Best M1916 loadout for Vanguard Season 3

Luca Di Marzo
M1916 Vanguard Marksman Rifle loadout

Call of Duty: Vanguard’s Season 3 update is live, bringing two new weapons to the game including the M1916 Marksman Rifle. With the right attachments it can be a devastating option, so here is the best M1916 loadout for Vanguard.

Despite being a Marksman Rifle, the M1916 is quite a versatile weapon. Vanguard players can choose to use it as a semi-auto or full-auto weapon in Season 3. In addition, the devs claim the weapon is “impressive at any range in the hands of a capable marksman.”

Depending on how you want to use the new weapon, there are several different loadouts that can suit your playstyle, but we’ve opted for a full-auto version that is sure to shred enemies on small to medium maps.

Here’s everything you need to build the best Vanguard M1916 loadout, including attachments, Perks, and Equipment.

Best Vanguard M1916 loadout attachments

M1916 Vanguard attachments
  • Muzzle: G28 Compensator
  • Barrel: Wyvern 532mm Full-Auto
  • Optic: Slate Reflector
  • Stock: ZP M502 Custom
  • Underbarrel: m1914 Hand Stop
  • Magazine: 8mm Klauser 40 Round Mags
  • Ammo Type: Lengthened
  • Rear Grip: Polymer Grip
  • Proficiency: Vital
  • Kit: Fully Loaded

With the Wyvern 532mm barrel, the M1916 will turn into a full-auto Marksman Rifle. This barrel also increases fire rate, ADS speed, and recoil control. Given this change of pace, we’re going to need the G28 Compensator, m1914 Hand Stop, and ZP M502 Custom to tame the weapon’s recoil kick further.

This stock will also increase ADS speed which is a great bonus for a Marksman Rifle. The Slate Reflector will provide a clean sight, while the 8mm Klauser 40 Round Mags are recommended for multiplayer action.

Lengthened pairs well with the full-auto style of the weapon as the ammo type increases bullet velocity, and Vital will increase your critical hit area, allowing you to kill players faster. There aren’t many standout Kit options, but Fully Loaded will ensure that you won’t be missing ammo.

Lastly, Polymer Grip is an incredibly valuable attachment that will ensure that your accuracy doesn’t dip when firing through your 40 Round Mags, by providing increased accuracy and recoil control during sustained fire.

Best Perks & Equipment to use with M1916

Forward Intel Perk Vanguard
  • Perk 1: Fortified
  • Perk 2: Forward Intel
  • Perk 3: Mechanic
  • Lethal Equipment: Mk2 Frag Grenade
  • Tactical Equipment: No69 Stun Grenade

The Forward Intel Perk is one of the strongest in the game and if used correctly, you can truly punish your opponents before they have a chance to react. Fortified will limit the damage you take from explosives, which is great for objective-based game modes.

Along the same lines, Mechanic and the new Trophy System is a powerful combination as the Perk decreases recharge time for Field Upgrades. This will greatly increase your chance of protecting objective points.

Meanwhile, the Mk2 Frag Grenade and No69 Stun Grenade are powerful options in Vanguard and you’ll want to throw them at enemy Trophy Systems so they disappear faster.

How to unlock M1916 in Vanguard

vanguard and warzone operator using m1916 in season 3

The new M1916 Marksman Rifle is available at Tier 15 of Vanguard and Warzone Season 3’s Battle Pass. This is a free unlock meaning you don’t need to purchase the Season 3 Battle Pass to get your hands on it.

Once the Season 3 Battle Pass disappears, we’ll update this section with the unlock requirement for the M1916 in Vanguard.

Best alternatives to the M1916 in Vanguard

The G-43 is another Marksman Rifle that is capable of transforming into a full-auto weapon. The G-43 has a ton of kick, so it will feel somewhat different from the M1916. Otherwise, the Automaton is a great option if you’re interested in a weapon with a faster rate of fire.


For more Vanguard, check out how to get the Junkyard Jet Sledgehammer and H4 Blixen SMG in Season 3.

Image Credit: Activision