Red Dead Redemption offers a range of firearms, each reflecting the gritty realities of the Wild West. These weapons aren’t just for show but essential for survival in the harsh frontier. From classic revolvers to powerful rifles, the choice is yours.
This vast selection makes it difficult to choose the right weapon for your quest. But note that each has its merits; some stand out for their power, versatility, or ease of use. This guide highlights the top 5 weapons in Red Dead Redemption, providing details on how to acquire them and their strengths on the battlefield.
5. Double-Action Revolver
How to unlock: After completing the Tesoro Azul Hideout, you will find it. You will get it in multiplayer mode after your inventory rank reaches level 16.
| Power | Medium |
| Range | Medium |
| Rate of Fire | High |
| Reload Speed | Medium |
| Ammo Capacity | 6 |
This is one of the non-rare revolvers in RDR that has a big magazine but a relatively slow reload speed. Do note that the high rate of fire gives enemies an open window to shoot fire at you when you reload. As for the target aim, you must be at mid-range to take a perfect shot.
To overcome the slow reload factor, always have a shotgun or knife equipped with you to finish off the enemy before it defends itself or escapes.
4. Bolt Action Rifle
How to unlock: You will get it during “The Gates of El Presidio” mission, and then it becomes available at Escalera Gunsmith for $750. While in multiplayer mode, you need to have your regular inventory at level 40 to get the weapon.
| Power | High |
| Range | High |
| Rate of Fire | Low |
| Reload Speed | High |
| Ammo Capacity | 5 |
Bolt Rifle is a versatile weapon with high power, accuracy, fast reload, and good fire rate. Despite the small magazine, this gun needs one shot to be aimed at the enemy’s torso or even a grizzly to take it down; this is where accuracy comes in.
If your target moves, chase it down while keeping a medium-range distance and aim. But you can shoot the target from long range if the target is still.
3. Henry’s Repeater
How to unlock: Neutralize Nosalida Hideout to get the weapon, while for multiplayer mode, you need to upgrade your inventory rank to level 32.
| Power | High |
| Range | High |
| Rate of Fire | Medium |
| Reload Speed | Low |
| Ammo Capacity | 12 |
Henry’s Repeater is a powerful four rapid-fire rifle with a large ammo capacity of 12 rounds, making it one of the largest magazine-sized repeaters. The slow reload speed is compensated by the magazine size. You need to stay within the medium range of the target to take a perfect shot.
2. Semi-auto Shotgun
How to unlock: Find it on sale at Escalera Gunsmith for $1,000. For multiplayer, you need to get to level 26.
| Power | High |
| Range | Low |
| Rate of Fire | High |
| Reload Speed | High |
| Ammo Capacity | 5 |
The semi-auto Shotgun is one of the five shotguns but has a relatively inaccurate range. However, it is still a powerful weapon with a fast rate of fire and reload speed. This is one of the best mid-range weapons that staggers enemies. The semi-auto shotgun is perfect for missions that do not require accuracy but extreme damage.
1. Buffalo Rifle
How to unlock: Achieve level 5 Hunter Master status, which will become available from any Gunsmith shop for $475. In multiplayer mode, this weapon requires your inventory to rank 50.
| Power | Very High |
| Range | High |
| Rate of Fire | Low |
| Reload Speed | High |
| Ammo Capacity | 1 |
Having a one-bullet magazine, Buffalo Rifle makes one of the best deadly single-shot weapons in Red Dead Redemption because its power is unmatched by any weapon in the game. This rifle can take down any enemy from mid-to-distance range with just one shot. Therefore, you need to be careful while aiming.
