The Resident Evil 4 remake 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 the RE4 Remake based on their overall utility, performance, and gameplay experience.
Updated on February 11, 2026, by Mark Sammut: Resident Evil Requiem is right around the corner, marking the return of everybody's favorite D.S.O. Agent. While the hype is off the charts for RE9, Resident Evil 4 will always be Leon's defining game, and it has more than proven itself to be timeless.
If you are playing the remake for the first time or are revisiting it, this breakdown of the best RE4 pistols should help provide some tips. At the end of the article, we have added two sections with recommendations based on different playstyles and upgrade paths.
Ranking Criteria
The following list ranks RE4 Remake’s pistols based on four primary factors:
- Firepower
- Accuracy
- Upgrades
- Design and effects
6 Matilda
Best Feature: Rapid Burst Fire
Pros
- SMG-level rate of fire (with stock)
- Extended ammo capacity.
Cons
- Ammo-intensive performance.
- Long time-to-kill (TTK).
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 like RE4, where pistol ammo can be scarce.
|
Max Firepower |
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 the fastest SMGs in the Resident Evil 4 remake.
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.
Resident Evil 4 Remake: 13 Best Weapons, Ranked
Resident Evil 4 Remake features a plethora of great weapons for players to make use of, but these are arguably the best of the bunch.
5 SG-09 R
Best Feature: High Critical Hit Rate
Pros
- Above-average base firepower.
- Laser sight compatibility.
Cons
- Low ammo capacity (especially compared with the Sentinel Nine).
- Average rate of fire.
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 original RE4’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.
|
Max Firepower |
2.00 |
|---|---|
|
Upgrade Cost |
304,000 |
In terms of gunplay, sound effects, and overall shooting experience, the SG-09 R stands out as the best handgun in the Resident Evil 4 remake. 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 original Resident Evil 4’s gameplay, which is a major plus for fans. Another advantage is its Exclusive Upgrade, which offers a fivefold increase in critical hit rate, allowing for more frequent boss staggers and one-shot kills on regular enemies.
4 Sentinel Nine
Best Feature: High Speed and Capacity
Pros
- Faster fire rate (compared to the SG-09 R).
- Large magazine size.
Cons
- Average firepower at max level.
- Slow reload animation.
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.
|
Max Firepower |
1.9 |
|---|---|
|
Upgrade Cost |
321,000 |
Unfortunately, many RE4 remake players didn't get the 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.
Who’s That Character?
Identify the silhouettes before time runs out.
Identify the silhouettes before time runs out.
3 Punisher
Best Feature: Crowd Control Utilities
Pros
- Highest accuracy among handguns.
- High penetration power.
Cons
- Average firepower at max level.
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.
|
Max Firepower |
1.9 |
|---|---|
|
Upgrade Cost |
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.
RE4 Remake: How To Get The Punisher (& Is It Worth It?)
Punisher is now a tradable gun in the Resident Evil 4 remake; this guide explains how to get it quickly.
However, the main drawback of the Punisher is its maximum firepower. Despite being the most accurate pistol in the RE4 remake, its maximum firepower is only 1.9, which falls short compared to the Red9.
2 Blacktail
Best Feature: Balanced Stats and Efficiency
Pros
- Compact size (occupies only 2x2 square).
- Above-average accuracy.
- Above-average firepower (at max level).
Cons
- Longer TTK compared with the Red9.
Quick Review: In the world of Resident 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.
|
Max Firepower |
3.6 |
|---|---|
|
Upgrade Cost |
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.
1 Red9
Best Feature: Immense Firepower and Knockback Effect
Pros
- Highest firepower among all handguns (at max).
- Two shooting stances (with or without the stock).
- Heavy pushback per shot.
Cons
- Highest recoil among all pistols.
- Slow reload animation.
Quick Review: At max level, the Red9 has the highest firepower of all pistols in the RE4 remake. Furthermore, it features an exclusive accessory, the wooden stock, which enhances accuracy—as well 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.
|
Max Firepower |
4.05 |
|---|---|
|
Upgrade Cost |
384,000 |
The Red9 is the best handgun in the Resident Evil 4 remake 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, Red9's handling and animations are noteworthy. It features some of the most unique shots and SFXs and can dismantle nearby enemies most satisfyingly.
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.
Best Handgun For Different Playstyles or Situations
Now, we have finished going through the best pistols in RE4, at least in terms of overall stats and performance. However, most players will not have access to every handgun, and they might also opt for a playstyle that suits one specific handgun. To try and provide slightly more specific guidance, let's go through a couple of quick recommendations.
|
Playstyle |
RE4 Remake Weapon |
Why? |
|---|---|---|
|
Best Overall Handgun |
Red9 |
Highest damage ceiling, exceptional stagger, best long-term upgrades, and ideal for NG+. |
|
Best Early-Game Investment |
SG-09R |
Solid upgrade scaling, ensuring that it can carry you during the early chapters without requiring a replacement. |
|
Best for Critical Headshots |
SG-09R With Laser Sight |
You will need the laser sight and the critical hit upgrade, but the SG-09R becomes deadly with those two. |
|
Best for Speed & Aggressive Play |
Blacktail |
Excellent fire rate, compact handling, smooth movement, and faster transitions between targets. |
|
Best for Ammo Economy on Higher Difficulties |
Sentinel Nine |
Larger magazine and perfect for extended fights or situations that lead to more missed shots than usual. |
Best Exclusive Upgrade Value
A handgun's value is not determined solely by its overall stats and performance, but also by its upgrade path and scaling. During the second half of the campaign, you should take exclusive upgrades into account when determining the best items to invest in. By that point, most players should have a general idea of their preferred playstyle, so they can make an informed choice.
|
Upgrade Value |
RE4 Remake Weapon |
Exclusive |
Why? |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Best Exclusive Upgrade Overall |
Red9 |
Massive damage boost |
Pushes its already high power to elite levels, and makes every bullet pack a punch. If you plan to continue into NG+ or play Professional mode, an upgraded Red9 is a must. |
|
Best for Critical Builds |
SG-09R |
Increased critical hit rate |
Excellent for headshot-focused players and strong synergy with precision aiming. This upgrade path's viability is entirely based on the user's skill. |
|
Most Noticeable Handling Boost |
Blacktail |
Increased power (but smaller spike compared to Red9) |
Improves DPS ceiling and enhances an already balanced weapon. |
|
Best for Sustained Pressure |
Sentinel Nine |
Increased critical rate (similar to SG-09R, but paired with higher capacity) |
A larger magazine makes the crit boost more practical. |
Should you sell the SG-09R? If you are like me, you will probably find yourself asking this question after a couple of hours. Well, the answer is complicated. Leon's starter pistol remains viable throughout the entire game, at least on standard difficulty. Its critical rate makes it a fantastic option against weaker enemies, but it does become outdated once you unlock better weapons like the Red9 or the TMP.
Personally, I sell every weapon that I haven't used during the last two hours of gameplay. The starter pistol can be great, but you need to invest in its upgrades, which is not really worth it once you have better guns.
Resident Evil 4
OpenCritic Reviews
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- Genre(s)
- Survival Horror
