Where is the best place to find the Bolt Action Rifle early?

The Bolt Action Rifle is one of the most versatile and powerful weapons in Red Dead Redemption 2, offering high damage and accuracy for both hunting and combat. Acquiring it early in the game can significantly enhance your gameplay experience. While the rifle is typically unlocked later in the story, there is a way to obtain it during Chapter 2 by completing a specific mission and exploiting a game mechanic.\n\nTo get the Bolt Action Rifle early, you need to trigger the mission ''The First Shall Be Last'' in Chapter 2. This mission involves rescuing Micah Bell from a jail in Strawberry. During the mission, you will encounter a group of lawmen and bounty hunters. One of these enemies will be carrying a Bolt Action Rifle. To secure the rifle, you must loot it from the enemy''s body before the mission ends.\n\nHere’s a step-by-step guide to obtaining the Bolt Action Rifle during this mission: First, start the mission by traveling to Strawberry and speaking with Micah. After breaking him out of jail, you will be pursued by lawmen. During the shootout, focus on the enemies who are wielding rifles. Look for an enemy with a Bolt Action Rifle, as they will drop it when killed. Make sure to loot the body immediately after killing the enemy, as the rifle will not be available after the mission concludes.\n\nIf you miss the opportunity to loot the rifle during the mission, you can still obtain it later in the game. The Bolt Action Rifle becomes available for purchase at gunsmiths after completing Chapter 3. However, getting it early gives you a significant advantage in both hunting and combat scenarios. The rifle is particularly effective for taking down large animals like bears and elk, as well as for engaging enemies at long range.\n\nOne common challenge players face is identifying the correct enemy carrying the Bolt Action Rifle during the mission. To avoid confusion, pay close attention to the weapon models during the shootout. The Bolt Action Rifle has a distinct appearance, with a long barrel and a wooden stock. If you’re unsure, you can use Dead Eye to mark enemies and inspect their weapons before engaging.\n\nAnother tip is to save your game before starting the mission. This allows you to reload and retry if you fail to loot the rifle. Additionally, make sure to have enough space in your weapon inventory, as you won’t be able to pick up the rifle if your inventory is full. Managing your inventory and saving frequently are key strategies for success in Red Dead Redemption 2.\n\nIn summary, the best place to find the Bolt Action Rifle early is during the mission ''The First Shall Be Last'' in Chapter 2. By looting it from an enemy during the shootout, you can gain access to this powerful weapon much earlier than intended. This early acquisition can greatly improve your hunting and combat capabilities, making it a worthwhile effort for both new and experienced players.