Best Modern Warfare 3 SO-14 loadout

The SO-14 in the Modern Warfare 3 gunsmith.
Credit: Infinity Ward

The SO-14 in the Modern Warfare 3 gunsmith.
Credit: Infinity Ward
January 8, 2024: Season 1 Reloaded is on the way and we've tweaked the best SO-14 loadout along with the best attachments for multiplayer.

Looking for the best Modern Warfare 3 SO-14 loadout? We have everything you need to know about maximising this weapon’s advantages.

Modern Warfare 3 is coming soon, but most players are playing the game via early access, and they want to know what separates the SO-14 from other rifles. Returning from Modern Warfare 2, this is a weapon that can be used for long- and short-range purposes, so this rifle could be an easy favourite among many.

Right before heading to the best Modern Warfare 3 SO-14 loadout, be sure to check out our best Sidewinder loadout and a guide to the Trojan Horse mission. Be sure to check out our dedicated Modern Warfare 3 walkthrough hub for even more guides on Activision’s latest FPS.

What is the best Modern Warfare 3 SO-14 loadout?

  • Perks: Gunner / Commando / Lightweight / EOD Padding
  • Grenades: Frag / Smoke

Best Modern Warfare 3 SO-14 attachments

After testing numerous attachment combinations to improve the performance of the SO-14, we've settled on this set of five that delivers improvements across the board:

  • Barrel: 22 Factory Fourteen Barrel
  • Optic: Nydar Model 2023
  • Stock: SO R55 Adaptor
  • Underbarrel: XRK Edge BW-4 Handstop
  • Rear Grip: FSS Spider Grip

Up first is the 22" Factory Fourteen Barrel which bolsters damage range, bullet velocity, and hipfire accuracy for those occasions where there's no time to aim down sights. Speaking of aiming down sights, we've opted for the Nydar Model 2023 optic for a clear view of the action.

To reduce aim-down sight speeds, the SO R55 Adaptor and the XRK Edge BW-4 Handstop pair together perfectly to guarantee fast reaction times as soon as an opponent appears in your line of sight.

Last and by no means least is the FSS Spider Grip which tames recoil enough for you to dominate with the SO-14 in semi-automatic mode.

Best Modern Warfare 3 SO-14 perks and equipment

Here are the perks and equipment that will make for the best Modern Warfare 3 SO-14 loadout. While things can change, previously released information makes us think these will be the best perks and equipment for the Modern Warfare 3 SO-14.

Perks

  • Vest: Gunner
  • Gloves: Commando
  • Boots: Lightweight
  • Gear: EOD Padding

Since the SO-14 excels at both long- and short-range combat, the Gunner Vest makes a tonne of sense. After all, spawning with as much ammo possible with faster reload speed will ensure that players can keep shooting on whatever their preferred range is.

Complimenting the Gunner Vest well are the Commando Gloves, which allow players to reload faster while sprinting. This means even faster reload times when paired with Commando, which can make for some unstoppable firepower.

We chose Lightweight Boots since players will be consistently moving throughout the battlefield, since the SO-14 specialises in long- and short-range. For the sake of having some protection when running around, we added the EOD Padding to up your defence.

Equipment

  • Lethal: Frag Grenade
  • Tactical: Smoke Grenade

Having the best Modern Warfare 3 SO-14 loadout means needing some decent backup when things get rocky. The Frag Grenade is a decent Lethal for doing some damage, while players wait for their rifle to reload quickly.

As for Tactical equipment, we went with the Smoke Grenade in case players need to flee or if they want to kill people while they’re blinded. Whatever the case, the SO-14 will be able to make use of the Smoke Grenade really well.

Is the Modern Warfare 3 SO-14 Meta?

While we haven’t had much time to spend with the weapon, we think that the Modern Warfare 3 SO-14 has a chance to be a favourite once players get their hands on the game. Players returning from Modern Warfare 2 will be happy to see this rifle make a comeback, while those looking for a well-balanced weapon will love its expertise in long- and short-range attacks.

Still, this is all based on speculation, and we can’t comment on what makes the SO-14 tick any further. At the least, it won’t be long before players get their hands on the game so they can make up their own minds.

That’s all there is to know about the current best Modern Warfare 3 SO-14 loadout.