Modern Warfare 2 has given us quite a few weapons to play around with, and the M16 will immediately jump out at some. This is a fan-favorite weapon, and it's remained in the same burst-fire configuration we've always loved. Here's the best M16 class for MW2.
Modern Warfare 2 has launched, and for lovers of burst-fire there's only one option: the M16. It's the classic burst-fire M16 that we've known and loved since CoD 4 ...but, and this is a big but, MW2's version is certainly weaker than the OG. We're not saying it isn't viable, but because you need more than one burst of fire (even if you land every shot), it's going to be punishing to use against full-auto ARs. Nevertheless, if burst-fire is how you love to play, then we can still make a great M16.
We personally prefer a couple of the other Assault Rifles, but you can check out our complete tier-list of ARs here for more details.
M16 Attachment Setup
| Attachment Slot | Attachment Name | Unlock Level |
| Muzzle | Forge-Tac Castle Compensator | M4 Level 18 → Icarus Level 10 |
| Optic | Cronen Mini Red Dot | M4 Level 13 → FTAC Recon Level 16 → FSS Hurricane Level 3 |
| Stock | Corio Precio Factory | M4 Level 7 |
| Rear Grip | Sakin ZX Grip | M4 Level 8 |
| Underbarrel | VX Pineapple Vert Grip | M4 Level 18 → Icarus Level 14 |
The M16 simply isn't viable as a "run-and-gun" weapon, because it has a slower TTK at short-range, and generally poor mobility. Even with the best attachments we can't negate these shortfalls, so instead we'll focus on making it the best possible weapon for mid and long range. To do so, we're going to choose all the attachments that can maximize our recoil control. That's what these attachments are best at, with the exception of the optic. You could drop the red-dot, but we don't love the default aperture sight of the M16 for firing at anything beyond 20 m.
Note: We aren't using Overkill in this class, so you'll need to take a secondary. We advise the X13, but if you want something else, here's a ranking of all the sidearms in Modern Warfare 2.
- See how the M16 stacks up against the other weapons in our complete tier-list of all weapons in MW2.
M16 Loadout: Best Perks & Equipment
Perks (Base, Bonus & Ultimate)
Here's our favorite perk choice for a weapon like this:
Base Perks | Battle Hardened, E.O.D. |
| Bonus Perk | Fast Hands |
| Ultimate Perk | Ghost |
It's really hard to pick anything besides Fast Hands and Ghost for the Bonus and Ultimate slots, because these two just stand out as clearly the best options for most players, in most situations. Especially so because we're going with a longer-range, more passive weapons. Similarly, the two base perks, Battle Hardened and E.O.D., stand out as obvious choices for a loadout like this. They'll work to stop you getting pushed by aggressive players as easily.
You can find a complete list of every perk in MW2 here, in case you want to see what else is on offer.
Equipment (Lethals, Tacticals & Field Upgrade)
Here are our favorite grenades and one of the best Field Upgrades:
| Lethal | Claymore |
| Tactical | Snapshot Grenades |
| Field Upgrades | Suppression Mine |
We're not proud of it, but with a good ranged-weapon like this, camping up is your best option in MW2. So we've taken Claymores to make us harder to flank, Snapshot Grenades to see people trying to hide from us behind cover, and the Suppression Mine to wipe out anyone that survives the Claymore. Nothing revolutionary, but these pieces of equipment will work well for keeping you safe.
We hope you'll enjoy the M16. But if you want to see which other weapons are available in Modern Warfare 2, we have a complete list of weapons here.
Check out all the changes coming to Modern Warfare 2: