The best Modern Warfare 3 shotgun is bound to prove a hot topic of conversation as the cycle progresses.
Modern Warfare 3's extensive gun list contains a handful of shotguns that excel in close-quarters combat thanks to their incredible firepower and mobility, allowing them to contend with the best SMGs and other categories available in multiplayer during Season 1. As always, there are some that stand out from the rest of the crowd thanks to their superior characteristics.
Before we take a closer look at the best Modern Warfare 3 shotgun, check out our other guides showcasing the best Striker loadout along with the best LMG to use in mid- and long-range battles.
What is the best Modern Warfare 3 shotgun?
With Pre-Season now underway, the best Modern Warfare 3 shotgun is the Lockwood 300 from Modern Warfare 2. It deals a huge amount of damage in close-range scenarios which is perfect for a run-and-gun style of play.
Modern Warfare 3 shotgun tier list
Modern Warfare 3 contains plenty of shotguns. To reflect recent buffs and nerfs to the arsenal, we've adjusted our full tier list so you know which ones are the best and which ones to avoid.
S tier
- Lockwood 300
- KV Broadside
- MX Guardian
A tier
- Riveter
- Lockwood 680
- Haymaker
B Tier
- Bryson 890
- Expedite 12
Leading the shotgun category are the Lockwood 300, KV Broadside, and the MX Guardian, thanks to their incredible damage output. Closely following it in A tier is the Lockwood 680, and although it also possesses high damage output, we found it created more hitmarkers in scenarios where we'd expect it to score a kill.
More shotguns are expected throughout the cycle when a new season launches, and as soon as we've mastered any new additions, we'll add them to the tier list so you know which are viable options and which ones to avoid.
That's everything there is to know about the best Modern Warfare 3 shotgun. For more Call of Duty, head over to our Warzone page for all the latest battle royale intel.