What’s the best weapon to use for close-quarters combat?

In Red Dead Redemption 2, close-quarters combat (CQC) requires a weapon that delivers high damage, quick handling, and reliability in tight spaces. The best weapon for this scenario is the **Sawed-Off Shotgun**. This compact firearm excels in close-range encounters due to its devastating damage output and wide spread, making it ideal for taking down multiple enemies quickly. It is particularly effective in indoor environments, such as during gang hideouts or when clearing out buildings in towns like Valentine or Saint Denis.\n\nTo obtain the Sawed-Off Shotgun, you can purchase it from gunsmiths in towns like Rhodes or Valentine for around $65. Alternatively, you can acquire it during the mission ''Americans at Rest'' in Chapter 2, where you disarm a hostile NPC. Once you have the weapon, customize it at a gunsmith to improve its performance. Adding a longer barrel or improved rifling can enhance its accuracy and range, though these upgrades are less critical for close-quarters use.\n\nGame mechanics play a significant role in maximizing the Sawed-Off Shotgun''s effectiveness. In CQC, aim for center mass or use the weapon''s hip-fire feature for quick, unaimed shots. The shotgun''s spread ensures that even if your aim is slightly off, you’ll still hit your target. Additionally, the weapon’s high damage means that most enemies will be incapacitated with a single shot, reducing the need for follow-up attacks. This is especially useful when dealing with aggressive NPCs or wildlife, such as wolves or cougars.\n\nFor players who prefer a secondary weapon for versatility, pairing the Sawed-Off Shotgun with a revolver like the Schofield or Double-Action Revolver is a great strategy. This setup allows you to switch to a more precise firearm if enemies are slightly out of shotgun range. To further enhance your CQC capabilities, consider using Dead Eye, which slows time and lets you mark multiple targets for rapid, accurate shots. This is particularly useful in chaotic situations, such as ambushes or gang fights.\n\nPractical examples of the Sawed-Off Shotgun’s effectiveness include clearing out the Six Point Cabin gang hideout or defending yourself during the ''Pouring Forth Oil'' mission. In these scenarios, the weapon’s ability to quickly neutralize enemies in confined spaces is invaluable. For new players, practice using the shotgun in less dangerous areas, like hunting small game or defending against random encounters, to get comfortable with its handling.\n\nFinally, always ensure your weapon is clean and well-maintained. Dirty weapons lose accuracy and damage, which can be disastrous in close-quarters combat. Visit a gunsmith regularly to clean your Sawed-Off Shotgun or use gun oil from your inventory. By following these tips and mastering the weapon’s mechanics, you’ll dominate in close-range encounters and handle even the most intense situations with ease.