Summary
The port ofRed Dead Redemptioncame out of nowhere to surprise fans, allowing them to experience this title again on modern platforms. While some people would’ve appreciated a modern port that did a better job of modernizing the experience, there’s no denying that players are still hyped to the moon and back about this re-release, especially if they haven’t played the first chapter in this amazing series.
Controlling John Marston as he hunts down the members of his old gang is a thrilling experience that has aged very well — a statement that was proven whenRed Dead Redemptionwas re-released. To defeat enemies as easily as possible, players should get the best guns in Marston’s arsenal to help them take out these enemies with little to no issues.
Updated June 23, 2025 by Stephanie Harris:With Red Dead Redemption finally getting its PC release in October of this year, it’s safe to say the game has gained some new fans and reignited the passion of others in the new format.
The new PC version boasts stunning new details and a host of adjustable settings to maximize the quality of gameplay. With that in mind, considering the best guns available in Red Dead Redemption remains as important as ever, with players continuing to debate over the usefulness, the look, and the immersive effects of different weapons available.
9Double-Action Revolver
Deadly, And Easy To Use
If players want to mess around with a fast handgun that can take out most enemies before they even have time to react, thenthe Double-action Revolver will be right up their alley. It’s a classic weapon that most players will gravitate to early on in the game once they realize how effective and easy it is to use.
There’s no denying that there are other handguns that outclass this weapon in some way or the other, but beginners will love the forgiving nature of this weapon if they miss their shots. It’s a great firearm to whip out in battle when things get hairy, that’s for sure!
8Pump-Action Shotgun
A Brilliant High-Power Weapon
This high-powered weapon is great for beginners, but this quality is undermined by being unlocked relatively late in the game. While the shots it fires can be deadly, it has a reasonable range and an average reload speed, which means it isn’t too powerful.
The Pump-Action Shotgun offers the best ammunition capacity of any shotgun in the weapon, with 6 shots per round. Fans love the Pump-Action’s distinctive sound, arguing it is one of the most immersive weapons available in the game.
7Evans Repeater
A High Capacity Gun
Repeaters inRed Dead Redemptionare easily some of the best weapons that players can use in the game, being the closest thing to a modern automatic weapon that players can use to great effect. There are many types of repeaters that players can use in the game, with the high ammo capacity of the Evans Repeater making it pretty popular.
However, one aspect where this weapon is extremely weak is accuracy, with most players finding it really hard to land headshots and the like without Dead Eye. As a result, most people would soon switch over to other rifles and repeaters with lower ammo capacities but higher accuracy and damage… but there are still some people who swear by the Evans Repeater as their preferred firearm in high-octane firefights.
6Semi-Auto Shotgun
Most people don’t really rate the shotguns inRed Dead Redemptionall that highly, and for good reason. The game punishes players for being careless while getting out of cover and getting too close to opponents, which is necessary for players who want to use a shotgun effectively in the game.
That being said, players who know when to whip out a close-range weapon and are smart about moving in and out of cover can use the Semi-auto Shotgun to great effect in battle. This weapon is pretty forgiving compared to other shotguns that punish players for missing their target, forcing them to stand and reload slowly as they get peppered with bullets and are sent to an early grave.
5LeMat Revolver
Takes Out Enemies Easily
One ofthe most well-balanced weaponsin the game, the LeMat Revolver is an excellent weapon that players can use if they want to make things easier for themselves in the game. A few shots are all it takes to take down enemies, with the reloading speed being pretty manageable in its own right too.
This revolver is a go-to weapon for most players if they find an encounter particularly challenging. While it’s far from the best weapon in the game, the sheer utility and the wide range of situations where this revolver is viable make it a blast to use in its own right.
4Bolt Action Rifle
A Brilliant Weapon For Stealthy Firing
The rifles inRed Dead Redemptionallow players to take out a character at long ranges without too many problems. The Bolt Action Rifle is easily the best one in this regard, letting players pick and choose their targets from a distance.
The satisfaction of landing a long-range shot and taking out an enemy before they can even open fire makes this rifle one of the best weapons to use for long ranges. While there are some snipers that players can employ too, they feel rather unwieldy compared to this simpler weapon.
3Mauser Pistol
Fast And Addictive To Use
Players who want to use a pistol that churns out bullets as fast as players can mash the shoot button will love what the Mauser Pistol brings to the table. The fire rate of this weapon is off the charts and is one of the biggest reasons why it’s such a beloved firearm in the eyes of manyRed Dead Redemptionfans.
Any enemy unlucky enough to be shot by this weapon will be downed sooner rather than later. Using this weapon is so addictive that most players will throw caution out of the window as they walk out in the open and gun down enemies in style… although this can backfire if players have to reload during a rather inopportune moment.
2Carcano Rifle
Excellent Long Range Accuracy And Reliability
Players love the Carcano Rifle for its reliable firepower, with its solid reload speed, making it a stand-out choice for firing at moving targets like large animals and ambushing enemies. What’s more, the Carcano is easily available, being sold by the Gunsmith in Blackwater, with its price depending on the player’s honor.
For many, the debate about the best weapon in the game comes between this rifle and the Henry Repeater, which is similarly accurate but holds a lot more ammo.
1Henry Repeater
The Best Weapon In The Game?
Many fans will swear by the fact thatthe Henry Repeater is the best weapon in the game, and it’s easy to see why this is the case. It holds a decent amount of ammo, with its stopping power and accuracy being imperative to prevent any overzealous foe from taking out Marston.
The sense of power that players enjoy as they gun down waves of enemies in quick succession with this firearm is unmatched. If players are having a hard time with the firefights inRed Dead Redemption, then getting this weapon should be their utmost priority!
