As gamers head out into the Old West for Red Dead Redemption 2, there's a whole host of imaginative weaponry that allows players to shoot down bandits and beasts with ease. The main story offers up some pretty average weapons, but for those behind the controls of Arthur Morgan who want to search further afield, there's a treasure trove of powerful pistols and rifles that are relatively easy to pick up.
Ultimately, no one weapon is the perfect choice for the entire campaign, meaning players can swap between the best of the best depending what the situation is. Blowing apart an enemy at close range or picking off that legendary animal from a far-off ridge, here are the five best secret weapons to grab and where they can be found in Red Dead Redemption II.
Related: Red Dead Redemption 2: Hidden Controls, Tips, and Tricks
Best Red Dead Redemption 2 Weapon #1: Litchfield Repeater
Late to the game for Red Dead Redemption II is the Litchfield Repeater. Ideal for hunting medium or large beasts, the Litchfield Repeater is also perfect for clearing an area quickly. Available to buy after the "Goodbye, Dear Friend" mission, the Litchfield Repeater should become a player's go-to choice for hunting. For anyone who wants something similar but earlier on, try out the Lancaster Repeater when it's handed to Arthur during Chapter 2's “An American Pastoral Scene."
Best Red Dead Redemption 2 Weapon #2: Bolt-Action Rifle
The B.D. & Co. Bolt-Action can dole out substantial damage in a matter of seconds and is easily the best option for long-range combat with multiple targets. Boasting the ability to use Regular, High Velocity, Split Point, Express, and Explosive ammo, the Bolt-Action Rifle is handy when in a jam. Better yet, there's no need to buy or steal the Bolt-Action Rifle. Following "Preaching Forgiveness as He Went" in Chapter 3, the Bolt-Action Rifle will become an invaluable weapon in Arthur's arsenal.
Best Red Dead Redemption 2 Weapon #3: Volcanic Pistol
Just as explosive as its name suggests, the Volcanic Pistol causes the most damage and is the cheapest at just $150. After completing the "Eastward Bound" mission early on in the game, the Volcanic Pistol is available from all gunsmiths. Alternatively, the Volcanic Pistol was an added addition for anyone who bought the Special or Ultimate Edition of Red Dead Redemption II.
Best Red Dead Redemption 2 Weapon #4: Semi-Automatic Shotgun
Although the Pump-Action Shotgun is the favorite of many gunslingers in Red Dead Redemption II, there's no escaping the sheer might of the Semi-Automatic Shotgun at close range. The Pump-Action just nudges ahead in terms of accuracy, but the Semi-Automatic has the highest fire rate and packs a decent reload. Gamers will have to play up to Chapter 4 to buy the Semi-Automatic, or they can head to Watson's Cabin (the one with the grouchy woman in) and steal it from a table at the back of the homestead.
Best Red Dead Redemption 2 Weapon #5: Carcano Rifle
The Rolling Block Rifle offers more damage per hit, but the impressive fire rate and reload means that the Carcano Rifle should be the top choice. While the Carcano Rifle isn't available until the final chapters of Red Dead Redemption II, it's definitely worth the wait. When players have finished "Goodbye, Dear Friend," the Carcano is available from the gunsmiths and is a must-have addition to those tough endgame missions.
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Now that Arthur Morgan has a fully stocked armory for whatever Rockstar Games throws at him in Red Dead Redemption II, it's up to players to get back in the saddle and head out into the wilderness to really put these weapons to the test.