Rust Custom SMG
T2 SMG with the highest mag capacity in its tier. Fast fire rate, manageable recoil.
Fast facts
| Tier | T2 workbench |
|---|---|
| Ammo | Pistol Bullet / Incendiary / HV Pistol |
| Magazine | 24 rounds (largest of T2 SMGs) |
| RPM | ~600 (community-consensus) |
| Damage | ~25 body / ~50 headshot per shot (community-consensus) |
| Range | Short-medium (~30-50m) |
| Recoil | Mild vertical, easy to learn |
| Acquisition | Craft at T2 workbench. Default-known. |
The Custom SMG is the T2 spray weapon — 24-round magazine, fast fire rate, controllable recoil. Larger mag than Thompson and easier to learn than MP5 (though MP5 is T3). The mid-game spray weapon that bridges the Revolver-tier early game and the AK-tier late game.
Pro tips
- 24 rounds is the biggest T2 SMG capacity — Thompson holds 20.
- Burst-fire 5-7 rounds at a time — full mag dumps work at point blank but waste bullets at distance.
- Pistol ammo is cheap — easy to keep stockpiled for sustained PvP.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Custom SMG good in Rust?
Yes for T2 — bigger mag than Thompson, similar damage profile. The standard mid-game spray weapon. Replaced by MP5A4 at T3.
Custom SMG vs Thompson?
Custom SMG: 24-round mag, faster fire rate. Thompson: 20-round mag, slightly more damage per shot, more iconic feel. Custom SMG is statistically better; Thompson is the cult favorite.
When to use the Custom SMG
The Custom SMG is the early-to-mid wipe workhorse SMG. Tier 2 workbench, cheap to craft, easy to control, and surprisingly effective at the 5-25 metre range that defines most Rust gunfights. If you're past the Thompson stage but not yet sitting on AK ammo stockpiles, the Custom SMG is what you're carrying.
Best engagement range is 5-20 metres. Past 25m the damage falloff and bullet spread make the AK or LR300 a much better choice. Inside 5m the SPAS or pump shotgun beats it for instant kills, but the Custom SMG's higher mag size lets it sustain a fight where shotguns need to reload.
Loadout & attachments
The Custom SMG benefits enormously from attachments — you should always run at least a sight and a muzzle:
- **Holosight** — non-negotiable. Iron sights make hitting consistent shots at 15m+ a coin flip.
- **Muzzle Brake** — flatten the recoil pattern, makes spray control trivial.
- **Silencer** — alternative muzzle for stealth roams, slight damage hit.
- **Lasersight** — hipfire bonus, useful for door peeks and breach moments.
- **Extended Magazine** — the standard 30-round mag is fine but extended pushes you closer to LMG sustain.
**Ammo: Pistol Ammo** — high-velocity rounds are barely worth the cost; stick to standard.
Custom SMG vs alternatives
Vs **MP5**: MP5 is T3 (better) and slightly more accurate at distance. Custom SMG is T2 (cheaper) and more forgiving with recoil. Most players use Custom until they have stable T3 access, then switch.
Vs **Thompson**: Thompson is also T2 but slower fire rate and worse spray. Custom SMG outclasses Thompson once you have a sight.
Vs **AK47**: AK wins past 25m every time. Custom SMG wins inside 15m more often than not because of fire rate and easier control.
Common mistakes
- **Skipping the sight.** Iron-sight Custom SMG is half the gun.
- **Engaging at sniper ranges.** You will lose to anyone with an SAR or AK at 30m+.
- **Spraying full mag at one target.** Burst fire at 4-6 rounds, then reset aim. The mag empties faster than you think.
- **Skipping the muzzle.** The recoil with no muzzle is climby; brake it down.
Kit & pairing
Pair the Custom SMG with a **Pump Shotgun** or **Revolver** sidearm for the sub-5m engagements where SMGs over-spread. Wear at least **Roadsign Jacket + Coffee Can helmet** — it's a mid-wipe gun, mid-wipe armour. Drink **Pure Max Health Tea** before raids; the extra HP makes a real difference in close-range trade fights.