Double-action Revolver — reddead

For the Red Dead Redemption 2 variant, see Double-Action Revolver (RDR 2).

The Double-action Revolver is a weapon featured in Red Dead Redemption.

Description

The Double-action Revolver is statistically the best of the three non-rare revolvers in the game. It also compares well to the rare LeMat Revolver which has a higher ammo capacity, but lower reload speed over the DA.

"Double-action" describes a revolver in which pulling the trigger not only releases the hammer but also draws it back beforehand, as opposed to single-action weapons which require the hammer to be cocked manually; this provides an increased rate of fire at the cost of a heavier trigger pull. In-game, this translates to a faster fire rate over the other revolvers, which are thumb-cocked between shots.

Acquisition

Single Player

The Double-action Revolver can be found in the Tesoro Azul gang hideout. After completing the hideout, search a chest across from the room where the deputy was held hostage and the player will receive the revolver. If one has not yet acquired it, the Double-Action is automatically received at the end of the mission The Great Mexican Train Robbery.

Undead Nightmare

Rewarded to the player after clearing Tesoro Azul of the undead hordes.

Multiplayer

The Double-action Revolver is unlocked into the player's regular inventory upon reaching rank 16
- The "Double Death Dealer" weapon challenges are unlocked at the same level. Completion of these challenges turns the weapon golden for the player.
It can also be obtained by killing another player who has the weapon equipped.
The Double-action Revolver is the standard handgun issued to all players in competitive multiplayer game types in Las Hermanas.
It can also be found in crates on Tumbleweed in competitive game modes.
It can be found on some of the reinforcements in various gang hideouts, especially Pike's Basin.

Tips and Tricks

Since there are only six rounds in the gun, combined with a slow reload and higher rate of fire, the player will find themselves reloading more than usual, thus leaving themselves open to enemy fire more often. Pacing and choosing shots is important.
At mid-range, it's recommended to wait until a relatively clear target is presented and then fire, lest the gun empties before a kill is made.
When in a firefight against an opponent using the Double-action Revolver, roll and take cover until they empty their gun or have an insufficient number of rounds to finish the player off.
If caught reloading while an enemy is advancing, equip a shotgun or even the knife to finish off the opponent if the opportunity presents itself or flee.
The high rate of fire does mean it's handy in close quarters at a pinch, or for surprise attacks or the like when one doesn't have enough Dead Eye. Aim for center mass and empty the cylinder.
Knowing your hotkeys and your weapon wheel is a handy skill when using this gun, as the fast fire rate and slow reload can be problematic if faced with multiple enemies, or enemies who advance on you. Be prepared to swap guns.

Trivia

The Double-action Revolver is based on the real-life New Army & Navy by Colt, who produced various versions of it including those adopted by the U.S. military.
The Double-action Revolver is the only one in-game that utilizes a swing-out cylinder, compared to top-break or gate-loading designs. In real life this is a much faster way of reloading than the common "Cattleman"/Peacemaker's loading gate system. This design in revolvers became common from the very late 19th-century.
- The cylinder of such a gun is connected to a crane (mounted to the revolver's frame) that swings out. However, in-game, only the cylinder itself swings out during the Double-action's reload animation.
Marston will still fan the hammer of the Double-action Revolver like a single-action-only revolver during duels.
Features from the Colt such as its cylinder release lever are incorrectly mirrored on the revolver's right-hand side.
The hammer is left in the uncocked position right after reloading until a shot is fired. After firing the first shot, the hammer becomes cocked and will be cocked back for the remainder of the rounds in the cylinder or at least until the next reload. This odd occurrence affects all firearms with a visible hammer in single and multiplayer.
The Double-action Revolver is the weapon of choice for the Bollard Twins Gang, but some members may use a Schofield Revolver.
Many NPCs often switch between a Cattleman/Schofield Revolver and the Double-action Revolver when it is obtained, or in the period in which it is unlocked.
Interestingly, the U. S. Army uses the Cattleman as their standard-issue handgun, despite the fact that the Colt M1892 had been a standard-issue handgun for almost two decades by 1911. Although many soldiers had preferred to use the older Colt SAA, due to the fact that the M1892 fired a weaker (.38 LC) round. And the Colt New Service replaced the 1892 by 1909.
The firing sound effect of the Double-action Revolver was reused for its Red Dead Redemption 2 counterpart.
- The firing sound effect is also used in Grand Theft Auto Online's version of the revolver, as an homage and promotion to Red Dead Redemption II's release.