As the grind begins in Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, most players are leveling weapons, unlocking attachments, and experimenting to find what feels best. With so many guns available early on, it can be difficult to decide which ones are truly worth investing time in. After maxing several weapons, testing dozens more, and comparing base stats and in-game performance, a handful of guns stand out as exceptionally strong in the early meta.
Below are the top five best early-game weapons in Black Ops 7, complete with recommended attachments and performance insights.
1. MXR17 – The Hard-Hitting Mid- to Long-Range Beast
If you love rifles that feel like the classic SCAR or RAM-Part, the MXR17 will instantly feel familiar. This weapon hits like a truck and boasts one of the strongest damage profiles in the game.
Why It’s Good
· Elite mid- and long-range damage
· Surprisingly clean iron sights
· Consistent performance at 20m, 40m, 50m+
· Slightly slower fire rate, but extremely reliable
Best Attachments (5-Attachment Setup)
· Muzzle: Redwell 90 Compensator — Vertical recoil control
· Barrel: Long Barrel — Big extension to all damage ranges
· Underbarrel: Lateral Precision Grip — Horizontal recoil control
· Magazine: Basic Mag — Keeps mobility and fire rate strong
· Stock: Winch Stock — Improves both vertical & horizontal recoil
· Optional: Recoil Sync Unit for easier control OR Overpressured Rounds for higher velocity
The MXR17’s long barrel gives the second-best TTK profile all the way to 70m—perfect for the majority of multiplayer engagements. It’s easily one of the strongest rifles currently available.
2. AK27 – Consistent Damage and Top-Tier Control
The AK27 was one of the first rifles many players leveled, and for good reason. It offers excellent consistency across mid- and long-range fights with minimal drop-off.
Why It’s Good
· High, consistent damage without harsh drop-offs
· Very easy to use and stable
· Shines in long-range maps and lanes
Best Attachments
· Optic: Lethal Tools ELO (extremely clean and easy for tracking)
· Muzzle: EMT3 Compensator — Vertical recoil control
· Barrel: Bullet Velocity Barrel OR Hybrid Barrel for balanced velocity & range
· Underbarrel: Flow Guard Foregrip — Horizontal recoil + improved movement
· Rear/Conversion: Recoil Springs — More control
Prestige Option to Watch
Enhanced Cycle System
· Higher fire rate
· Tons of horizontal control
· Slightly reduced damage range — but still very strong
The AK27 is one of the most balanced rifles in the game, perfect for players who want consistency over flashiness.
3. RK9 – The Standout Burst SMG With Best-in-Class TTK
SMGs in Black Ops 7 are currently underwhelming overall—but the RK9 is a major exception. This burst-fire SMG offers the fastest TTK in the category and becomes extremely rewarding once you get used to its rhythm.
Why It’s Good
· Fastest SMG TTK on paper
· Bursty, accurate, and great for aggressive players
· Surprisingly effective out to 25–30m with the right build
Best Attachments
· Optic (Optional): Lethal Tools ELO — Personal preference
· Muzzle: Hawker Series 45 Compensator — Vertical recoil control
· Barrel: Long Barrel — Extends effective range to ~23m
· Underbarrel: Quickstep Foregrip — Movement, strafe, hipfire mobility
· Rear Grip: Lotus Draw Grip — Faster ADS
Prestige Option
MFS Iron Lung Handstop
· Fire rate + control
· Removes auto-burst for manual burst fire
· Fantastic for skilled players who want maximum speed
The RK9 is easily the best SMG to level early if you enjoy close-range, aggressive play.
4. M15 Mod Zero – The Best Beginner Rifle in the Game
The M15 Mod Zero is the first rifle players unlock—and unbelievably, it’s also one of the strongest early-game weapons overall. Even though the close- and mid-range TTK isn’t top tier, its ease of use and mobility make it a monster for aggressive players.
Why It’s Good
· Very easy recoil pattern
· Excellent mobility and strafe speed
· Great at both close-quarters and mid-range gunfights
· Perfect for new players and rushing playstyles
Best Attachments
· Muzzle: Redwell Compensator — Simple vertical control
· Barrel: Bowen Watchtower Barrel — 38m effective range, 64m second range
· Underbarrel: Iron Hold Angled Grip — Better sway + horizontal recoil
· Stock: Wander 3V — Big strafe speed boost
· Rear Grip: Paragine Grip — Faster ADS
· Extra (Gunfighter): Flip Mag or Extended Mag
· Misc: Recoil Springs to make it a laser beam
This rifle is currently the most-used weapon in the killfeed—and its versatility is the reason why.
5. VS Recon – The No-Hitmarker Sniper Rifle
Want a sniper that feels consistent, fast, and deadly? The VS Recon is the early-game sniper you want. It’s surprisingly mobile and hits like a truck, with extremely forgiving one-shot potential.
Why It’s Good
· High one-shot reliability
· Fast ADS with the right build
· Great for quick-scoping and holding angles
· Doesn’t require high-level attachments to compete
Best Attachments (Early Game Build)
· Optic: Default Ballistic Scythe (clean and effective)
· Barrel: Short Barrel — Faster ADS, no range penalty
· Underbarrel: Steig Stabilizer — Better idle sway + delay reduction
· Rear Grip: R1 Shelf — Faster ADS
· Stock: Stable Heavy Pad — Flinch resistance
· Bolt: Light Bolt — Faster rechambering (velocity loss doesn’t matter much)
Prestige Recommendation
MFSR Stop Underbarrel
· Faster ADS
· Better sway control
· Longer breath hold
This turns the VS Recon into a lightning-fast one-shot machine.
Final Thoughts
These five weapons offer some of the strongest early-game performance in Call of Duty: Black Ops 7. While the meta will inevitably shift with upcoming buffs and nerfs, each of these guns already feels powerful, reliable, and satisfying with minimal setup.
As the game evolves, expect updated weapon guides, new optimized loadouts, and deeper meta breakdowns. But for now, if you want the best guns to start dominating early, these are your go-to choices.
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