The best sniper rifle builds for small maps in Modern Warfare 3

I love tinkering in games. Seeing just how far I can push something tickles the joy spot in my brain. So, it was only natural that I would abuse the robust weapon crafting system in Modern Warfare 3 to make a sniper rifle built specifically for use in small maps.

It’s like teaching a fish how to climb a mountain. By taking something outside of its element and forcing it to adapt, I’ve tapped into something profoundly powerful. While SMGs and akimbo pistols have historically dominated small maps, I’d argue that sniper rifles can do just as well.

Call of Duty MW3 sniper rifle builds for small maps

I love using sniper rifles and I equally love small maps like Shipment and Rust. So, when Call of Duty runs events that feature small map playlists, I like to get creative. The small maps are chaotic and a target-rich environment. It’s the perfect place to test builds and level up weapons.

By tailoring sniper rifles to work in these confined spaces, we’ve created monsters more than capable of one-hit kills. As is with any sniper rifle, positioning is still key, but once you’re set, it becomes a killing field. With four sniper rifles in Modern Warfare 3 to choose from, let’s get you kitted out.

XRK Stalker

The XRK Stalker is a solid choice thanks to a wide range of options. It packs one hell of a wallop and will kill anyone hit from the waist up. There are several variations of reflex scopes, so that’s up to your personal preference. Each gives enough magnification to see across the map and line up a shot without straining your peepers.

The magazine is limited to five rounds, but the idea is to land each hit, resulting in five kills before needing to reload. Missing a shot is fatal, as the bolt-action reload is longer than your average opponent’s reaction time. Be quick, be precise, and be lethal.

• Optic
  • QTG Reflex Sight
  • Corvus SOL-76
  • SZ SRO-7
  • Corio RE-X Pro
  • SZ Lonewolf Optic
• Stock: Ural-M Stock
• Rear Grip: Bruen Lynx Grip
• Guard: HVS 50 Cal Heavy Guard
• Ammunition: .50 Cal High Grain Rounds

KATT-AMR

The KATT-AMR is very similar to the XRK Stalker. However, the KATT-AMR is more of a heavy-hitter, so this build is all about taming the beast for quicker and more precise shots. Utilizing a five-round magazine, it will obliterate anything hit from the waist up. The reload time is comparable while the choice of scopes is less than ideal.

The KATT-AMR is meant for large maps and the scopes reflect that with up to 13x zoom. As such, the best we can get for a small map is 2.5x. The two choices below are the only ones without a visible laser or glint.

• Optic
  • KR Mortis Precision 2.5x
  • SL Truesight 2.5x
• Stock: Precision Stock Pad
• Rear Grip: Singer LR Grip
• Ammunition: .50 Cal High Grain Rounds
• Barrel: Perdition 24″ Short Barrel

Longbow

I was pleasantly surprised by the Longbow. It’s a purely aesthetic thing, but I hate the AK-style body and banana clip. However, after using it, the Longbow is probably my favorite sniper rifle in Modern Warfare 3.

It’s much more mobile than other snipers without losing too much of the power. Since you’re not hampered by slow reload thanks to the default 30-round magazine, you can move around the map more freely for some opportunistic kills.

• Optic
  • SZ Mini
  • Cronen Mini Dot
  • QTG Reflex Sight
  • Corvus SOL-76
  • SZ SRO-7
  • Corio RE-X Pro
  • SZ Lonewolf Optic
• Stock: KV Factory Stock
• Rear Grip: Chorus GEN4 Grip
• Barrel: TAC-Brute Suppressed Barrel
• Ammunition: 7.62x39mm High Grain Rounds

KV Inhibitor

Of all the sniper rifles, I’m the least impressed with the KV Inhibitor. Compared to the other MW3 sniper rifles, it doesn’t stand out in any particular area. It’s like the discounted Longbow. Still, if you’re a completionist, this build will make the best version of the KV Inhibitor for small maps.

• Optic
  • KR Mortis Precision 2.5x
  • SL Truesight 2.5x
• Stock: ZLR Bulwark Precision Stock
• Ammunition: .338 Magnum High Grain Rounds
• Barrel: KAS-7 Integrated Suppressor
• Rear Grip: Brace LS