Last updated August 26, 2026. The Lancaster Repeater is the best all-round weapon in Red Dead Redemption 2. Pair it with a Schofield Revolver, Bolt Action Rifle, and Pump-Action Shotgun, then swap in the Varmint Rifle or bow when hunting. This loadout covers medium-range fights, close rooms, long shots, and clean pelts without wasting money on every gun in the catalog.
You can collect the Lancaster and Schofield for free during Chapter 2. The Springfield Rifle handles early large-game hunting until the Bolt Action becomes available, and the bow remains useful for the entire story.
Best RDR2 Early-Game Weapon Order
You do not need to buy every gun. This order gives Arthur a strong Chapter 2 loadout while saving cash for camp upgrades, ammunition, and weapon maintenance.
- Schofield Revolver — take it free from the Valentine doctor’s back room.
- Lancaster Repeater — take it free from the Rhodes gunsmith basement.
- Pump-Action Shotgun — collect it from Chez Porter; Watson’s Cabin has a free Semi-Auto alternative.
- Varmint Rifle — buy it for clean kills on rabbits, badgers, beavers, and similar small animals when the Compendium recommends it.
- Springfield Rifle — buy it only if you need an early large-game rifle before the Bolt Action becomes available.
Upgrade the Lancaster, Schofield, and the shotgun or rifle you actually carry. Early cosmetic purchases and duplicate guns add little value compared with ammunition, gun oil, and camp upgrades.
New players should first read the RDR2 beginner guide for safe early priorities, camp access, and spoiler-light progression.
Best RDR2 Weapons at a Glance
- Best all-round repeater: Lancaster Repeater.
- Best sidearm: Schofield Revolver.
- Best general rifle: Bolt Action Rifle.
- Best close-range weapon: Pump-Action Shotgun.
- Best sniper rifle: Carcano Rifle after it unlocks; Rolling Block earlier.
- Best small-game weapon: Varmint Rifle.
- Best silent and flexible hunting weapon: bow with the correct arrow type.
Best Chapter 2 Weapons and Free Locations
Schofield Revolver: Free in Valentine
Look through the rear window of the Valentine doctor’s office to discover the illegal back-room business. Enter the shop, aim at the doctor, and demand access to the back room. The Schofield is in a weapon case inside.
Save before the robbery. The room is guarded and the escape can create a bounty, but the revolver itself is free once Arthur reaches the case.
Lancaster Repeater: Free in Rhodes
Speak to the captive through the small basement window on the right side of the Rhodes gunsmith. Rob the shop, force the owner to open the basement, and collect the Lancaster from the weapon case downstairs.
The Lancaster also unlocks through normal Chapter 2 progression. The robbery is useful when you want the weapon before its regular catalog availability.
Pump-Action Shotgun: Free at Chez Porter
Chez Porter is a homestead north of Valentine. The Pump-Action Shotgun sits in a weapon case inside the main house. Clear the hostile residents, search the building carefully, and take the gun before leaving.
Semi-Auto Shotgun: Free at Watson’s Cabin
The Semi-Auto Shotgun is in the basement of Watson’s Cabin, northwest of Wallace Station. It fires faster than the Pump-Action, although the Pump-Action is easier to control and wastes less ammunition for most players.
Best Revolver: Schofield Revolver
The Schofield balances damage, accuracy, reload speed, and firing rate. It is strong enough to remain Arthur’s default sidearm through the epilogue and does not require unusual ammunition or a late story unlock.
The Cattleman Revolver is perfectly usable, especially after upgrades, but the Schofield gives most players a more forgiving mix of power and control. Dual-wielding two Schofields is simple and consistent.
Best Alternative: LeMat Revolver
The LeMat carries nine revolver rounds and a shotgun shell, making it a flexible late-game sidearm. It arrives much later and reloads slowly, so it is an alternative rather than an essential upgrade.
Best Repeater: Lancaster Repeater
The Lancaster is the safest choice for groups at medium range. Its 14-round capacity, accuracy, and manageable fire rate make it more dependable than a harder-hitting repeater that misses more often.
The Litchfield Repeater deals more damage but arrives in Chapter 6 and has less forgiving accuracy. Use it when you enjoy slower, deliberate shots; keep the Lancaster when consistency matters more.
Best Rifle: Bolt Action Rifle
The Bolt Action combines strong damage, long reach, and a multi-round magazine. It works in open gunfights and can produce clean kills on many large animals when the Compendium recommends a rifle.
Best Early Rifle: Springfield Rifle
The Springfield is available in Chapter 2 and is powerful enough for large game. Its single-shot reload is slow against groups, but it is an excellent early hunting purchase before the Bolt Action becomes a normal option.
For clean carcasses, the Perfect Pelts and satchel guide explains animal quality, weapon choice, and Pearson’s crafting requirements.
Best Shotgun: Pump-Action Shotgun
The Pump-Action gives close-range damage without the tiny capacity of a double-barrel or the ammunition appetite of a faster automatic gun. Use buckshot in rooms and slugs when you need a heavier hit at slightly longer range.
The Semi-Auto Shotgun is better when firing speed matters, and the Repeating Shotgun is a strong late-game option. Neither makes the free Pump-Action obsolete.
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Best Sniper Rifle: Carcano Rifle
The Carcano is the strongest practical sniper for moving groups because it fires more quickly than the Rolling Block. It becomes available late in the story, so the Rolling Block remains the main scoped option through earlier chapters.
Rare Rolling Block Warning
During the Chapter 3 mission Magicians for Sport, loot the sniper carrying the Rare Rolling Block Rifle before leaving the area. This unique variant is missable and cannot be bought later.
The Two Hunting Weapons You Still Need
Varmint Rifle
Use the Varmint Rifle on animals such as rabbits, raccoons, badgers, beavers, and other medium-small targets when the Compendium recommends it. Combat damage is low, but the gun protects valuable pelt quality.
Bow
The bow changes roles with its arrows. Small Game Arrows protect tiny carcasses, Improved Arrows can handle large animals, and Poison Arrows can stop predators. It is also silent, which makes it useful around camps and wildlife.
The Legendary Animals guide covers the special hunts, while the Trinkets and Talismans guide shows which permanent perks the animal parts unlock.
A Simple Loadout for Every Activity
Open-World Travel
- Holster: Schofield Revolver.
- Shoulder: Lancaster Repeater.
- Back: Bolt Action Rifle.
Close Story Mission
- Holster: Schofield or preferred pistol.
- Shoulder: Lancaster Repeater.
- Back: Pump-Action Shotgun.
Hunting Trip
- Large game: Springfield or Bolt Action Rifle.
- Small and medium-small game: Varmint Rifle.
- Tiny or silent targets: bow with the correct arrow.
Long-Range Fight
- Primary: Carcano or Rolling Block Rifle.
- Backup: Lancaster Repeater for enemies who close the distance.
Unique Weapons You Can Permanently Miss
- Flaco’s Revolver: loot it immediately after the Flaco Hernández duel.
- Granger’s Revolver: loot it after the Emmet Granger duel.
- Midnight’s Pistol: pick it up after the Billy Midnight duel.
- Calloway’s Revolver: collect it during the final gunslinger encounter.
- Rare Rolling Block Rifle: loot the sniper during Magicians for Sport.
- Rare Shotgun: take it from the hermit north of Annesburg.
- Ornate Dagger: loot it from the Saint Denis vampire encounter.
The complete RDR2 missable content guide covers limited missions, weapons, trophies, and chapter windows.
Weapon Upgrades Worth Buying
- Rifling: improves the performance of a gun you use often.
- Long barrel: helps accuracy and range on supported weapons.
- Sights: make standard aiming more precise.
- Scope: adds a distance option to compatible rifles.
- Cosmetics: metal, varnish, and engraving do not improve stats.
Do not upgrade every gun. Spend on the Schofield, Lancaster, rifle, and shotgun that stay in the regular loadout.
Ammo, Cleaning, and Familiarity
Express ammunition is a strong general combat choice once available. High Velocity ammunition helps at distance, Split Point can improve accuracy and Dead Eye use, and shotgun slugs extend practical reach.
Carry gun oil and clean weapons after rain, mud, swimming, or heavy use. Poor condition lowers performance. Familiarity also improves handling as Arthur repeatedly uses the same weapon, which rewards a stable loadout.
Use the RDR2 Camp Upgrades guide to improve camp support and unlock useful progression without buying cosmetic upgrades too early.
RDR2 Best Weapons FAQ
What is the best gun in RDR2 Story Mode?
The Lancaster Repeater is the best all-round gun because it is accurate, carries 14 rounds, and works in most medium-range fights.
What is the best weapon in Chapter 2?
Collect the free Lancaster and Schofield, buy a Varmint Rifle for hunting, and use the bow. Add the Springfield for large game until the Bolt Action arrives.
Can you get the Lancaster early?
Yes. Rescue the captive in the basement of the Rhodes gunsmith and take the Lancaster from the weapon case.
What weapons make perfect pelts?
The correct answer changes by animal. Check the Compendium, then use the Varmint Rifle, bow and arrow type, or rifle it recommends.
Do unique weapons have better stats?
Most are collector variants rather than major upgrades. Their real value is the unique design, Compendium entry, and missable status.
For the larger completion route, see the RDR2 100% completion guide.
