T3 6-shot magnum. Highest per-shot pistol damage in the game.
T3 6-shot magnum. Highest per-shot pistol damage in the game.
| Tier | T3 workbench |
|---|---|
| Ammo | Pistol Bullet / Incendiary / HV Pistol |
| Magazine | 6 rounds |
| RPM | ~360 (community-consensus) |
| Damage | ~50 body / ~100 headshot (community-consensus) |
| Range | Medium-long (~60-80m) |
| Recoil | High per-shot kick, fully resets between shots |
| Acquisition | T3 workbench craft. Also drops from elite crates and locked crates. |
The Python is the highest-damage pistol in Rust — 6 rounds in the cylinder, but each one hits noticeably harder than M92 or SAP rounds. The trade-off is mag size: 6 rounds doesn't leave room for misses. Beloved by players who can land headshots; punishing for spray-and-pray players. Iconic skin family includes the Whiteout Python.
Highest damage per shot, yes — but lowest magazine (6 rounds vs M92's 15). Best for skilled players who land headshots; worst for spray-and-pray. Competitive answer: M92 is better for most players, Python is better if you actually hit your shots.
T3 workbench. 1 SMG body + metal frags + spring (community-confirmed recipe). Default-known after blueprint research. ~15 second craft time.
Roughly 50 body / 100 headshot with standard pistol ammo. Highest single-shot pistol damage in Rust. With Incendiary rounds you also get fire damage on hit, useful against low-armour targets.
The Python is the standard mid-wipe pistol — Tier 2 craft, high per-shot damage, 8-round cylinder. It's the upgrade from Semi-Auto Pistol and the alternative to M92 for players who prefer raw damage over magazine size. A Python headshot at close range is one of the most reliable one-shot kills in Rust.
Effective range is 0-20 metres. Past 20m the bullet drop and slower fire rate let SARs and M39s outclass it. Inside 10m a Python headshot deletes most armour combinations in one trigger pull.
The Python takes the standard pistol attachments:
Vs **M92**: M92 has 15 rounds vs Python's 8, slightly less damage per shot. Python wins ambush trades; M92 wins sustained engagements.
Vs **Revolver**: Python is T2 craft, much better damage and reload. Revolver is the early-wipe predecessor.
Vs **SAP**: SAP is T1 — Python is the upgrade once you have stable T2.
Vs **MP5 / Custom SMG**: SMGs win sustained engagements. Python wins as a backup that doesn't take a rifle slot.
Pair the Python with **SAR**, **Custom SMG**, **MP5**, or **AK47** primaries. The Python is the standard 'I need a finisher with real punch' sidearm. **Pure Max Health Tea** standard. **Roadsign Jacket + Coffee Can** is the right armour tier; for late wipe upgrade to Metal Facemask.