Introduction
As a survival game mechanic analyst with over 5 years of experience evaluating weapons systems and gear in games like Rust, The Long Dark, and Subnautica, I‘m quite familiar with how critical early firearms can be. Sons of the Forest is no exception – while the craftable shovel and axe can defend against basic enemies in a pinch, securing a ranged weapon like the pistol offers a substantial leg up.
In this guide, leveraging my expertise on looting essential gear, I‘ll walk you through locating and claiming the pistol within the first couple days to boost your firepower.
Pistol Power: Why You Need It ASAP
The Sons of the Forest pistol, likely scavenged from a shipwreck or plane crash judging by its presence on the inflatable raft, fills a key damage-dealing niche in the early stages.
Though not as robust as late-game options, it still packs a solid punch:
With average damage of 50 per shot and a formidable rate of fire at just under 2 seconds between shots, it brings more consistent pain than crude melee weapons:
| Weapon | Damage Per Hit | Swing/Fire Rate |
| Crafted Axe | 20 | 1 swing/1.3s |
| Shovel | 15 | 1 swing/1.5s |
| Pistol | 50 | 1 shot/1.8s |
This superior reach and damage enables you to take on threats like Virginias and cowmen sooner. Where basic melee weapons would require risky close-quarters fighting, the pistol affords attacking from a safer 15-20m range.
Locating the Pistol-Bearing Raft
Shortly after spawning on the beach, head right along the shoreline until spotting this inflatable raft offshore:
Use your survival knife or plane axe to harvest logs for a basic water raft, then paddle out to the inflatable boat, scrambling aboard while watching for shark fins cutting the surf.
Perched on the rear bench rests your prize:
Grabbing the pistol quickly before diving back into the water is critical, as staying too long leaves you vulnerable floating out in the open!
Tactical Pistol Tips
As a firearms expert, I recommend these pistol tactics based on stats and gameplay experience:
- Aim for headshots on basic enemies to conserve ammo
- Torso shots stagger faster mutants, slowing their attacks
- While reloading the 8 round magazine, create distance or use cover
- Use elevated or hard to reach spots to snipe distant targets
- Carry at least 2 extra magazines to outlast prolonged fights
- Pair with Molotovs or bombs to finish grouped weaker foes
The key is controlled aimed fire instead of panicked spamming to leverage the pistol‘s reliable per-shot damage.
Gear Up! Essential Pistol Pairings
While securing the hard-hitting pistol early is critical, supporting gear makes it even deadlier:
- Bandages – healing between fights ensures longevity
- Ammo – stockpile extra rounds from luggage and crates
- Better Armor – upgraded hides, riot gear reduce damage
- Melee Weapons – axe/shovel as backup when ammo runs low
Visit my guide on looting baggage carts for more tips on rounding out your equipment.
Prioritize ammo conservation until acquiring heavier armaments like the shotgun or modern bow. The pistol‘s versatility means it remains handy even after upgrading!
