How do I unlock the Bolt Action Rifle early in the story?

Unlocking the Bolt Action Rifle early in Red Dead Redemption 2 requires a specific mission and some strategic gameplay. The Bolt Action Rifle is one of the most powerful and versatile weapons in the game, and acquiring it early can give you a significant advantage in combat. Normally, this rifle becomes available later in the story, but there is a way to obtain it during Chapter 1 or Chapter 2 if you follow the right steps.\n\nTo unlock the Bolt Action Rifle early, you need to complete the mission ''Preaching Forgiveness as He Went'' in Chapter 2. This mission involves rescuing Sean MacGuire from Blackwater. However, the key to obtaining the rifle lies in a specific encounter during the mission. When you reach the area where the O''Driscolls are holding Sean, you will engage in a firefight. One of the O''Driscolls will be carrying a Bolt Action Rifle, and you can loot it from his body after killing him.\n\nDuring the firefight, focus on taking out the O''Driscolls methodically. The enemy with the Bolt Action Rifle is usually positioned on higher ground or behind cover, so use Dead Eye to mark and eliminate him quickly. Once he is down, approach his body and loot it to claim the rifle. Be sure to equip it immediately, as it will replace your current longarm weapon. If you miss this opportunity, you will have to wait until later in the story to purchase or find the rifle.\n\nIf you fail to obtain the rifle during this mission, there is another method to acquire it early. In Chapter 2, you can encounter a random event where a lawman is chasing a fugitive near Valentine. If you intervene and kill the lawman, you can loot his Bolt Action Rifle. However, this method is less reliable, as the event is random and may not always occur. Additionally, killing lawmen will increase your bounty, so be prepared to deal with the consequences.\n\nOnce you have the Bolt Action Rifle, it is important to maintain it properly. Clean the rifle regularly using gun oil to prevent its condition from deteriorating. A well-maintained rifle will perform better in combat, with improved accuracy and damage. You can also customize the rifle at a gunsmith to enhance its performance further. Adding a scope, for example, will allow you to use it as a sniper rifle for long-range engagements.\n\nIn summary, the best way to unlock the Bolt Action Rifle early is during the mission ''Preaching Forgiveness as He Went'' in Chapter 2. Focus on eliminating the O''Driscoll carrying the rifle and loot it from his body. If you miss this opportunity, keep an eye out for the random lawman event near Valentine. Once you have the rifle, maintain it properly and consider customizing it to suit your playstyle. With the Bolt Action Rifle in your arsenal, you will be well-equipped to handle the challenges of the early game.