Introduction

Generally, guns with 7.62mm ammunition are more difficult to handle - but deal more damage. So if you are new to the game, you might want to start off with weapons that are easier to handle. Check out this article about SMGs, or this article about ARs.

Criteria for Ranking

This list is built upon the hit damage value of each gun, ascending from lowest to highest. However, it can be said that most of the guns in the Top 5 of this list are quite hard to handle. This is why the ranking should only be considered for the purpose of introducing the strongest weapons in PUBG. If you are looking for more accurate information, check out the other articles that dive deeper into the topic.

Supplement for weapon stats

A high muzzle velocity is better for range and accuracy (speed of the bullet exiting the barrel, measured in m/s).  

A high rate of fire is advantageous in close-quarters combat, as it spits out the deadly rounds quickly. 

Ranking

12. Vector

Vector Stats

• Hit damage: 31
• Ammo type: 9mm
• Rate of fire: 1,200 rounds/min
• Bullet speed: 350 m/s

This submachine gun excels with the highest rate of fire you can get. This proves to be very effective in close-quarters combat. A fully equipped Vector kills the opponent in no time, with barely any recoil. 

However, shooting beyond low range is not funny. Besides the low reach, the Vector comes with a small magazine. You have to find an extended quickdraw magazine, to increase the bullet capacity to 33. 

Due to the extraordinary rate of fire you will have to bring at least 300 spare 9mm rounds to cope. Again, this weapon reigns in close-quarters combat - even though its appetite for bullets is insatiable. 

Bottom line:

• Highest rate of fire, which gives you a split second advantage in close combat.
• Easy to handle, which results in better accuracy. 

11. P90

P90 Stats 

• Hit damage: 35 
• Ammo type: 5.7mm 
• Rate of fire: 1,000 rounds/min
• Bullet speed: 800 m/s
• Can only be found in air drops

The P90 is a weapon that you will only find in air drops, fully equipped with attachments. It has an incredible rate of fire, which makes the P90 a strong weapon for close to mid range combat. 

Bear in mind that you will only get 200 rounds - the high rate of fire depletes your ammunition quickly. Another limiting factor is the standard holo-like scope, which you cannot change. It makes it harder to engage in mid to long range combat. 

All in all, this weapon is fun to use and you will dominate close range combat. Your opponents will wonder how fast they were sent back to the lobby. 

Bottom line:

• The rate of fire is exceptional, which allows you to compete with fast guns at low ranges. 
• Excels in close range combat, which is advantageous especially towards the final circle. 

10. M416

M416 Stats 

• Hit damage: 40
• Ammo type: 5.56mm
• Rate of fire: 700-800 rounds/min
• Bullet speed: 880 m/s

The M416 is undoubtedly one of the best weapons in the game. This is because it is very effective in all-range combat and steady when firing on full auto. It is because of these two factors that many newer players, as well as veterans, prefer this weapon to force their way over the battleground. 

Note that maximum stability can only be achieved by using all available attachments. Only the AUG A3 exceeds this level of stability. Whenever you feel like you don't hit anything, switch back to the M416 to regain self confidence.

Bottom line:

• Easy to control and versatile, as opposed to guns that deal more damage but are jumpy.
• Can be used effectively in long range combat, where stronger weapons fail to provide great accuracy. 

9. M249

M249 Stats 

• Hit damage: 40
• Ammo type: 5.56mm 
• Rate of fire: 700-850 rounds/min
• Bullet speed: 915 m/s

This light machine gun used to be an airdrop-only loot item. Now you can find it anywhere on the map, and players make use of it. Whenever you hear the never-ending buzzing sound of steady gunfire - get to cover. 

With a maximum clip size of 150 bullets, the M249 is the most capable of all weapons considering ammo capacity. It gets really lethal when experienced players use it with a 6x scope.

The obvious downsides are the time it takes to reload and the handling of this monster. This is why the M249 is better suited for advanced players. 

Bottom line: 

• Extended clip size (150 rounds), which is superior to all other weapons in the game and useful for ongoing combats. 
• Surprisingly high accuracy on long range (while laying down). 

8. UMP45 

UMP45 Stats 

• Hit damage: 41
• Ammo type: .45 ACP
• Rate of fire: 650 rounds/min 
• Bullet speed: 360 m/s

Submachine guns shouldn't be underestimated. Even though the UMP45 is not as fast as the Vector, it comes with decent hit damage and an easily handleable recoil. Thus, the UMP45 has the potential for success in the final stage of the game. 

The only downside is that the gun is not effective at longer ranges; you want to get close to your opponents to use it properly.

Bottom line: 

• Steady aim, even with a silencer, gives you the opportunity to act covertly. 
• Extended clip size (35 rounds), which gives you more flexibility in certain situations.

7. AUG A3

AUG A3 Stats 

• Hit damage: 41
• Ammo type: 5.56mm 
• Rate of fire: 750 rounds/min
• Bullet speed: 890 m/s
• Can now be found everywhere 

If you are find the AUG A3, you get a weapon that is easier to handle than the M416 - both fully equipped. The high muzzle velocity allows the gun to maintain its accuracy at longer ranges.

The AUG A3 has a very distinctive sound, a deep pounding that promises shattered armor. Only the time it takes to reload the magazine is a limitation - make sure you have an extended quick draw magazine. 

Bottom line: 

• After the latest update, the AUG can be found everywhere.
• Remarkable handling for an assault rifle, which is the most stable of all. 
• Great accuracy, especially at longer ranges, which can be covered with the right scope. 

6. Beryl M762

Beryl M762 Stats 

• Hit damage: 44
• Ammo type: 7.62mm 
• Rate of fire: 750 rounds/min 
• Bullet speed: 740 m/s

Consider the Beryl M672 as an intermediary between the AK47 and the ACE32. The AK47 deals the most damage but is harder to control with no other attachments than a compensator. The ACE 32 deals slightly less damage but is the most stable rifle amongst all three since you have all attachments available, including the tactical stock. 

The Beryl M672 is an all-rounder that can be used in all ranges. Hip-firing the weapon within 2-3 meters is very effective, and it will certainly deafen the other player - and maybe yourself, too. Many pro players use it as their main assault rifle.  

Bottom line:

• Higher damage than all 5.56mm assault rifles - what gives you an advantage in terms of damage dealt. 
• Manageable recoil when using a foregrip and compensator. Again, this is useful since 7.62mm caliber weapons are harder to control. 

5. Groza 

Groza Stats 

• Hit damage: 47
• Ammo type: 7.62mm 
• Rate of fire: 750 rounds/min 
• Bullet speed: 715 m/s
• Can only be found in air drops 

Another one from the drop: the Groza. A beast that is hard to tame. Especially since there is no stabilizing attachment to help you. Only the suppressor can be added, which makes it a rather muted killer. 

The Groza shoots much faster than most other assault rifles, except of the M16A4, and is therefore very effective in close- and mid-range combat. Combined with the high damage, it is one of the most lethal weapons to be found in PUBG. 

However, everything has pros and cons. The downside here is that it takes 3 seconds to reload a magazine, which is a lot of time in combat. Make sure to have the extended quickdraw magazine to mitigate this effect. 

Bottom line:

• High damage combined with a high rate of fire 

 4. DP28

DP28 Stats 

• Hit damage: 52
• Ammo type: 7.62mm
• Rate of fire: 550 rounds/min 
• Bullet speed: 840 m/s

This light machine gun is not very common on the battleground. After all, it is not easy to control, and there are no other attachments besides a scope. Typically, 7.62mm guns are harder to control; this accounts for the DP28 as well. It is still worth a shot, literally. 

The 47 -round magazine is suited for suppressing fire, and gives you more flexibility in tricky 1 on 1 close quarter combat situations. It shoots relatively slowly, but yet has a high damage rating. 

The DP28 will never become popular, but once you manage to deal with the typical 7.62mm recoil, it is quite fun to play with.   

Bottom line:

• High damage, more than any assault rifle, and lethal to mid-range. 
• 47 -round clip size, which allows you to maintain an aggressive play style, especially in 1 on 1 close quarter situations.

3. MK14 EBR

MK14 EBR Stats 

• Hit damage: 61
• Ammo type: 7.62mm 
• Rate of fire: 700-750 rounds/min 
• Bullet speed: 853 m/s
• Can only be found in air drops

When you think the previous 7.62mm weapons are tough to handle, try out the MK14. You definitely want to use a compensator, the extended quick draw, and the cheek pad. Even then, it is quite tricky to hit the target, but if you do so, opponents drop quickly.

The MK14 is stronger than the SKS and SLR, and it is very effective at long ranges. But it is also advisable to use the MK14 as an assault rifle, optionally, just to see what this gun is capable of. 

Make every shot count since there is only a small clip size of 20 rounds extended. This is a big disadvantage, especially in close quarters combat. Better holster your revolver then!   

Bottom line:

• High damage on any range really, since the bullet speed is extraordinarily high. 
• High velocity, thus improving accuracy at long ranges. 

2. M24 

M24 Stats 

• Hit damage: 75
• Ammo type: 7.62mm 
• Bullet speed: 790 m/s 

Moving on to sniper rifles. Of all three ordinary sniper rifles, the M24 is the most favorable. This is due to the bullet speed, which is slightly higher than the other two rifles. 

Sniper rifles are a must, at least in solo games, since you can kill other players with just one shot (to a Lvl 2 helmet). But it gets better!

Bottom line:

• Highest velocity amongst sniper rifles, which means a reduced bullet drop as compared to the other sniper rifles. 

1. AWM 

AWM Stats 

• Hit damage: 105
• Ammo type: .300
• Bullet speed: 945 m/s
• Can only be found in air drops 

Hands up who knows this weapon from past days of playing Counter Strike, formerly known as AWP. Whoop whoop! Anyhow, this is by far the best weapon in PUBG. If you get your hands on it, call yourself lucky and go for it. 

It kills opponents with Lvl 3 helmets with one shot; the only weapon capable of doing that. Take your time to aim, as you only have 20 shots in total. 

Well, this one time there was a player with two AWMs. One is equipped with a red dot, the other one with an 8x. Fun to watch; he had 40 bullets to start with. Ended up winning. Surprise! Well, not. 

Bottom line:

• The best weapon in the game, with superior damage and bullet speed. 
• Kills players with Level 3 helmets instantly, where other sniper rifles fail to do so.