How do you get the Bolt Action Rifle early in the game?

The Bolt Action Rifle is one of the most versatile and powerful weapons in Red Dead Redemption 2, offering high damage and accuracy. While it is typically unlocked later in the game, there is a way to obtain it early during Chapter 1. This method involves a specific mission and careful execution to secure the rifle before it becomes widely available.\n\nTo get the Bolt Action Rifle early, you need to progress to the mission ''Old Friends'' in Chapter 1. This mission involves rescuing Micah Bell from a jail in Strawberry. During the mission, you will encounter a group of lawmen and outlaws. One of the lawmen will be carrying the Bolt Action Rifle. Your goal is to loot it from him before the mission ends.\n\nDuring the shootout, focus on the lawmen who are positioned on the rooftops and in the streets. One of these lawmen will be wielding the Bolt Action Rifle. To ensure you get the rifle, you must kill this specific enemy and loot his body before the mission concludes. Be cautious, as the mission is time-sensitive, and failing to loot the rifle will require you to wait until later in the game to obtain it.\n\nA common challenge is identifying the correct lawman carrying the rifle. Look for an enemy with a long rifle slung over their shoulder. They are often positioned on higher ground, such as rooftops or elevated platforms. Use Dead Eye to target them accurately and ensure a clean kill. Once the enemy is down, approach their body quickly and loot it to claim the Bolt Action Rifle.\n\nIf you miss the opportunity during this mission, the Bolt Action Rifle becomes available for purchase in gunsmiths starting in Chapter 2. However, obtaining it early gives you a significant advantage in combat, especially during the early stages of the game. The rifle is excellent for hunting large game and dealing with enemies at medium to long range.\n\nTo maximize your chances of success, save your game before starting the mission. This allows you to retry if you fail to loot the rifle. Additionally, equip a weapon with high accuracy, such as a revolver or repeater, to quickly eliminate the target. Use cover effectively to avoid taking damage during the shootout.\n\nIn summary, the Bolt Action Rifle can be obtained early in Chapter 1 during the ''Old Friends'' mission by looting it from a specific lawman. Pay attention to enemy positioning, use Dead Eye for precision, and act quickly to secure the rifle. This early acquisition will give you a powerful tool for both combat and hunting as you progress through the game.