The AK-47 is one of the most popular and also one of the strongest weapons in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare. However, it requires a bit more understanding than other assault rifles. We show you the optimal attachments and loadouts and the secret setup AK-74u.
What is the AK-47? The AK-47, or “Awtomat Kalaschnikowa” for “automatic Kalashnikov,” is one of the most well-known assault rifles in the world. In Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, it is considered the second strongest assault rifle after the M4A1 and is especially suitable for veterans.
It is also one of the five strongest weapons for hardcore mode. Starting with the AK-47 can be a bit tricky and cumbersome, as it tends to be a bit “stubborn” and difficult to handle without the right attachments.
How strong is the AK-47? The data for the AK-47 is mostly within the standard range for assault rifles:
- Rate of fire: 561 rounds per minute (thus slower than the M4A1)
- Damage (to the torso): 42 (up to about 28 meters), 38 (from 28 meters)
- Required bullets for a kill (to the torso): 3-4, depending on distance. In hardcore mode, every shot at any distance and to any body part is instantly lethal (except when behind cover).
- TTK (at torso hits): 214-321ms
- Reload time: 1.17 seconds (0.8 seconds with quick hands)
The YouTuber TheXclusiveAce elaborates on the data for the AK-47 in more detail in his video. There are also some graphics, such as for recoil:
The best attachments and setups for the AK-47
How do I best modify the AK-47? Through the Gunsmith feature of Modern Warfare, you can equip the AK-47 with various attachments. However, with the AK-47, you often need to choose a specific playstyle. It allows hardly any compromises or mistakes.
Setup 1: Entry with the AK-47
- Muzzle: Compensator
- Stock: Stock stock
- Underbarrel: Merc Foregrip
- Grip: Textured Grip Tape
- Depending on the area of use:
- Laser: 1mW Laser (for short distances/narrow maps)
- Ammunition: 40-round magazine (for medium distance and heated battles)
- Optic: any short to medium range sight, such as a Reflex Sight (for medium distance and area security)
This setup is well-suited to familiarize yourself with how the AK-47 behaves when it is not “naked.” It can be adjusted with a few tweaks for any multiplayer mode.
It is important that the compensator and the foregrip help to control the quite heavy recoil. This helps you aim better.
All attachments are unlocked relatively early, so you can quickly practice with this setup.
Setup 2: Long-range Defender
- Muzzle: Compensator
- Barrel: 23″ Romanian
- Optic: G.I. Mini Reflex
- Stock: Stock stock
- Grip: Textured Grip Tape
With this setup, you essentially don’t forgo any advantages of the AK-47, but ensure that it becomes even better in its area. You make it deadlier at range.
Only accuracy suffers a bit, which is why you shouldn’t play with sustained fire. This setup is best for securing areas and for a defensive gameplay.
Setup 3: Close quarters / CQC
- Muzzle: Suppressor (Monolithic)
- Laser: 1mW Laser
- Stock: Stock stock
- Underbarrel: Merc Foregrip
- Grip: Textured Grip Tape
By building the AK-47 this way, you get a weapon that is especially suitable for combat in buildings and streets. You sacrifice a bit of control, but you become harder to detect with the suppressor and deal decent damage at all distances.
The best method to use this setup is in Ground War to capture points or clear buildings. You are particularly good at leading an assault and with the laser, you are precise even at close range.
The YouTuber WhosImmortal showcases this setup in action in his video:
Secret Setup: AK-74u
What kind of weapon is this? Like some other weapons, the AK-47 also has secret setups. This includes the AK-74u, a lighter version of the AK-47 with a smaller caliber.
How to build it:
- Barrel: Compact 8.1″ Barrel
- Stock: Stock stock
- Ammunition: 5.45x39mm 30-round magazine
As expansions, a suppressor (Monolithic) and a laser (such as Tactical Laser) are perfect additions for this weapon. If you are planning a loadout with the AK-74u, you can refer to our ultimate Run&Gun build.
Where this setup shines: The AK-74u is an assault rifle, but its strengths lie where submachine guns thrive. You are more agile and faster than with most assault rifles.
Use the AK-74u in game modes with lots of action, such as free-for-all or deathmatch, or on maps where enemies can lurk around many corners and angles. Avoid it on maps with large open spaces.
For more information about the secret setup AK-74u, additional secret weapons and how to build them, check out our guide.
How to create the best builds for the AK-47
These loadouts give you the best class: For each of the setups mentioned above, we present a loadout that you can use to get the best start in a match.
We will also cover the secondary weapon, perks, and equipment. You can add killstreaks at your own discretion and preferences.
Build 1: Entry
- Secondary weapon: .50 GS (Desert Eagle)
- Blue perk: KRD
- Red perk: Ghost
- Yellow perk: Shrapnel
- Equipment: Thermite or Semtex and Stim or Stun
- Field upgrade: Ammo crate and/or Dead Silence
Build 2: Long-range Defender
- Secondary weapon: .50 GS (Desert Eagle)
- Blue perk: KRD
- Red perk: Kill Chain
- Yellow perk: Shrapnel
- Equipment: Claymore and Stun
- Field upgrade: Special ammunition rounds or Mobile Cover
Build 3: Close quarters/CQC
- Secondary weapon: 1911 or Combat Knife
- Blue perk: Scavenger or Sprint Speed
- Red perk: Overkill
- Yellow perk: Recon or Tracker
- Equipment: C4 and Stim
- Field upgrade: Dead Silence
Pros and Cons of the AK-47
AK-47 vs M4A1 – Which Assault Rifle is Better?
Here’s how the rifles compare: When comparing the standard versions of both weapons, the M4A1 performs significantly better. That’s why the M4A1 is also the strongest weapon in this weapon category.
Nevertheless, the AK-47 can keep up with the M4A1 with the right attachments. It can even outshine it in some areas, as it can be built to be stronger in close combat or at medium to long distances.
The M4A1 has the advantage of being “good” for all purposes in almost every configuration, just not outstanding. Therefore, the AK-47 is more of a specialist rifle and harder for beginners to master than the M4A1.
AK-47 – The Queen of Hardcore Mode
Where the AK-47 particularly shines: However, the AK-47 can excel in an area where the M4A1 falls short: Hardcore game modes. Here, all players have significantly fewer hit points, and there is, for example, no HUD.
The AK-47 can kill with a single shot at all distances if the enemy is not behind cover. Even with a shot to the knee. This makes it a true monster in this mode.
What alternatives are there? Together with the AK-47, the FR 5.56 and the Scar are also worth considering in the assault rifle category in hardcore mode. In softcore, the M4A1 is the alternative.
If, despite the right attachments, you prefer to look in other areas, we have some guides to other weapons that may also interest you:
