Black Ops 2 SMG Ranking - Every Submachine Gun Ranked

Introduction

SMGs are the engine of aggressive play in Call of Duty: Black Ops 2. With superior mobility, fast sprint-to-fire times, and devastating close-range damage, a well-chosen SMG can dominate maps like Hijacked, Slums, and Nuketown. BO2 features one of the strongest SMG lineups in franchise history, with multiple weapons that remain competitive staples even today.

This guide ranks every submachine gun in Black Ops 2 from best to worst, with detailed stat breakdowns, optimal attachment setups, and recommended playstyles for each weapon.

Complete SMG Tier List

| Rank | Weapon | Tier | Damage | Fire Rate | Best Feature | |------|--------|------|--------|-----------|-------------| | 1 | MSMC | S | 40-25 | 750 RPM | Best all-around SMG | | 2 | PDW-57 | S | 35-25 | 750 RPM | 50-round magazine default | | 3 | Skorpion EVO | A | 35-20 | 1250 RPM | Highest fire rate in class | | 4 | MP7 | A | 35-20 | 937 RPM | Laser accuracy, low recoil | | 5 | Vector K10 | B | 35-20 | 937 RPM | Consistent, predictable | | 6 | Chicom CQB | B | 45-33 | Burst (3-round) | 1-burst kill potential | | 7 | Peacekeeper | B | 38-28 | 720 RPM | AR-range on an SMG frame | | 8 | EVO 3 | C | 30-20 | 1200 RPM | High fire rate, high recoil |

S-Tier SMGs

MSMC - The Undisputed King

The MSMC is the gold standard for competitive SMG play in Black Ops 2. Its high base damage (40-25) combined with a 750 RPM fire rate gives it one of the fastest close-range TTKs in the game. The recoil pattern kicks up and slightly right, becoming predictable after extended use.

Damage Profile:

• 0-12m: 40 damage (3-shot kill)
• 12-22m: 33 damage (4-shot kill)
• 22m+: 25 damage (4-shot kill)

Optimal Attachments: Quickdraw + Long Barrel. The Long Barrel is critical on SMGs — it extends the 3-shot kill range by approximately 20%, giving you AR-competitive TTK at medium range.

Best Perks: Lightweight + Scavenger + Dexterity + Extreme Conditioning (via Perk 3 Greed)

PDW-57 - The Magazine Monster

The PDW-57 competes directly with the MSMC in competitive play, offering an alternative for players who prioritize sustained fire over raw time-to-kill. Its 50-round magazine by default means you can engage 3-4 enemies without reloading — perfect for objective modes and spawn-trapping.

Unique Advantage: With Extended Clip, the PDW-57 holds 65 rounds. That is enough ammunition to clear an entire team twice without reloading. For Hardpoint and Domination players, this alone justifies choosing the PDW-57 over the MSMC.

Optimal Attachments: Quickdraw + Suppressor. The PDW-57's damage drop-off is less punishing than the MSMC's, making Suppressor a viable option for stealth classes.

A-Tier SMGs

Skorpion EVO - The Bullet Hose

The Skorpion EVO fires at an astonishing 1250 RPM — easily the fastest fire rate in the SMG category. This weapon absolutely shreds at point-blank range but suffers from severe recoil and extremely fast ammo consumption. Players with good recoil control can make the Skorpion EVO competitive at all ranges, but the skill floor is high.

Key Weakness: The Skorpion burns through a 30-round magazine in approximately 1.4 seconds. Without Scavenger, you will run out of ammo quickly. Extended Clip is essentially mandatory for multi-kill potential.

MP7 - The Laser Beam

The MP7 is the most accurate SMG in Black Ops 2. Its recoil is almost entirely vertical with minimal horizontal drift, making it the easiest SMG to control at medium range. While its damage output trails the MSMC and PDW-57, players who prioritize consistency will find the MP7 delivers reliable results.

B-Tier SMGs

Peacekeeper - The Hybrid

The Peacekeeper is a DLC weapon that blurs the line between SMG and AR. It has the mobility of an SMG but the damage profile and range characteristics of a low-tier assault rifle. While unique, it does not excel in either role — an MSMC outguns it up close, and an AN-94 beats it at range.

Chicom CQB - Burst Fire Specialist

The Chicom CQB is a 3-round burst SMG that kills in one burst at close range with headshots. It rewards precision but punishes panic-spraying severely. In the right hands, it has competitive TTK; for most players, the inconsistency makes full-auto SMGs a safer choice.

SMG Best Practices

Frequently Asked Questions

MSMC vs PDW-57: Which should I use?

If you prioritize gunfight performance and the fastest TTK, choose the MSMC. If you prefer engaging multiple enemies without reloading and want a more forgiving weapon, choose the PDW-57. Both are S-tier; the choice depends on your playstyle.

Is the Skorpion EVO viable in competitive play?

It can be, but the MSMC and PDW-57 are more consistent. The Skorpion EVO's extreme fire rate makes it devastating up close but unreliable at medium range. It is best used as a specialist weapon on small maps.

What is the best SMG attachment setup?

Quickdraw + Long Barrel is the competitive standard. Quickdraw gives you split-second ADS advantage, and Long Barrel pushes your effective range into AR territory. For stealth classes, swap Long Barrel for Suppressor.

Conclusion

Black Ops 2's SMG lineup is stacked with competitive options. The MSMC and PDW-57 sit at the top of the meta for good reason — they combine speed, damage, and reliability in ways no other weapons can match. The Skorpion EVO, MP7, and Peacekeeper offer niche alternatives for specific playstyles, while the Vector K10 and Chicom CQB reward dedicated mains who master their unique handling.

Choose your SMG based on your playstyle, master its recoil pattern, and never stop moving. In Black Ops 2, a fast SMG player who understands positioning will always outperform a slow AR player who stands still.