Cowboy's Guide to Pistols
In Dead Frontier, Pistols are typically used as primary weapons, and are especially effective in hybrid builds rather than critical builds due to their low critical requirement. Pistol ammo is very common to find in the inner city, and therefore require less expenses as compared to other weapons. Just like Rifles these weapons do not increase aggro but still draw the attention of the zombies on your screen, who will hear the shots and attack you.
Pistols are usually grouped into two categories: revolvers and semi-automatics.
Semi-automatics are characterized by a moderate ammo capacity ranging from 7 to 35 rounds, faster firing and reloading speeds, yet only high critical chance and lower damage per shot than revolvers of the same caliber.
Revolvers are characterized by a small ammo capacity ranging from 5 to 24 rounds, slower firing and reloading speeds, yet very high critical chance and higher damage per shot than semi-automatic pistols of the same caliber. In other words, more bang for your buck.
Requirements
Every survivor begins with 5 Pistol proficiency, which is enough to use the first three pistols: Beta Tomcat (starting weapon for all survivors), Williams PPK, and the Gerring HP.
All pistols have Average Accuracy, meaning 80 accuracy is needed for Reliable Aim On-screen, 100 accuracy for Perfect Aim On-screen / Reliable Aim Off-screen, and 124 accuracy Perfect Aim Off-screen.
Combat Outside - Loot/Scout Run
In the Inner City, pistols are a common sight on looting runs due to their easily replaceable ammo. Some general tips:
- Pistols with average firing speed are rather versatile, and can be used well in a number of different situations. Coupled with the fact that they are quiet, looting with pistols is a good idea as it will keep aggro down.
- Just Melee or any other weapon, circling is also an effective tactic with Pistols.
- As with all guns, take opportunity to reload if no zombies are around. It doesn’t take very long, and having a full magazine when you are mobbed by multiple zombies can make all the difference. One trick is to hit "R" just before you transition to another screen, as this results in having your gun reloaded once you reach the next block.
Aggro Combat (Multiplayer)
Pistols are excellent choices for controlling and reducing aggro. However, it may be prudent to bring along weapons such as machine guns, for use when the player gets cornered.
These are some general tips.
- Never stop moving. If possible, stay in clear, open areas, and try to keep large objects between you and the infected.
- If you are fighting a boss, always move, so the boss will be the closest zombie to you and you can concentrate wholly on the boss and not other zombies (saves ammo and time).
- When the zombies move off-screen, always shoot in their general direction as you will still hit some zombies.
- Always reload when you have a chance.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages
- In PvP , due to being a long-ranged weapon, you can shoot melee users before they reach you.
- You can carry more ammo (800 per box compared to rifles having 600 per box).
- Revolvers require less critical (80) compared to rifles (112) with some exceptions, such as the 577 Rex.
Disadvantages
- Unlike rifles, pistols require some accuracy.
- Most starting pistols are weak and deal low damage per second compared to rifles.
- Against rifles like Rex, revolver users are at a disadvantage.
- Even the strongest pistol can be beaten by rifles which may or may not be the strongest rifle. *Rifles are always more powerful than pistols of the same level. Example: Ironsight 33F vs. Greyhawk 55
List of Pistols
The Damage values in brackets indicate the averaged damage that can be achieved with the maximum critical hit chance. The Scrap values in brackets indicate the scrap price with Master Crafted (MC) items.
| Beta Tomcat | |
|---|---|
.32 Handgun Ammo
7 Round Capacity Fast Reload Speed Average Firing Speed Average Accuracy High Critical Chance 5 Pistol Skill Required Avg. Damage per Second: 4.7 (19.74) |
Real Name: Beretta Tomcat A small pocket pistol popular for concealed carrying, the Tomcat was a great deterrent against would-be robbers due to its size, making it easily concealable. However, it lacks the stopping power for killing zombies en-masse, and thus it's better known as a desperate last-resort weapon. All new survivors start with an untradeable Beta Tomcat, for self-defense and training, . This "used" version does only 4.7 (19.74) DPS and has a scrap value of $ 50.
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| Williams PPK | |
.32 Handgun Ammo
9 Round Capacity Fast Reload Speed Average Firing Speed Average Accuracy High Critical Chance 5 Pistol Skill Required Avg. Damage per Second: 6.05 (25.41) |
Real Name: Walther PPK A typical pop-culture gun, the PPK was used to commit suicide by Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler and is well known as James Bond's signature weapon. Added October 11, 2008
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| Gerring HP | |
.32 Handgun Ammo
13 Round Capacity Fast Reload Speed Average Firing Speed Average Accuracy High Critical Chance 5 Pistol Skill Required Avg. Damage per Second: 6.05 (25.41) |
Real Name: Browning Hi-Power
A handgun designed by American firearms inventor John Browning, and completed by Dieudonné Saive at Fabrique Nationale (FN) of Herstal, Belgium. This pistol was made for the French military. Designed with a light caliber yet maintains good overall performance. |
| Fifty-Seven | |
.32 Handgun Ammo
20 Round Capacity Fast Reload Speed Average Firing Speed Average Accuracy High Critical Chance 10 Pistol Skill Required Avg. Damage per Second: 6.05 (25.41) |
Real Name: FN Five-seveN
So called because of its unique caliber, FN's Five-seveN is a special pistol which normally chambers the 5.7 mm round and is a sister project to the FN P90. However, due to the rarity of this ammunition, most looted pistols were converted to chamber the .32 round, which offers a slight improvement over the tiny 5.7's lack of stopping power. |
| Lock 19 | |
9mm Handgun Ammo
15 Round Capacity Fast Reload Speed Average Firing Speed Average Accuracy High Critical Chance 20 Pistol Skill Required Avg. Damage per Second: 7.4 (31.08) |
Real Name: Glock 19
Called the “Compact” by its manufacturer, the Glock Model 19 is effectively a reduced-size Glock 17 and is among the cheaper pistols previously offered by Glock. First produced in 1988 for military and law enforcement, it soon became known and valued as a standard issue pistol among various armed forces around the world due to its relatively low number of moving parts, which greatly increases the reliability of the Glock handgun series. |
| Kolt Python | |
.357 Handgun Ammo
6 Round Capacity Slow Reload Speed Slow Firing Speed Average Accuracy Very High Critical Chance 20 Pistol Skill Required Avg. Damage per Second: 8.25 (41.25) Scrap Value: $850 ($ 1,700) |
Real Name: Colt Python
The Colt Python is a popular double action revolver chambered for the powerful .357 Magnum cartridge. Pythons have a reputation for superior fit & finish, accuracy, smooth trigger pull and a tight cylinder lock-up which made it popular as a cheap yet reliable handgun-- the little brother to the Colt Anaconda in nearly every way. |
| Beta 8000 | |
 .357 Handgun Ammo High Critical Chance 25 Pistol Skill Required Avg. Damage per Second: 10.1 (42.42) |
Real Name: Beretta 8000
A more compact alternative to the larger Beretta 92 service pistol, these modified Beretta 8000s were originally chambered in .357 SIG in order to offer a compromise between concealment, ease of handling, accuracy and firepower. |
| CK 75 | |
 9mm Handgun Ammo High Critical Chance 30 Pistol Skill Required Avg. Damage per Second: 7.4 (31.08) |
Real Name: CZ 75
A reliable and successful Czech handgun, the CZ pistol series was produced in a variety of calibers and versions, among them the CZ 75 as the 9x19mm variant. The main reason why it never became very popular is its classic full metal body, which is slightly too heavy by modern standards. |
| Luger | |
9mm Handgun Ammo
35 Round Capacity Fast Reload Speed Average Firing Speed Average Accuracy High Critical Chance 35 Pistol Skill Required Avg. Damage per Second: 7.4 (31.08) Scrap Value: $2,500 ($ 5,000) |
Real Name: Luger P08 The Luger was a standard-issue German pistol used in both World Wars and was the first weapon to use the 9mm Parabellum cartridge, today the most common pistol cartridge. Strangely, they have shown up commonly with survivors, despite being a collector's item. Most Lugers are now used with extended magazines to put them on the level of modern weaponry. Added October 11, 2008
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| Lock 17 | |
9mm Handgun Ammo
31 Round Capacity Fast Reload Speed Average Firing Speed Average Accuracy High Critical Chance 40 Pistol Skill Required Avg. Damage per Second: 7.4 (31.08) |
Real Name: Glock 17
Glock's full sized 9mm pistol and the standard issue for Fairview's police, as well as many other law enforcement agencies around the world. Ergonomic, light, and easy to operate, the Glock 17 is one of the best 9mm handguns around. |
| Lock 25 | |
.38 Handgun Ammo
15 Round Capacity Fast Reload Speed Average Firing Speed Average Accuracy High Critical Chance 40 Pistol Skill Required Avg. Damage per Second: 12.8 (53.76) |
Real Name: Glock 25
One of the many derivatives of the Glock 17, made to be ultra compact and chambered for the .38 cartridge. Due to the cartridge's low impulse, the pistol uses an unlocked breech and operates via straight blow-back of the slide. This method of operation required modification of the locking surfaces on the barrel as well as a redesign of the former locking block. |
| Webster 1942 | |
.38 Handgun Ammo
7 Round Capacity Slow Reload Speed Slow Firing Speed Average Accuracy Very High Critical Chance 40 Pistol Skill Required Avg. Damage per Second: 10.5 (52.5) Scrap Value: $3,250 ($ 6,500) |
Real Name: Webley Mk I
A British revolver made by Webley during the Second World War. Due to a shortage of Enfield revolvers, the Webster was used as a popular replacement and later officially supplemented the Enfield as the official service pistol. Yet another puzzling antique that somehow is found in mass quantities. Maybe looted from an antique sale? No one can know for sure. What is known, however, is that this revolver is a welcome addition to any survivor's arsenal. |
| CK 99 | |
.40 Handgun Ammo
10 Round Capacity Fast Reload Speed Average Firing Speed Average Accuracy High Critical Chance 45 Pistol Skill Required Avg. Damage per Second: 15.5 (65.1) |
Real Name: CZ 99
A pistol made in the Zastava Arms (the pistol's name base, 'CZ', has no prior relation to the Czech series of CZ pistols, instead standing for 'Crvena Zastava', the manufacturer's former name.). It is apparently patterned after famous SIG-Sauer P226 pistol, but with several modifications. |
| SIC Apollo | |
.40 Handgun Ammo
12 Round Capacity Fast Reload Speed Average Firing Speed Average Accuracy High Critical Chance 50 Pistol Skill Required Avg. Damage per Second: 15.5 (65.1) |
Real Name: SIG P-229 The SIG company has long been renowned for producing accurate and powerful pistols - their P series is no exception. Strangely, this pistol is an odd combination of all of the "P" series with no determinate markings. A prototype, perhaps? Added October 11, 2008
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| USP | |
.40 Handgun Ammo
13 Round Capacity Fast Reload Speed Average Firing Speed Average Accuracy High Critical Chance 55 Pistol Skill Required Avg. Damage per Second: 15.5 (65.1) Scrap Value: $6,100 ($ 12,200) |
Real Name: H&K USP
The H&K USP (Universal Self-loading Pistol), designed by the famous German weapon company Heckler & Koch, incorporates many of the features found in typical Colt handguns along with several of their own to make up one of the most popular handguns in history. It's produced in a variety of common calibers such as 9mm Parabellum, .357, .40, and .45. A reliable platform, the USP was a favorite of special operation teams and police around the globe, which also made it a common yet expensive pistol in the markets of the post-outbreak world. |
| Kolt Anaconda | |
.45 Handgun Ammo
8 Round Capacity Slow Reload Speed Slow Firing Speed Average Accuracy Very High Critical Chance 60 Pistol Skill Required Avg. Damage per Second: 15 (75) Scrap Value: $10,850 ($ 21,700) |
Real Name: Colt Anaconda
Billed as among the most accurate .44 Magnum revolvers on the arms market, Colt's Anaconda is a popular large caliber revolver, typically using powerful magnum rounds like .44 Magnum and .45 Colt. Similar in design to the .357 Colt Python and based on the .357 Colt Trooper, but chambered for more powerful rounds, the Anaconda was designed to compete against the S&W Model 29 revolver. Perfect for reliving your favorite Western movie moments against the undead. |
| CK 97B | |
.45 Handgun Ammo
10 Round Capacity Fast Reload Speed Average Firing Speed Average Accuracy High Critical Chance 70 Pistol Skill Required Avg. Damage per Second: 18.2 (76.44) |
Real Name: CZ 97B
The CZ 97B is a semi-automatic handgun made for the American market in 1997, due to the highly-popular .45 ACP cartridge. It retains all the functionality, ergonomics and accuracy of its smaller siblings while including other features such as a screw in barrel bushing and a loaded chamber indicator. |
| Desert Fox | |
.50 Handgun Ammo
12 Round Capacity Fast Reload Speed Average Firing Speed Average Accuracy High Critical Chance 90 Pistol Skill Required Avg. Damage per Second: 20.9 (87.78) Scrap Value: $24,350 ($ 48,700) |
Real Name: Desert Eagle
A massive pistol designed primarily for the United States' long-range target- and silhouette-shooting pistol market. It became popular despite its weight, massive recoil, and small magazine capacity. This pistol has become somewhat of a legend through its common use in Hollywood action flicks and various video games. It's definitely not a pistol for novice survivors, but in the hands of an experienced gunman, it is a powerful menace to the undead. |
| SW 500 | |
.50 Handgun Ammo
9 Round Capacity Slow Reload Speed Slow Firing Speed Average Accuracy Very High Critical Chance 95 Pistol Skill Required Avg. Damage per Second: 19.5 (97.5) Scrap Value: $27,125 ($ 54,250) |
Real Name: S&W 500 A double-action revolver produced by Smith and Wesson, firing the .500 S&W cartridge. The advanced design of the firearm helps in counteracting recoil felt by the shooter. This includes the sheer weight of the firearm, use of rubber grips, the forward balance, and the use of a compensator. On certain S&W Performance Center models, the compensator is replaced with a full muzzle brake. It is marketed as the most powerful handgun in the world. Considered by some zombie hunters to be overkill, but then again, there is no such thing as overkill when the infected are involved. Modified October 11, 2008 - Now requires 95 instead of 100 Pistol Skill
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| Alpha Bull | |
.50 Handgun Ammo
5 Round Capacity Slow Reload Speed Slow Firing Speed Average Accuracy Very High Critical Chance 100 Pistol Skill Required Avg. Damage per Second: 26.25 (131.25) Scrap Value: $40,050 ($ 80,100) |
Real Name: Taurus Raging Bull A massive handgun chambered in the .454 Casull round, the Bull has been used to kill animals like buffalo, bears and elephants. Despite the S&W 500 firing a larger cartridge, this appears to be improved upon by various weaponsmiths in the city with an odd muzzle break that cuts down the recoil in half. It also carries a distinctive red rubber stripe along its grip. Added October 11, 2008
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| 475 Magnum | |
.50 Handgun Ammo
16 Round Capacity Fast Reload Speed Average Firing Speed Average Accuracy High Critical Chance 110 Pistol Skill Required Avg. Damage per Second: 31.7 (133.14) Scrap Value: $40,050 ($ 80,100) |
Real Name: .475 Wildey Magnum The .475 Wildey Magnum is a semi-automatic pistol and also a trademark weapon of a movie Death Wish 3 which made the gun popular. The pistol has a gas system that makes it possible to regulate the gas pressure so that it can accommodate different cartridge loads. The .475 Wildey Magnum was purposefully designed to be a hunting firearm, and is built heavier than most handguns which enables it to handle breech pressures over 48,000 psi. The body is made out of stainless steel that comes in two models; the Survivor or the Hunter. The only difference between these models is the finish, where the Hunter has a matte finish and the Survivor has a satin finish. Added May 15, 2011.
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| Corpse Shooter (Unique)This item is unique and as such it can only be obtained in special ways and/or is non-transferable. | |
.50 Handgun Ammo
24 Round Capacity Fast Reload Speed Slow Firing Speed Average Accuracy Very High Critical Chance 110 Pistol Skill Required Avg. Damage per Second: 31.88 (159.38) Scrap Value: $48,500 ($ 97,000) |
This rare and "meaty" revolver has been carved from undead bones and bound in infected flesh. This weapon is the smallest and most lightweight of all the Corpse Gear, but you mustn't be overly confident with it, because its high recoil could knock you back just as easily as the undead. This weapon could only be bought from the Credit Shop for 1000 credits (800 for Gold Members). It was on sale from February 7th, 2012 until February 29th, 2012. This weapon is skinned after the SW 500.
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| Greyhawk 55 | |
.55 Handgun Ammo
12 Round Capacity Slow Reload Speed Slow Firing Speed Average Accuracy Very High Critical Chance 120 Pistol Skill Required Avg. Damage per Second: 34.8 (174) Scrap Value: $57,650 ($ 115,300) |
This revolver was made by Fairview's engineers on commission by a group of snipers in Nastya's Holdout. It was originally intended as a high caliber, last-resort weapon for snipers and other marksmen. However, one of the snipers found that the heavy .55 caliber round was good for picking off zombies from long range. Hence, the engineers attached scope which fit this capability perfectly, enabling this handgun to act as a compact, deadly backup marksman's
weapon. Added February 18, 2013.
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| Vlock XD11 (Unique)This item is unique and as such it can only be obtained in special ways and/or is non-transferable. | |
.55 Handgun Ammo
18 Round Capacity Fast Reload Speed Average Firing Speed Average Accuracy High Critical Chance 120 Pistol Skill Required Avg. Damage per Second: 36.29 (152.42) Scrap Value: $57,650 ($ 115,300) |
After an ex-SWAT member sent in his damaged Glock 22 to a young engineer for repairs, the engineer repairing the weapon decided to modify the firearm to take advantage of the newly-developed .55 caliber cartridge. The engineer spent hours working on the handgun, machining a new slide, adding a topside rail system with a small optic, and installing a larger, heavier barrel and stronger operating system to deal with the increased impulse. When the engineer was finished with the gun, it was no longer a standard Glock 22 - the engineer christened this modified gun the Vlock XD11 - an accurate, heavy-caliber, semi-automatic pistol. Not only was the former SWAT officer impressed with this creation, but so were other survivors possessing Glock 22s, who sent in their guns to the young engineer and the team of assistants he quickly obtained. Now, with a steady supply of Glock 22s coming from a storage arsenal in Precinct 13, the Vlock XD11 is one of the most powerful handguns available, however the young engineer who first made it insists that these beastly sidearms be given only to survivors who can prove their worth and their skill with a pistol. This weapon could only be bought from the Credit Shop for 2000 credits (1500 for Gold Members). It was on sale from September 26, 2013 until October 10, 2013.
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| Dusk Enforcer (Unique)This item is unique and as such it can only be obtained in special ways and/or is non-transferable. | |
.50 Handgun Ammo
20 Round Capacity Fast Reload Speed Average Firing Speed Average Accuracy Very High Critical Chance 100 Pistol Skill Required Unlimited Ammo Non-Transferable Avg. Damage per Second: 38 (190) |
This mysterious revolver is another part of the Dusk Gear set, created by AdminPwn himself for only the best survivors. Its bizarre cylinder gives it a much higher capacity than other revolvers while allowing quick reloads, making the Dusk Enforcer superior to most other available handguns. This weapon cannot be found in the city but is available in the Elite Shop for
Added May 15, 2008.The damage for this weapon was modified by February 27,2013. |
| DoubleShot AAX | |
.55 Handgun Ammo
14 Round Capacity Slow Reload Speed Slow Firing Speed Average Accuracy Very High Critical Chance 120 Pistol Skill Required Avg. Damage per Second: 40.88 (204.38) Scrap Value: $??? ($ ???) |
Seemly based off the 1866 Derringer, this revolver uses the advantage of dual barrels for multiple shots(?) per trigger. The gun is fed by tube, similar to the Immolator, allowing multiple bullets to be fitted into a barrel. When fired, high velocity engulfs the bullets, being able to rip off body parts. The gun seems to be engraved using pure gold. It's unknown how such gold can be found in a devastated city, but it doesn't matter, your enemies will get a bling of death, get it? Weapon Type: Revolver
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| Desert Rat (Unique)This item is unique and as such it can only be obtained in special ways and/or is non-transferable. | |
.55 Handgun Ammo
24 Round Capacity Average Reload Speed Average Speed High Accuracy Very High Critical Chance 120 Pistol Skill Required Avg. Damage per Second: 50.6 (235) Scrap Value: $??? ($ ???) |
Not to be confused with the Desert Eagle, but close. This gun was built off the Desert Eagle, refitting the handle with that of a revolver's and well kept secured with duct tape, often joked as "the best material in the world". Unlike reloading a real Desert Eagle, the magazine is slipped into the gun itself by flipping the body open, inserting the mag into the body and then closing it, allowing for speed reloads. The gun produces alot of heat when fired, therfore a heatsink is attached below the gun to prevent the gun from exploding. Railroad spikes are used in place of blades, but the spikes don't last long as a bayonet. Weapon Type: Semi-Auto
Currently unreleased. This weapon can be found in the game files. |