Picture this: you're cruising Los Santos in a drive-by shooting frenzy, enemies scattering like pins in a bowling alley. But what's the ultimate tool to turn your vehicle into a rolling death machine? In GTA Online, nailing the perfect drive-by weapon means balancing fire rate, damage, range, and accuracy while leaning out that window. Spoiler: it's not just any SMG. Stick around as we break down the top contenders, crown the king, and arm you with pro tips to own every chase. ๐
Drive-By Mechanics in GTA Online: Quick Primer
Before diving into weapons, grasp the basics. Drive-by shootings let you fire from passenger or driver seats in most vehicles (cars, bikes, even boats). Key stats matter:
- Fire Rate: How fast you spray bullets โ crucial for shredding groups.
- Damage: Per-bullet punch, especially at range.
- Accuracy & Range: Hip-fire spread shrinks with better guns.
- Reload Speed: No downtime in heated pursuits.
Pro tip: Upgrade to MK2 variants via the Weapon Workshop for explosive rounds. These boost drive-by lethality. Now, let's rank the elite squad. ๐
Top Drive-By Weapons Ranked: Stats Showdown
We've crunched the latest GTA Online data from in-game testing and community benchmarks. Here's a comparison table of the best:
| Weapon |
Fire Rate (RPM) |
Damage (Head/Body) |
Range (Effective) |
Drive-By Score (Out of 10) |
| Combat MG MK2 โญ |
1300+ |
28/14 (w/ FMJ) |
50m+ |
10/10 |
| Machine Pistol MK2 |
1200 |
25/12 |
40m |
9/10 |
| Micro SMG MK2 |
1100 |
22/11 |
35m |
8.5/10 |
| Special Carbine MK2 |
900 |
30/15 |
60m |
8/10 |
| Heavy Pistol |
400 (semi) |
35/18 |
30m |
7/10 |
The Combat MG MK2 dominates with blistering fire rate and pinpoint accuracy โ perfect for tagging runners from afar. But why is it the undisputed champ? Read on. ๐
Why Combat MG MK2 is the Best Weapon for Drive-By Shootings
1๏ธโฃ Insane Fire Rate: At over 1300 RPM, it unloads 100-round mags in seconds. Melt Oppressor MK IIs before they rocket away.
2๏ธโฃ Superior Range & Accuracy: Unlike SMGs that spray and pray, MK2 grips reduce recoil. Hit headshots at 40-50m while drifting corners.
3๏ธโฃ Ammo Efficiency: Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) rounds pierce vehicles and body armor โ ideal for CEO/VIP work or heists.
4๏ธโฃ Versatility: Excels on bikes (Bati 801) for evasive maneuvers or in armored cars like the Kuruma.
Real-world test: In recent GTA Online sessions, players report 20+ kills per magazine in free-mode rampages. Pair with Ghost Organization for stealthy sprays. It's not hype โ it's math. Ready for alternatives if you're grinding for it? ๐
Top Alternatives: When to Swap Guns
Not sold on the MG? Here's the runner-ups:
2๏ธโฃ Machine Pistol MK2: Budget beast for beginners. Lightning-fast reloads shine in close-quarters chases. Grab from the Gun Van rotations.
3๏ธโฃ Micro SMG MK2: Ultra-compact for bikes. Explosive rounds pop tires instantly โ clutch against traffic.
4๏ธโฃ Special Carbine MK2: Sniper-like precision for long-range picks. Less spray, more lasers.
Avoid: Pump Shotguns (reload hell) or Assault Rifles (too bulky for hip-fire).
How to Unlock & Optimize Your Drive-By Loadout
Unlock Combat MG MK2:
- Buy base Combat MG ($14,600) from Ammu-Nation.
- Research MK2 via Bunker (Arena War DLC unlocks faster).
- Upgrade: Explosive/Incendiary Rounds ($200K+), Extended Clip.
Vehicle picks: Declasse Scramjet for rocket boosts or Bravado Buffalo STX for Imani Tech armor.
Loadout hack: Dual-wield pistols as backup. Use Interaction Menu > Inventory > Swap Weapon mid-drive. Pro players swear by this for non-stop action.
For stats deep-dive, check Rockstar's official site or community hubs like GTAForums.
Pro Tips to Master Drive-By Shootings & Dominate Lobbies
- ๐ก๏ธ Aim High: Headshots double damage โ practice in the range.
- ๐ Vehicle Synergy: Lowriders for better lean angle; avoid high roofs.
- ๐ฅ Ammo Management: Stock 10K+ rounds via MC Businesses.
- ๐ป Counter Griefers: Oppressor users? Sticky-bomb your own car and bail.
- ๐ฏ Freemode Meta: CEO crate runs? Drive-by escorts seal the deal.
Implement these, and you'll climb leaderboards. Imagine topping daily objectives with ease. What's your go-to setup? Experiment and share in comments!
Final Verdict: Gear Up & Roll Out
The best weapon for drive-by shootings in GTA Online is hands-down the Combat MG MK2. It transforms casual cruises into killstreaks, blending speed, power, and precision like no other. Grind those upgrades, hit the streets, and watch rivals rage-quit. Stay locked for more GTA Online guides โ next up, unbeatable vehicle builds. Happy hunting! ๐