When it comes to Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, Assault Rifle (AR) players often dominate mid-range engagements. But no matter how strong your AR build is, the right secondary weapon can often mean the difference between surviving a push or getting caught off guard. Choosing wisely ensures you are never defenseless in tight corners, while rushing objectives, or when your primary runs dry. After spending time experimenting in both casual matches and competitive setups, here’s a breakdown of the best secondary weapons to pair with AR classes in BO7.

Why Secondary Weapons Matter for AR Players

ARs strike a balance between accuracy and firepower, but they aren’t always reliable in close combat or when you’re out of ammo mid-fight. That’s where secondaries come in. A strong secondary covers your weaknesses, gives you quick swap options, and can often secure kills faster than reloading.

For many players grinding progression or testing strategies in bo7 bot lobbies, the secondary slot is the perfect place to practice clutch options. In fact, some even prefer to buy Black Ops 7 bot lobbies for quick loadout testing before jumping into ranked. Either way, secondaries are an essential part of mastering AR classes.

Top Secondary Options for AR Classes

1. Machine Pistols – The Aggressive Choice

Machine pistols shine in close-range duels. With high fire rates and decent mobility, they’re perfect when your AR feels sluggish in tight encounters. The only drawback is limited control at longer distances, but since your AR already covers mid-range, this trade-off works perfectly.

Best Use Case: Rushing objectives, breaking into rooms, or fighting off SMG players at point-blank range.

2. Shotguns – High Risk, High Reward

Shotguns in BO7 are polarizing, but they can absolutely dominate in close quarters. If you’re running an AR like the classic all-rounder, pairing it with a shotgun gives you unmatched versatility. You’ll hold down lanes with your rifle, then switch to raw stopping power when things get tight.

Best Use Case: Holding objectives, defending hardpoints, or clutching when enemies collapse on your position.

3. Launchers – Utility Over Firepower

Not every secondary has to be about direct kills. Launchers are incredibly valuable in team modes where enemy UAVs or scorestreaks are flying constantly. If you want to take on a support role while still running an AR, having a launcher ensures your squad doesn’t get overwhelmed by enemy streaks.

Best Use Case: Objective modes, team support, or breaking enemy streak dominance.

4. Standard Pistols – Reliable Backup

Sometimes the simplest choice is the best one. Pistols in BO7 are fast, reliable, and surprisingly lethal when mastered. If you’re the type of player who values quick reaction shots and wants a consistent backup without gimmicks, pistols are the way to go.

Best Use Case: Emergency situations, finishing off weakened enemies, or when conserving ammo.

Tips for Pairing Secondaries with ARs

  • Match Playstyle: Aggressive AR players benefit more from machine pistols or shotguns, while tactical players may prefer pistols or launchers.

  • Think Objectives: If you’re primarily focused on team play, a launcher brings more long-term value than raw close-range firepower.

  • Practice in Safe Environments: Running matches in bo7 bot lobbies is one of the best ways to figure out what secondary complements your playstyle. Communities like U4N often discuss loadouts and strategies, which can help you refine your builds.

 

Assault Rifle classes are the backbone of most lineups in Black Ops 7, but without the right secondary, even the strongest AR build can fall short. Whether you’re dominating ranked lobbies or testing setups after you buy Black Ops 7 bot lobbies, experimenting with secondaries will drastically improve your adaptability.

At the end of the day, the “best” secondary depends on how you like to play. Aggressive players might lean into machine pistols, defensive ones might trust shotguns, while support players may stick with launchers. Take time to test different combinations, and you’ll quickly find the perfect balance for your AR class.