Welcome back to San Andreas! If you're looking to conquer the streets of Los Santos, San Fierro, and Las Venturas, you'll need more than just a fast car. You need firepower. The world of Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas is packed with an incredible variety of weapons, from simple pistols to military-grade explosives. But when the chips are down and you're facing down a rival gang or a 5-star wanted level, which gun can you truly count on? In this guide, we're breaking down the contenders to crown the single best gun in GTA San Andreas. Looking for more GTA San Andreas tips and tricks? Check out our comprehensive GTA Cheats page for all the codes you need to dominate the game.
The Top Contenders for Best Weapon
While every weapon has its use, a few stand out from the pack due to their power, versatility, and efficiency.
The Combat Shotgun (S.P.A.S. 12)
Often hailed as the king of close-quarters combat, the Combat Shotgun is a semi-automatic powerhouse. Unlike the standard pump-action shotgun, its rapid-fire capability allows you to clear a room of enemies in seconds without needing to wait between shots.
Why it's a contender
Unmatched damage at close range combined with a high rate of fire. It can take down targets with a single, well-aimed blast.
Best for
Clearing buildings, intense close-range shootouts, and stopping charging enemies in their tracks.
How to find it
The Combat Shotgun becomes available at Ammu-Nation after completing the mission "You've Had Your Chips." It also has several spawn locations across the map.
The M4 Assault Rifle
For all-around versatility, nothing beats the M4. This military-grade assault rifle is the workhorse of the game's arsenal. It boasts a fantastic balance of damage, a high rate of fire, excellent accuracy, and a large magazine capacity. Whether your target is near or far, the M4 gets the job done.
Why it's a contender
It's the jack-of-all-trades. Effective at almost any range, it's the most reliable weapon for any situation you might find yourself in. Hitting the "Hitman" skill level allows you to move and aim with it, making you a walking tank.
Best for
Mid-to-long-range firefights, drive-by shootings (as a passenger), and taking on large groups of enemies.
How to find it
Found at the Los Santos International Airport on the end of a runway, at the K.A.C.C. military fuel depot in Las Venturas, and available for purchase at Ammu-Nation after the mission "Yay Ka-Boom-Boom."
The Desert Eagle
When it comes to handguns, the Desert Eagle is in a class of its own. It packs a serious punch, capable of taking down most enemies with a single shot. Once your pistol skill is high enough, you can even dual-wield these beasts for double the destruction.
Why it's a contender
The highest damage per shot of any handgun. It's like having a cannon in your pocket.
Best for
When you want to ensure your target goes down and stays down. It's a great backup weapon for precise, powerful shots.
How to find it
You can find one behind a small fence in the Redsands East area of Las Venturas or purchase it at Ammu-Nation after the mission "Black Project."
The Verdict: The Best Gun in GTA San Andreas Is...
The M4 Assault Rifle! While the Combat Shotgun is the undisputed champion of close-range and the Desert Eagle hits like a truck, the M4's sheer versatility makes it the ultimate weapon. No other gun in the game performs so reliably in so many different scenarios. From picking off distant enemies to surviving an ambush, the M4 is the one gun you can always depend on. Its large ammo capacity and balanced stats mean you're prepared for anything the game throws at you. It is, without a doubt, the true king of the San Andreas arsenal.
Final Thoughts
What do you think is the best gun in GTA San Andreas? The M4 Assault Rifle stands out as the most versatile and reliable weapon in the game, but every player has their own preference based on their playstyle. Want to experiment with different weapons without worrying about ammo? Visit our GTA Cheats page to unlock all weapons instantly and test them out for yourself!