One of the three new weapons which have come to Call of Duty: Modern Warfare in Season 3, the SKS is available to unlock via the Battle Pass, just like the Renetti handgun. Offering a better fire rate than most weapons of its ilk, the SKS isn’t the most accurate rifle, but certainly one of the most versatile. As such, and thanks to its Gunsmith options, it can be a more useful option than it might seem at first glance for an aspiring sniper.
The Call of Duty: Modern Warfare SKS Marksman Rifle
“Lightweight semi-auto Carbine chambered in 7.62x39mm,” explains Infinity Ward; “This hard hitting and agile Soviet rifle focuses on utility over accuracy. It flaunts a faster fire rate than other weapons in its class, but a carefully placed round will eliminate the need to follow up shots entirely. This classic DMR has seen a lot of battles, and its unique gunsmith configurations reflect a diverse service history.”
If you want to focus on using the SKS as a sniper rifle, you certainly can fine-tune it that way. The “Utility Tool” Legendary Blueprint, unlocked at Tier 100 of the Battle Pass, is a good example of this; the weapon features a PU Scope, FTAC Hunter-Scout stock, Tac Laser, FTAC Landmark barrel, and 10 Round Mags, giving it reliable long-distance power and stability. However, with a 10-round capacity and laser sight, it can function well for snap-shooting at mid- or even short-range too. As such, it saves you the time of having to switch weapons in a tense situation.
If, instead, you want to use your SKS as a more mobile, mid-range DMR, you certainly can! Consider using, for example, 30 Round Mags with a Sawed-off Stock. Suddenly, your long-range marksman rifle will start to feel more like a rather snappy assault rifle. Equipped with something like an Integral Hybrid Optic, you’ll be able to adjust well to shootouts at different ranges without committing to long-range sniping. Just like the Renetti, it’s definitely worth experimenting with the SKS’s Gunsmith options to see just how versatile the rifle can be; certainly, don’t pass it over just because its stats aren’t the highest in its class. After all, you may find that it offers much more than it seems at first glance.