What’s the best way to use the bolt-action rifle against bounty hunters?

The bolt-action rifle is one of the most versatile and powerful weapons in Red Dead Redemption 2, making it an excellent choice for dealing with bounty hunters. Its high damage, accuracy, and range make it ideal for taking out multiple enemies quickly and efficiently. To maximize its effectiveness, you need to understand its mechanics, positioning, and how to handle common challenges during bounty hunter encounters.\n\nFirst, ensure your bolt-action rifle is fully upgraded and maintained. Visit a gunsmith to equip it with a long scope for better accuracy at range, and consider adding rifling or a better barrel for improved damage. Clean your rifle regularly to maintain its performance, as a dirty weapon will lose accuracy and damage over time. Stock up on high-velocity or express ammo, as these rounds deal more damage and are better suited for taking down armored or heavily equipped bounty hunters.\n\nWhen engaging bounty hunters, positioning is key. Find high ground or cover to give yourself a tactical advantage. Bounty hunters often approach in groups, so use the environment to funnel them into narrow paths or open areas where you can pick them off one by one. Locations like the cliffs near Valentine or the dense forests of Roanoke Ridge are excellent for setting up ambushes. Use Dead Eye to mark multiple targets and take them out quickly before they can overwhelm you.\n\nAim for headshots to conserve ammo and eliminate enemies instantly. The bolt-action rifle’s precision makes it perfect for this strategy. If you’re overwhelmed, use Dead Eye to slow time and line up your shots. For example, if bounty hunters are charging on horseback, aim for the rider first, then the horse to prevent them from escaping or flanking you. Always prioritize enemies with shotguns or rifles, as they pose the greatest threat at medium to long range.\n\nIf you’re caught in close quarters, switch to a sidearm or shotgun, as the bolt-action rifle’s slower rate of fire can be a disadvantage. However, if you’re skilled with quick-scoping, you can still use it effectively in tight spaces. Practice aiming down sights quickly and firing accurately to handle these situations. Remember to reload frequently, as the bolt-action rifle’s five-round capacity can leave you vulnerable if you’re caught off guard.\n\nFinally, always have an escape plan. Bounty hunters are relentless, and more will spawn if you linger in one area too long. Use your horse to create distance, then dismount and set up another defensive position. If you’re low on health or ammo, retreat to a nearby town or hideout to restock and recover. By combining these strategies, you can effectively use the bolt-action rifle to dominate bounty hunter encounters and survive even the toughest situations.\n\nPractical tips: Always carry health tonics and snake oil to replenish health and Dead Eye during fights. Use the environment to your advantage, such as hiding behind rocks or trees to break line of sight. If you’re playing as Arthur Morgan, his high health and stamina stats make him more resilient in prolonged fights. For new players, practice using the bolt-action rifle in hunting or random encounters to build confidence and accuracy before facing bounty hunters.