How do I unlock the Bolt-Action Rifle early in the game?

Unlocking the Bolt-Action Rifle early in Red Dead Redemption 2 is a highly sought-after goal for players who want to gain access to one of the game''s most versatile and powerful weapons before progressing too far into the story. The Bolt-Action Rifle is typically unlocked during the mission ''An American Pastoral Scene'' in Chapter 3, but there is a way to obtain it much earlier, during Chapter 1 or Chapter 2. This guide will walk you through the steps to acquire it early, along with tips to overcome common challenges.\n\nTo unlock the Bolt-Action Rifle early, you need to complete a specific encounter with a group of bounty hunters. This encounter can occur in the open world, but it is most reliably triggered during the mission ''Pouring Forth Oil - Part II'' in Chapter 2. During this mission, you will be tasked with defending a wagon from a group of bounty hunters. One of these bounty hunters will carry a Bolt-Action Rifle, and you can loot it from his body after defeating him.\n\nHere’s a step-by-step breakdown of how to achieve this: First, progress through the story until you reach Chapter 2 and unlock the mission ''Pouring Forth Oil - Part II.'' This mission is given by John Marston at the oil derrick near Valentine. Once you start the mission, you will be tasked with defending a wagon from bounty hunters. During the ambush, focus on the bounty hunter who wields the Bolt-Action Rifle. He is usually positioned on horseback or on higher ground. Take him out carefully, as his rifle is your primary target.\n\nAfter defeating the bounty hunters, approach the body of the one carrying the Bolt-Action Rifle. Loot his weapon to add it to your inventory. Be sure to check the weapon wheel immediately to confirm that you have successfully acquired the rifle. If done correctly, the Bolt-Action Rifle will now be permanently available in your arsenal, even if you restart the game or reload a save.\n\nOne common challenge players face is ensuring the bounty hunter with the rifle spawns during the mission. If he does not appear, you may need to restart the mission or reload a save. Additionally, some players may struggle with aiming and taking down the bounty hunter quickly. To overcome this, use Dead Eye to target him precisely and ensure he drops the rifle. If you miss the opportunity during this mission, you can also find the Bolt-Action Rifle in other random encounters with bounty hunters, though these are less predictable.\n\nUnderstanding the game mechanics is crucial for this process. The Bolt-Action Rifle is a high-damage, long-range weapon that excels in hunting and combat. It uses rifle ammunition and is particularly effective against large animals like bears and elk. By obtaining it early, you gain a significant advantage in both hunting and combat scenarios, making it easier to complete challenges and earn money from pelts.\n\nIn conclusion, unlocking the Bolt-Action Rifle early in Red Dead Redemption 2 requires careful execution during the ''Pouring Forth Oil - Part II'' mission. Focus on the bounty hunter carrying the rifle, loot his body, and confirm the weapon is in your inventory. This method allows you to access a powerful weapon much earlier than intended, giving you an edge in both story missions and open-world exploration. For best results, save your game before starting the mission to ensure you can retry if needed.