Every Black Ops 2 Weapon Returning in Black Ops 7: Unlock Levels and Performance

Nostalgia hits different when you’re fragging out with weapons that defined an era. Black Ops 7 serves as a direct sequel to Black Ops 2, and Treyarch didn’t just bring back the setting and story beats—they’ve resurrected seven iconic weapons from BO2’s multiplayer arsenal. These aren’t just cosmetic callbacks either. Each weapon maintains its signature feel and performance characteristics, just with new names to fit the narrative timeline.

If you’re a Black Ops 2 veteran, this is your guide to reconnecting with old favorites. If you’re new to the series, you’re about to discover why these weapons earned legendary status in the first place. Let me break down every returning BO2 weapon, how to unlock them, and whether they still hold up in Black Ops 7’s competitive landscape.

Why These Weapons Matter

Before we dive into specifics, let’s talk about why Treyarch chose these particular weapons to bring forward. Black Ops 2 had arguably one of the most balanced weapon rosters in Call of Duty history. Each gun felt distinct, served a clear purpose, and rewarded skilled play without being oppressive.

The seven returning weapons represent different weapon classes and playstyles:

• Two pistols for sidearm variety
• One sniper for the quickscope enthusiasts
• One marksman rifle for mid-to-long range dominance
• Three SMGs spanning from mobility-focused to damage-heavy

This selection ensures that regardless of your preferred engagement range or playstyle, there’s a piece of Black Ops 2 history waiting for you.

The Complete List: BO2 Weapons in BO7

Here’s the quick reference table before we go deep on each weapon:

Now let’s examine each weapon in detail, discussing performance, optimal use cases, and whether they deserve a spot in your loadout rotation.

Jager 45 Pistol (Tac-45)

Original Name: Tac-45
Unlock Level: 1 (Default)
Weapon Type: Semi-automatic pistol

Performance Overview

The Jager 45 is your starting sidearm, and honestly, that’s exactly where it belongs—as a backup option rather than a primary weapon. This semi-auto pistol features a fast rate of fire (limited only by how quickly you can pull the trigger) and remarkably low recoil for accurate follow-up shots.

Strengths:

• Available immediately with no unlock required
• Excellent trigger response for rapid fire
• Minimal recoil makes it easy to control
• Reliable backup when your primary runs dry
• Decent accuracy at close-to-mid range

Weaknesses:

• Low damage per shot compared to other pistols
• Requires multiple hits to secure kills
• Not viable as a primary weapon choice
• Limited effectiveness beyond close range

Should You Use It?

The Jager 45 serves one primary purpose: emergency backup. When your main weapon runs empty mid-gunfight and you don’t have time to reload, switching to the Jager 45 can secure the kill. Beyond that scenario, you’ll want to upgrade to better sidearms as they unlock.

Best Use Case: Keep it equipped until you unlock the Coda 9 at Level 34. In loadouts where you’re running Overkill with two primary weapons, the Jager 45 is fine since you’ll rarely need it anyway.

For more thoughts on pistol loadouts in general, check our complete pistol builds guide.

VS Recon Sniper Rifle (DSR-50)

Original Name: DSR-50
Unlock Level: 3
Weapon Type: Bolt-action sniper rifle

Performance Overview

Now we’re talking. The VS Recon (DSR-50) was an absolute monster in Black Ops 2, and it remains just as lethal in Black Ops 7. This bolt-action sniper offers one-shot kill potential from the torso up, meaning you have a remarkably forgiving hitbox for securing eliminations.

Strengths:

• One-shot kills from chest to head
• Quick rechamber time for a bolt-action
• Excellent stability when scoped
• Six-round magazine provides multiple opportunities
• Effective for quickscoping, no-scoping, and traditional sniping
• Unlocks early at Level 3 (usable at Level 4 when Create-a-Class opens)

Weaknesses:

• Bolt-action delay between shots
• Requires decent aim to capitalize on OHK potential
• Vulnerable in extreme close-quarters
• Moderate recoil after each shot

Should You Use It?

Absolutely, especially if you’re a sniper main. The VS Recon unlocks incredibly early and remains competitive throughout your entire level progression. The generous one-shot kill area means you don’t need perfect headshots to dominate—upper chest shots do the job just fine.

Best Use Case: Long-range lanes and medium-range engagements where you can leverage the one-shot kill potential. The relatively quick rechamber time makes it viable for aggressive quickscoping if that’s your style.

For detailed sniper strategies and loadout configurations, visit our best sniper loadouts guide.

Pro Tip: The VS Recon is an excellent candidate for permanent unlock tokens if you prestige and want immediate access to a competitive sniper.

M8A1 Marksman Rifle

Original Name: M8A1
Unlock Level: 10
Weapon Type: 4-round burst marksman rifle

Performance Overview

The M8A1 keeps its iconic name and its legendary performance. This was the weapon that defined Black Ops 2’s competitive scene, and it’s still absolutely crushing in Black Ops 7. The four-round burst fires so quickly that it essentially feels like landing four simultaneous shots.

Strengths:

• One-burst kill potential from upper chest to head
• Extremely fast rate of fire within the burst
• Tight bullet spread makes it laser-accurate
• Effective from medium to long range
• Manageable recoil even without attachments
• First marksman rifle you’ll unlock

Weaknesses:

• Burst delay means missing can be punishing
• Less effective in extreme close-quarters
• Requires some accuracy to land the full burst
• Moderate burst cooldown between trigger pulls

Should You Use It?

This is one of the best weapons in Black Ops 7, period. The M8A1’s ability to delete enemies with a single trigger pull at medium-to-long range makes it incredibly dominant in most multiplayer modes. The learning curve is minimal—if you can keep your crosshair on target for the duration of the burst, you’ll win most gunfights.

Best Use Case: Literally any map with medium-to-long range sightlines. The M8A1 excels in objective modes where you can hold lanes (Domination, Hardpoint) and in respawn modes where accuracy is rewarded over spray-and-pray tactics.

We have a dedicated M8A1 loadout guide that covers optimal attachments and class setups. The weapon is meta-defining, so mastering it is highly recommended.

Marksman Rifle Classification: Interestingly, the M8A1 has been moved from the Assault Rifle category to Marksman Rifles in BO7. This doesn’t affect its performance but does change how you build loadouts around it. The reclassification actually makes sense given its precision-focused playstyle.

Coda 9 Pistol (KAP 45)

Original Name: KAP 45
Unlock Level: 34
Weapon Type: Full-auto pistol

Performance Overview

The Coda 9 is what pistols aspire to be—a legitimate threat rather than a desperate backup plan. This full-auto secondary weapon boasts high damage and a blistering rate of fire that can shred opponents in close-quarters faster than some primary weapons.

Strengths:

• Full-auto firing mode (just hold the trigger)
• High damage per bullet for a pistol
• Extremely fast rate of fire
• 20-round magazine (generous for a sidearm)
• Dominant in close-quarters combat
• Can outgun SMGs at point-blank range

Weaknesses:

• Burns through ammunition incredibly quickly
• Significant recoil makes sustained fire difficult
• Very limited effective range
• Magazine empties in about two seconds of continuous fire

Should You Use It?

If you unlock it, absolutely equip it. The Coda 9 transforms your sidearm from “oh crap” backup to legitimate close-range threat. This is especially valuable in loadouts where your primary weapon struggles up close (sniper rifles, LMGs, certain marksman rifles).

Best Use Case: Overkill loadouts where you’re running a long-range primary. When enemies close distance, switching to the Coda 9 gives you competitive TTK against SMG users. Also excellent in Search and Destroy when you need to conserve primary ammo.

Important Note: The high fire rate means trigger discipline is crucial. Don’t just hold the trigger and hope—controlled bursts will extend your effective range and conserve ammo.

Carbon 57 SMG (PDW 57)

Original Name: PDW 57
Unlock Level: 46
Weapon Type: Full-auto submachine gun

Performance Overview

The Carbon 57 occupies an interesting niche in the SMG category—it’s the “AR-like SMG” that trades raw close-range damage for better range and magazine capacity. With 50 rounds in the magazine, you can engage multiple enemies without reloading.

Strengths:

• Massive 50-round magazine capacity
• Respectable range for an SMG
• Controlled, manageable recoil
• Effective at medium range (unusual for SMG class)
• Doesn’t require constant reloading

Weaknesses:

• Below-average damage compared to other SMGs
• Slower TTK in pure close-range fights
• Less mobile than lighter SMG options
• Requires more bullets to secure kills

Should You Use It?

The Carbon 57 is a solid choice if you prefer a more controlled, methodical SMG playstyle over pure aggression. It’s particularly effective on larger maps where you need SMG mobility but occasionally face medium-range engagements.

Best Use Case: Versatile loadouts where you want SMG handling but need to occasionally challenge at range. The 50-round magazine makes it excellent for objective play where you’re defending points against multiple attackers.

Comparison Point: If you want pure close-range dominance, the Dravec 45 or the MPC-25 (covered below) are better choices. The Carbon 57 is for players who value consistency over peak performance.

Peacekeeper MK1 Assault Rifle

Original Name: Peacekeeper MK1
Unlock Level: 52
Weapon Type: Full-auto assault rifle

Performance Overview

The Peacekeeper MK1 has undergone an identity crisis. Originally an SMG in Black Ops 2, it’s been reclassified as an Assault Rifle in BO7. The problem? It still plays like an SMG, creating an awkward situation where it doesn’t quite excel in either category.

Strengths:

• Exceptional mobility and handling for an AR
• Lightweight and agile
• Great accuracy in close-to-medium range
• Fast ADS and sprint-to-fire times
• Excellent for aggressive, mobile playstyles

Weaknesses:

• High recoil for an assault rifle
• Limited effective range compared to other ARs
• Struggles in medium-to-long range engagements
• Punishing recoil pattern at distance

Should You Use It?

The Peacekeeper MK1 is a specialist weapon for specific situations. If you’re playing small, close-quarters maps with lots of corners and tight angles, the Peacekeeper’s mobility advantage makes it competitive. On larger maps with longer sightlines, you’ll get outgunned by proper assault rifles.

Best Use Case: Aggressive assault rifle players who want AR damage with near-SMG mobility. Think of it as a bridge weapon—faster than most ARs, hits harder than most SMGs. Maps like Nuketown or Raid (if they return) are where the Peacekeeper shines.

Reality Check: At Level 52, you’re unlocking this very late in progression. By that point, you’ve likely found weapons you prefer. The Peacekeeper is worth trying for nostalgia and specific loadout niches, but it’s not going to revolutionize your gameplay.

MPC-25 SMG (MSMC)

Original Name: MSMC
Unlock Level: 55 (Final unlock)
Weapon Type: Full-auto submachine gun

Performance Overview

The MPC-25 (MSMC) is your final unlock before prestige, and it’s a fitting capstone—a pure, unapologetic close-quarters murder machine. This SMG has the highest damage in its class, paired with excellent mobility and handling that keeps you constantly on the move.

Strengths:

• Very high damage for an SMG
• Exceptional mobility and handling
• Dominant in close-quarters combat
• Fast fire rate for quick kills
• Melts opponents at point-blank range

Weaknesses:

• Very high recoil
• Extremely limited effective range
• Essentially useless beyond close range
• Requires aggressive positioning to be effective
• High risk, high reward playstyle

Should You Use It?

If you thrive in close-quarters chaos and your map awareness is strong enough to avoid long-range engagements, the MPC-25 is one of the most satisfying weapons in Black Ops 7. This is the SMG for players who flank, rush objectives, and play hyper-aggressively.

Best Use Case: Small maps, objective modes where fights happen at close range, and flanking routes. Pair it with the Enforcer Combat Specialty for maximum aggressive potential—the movement speed buffs after kills synergize perfectly with the MPC-25’s in-your-face playstyle.

Important Consideration: You won’t unlock this until Level 55, meaning you have limited time to use it before prestige. If you’re planning to prestige, consider using a permanent unlock token on the MPC-25 if you love aggressive SMG play.

Comparison to Modern Options: The MPC-25 trades the versatility of weapons like the Dravec 45 for pure close-range dominance. If you know you’ll be in enemy faces constantly, the MPC-25 is arguably the best SMG in the game for that purpose.

Unlock Strategy and Progression

Since these weapons unlock across your entire leveling journey, here’s a strategic roadmap:

Early Game (Levels 1-10)

Focus: Jager 45 and VS Recon are your returning weapons in this bracket.

• Use the Jager 45 as your sidearm (you have no choice initially)
• Unlock VS Recon at Level 3, start building sniper proficiency
• At Level 10, you get the M8A1—this changes everything

Recommendation: Don’t sleep on the VS Recon. Starting your sniper practice early means you’ll be comfortable with it by the time you hit competitive lobbies.

Mid Game (Levels 11-33)

Focus: No BO2 weapons unlock during this period.

• Master the M8A1 you unlocked at 10
• Experiment with other weapon classes to find your preferences
• Save up for the Coda 9 unlock coming at 34

Recommendation: This is your time to explore Black Ops 7’s new weapons while your BO2 classics remain competitive.

Late Game (Levels 34-55)

Focus: Four BO2 weapons unlock in this final stretch.

• Level 34: Coda 9 immediately replaces your sidearm
• Level 46: Carbon 57 offers versatile SMG play
• Level 52: Peacekeeper MK1 for hybrid AR/SMG builds
• Level 55: MPC-25 as your final unlock

Recommendation: Test each weapon as it unlocks to determine which deserves permanent unlock token consideration if you prestige.

Weapon Viability Rankings

Based on current meta and performance across skill levels, here’s how the BO2 weapons rank:

S-Tier (Meta Defining)

1. M8A1 – Dominant at most skill levels, effective on most maps
2. VS Recon – Best early sniper, remains competitive indefinitely

A-Tier (Highly Competitive)

3. MPC-25 – Best close-range SMG for aggressive players
4. Coda 9 – Transforms sidearm slot into legitimate threat

B-Tier (Situationally Strong)

5. Carbon 57 – Solid versatile SMG, outclassed by specialists
6. Peacekeeper MK1 – Good on specific maps, awkward class placement

C-Tier (Functional Backup)

7. Jager 45 – Fine as default, replaced ASAP

This ranking assumes skilled play and considers effectiveness across various game modes and maps.

Building Loadouts Around BO2 Weapons

Each returning weapon works best with specific loadout configurations:

M8A1 Loadout Framework

Perk Setup: Enforcer or Recon Combat Specialty Secondary: Coda 9 for close-range backup Tactical: Stun Grenades for objective play Lethal: Frag Grenades for area denial

The M8A1 handles medium-to-long range perfectly, so build around compensating for close-quarters weakness.

VS Recon Loadout Framework

Perk Setup: Recon Combat Specialty for stealth Secondary: Coda 9 (mandatory—snipers need strong secondaries) Tactical: Smoke Grenades for repositioning Lethal: Claymore for protecting flanks

Sniper loadouts require strong secondaries and tools for repositioning safely.

MPC-25 Loadout Framework

Perk Setup: Enforcer Combat Specialty (movement speed synergy) Secondary: Launcher or Jager 45 (you’ll rarely use it) Tactical: Stun Grenades for pushing Lethal: Semtex for quick damage

Pure aggression build—maximize mobility and close-range lethality.

For comprehensive loadout building advice, check our operators guide and prestige rewards breakdown.

Zombies Performance

While this guide focuses primarily on multiplayer, several BO2 weapons perform well in Zombies mode:

VS Recon: Excellent for eliminating Zursa Bears and other elite enemies at range when Pack-a-Punched.

M8A1: Burst damage is effective for precision zombie elimination, especially when targeting weak points.

Coda 9: Full-auto pistol becomes surprisingly viable in early Zombies rounds with proper ammo mod augments.

For complete Zombies strategies, see our beginner tips guide and permanent perks tutorial.

Prestige Considerations

When you hit Level 55 and consider prestiging, the BO2 weapons factor heavily into permanent unlock token decisions:

Top Permanent Unlock Candidates

M8A1 (Level 10): Strong case for permanent unlock—it’s meta-defining and unlocks relatively late.

Coda 9 (Level 34): Solid consideration if you heavily rely on strong sidearms.

MPC-25 (Level 55): Only if you’re committed to aggressive SMG play—otherwise, use tokens on non-BO2 weapons.

VS Recon (Level 3): Unlocks so early that using a token feels wasteful unless you’re a dedicated sniper main.

For more guidance on permanent unlock decisions, visit our complete permanent unlock token guide.

Community Reception and Meta Evolution

The BO2 weapons have been generally well-received by the community, with some caveats:

Praise:

• Authentic feel and performance matching BO2 memories
• Diverse unlock levels provide consistent content throughout leveling
• Meta weapons (M8A1, VS Recon) justify their legendary reputations

Criticism:

• Some weapons (Peacekeeper) suffer from awkward class reclassification
• Late unlocks (MPC-25 at 55) give limited pre-prestige playtime
• No DLC weapons from BO2 included (no AN-94, Ballista, etc.)

As the meta evolves and balance patches roll out, these weapons will likely see adjustments. The M8A1 in particular feels strong enough that it might receive slight nerfs to bring it in line with other marksman rifles.

Performance Optimization

To get the most out of these weapons, ensure your game is running smoothly. Check our settings optimization guide and lag fix tutorial if you’re experiencing performance issues.

Precision weapons like the M8A1 and VS Recon are particularly sensitive to frame drops and input lag—stable performance directly translates to better accuracy.

Final Thoughts: Nostalgia Meets Viability

Treyarch could have simply reskinned these weapons and called it fan service. Instead, they’ve brought back seven genuinely competitive weapons that hold their own against Black Ops 7’s entirely new arsenal. Whether you’re a returning player looking to reconnect with old favorites or a new player curious about what made Black Ops 2 legendary, these weapons deliver.

The M8A1 and VS Recon justify their iconic status by remaining meta-relevant. The MPC-25 and Coda 9 bring unique characteristics that fill specific niches. Even the “weaker” entries like the Carbon 57 and Peacekeeper have situations where they shine.

Key Takeaways:

✅ Prioritize unlocking the M8A1 at Level 10 – It’s meta-defining
✅ Don’t ignore the VS Recon at Level 3 – Best early sniper by far
✅ Switch to Coda 9 immediately at Level 34 – Massive sidearm upgrade
✅ Try the MPC-25 before prestiging – Understand if it’s worth a token
✅ Experiment with all seven – Each offers something unique

The beauty of these returning weapons is that they’re not just nostalgic novelties—they’re legitimate competitive options that reward skill and proper loadout construction. Whether you remember destroying lobbies with the DSR-50 in 2012 or you’re experiencing these weapons for the first time in 2025, they’re worth your attention.

Now get out there, unlock these classics, and show the new generation what Black Ops 2 dominance looked like.

For more Black Ops 7 weapon guides and strategies, explore our complete level unlocks guide, GobbleGums explained, and Zombies HUD customization.