Shotguns in Red Dead Redemption 2 are devastating at close range and surprisingly versatile. There are seven shotguns to find, each with its own strengths. This guide ranks them by damage, range, and ideal use case.
How Shotguns Work in RDR2
Shotguns deal damage based on:
- Pellets hit (more pellets = more damage).
- Range (damage falls off quickly beyond 15 yards).
- Critical hit chance (headshots deal 3x damage).
Most shotguns in RDR2 fire 8 pellets per shot. Slug rounds turn shotguns into single-shot rifles.
S Tier: Best of the Best
Pump-Action Shotgun
The Pump-Action Shotgun is the best all-around shotgun in the game. It fires 8 pellets, has high damage, and a fast cycle rate. It is unlocked through the "Blessed Are the Peacemakers" mission in Chapter 6.
Best use: close-quarters combat, defensive play.
Stats: Damage 68, Range 12, Fire Rate 1.2, Reload 2.1, Accuracy 45.
Sawed-Off Shotgun
The Sawed-Off Shotgun fires 5 pellets but compensates with extreme close-range damage. It is the best shotgun for ambush tactics.
Best use: ambush, one-shot kills at point-blank range.
Stats: Damage 88, Range 6, Fire Rate 2.1, Reload 2.4, Accuracy 30.
Semi-Auto Shotgun
The Semi-Auto Shotgun is the only automatic shotgun in the game. It fires 5 pellets per shot at a fast rate, making it devastating for crowd control.
Best use: zombie-like situations, gang hideouts.
Stats: Damage 60, Range 10, Fire Rate 3.5, Reload 3.0, Accuracy 40.
A Tier: Strong Choices
Double-Barreled Shotgun
The Double-Barreled Shotgun fires both barrels at once for massive damage but slow follow-up. It is a one-shot kill at close range.
Best use: ambush, panic situations.
Stats: Damage 95, Range 8, Fire Rate 0.6 (2 if you tap), Reload 2.5, Accuracy 35.
Repeating Shotgun
The Repeating Shotgun is a magazine-fed shotgun with moderate stats. It is reliable but not outstanding.
Best use: mid-range shotgun combat, hunting.
Stats: Damage 62, Range 12, Fire Rate 2.4, Reload 2.8, Accuracy 50.
B Tier: Situational
Rare Shotgun
The Rare Shotgun is a unique variant of the Repeating Shotgun with slightly better stats. It is unlocked through a treasure hunt.
Best use: collection, themed gameplay.
Stats: Damage 65, Range 13, Fire Rate 2.4, Reload 2.8, Accuracy 55.
Where to Find the Best Shotguns
Pump-Action Shotgun
Found in Watson's Cabin during Chapter 6. Alternative: bought from the Fence for $312.
Sawed-Off Shotgun
Reward for the "Smoking and Other Hobbies" achievement. Alternative: bought from the Fence for $250.
Semi-Auto Shotgun
Reward for "Pour One For My Darling." Alternative: bought from gunsmiths.
Double-Barreled Shotgun
Found in the basement of a burning manor during Chapter 3. Alternative: bought from the Fence for $145.
Repeating Shotgun
Bought from any gunsmith for $165.
Best Shotgun for PvP
In PvP, the Sawed-Off Shotgun is king. The two-shot kill potential at point-blank range is unmatched. Pair it with the Brawler ability card for maximum close-range damage.
For mid-range PvP, the Pump-Action Shotgun is the best choice. The faster cycle rate gives you a competitive edge.
Best Shotgun for PvE
For PvE, the Semi-Auto Shotgun is the best choice. The automatic fire lets you take out multiple enemies quickly, which is ideal for gang hideouts and bounty hunter missions.
Slug Rounds
Slug rounds turn shotguns into single-shot rifles with high damage and good range. They are best used for:
- Long-range shotgun combat.
- Hunting large animals.
- PvP at medium range.
You can buy slug rounds from any gunsmith for $5 per round.
Best Customization
Customize your shotgun with these upgrades:
- Short Barrel: increases fire rate, decreases range.
- Long Barrel: increases range, decreases fire rate.
- Rifling: improves accuracy.
- Engraved Grip: cosmetic only.
Common Mistakes
- Don't use shotguns at long range. The damage falls off dramatically.
- Don't forget to reload after big fights. Shotgun ammo runs out fast.
- Don't use explosive shells on humans. It will kill you too.
- Don't ignore the sawed-off. It is one of the most powerful weapons in the game.
With this ranking, you will know which shotgun to use in every situation and how to get the most out of your shotgun play.
FAQ: Shotguns
Q: Is the Pump-Action Shotgun the best?
A: Yes, the Pump-Action Shotgun is the best all-around shotgun in the game.
Q: Can I use a shotgun for hunting?
A: Yes, shotguns are excellent for hunting medium animals. Use slug rounds for large animals.
Q: What ammo should I use?
A: Use slug rounds for long range, regular rounds for medium range, and buckshot for close range.
Q: Can I customize shotguns?
A: Yes, you can customize shotguns with various attachments and grips.
Best Shotgun Strategies
For best shotgun use:
- Use the right cross type for the situation.
- Position yourself for close-range combat.
- Use Dead Eye for headshots.
- Aim for the head to maximize damage.
How to Get the Pump-Action Shotgun
The Pump-Action Shotgun can be found in Watson's Cabin during Chapter 6. Alternatively, it can be purchased from the Fence for $312.
How to Maximize Shotgun Damage
To maximize shotgun damage:
- Use Dead Eye for headshots.
- Aim for the head to maximize damage.
- Use slug rounds for long range.
- Combine with the Brawler ability card for maximum close-range damage.
FAQ: Shotguns
Q: Is the Pump-Action Shotgun the best?
A: Yes, the Pump-Action Shotgun is the best all-around shotgun in the game.
Q: Can I use a shotgun for hunting?
A: Yes, shotguns are excellent for hunting medium animals. Use slug rounds for large animals.
Q: What ammo should I use?
A: Use slug rounds for long range, regular rounds for medium range, and buckshot for close range.
Q: Can I customize shotguns?
A: Yes, you can customize shotguns with various attachments and grips.
Best Shotgun Strategies
For best shotgun use:
- Use the right cross type for the situation.
- Position yourself for close-range combat.
- Use Dead Eye for headshots.
- Aim for the head to maximize damage.
How to Get the Pump-Action Shotgun
The Pump-Action Shotgun can be found in Watson's Cabin during Chapter 6. Alternatively, it can be purchased from the Fence for $312.
How to Maximize Shotgun Damage
To maximize shotgun damage:
- Use Dead Eye for headshots.
- Aim for the head to maximize damage.
- Use slug rounds for long range.
- Combine with the Brawler ability card for maximum close-range damage.