Far Cry 2: Primary Weapons Guide 2

Continuing my tutorial helping you identify weapons in the PC game, Far Cry 2, here is the second batch of primary weapons appearing on the far side (right) on the left wall as you first enter the armoury. This batch of weapons consists of sniper rifles and shotguns.

Below is a screenshot of those weapons with identifying labels. All the sniper rifles are on the left and the shotguns are on the right. Click on any of the weapons in the image to jump to a full description. Weapon availability is based on the PC version of Far Cry 2 with latest patch applied (1.03).

Sniper Rifles

AS50

This is the most powerful sniper rifle in the game and the most expensive costing you a whopping 35 diamonds at the weapon shop computer's checkout screen. Its advantages are a high damage rating which means usually a kill even shooting at an enemy's midsection. It also has the ability to critically damage vehicles (i.e., get them spewing black smoke) with only 3 or 4 shots. The latter is very useful against patrols and more particularly against guard posts essentially giving you the ability to disable (and eventually destroy) enemy vehicles from a distance to prevent the enemy using them to come after you. The AS50's disadvantages are it breaks down quickly, it has a huge recoil (which may throw you off) and the scope completely obscures your peripheral view unless you're playing Far Cry 2 in wide screen format (this really bugs me). Note also that it only carries five rounds in the clip compared to ten rounds for the Dragunov. For these reasons, I personally think the Dragunov is a much better choice for a sniper rifle (see below).

This weapon is unlocked at the weapon shop after completing the FIRST CONVOY MISSION IN ACT 2.

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Dragunov SVD

By far, my favorite weapon in the game and one I rely on heavily, the Dragunov SVD has a healthy damage output, a beautiful scope and a higher fire rate than its counterpart, the AS50 (see above). The high fire rate in particular makes it deadly guard post buster allowing you to quickly eliminate 2 or 3 enemies in idle mode before they're alerted to your location and begin to take cover. It also carries 10 rounds in the clip and the recoil is low which makes it great for keeping the scope engaged for extended periods. This allows you to carefully recon enemy positions from a safe distance and be ready to take numerous potshots at the drop of a hat.

This weapon is unlocked at the weapon shop after completing the FOURTH CONVOY MISSION IN ACT 1.

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M1903

This sniper rifle should be acquired immediately after finishing the training and tutorial elements of the game as it can be a game changer for those frustrated with dealing with frequent guard posts and patrols. It doesn't handle as well as the Dragunov primarily because you're required to work the bolt action after taking each shot which means disengaging the scope and losing sight of the enemy's position and movements. You can mitigate this by simply keeping the scope engaged (continue to hold down the aim button) to monitor enemy movements until you're ready to reload and take your next shot. This is an excellent beginner sniper rifle and will train you to make all your shots count and appreciate the ability to closely monitor enemy movements from a safe distance. After using this for 3 or 4 missions, when you acquire the Dragunov you'll become an expert marksman.

The M1903 sniper rifle is unlocked at the weapon shop after completing the TRAINING AND TUTORIAL ELEMENTS portion of the game.

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Shotguns

USAS-12

Easily the best close combat primary weapon in the game, and in my opinion, beats the crap out of any of the assault rifles, the USAS-12 automatic shotgun packs a ridiculously powerful punch when firing in 3-4 round bursts and makes short work of any enemy within range. Just hold down the fire button to pump out rapid-fire shotgun blasts until the 12 round magazine is empty. It's drawbacks are it's costly (35 diamonds) and it has low reliability meaning once it gets used, it'll be prone to frequent jams.

The USAS-12 is unlocked at the weapon shop after completing the THIRD CONVOY MISSION IN ACT 2.

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SPAS-12

With the shortest range of the three shotguns as well as a long reload time, the SPAS-12 is somewhat deceiving. Its main advantage over the Homeland is you're not required to work the pump action between shots. A distinct disadvantage is it has a poor reliability rating which makes it a bit of a sucker play when picking up and using SPAS-12s dropped by enemies (be prepared for frequent jams). Notwithstanding, this is the weapon enemy shotgunners are most likely to use to make short work of your health bar throughout the game so it might be worth your while to unlock it at the weapon shop just so you can be on the other end of the barrel for a change.

The SPAS-12 is unlocked at the weapon shop after completing the THIRD CONVOY MISSION IN ACT 1.

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Homeland 37

This is a surprisingly good weapon considering it's dirt cheap and actually packs a bigger punch per shot then the USAS-12 (see above). However, you're required to work the pump action between shots which slows down its fire rate and makes it a little unwieldy in heavy firefight situations. Like the M1903 though, it's a good starter weapon if your forté is shotguns and will train you to appreciate the semi-automatic SPAS-12 when it becomes available later on. It also has a high reliability rating making it a good choice for situations where you need to pick up a dropped enemy weapon when you run short of ammo.

The Homeland 37 is unlocked at the weapon shop at the START OF THE GAME.

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  Far Cry 2 - Secondary Weapons Guide