What’s the best rifle for hunting medium-sized animals?

The best rifle for hunting medium-sized animals in Red Dead Redemption 2 is the Bolt Action Rifle. This weapon is highly versatile, offering a balance of power, accuracy, and range, making it ideal for taking down animals like deer, pronghorns, and wolves without damaging their pelts. The Bolt Action Rifle can be purchased from gunsmiths in towns like Valentine, Rhodes, or Saint Denis for around $72, or it can be obtained for free during specific story missions, such as the mission ''Pouring Forth Oil'' in Chapter 2.\n\nTo use the Bolt Action Rifle effectively, you need to aim for clean, one-shot kills. This ensures the animal’s pelt remains in perfect condition, which is crucial for crafting and selling. Aim for the head or heart of the animal to achieve this. The rifle’s scope attachment, which can be purchased from gunsmiths, is highly recommended for precision shots, especially when hunting from a distance. This attachment allows you to zoom in and line up your shot more accurately, reducing the risk of missing or hitting non-vital areas.\n\nOne common challenge players face is tracking and approaching medium-sized animals without spooking them. To avoid this, use the game’s stealth mechanics. Crouch while moving, stay downwind (indicated by the wind direction on the mini-map), and use cover like trees or rocks to hide your approach. Additionally, using cover scent lotion, which can be crafted or purchased, will mask your scent and make it harder for animals to detect you. This is particularly useful when hunting skittish animals like deer or pronghorns.\n\nFor hunting locations, the Heartlands region near Valentine is an excellent spot for medium-sized animals. This area is teeming with deer, pronghorns, and wild boars. Another great location is Big Valley, west of Strawberry, where you can find herds of deer and elk. These areas are not only rich in wildlife but also provide open spaces, making it easier to track and shoot animals from a distance.\n\nIf you’re struggling to find a specific animal, use Eagle Eye to highlight tracks and follow them. Eagle Eye also reveals clues like droppings or disturbed vegetation, which can lead you to your target. Once you’ve located the animal, take your time to line up the perfect shot. Rushing can result in a poor-quality pelt or even a missed opportunity.\n\nFinally, always carry the right ammunition. Regular ammo works fine, but high-velocity rounds are even better for medium-sized animals, as they provide additional penetration and stopping power. This ensures a clean kill, even if your aim isn’t perfect. Remember to skin the animal immediately after the kill to collect the pelt and other valuable materials.\n\nIn summary, the Bolt Action Rifle is the best choice for hunting medium-sized animals in Red Dead Redemption 2. Combine it with stealth tactics, the right ammunition, and strategic hunting locations to maximize your success. With practice, you’ll be able to consistently harvest perfect pelts and make the most of your hunting expeditions.