How do I unlock the Bolt Action Rifle early in RDR2?

The Bolt Action Rifle is one of the most powerful and versatile weapons in Red Dead Redemption 2, offering high damage and accuracy. While it is typically unlocked during the mission ''Goodbye, Dear Friend'' in Chapter 3, players can obtain it much earlier in Chapter 1 or Chapter 2 by following specific steps. This guide will walk you through how to unlock the Bolt Action Rifle early, including detailed instructions, game mechanics, and practical tips.\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, usually after you have a bounty on your head. The easiest way to trigger this is by committing crimes in Valentine or other towns to increase your bounty. Once your bounty reaches $10 or higher, bounty hunters will start hunting you in the open world. These hunters often carry the Bolt Action Rifle, which you can loot from their bodies.\n\nTo maximize your chances of encountering bounty hunters, head to the area around Valentine or Rhodes, as these locations are hotspots for bounty hunter activity. Once you have a bounty, ride out into the wilderness and wait for the hunters to appear. They will typically ambush you in groups of 2-4, so be prepared for a fight. Use cover and aim for headshots to take them down quickly. After defeating them, search their bodies to find the Bolt Action Rifle.\n\nIf you''re struggling to trigger the encounter, try committing more crimes to increase your bounty. For example, rob a store or train in Valentine, then flee the area. The higher your bounty, the more likely bounty hunters will spawn. Keep in mind that this method requires you to engage in combat, so ensure you have enough ammunition and health items before attempting it.\n\nAnother way to obtain the Bolt Action Rifle early is during the mission ''The Sheep and the Goats'' in Chapter 2. During this mission, you will encounter a sniper on a cliff who uses the Bolt Action Rifle. If you manage to kill the sniper before he escapes, you can loot the rifle from his body. However, this requires precise timing and positioning, as the sniper will flee if you take too long to reach him.\n\nOnce you have the Bolt Action Rifle, it becomes a valuable tool for hunting large game and engaging in combat. Its high damage makes it ideal for taking down bears, elk, and other large animals, while its accuracy is perfect for long-range engagements. To maximize its effectiveness, upgrade it at a gunsmith with improved sights, rifling, and a scope.\n\nIn summary, the Bolt Action Rifle can be obtained early by looting it from bounty hunters or the sniper during ''The Sheep and the Goats'' mission. Focus on increasing your bounty to trigger bounty hunter encounters, and be prepared for combat. With this powerful weapon in your arsenal, you''ll have a significant advantage in both hunting and combat scenarios.\n\nPractical Tip: If you''re new to the game, practice your aim and combat skills in the open world before attempting to take on bounty hunters. This will help you handle the encounter more effectively and increase your chances of success.