Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare

COD4 M40A3

Sniper RiflesAvailable once Create-a-Class opens at Level 4Takes camo
Sniper RiflesM40A3 — Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare weapon render

How do you unlock the M40A3?

The M40A3 is available once Create-a-Class opens at Level 4 in Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare. It is the more controllable of COD4's two bolt-action sniper rifles, with a five-round magazine, lower recoil and less sway than the R700. Its standard damage multipliers make precise head and neck shots especially valuable without Stopping Power. The ACOG has a unique original-game benefit that raises base damage from 70 to 75. Its camo track finishes at Red Tiger (150 headshots with this weapon).

UnlockDefault
Takes camoYes
Gold camoClass progress counts toward Gold on the Dragunov

Reviewed July 26, 2026. Unlock and challenge requirements were checked against original COD4 multiplayer reference data; loadout and progression advice is editorial. Modern Warfare Remastered uses a different progression system.

How does the M40A3 play in COD4?

RoleControlled bolt-action sniper
StrengthsLower recoil and sway than the R700; ACOG Scope uniquely increases its base damage
TradeoffsA missed shot requires cycling the bolt before another attempt; Smaller base one-shot area than the R700, Dragunov or Barrett
Useful setupKeep the default scope for long lanes and the ability to hold breath; ACOG Scope unlocks at 100 kills, raises base damage to 75 and supports more aggressive sightlines
Camo tipHold the crosshair at head or neck height and wait for a clean shot before committing to the bolt cycle. Use the calmer sway to make small final corrections.
Compared withIt holds one extra round and is easier to control than the R700, while the R700 has stronger upper-body damage multipliers.

Every camo, exact unlocks — see the full COD4 camo directory.

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M40A3 — common questions

What level does the M40A3 unlock at in COD4?

The M40A3 is available once Create-a-Class opens at Level 4 in Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare multiplayer. The level cap is 55, and prestige is console only (up to 10). PC has none.

How do you unlock camos on the M40A3?

Camo progress is per-weapon. Every camo-eligible weapon earns Digital (25 headshots), Blue Tiger (75 headshots), Red Tiger (150 headshots) in order — headshots are cumulative, so one grind clears the whole ladder. Shotguns use a reduced ladder: 25 / 50 / 100 headshots. On the M40A3 the final tier is Red Tiger — 150 headshots with this weapon.

Can you unlock the M40A3 for me?

Yes — our COD4 Unlock All service covers any prestige 1-10, max level, every weapon, attachment and camo unlocked, plus colored classes (Xbox 360), from $19.99. See the service.

More Sniper Rifles

All Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare weapons →
M21 — Call of Duty 4: Modern WarfareM21Level 7 · Sniper RiflesDragunov — Call of Duty 4: Modern WarfareDragunovLevel 22 · Sniper RiflesR700 — Call of Duty 4: Modern WarfareR700Level 34 · Sniper RiflesBarrett .50cal — Call of Duty 4: Modern WarfareBarrett .50calLevel 49 · Sniper Rifles

Skip the grind

Our COD4 Unlock All service includes any prestige 1-10, max level, every weapon, attachment and camo unlocked, plus colored classes (Xbox 360), from $19.99.

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