Payday 3 provides players with a high level of freedom that will allow them to take practically any weapon in the game into the fight with them. Secondary weapons can be a fickle thing, as most players might take the reliable and trusty pistol, but the best Payday 3 weapons vary depending on play styles, skills, and the objective of each heist. Do players want to go in loud or quiet?
With the best secondary weapons in Payday 3, players might have a better chance at besting the Overkill difficulty that causes them so much trouble. They might also be able to beat out those pesky Cloakers and Dozers that give the entire Payday gang such a beatdown. The best secondary weapons in Payday 3 are currently limited to a selection of pistols and revolvers, but hopefully, with updates and DLCs, more options will be provided like with Payday 2.
5 Signature 40
Damage | 40% |
Recoil | 60% |
Stability | 35% |
Accuracy | 85% |
Handling | 70% |
Fire Rate | 20% |
Ammo | 12/60 |
Firing Mode | Semi-Auto |
The default secondary weapon available to all Payday 3 players upon release is the Signature 40 pistol. This weapon is greatly accurate, highly controlled, and near enough to every shot will take out the competition. Whilst the Signature 40 has a great fire rate and accuracy, it’s best reserved outside loud builds, due to the fact that it doesn’t have the stopping power of a revolver.
Instead, players should try and use the Signature 40 pistol for stealth builds, as one of the primary attachments for this weapon will be the silencer, allowing for suppressed fire that will allow players to effectively crowd control, take out cameras, instantly kill guards with headshots, and conquer the game with bots or without them.
4 J&M Castigo 44
Damage | 40% |
Recoil | 20% |
Stability | 35% |
Accuracy | 50% |
Handling | 40% |
Fire Rate | 15% |
Ammo | 6/36 |
Firing Mode | Semi-Auto |
The J&M Castigo 44 is a solid choice for a secondary, as, although it might not have the powers of a stealth weapon, it does have the powers of absolute stopping power, and it can decimate anyone that dares cross the path of the heister wielding this weapon. Players can enjoy a powerful revolver that requires both hands because of the immense stopping power that one can wield with this.
Whilst the ammunition of the J&M Castigo 44 may be small, players can easily get ammo back by killing those involved in the police assault. When an enemy dies, they drop ammo, meaning players can easily recuperate their losses. Enemies are also easily killed due to the impact of this revolver.
3 Sforza Bison
Damage | 40% |
Recoil | 35% |
Stability | 35% |
Accuracy | 70% |
Handling | 20% |
Fire Rate | 15% |
Ammo | 6/36 |
Firing Mode | Semi-Auto |
Another one of the revolvers that can be purchased in Payday 3 is the Sforza Bison. It’s effectively a more modern version of the J&M Castigo 44, where players can expect a great set of default statistics that will increase greatly when players put on their desired attachments. One of the primary kicks of the Sforza Bison is how it doesn’t kick at all, and the revolver provides greater damage with a lack of recoil.
The ammo is notably limited, just as much as the previous revolver, but thanks to the damage and accuracy, players will get their ammunition back in no time. The Sforza Bison shouldn’t be trifled with, and this is perhaps the best secondary weapon to use in loud builds due to the fact it can easily take out snipers from long range, and stop any officer in their tracks with a headshot.
2 Stryk 7
Damage | 30% |
Recoil | 60% |
Stability | 35% |
Accuracy | 55% |
Handling | 60% |
Fire Rate | 25% |
Ammo | 17/85 |
Firing Mode | Semi-Auto |
Reliable, fast-firing, and lightweight, the Stryk 7 is built for tactical assaults. Players can use this weapon for stealth builds or for loud builds, whether that’s on Normal difficulty or Overkill. The Stryk 7 may not have the kick of a revolver, but with the right trigger finger, it’s got the blasting capabilities of an SMG to those who can do it.
The magazine size is largely rewarding thanks to the 17 bullets waiting to be fired before reloading. Players will have 85 bullets in the total ammo count, which is far greater than the other secondary weapons. The Stryk 7’s lack of recoil and rapid fire rate makes it a menace, whether a suppressor is attached, or otherwise.
1 SP Model 11
Damage | 50% |
Recoil | 20% |
Stability | 45% |
Accuracy | 65% |
Handling | 50% |
Fire Rate | 15% |
Ammo | 10/60 |
Firing Mode | Semi-Auto |
One of the most modern weapons for Payday 3 is the SP Model 11. This gun hits hard, far harder than those that seek to take down the Payday gang. It’s definitely worth using the SP Model 11 for those who want a loud or stealth build, as depending on the attachments, players will have a versatile weapon capable of taking care of guards quietly or taking care of snipers and police who aren’t too keen on heisters.
The magazine for the SP Model 11 is fairly limited with a count of 10, and a total ammunition of 60, but with the right positioning and control, players can easily make use of the ammo count by staying ahead of the game and keeping those police assaults to a minimum. The damage from this pistol is a blessing.
Payday 3 is out now for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.