While the world of Red Dead Redemption 2 isn’t as full of choices when it comes to the best pistol as it is the best revolver, there are still choices to be made. There are there standard types of pistol in RDR 2 as well as a unique variant recovered from a legendary gunslinger. Keep in mind that pistols are revolvers are different weapons; you can see our rankings for best revolver here. Stick around Nerds and Scoundrels to learn everything you need to know about the best pistol in Red Dead Redemption 2.
See Also:
The Top 10 Best Revolvers in Red Dead Redemption 2
The Red Dead Redemption 2 Best Shotguns Ranked
The Top 10 Best Melee Weapons in Red Dead Redemption 2
The Red Dead Redemption 2 Best Rifles Ranked
The Red Dead Redemption 2 Best Pistols Ranked
These guns are all similar, with many stats close to their competitors. When selecting the best pistol, we also ignore a gun’s range as all four have identical ranges. Ultimately, the qualities we consider in our rankings are:
Damage: The base damage of a gun is obviously important
Accuracy: Great damage doesn’t mean much if you can’t hit anything
Rate of Fire: Moderate damage may look a lot better if you can fire bullets quickly
Ease to Obtain: The best gun ever isn’t much use if you can’t find it
Keep in mind the following stats assume that a gun has been modified to maximize the stat, and that you have maxed affinity for the weapon.
4. Volcanic Pistol
Damage: 3.2 / 4.0
Range: 2.8 / 4.0
Rate of Fire: 2.0 / 4.0
Reload: 2.3 / 4.0
While the Volcanic Pistol is fourth on our list (out of four) that doesn’t mean it’s a bad gun. In some situations, you’ll want to pack the kind of punch only a Volcanic Pistol can. It has the most damage of any pistol in the game both with base damage and fully modified. It’s big drawbacks, however, are lower accuracy, rate of fire, and reload time than all other pistols. In most cases, the damage advantage is outweighed by the drawbacks. Some people swear by this gun, however. It also gets points for availability; it becomes available early in the game and is the cheapest pistol to buy.
How to acquire the Volcanic Pistol: Available at all gunsmiths after Eastward Bound.
3. Mauser Pistol
Damage: 2.3 / 4.0
Range 2.8 / 4.0
Rate of Fire: 2.0 / 4.0
Reload: 3.3 / 4.0
Third on our list is the Mauser Pistol. A classic model, the Mauser lacks the punching power of the Volcanic Pistol but is a better option when it comes to rate of fire and reload time. The Mauser also gets points for being easily acquired at any point in the game, although it’s not cheap.
Acquiring the Mauser Revolver: $250 at any Blacksmith
2. Semi-Automatic Pistol
Damage: 2.2 / 4.0
Range: 2.8 / 4.0
Rate of Fire: 3.3 / 4.0
Reload: 3.6 / 4.0
The Semi-Automatic Pistol is another good option in many circumstances. It is the most accurate of the four pistols, although not by a large margin over Midnight’s Pistol. Between the best accuracy, best reload time, and best rate of fire, the Semi-Automatic Pistol is a great option despite low damage.
Acquiring the Semi-Automatic Pistol: $210 at any Blacksmith
1. Midnight’s Pistol
Damage: 2.7/4.0
Range 2.8/4.0
Rate of Fire 3.1/4.0
Reload 3.4/4.0
Our choice for the Red Dead Redemption 2 best pistol is Midnight’s Pistol. A modified version of the Mauser, it has gold plated engravings and a black wooden grip. Midnight’s Pistol is the weakest of the four in its base form but can be modified to be the strongest pistol in the game. This pistol has a max base damage second only to the Volcanic Pistol but with vastly improved rate of fire, accuracy, and reload time. Don’t write this bad boy off due to lacking base stats, it is one heck of a gun.
Unlock Midnight’s Pistol: You can only get Midnight’s Pistol by defeating Billy Midnight in the Gunslinger Mission. Keep in mind, if you leave the area before picking up his gun besides his body you will never be able to come back and get it.
Nerds and Scoundrels
There you have it: our pick for the Red Dead Redemption 2 Best Pistol. All four of these guns are fun to play with, and each have their uses depending on your play style. Agree? Agree to disagree? We want to hear from you in the comment section either way. And don’t forget to check out the rest of our Red Dead Redemption 2 content here at Nerds and Scoundrels!
I’ve read everywhere that unique weapons cannot be customised or upgraded. Could you explain what you mean when you say Midnight’s Pistol can be “modified to be the strongest pistol in the game?”