Red Dead Redemption 2 Best Weapons Guide: Every Gun Ranked

## Red Dead Redemption 2 Best Weapons Tier List Arthur Morgan's arsenal determines how effectively you dominate the Wild West. Here's every weapon ranked from best to worst. ### S-Tier (Must-Have Weapons) **Lancaster Repeater** - 14-round capacity, excellent accuracy, fast fire rate - Available: Chapter 2 (Rhodes gunsmith) or free from Micah's stagecoach robbery - Best all-around weapon for 90% of combat situations - Upgrade: Rifling + Iron Sights + Wrap **Pump-Action Shotgun** - Devastating close-range power - 5-round magazine, fast pump action - One-shots most enemies under 15 meters - Available: Chapter 3 or purchase from any gunsmith **Carcano Rifle** - Best sniper rifle in the game - 6-round magazine, semi-automatic - Available: Chapter 6 (mission) or buy from Saint Denis gunsmith - Essential for long-range engagements ### A-Tier (Excellent) **Schofield Revolver** — Best revolver, balanced damage and accuracy. Free from Valentine doctor's back room robbery. **Bolt Action Rifle** — Reliable hunting rifle. Obtained early (Chapter 2, hanging mission). Good for large game and one-shot kills. **Volcanic Pistol** — Highest damage pistol. Slow fire rate but hits like a rifle. Available Chapter 2. **Semi-Auto Shotgun** — Faster than Pump-Action, 5-round magazine. Available Chapter 4+ or Watson's Cabin robbery. ### B-Tier (Solid Performers) **Cattleman Revolver** — Starting weapon, respectable with upgrades. Great dual-wield potential. **Double-Action Revolver** — Fastest revolver but inaccurate. Good for Dead Eye rapid-fire. **Litchfield Repeater** — Highest repeater damage but terrible accuracy. Only use with Dead Eye. **Sawed-Off Shotgun** — Compact sidearm with shotgun power. Perfect off-hand weapon. ### Weapon Customization All weapons can be customized at gunsmiths: | Upgrade | Effect | Cost | |---------|--------|------| | Improved Rifling | +Accuracy | $15-25 | | Improved Iron Sights | +Aim speed | $10-20 | | Longer Barrel | +Range, +Accuracy | $15-30 | | Leather Wrap | -Degradation rate | $5-10 | | Engravings | Cosmetic only | $2-5 per part | ### Unique and Rare Weapons - **Midnight's Pistol** (Gunslinger mission — Billy Midnight) - **Flaco's Revolver** (Gunslinger mission — Flaco Hernandez) - **Granger's Revolver** (Gunslinger mission — Emmet Granger) - **Calloway's Revolver** (Gunslinger mission — Jim Boy Calloway) - **Rare Shotgun** (Hermit at Manito Glade) - **Rare Rolling Block Rifle** (Chapter 3, "Magicians for Sport" mission) - **Ornate Dagger** (Saint Denis Vampire) ### FAQ **Q: What loadout should I use?** A: Lancaster Repeater (back) + Pump-Action Shotgun (shoulder) + Schofield Revolver ×2 (dual wield) = optimal setup. **Q: When should I use the Varmint Rifle?** A: Hunting small animals (rabbits, badgers) only. It's terrible in combat despite high accuracy. **Q: Are unique weapons better than standard?** A: Statistically similar, but they have unique appearances. Flaco's Revolver is the best-looking sidearm. **Q: Can I miss unique weapons permanently?** A: Yes! Some are mission-specific. The Rare Rolling Block Rifle from "Magicians for Sport" is missable.