The right tools make any task easier. The wrong tools can make a simple task into an ordeal. This is true with Grand Theft Auto 5, except the tools for this task in this game are weapons. There are almost one hundred weapons in GTA 5 if you include all the weapons made available via online play. So what weapons should you use, and which weapons are not worth picking up?

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If you only use the weapons on this list you will have a much easier time with this modern classic. The weapons found in the vanilla version of GTA 5 were given priority over the online exclusive weapons for this list; mainly because the original weapons are available to everyone who owns the game. However, there are a few weapons offered online that are so good they demanded a spot on this list.

Updated on March 27, 2024, by Jeff Drake: There are so many good weapons in GTA 5 and GTA Online, it can be hard to decide which ones to keep equipped in the weapon wheel. There are numerous factors you have to juggle to decide what weapons are the best.

One weapon may do minimal damage, but compensates with an extremely fast rate of fire. Other weapons might cause explosions galore, but have significant delays between shots. This update has expanded the list and now includes just about every weapon you would want to use in GTA 5.

22 Sawed-Off Shotgun

A Deadly Close-Range Weapon

Buying the Sawed-Off Shotgun at Ammu-Nation in GTA 5
  • Weapon Class: Shotguns
  • Ammo Capacity: 8
  • Location: Available at Ammu-Nation after the "Mr. Philips" mission

Gunfights in GTA 5 can take place anywhere. Sure, most of them take place in the streets, but sometimes you find yourself shooting it out in a more confining location - like in a building or a crowded construction site. The pump-action Sawed-Off Shotgun is one of the best weapons for situations like this.

The Sawed-Off Shotgun is one of the most damaging weapons in the game. It is also one of the worst weapons in the game to use at medium-to-long range. This weapon can also be picked up early on, and on the cheap.

21 Machine Pistol

Submachine Gun Performance In A Pistol

The Machine Pistol in GTA 5 is modelled after the real-life Tec-9
  • Weapon Class: Submachine Guns
  • Ammo Capacity: 12
  • Location: Available at Ammu-Nation after the "Hood Safari" mission

Submachine guns are a great standard weapon in the GTA games. They are small enough that you can sprint with it in hand, have a fast rate of fire, do decent damage per second, and generally carry lots of ammo. The Machine Pistol has all of these attributes, except the ammo capacity.

The Machine Pistol fires quickly and does more damage per shot than most submachine guns. The problem is that this gun only carries 12 rounds of ammunition in its standard magazine. This can be improved with the extended magazine and drum magazine modifications. Lastly, the Machine Pistol can be dual-wielded.

20 Micro SMG

A Great Early Game Weapon

The fast-firing MicroSMG in GTA 5 is a great close-to-medium range weapon
  • Weapon Class: Submachine Guns
  • Ammo Capacity: 16
  • Location: Available at Ammu-Nation after the "Franklin and Lamar" mission

A good Drive-By weapon is absolutely essential within GTA 5. Whether you're in a car or on a motorbike, there are many different missions where you will need to catch someone and kill them while you're behind the wheel.

That's where the Micro SMG comes in useful. Few weapons within the video game are more effective in this setting, mainly because they're small and can spray plenty of bullets incredibly quickly. This lowers the need to be perfectly precise with your aiming, which is always tricky when you're driving incredibly fast. It's a very effective gun and certainly one of the best in the game.

19 Grenade Launcher

Launch Grenades Instead Of Throwing Them

The Grenade Launcher in GTA 5 can fire multiple times before being reloaded
  • Weapon Class: Heavy
  • Ammo Capacity: 10
  • Location: Available at Ammu-Nation after the "Trevor Philips Industries" mission

When you have accumulated three or more stars and are cornered by police, mere bullets are not enough to save you a visit to the hospital. No, explosions are needed in times like that. There are many great choices, but one of the better ones is the Grenade Launcher.

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You will need to get used to the arcing trajectory of the grenades; this weapon doesn't shoot as straight as the RPG. It doesn't take long - after a few shots it's not hard to hit the target. Vehicles don't stand a chance if struck by one of the grenades from this weapon.

18 Homing Launcher

Fire And Forget

The "fire-and-forget" rocket launcher in GTA 5
  • Weapon Class: Heavy
  • Ammo Capacity: 1
  • Location: Available at Ammu-Nation after the "Minor Turbulence" mission

While sometimes you will need to be shooting from behind the wheel, there are other times that you need to go out of your way to destroy transportation vehicles and leave them piles of flaming debris. Whether it be cars, boats, or even helicopters, it is essential at various points throughout GTA 5.

Because of that, it is important to have a gun that is capable of causing major destruction with pinpoint accuracy, and that is where the Homing Launcher comes into play. You won't get tons of ammunition with heavy hitters like this, which is why out of all available launchers, the Homing Launcher is the best for destroying vehicles as it is the most accurate.

17 Marksman Rifle

A Powerful Long-Range Rifle

The highly accurate Marksman Rifle GTA 5
  • Weapon Class: Sniper
  • Ammo Capacity: 8
  • Location: Available at Ammu-Nation after the "The Paleto Score" mission

The Marksman Rifle is a weapon that can be carried into almost every situation. It does more damage than any of the assault rifles or submachine guns. The Marksman Rifle isn’t full-auto, but the fire rate is fast enough for it to still be effective. This rifle can also serve as a superb sniper rifle if desired.

The extended clip increases the ammo capacity to 16, but the Marksman Rifle is so powerful that one shot is usually enough. Had this been a fully automatic weapon with even a small increase in ammo capacity, it would easily be in the top 3 best weapons in GTA 5.

16 The Knife

It Never Needs To Be Reloaded

The simple yet effective Knife GTA 5
  • Weapon Class: Melee
  • Ammo Capacity: N/A
  • Location: Available at Ammu-Nation after the "Franklin and Lamar" mission

The knife is a lot more useful than it might first appear. There are other melee weapons that do more damage and seem more useful – like the hatchet. However, the knife has several aspects to it that make it better than the other melee weapons.

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First, the knife is a very quick weapon. Faster melee weapons can keep the target from being able to retaliate. The knife can also silently kill with one hit, so damage per attack doesn’t matter too much. Lastly, the knife can be used while diving underwater. Pool cues apparently don’t work too well when fending off a shark.

15 The Hatchet

More Damage Than The Knife, But Much Slower

The hand axe in GTA 5 can be swung quickly, and never needs ammunition
  • Weapon Class: Melee
  • Ammo Capacity: N/A
  • Location: Available at Ammu-Nation after the "Trevor Philips Industries" mission

Speaking of melee weapons, utilizing the knife isn't the only way to go about things in GTA 5. Many gamers prefer the hand-to-hand combat aspect of the game, which is why melee weapons are popular with people.

While the knife is still a quicker weapon in comparison to this one, the hatchet can do far more damage to people, and other objects. Not only that, but this particular weapon also does provide an amazing visual, which makes the game a lot of fun to play.

14 Combat MG

The Perfect Weapon When There's No Time To Reload

The Combat MG with a drum magazine in GTA 5
  • Weapon Class: Machine Guns
  • Ammo Capacity: 100
  • Location: Available at Ammu-Nation after the "Blitz Play" mission

The Combat MG, or Combat “Machine Gun”, is a belt-fed machine gun. Its ammo drum carries enough bullets for just about any job. The Combat MG also packs an impressive punch. This gun can make short work of most vehicles, and an opponent’s body armor doesn’t last long when targeted with this gun. The damage, range, and fire rate are all above average when compared to all other weapons.

Its reload time is fast for a belt-fed gun, which is the biggest drawback to the other light machine gun. Plus, for a machine gun, it is surprisingly accurate. However, the best asset the Combat MG has is its ammo capacity. With the extended clip the Combat MG can hold an impressive 200 rounds of ammunition. This isn’t the best weapon for every situation, but when dealing with a large number of scattered enemies, it is one of the best.

13 Stun Gun

A Non-Lethal Weapon That's Also Fairly Quiet

The Stun Gun in GTA 5 is the best non-lethal weapon
  • Weapon Class: Handguns
  • Ammo Capacity: Unlimited
  • Location: Available at Ammu-Nation after the "Monkey Business" mission

When picking the perfect weapon, the main focus is finding one that will cause as much damage as possible. That makes perfect sense because if you suddenly find yourself in the need to fight, you had better be ready, and be ready to survive.

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However, sometimes simply knocking someone out or slowing them down is all that is needed. While that might not be as fun to the more bloodthirsty gamer, some missions will dictate this is what you need to do. Therefore the stun gun is an essential weapon that should be in your arsenal. It might not be seen as the coolest gun in the game, as it doesn't kill, but it is certainly effective.

12 Sticky Bombs

Grenades That Won't Bounce Back To You

The Sticky Bomb in GTA 5 sticks to the target and can be remotely detonated
  • Weapon Class: Thrown Weapons
  • Ammo Capacity: 25
  • Location: Available at Ammu-Nation after the "Friends Reunited" mission

If you’ve played GTA Online, then you are probably very familiar with the Sticky Bomb. Getting hit by one of these during online play is something you will experienced at some point – it’s going to happen. The Sticky Bomb is just as powerful as the regular grenades, but you don’t have to worry about it rolling away from the target.

The best aspect of the Sticky Bomb is that it is remotely detonated. So, unlike standard grenades where you have to hope it explodes at the best time, the Sticky Bomb's detonation can be delayed until it will have maximum effect. This weapon is borderline overpowered. Upgrade to Sticky Bombs as soon as they become available (rank 19).

11 Assault Shotgun

An Automatic Shotgun For Close Encounters

The semi-automatic Assault Shotgun in GTA 5
  • Weapon Class: Shotguns
  • Ammo Capacity: 8
  • Location: Available at Ammu-Nation after the "Blitz Play" mission

When it comes to close encounters, nothing compares to the shotgun. When it comes to the shotguns available in GTA 5, nothing compares to the Assault Shotgun. In tight spaces, this weapon will make short work out of any group of enemies. The Assault Shotgun is fully automatic and carries 32 shells with the extended clip.

Because it is fully automatic, the rate of fire is well beyond the other available shotguns. The only exception to this is the Sweeper Shotgun, but the Sweeper only fires a tiny bit faster and is worse in every other category. When this weapon becomes available, it should immediately be purchased.

10 Minigun

Ultimate Firepower

The Minigun in GTA 5 is great for destroying vehicles
  • Weapon Class: Heavy
  • Ammo Capacity: 595 - 9999 (based on weapon skill)
  • Location: Available at Ammu-Nation after the "The Paleto Score" mission

Most gamers would probably agree that the Minigun deserves a spot in the top 5 best weapons in GTA 5. The fire rate of the Minigun is second to none. The Combat MG does more damage per shot, but the increased fire rate of the Minigun more than makes up for this. The best part about using this weapon is there is no need to reload.

The Minigun does not use clips or magazines; the amount of ammo you have for it in your inventory is what's available. The Minigun is capable of destroying vehicles very quickly too. There is a drawback to using the Minigun though, it slows you down. Carrying this weapon will reduce your foot speed. However, considering how devastating this weapon is, the ability to quickly run away isn’t going to be needed.

9 RPG

Explosive Rockets - Perfect For Destroying Vehicles

The Rocket Launcher, or RPG, in GTA 5
  • Weapon Class: Heavy
  • Ammo Capacity: 1
  • Location: Available at Ammu-Nation after the "Blitz Play" mission

This weapon has been in GTA games since the beginning – and for good reason. The RPG does more damage than any other weapon in the game. Sure, it’s not that accurate, but you don’t need precision accuracy with the RPG. It is so powerful it is even excellent against armored vehicles.

If you want to win a fire fight, use a firearm. If you want to cause chaos and destruction, you use an RPG. The only real complaint about the RPG is the need to reload after every shot. Fortunately, the reload time isn’t really any longer than most other weapons.

8 Heavy Sniper

One Shot, One Kill

The Heavy Sniper in GTA 5 allows for extreme long range shots with pinpoint accuracy
  • Weapon Class: Sniper
  • Ammo Capacity: 6
  • Location: Available at Ammu-Nation after the "Three's Company" mission

The Heavy Sniper does a serious amount of damage. The only weapon that does more overall damage is the RPG. This weapon does so much damage that head-shots are not necessary, a shot to the body is usually enough to dispatch an enemy. At long range this is by far the best non-explosive based weapon in the game.

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The scope on the Heavy Sniper is also the best in the game; allowing you to zoom in so close that hitting your target is almost guaranteed. The slow fire rate of the Heavy Sniper isn’t too much of a problem, because most of the time the enemy will be too far away to retaliate.

7 AP Pistol

A Rapid-Fire Pistol That Surpasses Most Submachine Guns

The powerful AP Pistol in GTA 5
  • Weapon Class: Handguns
  • Ammo Capacity: 18
  • Location: Available at Ammu-Nation after the "Three's Company" mission

This weapon is so good you could go through the game just using it and not have a problem. The AP Pistol is one of the best weapons that you can use while driving or riding on a motorcycle. The AP Pistol is better than the Micro SMG in damage, accuracy, and reload time.

The AP Pistol is also far better against vehicles than a pistol should be. After you purchase the extended clip for it, the AP Pistol also holds more ammo than the Micro SMG. Except for long-range combat, the AP Pistol is a solid choice that will not fail.

6 MKII Heavy Revolver

Perfect For Rick Grimes Cosplay

The MKII Heavy Revolver in GTA 5 only holds six bullets, but is one of the more powerful handguns
  • Weapon Class: Handguns
  • Ammo Capacity: 6
  • Location: Available at the Weapon Workshop with a Heavy Revolver

While the AP Pistol is certainly a perfect weapon to use while you're driving around, that isn't the only time a pistol can be considered as an ideal weapon. Pistols are light, and they are great to use in a quick situation. The MKII Heavy Revolver is one of the most effective within this category, and is certainly one of the best guns in the entire game. It's an incredible gun for causing pure damage and will one-shot almost anybody, regardless of their armor.

That makes this gun a perfect candidate for anybody, as it is so effective. While it takes a while to reload, meaning it isn't perfect in every scenario, for a quick rush, this is the right choice. This weapon is exclusive to GTA Online.

5 Up-N-Atomizer

Pew Pew!

Buying the Up-n-Atomizer at the Gun Van in GTA 5
  • Weapon Class: Handguns
  • Ammo Capacity: Unlimited
  • Location: Event Cargos

This alien blaster has plenty going for it. It also has some drawbacks that keep it from being ranked number one. On the plus side, this small handheld blaster has great accuracy thanks to its wide beam. It also hits with enough force to send a car flying back. The Up-n-Atomizer is the perfect weapon to switch to when police cars start arriving.

On the downside, this weapon doesn't use ammunition. Instead, the Up-n-Atomizer must recharge for a couple of seconds after each shot. This delay can become a problem if you get surrounded by assailants. This weapon is exclusive to GTA Online.

4 Military Rifle

Superior Bullpup Assault Rifle

Buying the Military Rifle at Ammu-Nation in GTA 5
  • Weapon Class: Handguns
  • Ammo Capacity: Unlimited
  • Location: Ammu-Nation

This weapon has everything you could want. High damage output, high rate of fire, exceptional accuracy, great range, and an expansive magazine. Unless you want to blow something up, this weapon is one of the best weapons to main in GTA 5.

Sadly, this is a GTA Online weapon. On the plus side, however, it can be purchased at Ammu-Nation. The Military Rifle isn't cheap, but It's also probably the last gun you'll need to buy. The suppressor is a useful attachment for this rifle. The scope improves long-range accuracy, but makes things harder for medium-to-close range targets. Leave the sniping to sniper rifles.

3 Special Carbine

Excellent Damage-Per-Second

The Special Carbine is a great all-around weapon in GTA 5
  • Weapon Class: Assault Rifles
  • Ammo Capacity: 30
  • Location: Available at Ammu-Nation after the "The Jewel Store Job" mission

If there is one weapon that you should keep equipped at all times and use as your primary weapon, it is the Special Carbine. This is probably the best multi-purpose gun in the game. The Advanced Assault Rifle is slightly better at long range than the Special Carbine, but the Special Carbine is better in accuracy, damage, and reload time.

With the extended clip you have 60 rounds until a reload is required; no other assault rifle class of weapon has a better ammo capacity. If you were only able to use one weapon while playing GTA 5, this should be your weapon of choice.