Best MW3 LMG loadouts & meta classes ranked in Season 3

The top LMG loadouts in Modern Warfare 3 offer the best firepower when compared to any other type of weapon in the arsenal, making them utterly dominant at long range. Of course, this does come with a lack of mobility and sluggish reload times, but with so much damage output, it's a price worth paying.

Assault Rifles, Battle Rifles, and SMGs will always be more popular than the trusty light machine guns overall, but they're more than capable of obliterating enemies as long as you have every top-tier attachment. So, to ensure you're equipped with the strongest setup in Season 3, I've put together a list of the five ultimate LMGs loadouts in MW3.

LMG classes in Modern Warfare 3 ranked

5. RPK

Best RPK loadout

• Muzzle: Sakin Tread-40
• Optic: JAK Glassless Optic
• Rear Grip: Demo-X2 Grip
• Stock: EXO-TAC Stock

A tried and true classic from MW2, the RPK may not be dominating the game's meta as it has done in the past, but it's an undeniably impressive LMG. Brilliant for holding down long sightlines on the likes of Derail, Wasteland, and Highrise, its low recoil and fast TTK mean it's always a solid pick.

On top of that, as a returning weapon, it's ideal for anyone who doesn't want to learn the intricacies of the new guns and just wants to prioritise comfort. It even had a small buff in Season 2, decreasing the ADS time from 410ms to 380ms to give you that extra bit of speed.

4. Pulemyot 762

Best Pulemyot 762 loadout

• Muzzle: FR Titan Silencer
• Optic: JAK Glassless Optic
• Rear Grip: Demo TL20 Recoil Grip
• Stock: Command D15 Recoil Compensated
• Conversion Kit: JAK Annihilator Bullpup Kit

If damage is your number one priority, then the Pulemyot 762 has to be your LMG of choice as it is unmatched in the TTK category. The one main drawback is the weapon's unbelievably slow reload times and sluggish movement speed.

However, this can be addressed with the JAK Annihilator Bullpup Kit Conversion Kit that immediately gives the Pulemyot 762 a much-needed boost of mobility and makes it a premium choice in Season 3. I've definitely found myself gravitating towards the weapon in my multiplayer matches, as its sheer power is hard to match.

It has been hit with some nerfs though - most importantly an increase to ADS idle sway, but the bullet velocity of the JAK Conversion Kit has also been decreased. These won't have a defining effect on the weapon's strength, but they are something to consider and make the gun a little bit tougher to use overall.

Furthermore, its strength is shown through its popularity, as it boasts a pick rate of 0.7% according to WZStats which is the seventh highest of all LMGs in the game. This, of course, isn't a lot in the grand scheme of things but shows why you should also pick up the Pulemyot and try it out.

3. Holger 26

Best Holger 26 loadout

• Muzzle: Echoline GS-X
• Optic: JAK Glassless Optic
• Underbarrel: Bruen Heavy Support Grip
• Magazine: 40 Round Mag
• Stock: Ascent Lord Stock

In my opinion, the Holger 26 is a top-tier LMG in Modern Warfare 3 as it has a strong balance of everything a hard-carry player is looking for in a weapon. With powerful damage, solid mobility, and a massive mag size, the Holger 26 is similar to the DG-58 LSW in the sense that it feels like an AR.

As a result, instead of just posting up in power positions, the Holger 26 can be used for aggressive plays and can even hold its own up close in the hands of a sharpshooter. This puts it above the rest of the pack in our estimations.

While some players can use the iron sights of the weapon with ease, I tend to struggle and opt for the Jak Glassless optic for a clean view.

2. TAQ Evolvere

Best TAQ Evolvere loadout

• Muzzle: Shadowstrike Suppressor
• Optic: JAK Glassless Optic
• Stock: Rampart Heavy Stock
• Magazine: 100 Round 556 Belt
• Rear Grip: XRK Response Grip

The beauty of the TAQ Evolvere in multiplayer comes with the gun's combination of accuracy and damage output, making it a true threat in the hands of a sharpshooter.

On top of that, the ability to equip a 100-round mag means you barely ever have to reload, giving you the chance to mop up countless enemies with no downtime.

As it's a newer weapon in the arsenal, it may take competitors a little time to master the weapon, but it's a well-worth investment.

What is the best LMG loadout in Modern Warfare 3?

1. Bruen MK9

Best Bruen MK9 loadout

• Muzzle: Shadowstrike Suppressor
• Optic: JAK Glassless Optic
• Underbarrel: Bruen Heavy Support Grip
• Rear Grip: STIP-40 Grip
• Magazine: 60 Round Mag

In my opinion, the Bruen MK9 is the best LMG in MW3 as it has a huge amount to offer in mid to long-range skirmishes. The gun's blistering fire rate is its biggest strength and with the loadout above, you'll be able to bolster its heavy recoil pattern.

This weapon is ideal for anyone who doesn't mind the sluggish side of LMGs and loves carrying around a massive weapon that can wipe out three foes before having to reload. You could opt for the no-stock option to dramatically increase mobility at the cost of recoil control, but that might be a little too much for most players.

The 60 Round Mag in particular is a highlight of this weapon, as there are very few times that you'll need all 100 shots at one time. 60 is more than enough to deal with multiple enemies, and this lets you enhance your movement and decrease the lengthy reload speed.

Furthermore, it's had a wide range of buffs in Season 2 Reloaded - most of which affect the gun's speed which is always helpful with an LMG. Among the adjustments, a 9% decrease in the ADS time, a 26% increase in ADS movement speed, and a 13% increase in overall movement speed help a lot when making this gun a part of the meta. All of this makes it a premium choice in Season 3, especially those who love beaming enemies from afar.

Now you know the best LMG loadouts, familiarise yourself with a rundown of the overall best guns in MW3, or every single Killstreak so you can pick the best selections for your playstyle. Be sure to check out our MW3 homepage for all of the latest news and guides.