The community gives LMGs a bad rap in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2. They're heavier than their assault rifle rivals. The extended magazine often doesn't make up for having less statistical prowess on the battlefield. They appeal to players who chase killstreaks, but how do players get those killstreaks if they're constantly fighting at a disadvantage?

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Those players are likely just using the wrong LMGs. Those extra shots can have just as much stopping power as any kind of gun in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2. Experts who can fight through recoil have found a few LMGs that are guaranteed to go on a killing spree at least a few times in every match.

Updated on May 2nd, 2023 by Hodey Johns: With a few seasons, new maps, statistical teaks, and some major overhauls over and done with, the landscape has predictably shifted in Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 2. The franchise has always been quick to nerf guns that see their win rates get too high and buff weapons that see their win rates drop off. The changes may be subtle, but in a game that differentiates time to kill by milliseconds, that's all it takes to see something's usage go from top to bottom. This list has been overhauled, looking at the loadouts of the best players and the most successful loadouts of the community at large.

Sakin MG38

Call Of Duty Modern Warfare II (2022) Sakin MG38 Weapon Selection

The starting LMG, the Sakin MG38, impresses with consistent damage at all ranges. The gun is good for out-dueling assault rifles at mid-range which shouldn't be downplayed. However, it is below average in fire rate, accuracy, recoil control, mobility, and aim down sight time, limiting its versatility.

The best build for the Sakin MG38 can shore up these weaknesses, but there are too many to try and cover for, making it tough to recommend when compared to other LMGs on the list.

HCR 56

Call Of Duty Modern Warfare II (2022) HCR 56 Weapon Selection

The statistics on the HCR 56 tell the tale of a solid LMG. It has the best aim down scope time of any LMG in its class with the drawback of having the worst recoil as well. It's better for sniping at short bursts than used as a typical thick-of-the-fight LMG.

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After tweaking the aim sensitivity settings to get the accuracy right, players may find this is their favorite LMG. The big drawback is that the bad damage dropoff after 35 meters usually means players are better off with an assault or marksman rifle.

RPK

Call Of Duty Modern Warfare II (2022) RPK Weapon Selection

The RPK is above average in most categories, making it an above-average LMG on paper alone. But players should keep in mind the barrel drum used as a magazine. While most LMGs make reloading akin to suicide, players who aim for long killstreaks will enjoy the reload animation on this one.

With the best graphics settings, the RPK can find and eliminate combatants up close and at range, allowing it to do the job of both an assault rifle and an SMG. This gun has no damage dropoff after 45 meters and it's already got great damage up close, so it's ready to go for a variety of scenarios.

556 Icarus

Call Of Duty Modern Warfare II (2022) 556 Icarus Weapon Selection

The 556 Icarus has the best-in-class fire rate and recoil control. Players love tuning their weapons to make a "laser" gun, the 556 Icarus is a laser gun even without any tampering at all. This plays right into what an LMG is supposed to be.

The damage and range could be better, but LMG fighters usually are going for mid-range battles and both of these statistics are plenty to succeed in those areas. Use this until it's time to prestige to understand why the fans who love LMGs refuse to use anything else.

Rapp H

Call Of Duty Modern Warfare II (2022) Rapp H Weapon Selection

The Rapp H is tops in fire rate and range and middle of the pack in every other way. It can appeal to players who enjoy shooting from range without sacrificing too much mobility or handling to do. The extended range allows it to fight against marksman and sniper rifles just fine.

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When looking at the field data, the gun seems to treat damage done to torsos as upper-body or headshots, so there is a greater stopping power when aiming at center mass. With some quality tuning of the gun, it can be the best LMG for gamers who aren't headshot specialists.

Raal MG

Call Of Duty Modern Warfare II (2022) Raal MG Weapon Selection

As a gun of extremes, the Raal MG is either first or last in every category among LMGs. Damage, accuracy, and recoil control are all top-notch; in fact, when scoring headshots, it has the best time-to-kill among all LMGs at any range.

The low fire rate and bad mobility are something to consider, but that's not really what an LMG is supposed to excel at. The RAPP H is slightly better for all non-headshots but the damage is close enough that having the extra upper body bonus damage makes this the king, especially when using great field upgrades.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 is available now on PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.

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