Summary
TheResident Evil 4remake features six handguns: the SG-09R, Matilda, Blacktail, Red9, Punisher, and Sentinel Nine. Of these, only the Sentinel Nine is a new addition, while the rest are direct remakes of weapons from the original 2005 game. (The Sentinel Nine is an exclusive Deluxe Edition item that can be purchased separately from the store.)
Despite the limited selection of pistols, choosing the best one can be challenging. Each handgun offers unique advantages and disadvantages, making it more suitable for specific situations and less effective in others. Here’s a ranking of all the handguns in theRE4 remakebased on their overall utility, performance, and gameplay experience.
Updated on June 23, 2025, by Mohsen Baqery: The Resident Evil 4 remake continues to sell more copies despite celebrating its second anniversary on July 02, 2025. And every time a new wave of players is introduced to the game’s arsenal, one recurring question pops up: Which pistol is the best? With that in mind, the following list has been updated to better reflect its criteria and provide more practical information about each handgun, helping readers compare them more effectively.
Ranking Criteria
The following list ranksRE4 Remake’s pistols based on four primary factors:
Pros
Cons
Quick Review: While Matilda’s high fire rate makes it a fun replacement for some SMGs, its lack of firepower makes it one of the least favored pistols. One of Matilda’s biggest drawbacks is its ammo-draining nature, which is extra annoying in a game likeRE4, where pistol ammo can be scarce.
2.00
Upgrade Cost
368,000
Matilda’s true potential is unlocked when equipped with a stock, transforming it into a burst-fire pistol with a fire rate rivaling thefastest SMGs in theResident Evil 4remake.
However, despite its rapid-fire capabilities, Matilda is considered the weakest pistol in the game for two main reasons: 1) It depletes ammo quickly, and 2) it requires four to six shots to take down regular enemies, which is significantly higher than other pistols.
Quick Review: For those looking for the most immersive pistol gunplay, Silver Ghost is the ideal weapon. It has the best sound effects in the game, and the fact that it’s compatible with the laser sight makes it the best option for recreating the originalRE4’s gameplay. That said, the addition of Sentinel Nine in the remake has cast a shadow over SG-09 R’s performance, as the new premium pistol is like a better version of the Silver Ghost.
304,000
In terms of gunplay, sound effects, and overall shooting experience, the SG-09 R stands out asthe best handgun inthe Resident Evil 4remake. However, it ranks lower than others because it’s outperformed by the remake-exclusive pistol, the Sentinel Nine.
That said, when paired with the laser sight, the SG-09 R delivers an experience closest to the originalResident Evil 4’s gameplay, which is a major plus for fans. Another advantage is itsExclusive Upgrade, which offers a fivefold increase in critical hit rate, allowing for more frequent boss staggers and one-shot kills on regular enemies.
Quick Review: One could argue whether the additional cost of unlocking the Sentinel Nine is justified. Regardless, this new premium handgun has proven to be more effective than the iconic SG-09 R, especially when it comes to capacity and fire rate. If only players could discover Sentinel Nine during the campaign or buy it from the Merchant, it would surely rank higher on this list.
1.9
321,000
It’s unfortunate that manyRE4remake players didn’t getthe chance to test the Sentinel Nine, as it was locked behind a paywall. However, to give a clear idea of its performance, the Sentinel Nine can be seen as an enhanced version of the SG-09 R: it offers the same firepower and gunplay but with faster handling and greater capacity.
One of the main drawbacks of the Sentinel Nine is its average firepower. Like the SG-09 R, this pistol hits the power cap relatively early and can only be upgraded to 1.9, which is underwhelming. While its Exclusive Upgrade adds extra Critical Hit Rate to offset the lower firepower, it’s often not as satisfying as the sheer power offered by other pistols like the Blacktail and Red9.
Quick Review: Players looking to finish each chapter with the highest accuracy score should go with the Punisher as their main weapon. This modern-looking pistol is like a pocket-size sniper rifle, offering stabilized shots with the highest penetration rate. The only downside of the Punisher is its average firepower, which can become ammo-depleting when dealing with stronger enemies.
279,000
The Punisher is the best handgun for dealing with hordes of enemies. With its Exclusive Upgrade, the Punisher’s bullets can penetrate up to five enemies, allowing players to clear a line of foes with just one shot. This feature is particularly valuable in playthroughs where ammo is scarce (which often occurs on higher difficulties) or when crowd control is crucial. The Punisher can knock back multiple enemies at once, providing ample space to maneuver and reposition.
However, the main drawback of the Punisher is its maximum firepower. Despite beingthe most accurate pistol in theRE4remake, its maximum firepower is only 1.9, which falls short compared to the Red9.
Quick Review: In the world ofResident Evil 4, where the player has a limited carry capacity tied to their attache cases, Blacktail is the perfect primary gun. It is compact, meaning it will occupy minimal space, and it is immensely powerful, meaning the player won’t need a secondary gun.
3.6
401,000
Despite being the smallest pistol, the Blacktail offers impressive power and accuracy, making it a strong contender against both the Punisher in precision and the Red9 in maximum firepower. For players seeking a versatile, compact, and effective handgun, the Blacktail is a top choice.
Even without its Exclusive Upgrade—priced at a steep 100,000 pesetas—the Blacktail remains the second-most powerful handgun, just behind the Red9. However, to truly unlock its full potential, players should invest in a complete upgrade. It is only when the Blacktail reaches a firepower of 3.60 and a rate of fire of 2.2 that it consistently performs well against larger enemies, including bosses.
Quick Review: At max level, the Red9 has the highest firepower of all pistols in theRE4remake. Furthermore, it features an exclusive accessory, the wooden stock, which enhances accuracy—as we as the gameplay experience. Players looking to one-shot Ganados and eliminate the toughest enemies using only a few bullets will not find a better handgun than the Red9.
4.05
384,000
The Red9 is the best handgun in theResident Evil 4remake for three key reasons: 1) it boasts unmatched firepower, 2) it offers two distinct stances that enhance gunplay, and 3) players can obtain it for free early in the game.
Inspired by the real-life Mauser C96,the Red9 can achieve a firepower of 4.05, comparable to that of a sniper rifle. It can be used with or without a stock, each providing a different shooting stance. Additionally, the Red9 becomes available at the start of Chapter Four, giving players twelve chapters to upgrade it.
Moreover, the Red9’s handling and animations are noteworthy. It features some of the most unique shots and SFXs and can dismantle nearby enemies in the most satisfying way.
The biggest drawback of the Red9 is its slow reload speed and fire rate. Compared to other pistols on the list, it is notably the slowest in these aspects.
