What is the Bullpup Shotgun?
The Bullpup Shotgun in GTA 5 is modeled after the Kel-Tec KSG. Its most noticeable feature is the boxier profile compared to the regular Pump Shotgun. It has picatinny rails on the top, sides, and bottom of the weapon, which allows for various attachments. The enhanced version adds two iron sights, making aiming more precise, and gives the gun a more authentic tactical look. According to the in-game markings, this is a United States Government-issued weapon.
How Does the Bullpup Shotgun Perform?
In terms of raw statistics, the Bullpup Shotgun performs similarly to the standard Pump Shotgun, but there are some key differences:
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Damage: Each pellet deals 14 damage. If all pellets hit, the total can reach 114. This is on the lower side, so headshots are important for one-hit kills.
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Fire Rate: The delay between shots is about one second, giving it a rate of 60 rounds per minute. This is slower than the Pump Shotgun, so timing your shots matters.
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Capacity: One advantage is its higher capacity: 14 rounds per magazine versus 8 for the Pump Shotgun.
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Accuracy: When upgraded with a grip, accuracy improves, helping more pellets hit the target.
In general, most players find that the Bullpup Shotgun is better suited for mid-range encounters or missions where you need more ammo per engagement. It’s less effective in a direct firefight against multiple opponents because of the slow fire rate.
Attachments and Customizations
The Bullpup Shotgun offers several customization options in both GTA 5 and Online. These can significantly affect its performance:
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Grip: Improves stability and accuracy. Highly recommended for any serious player.
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Flashlight: Useful for nighttime missions but doesn’t affect combat stats.
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Suppressor: Reduces noise but also decreases damage and range. Most players avoid this unless stealth is essential.
You can also change the weapon’s tint for aesthetic purposes. Options range from black to gold and platinum. Some of these are free for players who own the Special or Collector’s Edition of the game.
Where to Find the Bullpup Shotgun
In GTA 5 story mode:
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Original version: Free in the Special/Collector’s Edition after the mission Franklin and Lamar. Otherwise, it’s available at Ammu-Nation.
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Enhanced version: Costs $1,250 after completing the mission Blitz Play, but free if you own the Special/Collector’s Edition.
In GTA Online:
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Original version: Free and unlocked at Rank 1.
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Enhanced version: Costs $8,000, though free for Special/Collector’s Edition players. It can also appear in missions like “Cracked” on NPCs at Elysian Island.
Many players, particularly those who want a quick start with higher-tier weapons, choose to buy GTA 5 Modded Accounts pc, which can save time unlocking these weapons. However, using the gun effectively still requires practice.
Practical Tips for Using the Bullpup Shotgun
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Aim for the head – With low per-pellet damage, hitting the head increases your chances of a one-hit kill.
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Use the grip attachment – It noticeably improves accuracy, especially in online combat.
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Keep distance in mind – The shotgun excels at mid-range but struggles at very long or very close encounters where faster fire rates are more beneficial.
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Plan your reloads – With a higher magazine capacity, you can go longer between reloads, but don’t get caught reloading in open combat.
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Avoid suppressors for PvP – Damage reduction makes it less effective against other players. Use it mainly in stealth missions.
Comparisons with Other Shotguns
Most players compare the Bullpup Shotgun to the Pump Shotgun:
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Pump Shotgun: Higher per-shot damage and slightly faster handling, but smaller magazine (8 rounds).
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Bullpup Shotgun: Lower per-shot damage, slower fire rate, but higher magazine (14 rounds) and better accuracy when upgraded.
In general, the Bullpup is more versatile for mission play and extended firefights, while the Pump Shotgun is better for quick, close-range kills.
Why the Bullpup Shotgun Matters
The Bullpup Shotgun is a well-rounded firearm. Unlike other high-tier weapons, it is accessible early in the game for free if you own the Special or Collector’s Edition. Even without upgrades, it provides a reliable alternative to the Pump Shotgun for both story missions and online play.
Many players find that, with proper attachments, it can serve as a primary weapon for certain missions like Repossession or The Long Stretch. Its combination of magazine size and accuracy makes it especially effective in situations where missing shots can be costly.
The Bullpup Shotgun may not be the flashiest weapon in GTA 5, but it has its niche. Most players benefit from upgrading it with a grip and practicing headshots. It works well for missions that require sustained fire and can be a dependable weapon in online sessions.
For new players, it’s worth trying early, especially if you have access to the Special/Collector’s Edition. For veterans, understanding its strengths and weaknesses can make it a surprisingly effective option for mid-range combat.