Rust Semi-Auto Pistol (SAP)
10-round mag, faster fire rate than Revolver. The standard mid-game sidearm.
Fast facts
| Tier | T2 workbench |
|---|---|
| Ammo | Pistol Bullet / Incendiary / HV Pistol |
| Magazine | 10 rounds |
| RPM | ~480 (community-consensus) |
| Damage | ~30 body / ~60 headshot (community-consensus) |
| Range | Short-to-medium (~40-60m) |
| Recoil | Mild vertical, controllable |
| Acquisition | Craft at T2 workbench. Pistol body + components. |
The Semi-Auto Pistol is the middle tier between Revolver and Python — 10-round magazine (better than Revolver's 8), faster fire rate, slightly less per-shot damage. Most mid-wipe Rust players carry one as their primary sidearm. Cheaper than Python and more spammable than Revolver.
Pro tips
- 10 rounds is enough for two engagements — don't reload after every 2 shots.
- SAP body is loot-only at first — buying or finding the body part can be a bottleneck.
- Pair with shotgun primary — standard mid-game loadout: SAP sidearm + shotgun primary for room-clearing.
Frequently asked questions
What does SAP stand for in Rust?
Semi-Automatic Pistol. The middle-tier pistol between Revolver (T1) and Python / M92 (T3). Sometimes called 'P9' or just 'pistol' in community shorthand.
Is the Semi-Auto Pistol good?
Yes — solid mid-game sidearm. 10-round mag with decent fire rate. Common loadout pair with a shotgun or SAR primary. Not as iconic as the Revolver but objectively better stats for the tier difference.
How do I unlock the Semi-Auto Pistol?
T2 workbench, research the blueprint at a Research Table or via tech tree. Components needed: 1 Semi-Automatic Body + metal frags + spring.