Red Dead Redemption: Best Weapons

Red Dead Redemption is an open-world third-person shooter set in the Wild West where you play as former outlaw John Marston. In true Rockstar game fashion, Red Dead Redemption gives you complete freedom to roam the fictional version of the Western United States.

You take on the dangers of the Wild West — both humans and animals — with a slew of period-accurate arsenals. There are over 50 unique weapons in the game, divided into six categories. Below are the best ones you should be looking out for if you want a significant edge over threats that you will encounter.

Updated December 14, 2024 By Ben Jessey: It took many years, but the original Red Dead Redemption game finally arrived on the PC in 2024. So, for those currently playing the game, we’ve returned to our piece on the game’s best weapons to add a few more to the collection.

11

Pump-Action Shotgun

Shootouts in Red Dead Redemption usually happen at mid to long-range. Therefore, the game is more about rifles and pistols than shotguns. Yet, you shouldn’t underestimate the pump action.

If you can get up close, you can do serious damage with this weapon. It can be particularly effective when you’re trying to shoot people as you’re riding a horse. After all, it’s hard to be precise in these moments, so a rifle isn’t as useful, but you don’t have to be as accurate with a shotgun blast. You can get the gun from one of Dutch’s gang members in the And The Truth Will Set You Free mission.

10

Evans Repeater

Every repeater in Red Dead is useful due to its power and accuracy. The Evans Repeater has the added bonus of having a very large ammo capacity of 22, which is far more than the average gun in the game.

So, you can fire out plenty of shots before needing to reload. This makes it particularly handy to use in Dead Eye, as you’ll have 22 bullets to make use of. That should be enough to take out any collection of enemies that attempt to take you on. To try it yourself, you can buy the weapon from the gunsmith in Blackwater once you’ve unlocked the area.

9

Double-Action Revolver

The Double-Action Revolver is probably the second-best handgun in the game, right behind the LeMat Revolver. It has a relatively fast reload speed and rate of fire, faster than the LeMat Revolver. However, it does fall short in the damage, range, and ammo capacity categories. This is a classic that all the best revolver users will have in their holster at one point or another.

As an alternative to the LeMat Revolver, the Double-Action Revolver is a fine choice that can bail you out if you find yourself in a pickle. This highly efficient revolver will be given to you once you complete “The Great Mexican Train Robbery” mission or by finding it in a chest in the Tesoro Azul hideout.

8

Carcano Rifle

The Carcano Rifle is the best-scoped rifle in Red Dead Redemption and far surpasses the other two in this category in terms of ammo capacity, accuracy, rate of fire, and power. If you want to clear out a hideout or fort from afar, the Carcano Rifle will help you with that. Also, it is a great hunting rifle for taking down larger predators that you would prefer not to get too close to.

This long-range rifle can be purchased from the gunsmith in Blackwater, which is the only way to obtain it. This is a handy weapon to have if you aim to hunt down some of Red Dead Redemption’s more infamous legendary creatures.

7

Semi-Auto Shotgun

In terms of pure destructive power, the Semi-Auto Shotgun can easily clear out a building in a jiffy. Unlike other shotguns in Red Dead Redemption, the Semi-Auto Shotgun does not come with the constant reloading drawback, as you can fire it continuously longer before reloading—enough time to take down every enemy in the room. You can pretty much threaten anyone in the room and do anything you want if you pull this bad boy out.

While it won’t be as effective out in the open due to its abysmal accuracy and range, as is the case with all shotguns, the Semi-Auto Shotgun is godlike when storming establishments or buildings. The only way to get the Semi-Auto Shotgun is from the gunsmith located in Escalera. As with pretty much every purchasable good in the game, you should take advantage of the discounts provided by having high Honor or by wearing Savvy Merchant clothes.

6

Buffalo Rifle

The Buffalo Rifle prides itself on its incredible damage output and is arguably the best rifle in Red Dead Redemption in regard to stopping power. This rifle is designed to stop anything with one shot, and you should since it only has a single bullet clip. Despite that drawback, the absolute destructive power of the Buffalo Rifle will ensure that you only need to hit your target once anywhere on their body to take them out.

While it can only be obtained via purchase, the Buffalo Rifle is available from all weapon shops. However, you need to reach Master Hunter Rank 5 for this weapon to become available. Fortunately, leveling up your Hunter Rank is relatively easy and can be done very early in the game.

5

High Power Pistol

The High Power Pistol is a semi-automatic handgun that goes head-to-head with the Mauser Pistol in terms of utility. While it has far superior power to the latter, the High Power Pistol does lag in terms of reload speed. This pistol can stop enemies dead in an instant with its impressive damage and is the go-to handgun if you are looking for overwhelming power.

The only downside of the High Power Pistol is that you only obtain it late in the game. The High Power Pistol will be given to Marston during the “Bear One Another’s Burdens” mission.

4

Mauser Pistol

The closest thing to a modern handgun in the game is the excellent Mauser Pistol. The ammo capacity and fire rate of this pistol are second to none. The only downside is its relatively slower reload speed, but with the number of bullets that you can rain upon enemies, chances are high that all threats have already been neutralized even before the need to reload.

The Mauser Pistol can be found in the weapons shop at Blackwater for $800 or less if you take advantage of the discount mechanic. For such a fantastic pistol, the Mauser is surprisingly cheap, so get it the moment you land in Blackwater.

3

Henry Repeater

Besides the Bolt Action Rifle, the Henry Repeater is another favorite that will surely be a potential staple of your default arsenal when traversing the harsh and brutal Wild West. The Henry Repeater packs a solid punch with equally impressive accuracy and ammo capacity.

You can obtain the Henry Repeater by completing the Nosalida hideout, located in the northwest part of Mexico. You will eventually be directed to this hideout when you start the “Poppycock” Stranger Mission.

2

LeMat Revolver

In terms of pistols, the LeMat Revolver is a highly versatile handgun that combines high damage, high ammo capacity, and decent reload speed. It is also powerful enough to take down predators out in the wild with a well-placed shot, which makes it an ideal companion when hunting if ever you are caught in an ambush by a pack of wolves.

The LeMat Revolver cannot be found lying somewhere in a fortified fort or hideout, and the only way to get your hands on it is by spending cold, hard cash. You will find this outstanding pistol at the weapons shop in Escalera for a whopping $1,250. You can get a pretty good discount if you have high enough Honor or if you are wearing the Savvy Merchant outfit.

1

Bolt Action Rifle

The Bolt Action Rifle is one of the most well-rounded rifles in the game. What it lacks in stopping power, it more than makes up for with its large ammo capacity and fast reload. The rifle also has pretty decent accuracy and range, despite not having a scope. This is such a fine weapon that you will probably have this as your main rifle up to the end of the game.

You can find the Bolt Action Rifle at the weapons shop in Escalara. Alternatively, if you can wait and don’t want to spend cash, you will find this impressive rifle during “The Gates of El Presidio” mission. It is located beside the cannon above the entrance of the fort. This is generally the go-to rifle for most, as it is incredibly effective in both long-range and close-quarter encounters.