The Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 Beta has given players their first real taste of Treyarch’s return to grounded, fast-paced combat. With only a few days of testing, the community has already identified the weapons dominating the battlefield. Whether you prefer tactical mid-range fights or aggressive run-and-gun play, the current meta offers plenty of powerful options — and this guide breaks down the best loadouts you should run right now.
Black Ops 7’s weapon sandbox feels balanced overall, but certain guns clearly outperform the rest in terms of time-to-kill (TTK), recoil stability, and versatility. The five meta-defining weapons in the beta are:
- M8A1 – Marksman Rifle (burst precision)
- M15 MOD 0 – All-rounder Assault Rifle
- Dravec 45 – High-range SMG
- Peacekeeper MK1 – Fast-handling Assault Rifle
- VS Recon – Bolt-action Sniper Rifle
Each weapon shines in its own lane, so picking the right setup for your playstyle can make all the difference.
See also: Black Ops 7 Zombies Beta: How to Get the Free Raygun Fast
1. M8A1 – The King of the Beta
The M8A1 is the undisputed best gun in Black Ops 7 Beta, combining lethal burst damage with pinpoint accuracy. Its four-round burst can instantly melt enemies up to 30 meters, rewarding precise aim.
Best M8A1 Loadout:
- Optic: Lethal Tools ELO
- Muzzle: RL-5.56 Brake
- Barrel: 23″ Barrier Barrel
- Underbarrel: Ironhold Angled Grip
- Magazine: Sentinel Extended Mag
- Rear Grip: G7-Launch Grip
- Stock: Swiftline Stock
- Laser: 3MW Motion Strike Laser
This build focuses on recoil stability and range extension, letting you dominate mid- to long-range duels. Combine it with perks like Hunter’s Instinct and Dexterity to react faster between bursts.
2. M15 MOD 0 – The All-Round Meta Pick
The M15 MOD 0 is the most balanced assault rifle available, ideal for both casual players and competitive grinders. It offers a smooth recoil pattern and strong bullet velocity.
Best M15 MOD 0 Loadout:
- Optic: LTI Mini
- Muzzle: Redwell 5.56 Compensator
- Barrel: 18″ Bowen Watchtower Barrel
- Underbarrel: Iron Hold Angled Grip
- Magazine: Mayday Extended Mag
- Rear Grip: Hexcut Grip
- Stock: Wander-3V Stock
- Laser: 3MW Motion Strike Laser
This Gunfighter setup ensures maximum accuracy while retaining good mobility — perfect for controlling sightlines and pressuring objectives in Domination or Hardpoint.
3. Dravec 45 – The SMG Dominator
If you’re a close-quarters brawler, the Dravec 45 is your best friend. It’s a rapid-fire SMG that remains laser-stable even at mid-range, making it one of the most versatile weapons in the beta.
Best Dravec 45 Loadout:
- Optic: Lethal Tools ELO
- Muzzle: Hawker Series 45
- Barrel: 19″ Horizon Fluted Barrel
- Magazine: Gator Extended Mag
- Rear Grip: Herald-Z1 Grip
- Stock: EAM Heritage Stock
- Laser: LTI Swiftpoint Laser
- Fire Mods: Accelerated Recoil System
The Accelerated Recoil System gives the Dravec 45 absurd control, while the ELO optic keeps your ADS speed sharp for close fights. Pair it with Lightweight and Dexterity for high mobility.
4. Peacekeeper MK1 – The Fastest AR in the Game
A returning fan-favorite from Black Ops 4, the Peacekeeper MK1 is the go-to for aggressive rifle users. Its blend of mobility and damage output allows it to compete with SMGs in fast-paced matches.
Best Peacekeeper MK1 Loadout:
- Optic: Lethal Tools ELO
- Muzzle: K&S Brake-2B
- Barrel: 21″ DF-3 Merge Barrel
- Underbarrel: EAM Steady-90 Grip
- Magazine: Vulcan Reach Extension
- Rear Grip: Kinetic-Mk1 Grip
- Stock: Swift-B Guard Stock
- Fire Mods: Buffer Spring
While it has noticeable vertical recoil, this build reduces it enough to stay on target while maintaining high mobility — ideal for aggressive lane pushes or flanking routes.
5. VS Recon – One-Shot Sniper Power
Inspired by the iconic DSR 50, the VS Recon is the best sniper rifle in the Black Ops 7 Beta. It offers reliable one-shot potential to the upper torso across all maps.
Best VS Recon Loadout:
- Muzzle: Greaves A-762 Brake
- Barrel: 17″ RistRauch Nimbus Barrel
- Stock Pad: Stabil Heavy Pad
- Magazine: Dashline Speed Mag
- Rear Grip: R-1 Shelf Grip
- Laser: 1MW Instinct Laser Array
- Fire Mods: Light Bolt
This setup minimizes ADS time while boosting handling and reload speed, letting you quickscope or reposition without feeling sluggish.
6. Bonus: MXR-17 – The Mid-Range Specialist
Though not top-tier meta, the MXR-17 remains a strong pick for players who value consistency. Its slower fire rate is offset by excellent recoil control and precision.
Recommended MXR-17 Loadout:
- Optic: Lethal Tools ELO
- Muzzle: Redwell 7.62 Brake
- Barrel: 18″ Rift-M7 Barrel
- Underbarrel: Sentry Pro Handle
- Magazine: Vault Extended Mag
- Rear Grip: Aria Assail Grip
- Stock: Gait-Lux Stock
- Fire Mods: Recoil Sync Unit
If you prefer holding lanes or anchoring objectives, this build rewards disciplined aim and careful positioning.
Perks and Field Upgrades to Complement Your Meta Loadout
For the best overall synergy, try this perk combination that complements most playstyles:
- Perk 1: Ghost – Stay off enemy radar
- Perk 2: Dexterity – Faster weapon handling and reloads
- Perk 3: Hunter’s Instinct – Enhanced enemy awareness
- Field Upgrade: Active Camo – Ideal for stealth and objective play
- Wildcard: Gunfighter – Unlock up to 8 attachments on your primary weapon
This combination provides the perfect balance between survivability and offensive capability, especially for players grinding long sessions in the Beta.
See also: Black Ops 7 Beta Extended — Treyarch Adds Toshin Map and Double XP
The Black Ops 7 Beta meta has quickly taken shape, highlighting weapons that balance power, precision, and handling. The M8A1 reigns supreme for ranged accuracy, while the Dravec 45 rules close-quarters engagements. Still, Treyarch’s weapon tuning history means the meta could evolve quickly before launch — so experimenting early can give you a big edge once the full game drops.
