What’s the best way to upgrade the Bolt-Action Rifle for hunting big game?

The Bolt-Action Rifle is one of the most versatile and powerful weapons in Red Dead Redemption 2, especially for hunting big game. To maximize its effectiveness, you need to focus on upgrades, ammunition selection, and proper use in the field. This guide will walk you through the best ways to upgrade and use the Bolt-Action Rifle for hunting big game like bears, elk, and bison.\n\nFirst, you need to acquire the Bolt-Action Rifle. It becomes available during the mission ''Preaching Forgiveness as He Went'' in Chapter 1, where you can pick it up from a dead enemy. If you miss it, you can purchase it from any gunsmith starting in Chapter 2 for $216. Once you have the rifle, head to a gunsmith to begin customizing it. The most important upgrades for hunting are the scope and improved ammunition.\n\nAttach a long scope to the Bolt-Action Rifle for better accuracy at long distances. This is crucial for hunting big game, as many of these animals are skittish and will flee if you get too close. The long scope allows you to take precise shots from a safe distance, ensuring a clean kill. Visit a gunsmith in towns like Valentine, Saint Denis, or Rhodes to purchase and attach the scope. It costs $22 and significantly improves your hunting efficiency.\n\nNext, focus on ammunition. For big game, use Express or High-Velocity ammo. These rounds deal more damage, which is essential for taking down large animals quickly and humanely. Regular ammo can work, but it may require multiple shots, which can ruin the pelt quality. Express ammo is available at gunsmiths or crafted using a recipe from the Fence. High-Velocity ammo is also effective and can be purchased or crafted.\n\nTo further enhance the rifle, consider upgrading its components. The rifling, barrel, and trigger can all be improved at the gunsmith. These upgrades increase accuracy, reduce recoil, and improve reload speed, making the rifle more reliable in the field. While these upgrades are optional, they can make a noticeable difference when hunting dangerous animals like grizzly bears or cougars.\n\nWhen hunting big game, always aim for the head or heart. These are the most effective kill zones and will ensure a clean kill, preserving the pelt quality. Use Dead Eye to line up your shot perfectly. For example, when hunting a bison in the Heartlands, crouch and approach slowly to avoid spooking the herd. Use the long scope to target the head or heart from a distance, ensuring a one-shot kill.\n\nOne common challenge is dealing with aggressive animals like bears or cougars. If you miss your shot or fail to kill them instantly, they can attack and kill you. To avoid this, always keep your distance and use Dead Eye to ensure a precise shot. If you’re hunting in areas like Tall Trees or Roanoke Ridge, where these predators are common, stay alert and have a secondary weapon like a shotgun ready for emergencies.\n\nFinally, maintain your rifle regularly. Clean it at a gunsmith or use gun oil to keep its condition high. A dirty rifle loses accuracy and damage, which can be disastrous when hunting big game. Carry gun oil in your satchel and clean the rifle after every few hunts to ensure peak performance.\n\nIn summary, the best way to upgrade the Bolt-Action Rifle for hunting big game is to attach a long scope, use Express or High-Velocity ammo, and upgrade its components for better performance. Always aim for the head or heart, use Dead Eye for precision, and keep your rifle clean. With these tips, you’ll be able to hunt even the largest and most dangerous animals in Red Dead Redemption 2 with ease.