Best Handguns and Handguns List

This is a list of all Handguns in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 (MW3). Read on to learn more about the stats of each Handgun and how to unlock them!

Best Handguns

1. Renetti: Highly Accurate 3-Burst Handgun with Low Time-to-Kill (TTK)
2. TYR: Strongest Damage Output among MW3 Handguns
3. COR-45: Best Handgun for Beginners

Renetti

The Renetti is arguably the best Handgun in MW3 as it has great accuracy, low recoil, and decent damage for just a secondary sidearm.

Not to mention that it's a 3-round burst pistol which speeds up the time it takes to kill an opponent (Time-to-Kill), making it almost identical to an SMG due to this.

Renetti Best Loadout and Build

TYR

The TYR is a 5-shot revolver that packs a huge amount of damage coupled with exceptional range and accuracy. This pistol hits like a truck at the cost of a slow firing rate.

Using this handgun may require a bit of skill since there's not a lot of room for error when shooting as you won't be able to spam bullets in case you miss your first few shots on an unsuspecting enemy.

TYR Best Loadout and Build

COR-45

COR-45 is a beginner's best handgun due to its forgiving nature in terms of its easy recoil control and overall reliability plus bullet range.

However, the only downside to this pistol is that its damage is mediocre at best and other handguns are just significantly better at inflicting harm on your opponents.

COR-45 Best Loadout and Build

List of All Handguns and Pistols

MW3 Handguns

Weapon	Gun Info
Renetti	Base Round Capacity: 15 Reserve Ammo: 60 How to Unlock: Unlocked by default.
WSP Stinger	Base Round Capacity: 20 Reserve Ammo: 80 How to Unlock: Unlocked at Level 16.
COR-45	Base Round Capacity: 14 Reserve Ammo: 56 How to Unlock: TBA
TYR	Base Round Capacity: 5 Reserve Ammo: 20 How to Unlock: TBA

There are 4 confirmed MW3 Handguns.

MW2 Handguns

Weapon	Gun Info
P890	Base Round Capacity: 8 Reserve Ammo: 16 How to Unlock: Unlocked by default.
X12	Base Round Capacity: 17 Reserve Ammo: 34 How to Unlock: Unlocked at Level 31.
X13 Auto	Base Round Capacity: 17 Reserve Ammo: 34 How to Unlock: Unlocked by leveling the X12 to Level 10.
.50 GS	Base Round Capacity: 7 Reserve Ammo: 14 How to Unlock: Unlocked at Level 13.
Basilisk	Base Round Capacity: 5 Reserve Ammo: 20 How to Unlock: Unlocked at Level 39.
9mm Daemon	Base Round Capacity: 15 Reserve Ammo: 75 How to Unlock: Get 15 Operator headshot kills with pistols.
GS Magna	Base Round Capacity: 7 Reserve Ammo: 14 How to Unlock: Get 30 headshot Operator kills using the .50 GS
FTAC Siege	Base Round Capacity: 32 Reserve Ammo: 64 How to Unlock: Get 50 hipfire Operator kills using handguns.

There are 8 confirmed MW2 Handguns that can be carried forward to Modern Warfare 3.

Carry Forward Explained

How to Use Handguns

Pair with a Riot Shield

If you're planning to use a Handgun as your main weapon through a match, it's best to pair it with a Riot Shield as the latter provides excellent defense which can boost your survivability in a hectic firefight. These shields will also protect you from behind each time you bring out your handgun.

You can equip a Riot Shield in your primary loadout slot, then your Handgun as your secondary.

Backup Weapon for Sniper and Marksman Rifles

Handguns can act as backup weapons while using Sniper and Marksman rifles as they can be quickly swapped to incase an enemy rushes in your sniping position.

They're also a better option to use whenever you run out of ammo with your sniper rifles since switching to a handgun is always faster then reloading.

Modern Warfare 3 (MW3) Related Guides

List of All Guns and Weapons

All Guns and Weapon Guides

All Guns and Weapons by Type