Red Dead Redemption 2 Best Guns Early
Best early weapons in RDR2 — Volcanic Pistol, Lancaster Repeater, and where to find free guns in Chapter 2.

Gun selection in RDR2 is about role coverage. One sniper, one repeater, one sidearm minimum.
Best early loadout
| Slot | Weapon |
|---|---|
| Sidearm | Volcanic or Cattleman |
| Repeater | Lancaster |
| Rifle | Bolt Action (later Ch 3) |
| Shotgun | Pump-action for bears |
Free guns tip
Complete side missions — many reward unique weapons without shop prices.
Bottom line
Lancaster + Volcanic covers 90% of Chapter 2. Upgrade ammo types before buying new guns.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the best early gun in RDR2?
Lancaster Repeater is the workhorse. Volcanic Pistol handles close range. Both available in Chapter 2.