Nothing swings a fight faster than a clean headshot from 300 meters. The bolt action rifle in PUBG is the highest-damage weapon class in the game, and knowing which one to grab — and which to leave on the ground — is what separates a squad wipe from a respawn screen. We’re breaking down every bolt action sniper on PUBG PC, their real damage numbers, and where to find them.
What Makes a Bolt Action Rifle Special in PUBG
Bolt actions are single-shot rifles that must be re-cycled between each round. In exchange for that slower fire rate, you get the highest per-shot damage of any weapon class and enough velocity to reliably tag targets past 300m.
Two things matter most:
- One-shot headshot potential against Level 2 helmets (and a Level 3 with the AWM)
- Long-range consistency thanks to high muzzle velocity and low bullet drop
If you’re still learning the fundamentals, our pubg beginner guide covers how snipers fit into a squad’s role sheet.
Every Bolt Action Rifle in PUBG (PC)
Here’s the full lineup you can find on PUBG PC, sorted from strongest to most situational.
| Rifle | Ammo | Base Damage | Muzzle Velocity | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AWM | .300 Magnum | 105 | 945 m/s | Care Package only |
| Lynx AMR | .50 BMG | 105 | 990 m/s | Care Package only |
| M24 | 7.62mm | 79 | 790 m/s | World spawn + Care Package |
| Kar98k | 7.62mm | 75 | 760 m/s | World spawn |
| Mosin-Nagant | 7.62mm | 75 | 760 m/s | Erangel & Vikendi world spawn |
| Win94 | .45 ACP | 66 | 760 m/s | World spawn (Miramar-heavy) |
AWM — The King of Care Packages
The AWM is the only bolt action that one-shots a Level 3 helmet. It fires unique .300 Magnum rounds you can’t find anywhere else, so every shot counts. You only get it from a Care Package drop, which means committing to a risky push under a red smoke.
Lynx AMR — The Newest Heavy Sniper
The Lynx AMR uses .50 BMG and is also Care Package exclusive. It penetrates vehicles and shreds cover, making it the anti-material option when squads are camping behind rocks or trucks. Muzzle velocity is the highest in the game at 990 m/s.
M24 — The Best Lootable Sniper
Once locked behind Care Packages, the M24 now spawns as world loot. It’s the strongest bolt action you can find without gambling on a drop, one-shotting a Level 2 helmet at any range. If you see one, take it.
Kar98k — The Workhorse
The Kar98k is the sniper most PUBG players will actually use. It uses common 7.62mm ammo and takes every attachment slot — suppressor, cheek pad, and any scope up to an 8x. Pair it with a 6x or 8x and you have a full-time DMR replacement.
Mosin-Nagant — The Kar98k’s Twin
Statistically identical to the Kar98k, the Mosin only spawns on Erangel and Vikendi. Krafton added it as a direct alternative to the Kar98k, so if you loot one first, don’t waste time hunting for the other.
Win94 — Miramar’s Lever-Action
The Win94 is technically a lever-action, but it’s classed with the bolt actions. It uses .45 ACP, comes with a fixed 2.5x scope built in (after the rework), and is a decent early-game find on pubg miramar map rotations before you upgrade.
Best Attachments for Bolt Action Rifles
Two rifles (AWM, Lynx AMR) have limited slots. The rest can be fully kitted:
- Muzzle: Suppressor (stealth) or Compensator (recoil control on follow-ups)
- Magazine: Extended Quickdraw Mag — cuts reload time significantly
- Stock: Cheek Pad — reduces scope sway when holding breath
- Scope: 6x or 8x variable scope for flexibility across ranges
For a broader loadout breakdown, see our guide on pubg best weapons and attachments.
Where to Find Bolt Action Rifles
Spawn rates vary by map. Here’s a quick reference:
- Erangel: Kar98k, Mosin-Nagant, M24 — military bases and Mylta Power are hotspots
- Miramar: Win94 is everywhere, Kar98k spawns in Pecado and Los Leones
- Sanhok: Kar98k and M24 in Bootcamp and Ruins
- Vikendi: Mosin-Nagant and Kar98k across Cosmodrome and Castle
- Taego: Mosin-Nagant and Kar98k, plus M24 world spawns
For map-specific loot routes, our pubg secret locations guide points out the compounds most squads skip.
How to Use a Bolt Action Rifle Effectively
Getting the gun is easy. Landing the shot is harder.
- Hold your breath (Shift) before every long-range shot to steady sway
- Zero your scope to the actual distance — use the number pad or scroll wheel binds
- Lead moving targets — aim ahead based on their sprint direction and your bullet’s flight time
- Reposition after every shot — the muzzle flash and sound line give your position away instantly
- Pair with a DMR or AR — bolt actions are useless in close range, so always carry a fast follow-up weapon
Our full pubg tips and tricks guide covers advanced peek techniques that pair well with sniper play.
Bolt Action vs DMR: Which Should You Carry?
Bolt actions hit harder per shot. DMRs like the SLR or Mini-14 fire faster but need multiple hits to down a helmeted target.
- Take a bolt action when you’re playing edge on Erangel or Miramar and expect long-range duels
- Take a DMR on Sanhok, Karakin, or Paramo where sightlines rarely exceed 200m
- Never carry two snipers — you’ll lose every close-range engagement
The Bottom Line
The bolt action rifle in PUBG remains the deadliest weapon class in the game, with the AWM and Lynx AMR sitting at the top and the Kar98k winning as the best all-round pickup. Match your rifle to your map, pair it with an AR, and practice zeroing until it’s muscle memory.
Ready to put it into practice? Drop into our pubg erangel map guide next to find the compounds most likely to spit out a Kar98k on your next match.