Best Assault Rifles in Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 – Full Tier List & Meta Loadouts

The assault rifle category in Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 is stacked with versatile options that thrive across nearly every map and mode. Each rifle plays differently depending on recoil characteristics, mobility, and attachment choices.

This tier list breaks down the best assault rifles in BO7 from S-Tier to C-Tier, featuring complete loadouts and unique usage breakdowns so you can build each weapon to fit your preferred style.

Best Assault Rifles in Black Ops 7 (Tier List)

The assault rifles in Black Ops 7 each offer their own strengths, from smooth recoil patterns to high-impact burst damage.

1. S-Tier

1.1 M15 Mod 0

The M15 Mod 0 is the easiest rifle to pick up and immediately start winning gunfights with. It offers predictable recoil, a clean firing rhythm, and excellent mobility for an all-round AR. It’s the ideal foundation weapon for players who want a smooth, forgiving rifle that stays competitive in every match.

M15 Mod 0

Best M15 Mod 0 Loadout

• Optic: Lethal Tools ELO
• Muzzle: Muzzle Brake
• Barrel: Short Barrel
• Underbarrel: Mobility Foregrip
• Stock: ADS Movement Stock

M15 Mod 0 – Usage Overview

• Control mid-map routes where frequent peeks reward its stable recoil.
• Lean into fast ADS to challenge gunfights before opponents settle into position.
• Rotate aggressively—the lightweight feel makes it ideal for constant repositioning.
• Hold medium sightlines where its accuracy shines and SMGs fall short.

1.2 Peacekeeper MK1

The Peacekeeper MK1 blends AR consistency with SMG-like handling. Its fast rate of fire pairs perfectly with aggressive players who want to stay inside close-to-mid-range fights while maintaining some reach. With the right attachments, the rifle becomes remarkably steady, allowing quick follow-ups and confident engagements through tight angles and fast pushes.

Peacekeeper MK1

Best Peacekeeper MK1 Loadout

• Optic: Lethal Tools ELO
• Muzzle: Muzzle Brake
• Barrel: Short Barrel
• Underbarrel: Mobility Foregrip
• Stock: ADS Movement Stock

Peacekeeper MK1 – Usage Overview

• Flourishes in close-quarters routes where rapid fire and quick handling give you the edge.
• Use cover-to-cover movement to stay inside your effective range and avoid long-distance beams.
• Pre-aim high-traffic entry points to take advantage of high fire rate and fast reaction potential.
• Pair with fast repositioning to shut down rotations and overwhelm isolated players.

2. A-Tier

2.1 AK-27

The AK-27 thrives on raw damage output, making it an excellent pick for players who prefer deliberate, accurate engagements. While it’s less forgiving than lighter rifles, it dominates when handled with steady aim and thoughtful positioning. Once attachments smoothen its recoil, the AK-27 becomes a dependable mid-to-long-range rifle that punishes opponents who try to wide-swing duels.

AK27

Best AK-27 Loadout

• Optic: LTI Mini
• Muzzle: Eclipse 7.62 Brake
• Barrel: 16.3″ SWF Tumult Barrel
• Underbarrel: Ironhold Angled Grip
• Rear Grip: Dictum Light Grip

AK-27 – Usage Overview

• Play structured angles where you can set up and fire accurate bursts without rushing.
• Slow down gunfights to let the rifle’s high per-bullet impact work in your favor.
• Lock down long lanes where lighter weapons struggle to land consistent shots.
• Hold head-level crosshair placement to minimize recoil correction during initial shots.

2.2 Maddox RFB

The Maddox RFB is built for players who want speed and consistency wrapped into one weapon. With strong handling, excellent fire rate, and controllable recoil, it fits aggressive mid-range dueling and fast rotations. Its versatile loadout turns it into a precision-focused AR capable of melting enemies while still feeling energetic and fluid.

Maddox RFB

Best Maddox RFB Loadout

• Muzzle: VAS 5.56 Suppressor
• Barrel: 24″ Assemblage Barrel
• Optic: Lethal Tools ELO
• Underbarrel: H-Lock Foregrip
• Rear Grip: Hallux Mix Grip

Maddox RFB – Usage Overview

• Excel in quick duels by combining rapid fire rate with smooth tracking and easy recoil control.
• Play forward positions where mobility helps you take early fights and contest choke points.
• Capitalize on mid-range consistency to pressure enemies retreating from objectives.
• Stay unpredictable—constant movement enhances the Maddox’s strengths.

3. B-Tier

3.1 DS20 Mirage

The DS20 Mirage is a punchy rifle that demands discipline but rewards players who master its vertical kick. Its strength lies in its ability to deliver accurate pressure at mid-range when properly stabilized. While not as forgiving as top-tier rifles, the Mirage becomes a reliable lane-control weapon once you build around handling and recoil suppression.

DS20 Mirage

Best DS20 Mirage Loadout

• Optic: Lethal Tools ELO
• Muzzle: Muzzle Brake
• Underbarrel: Mobile Recoil Handstop
• Rear Grip: Stabilization Grip
• Stock: Mobility Stock

DS20 Mirage – Usage Overview

• Use short bursts to maintain accuracy and control recoil build-up during long engagements.
• Take advantage of stable mid-range fights where you can predict enemy movement.
• Anchor lanes with methodical pre-aiming that offsets its sharper recoil profile.
• Approach gunfights with patience rather than high-tempo, reaction-based fights.

3.2 MXR-17

The MXR-17 excels at methodical medium-range gunfights thanks to its balanced movement and crisp shot timing. It benefits greatly from attachments that increase responsiveness, turning it into a precise and snappy AR for players who can keep its moderate recoil under control.

MXR-17

Best MXR-17 Loadout

• Optic: EAM xL Reflex
• Muzzle: Suppressor
• Underbarrel: Mobility Foregrip
• Rear Grip: Quickdraw Grip
• Stock: ADS Movement Stock

MXR-17 – Usage Overview

• Play slower, calculated gunfights where your tracking and timing matter more than sheer speed.
• Hold medium-range angles where the MXR can consistently chip away at enemies.
• Use strafing during ADS to remain harder to hit while keeping your shots stable.
• Engage from positions of advantage instead of challenging wide, open ground.

4. C-Tier

4.1 X9 Maverick

The X9 Maverick is a burst-fire rifle with high lethality when the entire burst connects, but its demanding recoil pattern and limited rhythm make it more situational. Skilled players can make it shine at controlled distances, but most will find it inconsistent compared to higher-tier options that offer smoother, more forgiving handling.

X9 Maverick

Best X9 Maverick Loadout

• Optic: Lethal Tools ELO
• Muzzle: Suppressor
• Barrel: Heavy Barrel
• Rear Grip: Quickdraw Grip
• Stock: ADS Movement Stock

X9 Maverick – Usage Overview

• Fire controlled bursts to keep shot grouping tight and avoid bloom issues.
• Fight at mid-range where your bursts are easier to land without risking close-range overwhelm.
• Catch enemies crossing lines of sight where predictable movement makes bursts reliable.
• Stay mobile to avoid getting caught while your burst cycle resets.