Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 - Best MTZ-556 Loadouts

The MTZ-556 is a rapid-fire assault rifle introduced in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3. It’s one of the first guns players unlock as they level up, and it’s capable of shredding multiple targets up close with constant streams of accurate fire.

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Compared to other assault rifles in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, the MTZ-556 has a reputation of being on the weaker side due to its strong kick. At base, it is harder to use than the BAS-B and SVA 545. However, once players start unlocking attachments for it, the MTZ-556 can quickly turn into a highly competitive rifle. Here’s one particularly effective build that’s strong at all ranges.

Updated April 19, 2024 by Marc Santos: The MTZ-556 was on the receiving end of a significant buff back in a patch on February 21. The weapon received a significant reduction to its initial gun kick and recoil during sustained fire, making it much easier to use now. A small bump to its effective range was also included in the patch, further making the MTZ-556 a deadlier weapon than it ever has been. This guide has been updated to capitalize on these changes.

MW3 Zero Recoil MTZ-556 Build

A low recoil build for the MTZ-556 in MW3

Before getting into the build, it’s important to know that the MTZ-556’s recoil pattern slithers from left to right, forming an S-shape if players shoot the gun continuously without controlling it. Understanding this pattern is the key to achieving the zero-recoil feeling that this gun is capable of, allowing it to compete with the likes of MW3’s RAM-7 assault rifle in close quarters.

The best MTZ-556 attachments are focused on making that S-pattern recoil easier to manage while emptying a magazine on a moving target. This setup aims to minimize vertical kick while keeping the overall shot spread more consistent as the gun rises upward:

Muzzle: Wrathguard Compensator
Underbarrel: Bruen Heavy Support
Stock: MTZ Marauder Stock
Barrel: MTZ Drifter Heavy Barrel
Sight: Any

Overall, the attachments listed above should make the MTZ-556 feel much less erratic when shooting in full auto. Aim Down Sights Speed will take a very small hit, but it isn’t enough to make a truly meaningful difference to how the gun feels. If you’re taking this weapon to Warzone, then swap the Underbarrel attachment for an extended magazine so you don’t run out of ammo during those late-match firefights.

As for tactical gear, the choices are up to the player’s preference. The MTZ-556 is a jack-of-all-trades gun that excels in the majority of situations, making it great for many Warzone maps. Stalker Boots will help win more close-ranged duels, while Commando Gloves can let players run from fight to fight without worrying about ammo. Try all of them out to get a feel for what they offer.

The images above show the recoil patterns of a modded and umodded MTZ-556 before and after the February 21, 2024 patch. The weapon retains its S-shaped recoil pattern, but it is significantly easier to control when unmodded as shown in the second image. When firing the MTZ-556, it no longer swerves as harshly to the left during the initial burst, making it easier to spray down targets that are further down range. The gun only becomes easier to use when attachments are equipped.

The gun will still have a hard time matching the mid-long range consistency of other weapons like MW3’s BAS-B battle rifle. However, if players manage to master the recoil pattern, they’ll be able to beam down targets from afar with relative ease.

Keep in mind that the MTZ-556 starts to veer to the right after 10—15 shots. When fighting someone who is more than 30 meters away, fire in short bursts to minimize the margin for error.

Players can alter this MTZ-556 build to be more consistent at longer ranges by equipping the MTZ Clinch Pro Barrel and High Grain Rounds. These will increase the weapon’s damage range, but expect recoil control to take a hit.