The RK-9 is a solid aggressive SMG that hits a 336ms TTK up close and carries an unusually high 570m/s bullet velocity for its class. Here are three builds tuned for different situations in Warzone.
ADS
200ms
RPM
714
Bullet Vel.
570 m/s
TTK (close)
336ms
Best Build
RK-9 Quick Stats
| Stat | Value | |---|---| | Fire Rate | 714 RPM | | ADS Time | 200ms | | Bullet Velocity | 570 m/s | | Magazine Size | 30 rounds | | Close TTK | 336ms | | Long TTK | 588ms | | Tier | Good |
The 200ms ADS snap is fast enough for reactive engagements, and 570m/s bullet velocity means you don't need to lead targets nearly as much as with most SMGs. The tradeoff: damage falls off steeply past 20 meters, so you need to pick your fights carefully.
Damage Profile Breakdown
| Range | Head | Chest | Stomach | Legs | |---|---|---|---|---| | 0–9m | 44 | 35 | 32 | 32 | | 9.1–20m | 41 | 33 | 30 | 30 | | 20.1–27.9m | 31 | 25 | 23 | 23 | | 28m+ | 24 | 19 | 18 | 18 |
Within 9 meters, chest shots deal 35 damage — you need 8 shots to break 250 HP, yielding that 336ms TTK at 714 RPM. Past 20 meters, chest damage drops to 25, pushing shots-to-kill to 10 and the TTK out to 588ms. Past 28 meters, damage craters to 19 per chest hit (14 shots needed), so the RK-9 effectively stops competing at that distance.
Build 1: Best Overall
Designed for raw close-range performance with recoil control and extended capacity.
| Slot | Attachment | |---|---| | Muzzle | Hawker Series 45 | | Barrel | 13.6" Mercurial Barrel | | Magazine | Ascot Drum Mag | | Rear Grip | Raft Ready Grip | | Fire Mods | Accelerated Recoil System |
Share Code: S02-9YGES-951
The Ascot Drum Mag solves the 30-round base magazine, which burns through fast at 714 RPM. The 13.6" Mercurial Barrel and Hawker Series 45 work together on recoil management, while the Raft Ready Grip tightens handling. The Accelerated Recoil System helps the weapon settle between bursts during sustained fights.
This is the build to run if you're pushing buildings, rotating through POIs, or playing as the entry fragger in a squad.
Build 2: Long Range
Stretches the RK-9's effective range for mid-range capability alongside an AR.
| Slot | Attachment | |---|---| | Optic | Lethal Tools ELO | | Muzzle | Hawker Stabilizer MKII | | Barrel | 8.7" EAM Hollow Barrel | | Underbarrel | MFS Ironlung Handstop | | Magazine | Ascot Drum Mag |
Share Code: S02-AUXZ1-NPDL1
The Lethal Tools ELO gives a cleaner sight picture for mid-range tracking. The Hawker Stabilizer MKII and MFS Ironlung Handstop stack recoil control to keep shots on target in the 9–20m band where damage is still reasonable (33 chest). The 8.7" EAM Hollow Barrel adds range utility. This build is less snappy than the Best Overall, so it's better suited for holding angles and supporting teammates rather than hard-pushing.
Keep in mind: even with range-boosting attachments, the RK-9's damage profile past 28 meters (19 per chest hit) means you're still outclassed by ARs and LMGs at true long range. This build is about extending the mid-range, not replacing a proper long-range primary.
Build 3: Support
Balances mobility and stability for a flexible secondary role.
| Slot | Attachment | |---|---| | Muzzle | Hawker Stabilizer MKII | | Magazine | Ascot Drum Mag | | Rear Grip | Nanopulse Grip | | Stock | VAS Conduit Stock | | Fire Mods | Accelerated Recoil System |
Share Code: S02-FTRSI-W51
The VAS Conduit Stock and Nanopulse Grip improve mobility and handling, making this build feel lighter when repositioning. The Hawker Stabilizer MKII provides baseline recoil control, while the Accelerated Recoil System keeps follow-up shots tight. Paired with the Ascot Drum Mag for capacity, this setup works well when you're running the RK-9 as a secondary alongside a sniper or long-range AR.
How the RK-9 Compares
The RK-9 sits in the Good tier on our meta tier list. It competes directly with the AMR9 (also Good tier) and the BAS-P. You can compare with AMR9 side-by-side to see the stat differences.
RK-9
GoodAMR9
Good
The C9 and Carbon 57 — both rated Very Good — sit one tier above and are worth considering if you want stronger all-around SMG options. But the RK-9's 570m/s bullet velocity is a standout advantage; it's noticeably easier to land shots at range compared to most SMGs, which tend to sit in the 400–500 m/s range.
When to Use the RK-9
- Best range: 0–20 meters, where TTK stays at or near 336ms
- Playstyle: Aggressive pushes, clearing buildings, close-quarters rotations
- Pair with: A long-range AR or sniper to cover the RK-9's damage dropoff past 28m
- Avoid: Extended open-field engagements where the 588ms+ long-range TTK puts you at a significant disadvantage
The RK-9's performance depends on staying within its optimal range band. If you can force fights inside 20 meters, it competes with higher-tier options. Outside that window, swap to your primary.
For more SMG builds and loadout breakdowns, check our loadout guides. Full stats, damage charts, and attachment data are on the RK-9 weapon page.