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Best MW3 AMR9 loadout and class setup

Here's the best loadout for an AMR9 in Modern Warfare 3

A close-up of the AMR9 SMG in Modern Warfare 3.
Image credit: Rock Paper Shotgun/Activision

Looking for the best AMR9 loadout in Modern Warfare 3? The AMR9 is a fantastic SMG option in Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, especially for players looking for something in-between an SMG and Assault Rifle.

The AMR9 is one of the best SMGs in Modern Warfare 3, capable of close-fire damage as well as longer-ranged combat when kitted out with the right attachments. It might not be an Assault Rifle, but with some tweaking, it can easily compete with the bigger boys when it comes to unleashing a bulletstorm.

In this guide, we'll break down our favourite AMR9 loadout, including the best attachments, secondary weapon, perks, and all the equipment that you need to take advantage of this potent SMG.

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Why use the AMR9 in MW3?

The AMR9 explodes ammo quickly and excels at close and medium-range combat. Pick it if you're an aggressive, agile player who prefers a fully automatic high fire rate over the relative slowness of other guns within the Modern Warfare 3 weapon list. For an in-depth look at how the AMR9 holds up to other guns in the game, be sure to check out our MW3 weapon stat guide.


Best AMR9 loadout in MW3

  • Barrel: Tectonic Herald Light Barrel
  • Stock: Pipeline Pro LTS
  • Underbarrel: XRK Edge BW-4 Handstop
  • Ammunition: 9mm High Grain
  • Rear Grip: Sakin ZX Grip
Screenshot of a AMR9 attachment loadout in Modern Warfare 3
Image credit: Rock Paper Shotgun/Activision

While this loadout increases damage and range slight, those stats aren't our biggest concern. Instead, we've chosen AMR9 attachments that increase mobility to supplement the aggro playstyle needed to make the most of this firearm. Handling has also improved, ensuring that this is an easy-to-wield SMG especially for close scuffles.

Barrel: Tectonic Herald Light Barrel

For additions to speed, the Tectonic Herald Light Barrel is the attachment you're looking for. You can also experiment with the Tectonic Micro Integral Suppressor if you'd like to be undetectable by radar on top of your speed boosts.

Stock: Pipeline Pro LTS

The Pipeline Pro LTS adds movement and sprint speed while creating some negligible aiming idle sway and gun kick. The TA Venom stock is also a viable option for comparable mobility increases.

Underbarrel: XRK Edge BW-4 Handstop

The XRK Edge BW-4 Handstop increases aim walking, ADS, sprint to fire, and movement speed in one tight package. If you'd rather have increased recoil control, you can go with the Kimura RYN-03 Vertical Grip.

Ammunition: 9mm High Grain

9mm High Grain ammo is a vital choice for helping this gun compete with Assault Rifles, even though it'll take some time to unlock. Once you get access to this ammo, it'll supplement the AMR9 by boosting both bullet velocity and damage range, turning you into a dangerous killing machine on the battlefield.

Rear Grip: Sakin ZX Grip

Like our underbarrel, the Sakin ZX Grip is designed to negate any lost handling that our other loadout choices have caused. You'll see an increase to firing aim stability, gun kick control, and recoil control with this attachment.


Best AMR9 class setup: Secondary weapon

MCW, KV Inhibitor, or Renetti.

While the SMG is a formidible gun, it's still a close-range weapon at the end of the day. For long-range engagements, the MCW as a superb option, since its full-auto nature will make it an easy swap if you're already used to the AMR9. For an alternate choice with extreme damage, go with a sniper rifle like the KV Inhibitor.

If you're playing primarily on small maps, maybe ranged warfare isn't as much of a concern for you. If that's the case, we recommend the Renetti to supplement your AMR9 bulletstream. Equip this pistol with the Jak Ferocity Carbine Kit, and it'll essentially become the equivalent of another SMG at close range.


Best AMR9 class setup: Perks and Equipment

Infantry Vest, Quick-Grip Gloves, Lightweight Boots, EOD Padding, Flash Grenade, Battle Rage, Munitions Box.

For your choice of Vest and Gloves, we've picked the Infantry Vest for the additional tactical speed duration and the Quick-Grip Gloves for the increased weapon swap speed. The Lightweight Boots are our choice for Boots due to the increased movement and swim speed, but the Stalker Boots are also great for increased strafe and ADS speed.

The EOD Padding will provide protection against stray explosives and the Battle Rage Tactical option will give you a momentary adrenaline rush, which helps regen health and make you spongier in close combat. You can alternately take the Bone Conduction headset to stay aware of oncoming foes, or the Tac Mask to weaken oncoming flash, stun, and gas grenades.

Your equipment choices are largely down to personal preference. Give the Lethal Flash Grenade a try to disorient your foes, and since you'll probably be burning through bullets with such a fast-firing weapon, the Munitions Box will help to keep those ammo levels high.

For more Modern Warfare tips and tricks, check out our guide to the best perks in-game for optimal loadouts.

Screenshot of a AMR9 equipment loadout in Modern Warfare 3
Image credit: Rock Paper Shotgun/Activision

How to unlock the AMR9 in MW3

To unlock the AMR9 in MW2, you'll need to reach rank 55. This means you'll have to focus on playing Multiplayer and Zombies to earn as much player XP as possible.

The best way to earn player XP fast is to simply win matches, secure kills and complete challenges. You can speed up this process if you use Double XP Tokens too. These are usually obtained through the Battle Pass.

Screenshot of the AMR9 in Modern Warfare 3
Image credit: Rock Paper Shotgun/Activision

Best AMR9 alternatives in Modern Warfare 3

Striker.

The AMR9 and Striker were neck and neck during Modern Warfare 3's beta, and while the Striker clawed ahead in many players' personal preferences, it was also nerfed during the beta's second weekend and subsequent patches. In the final game, when outfitted well, AMR9 can outdo the Striker when it comes to damage that mimics an Assault Rifle at long range, but the two guns are still superb SMGs. Experiment with both to see where your preferences lie.

That concludes our guide on the AMR9. For more on MW3's assorted guns, take a peek at our guide to the best guns in Modern Warfare 3.

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