RDR2 Best Early Weapons
Starting Red Dead Redemption 2 with default guns like the Cattleman Revolver and Carbine Repeater gets the job done early on, but you don't have to wait until Chapter 3 or 4 to upgrade your arsenal.By visiting specific secret locations and robbing illicit back-room side businesses, you can grab Arthur Morgan’s best end-game weapons during Chapter 2—completely free of charge. Here is where to find the best early weapons in RDR2 and how to claim them immediately.
1. Schofield Revolver (Free in Valentine)
The Schofield Revolver is arguably the best all-around sidearm in the game. It delivers significantly higher damage and better accuracy than the starting Cattleman Revolver, making headshots at medium range effortless.
â– Normal Cost: $84.00 (Gunsmith catalog)
■Free Location: Doctor’s Office in Valentine
How to Get It Free:
1. Walk to the back side of the Valentine Doctor’s building and peek through the small rear window to discover an illegal O'Driscoll gambling ring.
2. Walk inside the front door, draw your weapon on the doctor, and select the prompt "Rob Back Room.
3. "Once the doctor knocks on the steel door, eliminate the guards inside.
4. Grab the Schofield Revolver sitting inside the wooden weapon box on the table before the law arrives.
2. Lancaster Repeater (Free in Rhodes)
If you want the most accurate, reliable repeater in the game for clearing out enemy camps, the Lancaster Repeater is the gold standard. Its 14-round capacity and fast fire rate completely overshadow the starting Carbine Repeater.
â– Normal Cost: $135.00 (Locked behind Chapter 2 progression)
â– Free Location: Rhodes Gunsmith Basement
How to Get It Free:
1. Walk around the right side of the Rhodes Gunsmith and look through the small basement window.
2. Talk to the captive wearing a sailor suit trapped in the cellar.
3. Head inside the shop, aim your gun at the owner, and choose the prompt "Rob Basement."
4. Force the owner downstairs, open the weapon case on the table, and claim your free Lancaster Repeater.
3. Pump-Action Shotgun (Free at Chez Porter)
When combat gets claustrophobic indoors or in tight forest trails, nothing stops incoming enemies faster than the Pump-Action Shotgun. It holds 5 shells and has a tighter spread than the Sawed-Off Shotgun.
â– Normal Cost: $148.00 (Locked behind "Pouring Forth Oil" mission)
â– Free Location: Chez Porter Homestead (North of Valentine, across the Dakota River)
How to Get It Free:
1. Travel to Chez Porter, a hidden homestead located northwest of Window Rock.
2. Clear out the hostile cult members guarding the property.
3. Enter the main home, climb the ladder up to the bedroom loft, and open the weapon case sitting in the corner to collect the shotgun.
4. Springfield Rifle (Best Early Hunting & Sniping Rifle)
While not free, the Springfield Rifle is available at any gunsmith right at the start of Chapter 2 for a relatively cheap price ($120.00). It is a single-shot powerhouse essential for obtaining 3-Star Perfect Pelts on large animals (Bears, Elk, Deer) and sniping enemy guards from high cliffs.
| Weapon | Key Advantage | Best Use Case | Free Location |
| Schofield Revolver | High damage & crisp accuracy | Dual-wield hip-firing | Valentine Doctor’s Backroom |
| Lancaster Repeater | Fast fire rate & 14-round capacity | Clearing medium-range groups | Rhodes Gunsmith Basement |
| Pump-Action Shotgun | Brutal close-range entry damage | Indoor shootouts & ambush defense | Chez Porter Loft |
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