Handguns & Pistols in Resident Evil 5
Handguns are your most reliable and frequently used weapon throughout Resident Evil 5. They are essential for conserving ammunition, dealing with weaker enemies, and staggering tougher foes for melee attacks. Mastering their use and understanding their upgrades is vital for survival.
The game features several distinct handgun models, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. These include the starting M92F, the faster-firing VZ61, the powerful SIG P226, and the unique S&W M500 Magnum (though technically a revolver, it fills a similar niche in terms of early-game power). Each handgun can be upgraded at the in-game shop to improve its firepower, reload speed, capacity, and critical hit rate.
Handgun Models and Their Characteristics
| Handgun | Starting Power | Fire Rate | Capacity | Reload Speed | Critical Hit Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M92F | 100 | 1.67 | 15 | 2.00 | 1.00 |
| VZ61 | 80 | 0.08 | 20 | 2.50 | 1.00 |
| SIG P226 | 110 | 1.67 | 15 | 2.00 | 1.00 |
| S&W M500 | 500 | 2.50 | 5 | 3.00 | 1.00 |
Upgrading Your Handguns
Upgrading handguns is crucial. The shop offers several upgrade paths for each weapon:
- Firepower: Increases the damage dealt per shot. Essential for taking down tougher enemies more quickly.
- Capacity: Increases the number of bullets the magazine can hold. Reduces the frequency of reloads.
- Reload Speed: Decreases the time it takes to reload the weapon. Crucial in intense firefights.
- Critical Hit Rate: Increases the chance of landing a critical headshot, which can stun enemies or deal massive damage.
Strategic Use of Handguns
Handguns are your bread and butter. Use them to:
- Clear weaker enemies: Afflicted and basic Majini can often be dispatched with a few well-placed shots.
- Stagger tougher enemies: A few shots to the head can stun larger enemies, allowing you to follow up with a powerful melee attack or a more powerful weapon.
- Conserve ammo for stronger weapons: Save your shotgun shells and rifle rounds for bosses and heavily armored enemies.
- Target weak points: Many enemies have specific weak points that can be exploited with handgun fire.
The M92F is a solid all-around starting weapon. The VZ61 offers a higher rate of fire and larger magazine, making it good for suppressing groups, but its lower power means more shots are needed. The SIG P226 offers a good balance of power and fire rate. The S&W M500 is a powerful but slow-firing handgun that can be devastating against tougher foes if you can land your shots.