There are a variety of weapons available in Red Dead Redemption 2. They are essential to survival, as well as an integral part of everyday life in the American West. Players can modify their weapons to fit their aesthetic appeal and play-style, from visual upgrades like new metals, woods, varnishes, and engravings to performance upgrades like new barrels, grips, sights, and scopes. However, there are unique weapons that cannot be customized. There are over 50 unique usable weapons, a range of options for customization, and a selection of different ammunition types to improve accuracy, range, or damage. The more a gun is used, the better it will perform, but it will also start to degrade over time if not looked after, so a firearm needs to be kept oiled and clean. All firearms (And the bow) have "Familiarity", which increases per kill. This stat increases the accuracy, and the reload speed of the weapon. It can be checked inside the compendium.
These weapons can be dual-wielded. They generally have short ranges and a high firing rate. The main difference between pistols and revolvers is that pistols tend to have a higher rate of fire and a higher ammo capacity, while revolvers tend to have greater damage and more accuracy.
The shotguns are unmatched when it comes to inflicting damage at close range. This characteristic make them a good choice for clearing enemies out of rooms and buildings. and also the Sawed-off Shotgun occupies a holster/handgun slot and can therefore be dual-wielded if two are acquired.
The Bow is given to the player for free by Charles Smith, during the mission "The Aftermath of Genesis", in order to hunt deer. The Bow can used to silently kill targets from afar, and most fired arrows are retrievable. The player can then craft and use a multitude of different to take down different targets, including both animals and gunslingers.