One of the defining features of the Call of Duty franchise is the level of customization it gives for weapon and character loadouts, and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare offers 9 categories of attachment sets for over 30 different guns that players can configure to their liking.

Players are faced with an overwhelming amount of options once attachments are unlocked through play, and it can difficult to choose the right loadout that fits their playstyle, especially when they continue to add even more content and weapons. However, if their gun of choice is the popular and versatile M4A1 then they’re in luck because this guide will outline the ideal builds for every type of player whether they like to take close quarter firefights or sit in the back and kill from a distance.

Balanced M4A1 Loadout

  • Barrel: Corvus Custom Optic: Integral Hybrid (or Operator Reflex Sight) Stock: Singuard Arms Invader Ammunition: 60 Round Mags Rear Grip: Stippled Grip Tape

This is the M4A1 loadout for players with balanced playstyles. It has good enough range and accuracy to kill from a distance, but also has the mobility and aim down sight (ADS) speed to handle close quarter combat. The Corvus Custom barrel gives players improved damage range, bullet velocity, and recoil control at the cost of of ADS and movement speed. The Optic choice is mostly personal preference. The Integral Hybrid provides variety, and the Operator Reflex Sight gives players a clear sight picture. The Singuard Arms Invader stock makes firefights easier to navigate with increased ADS walking speed. Ammunition is mostly personal preference as well, but the 60 Round Mags provide greater firing sustainability, giving players a better opportunity to reach higher killstreaks. Lastly, the Stippled Grip Tape makes up for the loss of ADS speed that the rest of the build sacrifices.

Short Range, Aggressive M4A1 Loadout

  • Barrel: FFS 11.5" Commando (Optional) Laser: 5mW Laser Optic: G.I. Mini Reflex (Optional) Stock: FORGE TAC CQS Rear Grip: Stippled Grip Tape Underbarrel: Commando Foregrip (Optional)

Snapping to enemies is essential to close range success, so this run-and gun M4A1 build sacrifices accuracy and damage at longer ranges for increased mobility and ADS speed. The FFS 11.5" Commando greatly increases mobility, the FORGE TAC CQS and Stippled Grip Tape increase ADS speed, and the 5mW Laser helps with hip firing accuracy. With this build, most encounters will be in close range, making Optics optional. If players prefer to play without an Optic, the Commando Foregrip is a solid option to help fight multiple enemies at once. Using this build can be risky, but it is very effective with lower or utility-based kill streaks, like the UAV or Counter-UAV.

Long Range, Defensive M4A1 Loadout

  • Barrel: Stock M16 Grenadier Optic: Integral Hybrid Stock: Singuard Arms Invader Underbarrel: Operator Foregrip Rear Grip: Granulated Grip Tape

This long range M4A1 loadout is the exact opposite of the Short Range build. It emphasizes stability and damage at longer ranges at the cost of mobility and ADS speed. The Stock M16 Grenadier greatly increases the M4A1’s effective range. The Integral Hybrid is the ideal Optic to use because of its variable zoom, and combined with the Singuard Arms Invader, players can stay and fight from a distance more often.  The Operator Foregrip and Granulated Grip Tape provide better recoil control and stability, which are necessary to compete at certain ranges. This build is extremely strong at holding defensive positions, which is more effective in non-deathmatch game modes, such as Domination or Search and Destroy.

Now that is the ultimate guide for the popular M4A1 Assault Rifle from Call of Duty: Modern Warfare! Everyone has a different play style, so just because a loadout works for one player, it might not work for another. Make sure to mix-and-match different perks and attachments to find one that suits you.

More: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare’s OVERALL Best Loadouts

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare is available on PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.