Summary
Many years after its release,Red Dead Redemption 2is still widely considered one of the greatest video games of all time and retains a high player count today across all platforms. In addition to its well-written and meaningful story, unparalleled immersion, and interactivity, the gunplay still holds up extremely well, which is no surprise considering Rockstar’s history of makingengaging and intuitive combat systems.
As a Wild West outlaw, it is fair to say that pistols are of relatively high importance. The player is not always able toaccess their horseor prepare for every mission by selecting an arsenal of powerful rifles, and as a result, revolvers and pistols become of paramount importance throughout significant portions of the game. From the basic, six-shot Cattleman Revolver to unique, customized semi-auto Mausers, there is plenty of choice throughout the game’s many missions and gun stores when it comes to selecting the ideal sidearm.
Updated on January 10th, 2024, by Andrew McLarney:With the addition of new weapons such as the Navy Revolver in Red Dead Online, the list has been updated accordingly. The list includes both pistols and revolvers rather than separating them into different categories. Several legendary/iconic revolvers have also been added as they are deemed worthy to be considered among the best in the game.
10Algernon’s Revolver
A Discreet Sidearm With A High Fire Rate
Algernon’s Revolver is a compact double-action revolver players can acquire bycompleting the mission “Duchesses and Other Animals”. While a lot will be required of the player on this extensive fetch-quest, the reward is certainly worthwhile.
With a more cosmopolitan or ‘gentlemanly’ appearance, this gun seems ideally suited for use indoors such as in banks or train carriages. With a shortened barrel, the gun has slightly reduced accuracy compared to other legendary revolvers but makes up for it with an exceptionally high rate of fire.
9Navy Revolver
The Navy Revolver is a high-powered .36 caliber pistol exclusive to Red Dead Online. Players canunlock it from any gunsmith in the gameand purchase it for $275. The main advantage of the Navy Revolver lies in its accuracy which is very high for a sidearm.
While it may not be the most powerful or fastest-firing revolver in the game, it has a good balance of attributes which makes it more than worth the price. The weapon is inspired by the Pacificador revolver which was wielded by the protagonist, Red Harlow, in the originalRed Dead Revolver.
8Flaco’s Revolver
A Fantastic Pistol From A Legendary Gunfighter
Flaco’s Revolver is one of the many legendary pistols the player can acquire aspart of the legendary gunslinger questline. Flaco Hernandez is one of the toughest of these enemies, located in a remote encampment in the mountains of Cairn Lake.
Players will have to defeat both Flaco and his gang to acquire the pistol, but it is certainly worth doing considering its attributes. With high accuracy, a high rate of fire, and medium damage which can be improved through ammunition, Flaco’s pistol is truly deserving of its legendary status.
7Mauser Pistol
A Strong Semi-Auto Pistol Available Early In The Game
The German-imported Mauser pistol is a magazine-fed, semi-automatic pistol with a significantly higher fire rate thanmost other pistols or revolvers in the game. While the damage and reload speeds may hold this weapon back somewhat, it is still a great pistol with strong stats in all areas.
Players will be able to unlock this weapon after starting Chapter 2 and entering Valentine. A unique variation,Midnight’s Pistol, can also be acquired during the mission “The Noblest of Men, And A Lady” from the body of Billy Midnight.
6Micah’s Revolver
This Powerful Endgame Variant Is Stronger Than The Base Double-Action Revolver
Micah’s Revolver is a variation of the Double-Action Revolver but has some additional damage to it that enables players to take out enemies often with just one or two well-aimed shots. In addition to its strong stats, the pistol alsohas a unique appearancewith Micah’s personal engraving “Vengeance Is Hereby Mine” carved into the barrel.
Like most other unique weapons, Micah’s Revolver cannot be modified or customized, and it will require players to have completed the mission “American Venom” in the Epilogue Part 2. It is aneasily missableitem that some players might have overlooked altogether, but it can be found near Micah’s body after killing him at the end of the mission.
5Schofield Revolver
A Powerful Pistol That Offers A Significant Upgrade Over The Cattleman Revolver
The Schofield Revolver is one of the best-handling weapons inRed Dead Redemption 2, combining a near-perfect balance of power, accuracy, and rate of fire. Particularly whenupgraded with some heavier ammo types, the Schofield Revolver is easily one of the best weapons in the game.
The only downside of the Schofield Revolver when compared to some superior weapons is its slow reload time, but this isn’t especially noticeable in the game. To unlock this pistol, players will need to complete the mission “Blessed Are The Meek” in Chapter 2. Players can also acquire two unique variants of the weapon:Otis Miller’s RevolverandCalloway’s Revolverby completing the quest “The Noblest of Men, And A Woman.”
4M1899 Pistol
A Relatively High-Tech Pistol With Several Useful Attributes
The M1899 Pistol is the most modern in the game and as a result, comes with several unique advantages when compared to its rivals. With reasonable damage and an 8-round clip, players can make use of its superior fire rate to take down entire groups of enemies at once, particularlywith the assistance of Dead Eye.
To unlock the M1899 Pistol, players will first have to complete the mission “The Battle of Shady Belle” at the start of Chapter 4, after which it can be purchased exclusively from the gunsmith in Saint Denis.
3Semi-Automatic Pistol
This Fast-Firing Pistol Is Ideal When Faced With Groups Of Enemies
The Semi-Automatic pistol has the fastest fire rate of any pistol in the game, enabling players to unload rounds in an almost machine gun-like manner, while still retaining the versatility of an ordinary pistol.
In addition to having a high damage output to go with its rate of fire, the Semi-Automatic pistol also holds eight rounds rather than the standard six. To unlock this weapon, players will first have to complete the mission “The Joys of Civilization” atthe start of Chapter 4.
2Volcanic Pistol
This Supremely Powerful Lever-Action Pistol Has Unmatched Accuracy
The Volcanic Pistol is the most powerful in the game and is equally stylish as it is effective. While the rate of fire may pale in comparison to the Semi-Auto and Mauser pistols, the Volcanic Pistol more than makes up for it with its supreme damage and accuracy.
Capable of finishing most enemies with a single, well-placed shot to the upper torso, head, or thighs, this lever-action pistol makes for an excellent backup when rifle ammo runs out since it retains many of the same qualities as thosemore powerful weapons.
1LeMat Revolver
An Unrivaled Handgun With Several Firing Modes And Unique Advantages
The LeMat Revolver is one of the highest-damage pistols in the game and comes with the twin bonus of having a 9-round cylinder, more than any other revolver in the game. The weapon also has a secondary firing mode enabling it toshoot shotgun shells.
As a result, it is one of the most valuable weapons players can acquire or sell in the game, too. To acquire the LeMat Revolver, simply visit any gunsmith after completing the mission “The Gilded Cage” in Chapter 4.
