Dominate Battlefield 3 online with our handy guide to the best guns and weaponry in each class

Published on Oct 28, 2011

Assault Class

M16A3

 

• Assault rifle
• 30 round clips, fully automatic or burst fire
• Rate of fire: 850

 

This is one of the starting weapons for Assault class, and it’s a great rifle for both fully automatic fire, or burst shots. There is very little kick back, and the iron sights are perfect for picking off or suppressing targets at long range.

AK-74M

 

• Assault rifle
• 30 round clips, fully automatic or single-shot fire
• Rate of fire: 650

 

Descendant to the classic AK-47, this mid range rifle is powerful, although suffers slightly from hash kick back. When unleashing fully automatic salvos, you will need to keep on lowering the sights gradually to avoid missing your mark.

M320

 

• Grenade launcher
• 1 round, single shot fire
• Unlocked at 11,000 Assault Score

No, it’s not a noob tube. Instead, the M320 is a one shot, multi-purpose grenade launcher that can be incredibly tactical if used correctly. You can choose to load it with explosive rounds, smoke canisters and shrapnel containers. You can also combine the M320 with some rifles for ultimate stopping power.

M416

 

• Assault rifle
• 30 round clips, fully automatic or single shot fire
• Rate of fire: 750
• Unlocked at 22,000 Assault score

 

Similar to the M16A3, the M416 is another reliable assault rifle with minimal kick back, and longer range than its predecessor. If you can find a nice cover spot to lay low in, it is entirely possible to repel attackers across a massive distance.

M26 MASS

 

• Shotgun
• 5 round clips, semi automatic or single shot fire
• Unlocked at 38,000 Assault score

This is an absolute monster. Comparable to Call of Duty’s AA-12, the M26 Mass spits out heavy fire at a devastating rate. Like the M320 grenade launcher, this gun can be used with multiple ammo types; standard shot, flechette, frag and slugs. Can be mounted on some assault rifles.

AEK-971

 

• Assault rifle
• 30 round clips, fully automatic or single shot fire
• Rate of fire: 750
• Unlocked at 60,000 Assault score

 

Another long range assault rifle, the AEK-971 has an insane rate of fire, but while this gives you great stopping power, it is highly prone to kick back. Thankfully, you can pick your targets more carefully using single shot mode. It’s also excellent with a ranged scope on single shot mode.

F2000

 

• Assault rifle
• 30 round clips, fully automatic or single shot fire
• Rate of fire: 850
• Unlocked at 124,000 Assault score

 

In classic tradition, the F2000 spits out bullets at an unprecedented rate. If you’re going to use this bad boy, make sure you have a support class on your squad to refill your clip with ammo drops. You can add scopes to this gun, but it’s best used at short range.

AN-94

 

• Assault rifle
• 30 round clips, fully automatic or burst fire
• Rate of fire: 600
• Unlocked at 166,000 Assault score

 

Although the AN-94 has a slower rate of fire than most assault rifles, it’s absolutely lethal across long range. This is definitely best used with a scope, and in burst fire mode, as picking off targets at range is very effective.

KH2002 (Unlocked via co-op mode)

 

• Assault rifle
• 30 round clips, fully automatic, single shot or burst fire
• Rate of fire: 850
• Unlocked at 126,000 co-op score

 

One of few assault rifles that supports all three fire modes, there is a trade of in that you can’t attach underslung shotguns or grenade launchers. However, the KH2002’s rate of fire is on par with the ferocious F2000, meaning it’s an absolute beast at short range.

G3A3 (Unlocked via co-op mode)

 

• Assault rifle
• 20 round clips, fully automatic or single shot fire
• Rate of fire: 500
• Unlocked at 441,000 co-op score

 

With massive range and brutal stopping power, the G3A3 is powerful asset, although reduced clip size means that shots should be used sparingly, and reloading must always be done when behind cover. It also has a slower rate of fire than most rifles.

 

Engineer Class

SA-18 IGLA

 

• Rocket launcher
• 1 round, single shot fire
• Unlocked at 3,000 Engineer score

 

While powerful and featuring a homing lock-on function, you cannot free-fire the SA-18 under any circumstances. It’s incredibly useful in vehicle-heavy maps such as Caspian Border, Operation Firestorm, Kharg Island and Damavand Peak, although is near-redundant when facing troops on the ground.

FIM-92 Stinger

 

• Rocket launcher
• 1 round, single shot fire
• Unlocked at 3,000 Engineer score

 

Similar to the SA-18, the Stinger requires a vehicle lock on before it can be fired. However, the Stringer only locks on to airborne craft such as jets, choppers and UAV drones. It cannot lock on to ground vehicles such as tanks and jeeps. It’s also extremely useful on Rush games of Damavand Peak.

SCAR-H

 

• SMG
• 20 round clips, fully automatic or single shot fire
• Rate of fire: 600
• Unlocked at 14,000 Engineer score

 

Versatile, reliable and delivers a punishing barrage of rounds, the SCAR-H works with most of Battlefield 3’s rifle attachments, meaning you can tailor it to your personal taste and strategies. There is a great deal of recoil however, although it is lethal at mid-range.

M4A1

 

• Assault rifle
• 30 round clips, fully automatic or single shot fire
• Rate of fire: 800
• Unlocked for PLR: 145,000 Engineer score

 

With a rate of fire similar to the Assault class F2000 model, the M4A1 is a ferocious weapon that excels during medium to close range encounters. The gun is also compatible with the underslung rail, that lets you mount shotguns and grenade launchers.

A-91

 

• Assault rifle
• 30 round clips, fully automatic or single shot fire
• Rate of fire: 800
• Unlocked at 58,000 Engineer score

 

At medium range, the A-91 is a powerhouse, although there is a lot of kick back to contend with. There are also no customisation options, although the gun holds its own without them. It’s also very effective on tighter urban maps such as Seine Crossing and Grand Bazaar.

G36C

 

• Assault rifle
• 30 round clips, fully automatic, burst or single shot fire
• Rate of fire 750
• Unlocked at 110,000 Engineer score

 

Another veteran of the FPS circuit, the G36C is a reliable weapon that delivers all three firing modes. Idea for medium range encounters and in tighter, more enclosed areas, this is the premier choice for engineers who like to go toe to toe with their enemies. Also supports attachments and scopes.

AKS-74u

 

• SMG
• 30 round clips, fully automatic or single shot fire
• Rate of fire: 650
• Unlocked for U.S. at 145,000 Engineer score

 

This is a highly deceptive weapon due to its small size, yet powerful payload. The AKS-74u is another star of the FPS circuit, and is one of the best SMG weapons around. The slower rate of fire is backed up by the fact that it’s devastatingly powerful. Does not support attachments.

SG553 (Unlocked via co-op mode)

 

• Assault rifle
• 30 round clips, fully automatic, burst or single shot fire
• Rate of fire: 700
• Unlocked at 378,000 co-op score

 

An incredible all-round weapon, the SG553 allows for a plethora of attachments, boasts very little kick back, a high rate of fire and massive damage. The gun has plenty of pros and very little cons, making it a must-have weapon for engineers.

 

Support Class

M249

 

• LMG
• 200 round clips, fully automatic fire
• Rate of fire: 800
• Unlocked at 11,000 Support score

 

An utter beast of a weapon, the M249 is a powerhouse over long range. Although there is no burst fire option, we still recommend squeezing off rounds sparingly for maximum accuracy. Use the bipod stabliser and scopes to really boost the accuracy.

M224 Mortar

 

• Explosive device
• 1 round, single shot fire
• Unlocked at 40,000 Support score

 

Capable of dispatching highly explosive rounds and smoke canisters over long distances, the M224 Mortar is brilliant for pushing back enemies with devastating force. Using smoke rounds also prevents your attackers from spotting your team on the HUD, but only if your team mates are concealed by the shroud.

PKP Pecheneg

 

• LMG
• 100 round clips, fully automatic fire
• Rate of fire: 650
• Unlocked at 60,000 Support score

 

Brutal stopping power and a slow rate of fire is the name of the game here. Unlike most LMG weapons, the PKP isn’t best-suited to long range, and is instead a force to be reckoned with at mid-range. If you must attack at long range, use the bipod stand for greater accuracy.

M240B

 

• LMG
• 100 round clips, fully automatic fire
• Rate of fire: 750
• Unlocked at 90,000 Support score

 

Possibly one of the most powerful LMG weapons in Battlefield 3, the M240B also comes with a massive fire rate. The trade-off is that it is a medium range gun, and again, similar to other LMGs, comes with a bipod stand should you need to increase your range over distance.

M60E4

 

• LMG
• 100 round clips, fully automatic fire
• Rate of fire: 500
• Unlocked at 130,000 Support score

 

Slow, but lightweight, the M60E4 can be upgraded via its underslung rail. Given the powerful nature of the gun’s rounds, this is a valuable asset on the field, if you don’t mind the medium range and slow rate of fire, of course.

M27 IAR

 

• Assault rifle
• 45 round clips, fully automatic or single shot fire
• Rate of fire: 750
• Unlocked at 170,000 Support score

 

Although the presence of this assault rifle among a host of LMGs might seem odd, the M27 IAR is a neat addition to the support class arsenal. With a blistering rate of fire and reduced kick back, you can also deploy a bipod to increase your accuracy to an impressive degree.

RPK-74M

 

• Assault rifle
• 45 round clips, fully automatic or single shot fire
• Rate of fire: 600
• Unlocked at 170,000 Support score

 

Slow, but insanely powerful, the RPK is both lightweight and dependable at medium range. If you have your back up against a wall or need to storm tighter areas, such as the underground section of Operation Metro, then this is the weapon for you.

 

Recon Class

SV98

 

• Sniper rifle
• 10 shot clips, single shot fire
• Unlocked at 13,000 Recon score

 

As it is incredibly powerful, the SV98 is a bolt-action weapon that comes with a slow reload time. Picking your shots carefully is the key here, and if you nail your target, they will either be killed outright or take a massive blow. Also supports suppressors.

SKS

 

• Sniper rifle
• 10 shot clips, single shot or semi-automatic
• Unlocked at 71,000 Recon score

 

With a drastically reduced wait time between shots, the SKS is perfect for following up rounds that land on target. If you merely hurt someone with your first round, you can quickly unleash another to finish them off. Supports a wide range of attachments and scopes.

M40A5

 

• Sniper rifle
• 11 shot clips, single shot fire
• Unlocked at 104,000 Recon score

 

Another bolt action rifle, you really need to pick your shots carefully with the M40A5, although what it lacks in speed it makes up with stellar accuracy. Our best advice is to work on unlocking advanced scopes as quickly as you can for maximum visibility over the field.

M98B

 

• Sniper rifle
• 5 shot clips, single shot fire
• Unlocked at 146,000 Recon score

 

This bolt action rifle is insanely powerful, thanks to firing magnum rounds instead of standard bullets. Brilliant at both long and medium range, and delivering incredible accuracy, as well as reduced kick back, this is a contender for best gun of the recon class.

MK11 Mod 0

 

• Sniper rifle
• 10 shot clips, single shot or semi automatic fire
• Unlocked for PLR at 195,000 Recon score

 

One of few sniper rifles to feature an underslung rail for attachments, the MK11 is a highly versatile weapon. It also boasts one of the best ranges of any weapon in Battlefield 3, backed up with insane accuracy and minimal kick back. You’d be mad not to try it.

SVD

 

• Sniper rifle
• 10 shot clips, single shot, or semi automatic fire
• Unlocked at 195,000 Recon score

 

Another popular weapon on the FPS circuit, the SVD is a quick, semi automatic powerhouse that lets you volley off shots with frequency. It also comes with a x7 scope as standard, which means you will have a long range advantage at all times.

M39 EMR (Unlocked via co-op mode)

 

• Sniper rifle
• 20 shot clips, single shot or semi automatic fire
• Unlocked at 252,000 co-op score

 

Brutally powerful, the M39 boasts high-end range, quite simply one of the best in the game. You can only fire this in semi automatic mode, but as the weapon is stable, you can volley off shots with alarming speed.

 

General Weapons

870MCS

 

• Shotgun
• 4 rounds per reload
• Unlocked by reaching level 1

Short-ranged but powerful, the 870MCS is a trusty companion in toe-to-toe encounters. Although it’s the first general gun you unlock in Battlefield 3, it’s dependable enough to tide you over until you unlock more powerful alternatives.

G17C

• Pistol
• 17 round clips, semi automatic or single shot fire
• Unlocked by reaching level 4

Compatible with laser sights for maximum accuracy and the ability to dazzle opponent with the beam, the G17C is a moderately powerful starting pistol. While Battlefield 3 reckons the gun is a short ranged weapon, we have killed opponents over long range with it.

PP-2000

• SMG
• 20 round clips, fully automatic and single shot fire
• Rate of fire: 600
• Unlocked by reaching level 7

Don’t let its small size fool you, the PP-2000 is incredibly powerful when unleashed upon footsoldiers at short range. While its rate of fire is slower than most SMGs, it is incapable of holding many bullets. Luckily you can unlock a magazine upgrade that doubles the size of each clip.

M9 Tact.

• Pistol (U.S. Marines only)
• 15 round clips, single shot fire
• Unlocked by reaching level 10

One of few pistols that can be combined with the tactical flashlight, the M9 Tact is useful for close quarter encounters, particularly when you want to disorientate and confuse attackers bearing down on your position. It’s also suprisingly powerful.

MP443 Tact.

• Pistol
• 18 round clips, single shot fire
• Unlocked by reaching level 13

The Russian and PLR equivilant of the M9 Tact, the MP443 is equal in terms of power and mobility. It also comes equipped with a flashlight as standard, and is on par with the M9 Tact in terms of blinding and confusing close-range attackers.

UMP-45

• SMG
• 25 round clips, fully automatic, burst and single shot fire
• Rate of fire: 600
• Unlocked by reaching level 16

One of the most popular SMG weapons on the FPS circuit, the UMP-45 is light, powerful and stands up in a fight against enemies wielding powerful assault rifles or LMGs. Can also be modified using a front rail attachment.

G17C Supp.

• Pistol
• 17 round clips, single shot fire only
• Unlocked by reaching level 19

Identical to the standard G173, this version features a suppressor as standard. Again, this is a reliable, lightweight weapon that excels at long range, despite the game’s menus stating otherwise.

  M1014

 

• Shotgun
• 4 rounds per reload, single shot fire
• Unlocked by reaching level 22

Heavy duty, and with a wide bullet spread for maximum coverage, the M1014 is an absolute beast. It’s also highly versatile, as it supports a wide range of attachments thanks to a modifiable rail.

M9 Supp

• Pistol
• 15 rounds per clip, single shot fire
• Unlocked by reaching level 25

The suppressed model of the M9 pistol is light, accurate and packs a decent punch when compared to other pistols. Suppression is useful in tighter maps if you want to keep a low profile, or if you’re trying to reach an objective undetected.

MP443 Supp.

• Pistol
• 18 round clips, single shot fire
• Unlocked by reaching level 28

Another suppressed pistol, except this time the MP443 features 18 round clips that let you unload a lethal barrage of shots at close range before reloading. Semi automatic fire lets you act quickly as well.

G18

• Machine pistol
• 20 round clips, full automatic or single shot fire
• Rate of fire: 1100
• Unlocked for reaching level 30

With perhaps the fastest rate of fire in Battlefield 3, the G18 is ferocious at short range, although it is also insanely inaccurate. Anything higher than a light burst of fire will cause the iron sights to shake violently.

PDW-R

• Assault rifle
• 30 round clips, fully automatic or single shot fire
• Rate of fire: 750
• Unlocked by reaching level 32

Although it is slightly innacurate, the PDW-R rifle compensates by delivering a massive punch over long distances. Switching to single shot mode at range is perhaps your safest bet, and will guarantee greater stability.

Saiga 12K

• Shotgun
• 6 rounds per reload, single shot fire only
• Unlocked by reaching level 34

With a wide bullet spread, the Saiga 12k is ideal for clearing out whole rooms or corridors of enemies in just a few controlled bursts. This gun also boasts one of the fastest reload speeds for shotguns in Battlefield 3.

.44 Magnum

• Revolver
• 6 rounds per reload, single shot fire only
• Unlocked by reaching level 36

By far the most powerful handgun in Battlefield 3, the .44 Magnum can kill enemies in one shot if you are close enough to them. However, if you miss with your first shot, chances are the slow reload and recovery will cause you to be killed before you can unleash a second. use with care.

DAO-12

• Shotgun
• 12 rounds per drum, single shot fire only
• Unlocked by reaching level 38

A returning favourite from Battlefield 2, the DAO-12 is a powerhouse at short to mid range, and it benefits from having more shots per reload than most shotguns. However, a painfully slow reload time demands that you lay low while reloading.

P90

• Assault rifle
• 50 rounds per clip, fully automatic or single shot fire
• Rate of fire: 900
• Unlocked by reaching level 40

With a ferocious rate of fire and high velocity, armour-piercing rounds, the P90 is one of the premier assault rifles in Battlefield 3. It also boasts three weapon rails that can be loaded up with a wealth of attachments.

G18 Supp.

• Pistol
• 20 rounds per clip, single shot fire only
• Unlocked by reaching level 41

The suppressed version of the G18 is useful when sneaking into heavily guarded areas undetected, and especially on games of Rush. The high clip size allows for more shots between each reload.

USAS-12

• Shotgun
• 6 rounds per reload, semi-automatic or single shot fire
• Rate of fire: 300
• Unlocked by reaching level 43

This is an insanely powerful semi-automatic shotgun capable of stopping footsoldiers in one or two shots maximum. The USAS-12′s weight might slow you down, but it also results in less kick back, and generally improved accuracy.

.44 Scoped

• Revolver
• 6 shots per clip, single shot fire only
• Unlocked by reaching level 44

Combining the .44 revolver with a zoomed scope makes for a lethal overall weapon. You can kill most enemies with one round if you are close enough, but even with the scope at long range, the results of a well-aimed shot can prove lethal.

AS VAL

• Assault rifle
• 30 round clips, fully automatic or single shot fire
• Rate of fire: 900
• Unlocked by reaching level 45

With one the highest fire rates in the game, and by using armour-piercing rounds, the AS VAL is one of the best assault rifles in Battlefield 3. It is highly dangerous at all ranges, and can be equipped with almost any form of zoomed zcope.

MP412 REX

• Revolver
• 6 rounds per clip, single shot fire only
• Unlocked by earning 63,000 co-op score

This highly powerful revolver is weaker than the .44 Magnum, although what it loses in damage it makes up in both accuracy and reload speed. As such, the penalty for missing a nearby enemy is not as severe.

MP7

• SMG
• 20 rounds per clip, fully automatic or single shot fire
• Rate of fire: 950
• Unlocked by earning 189,000 co-op score

Although it is smaller and more compact than assault rifles, the MP7 has a far higher fire rate than all of them. Attachment rails lets you add a variety of sights, suppressor, a flashlight, or even a laser targeting device to improve accuracy.

93R

• Machine pistol
• 20 rounds per clip, single shot or burst fire
• Rate of fire: 1100
• Unlocked by earning 315,000 co-op score

Capable of unleashing insanely fast three-round bursts, the 93R also comes complete with a grip and extendable barrels that turn it from a machine pistol into something much more deadly.

 

 

Back To Karkand Weapon Unlocks

FAMAS

 

• Assault Rifle
• 30 rounds per clip, full auto, burst and single shot fire modes
• Rate of fire: 900
• Unlocked by completing the ‘Best Friends Forever’ assignment in the Back To Karkand DLC pack. To complete this assignment, perform ten revives and ten heals in multiplayer.