the Attachments I will share later.

Loadout

1. Magazine: 30 Bullets
2. Muzzle: Echoless-80
3. Underbarrel: Demo IMP-44 Grip
4. Rear grip: FSS Combat Grip
5. Barrel: Tundra Pro Barrel

This rounds of all the Best Assault Rifles in Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2. I have mentioned all of the Best Rifles along with their respective best Loadouts, but for more details on the Loadouts, I would recommend you check out the Best Loadouts in Modern Warfare 2 article. Also, you if you want more Modern Warfare 2 Content, Check out our articles on Best Graphics settings on PC and The Best Guns in Modern Warfare 2.