Based on a comprehensive analysis of weapon statistics, community usage data, and strategic versatility, the RK5 is objectively the best secondary weapon in Call of Duty BO7. While other pistols and launchers have their niches, the RK5’s unique combination of a three-round burst fire mode, high damage output, and exceptional handling speed makes it the most reliable and lethal tool for getting you out of a tight spot when your primary weapon is empty. It effectively functions as a pocket-sized submachine gun, capable of winning close-to-mid-range engagements with shocking efficiency.
To understand why the RK5 stands above the rest, we need to dive deep into the raw numbers that govern weapon performance. These stats directly translate into time-to-kill (TTK), which is the ultimate measure of a weapon’s lethality.
Weapon Statistics Breakdown
The following table compares the key statistics of all secondary weapons, highlighting the metrics that matter most in a firefight. Damage is measured per shot, with ranges indicating the distance before damage drop-off occurs.
| Weapon | Type | Damage (Close Range) | Rate of Fire (RPM) | Reload Time (s) | Magazine Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RK5 | Burst Pistol | 35-25-20 | 1200 (per burst) | 1.6 | 18 (6 bursts) |
| MR6 | Semi-Auto Pistol | 40-30-20 | 450 | 1.5 | 12 |
| L-CAR 9 | Full-Auto Pistol | 30-20-15 | 750 | 1.8 | 12 |
| XM-53 | Launcher | One-shot kill in blast radius | Single Shot | 2.8 | 1 |
| BlackCell | Launcher | One-shot kill in blast radius | Single Shot | 3.0 | 2 |
Looking at these numbers, the RK5’s advantage becomes clear. Its burst fire mode means it delivers three rounds almost instantaneously. With a close-range damage of 35 per bullet, a single well-placed burst (all three shots hitting the upper torso or head) results in 105 damage, which is a kill. Even if one shot misses, the remaining two can still kill if one is a headshot. This gives it a potential TTK as low as 0.08 seconds, which is faster than almost every primary weapon in the game. The MR6 is a solid contender with high damage per shot, but its semi-auto nature and slower rate of fire mean its optimal TTK is around 0.27 seconds, significantly slower than the RK5’s peak performance. The L-CAR 9 offers full-auto spray but suffers from lower damage and higher recoil, making it less consistent.
Handling and Mobility: The Speed Factor
Where the RK5 truly separates itself from the pack is in its handling characteristics. Secondary weapons are not meant for sustained combat; they are your “oh crap” button. Speed is everything.
Swap Speed: The time it takes to switch from your primary weapon to your secondary is critical. The RK5 has one of the fastest swap speeds in the secondary category. In a scenario where you run out of ammo in a close-range duel, the player with the RK5 equipped will be aiming and firing a lethal burst long before an opponent with a slower-drawing weapon like a launcher can even react.
ADS Speed: The Aim Down Sights (ADS) speed for the RK5 is nearly instantaneous. You don’t need to carefully aim with this weapon; a quick hip-fire burst followed by a swift ADS is often enough to secure a kill. This contrasts with launchers, which have a painfully slow ADS and swap time, making them useless in a direct, unexpected confrontation.
Movement Speed: Like all pistols, wielding the RK5 allows for 100% base movement speed. This means you move at your fastest possible pace when it’s out, allowing for aggressive flanks and quick repositioning. This is a subtle but impactful advantage over slower primary weapons.
Strategic Versatility and Role Fulfillment
A secondary weapon’s value isn’t just about winning gunfights; it’s about how well it complements your primary weapon and overall playstyle.
The RK5 as a Primary Supplement: The RK5 is the perfect partner for a slow-handling primary weapon. If you’re running a LMG like the Dingo or a sniper rifle like the Locus, your weakness is enemies who get up close. The RK5 perfectly covers that weakness. It allows a sniper to be aggressive without being defenseless, effectively giving them a powerful SMG without sacrificing their primary weapon slot. This versatility is unmatched by any other secondary.
Launchers for Scorestreak Control: This is the only area where the RK5 isn’t the best. Launchers like the XM-53 and BlackCell exist primarily to destroy enemy scorestreaks. The BlackCell, with its two rockets and built-in targeting system, is the ultimate anti-air tool. If you’re playing a objective mode like Domination and the enemy team is spamming UAVs and Wraiths, having a launcher can be more valuable for your team’s success than a RK5. However, this is a specialized role. The launcher sacrifices all personal dueling capability for team utility. The RK5 provides personal survivability, which indirectly helps your team by keeping you in the fight and off the killcam.
The MR6 for Precision: The MR6 is a fantastic weapon for players with exceptional aim. It rewards precision with a fast TTK if you can land your shots quickly and accurately. It’s a high-skill, high-reward option that can be very effective. However, in the chaotic, fast-paced environment of BO7, the consistency and forgiveness of the RK5’s burst fire often make it the more practical choice for the majority of players.
Attachment Synergy
While secondary weapons have limited attachment options, the right choices can elevate the RK5 from great to legendary. You have two primary attachment slots to work with.
Must-Have Attachment: Fast Mags. The RK5’s only real weakness is a relatively small magazine of 18 rounds (6 bursts). Fast Mags drastically cuts the reload time from 1.6 seconds to just over 1 second. In a game where every millisecond counts, this is a non-negotiable attachment for anyone serious about using the RK5 as a primary supplement.
Secondary Attachment Choices:
- Long Barrel: This attachment increases the range before damage drop-off occurs. It extends the one-burst-kill range significantly, making the RK5 deadly at longer mid-range distances.
- Suppressor: While a suppressor reduces range, it keeps you off the minimap when firing. This is excellent for stealthy players who flank and want to take out enemies without alerting the entire team.
The combination of Fast Mags and Long Barrel is generally considered the most effective setup, maximizing the weapon’s lethal range and minimizing its downtime.
When you look at the complete picture—the blistering fast TTK, the superior handling speeds, the ability to cover the weaknesses of powerful primary weapons, and the impactful attachment options—the evidence is overwhelming. The RK5 isn’t just a sidearm; it’s a game-changer that deserves a place in any loadout designed for maximum effectiveness.