These compact and lightweight weapons are best deployed in close quarters due to their short range. But what they lack in accuracy and damage output, they make up for in rate of fire.
In Battlefield 3, the PDWs are available to all classes. So consider choosing one of these weapons when tasked with assaulting or defending a building interior or other confined space.
These weapons are unlocked with promotions in rank. So the more you play (with any kit), the more PDWs you’ll unlock.
PP-2000
Though chambered in the standard 9x19mm caliber, the PP-2000 is designed to use Russian overpressure rounds at high velocity to penetrate body armor.
The high muzzle velocity of the PP-2000 gives it a flatter trajectory than other 9mm weapons, and its compact size make it ideal as a personal defense weapon.
When equipped with the 40-round extended magazine, the PP-2000 also functions admirably in a CQB assault role.
Ammo: 9x19mm Parabellum
Rate of Fire: 600 rpm
Magazine Capacity: 20
Unlock: Rank 7 (Lance Corporal II)
Fire Modes:
| Mode | Enabled |
|---|---|
| Single-Shot | x |
| Burst | |
| Automatic | x |
Unlock Progression
| Image | Accessory | Slot | Kills |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
KOBRA (RDS) | Optics | 10 |
|
|
Laser Sight | Secondary | 20 |
|
Suppressor | Secondary | 30 |
|
|
PKA-S (HOLO) | Optics | 40 |
|
|
Tactical Light | Secondary | 50 |
|
|
Extended Mag | Primary | 60 |
|
|
PKA-A (3.4x) | Optics | 70 |
|
|
ACOG (4x) | Optics | 80 |
|
|
Reflex (RDS) | Optics | 90 |
|
|
IRNV (IR 1x) | Optics | 100 |
|
|
Holographic (HOLO) | Optics | 125 |
|
|
M145 (3.4x) | Optics | 150 |
UMP-45
The German-built UMP-45 is a fully automatic personal defense weapon noted for its versatility and optimal mobility.
Essentially an improved version of the MP5, the UMP-45 is functionally similar but substantially cheaper to manufacture and includes several modern upgrades such as the top and forward accessory rails.
The UMP-45 is well-rounded and capable as a personal defense weapon.
Ammo: .45ACP
Rate of Fire: 600 rpm
Magazine Capacity: 25
Unlock: Rank 16 (Sergeant III)
Fire Modes:
| Mode | Enabled |
|---|---|
| Single-Shot | x |
| Burst | x |
| Automatic | x |
Unlock Progression
| Image | Accessory | Slot | Kills |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Reflex (RDS) | Optics | 10 |
|
|
Laser Sight | Secondary | 20 |
|
Suppressor | Secondary | 30 |
|
|
Holographic (HOLO) | Optics | 40 |
|
|
Tactical Light | Secondary | 50 |
|
|
Flash Suppressor | Secondary | 60 |
|
|
M145 (3.4x) | Optics | 70 |
|
|
ACOG (4x) | Optics | 80 |
|
|
KOBRA (RDS) | Optics | 90 |
|
|
IRNV (IR 1x) | Optics | 100 |
|
|
PKA-S (HOLO) | Optics | 125 |
|
|
PKA-A (3.4x) | Optics | 150 |
PDW-R
Developed as a personal defense weapon, the PDW-R differs from most others by utilizing the standard 5.56mm NATO rounds of the M16 or M4.
This allows the PDW-R to share magazines and supply lines with standard troops, while its short length and bullpup configuration allow the PDW-R to be easily operated in CQB.
Though it lacks the accuracy of a rifle, the PDW-R has a greater punch at longer ranges than other PDWs.
Ammo: 5.56mmx45mm NATO
Rate of Fire: 600 rpm
Magazine Capacity: 30
Unlock: Rank 32 (Sergeant Major)
Fire Modes:
| Mode | Enabled |
|---|---|
| Single-Shot | x |
| Burst | |
| Automatic | x |
Unlock Progression
| Image | Accessory | Slot | Kills |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Reflex (RDS) | Optics | 10 |
|
|
Laser Sight | Secondary | 20 |
|
Suppressor | Secondary | 30 |
|
|
Holographic (HOLO) | Optics | 40 |
|
|
Tactical Light | Secondary | 50 |
|
|
Flash Suppressor | Secondary | 60 |
|
|
M145 (3.4x) | Optics | 70 |
|
|
ACOG (4x) | Optics | 80 |
|
|
KOBRA (RDS) | Optics | 90 |
|
|
IRNV (IR 1x) | Optics | 100 |
|
|
PKA-S (HOLO) | Optics | 125 |
|
|
PKA-A (3.4x) | Optics | 150 |
P90
Developed in Belgium as a personal defense weapon for vehicle crews, Special Forces and counter-terrorist groups, the P90 is a compact and capable weapon system.
The three forward rails allow an operator to mount a wide variety accessories, and the 5.7x28mm special armor-piercing ammunition is fired at nearly rifle velocity.
With a standard 50-round magazine, the P90 is an effective offensive CQB weapon for highly mobile personnel.
Ammo: 5.7x28mm
Rate of Fire: 900 rpm
Magazine Capacity: 50
Unlock: Rank 40 (Second Lieutenant)
Fire Modes:
| Mode | Enabled |
|---|---|
| Single-Shot | x |
| Burst | |
| Automatic | x |
Unlock Progression
| Image | Accessory | Slot | Kills |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Reflex (RDS) | Optics | 10 |
|
|
Laser Sight | Secondary | 20 |
|
Suppressor | Secondary | 30 |
|
|
Holographic (HOLO) | Optics | 40 |
|
|
Tactical Light | Secondary | 50 |
|
|
Flash Suppressor | Secondary | 60 |
|
|
M145 (3.4x) | Optics | 70 |
|
|
ACOG (4x) | Optics | 80 |
|
|
KOBRA (RDS) | Optics | 90 |
|
|
IRNV (IR 1x) | Optics | 100 |
|
|
PKA-S (HOLO) | Optics | 125 |
|
|
PKA-A (3.4x) | Optics | 150 |
AS VAL
The AS VAL is an integrally suppressed, Soviet-designed assault rifle developed for use in the Spetsnaz.
Chambered for a special high-performance armor-piercing 9x39mm round, the AS VAL includes mounts for using optical, red dot, or even night vision scopes.
The AS VAL is designed to be fired only with the suppressor attached, and this therefore prevents the rifle from mounting underslung attachments.
Ammo: 9x39mm
Rate of Fire: 900 rpm
Magazine Capacity: 30
Unlock: Rank 45 (Colonel)
Fire Modes:
| Mode | Enabled |
|---|---|
| Single-Shot | x |
| Burst | |
| Automatic | x |
Unlock Progression:
| Image | Accessory | Slot | Kills |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
PSO-1 (4x) | Optics | 10 |
|
|
Tactical Light | Secondary | 20 |
|
|
KOBRA (RDS) | Optics | 30 |
|
|
PKA-S (HOLO) | Optics | 40 |
|
|
Laser Sight | Secondary | 50 |
|
|
IRNV (IR 1x) | Optics | 60 |
|
|
PKS-07 (7x) | Optics | 70 |
|
|
PKA-A (3.4x) | Optics | 80 |
|
|
ACOG (4x) | Optics | 90 |
|
|
Reflex (RDS) | Optics | 100 |
|
|
Holographic (HOLO) | Optics | 125 |
|
|
Rifle Scope (6x) | Optics | 150 |
|
|
M145 (3.4x) | Optics | 175 |
MP7
Another contender for the newly developing PDW market, the MP7 is currently in service with the German Bundeswehr and the Norwegian Armed Forces.
The MP7 includes an improved stock, additional safeties, and added rails for mounting lights, lasers, and sights. The weapon is also capable of being suppressed, and therefore has excellent close-combat stealth performance.
Ammo: 4.6x30mm
Rate of Fire: 950 rpm
Magazine Capacity: 20
Unlock: 189,000 Co-Op score
Fire Modes:
| Mode | Enabled |
|---|---|
| Single-Shot | x |
| Burst | |
| Automatic | x |
Unlock Progression
| Image | Accessory | Slot | Kills |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Reflex (RDS) | Optics | 10 |
|
|
Laser Sight | Secondary | 20 |
|
Suppressor | Secondary | 30 |
|
|
Holographic (HOLO) | Optics | 40 |
|
|
Tactical Light | Secondary | 50 |
|
|
Flash Suppressor | Secondary | 60 |
|
|
M145 (3.4x) | Optics | 70 |
|
|
ACOG (4x) | Optics | 80 |
|
|
KOBRA (RDS) | Optics | 90 |
|
|
IRNV (IR 1x) | Optics | 100 |
|
|
PKA-S (HOLO) | Optics | 125 |
|
|
PKA-A (3.4x) | Optics | 150 |
PP-19
Russian-made submachine gun with a unique cylindrical 50-round magazine. Based on proven AK-47 design, this weapon saw action in Battlefield 2 as part of the Russian anti-tank kit.
Ammo: 9x18mm
Rate of Fire: 700 rpm
Magazine Capacity: 50
Unlock: Familiar Territory assignment
Fire Modes:
| Mode | Enabled |
|---|---|
| Single-Shot | x |
| Burst | |
| Automatic | x |
Unlock Progression
| Image | Accessory | Slot | Kills |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
KOBRA (RDS) | Optics | 10 |
|
|
Laser Sight | Secondary | 20 |
|
Suppressor | Secondary | 30 |
|
|
PKA-S (HOLO) | Optics | 40 |
|
|
Tactical Light | Secondary | 50 |
|
|
Extended Mag | Primary | 60 |
|
|
PKA-A (3.4x) | Optics | 70 |
|
|
ACOG (4x) | Optics | 80 |
|
|
Reflex (RDS) | Optics | 90 |
|
|
IRNV (IR 1x) | Optics | 100 |
|
|
Holographic (HOLO) | Optics | 125 |
|
|
M145 (3.4x) | Optics | 150 |
M5K
A tactical machine pistol based on one of the world’s most successful submachine gun designs. With the shoulder stock completely removed and the shortened receiver, this ultracompact personal defense weapon is capable of very high rates of fire, as well as great stopping power at close range.
Ammo: 9 x 19 mm
Rate of Fire: 900 rpm
Magazine Capacity: 25
Range: Short
Unlock: Hold the Trigger assignment
- Complete These Hurt Too assignment
- Finish Top 5 Gun Master
- 100 kills with PDWs
Fire Modes:
| Mode | Enabled |
|---|---|
| Single-Shot | |
| Burst | |
| Automatic | x |
Unlock Progression
| Image | Accessory | Slot | Kills |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Reflex (RDS) | Optics | 10 |
|
|
Laser Sight | Secondary | 20 |
|
Suppressor | Secondary | 30 |
|
|
Holographic (HOLO) | Optics | 40 |
|
|
Tactical Light | Secondary | 50 |
|
|
Flash Suppressor | Secondary | 60 |
|
|
M145 (3.4x) | Optics | 70 |
|
|
ACOG (4x) | Optics | 80 |
|
|
KOBRA (RDS) | Optics | 90 |
|
|
IRNV (IR 1x) | Optics | 100 |
|
|
PKA-S (HOLO) | Optics | 125 |
|
|
PKA-A (3.4x) | Optics | 150 |