Best Shotguns in Modern Warfare 3: Every MW3 Season 2 Shotgun ranked

Max Candelarezi ❘ Published: 2024-02-21T21:29:32 ❘ Updated: 2024-02-21T21:29:41

Getting up close and personal with a Shotgun is a winning strategy.

When confronting enemies at close range in MW3, Shotguns prove to be an outstanding option. To help you select the best Shotgun for MW3 Season 2, we have ranked each one from the most effective to the least, counting down to the five best picks.

MW3 Season 2 is fully underway offering players a ton of content, including new weapons like the BP50 and RAM-9. While Assault Rifles, Snipers, and SMGs have established their dominance in the meta, Shotguns can prove to be a great choice to dish out enemies in close-quarter combat.

So, if you’re looking to dominate close-range gunfights, we’ve ranked all the Shotguns in MW3 from best to worst, along with a countdown to the top five picks.

Best Modern Warfare 3 Shotguns ranked list

Modern Warfare 3 has nine Shotguns for you to choose from, so we’ve ranked each one from the best to the worst below.

Lockwood 680
Haymaker
KV Broadside
Lockwood 300
MX Guardian
Bryson 800
Expedite 12
Riveter
Bryson 890

Best Modern Warfare 3 Shotguns

5. MX Guardian

MX Guardian is a full auto Shotgun in MW3.

The MX Guardian is a fully automatic shotgun, with an exceptional fire rate that devastates in MW3’s close ranges. When equipped with the right attachments, you can take full advantage of its hip-fire capabilities, allowing you to kill enemies in quick succession without aiming down sight.

4. Lockwood 300

Lockwood 300 can deal a ton of damage in close-range combat in MW3.

The Lockwood 300 has been a powerful Shotgun in Modern Warfare 3 ever since the addition of the Maelstrom Dual Trigger attachment, which allows you to fire two shots at once. Naturally, Shotguns deal a ton of damage up close but with two shots firing at once, you’ll deal an even greater amount of damage.

However, keep in mind that you’ll only be able to fire once before having to reload, so running attachments that buff your reload and movement speeds is key to maximizing its potential in MW3.

3. KV Broadside

KV Broadside Shotgun with Modern Warfare 2

KV Broadside carried over from Modern Warfare 2 to MW3.

Despite looking identical to an SMG, the KV Broadside is a top-tier Shotgun that pales only in comparison to the Lockwoods, thanks to its quick firing rate, impressive movement speed, and controllable recoil.

When equipped with the meta attachments, the KV Broadside can lay waste to enemies in just a few shots in medium range and can be lethal up close.

2. Haymaker

With the right attachments, the Haymaker can be an outstanding Shotgun in MW3.

Veteran CoD players will easily identify the Haymaker‘s operation, as it closely resembles the Origin 12 Shotgun from Modern Warfare 2019. Featuring a sizable magazine and an impressive rate of fire, this weapon allows you to quickly eliminate opponents.

While the Lockwood 680 may currently hold the lead, slightly outperforming the Haymaker in certain features, if adjustments are made to it in the future, don’t be surprised to see the Haymaker taking its place.

1. Lockwood 680

Lockwood 680 can deal an impressive amount of damage in MW3.

The Lockwood 680 might trigger memories of the frustrating Shotgun Warzone meta given its name, and not so far, it also stands out as the best Shotgun in Modern Warfare 3. Despite its fair magazine size and rate of fire, the weapon excels when equipped with the right attachments.

For those seeking to dominate enemies, the Lockwood 680 is precise and easy to use, boasting a powerful damage profile. Similar to its counterparts, it proves to be an outstanding option for short-range fights.