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Escape from Tarkov the best Budget Weapons

Escape from Tarkov the best Budget Weapons

Find out what are the most cost-effective and budget-friendly weapons in Escape from Tarkov

Escape from Tarkov
The Best Budget Weapons and Mods

 

Introduction

Weapon modding is a large part of the EfT gameplay. An extensively modified firearm can give you an advantage over enemy PMCs and Scavs, however, the cost of the so-called "meta" mods is often higher than the cost of the gun and the ammunition for it combined. Luckily, not only the "meta" modifications are worth your while; their cheap counterparts will also do the job (they won't be as effective, but they will not make you go bankrupt either). For a fraction of the price of a meta weapon, you can create a reliable and surprisingly well-handled gun; this guide will show you how - we have prepared a list of budget weapons, complete with our favorite cheap and easily accessible modifications and ammunition choices. We have focused on firearms, attachments, and ammunitions available from LL1 and LL2 Traders so that even new players can reliably take advantage of this guide. 

Note: Please remember that even the best gun in the game will not do its job properly if loaded with wrong ammunition for said job. 

EfT Budget Weapon Builds

Important Note: We have tried to make complete builds using budget attachments, but even these add up to quite a lot of money in the end. If you are on a very tight budget, you can skip things like Optics, Muzzle Brakes, and Mounts to save money without affecting weapon stats by too much (lack of Optics might affect your performance, however; iron sights on some weapons obstruct vision by a lot). 

Note: Listed prices might differ a bit from the ones you'll see in-game, this is caused by price changes associated with your trader standings, price adjustments made by Battlestate and some other factors. 

Fully Automatic Weapons

AKS-74U
AKS-74U		 One of the cheapest fully-automatic weapons you can get in Tarkov, and it fires 5.45x39 rounds, not some pistol ammunition. Controlling AKS-74U is quite tricky, but it gets the job done in close quarters and is quite reliable at mid ranges if you mount optics on it. When loaded with Armor-Piercing ammunition (which will cost almost as much per magazine as the whole Rifle), this inconspicuous compact weapon can be extremely deadly.  

Where to Buy/Requirements:

AKS-74U is available from LL1 Prapor for around 28000₽ or for 2 Horse Figures as a barter trade. If you want to buy it for Rubles, you will have to complete the "Debut" quest first. 

Recommended Budget Weapon Mods:

  • Stock: Default + GP-25 Recoil Pad for AK; LL2 Prapor, ~3500₽, +1 Ergonomics, -5 Recoil. The GP-25 is extremely cheap for what it provides; it should be a part of all budget AK builds. 
  • Pistol Grip: Zenit RK-3 AK Pistol Grip; LL2 Skier, ~9000₽, 13 Ergo. This gives a good Ergo boost for a rather low price. 
  • Handguard: B-11 AKS-74U Handguard; LL2 Skier, ~5200₽. You can also get this handguard from a barter trade with Mechanic LL1 (for 2 D Batteries and 1 Green Battery). 
  • Tactical Grip: Zenit RK-0 Foregrip; LL3 Skier, ~6800₽ (this is very cheap and gives -3 Recoil in addition to +4 Ergonomics). If you don't have access to LL3 Skier, go for Zenit RK-4 Foregrip (Skier LL2, ~6500₽, +5 Ergo, -2 Recoil). 
  • Dust Cover: 6P26 Sb.7; LL1 Prapor, ~1300₽ (if you want to mount optics). 
  • Mount: B-18; LL2 Mechanic, ~3300₽ (if you want to mount optics). 
  • Optics: FFWB Mount; LL2 Skier, ~1600₽ + Burris FF3 Reflex Sight; LL2 Skier, ~18300₽.  
  • Muzzle: Zenit DTK-1 Muzzle Brake & Compensator; LL1 Skier, ~4500₽, +0.4 Muzzle Velocity, -7% Recoil. This can be mounted pretty much all rifles from the AK family (both 5.45 and 7.62), take advantage of it. 

Ammunition Choices:

  • 5.45x39 mm PP - LL2 Prapor; With 30 Penetration Power, 46 Damage, and 118₽ per round, this is a great budget choice.
  • 5.45x39 mm BP - LL3 Prapor; If you have access to LL3 Prapor, these are a bit better with 32 Penetration Power and 48 Damage; they cost 170₽ per round. 
  • 5.45x39 mm BT - LL3 Prapor; these are almost 4 times as expensive as PP rounds, but they have 37 Pen with 44 Damage (This is a Tracer Round). 
  • 5.45x39 mm BS - LL4 Prapor; the real deal with 51 Penetration and 40 Damage (enough to 2-shot someone in the Thorax). If you have access to LL4 Prapor, have a bit more money (~900₽ per round), and want good results against armor, these will be the best option. 
This build (without ammunition) will cost you around 81500₽ in total (~28000₽ for the AKS-74U and ~53500₽ for modifications with Optics). If you decide to go for iron sights and forgo optics, it will cost you ~57000₽ in total. 
AK-74N
AK-74N		 At Loyalty Level 2 with Prapor, you gain access to multiple full-size AK-74 versions; AK-74N is one of them. It is much more moddable than the AKS-74U and features a Dovetail Mount which allows you to mount long-range optics. If your budget is a bit higher and you like to modify your weapons, this will be a great choice. 

Where to Buy/Requirements:

AK-74N is available from LL2 Prapor for around 38000₽ or for 5 Apollon Soyuz Cigarettes as a barter trade. 

Recommended Budget Weapon Mods:

  • Stock: Default + GP-25 Recoil Pad for AK; LL2 Prapor, ~3500₽, +1 Ergonomics, -5 Recoil. GP-25 is too good to pass up, especially for just 3.5k₽. 
  • Pistol Grip: Zenit RK-3 AK Pistol Grip; LL2 Skier, ~9000₽, +13 Ergo. Cheaper grips with lower Ergo stats are not worth it, as Default one gives +5. 
  • Handguard: Polymer AK-100 Series Foregrip; Prapor LL1, ~1400₽, +5 Ergonomics. This is the holy grail of budget AK Builds - dirt cheap, provides a nice Ergonomics boost, and allows you to mount a Tactical Grip. 
  • Tactical Grip: Zenit RK-0 Foregrip; LL3 Skier, ~6800₽ (this is very cheap and gives -3 Recoil in addition to +4 Ergonomics). If you don't have access to LL3 Skier, go for Zenit RK-4 Foregrip (Skier LL2, ~6500₽, +5 Ergo, -2 Recoil). 
  • Dust Cover: Default. Thanks to the dovetail mount, you don't have to change parts/add 3rd party mounts to install optics. 
  • Optics: EKP-8-02; LL1 Prapor, ~9900₽ (on dovetail) / PSO 1M2-1; LL2 Prapor, ~18800₽ if you want a long-range scope (on dovetail).
  • Muzzle: Zenit DTK-1 Muzzle Brake & Compensator; LL1 Skier, ~4500₽, +0.4 Muzzle Velocity, -7% Recoil. 

Ammunition Choices:

  • 5.45x39 mm PP - LL2 Prapor; 30 Penetration Power, 46 Damage, and low price per round makes this a great low-budget choice and the cheapest ammunition that is worth using
  • 5.45x39 mm BP - If you have unlicked LL3 Prapor, these will be a bit better, thanks to 48 Damage and 32 Penetration; they are also quite cheap. 
  • 5.45x39 mm BT - LL3 Prapor; these Tracer Rounds are almost 4 times as expensive as  5.45x39mm PP, but have 44 Damage and 37 Pen which makes them worth consideration. 
  • 5.45x39 mm BS - LL4 Prapor; the real deal with 51 Pen and 40 Damage (enough to 2-shot an enemy in the Thorax if armor is not involved). If you have access to these and are prepared to spend ~1k₽ per round, you should definitely do it. 

This build (without ammunition) will cost you around 73100₽ in total (~38000₽ for the AK-74N and ~35100₽ for modifications with EKP Optics). With a PSO scope, it will cost you ~82000₽ in total. 

Note: As you can see, cheap parts make this build cost less than a fully-modified budget AKS-74U (mainly thanks to the dovetail mount and the EKP scope). 
AK-74
AK-74		 AK-74 version without the dovetail mount. It is a bit cheaper than the N variant but you will have to change its dust cover and install a special mount if you want to attach optics to it. 

Where to Buy/Requirements:

AK-74 is available from LL2 Prapor for around 33300₽. 

Recommended Budget Weapon Mods:

Note: Regular AK-74 does not have a built-in dovetail mount. This forces us to spend a bit more money on mounts and optics. 

  • Stock: Default + GP-25 Recoil Pad for AK; LL2 Prapor, ~3500₽, +1 Ergonomics, -5 Recoil. GP-25 is too good to pass up, especially for just 3.5k₽. 
  • Pistol Grip: Zenit RK-3 AK Pistol Grip; LL2 Skier, ~9000₽, +13 Ergo. Cheaper grips with lower Ergo stats are not worth it, as Default one gives +5. 
  • Handguard: Polymer AK-100 Series Foregrip; Prapor LL1, ~1400₽, +5 Ergonomics. This is the holy grail of budget AK Builds - dirt cheap, provides a nice Ergonomics boost, and allows you to mount a Tactical Grip. 
  • Tactical Grip: Zenit RK-0 Foregrip; LL3 Skier, ~6800₽ (this is very cheap and gives -3 Recoil in addition to +4 Ergonomics). If you don't have access to LL3 Skier, go for Zenit RK-4 Foregrip (Skier LL2, ~6500₽, +5 Ergo, -2 Recoil). 
  • Dust Cover: Default.
  • Rear Sight: Tactica Tula TT01 Rearsight Weaver Adapter; LL2 Prapor, ~2900₽, -1 Ergo. This gives a minor Ergo penalty but has a rail on which you can mount small optics. 
  • Optics: Pilad P1X42 "Weaver" Reflex Sight; LL2 Skier, ~19000₽, -3 Ergonomics. You can also install any other sight compatible with the TT01. 
  • Muzzle: Zenit DTK-1 Muzzle Brake & Compensator; LL1 Skier, ~4500₽, +0.4 Muzzle Velocity, -7% Recoil. 

Ammunition Choices:

  • 5.45x39 mm PP - Just like with two previous weapons, this is the cheapest ammo that is somewhat good against armor, you can buy it from LL2 Prapor. 
  • 5.45x39 mm BP - A bit better and a bit more expensive choice (32 Penetration, 48 Damage) available from LL3 Prapor. 
  • 5.45x39 mm BT - Tracer Rounds available from LL3 Prapor. They will compromise your position, but are quite cheap and have good stats for the price (44 Damage and 37 Pen). 
  • 5.45x39 mm BS - Armor Piercing rounds that are readily available from LL4 Prapor. Much cheaper than "Igolnik" Rounds and they get the job done. ~1k₽/round, 51 Pen, and 40 Damage. 

This build (without ammunition) will cost you around 80100₽ in total (~33000₽ for the AK-74 and ~47100₽ for modifications with Optics). If you skip Optics, it will cost you ~58200₽ in total. 

Note: If you don't like dovetail mounts, you can use TT01 Rearsight Weaver Adapter and optics compatible with it on AK-74N and AKS-74N as well; this will be a bit more expensive, though. 
AKS-74N
AKS-74N		 Foldable-stock version of the AK-74N. It can be moded in a similar way the AK-74N can, but it does not have access to the PT-1 Stock which leaves you with the default one or much more expensive PT-3. Dovetail Mount is also present on this version which allows you to mount optics without changing the dust cover. 

Where to Buy/Requirements:

AKS-74N is available from LL2 Prapor for around 36300₽. 

Recommended Budget Weapon Mods:

Note: This build is exactly the same as our AK-74N Build as these two weapons share almost all parts and both have a dovetail mount. 

  • Stock: Default + GP-25 Recoil Pad for AK; LL2 Prapor, ~3500₽, +1 Ergonomics, -5 Recoil. GP-25 is too good to pass up, especially for just 3.5k₽. 
  • Pistol Grip: Zenit RK-3 AK Pistol Grip; LL2 Skier, ~9000₽, +13 Ergo. Cheaper grips with lower Ergo stats are not worth it, as Default one gives +5. 
  • Handguard: Polymer AK-100 Series Foregrip; Prapor LL1, ~1400₽, +5 Ergonomics. This is the holy grail of budget AK Builds - dirt cheap, provides a nice Ergonomics boost, and allows you to mount a Tactical Grip. 
  • Tactical Grip: Zenit RK-0 Foregrip; LL3 Skier, ~6800₽ (this is very cheap and gives -3 Recoil in addition to +4 Ergonomics). If you don't have access to LL3 Skier, go for Zenit RK-4 Foregrip (Skier LL2, ~6500₽, +5 Ergo, -2 Recoil). 
  • Dust Cover: Default. Thanks to the dovetail mount, you don't have to change parts/add 3rd party mounts to install optics. 
  • Optics: EKP-8-02; LL1 Prapor, ~9900₽ (on dovetail) / PSO 1M2-1; LL2 Prapor, ~18800₽ if you want a long-range scope (on dovetail).
  • Muzzle: Zenit DTK-1 Muzzle Brake & Compensator; LL1 Skier, ~4500₽, +0.4 Muzzle Velocity, -7% Recoil. 

Ammunition Choices:

  • 5.45x39 mm PP - LL2 Prapor; With 46 Damage, 30 Penetration Power, and ~120₽ per round, this is a great budget choice (all cheaper rounds are completely ineffective against armor).
  • 5.45x39 mm BP - If you have access to LL3 Prapor, these are a bit better than 5.45x39 mm PP but also more expensive (~170₽/Round). 
  • 5.45x39 mm BT - LL3 Prapor; these are almost 4 times as expensive as PP rounds, but they have 37 Pen with 44 Damage (This is a Tracer Round; it can reveal your firing position to the enemy). 
  • 5.45x39 mm BS - LL4 Prapor; the real deal with 51 Penetration and 40 Damage (a threshold that allows you to 2-shot a PMC in the Thorax if the bullet goes through armor). If you have access to LL4 Prapor, have a bit more money (~1000₽ per round), and want good results against armor, these will be the best option. 
This build (without ammunition) will cost you around 71400₽ in total (~38000₽ for the AK-74N and ~35100₽ for modifications with EKP Optics). With a PSO scope, it will cost you ~80300₽ in total. 

AKM		 AKM is a modernized version of the famous Kalashnikov AK-47 Rifle, adopted to replace a standard AK in 1959. Compared to its predecessor, it is lighter, more accurate, features a more ergonomic stock, and has some efficiency-related improvements. Despite this, it is still a weapon from the 60s, and its quite hard to operate without modding. This version does not have a dovetail mount. 

Where to Buy/Requirements:

AKM is available from LL2 Prapor for around 42000₽. You can also get it from the LL1 Prapor barter trade for 3 Tushonkas (Can of Beef Stew). 

Recommended Budget Weapon Mods:

AKM can be modded in a way very similar to 5.45 caliber AK rifles (with some exceptions): 

  • Stock: Default + GP-25 Recoil Pad for AK; LL2 Prapor, ~3500₽, +1 Ergonomics, -5 Recoil. Luckily, GP-25 is compatible with a standard AKM wooden stock. 
  • Pistol Grip: Zenit RK-3 AK Pistol Grip; LL2 Skier, ~9000₽, +13 Ergo. You can also go for something cheaper, but the Ergonomics boost will be negligible then. 
  • Handguard: Polymer AK-100 Series Foregrip; Prapor LL1, ~1400₽, +5 Ergonomics. This and Zenit RK-3 make AKM look like a modern rifle immediately. 
  • Tactical Grip: Zenit RK-0 Foregrip; LL3 Skier, ~6800₽. If you don't have access to LL3 Skier, go for Zenit RK-4 Foregrip (Skier LL2, ~6500₽, +5 Ergo, -2 Recoil). 
  • Dust Cover: Default. 
  • Rear Sight: Tactica Tula TT01 Rearsight Weaver Adapter; LL2 Prapor, ~2900₽, -1 Ergo. In exchange for a minor Ergonomics penalty, this allows you to mount Optics. 
  • Optics: Pilad P1X42 "Weaver" Reflex Sight; LL2 Skier, ~19000₽, -3 Ergonomics. You can also install any other sight compatible with the TT01. 
  • Muzzle: Dynacomp Muzzle Brake & Compensator; LL2 Mechanic, ~2800₽, +0.4 Muzzle Velocity, -8% Recoil, -2 Ergonomics. A very cheap attachment that provides great recoil reduction at the cost of minor Ergo penalty. 

Ammunition Choices:

  • 7.62x39 mm PS - This round has a respectable 32 Penetration, 57 Damage, AND its available from LL1 Prapor for mere 83 Roubles per round. This ammunition alone makes AKM one of the deadliest early game weapon choices in Tarkov.
  • 7.62x39 mm HP - This ammunition type deals very high damage of 87, but has only 15 Penetration, however, it is very cheap (60₽/round), readily available (LL2 Prapor), and great for the "leg meta". In fact, loading HP and firing full-auto into enemy PMCs legs might be more effective than firing PS ammo late into a wipe.
  • 7.62x39 mm BP - King of 7.62x39mm ammunition. With 47 Penetration and 58 Damage, these rounds will drop even the most heavily-armored enemies in just a few shots. You can get these from Prapor LL3 after completing 5 parts of "The Punisher" questline. 1 BP round costs 299₽. 

This build (without ammunition) will cost you around 87400₽ in total (~42000₽ for the AKM and ~45400₽ for modifications with "Weaver" Optics). Without optics, it will cost you ~65500₽ in total. 

Note: As you can see, this is a bit more expensive than 5.45x39mm AK builds, but it fires more powerful 7.62x39 mm rounds. 
AKMS
AKMS		 AKMS is a foldable stock version of the standard AKM, that was designed for airborne troops. Like its standard-issue counterpart, the AKMS fires powerful 7.62x39 ammunition but also shares AKM's weaknesses (a rather low rate of fire and somewhat high recoil). While foldable stock makes it easier to store and carry, it also increases the probability of someone looting the AKMS from you after folding its stock. 

Where to Buy/Requirements:

AKMS is available from LL2 Prapor for around 38600₽. 

Recommended Budget Weapon Mods:

AKMS shares most mod options with a standard AKM, even the GP-25 Pad fits onto it, despite the large difference in stocks' shapes between the two: 

  • Stock: Default + GP-25 Recoil Pad for AK; LL2 Prapor, ~3500₽, +1 Ergonomics, -5 Recoil.  
  • Pistol Grip: Zenit RK-3 AK Pistol Grip; LL2 Skier, ~9000₽, +13 Ergo. Cheaper Pistol Grips available for AKs provide negligible Ergo boosts, so we recommend this one. 
  • Handguard: Polymer AK-100 Series Foregrip; Prapor LL1, ~1400₽, +5 Ergonomics. This is the first thing you should mount on pretty much any budget AK build (maybe except the GP-25Recoil Pad). 
  • Tactical Grip: Zenit RK-0 Foregrip; LL3 Skier, ~6800₽ or Zenit RK-4 Foregrip (Skier LL2, ~6500₽, +5 Ergo, -2 Recoil) if you don't have access to LL3 Skier yet. 
  • Dust Cover: Default. 
  • Rear Sight: Tactica Tula TT01 Rearsight Weaver Adapter; LL2 Prapor, ~2900₽, -1 Ergo. This Rear Sight has a rail mount that will allow you to install Optics. 
  • Optics: Pilad P1X42 "Weaver" Reflex Sight; LL2 Skier, ~19000₽, -3 Ergonomics. You can also install any other Optics compatible with the TT01s mount. 
  • Muzzle: Dynacomp Muzzle Brake & Compensator; LL2 Mechanic, ~2800₽, +0.4 Muzzle Velocity, -8% Recoil, -2 Ergonomics. Cheap Muzzle Brake that decreases recoil by a lot. 

Ammunition Choices:

  • 7.62x39 mm PS - 32 Penetration, 57 Damage, available from LL1 Prapor for mere 83 Roubles per round. This is one of the best budget/early game ammunition choices in the game. 
  • 7.62x39 mm HP - 87 Damage, 15 Penetration, available from LL2 Prapor for 60₽/round. While ineffective against armor, this ammunition is one of the best choices for the so-called "leg meta". 
  • 7.62x39 mm BP - King of 7.62x39mm ammunition. 47 Penetration, 58 Damage, 299₽ per round, available from Prapor LL3 after completing 5 parts of "The Punisher" questline. Late in the wipe, this ammunition is a must-have for your 7.62 AKs if you want to compete with PMCs clad in Altyns and Slicks. 
This build (without ammunition) will cost you around 84000₽ in total (~38600₽ for the AKM and ~45400₽ for modifications with "Weaver" Optics). Without optics, it will cost you +/- 62100₽. 
PP-19-01 Vityaz-SN
PP-19-01 Vityaz-SN		 This Russian-made submachinegun chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum was developed in 2004 by Izhmash (now Kalashnikov Concern). It is based on the AK-74 rifle and features design elements known from the PP-19 Bizon. Vityaz-SN is characterized by a high degree of parts compatibility with AK rifle series, which makes it highly moddable and more flexible than other low-level SMG options, like the Kedr. On the other hand, it has a rather low rate of fire of 700RPM, and its stock Ergonomics is quite low for an SMG. The thing that makes the Vityaz great for budget builds, however, is its dovetail mount. 

Where to Buy/Requirements:

PP-19-01 Vityaz-SN is available from LL2 Prapor for around 21000₽. You can also get it from 2 Barter trades; LL1 Prapor will give you one for 5 T-Shaped Plugs and LL1 Mechanic will provide you with a heavily-modded version called "PP-19-01 Zenit" for a Roler Gold Wrist Watch. 

Recommended Budget Weapon Mods:

Being based on the AK-74, PP-19-01 Vityaz-SN can be modded with weapon mods that you would install on an AK build: 

  • Stock: Default + GP-25 Recoil Pad for AK; LL2 Prapor, ~3500₽, +1 Ergonomics, -5 Recoil.  
  • Pistol Grip: Zenit RK-3 AK Pistol Grip; LL2 Skier, ~9000₽, +13 Ergo.
  • Handguard: Polymer AK-100 Series Foregrip; Prapor LL1, ~1400₽, +5 Ergonomics. Luckily, Vityaz's Gas Tube is compatible with this foregrip. 
  • Tactical Grip: Zenit RK-0 Foregrip; LL3 Skier, ~6800₽ or Zenit RK-4 Foregrip (Skier LL2, ~6500₽, +5 Ergo, -2 Recoil) if you don't have access to LL3 Skier yet.
  • Optics: EKP-8-02; LL1 Prapor, ~9900₽ (on dovetail) / or, if you really want it PSO 1M2-1; LL2 Prapor, ~18800₽ (on dovetail).
  • Muzzle: Default; You can also get Izhmash 9x19 Saiga-9 muzzle brake/compensator for 500₽ to gain -1 extra Recoil (LL2 Jaeger) or spend around 20000₽ for one of the compatible 9x19 suppressors. 

Ammunition Choices:

  • 9x19mm AP 6.3 - Parabellum ammunition with enhanced penetration, effective against armor up to Class 3. It has 30 Penetration and 52 Damage; you can get it from LL3 Peacekeeper or craft 100 of them on Level 2 Workbench from 1 Gunpowder and 100 9x19mm Pst gzh rounds. Late in the wipe, when every player has at least a Gen-4, these rounds are not enough (and you don't have access to them in the early game). 
  • 9x19mm PSO gzh - Low penetration (10), high damage (59) 9x19mm round available from LL1 prapor. This is a good choice if you decide to go for the enemy's legs. 
  • 9x19mm Luger CCI - Parabellum round with enhanced tissue damage (70) and very low penetration (70). It is available from Skier LL4, which makes it inaccessible in the early game, however, it can be extremely effective late in a wipe if you shot your targets in their legs. 
  • 9x19mm RIP - This round is an undisputed king of the "Leg Meta" tactics. It has nonexistent penetration (2) but deals a whopping 102 damage per shot. RIP (Radically Invasive Projectile) is capable of dropping anyone in just a few shots (if you aim for unarmored body parts). It is available via barter trades with LL4 Skier (for 2x Chainlet) and LL4 Jaeger (1x Water bottle with a filter Aguamari). You can also craft it on level 3 Workbench from 1 Gunpowder and 4 Wires. 
This build (without ammunition) will cost you around 52100₽ in total (~21000₽ for the Vityaz-SN and ~31100₽ for modifications with EKP Optics). 

PP-91 Kedr		 PP-91 Kedr is a Russian-made submachinegun chambered in 9x18 Makarov, developed in the '90s by the request of Russia's Ministry of Internal Affairs. It is a standard-issue fully-automatic firearm of almost all Russian law enforcement forces. While rounds it fires are not too powerful, its high rate of fire (900rpm), low recoil, and high ergonomics make it deadly in close-quarters combat. Moreover, Kedr is much cheaper than most other fully-automatic weapons available from LL1 and LL2 traders. 

Where to Buy/Requirements:

PP-91 Kedr is available from LL1 Prapor for around 21000₽. 

Recommended Budget Weapon Mods:

Unlike some other weapons on this list, Kedr does not have a high choice of alternative weapon parts. This makes it both very cheap to run and rather inflexible.

  • Magazines: At LL1  Prapor you only have access to 20-round PP-91 Magazines. At LL2 Prapor, you gain access to a barter trade for 30-round PP-91 Magazines (1 Magazine for 1 Round Pliers). At LL3 Prapor you can buy 30-round Magazines for ~2900₽ each. 
  • Optics: FFWB Mount; LL2 Skier, ~1600₽ + Burris FF3 Reflex Sight; LL2 Skier, ~18300₽.  

Ammunition Choices:

  • 9x18mm PM Pst gzh - Basic ammunition choice for 9x18 weapons, available from LL1 Prapor for a very low price (under 50₽ per round). With 12 penetration and 50 damage, these go through Class 1 armor but struggle against anything stronger which makes them a bad choice overall. 
  • 9x18mm PM PBM - PM ammunition with enhanced penetration power (28) but reduced damage (40, which is still enough to 2-shot unarmored target in the Thorax). These rounds are available from LL3 Prapor which makes them very rare in the early game and their 28 penetration is rather low for the late game (they can penetrate Class 3 Armor quite easily, but struggle against anything stronger). 
  • 9x18mm PM SP7 gzh - Expanding projectile with enhanced stopping power, it deals very high damage to unprotected tissue (77 Damage), but does not have any penetration capabilities (2 Penetration Power). This round is devastating at close ranges when one utilizes "leg meta" tactics. Available from LL3 Prapor. 
  • 9x18mm PM PSV - Hollowpoint subsonic projectile available from LL2 Jeager. While its penetration characteristics are nonexistent (3), its damage is very respectable (69) which makes the round good alternative to 9x18mm PM SP7 gzh for leg meta if one does not have access to LL3 Prapor yet. 
  • 9x18mm PM PPt gzh - Tracer round with low Penetration Power (8), accuracy penalty (-5%), quite high damage (59), and lowered recoil (-7%) that is available from LL1 Prapor. This round is a great choice for the early game, where almost every PMC is wearing Paca or other Class2/Class3 Armor (it will not pierce it, but the other early game choice, the 9x18mm PM Pst gzh, will not either and PPt deals more damage and is easier to control during full-auto which makes it good for some close-range leg shooting). 
This build (without ammunition) will cost you around 40900₽ in total (~21000₽ for the Kedr and ~19900₽ for Burris FF3 Optics and the mount). Optics almost double the price in this case, so skipping them might be a good idea (especially if you want to focus on close-quarters combat). 
PP-91-01 Kedr-B
PP-91-01 Kedr-B		 Kedr-B is an integrally-suppressed version of the standard PP-91 Kedr. Because of the suppressor, it is a bit heavier (but still has high ergonomics) and much more expensive (but if we consider the average suppressor prices in Tarkov, it is a bargain). Compared to the standard Kedr, Kedr-B retains the 900rpm rate of fire but loses 4 Ergonomics (66 compared to 70). If you are prepared to spend a bit more money in order to become sneakier, this is a great choice. 

Where to Buy/Requirements:

PP-91-01 Kedr-B is available from LL2 Prapor for around 35000₽ (14000₽ more than the standard PP-91 Kedr). 

Recommended Budget Weapon Mods:

Note: PP-91-01 Kedr-B has exactly the same mod options as the standard version, which means that it doesn't have any, however, it has an integrated suppressor that makes it attract much less attention. 

  • Magazines: At LL1  Prapor you only have access to 20-round PP-91 Magazines. At LL2 Prapor, you gain access to a barter trade for 30-round PP-91 Magazines (1 Magazine for 1 Round Pliers). At LL3 Prapor you can buy 30-round Magazines for ~2900₽ each. 
  • Optics: FFWB Mount; LL2 Skier, ~1600₽ + Burris FF3 Reflex Sight; LL2 Skier, ~18300₽.  

Ammunition Choices:

  • 9x18mm PM Pst gzh - Available from LL1 Prapor, this is the basic ammunition choice for all the 9x18mm weapons. With 12 penetration and 50 damage, these go through Class 1 armor but struggle against anything stronger which makes them a bad choice overall. 
  • 9x18mm PM PBM - Enhanced penetration round with reduced damage. It is capable of penetrating armors up to Class 3 (28 Penetration Power) and deals 40 Damage, which is enough to 2-shot unarmored enemy in the Thorax (Thoxax has 80 HP by default). These become available after you unlock LL3 Prapor, and are quite useless against mid-to-late game armor, which makes them a poor choice overall (unless you manage to get them early enough in the wipe). 
  • 9x18mm PM SP7 gzh - Expanding projectile with enhanced stopping power, it deals very high damage to unprotected tissue (77 Damage), but does not have any penetration capabilities (2 Penetration Power). This round is devastating at close ranges when one utilizes "leg meta" tactics. Available from LL3 Prapor. 
  • 9x18mm PM PSV - Hollowpoint subsonic projectile with enhanced tissue damage (69) and nonexistent penetration characteristics (3), available from LL2 Jeager. High damage per shot makes this round a good alternative to 9x18mm PM SP7 gzh for leg meta if one does not have access to LL3 Prapor yet. 
  • 9x18mm PM PPt gzh - Tracer round with low Penetration Power (8), accuracy penalty (-5%), quite high damage (59), and lowered recoil (-7%), available from LL1 Prapor. Its characteristics had high availability make the round a great choice for the early game. It will not penetrate much but will drop armored PMCs much faster than the 9x18mm PM Pst gzh if you aim at their legs. Moreover, lowered recoil makes controlling your weapon easier while you spray these rounds. 
This build (without ammunition) will cost you around 54900₽ in total (~35000₽ for the Kedr and ~19900₽ for Burris FF3 Optics and the mount). For a suppressed build, this is an extremely low price (for some weapons, suppressors alone cost more than 50k). 
PP-9 Klin
PP-9 Klin		 PP-9 Klin is an upgraded version of the PP-91 Kedr. Its Recoil and Ergonomics stats are exactly the same as ones seen on its predecessor, but PP-9 has 100 RPM higher rate of fire (1000RPM). This substantial firing rate increase makes it extremely deadly at close ranges when appropriate ammunition is loaded. 

Where to Buy/Requirements:

PP-9 Klin is available from LL2 Prapor for around 23000₽ (just ~2000₽ more than the standard Kedr). 

Recommended Budget Weapon Mods:

PP-9 Klin, being essentially an improved version of the Kedr, shares all parts with it, including magazines. 

  • Magazines: At LL2 Prapor, you only have access to a barter trade for 30-round PP-91 Magazines (1 Magazine for 1 Round Pliers). At LL3 Prapor you can buy 30-round Magazines for ~2900₽ each. 
  • Optics: FFWB Mount; LL2 Skier, ~1600₽ + Burris FF3 Reflex Sight; LL2 Skier, ~18300₽.  

Ammunition Choices:

  • 9x18mm PM Pst gzh - Basic ammunition choice for 9x18 weapons, available from LL1 Prapor for a very low price (under 50₽ per round). With 12 penetration and 50 damage, these go through Class 1 armor but struggle against anything stronger which makes them a bad choice overall. 
  • 9x18mm PM PBM - Enhanced penetration round with reduced damage. It is capable of penetrating armors up to Class 3 (28 Penetration Power) and deals 40 Damage, which is enough to 2-shot unarmored enemy in the Thorax (Thoxax has 80 HP by default). These become available after you unlock LL3 Prapor, and are quite useless against mid-to-late game armor, which makes them a poor choice overall (unless you manage to get them early enough in the wipe). 
  • 9x18mm PM SP7 gzh - Expanding projectile with enhanced stopping power, it deals very high damage to unprotected tissue (77 Damage), but does not have any penetration capabilities (2 Penetration Power). This round is devastating at close ranges when one utilizes "leg meta" tactics. Available from LL3 Prapor. 
  • 9x18mm PM PSV - Hollowpoint subsonic projectile with enhanced tissue damage (69) and nonexistent penetration characteristics (3), available from LL2 Jeager. High damage per shot makes this round a good alternative to 9x18mm PM SP7 gzh for leg meta if one does not have access to LL3 Prapor yet. 
  • 9x18mm PM PPt gzh - Tracer round with low Penetration Power (8), accuracy penalty (-5%), quite high damage (59), and lowered recoil (-7%) that is available from LL1 Prapor. This round is a great choice for the early game, where almost every PMC is wearing Paca or other Class2/Class3 Armor that is strong enough to stop all types of 9x18mm bullets available from LL1 traders (PPt gzh deals high damage, so it will allow you to drop your enemy, by shooting him in the legs, quicker). This round being a tracer does not matter in close-quarters, however, it might compromise your position during longer-range fire exchanges. 
This build (without ammunition) will cost you around 42900₽ in total (~23000₽ for the Klin and ~19900₽ for Burris FF3 Optics and the mount).
SIG MPX
SIG MPX		 This 9x19 chambered submachine gun, designed and manufactured by SIG Sauer, features some design choices that are rare in SMGs. It is gas-operated and has a closed rotating bolt. Thanks to a Full-sized mount, a wide range of reflex sights, scopes, and other devices can be installed on it. MPX has a high rate of fire of 850RPM, good stock ergonomics of 59, and low recoil values - these features make it very effective, even when completely stock. 

Where to Buy/Requirements:

SIG MPX is available from LL2 Peacekeeper for around 390$. There are also 2 Barter Trades for it; LL2 Peacekeeper will give you a stock MPX for 7x >Lvl 8 Dogtags, and the LL1 Mechanic will exchange a heavily modified MPX for 5 DVDs, 5 UV Lamps and 2 Weapon Parts. 

Recommended Budget Weapon Mods:

Note: MPX can be extensively modified, as many weapon mods compatible with AR weapon systems are also compatible with MPX. However, our budget build is very minimalistic, because stock MPX stats are already respectable. 

  • Stock: Default; 
  • Pistol Grip: Default; There aren't any noteworthy MPX-compatible pistol grips before LL4. 
  • Handguard: Default; 
  • Tactical Grip: Tengo Down Stubby BGV-MK46K Tactical Grip; LL2 Skier, ~3800₽, +6 Ergonomics, -1 Recoil. 
  • Optics: FFWB Mount; LL2 Skier, ~1600₽ + Burris FF3 Reflex Sight; LL2 Skier, ~18300₽.  

Ammunition Choices:

  • 9x19mm AP 6.3 - 30 Penetration and 52 Damage makes this ammunition effective against armor up to Class 3. However, the fact that you can get this ammo only after leveling Peacekeeper to LL3 or via crafting on a level 2 workbench greatly limits its usefulness (by the time you unlock it, people will be running in armors that can stop it very reliably). 
  • 9x19mm PSO gzh - Low penetration (10), high damage (59) 9x19mm round available from LL1 prapor. This is a good early-game choice if you decide to go for the enemy's legs. 
  • 9x19mm Luger CCI - Parabellum round with enhanced tissue damage (70) and very low penetration (70). It is available from Skier LL4, which makes it inaccessible in the early game, however, it can be extremely effective late in a wipe if you shot your targets in their legs. 
  • 9x19mm RIP - Speciality ammunition with greatly enhanced tissue damage (102!), completely ineffective against armor (2 Penetration) but extremely deadly when shot at unarmored body parts (leg meta ftw). It is available via barter trades with LL4 Skier (for 2x Chainlet) and LL4 Jaeger (1x Water bottle with a filter Aguamari). You can also craft it on level 3 Workbench from 1 Gunpowder and 4 Wires. 

 
This build (without ammunition) will cost you around 390$ and 23700₽ in total (~390$ for the MPX and ~23700₽ for the listed mods with optics).
B&T MP9
B&T MP9		 MP9 is a Swiss-made 9x19 Parabellum submachine gun designed and manufactured by Brügger & Thomet. It is one of the cheapest 9x19 SMGs in the game and features a very respectable 900RPM rate of fire, great stock ergonomics of 75, and easy-to-control recoil values. Thanks to the top and bottom rail mounts, it can be very cheaply fitted with Optics and Handles which makes it great as a budget fully-automatic weapon choice. 

Where to Buy/Requirements:

B&T MP9 is available from LL2 Peacekeeper for around 280$. 

Recommended Budget Weapon Mods:

  • Stock: Default as there aren't any alternatives anyway. 
  • Pistol Grip: Default; MP9's Pistol Grip is not exchangeable as the magazine slot is built into it. 
  • Bottom Rail: Tengo Down Stubby BGV-MK46K Tactical Grip; LL2 Skier, ~3800₽, +6 Ergonomics, -1 Recoil. 
  • Optics: FFWB Mount; LL2 Skier, ~1600₽ + Burris FF3 Reflex Sight; LL2 Skier, ~18300₽.  

Ammunition Choices:

  • 9x19mm AP 6.3 - 30 Penetration and 52 Damage makes this ammunition effective against armor up to Class 3. It is available from LL3 Peacekeeper which makes it extremely rare in the early game. 
  • 9x19mm PSO gzh - Low penetration (10), high damage (59) 9x19mm round available from LL1 prapor. This is a top early-game ammunition choice for "leg meta" tactics and against unarmored opponents. 
  • 9x19mm Luger CCI - Parabellum round with enhanced tissue damage (70) and very low penetration (70). It is available from Skier LL4, which makes it inaccessible in the early game. It can be very effective in the late game when used to fire into the enemy's legs. 
  • 9x19mm RIP - Speciality ammunition with greatly enhanced tissue damage (102!) that is completely ineffective against armor (2 Penetration). To get it in larger quantities, you will have to craft it on level 3 Workbench. 
This build (without ammunition) will cost you around 280$ and 23700₽ in total (~280$ for the MP9 and ~23700₽ for the listed mods with optics). 
PPSH-41
PPSH-41		 Shapagin's Submachinegun (Rus. Пистолет-пулемёт Шпагина) is a cheap, simplified, and much more reliable version of the PPD-40. This compact and sturdy weapon saw extensive use on the western front of World War II and during the Korean War. Over 6 million of PPSH-41s were manufactured; no wonder that some of them have survived to this very day and found their way to Tarkov. Being a very old design, the PPSH can't be modified to upgrade its statistics, however, its stock stats are pretty respectable and it has a formidable rate of fire of 1000 RPM. Moreover, it has access to high-capacity drum magazines that can hold 71 7.62x25 rounds. 

Where to Buy/Requirements:

PPSH-41 is available from LL2 Prapor for around 26000₽. 

Recommended Budget Weapon Mods:

As mentioned earlier, PPSH-41 does not have any alternative parts, except two types of magazines: 

  • 35-round PPSH-41 Magazines are available from LL2 Prapor. 
  • 71-round PPSH-41 Magazines are available from LL3 Prapor via a barter trade; 1 Magazine for 1 Weapon Parts. 

Ammunition Choices:

  • 7.62x25mm TT PT gzh - This round is available from LL2 Prapor, which means that it will be available to you as soon as you unlock the gun itself. While its Penetration Power is nothing to boast about (12), it has very respectable flesh damage of 60 which, combined with the gun's high rate of fire, results in devastating damage output, especially at close ranges and while aiming at the enemy's legs. Remember that this is a Tracer round which means that it can compromise your firing position. 
  • 7.62x25mm TT Pst gzh - 7.62x25mm Tokarev round with enhanced penetration power. While much more effective against armor than other PPSH-41 ammo choices, it still isn't anything to boast about at 26 Penetration Power (it will go through something like Paca no problem, but struggle against Class 3 Armor and better). It deals 50 flesh damage per shot, which is decent but less effective than other choices if you decide that it is time for some leg meta. Despite its shortcomings, you can still make this ammunition work thanks to the PPSHs very high rate of fire and high-capacity mags. It is available from Prapor LL3. 
  • 7.62x25mm TT LRNPC - This is a great ammunition choice for PPSH-41 late in a wipe. While it has close to 0 Penetration (only 5), it also has the highest Damage of any projectile of this caliber (66). This means that, while it can't go through any armor reliably, it can destroy your enemy's legs extremely quickly. If you want to be effective with PPSH in the late game, this should be your ammunition of choice; it is available from Jaeger LL2. 
The only expensive things about the PPSH-41 are its 71-round magazines, however, you can still make it work with the regular ones if you aim carefully (this is one of the weapons that are great at close ranges but are extremely difficult to spray accurately at mid-to-long distances). 

 

Semi-Automatic Weapons

Vepr Hunter/VPO-101
Vepr Hunter/VPO-101		 Vepr-Hunter is a semi-automatic carbine chambered in 7.62x51mm (despite being a Russian design, it uses NATO ammunition), designed primarily for hunting and sports use. Kalashnikov AKM was used as a base for its development, and Hunter's appearance, dimensions, and weight testify for that. Compared to other low-level Semi-automatic weapon choices, Hunter comes with a pre-mounted dovetail mount and uses a more powerful round. 

Where to Buy/Requirements:

Vepr Hunter/VPO-101 is available from LL2 Jaeger for around 39000₽ (quite expensive, for a semi-auto gun, but it's worth it). 

Recommended Budget Weapon Mods:

Despite being based on the AKM, Vepr Hunter/VPO-101 is not nearly as modular as the AKs, which leaves you with the following options: 

  • Stock: Default; (no other options). 
  • Optics: PSO 1M2-1; LL2 Prapor, ~18800₽ (a budget choice, you can mount other compatible optics of your liking). If you don't like how the PSO obstructs your vision, you can add SVD Low Sidemount (LL3 Mechanic, ~9100₽) to the build. 
  • Rear Sight: (for close-range build/collimators) Tactica Tula TT01 Rearsight Weaver Adapter; LL2 Prapor, ~2900₽, -1 Ergo (in exchange for a minor Ergonomics penalty, this allows you to mount Reflex Sights) + any compatible reflex sight. 
  • Magazine: If you have access to Jaeger LL3, we recommend 10-round 7.62x51 metal magazines for VPO-101. They cost ~3900₽ each. 

Ammunition Choices:

  • 7.62x51mm M80 - A "Basic" round for this caliber. It is available from Peacekeeper LL2 (so, for a long time, this will be the best ammo you have access to). M80 rounds have 41 Penetration Power, which is enough to reliably pierce Class 4 (1 shot with some luck) and even Class 5 (it will take a few shots) Armor, and more importantly 80 Damage (which means that you can 1-shot enemies to the Thorax with it if their armor does not interfere). 1 M80 Round costs ~250₽, which is extremely cheap for what it can do. This is one of the best budget rounds overall and one of the reasons why Vepr Hunter is so deadly, even on a budget and in the hands of a low-level player. 
  • 7.62x51mm M62 - Second-best late-game ammunition choice for the Vepr Hunter/VPO-101, available from Peacekeeper LL3 after you complete the "Wet Job - Part 6" quest. M62 rounds have 54 Penetration which is enough to go through any armor in the game (Class 6 may withstand 2-3 shots, however), and 79 Damage which is their main downside as you can't 1-shot enemies in Thorax with these. Still, this is a great late-game round.  7.62x51mm M62 costs about 500₽ per round, depending on the current $ value. 
  • 7.62x51mm M61 - Standard military armor-piercing round, available from Peacekeeper LL4 after completion of the "Wet Job - Part 6" quest. Thanks to the extremely high Penetration Power value of 68 this goes through any armor available in the game in just 1 shot. However, M61 shares the downside with the M62 - it has 70 Damage, which is not enough to 1-shot enemies in Thorax. 7.62x51mm M61 costs about 1100₽ per round, depending on the current $ value, and is the highest penetration power round in the game. 
This build (without ammunition and magazines) will cost you around 57800₽ in total (~39000₽ for the Vepr Hunter/VPO-101 and ~18800₽ for the PSO optics). 
OP-SKS
OP-SKS (Hunting Variant*)		 OP-SKS is a hunting variant of the Russian Samozaryadny Karabin Sistemy Simonova (Rus. Самозарядный карабин системы Симонова), chambered in the 7.62x39mm ammunition and produced by the Molot factory. Original SKS was designed in 1943 and has gained a lot of popularity amongst hunters, not only in ex-eastern block countries but also in the west, over the years (the OP-SKS version is especially popular, thanks to the ability to fit a dovetail mount). For a weapon of its power, it is surprisingly light and well-handled, however, it cannot fire in a fully-automatic mode. 

Where to Buy/Requirements:

OP-SKS is available from LL2 Jaeger for around 26000₽. 

Recommended Budget Weapon Mods:

  • Stock: Default; 
  • Optics: Dovetail OP-SKS Mount; LL2 Jaeger (LL1 Jaeger barter for 2 Classic Matches), ~6000₽ + PSO 1M2-1; LL2 Prapor, ~18800₽. 
  • Muzzle: SKS Tread Adapter; LL2 Jaeger, ~1900₽ + Zenit DTK-1 Muzzle Brake & Compensator; LL2 Skier, ~4300₽, +7 Ergonomics, +0.4 Muzzle Velocity. This is a very cheap way of getting a bit more ergonomics for your OP-SKS. 
  • Magazine*: ProMag SKS-A5 20-Round SKS Magazine; Peacekeeper LL2, ~6000₽. 

Ammunition Choices:

Note: With Semi-Automatic weapons, you generally want to keep your distance and carefully aim at your enemies. This means that, in general, ammunition with enhanced penetration is better than the so-called "leg-meta" ammo. 

  • 7.62x39 mm PS - 32 Penetration, 57 Damage, available from LL1 Prapor for mere 83 Roubles per round. This is one of the best budget/early game ammunition choices in the game. 
  • 7.62x39 mm HP - 87 Damage, 15 Penetration, available from LL2 Prapor for 60₽/round. While ineffective against armor, this ammunition is one of the best choices for the so-called "leg meta". 7.62x39mm HP ammunition is not recommended for semi-automatic weapons, like the OP-SKS, as you can't spray the enemy's legs with them. 
  • 7.62x39 mm BP - King of 7.62x39mm ammunition. 47 Penetration, 58 Damage, 299₽ per round, available from Prapor LL3 after completing 5 parts of "The Punisher" questline. Late in the wipe, this ammunition is a must-have for your OP-SKS if you want to compete with heavy-armored PMCs. 
  • 7.62x39mm US - We didn't recommend this ammunition type for 7.62x39 chambered AKs, and we strongly advise you to NOT pick it up for your SKS. Despite its good stats on paper (30 Penetration and 60 Damage), this round is rather disappointing as it is a Sub-sonic, which means that shooting it accurately at longer distances is extremely difficult (it has just 300m/s speed, compared to 700m/s of a standard PS round). It is available from LL3 Prapor if you really want to experience its performance first hand. 

*Important1: Pick up Simonov Semi-Automatic Carbine SKS 7.62x39 Hunting Rifle Version as it can take the Dovetail mount that will allow you to mount optics. And "OP" stands for "overpowered" (no it doesn't). 
*Important2: Standard 10-round Box Magazine for SKS has top be reloaded 1 round at a time, which makes it really bad in back-to-the-wall situations. We recommend you get at least a 20-round mag for it. 

This build (without ammunition and magazines) will cost you around 57000₽ in total (~26000₽ for the OP-SKS and ~31000₽ for the listed mods with long-range optics). 
ADAR 2-15
ADAR 2-15		 ADAR 2-15 is a Russian carbine designed for civilian use. It is based on the AR platform and is chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO. Thanks to this, ADAR accepts AR-15 magazines, including 60 and 100-round mags (which are over twice as expensive as the ADAR itself and thus not recommended). It also has access to a plethora of exchangeable stocks and pistol grips, but its quite high stock Ergonomics (59) and semi-automatic nature make most modifications unnecessary. 

Where to Buy/Requirements:

ADAR 2-15 is available from LL2 Skier for around 35000₽. You can also barter for it with LL1 Skier if you have a 1 Rechargeable Battery. 

Recommended Budget Weapon Mods:

  • Stock: Default; 
  • Optics: Compact Mount for Sights; LL2 Skier, ~1000₽ + Primary Arms Compact Prism Scope 2.5x; LL2 Skier, ~19000₽ (a budget option if you want some zoom); you can also mount any other compatible optics (pretty much all optics compatible with AR-based weapons are compatible). 
  • Muzzle: MK12 Low Profile Gas Block; LL1 Mechanic and LL2 Peacekeeper, ~5500₽. This is a must-have if you want to mount optics, as ADAR's default Gas Block has very high iron sights, that block your vision through optics, on it. 

Ammunition Choices:

  • 5.56x45mm M856A1 - This Tracer ammunition will be the first 5.56x45mm round with decent Penetration characteristics available to you. You can purchase it from LL2 Peacekeeper after completing the "The Cult - Part 1" task. It has 37 Penetration Power, deals 51 Damage, and costs about 380₽ per round.  It will go through armors up to Class 5 (5 gives it some problems) but struggle greatly against Class 6. Remember that it is a Tracer and thus can compromise your firing position. 
  • 5.56x45mm M855A1 - NATO ammunition with enhanced penetration characteristics (44 Penetration Power) and decent Damage (44, enough to reliably 2-shot enemies in the Thorax), available from Peacekeeper LL3 and Skier LL4. Very solid against armors up to Class 5, but rather ineffective against Class 6. 1 5.56x45mm M855A1 costs around 250₽. 
  • 5.56x45mm M995 - Armor-piercing ammunition that will go through any armor available in the game (Class 6 will withstand 2-3 shots, however). It has 53 Penetration Power and 41 Damage (which is just enough for 2-shotting enemies in the Thorax). This is the most reliable, but also the most expensive choice for the late game. A single 5.56x45mm M995 round costs ~1300₽. 
  • 5.56x45mm Warmage - While this is a great leg-meta round with whopping 85 flesh damage, ADAR is a semi-automatic weapon and therefore lacks the ability to deliver enough rounds to the enemy's legs before the said enemy punches back. The round's 3 Penetration Power doesn't help either. Avoid this one or load it in something fully-automatic. 
This build (without ammunition) will cost you around 60500₽ in total (~35000₽ for the ADAR 2-15 and ~25500₽ for the listed mods with optics). 

 

Bolt-action Rifles

Mosin Bolt-Action Sniper Rifle
Mosin Bolt-Action Sniper Rifle		 The 3-line Rifle Model 1891/30 is the upgraded version of a rifle commonly known as Mosin-Nagant. Model 1891/30, unlike the standard Mosin, features a scope mount and a longer-handled bolt (because the scope mount would interfere with the rifle's reload system otherwise and make reloading difficult). This is the rifle that was used by the famous Vasily Zaytsev during the battle of Stalingrad. While very rough, bad-handled, and extremely noisy, Mosin is an extremely dangerous weapon in skilled hands. 

Where to Buy/Requirements:

Mosin Bolt-Action Sniper Rifle is available from LL2 Prapor for around 17000₽. You can also barter for it with LL1 Prapor if you bring 5 D size Batteries and 8 AA Batteries (Important: Barter version has the PU scope already mounted). 

Recommended Budget Weapon Mods:

  • Stock: Default + Recoil Pad from Aim Sports for Mosin Rifle; LL2 Jaeger + "The Tarkov Shooter" part 3, ~4000₽. For just a few thousand Rubles, this provides -5 Recoil and +2 Ergonomics. 
  • Optics: Kochetov Mount for Mosin Rifle; LL2 Prapor, ~1300₽ + PU 3.5x Ring Mount; LL2 Prapor, ~1200₽ + PU 3.5x Riflescope; LL2 Prapor, ~14000₽. 
  • Muzzle: Tacfire Tanker Style Muzzle Brake for Mosin Rifle; LL2 Jaeger + "The Tarkov Shooter" part 3, ~3700₽. This provides -10 Recoil and +2 Accuracy for a very cheap price. If you want to be more sneaky, go for a suppressor (if you use thread adapters, you will be able to mount AK and NATO Suppressors, depending on the adapter; Custom Mosin Rifle Thread Adapter, for example, will allow you to mount a PBS-1). 

Ammunition Choices:

  • 7.62x54R LPS Gzh - The first round of this caliber you will have access to (available from LL1 Prapor for under 200₽ per round). While very cheap and easily accessible, this is nevertheless an extremely deadly projectile; Class 4  armor and below will not stop it (it has 42 Penetration Power), Class 5 will give up after ~5-7 hits and Class 6 will hold for a bit longer, but... high Damage and the bullet's blunt force will quickly overpower any enemy. 7.62x54R LPS Gzh deals 81 Damage with a single hit which is enough to 1-shot enemies in the Thorax (higher penetration rounds of this caliber lose this ability, which is something to consider). 
  • 7.62x54R 7N1 Sniper Cartridge - This ammunition type is quite similar in its characteristics to the LPS Gzh, but it has increased accuracy (+10) and recoil (+8). It also has 3 more penetration which helps against Class 5 and Class 6 armors by a bit. 7N1, just like the LPS Gzh can 1-shot enemies in the Thorax. If you feel like you need increased accuracy at very long distances, this cartridge is worth your consideration, otherwise, the LPS Gzh will do just as well. 7N1 ammunition is available from LL3 Prapor for about 300₽ per round. 
  • 7.62x54R 7BT1, SNB, and 7N37 - all of these are available from LL4 Prapor, all of these go through any armor available in the game without a problem, and all of these deal less than 80 damage per shot (that Thorax thing again). If you want to min-max, you should go for the 7.62x54R 7N37 as it doesn't have any accuracy or recoil penalties, however, it is the most expensive of the three (~600₽). Also, 7BT1 is a tracer. 
This build (without ammunition) will cost you around 41200₽ in total (~17000₽ for the Mosin and ~24200₽ for the listed mods with optics). You can also forgo all mods except the scope, in which case Mosin will cost you only 33500₽. 

 

Sidearms

FN Five-seveN
FN Five-seveN		 FN Five-seveN is a legendary semi-automatic pistol developed and manufactured by the Belgian company FN Herstal. The name of the pistol comes from its ammunition - 5.7x28mm FN rounds. 5-7 is a rather controversial weapon as it is available to civilian shooters despite being extremely effective against body armor if loaded with AP ammunition (which is readily available on the market). In Escape from Tarkov, Five-seveN retains this ability which makes it the best sidearm currently available in the game. 

Where to Buy/Requirements:

FN Five-seveN is available from LL3 Peacekeeper for around 15000₽. You can also barter for it with LL3 Peacekeeper if you provide 1 GP Coin. 

Recommended Budget Weapon Mods:

  • Option 1 for Tactical attachment: NcSTAR Tactical Blue Laser LAM-Module; LL1 Skier, ~5500₽. This is by no means necessary but it will help you fire more accurately at shorter ranges, without wasting precious moments for aiming down sights. 
  • Option 2 for Tactical attachment: X400 Tactical Flashlight; LL2 Peacekeeper, ~10000₽/91$. This is a more expensive option, but it features a flashlight as well as a laser. It will not only increase your effectiveness in CQB but also allow you to blind your enemies by flashing their eyes. 

Ammunition Choices:

  • 5.7x28mm SS190 - High velocity (especially for a pistol) round with enhanced Penetration Power (37). This round goes through Class 3 armor like through butter and will penetrate Class 4 after just a few hits, which makes it extremely effective, for a pistol round. Its 49 Damage is very respectable and will allow you to drop your enemies pretty quickly. 5.7x28mm SS190 is available from LL3 Peacekeeper, so you will have access to it as soon as you unlock the 5-7 itself. 
  • 5.7x28mm SS198LF - Hollowpoint Five-seveN ammunition with enhanced tissue damage (74) but low Penetration Power (only 10). It is available from LL3 Peacekeeper, so it completes with SS190 directly. If you feel like you can't penetrate enemy's armor anyway, load these and go for them legs. Keep in mind that "leg meta" tactics work best with fully-automatic weapons, like FN P90 which uses the same ammunition. 
  • 5.7x28mm R37.F - A Fragmenting Copper Hollow Point round which is devastating against unprotected flesh (98 Damage), but gets stopped by almost any armor in the game (8 Penetration Power). This ammunition is great for leg-meta tactics, but it is better to use it in P90. 5.7x28mm R37.F is sold by LL4 Mechanic. 
This build (without ammunition) will cost you around 20500₽ in total (~15000₽ for the Five-seveN and ~5500₽ for the NcSTAR laser). 
MP-433 Grach
MP-433 Grach		 MP-433 Grach is a standard-issue sidearm in the Russian military. Unlike some other well-known Eastern pistol designs, it is chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum. While the ammunition that it fires is generally not as strong as the 5-7's, Grach's high-capacity magazine, great handling, and low recoil make it one of the better low-budget sidearm choices. 

Where to Buy/Requirements:

MP-433 Grach is available from LL2 Prapor for around 11000₽. You can also barter for it with LL2 Prapor if you provide 1 PC CPU. 

Recommended Budget Weapon Mods:

  • Option 1 for Tactical attachment: B-8 Mount; LL2 Skier, ~2,900₽ + NcSTAR Tactical Blue Laser LAM-Module; LL1 Skier, ~5500₽. Laser Only
  • Option 2 for Tactical attachment: B-8 Mount; LL2 Skier, ~2,900₽ + X400 Tactical Flashlight; LL2 Peacekeeper, ~10000₽/91$. Laser + Flashlight. 

Ammunition Choices:

  • 9x19mm AP 6.3 - Parabellum ammunition with enhanced penetration, effective against armor up to Class 3. It has 30 Penetration and 52 Damage; you can get it from LL3 Peacekeeper or craft 100 of them on Level 2 Workbench from 1 Gunpowder and 100 9x19mm Pst gzh rounds.
  • 9x19mm PSO gzh - Low penetration (10), high damage (59) 9x19mm round available from LL1 prapor. This is a good choice if you decide to go for the enemy's legs. 
  • 9x19mm Luger CCI - Parabellum round with enhanced tissue damage (70) and very low penetration (70). It is available from Skier LL4, which makes it inaccessible in the early game, however, it can be extremely effective late in a wipe if you shot your targets in their legs. 
  • 9x19mm RIP - This round is an undisputed king of the "Leg Meta" tactics. It has nonexistent penetration (2) but deals a whopping 102 damage per shot. RIP (Radically Invasive Projectile) is capable of dropping anyone in just a few shots (if you aim for unarmored body parts). It is available via barter trades with LL4 Skier (for 2x Chainlet) and LL4 Jaeger (1x Water bottle with a filter Aguamari). You can also craft it on level 3 Workbench from 1 Gunpowder and 4 Wires. 
This build (without ammunition) will cost you around 16500₽ in total (~11000₽ for the Five-seveN and ~5500₽ for the NcSTAR laser). 

 

END NOTE

For this guide, we have aimed to make cheap but also effective weapon builds that will increase your chances of survival during a Raid with minimal monetary investment. It is extremely important to remember that, in Escape from Tarkov, ammunition choice is much more important than a weapon. If your limited funds force you to decide between modding a weapon and loading it with good ammunition, ALWAYS go for the ammunition. 

We hope that you have found this guide useful and informative. We will be happy to receive constructive criticism that will help us improve our future work so leave your suggestions in the comments section below. 

Pictures used in this article are the intellectual property of the Battlestate Games.

Escape from Tarkov Items