Rockstar's western epic Red Dead Redemption 2 is renowned for its attention to detail, and that extends to the Van der Linde Gang's weapons of choice. Every gunslinging member of the gang has unique weapons, some more impressive than others. The developers didn't just add them for show, though, and most of the custom weaponry in RDR2 are reflections of their individual owners.
The only exception is Red Dead Redemption 2 protagonist Arthur Morgan, who has an extremely varied arsenal as the player character. Although Arthur uses plenty of guns throughout the game, the gang tends to have a few favorites. Cattleman Revolvers are by far the most common weapon of choice for the Van der Linde Gang, with the Schofield a distant second.
RDR2 characters can frequently be seen using other weapons, but most often decide to use their custom firearms. Charles, for instance, is seen using a tomahawk, a bow, throwing knives, and a variety of firearms, but only has one unique weapon. From Dutch to Sean, every violent criminal in the Van der Linde gang has spent some of their blood money on a personalized gun.
Dutch Van Der Linde's Custom Schofield Revolvers
Dutch's twin custom Schofields are by far the most ornate weapons in the gang. The two revolvers are colored mostly black, with elaborate gold engravings and pearl grips. Just like Dutch having the nicest tent in RDR2's camp, his Schofields show how hollow the Van der Linde Gang leader's words of equality are. Dutch uses his charisma to cultivate followers, promising an outfit that's more of a family, as long as he gets the lion's share and has all the nicest accessories.
Micah Bell's Twin Double-Action Revolvers
Although Micah's Double-action Revolvers have black handles sporting bright red skull ornamentations, the most notable aspect of the weapons is the phrase "VENGEANCE IS HEREBY MINE" etched into one of the barrels. This gun can actually be acquired by players if they return to where Micah is killed on Mount Hagen near the end of Red Dead Redemption 2. Micah's weapons being a reflection of his personality is best summarized by one of Arthur's more famous quotes: "Vengeance is an idiot's game."
Sadie Adler's Cattleman Revolvers & Carbine Repeater
During the course of Sadie's transformation into a bonafide gunslinger, she comes into possession of three personalized weapons. She has two silver-plated, etched Cattleman Revolvers with brightly stained grips, and a leather-wrapped Carbine Repeater which has had its metal components blackened.
The sheer number custom firearms she has - more than any other Van der Linde gangster, despite being the newest member - is indicative of her seemingly undying wish for vengeance, first on the O'Driscolls, and later on Micah. Her later proclivity for bounty hunting makes Sadie Adler a compelling main character if a Red Dead Redemption 3 returns to Mexico.
Charles Smisth's Personalized Sawed-Off Shotgun
Charles distinguishes himself from the rest of the gang by being the only member to not carry a custom revolver, instead opting for a Sawed-off Shotgun. It's possible that it could have been crafted out of a white-colored wood, but it's more likely that Charles adorned the handle and under-barrel with black and white varnish, with the metal similarly darkened. Charles' shotgun is almost an antithesis to his character - an exceptionally violent and close-range weapon for a man who is typically altruistic and socially distant.
Bill Williamson's Bolt Action Rifle & Schofield Revolver
Although Bill carries a Schofield with browned steel, he heavily prefers to use his Bolt Action Rifle. A proficiency in rifle shooting is likely a holdover from his time in the United States Army. Although he was dishonorably discharged, he seems to retain the military's penchant for firearm maintenance. Bill is one of the most loyal members of the Van der Linde Gang, and his dutiful nature manifests in what is essentially a standard issue rifle being his weapon of choice.
Javier Escuella's Unique Double-Action Revolver
Next to Dutch, Javier has the flashiest revolver in the gang - a silver-plated Double-action Revolver with a rounded, black grip. The entire gun is covered in ornamentation, with the metal covered in black flower engravings and the handle adorned with a variety of silver accessories.
Similarly to Bill, Javier is fiercely loyal to Dutch, and his ornate revolver may have been adopted in imitation of the gang's leader. Alternatively, in the original Red Dead Redemption, John harshly evaluates Javier as "a cynic who desperately wanted to be a romantic," thus the beautiful craftsmanship on a weapon used solely for misdeeds.
Lenny Summers' Rolling Block Rifle & Old Cattleman Revolver
Lenny tends to be a fan favorite because of his drunken night with Arthur in RDR2, but he also has a tragic backstory. His Cattleman Revolver is comprised of all black components and appears to be exceptionally worn, but his Rolling Block Rifle appears to be in fine condition. Although it's unconfirmed, there's a possibility that Lenny's revolver is the same one he used to exact revenge on his father's killers. When Mr. Summers was beaten to death by a group of drunks, Lenny stole a gun to avenge his father, which may explain how such a young, new member of the gang is in possession of a worn firearm.
Uncle's Custom Schofield & Double Barrel Shotgun
Despite Uncle being unequivocally the laziest member of the gang (because of an alleged diagnosis of terminal lumbago), he still manages to have two custom weapons, a Schofield and a Double Barrel Shotgun. Neither are of particularly noteworthy design, simply having color-swapped parts. This plays well into Uncle being an unassuming character, who occasionally has flashes of competence and intelligence, despite his lackadaisical facade.
Sean MacGuire's Cattleman Revolver
Just like Uncle's firearms, Sean MacGuire's custom Cattleman Revolver is generally nondescript, appearing to be made with blue steel and nickel. The rather boring weapon grimly matches Sean as a character who is killed rather early in the game.
Prior to his violent death in Rhodes, Sean appears an inexperienced outlaw, which may explain his plain revolver. He may have ended up with a more impressive gun if he had been a more significant character in Red Dead Redemption 2.
Hosea Matthew's Dual Cattleman Revolvers
Hosea tragically cannot be saved in RDR2, but his nondescript firearms are a bit more interesting than Sean's. One of two original members of the gang alongside Dutch, Hosea carries a pair of Cattleman Revolvers with bone grips. Most interestingly, Hosea appears to be the only one to wear his holsters oriented for a cavalry draw, with the butts of the handles pointing forward. The cavalry draw is beneficial for fighting on horseback, but there's nothing to suggest Hosea was ever a cavalryman, so he may just wear his revolvers this way to make them more easily drawn while seated in general. This may be a side effect of Hosea's more rational demeanor, compared to Dutch's rash, often violent action.
John Marston's Worn Cattleman Revolver
Although the RDR series is largely about John Marston's life, he gets shafted in the custom revolver department. John's Cattleman Revolver in RDR2 is almost identical to Hosea's, only missing the Buck Cattleman logo usually on the popular gun's handle. John's revolver is well worn from his years in the Van der Linde Gang, and just like Arthur's arsenal in Red Dead Redemption 2, John's custom gun does not make an appearance when he is the protagonist of the first game.