Shotguns and Assault Rifles represent the heavy hitters in CJ's arsenal, offering immense stopping power for different combat ranges. These weapons are essential for tackling large groups of enemies or heavily armored foes.

- Shotgun: Standard pump-action, devastating at close range.
- Sawn-off Shotgun: Dual-wieldable at Hitman skill, very powerful up close but limited range.
- Combat Shotgun: Semi-automatic, higher rate of fire than the standard shotgun.
- AK-47: Reliable assault rifle, good for medium to long-range engagements.
- M4: More accurate and powerful than the AK-47, excellent for sustained fire.
Shotguns are unparalleled for clearing rooms or dealing with enemies who get too close. The Sawn-off Shotgun, when dual-wielded, can quickly eliminate multiple targets. Assault rifles like the AK-47 and M4 are your go-to for open-area combat, providing sustained and accurate fire. Maxing out your weapon skill for these categories will significantly reduce recoil and improve accuracy, making them even more lethal. Always prioritize acquiring and upgrading these weapons, especially the M4 and Combat Shotgun, as they will be invaluable in later, more challenging missions. Ammu-Nation is the primary source for these powerful firearms and their ammunition.