The M16 is an assault rifle in modern warfare 2.
Much like previous entries, Modern Warfare 2’s M16 features a three-round burst that results in a high time-to-kill (TTK), especially when firing to the chest and above.
With its mid-range effectiveness, it’s a versatile weapon for multiple modes.
However, there is a brief delay between each burst, which makes precision essential and close combat more or less irrelevant.
This page explains how to unlock the m16 in the Modern Warfare 2 beta, as well as our recommendations for the best M16 loadout.
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How to Unlock the M16 in Modern Warfare 2 Beta
Unlocking weapons in Modern Warfare 2 – and by extension, its beta – is different from previous titles.
Several weapons, such as the M16, are now unlocked by using and leveling up weapons within families called “platforms”.
In the case of the M16 in the Modern Warfare 2 beta, you must use the 556 Icarus to reach level 12. To unlock the Icarus to do this, you need to level the M4 to level 15. Quite a process!
Once unlocked, you’ll be ready to start leveling up the M16 to open up its customization options – it’s best to use the M16 for a few matches to level it up and unlock its attachment slots.
It should be noted that many attachments are unlocked by leveling up other weapons, both inside and outside the M4 platform.
Modern Warfare 2 M16 best loadout and attachments
Since the M16 is a medium to long range weapon, the focus of our recommended M16 build is to re inforce its dominant forces in line of sight.
Below is our recommended M16 build for the Modern Warfare 2 beta:
- Optical: SZ Reflex / Cronen Mini Red Dot / Fire Dot Hybrid
- Store: Leather Factory Price
- Rear handle: XTEN handle
- Sub-barrel: Green Pineapple VX Handle
- Ammunition: 5.56 Armor Puncture / Magazine: 45 Round Magazine
For optics, we direct you to a few options: the SZ Reflex is best for long-range engagements, especially where there is cover and corners to climb for stability, whereas the Cronen Mini Red Dot is suitable for mid-range encounters, especially if you’re on the go a lot, and is a good fit for objective modes like Domination.
Additionally, there is the Hybrid fire point, a scope that can switch between a 4x zoom scope and a holo sight. With the ability to switch between scopes on demand, this will provide flexibility during matches, so this is something to watch out for.
Regarding the stock, there are two options: the Leather Factory Price is a good shout when it comes to longer sightlines thanks to its aiming stability and recoil control bonuses. It does affect mobility though, but that’s where our alternative comes in.
Sacrificing some weapon stability for several buffs to aiming, sprinting, crouching, and aiming aiming speed (ADS), the Ordnance Ravage-8 is the perfect opposite, a good fit for mobile playstyles .
For rear grip, the XTEN handle is practical thanks to its bonuses to ADS and sprint-to-fire speed. If paired with the aforementioned Corio Precio Factory stock, you’ll be able to compensate for this grip’s reduced recoil control, or you can double the mobility if paired with the Ordnance Ravage-8.
Being able to mount a wall for an attack isn’t always an option, but with the sub-cannon Green Pineapple VX Handle, you will have increased control over the recoil of the M16. This is especially useful when paired with longer range scopes, where the kick of the gun is even more noticeable.
If there are not many choices in terms of ammunition, choose 5.56 Armor Piercing cartridges for bonus bullet penetration are a matter of course for the M16.
A potential alternative to the final attachment could be the 45 round magazine for the Magazine slot. While preventing movement and overall handling speed, having extended reserves with an additional 15 rounds per magazine not only helps for larger game modes, but passive play as well.
Modern Warfare 2 M16 Best Class Build, Perks & Gear
Here are the recommended perks and gear to create the best M16 class build in the Modern Warfare 2 beta:
- Core Advantage 1: Exaggerated
- Core Benefit 2: Battle Hardened / Scavenger
- Bonus benefit: Quick Hands / Quick Solution
- Ultimate benefit: High Alert / Hardline
- Secondary: Hurricane FSS / Expedite 12
- Deadly: Semtex
- Tactical: shock stick
- Field Upgrade: Portable radar
Although the selection of perks has changed in MW2, the fundamentals of equipping them remain the same as in previous titles.
For basic benefits, we recommend Exaggerated and Battle-hardened. The former allows you to carry a second main weapon, while the latter reduces the effects of enemy tactical grenades.
Together, whether running or maintaining lines of sight, you’ll be less affected by sudden ambushes and have a back-up weapon if you need to reload, especially the key now that reload canceling has faded away.
Associated with the increased weapon swap speed provided by the bonus perk Fast handsresponding with a secondary weapon is even more effective.
For the ‘Ultimate Perk’, there are a few options: High alert will keep you posted on when enemies spot you, but hard lineThe reduced killstreak requirement is valuable, especially if you rack up a lot of kills.
For some good substitutes, Scavengerreplacing Battle Hardened, is great for aggressive playstyles, allowing you to replenish ammo from dead enemies.
And if you’re willing to sacrifice weapon handling speed, Quick FixRegen health from on kill is a good choice to keep you in the action.
Thanks to Overkill, you can carry a second primary weapon. We recommend a short-range option, namely the FSS Hurricane submachine gun (SMG) or Expedite 12 shotgun.
For your death Semtex is the one we found paired well with the M16 – sticking enemies with grenades is not only satisfying but also allows for more intentionality compared to a typical frag grenade, which often rolls or bounces etc, resulting in a bet to death.
An effective pairing for Semtex in the tactical slot is the shock stickwhich sticks to surfaces, electrocutes enemies and destroys equipment.
They’re good for surprising oncoming enemies for a quick ambush, or opening them up for a soft, sticky Semtex kill.
Of course, if they don’t suit your style of play, you can always opt for the traditional Frag and Flash or Stun Grenades, all very good in their own way.
Even more than lethal and tactical, field upgrades largely depend on what you want during matches.
We will recommend the Portable radara quick-reload gear that will ping a small area for enemy signatures, marking them on your radar.
Paired with some reconnaissance-based kill sequences such as UAV, this will keep you alerted to oncoming enemies, as long as they aren’t equipped with the Ghost perk, hiding them from UAV sweeps and portable radar.
As with any gear, like the killstreak selection, choose based on your playstyle and preference.
Since the goal of this loadout was also to be flexible at all ranges, there is more freedom in how you upgrade the loadout, so feel free to mix and match the various options available.
Enjoy the Modern Warfare 2 Beta!