Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3

The Striker SMG is a slow-firing weapon that trades rate of fire for power and precision. It's one of the new guns added in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 that instantly became a fan-favorite during the open beta and the early launch period.

With its decently-quick TTK and unrivaled ease of use, the Striker can be brought to almost any gunfight in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 and still be successful. However, it's going to need a good attachment setup with a matching equipment loadout if players want to bring out the best the gun has to offer. The following are two such builds for the Striker — one for pushing its maximum effective range, and another for competing in very tight quarters.

Updated April 19, 2024 by Marc Santos: The Striker has survived multiple balance patches while getting only minimal changes to its overall performance. As of Season 3, this SMG is still competent in the current meta, though it will get outshined at times by faster-firing guns in its category, such as the RAM-9 and the HRM-9. This guide has been updated to put the Striker into the current meta's context by adding some extra recommendations for perks and attachments that further emphasize the weapon's intended playstyles.

MW3 Zero Recoil Striker Build

Mid range/no recoil build for the Striker in MW3 — Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3 Striker mid range build

The Striker feels more like one of MW3's short-ranged assault rifles compared to other SMGs. It doesn't kill as fast as the WSP Swarm or the AMR9, but it is significantly easier to use thanks to its low fire rate and recoil. The following setup aims to reduce the Striker's kick while boosting its range as much as possible to make it competitive in both CQB and medium range.

Barrel: Striker Elite Long Barrel
Muzzle: AVR T90 Compensator
Underbarrel: Bruen Heavy Support
Stock: Lachmann Recon Series
Optic: Any
Vest: Infantry
Gloves: Marksman
Boots: Lightweight Boots
Gear: Mission Control/Mag Holster

With this setup, players will have very little recoil to worry about when shooting the Striker, making it more useful over longer distances. However, keep in mind that its range still pales in comparison to actual assault rifles, and this weapon is still best used in close-medium engagements. If you really want to get rid of recoil, use the JAK BFB muzzle break instead, though this will make the gun handle like a truck.

The Infantry Vest and Lightweight Boots combo gives the loadout the speed needed to contest objectives. Since this Striker build is intended for mid-ranged encounters, positioning should take priority over in-combat mobility, especially since guns like the HRM-9 and FJX Horus outpace the Striker's rate of fire. Always aim to take high ground or advantageous positions when rocking this loadout.

MW3 CQB Striker Build

A CQB build for the Striker SMG in MW3 — Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3 Striker CQB build

This Striker setup goes in the completely opposite direction to the one above. Instead of building onto its main strength of having low recoil, this build focuses heavily on improving its Tac Stance effectiveness, making it a strong run 'n' gun option. The build is as follows:

Barrel: Colossus Suppressor
Laser: Hipshot L20
Underbarrel: XTEN TX-12 Handstop
Stock: No Stock
Rear Grip: Tacgrip
Vest: CCT Comms Vest/Assassin Vest
Gloves: Commando
Boots: Stalker
Gear: Ghost T/V Camo

The attachments here are all meant to improve the Striker's Tac Stance accuracy. Expect to have very little shot spread with these equipped. Meanwhile, the tactical gear options listed above are here to help players rip into the enemy's flanks while bypassing mines and avoiding UAV detection.

The CCT Comms Vest makes enemies drop radio packs that ping other enemies on the map for the player and their teammates. Use this to hunt down other targets and keep killstreaks alive. Also, consider bringing a long-ranged sidearm like the Tyr to compensate for the SMG's shortened range.

If you're concerned about enemy UAVs and other tracking devices, then equip the Assassin Vest to keep you hidden on the map. You'll be doing a lot of running and flanking with this gun, so it's best to have the element of surprise on your side.

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