Red Dead Redemption is an action game developed by Rockstar Games, which premiered 14 years ago in 2010.
However, it was initially released exclusively on PS3 and X360, as games in the Red Dead series were long exclusive titles for console players.
This trend was broken by Red Dead Redemption 2, which was released on PC a year after its initial launch. Now, just in a few days, RDR1 will also have its PC debut!
If you haven’t had a chance to play this title yet, or if you’re planning to re-play it — this time on a computer — you’re probably wondering which weapon will be the best.
The choice of a gun will determine how well you handle fights with enemies or huntings. Today, we’ll present you with the top 5 best pistols and rifles in Red Dead Redemption, along with tips on how to obtain them!
Henry Repeater
The Henry Repeater is a powerful repeating shotgun modelled after a real weapon of the same name. Although it needs reloading after each shot, you can deal significant damage with just one pull of the trigger (power 7). It has a high ammo capacity (12), decent fire rate (5), and range (6), along with superb accuracy for such a large weapon.
To obtain it, you need to start the “Poppycock” Stranger mission. This way, at some point, you’ll find the Nosalida hideout located in Nuevo Paraiso territory, which needs to be cleared of enemies. This weapon can also be found in the Undead Nightmare DLC in the same way, except instead of gang members, you’ll be fighting a horde of undead.
The Buffalo Rifle
The Buffalo Rifle is another powerful, heavy weapon based on the real-world Sharps Model 1874 Rifle. This rifle has higher power (10) and range (8) than the previously mentioned Henry Repeater, but a lower fire rate (1). Its downside is the single-round magazine, but don’t be fooled — one accurate shot from the Buffalo Rifle can take down an enemy, making it one of the most powerful weapons in the game.
Unlike the weapon described above, this one can only be obtained through purchase — you’ll find it at almost all gunsmiths. However, it will only be available once you reach Master Hunter Rank 5. Interestingly, it’s easy to level it up quickly, even in the early stages of the game.
Le Mat Revolver
If you think only heavy, long-barrelled weapons can make a mark in the Wild West, you’re mistaken! The Le Mat Revolver, modelled after a weapon of the same name produced from 1856 to 1865, is a truly powerful handgun. While it naturally has less power than rifles (5), it has decent range (4), a high fire rate (7), and reloads much faster (reload speed 2). An additional advantage is the nine-round magazine — revolvers usually have six rounds.
Like the Buffalo Rifle, you can obtain the Le Mat Revolver only through purchase. However, to unlock its availability at gunsmiths, you must first complete the “An Appointed Time” mission. The weapon is available in only one place — at the Escalera Gunsmith, where it can be purchased for, well, a hefty price of $1,250. But if you have a high Honor score, you can get a discount and buy it for $625. Still too expensive? We know a trick! With a high Honor score, dress in the Savvy Merchant outfit before shopping. This way, you can get the Le Mat Revolver for a fraction of the original price — $313.
The Mauser Pistol
The Mauser Pistol is modelled after the real German Mauser C96, which can still be seen in World War II museums. This small but deadly pistol is undoubtedly the best handgun available in the game! It has slightly less power (4) and range (3) than the Le Mat, but it surpasses all other weapons in terms of fire rate (10), reload speed (9), and magazine capacity (15). It’s the best short weapon, simply irreplaceable for raids, gang fights, or defending against wild animals.
The Mauser is the best pistol in RDR1, and obtaining it doesn’t require any additional effort. You’ll find it at the Blackwater Gunsmith for $800. A high Honor score will cut this price in half, and dressing in the Savvy Merchant outfit allows you to purchase it for just $200. However, if your Honor score is very low, be prepared to spend $1,200.
Bolt Action Rifle
The Bolt Action Rifle is modelled after the Springfield Model 1892 Krag-Jørgensen Rifle. It’s an exceptional long-range weapon with well-balanced stats, and it can become your loyal companion until the very end of the game. It has quite high power (8), good range (8), and a decent fire rate (3), but it leaves all other shotguns far behind in terms of reload speed (8) and ammo capacity — it holds 15 rounds. Plus, it’s just beautiful!
You can obtain it in two ways. The first is by participating in the “The Gates of El Presidio” mission — once inside the fort, find the ladders, climb up, and locate the cannons on the platform. The rifle will be lying right next to them. The second method is a traditional weapon purchase. The Bolt Action Rifle is available at Escalera for $750, or for $375 with a high Honor score.