Ranged Weapons Guide - Build a Bunker
When raiders push your bunker door, melee alone is not enough. Ranged weapons add distance, burst damage, and psychological pressure in fourteen-player lobbies. Build a Bunker’s starter arsenal centers on three firearms—the Revolver, M1911, and Worn Sawn Off shotgun—each demanding the correct [ammo type](items/ammo) and each sharing the universal 150-use durability limit. This guide breaks down every ranged option, where to farm them, and how to pair pistols versus shotguns in squad loadouts.
Ranged Combat Fundamentals
Ranged damage scales with weapon quality and range. Shotguns spike damage up close but fall off at distance; pistols stay consistent for mid-range kiting. All ranged weapons require ammo stored in your sack alongside the gun itself—running dry mid-fight forces a melee swap or retreat.
Durability still applies: every shot counts toward the 150-use cap. Spraying the Worn Sawn Off on mutants feels satisfying until the gun snaps before a raider attack. Budget shots or carry backups from Jet’s Firepower.
Sheriff class players start with a Revolver and Pistol Ammo, giving a head start on pistol metas. Soldier class jumps to rifle platforms with Rifle Ammo—outside this page’s starter trio but worth noting for late Scrap purchases.
Revolver and M1911
The Revolver is the iconic starter pistol—solid damage, manageable fire rate, and a frequent Sheriff class spawn. Pair it with Pistol Ammo from Rust & Recoil or mutant drops. Revolvers excel when you need reliable shots without committing shotgun shells.
The M1911 occupies a similar niche with slightly different handling feel and competitive mid-tier damage. Many squads designate M1911 users as “mid-range anchors” while shotgunners breach close.
Both pistols share ammo pools, so coordinate with teammates before looting Rust & Recoil. Oversupplying one player leaves others dry during dual raids.
Worn Sawn Off Shotgun
The Worn Sawn Off is the close-quarters hammer. Up-close blasts delete mutants and punish raiders who stack doorways. Consumption is Shotgun Ammo, typically rarer than pistol rounds early on, so shotgun mains should farm mutants for drops and prioritize Rust & Recoil on alternating cycles.
Shotguns punish misuse at range—pellets spread and damage drops. Hold angles inside bunker chokepoints rather than dueling in open streets unless you enjoy donating durability for chip damage.
Store a backup pistol on every shotgun main. When shells run dry, the M1911 or Revolver keeps you relevant without switching to Rusty Pipe tier melee.
Loot Routes and Loadouts
Jet's Firepower is the primary gun shop. Route it after nukes when the timer allows, and cross-reference shop locations for fastest paths.
Standard squad spread: one Worn Sawn Off breacher, two pistol players, everyone else on melee until guns drop. Upgrade the Armory to swap loadouts without sack clutter.
Return to the weapons overview for melee pairing strategy and the weapon tier list for community rankings beyond starter guns.
Audio cues matter in ranged fights: the Worn Sawn Off’s blast alerts nearby raiders, while pistols are subtler. Choose weapons based on whether you want to attract attention or finish a fight quietly before backup arrives.
- Revolver — pistol meta, Sheriff starter, Pistol Ammo.
- M1911 — flexible pistol, shares Pistol Ammo pools.
- Worn Sawn Off — close burst, consumes Shotgun Ammo.
- Always carry backup ammo type you did not main if sack space allows.
Frequently Asked Questions
What ammo does the Revolver use?
The Revolver uses Pistol Ammo, the same type as the M1911.
Is the Worn Sawn Off worth using?
Yes for close defense and mutant packs if you can farm Shotgun Ammo. It is weaker at long range.
How do I get a Revolver without looting?
Purchase the Sheriff class for 445 Scrap—it starts with a Revolver, Police Vest, and Pistol Ammo.
Do ranged weapons break like melee?
Yes. Every shot consumes durability toward the same ~150 use limit.
Where is the best place to find guns?
Jet's Firepower shop, post-nuke traders, and elite enemy drops around town.