Gear & progression
Best Weapons in ROB RUN: Budget Guns, Range and Upgrade Costs
Updated · RobrunCodex
For early progression, compare KL-545 Mk1 at $25,000 research and $6,000 purchase. CB45 Mk2 costs less per copy at $3,780 but has prerequisites and a 25-jail-year gate. Later, match close-range SMGs or longer-range Reaper to the fight you intend; armor, accuracy and access matter as much as a quoted body-hit time.
Pick a weapon for a job and a replacement budget
The weapon that looks best in an unarmored damage test can still be the wrong purchase for a looting run. Start with access, range and the number of copies you can afford to lose.
A usable early pick: KL-545 Mk1
KL-545 Mk1 is the early-progression recommendation because its tested range performance compares well with low-tier MC-10 and DP-9. It lists $25,000 research, $6,000 base purchase and settlement level 1. Check that access before spending the replacement budget.
CB45 Mk2 has a lower $3,780 purchase price, but its $30,000 final research node also needs preceding unlocks and 25 lifetime jail years. A cheap purchase is not the same as a cheap first unlock.
Purchase price is only one part of access
Worked choice: cheaper replacement or cheaper first access?
CB45 Mk2 saves $2,220 per listed copy against KL-545 Mk1. Across three replacement purchases that is $6,660. However, its final research node is $30,000 and also requires earlier unlocks and 25 lifetime jail years. Those savings are irrelevant until the character can actually buy it.
KL-545 Mk1’s listed research plus first purchase is $31,000 before ammunition and any preceding access requirements. Use the shipment planner for what your own character still lacks. Choose a reachable gun you can replace rather than tying the whole run’s budget to a locked recommendation.
Choose a range role before a top-tier price
For close SMG engagements, AP Scalar has the quickest cited 20 m result, while JP-7 is close behind with lower research cost. AP Scalar Mk1 lists 1,000 RPM and 30 m full-damage range. Do not carry the close-range comparison straight into a distant fight.
SR Reaper Mk1 is a longer-range option: 65 m full-damage range, 750 RPM and a 20-round magazine. Its cited unarmored body test is six hits and 0.40 seconds at both 20 and 50 m, under the assumptions explained below. It lists $120,000 purchase, $48,000 resale and a level-3 settlement requirement.
Full-damage range of three roles
Compare range before comparing a body-hit time
KL-545 Mk1 lists 45 m full-damage range; CB45 Mk2 lists 34 m. A close-range body-hit comparison does not answer which is better for a longer engagement. Pick the intended range first, then compare the exact variants under the same armor conditions.
For access, KL-545 Mk1’s own node costs $25,000 and one base-price copy costs $6,000. A discounted recorded offer is not a replacement for that base-price budget. Include the earlier unlocks and ammunition that your chosen loadout needs.
Use shotguns, sidearms and loot-only weapons deliberately
Inside 10 m, the cited shotgun test needs two body shots when all pellets connect. At 50 m, each pellet contributes only one damage. That makes the all-pellets close test a poor reason to choose a shotgun for open streets.
DRM-14 is a semi-automatic option with 34 base damage and long full-damage range, but its research has district and lifetime-jail gates. Heavy pistols have cited three-body-hit tests at 20 m and four at 50 m; Vulture is slightly faster in that comparison.
LM 249 Mk2 and PDW90 variants have no listed research or Black Market purchase. They are associated with weapon-loot spots, so do not plan their replacement as a normal shop transaction.
What the knockdown numbers include and leave out
The guide’s test assumes 100 health, an unarmored target and every projectile hitting the body; shotgun results assume all pellets hit. Time starts at the first shot, includes intervening reloads and leaves out draw and aim delays. A player still has to acquire the target and land those hits.
Damage stays full through the listed range, then falls in steps, with per-hit damage rounded down. Armor absorbs damage until depleted, and Bastion also reduces incoming damage by 25%. Unarmored body times therefore do not describe an armored fight.
Individual item records can show their own stated measurement distances. Compare matching conditions in the tool instead of sorting unlike distances into one universal tier list.
Every gun: damage, price and knock-down time
| Gun | Type | Damage | Fire rate | Magazine | Full damage to | Price | 20 m | 50 m |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DRM-14 Mk1 | Rifle | 34 | 240 | 10 | 95 m | $103,500 | 0.50 s (3) | 0.50 s (3) |
| DRM-14 Mk2 | Rifle | 34 | 240 | 10 | 95 m | $103,500 | 0.50 s (3) | 0.50 s (3) |
| DRM-14 Mk3 | Rifle | 34 | 240 | 20 | 100 m | $103,500 | 0.50 s (3) | 0.50 s (3) |
| KL-545 Mk1 | Rifle | 15 | 600 | 30 | 45 m | $6,000 | 0.60 s (7) | 0.70 s (8) |
| KL-545 Mk2 | Rifle | 15 | 600 | 30 | 45 m | $6,000 | 0.60 s (7) | 0.70 s (8) |
| KL-545 Mk3 | Rifle | 15 | 600 | 45 | 50 m | $6,000 | 0.60 s (7) | 0.60 s (7) |
| LM 249 Mk2 | Rifle | 18 | 706 | 200 | 75 m | Not sold | 0.42 s (6) | 0.42 s (6) |
| RC 5.56 Mk1 | Rifle | 16 | 667 | 30 | 55 m | $32,000 | 0.54 s (7) | 0.54 s (7) |
| RC 5.56 Mk2 | Rifle | 16 | 667 | 30 | 55 m | $32,000 | 0.54 s (7) | 0.54 s (7) |
| RC 5.56 Mk3 | Rifle | 16 | 667 | 50 | 60 m | $32,000 | 0.54 s (7) | 0.54 s (7) |
| SR Reaper Mk1 | Rifle | 17 | 750 | 20 | 65 m | $120,000 | 0.40 s (6) | 0.40 s (6) |
| SR Reaper Mk2 | Rifle | 17 | 750 | 20 | 65 m | $120,000 | 0.40 s (6) | 0.40 s (6) |
| SR Reaper Mk3 | Rifle | 17 | 750 | 40 | 70 m | $120,000 | 0.40 s (6) | 0.40 s (6) |
| STAR-H Mk1 | Rifle | 21 | 500 | 20 | 50 m | $27,500 | 0.48 s (5) | 0.48 s (5) |
| STAR-H Mk2 | Rifle | 21 | 500 | 20 | 50 m | $27,500 | 0.48 s (5) | 0.48 s (5) |
| STAR-H Mk3 | Rifle | 21 | 500 | 40 | 55 m | $27,500 | 0.48 s (5) | 0.48 s (5) |
| AP Scalar Mk1 | SMG | 14 | 1000 | 25 | 30 m | $115,000 | 0.42 s (8) | 0.66 s (12) |
| AP Scalar Mk2 | SMG | 14 | 1000 | 25 | 30 m | $115,000 | 0.42 s (8) | 0.66 s (12) |
| AP Scalar Mk3 | SMG | 14 | 1000 | 45 | 34 m | $115,000 | 0.42 s (8) | 0.54 s (10) |
| CB45 Mk1 | SMG | 14 | 545 | 25 | 34 m | $3,780 | 0.77 s (8) | 0.99 s (10) |
| CB45 Mk2 | SMG | 14 | 545 | 25 | 34 m | $3,780 | 0.77 s (8) | 0.99 s (10) |
| CB45 Mk3 | SMG | 14 | 545 | 40 | 40 m | $3,780 | 0.77 s (8) | 0.88 s (9) |
| JP-7 Mk1 | SMG | 15 | 750 | 25 | 27 m | $29,000 | 0.48 s (7) | 1.12 s (15) |
| JP-7 Mk2 | SMG | 15 | 750 | 25 | 27 m | $29,000 | 0.48 s (7) | 0.96 s (13) |
| JP-7 Mk3 | SMG | 15 | 750 | 40 | 31 m | $29,000 | 0.48 s (7) | 0.88 s (12) |
| MC-10 Mk1 | SMG | 12 | 667 | 20 | 25 m | $3,500 | 0.72 s (9) | 1.71 s (20) |
| MC-10 Mk2 | SMG | 12 | 667 | 20 | 25 m | $3,500 | 0.72 s (9) | 1.44 s (17) |
| MC-10 Mk3 | SMG | 12 | 667 | 40 | 29 m | $3,500 | 0.72 s (9) | 1.26 s (15) |
| PDW90 Mk1 | SMG | 13 | 857 | 50 | 31 m | Not sold | 0.49 s (8) | 0.77 s (12) |
| PDW90 Mk2 | SMG | 13 | 857 | 50 | 31 m | Not sold | 0.49 s (8) | 0.63 s (10) |
| PDW90 Mk3 | SMG | 13 | 857 | 50 | 35 m | Not sold | 0.49 s (8) | 0.63 s (10) |
| Harris 500 Mk1 | Shotgun | 9 × 8 | 120 | 5 | 7 m | $3,500 | 2.00 s (5) | 9.50 s (13) |
| Harris 500 Mk2 | Shotgun | 9 × 8 | 120 | 5 | 7 m | $3,500 | 1.50 s (4) | 9.50 s (13) |
| Harris 500 Mk3 | Shotgun | 9 × 8 | 120 | 7 | 9 m | $3,500 | 1.00 s (3) | 8.45 s (13) |
| ORDR-12 Mk1 | Shotgun | 9 × 8 | 171 | 6 | 7 m | $28,000 | 1.05 s (4) | 8.40 s (13) |
| ORDR-12 Mk2 | Shotgun | 9 × 8 | 171 | 6 | 7 m | $28,000 | 0.70 s (3) | 8.40 s (13) |
| ORDR-12 Mk3 | Shotgun | 9 × 8 | 171 | 8 | 9 m | $28,000 | 0.70 s (3) | 7.00 s (13) |
| TAG-12K Mk1 | Shotgun | 9 × 8 | 240 | 5 | 8 m | $110,000 | 0.50 s (3) | 7.60 s (13) |
| TAG-12K Mk2 | Shotgun | 9 × 8 | 240 | 5 | 8 m | $110,000 | 0.50 s (3) | 7.60 s (13) |
| TAG-12K Mk3 | Shotgun | 9 × 8 | 240 | 8 | 10 m | $110,000 | 0.50 s (3) | 5.30 s (13) |
| DP-9 Mk1 | Pistol | 18 | 333 | 14 | 20 m | $300 | 0.90 s (6) | 5.08 s (17) |
| DP-9 Mk2 | Pistol | 18 | 333 | 14 | 20 m | $300 | 0.90 s (6) | 2.16 s (13) |
| LBR-44 Mk1 | Pistol | 34 | 200 | 6 | 35 m | $20,000 | 0.60 s (3) | 0.90 s (4) |
| LBR-44 Mk2 | Pistol | 34 | 200 | 6 | 35 m | $20,000 | 0.60 s (3) | 0.90 s (4) |
| Vulture 50 Mk1 | Pistol | 36 | 240 | 7 | 40 m | $50,000 | 0.50 s (3) | 0.75 s (4) |
| Vulture 50 Mk2 | Pistol | 36 | 240 | 7 | 40 m | $50,000 | 0.50 s (3) | 0.75 s (4) |
Which Mk upgrade is worth researching?
Mk versions preserve per-bullet damage and fire rate. Mk2 generally improves useful damage range; Mk3 expands magazines and sometimes range. More magazine capacity can matter in a test that crosses a reload, even without higher damage per bullet.
The research table’s final column is cumulative chain cost. Most Mk1 weapons also have Civilian-only Arms Dealer availability at triple the Black Market price. Check role, vendor conditions, district and jail requirements before replacing your main gun.
What each Mk needs in Shipments
| Gun | Research | Needs | District level | Jail time | Total research |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DRM-14 Mk1 | $200,000 | RC 5.56 Mk1 | III | 950 years | $425,000 |
| DRM-14 Mk2 | $400,000 | DRM-14 Mk1 | III | 975 years | $825,000 |
| DRM-14 Mk3 | $800,000 | DRM-14 Mk2 | III | 1000 years | $1,625,000 |
| KL-545 Mk1 | $25,000 | Nothing | I | None | $25,000 |
| KL-545 Mk2 | $50,000 | KL-545 Mk1 | I | None | $75,000 |
| KL-545 Mk3 | $100,000 | KL-545 Mk2 | II | None | $175,000 |
| LM 249 Mk2 | Not in Shipments | - | - | - | - |
| RC 5.56 Mk1 | $200,000 | KL-545 Mk1 | II | None | $225,000 |
| RC 5.56 Mk2 | $400,000 | RC 5.56 Mk1 | II | None | $625,000 |
| RC 5.56 Mk3 | $800,000 | RC 5.56 Mk2 | III | None | $1,425,000 |
| SR Reaper Mk1 | $400,000 | RC 5.56 Mk1 | III | None | $625,000 |
| SR Reaper Mk2 | $800,000 | SR Reaper Mk1 | III | None | $1,425,000 |
| SR Reaper Mk3 | $1,600,000 | SR Reaper Mk2 | III | None | $3,025,000 |
| STAR-H Mk1 | $100,000 | KL-545 Mk1 | II | 180 years | $125,000 |
| STAR-H Mk2 | $200,000 | STAR-H Mk1 | II | 190 years | $325,000 |
| STAR-H Mk3 | $400,000 | STAR-H Mk2 | III | 200 years | $725,000 |
| AP Scalar Mk1 | $400,000 | JP-7 Mk1 | III | None | $575,000 |
| AP Scalar Mk2 | $800,000 | AP Scalar Mk1 | III | None | $1,375,000 |
| AP Scalar Mk3 | $1,600,000 | AP Scalar Mk2 | III | None | $2,975,000 |
| CB45 Mk1 | $15,000 | MC-10 Mk1 | I | 15 years | $30,000 |
| CB45 Mk2 | $30,000 | CB45 Mk1 | I | 25 years | $60,000 |
| CB45 Mk3 | $60,000 | CB45 Mk2 | II | 35 years | $120,000 |
| JP-7 Mk1 | $160,000 | MC-10 Mk1 | II | None | $175,000 |
| JP-7 Mk2 | $320,000 | JP-7 Mk1 | II | None | $495,000 |
| JP-7 Mk3 | $640,000 | JP-7 Mk2 | III | None | $1,135,000 |
| MC-10 Mk1 | $15,000 | Nothing | Any | None | $15,000 |
| MC-10 Mk2 | $30,000 | MC-10 Mk1 | I | None | $45,000 |
| MC-10 Mk3 | $60,000 | MC-10 Mk2 | II | None | $105,000 |
| PDW90 Mk1 | Not in Shipments | - | - | - | - |
| PDW90 Mk2 | Not in Shipments | - | - | - | - |
| PDW90 Mk3 | Not in Shipments | - | - | - | - |
| Harris 500 Mk1 | $15,000 | Nothing | Any | None | $15,000 |
| Harris 500 Mk2 | $30,000 | Harris 500 Mk1 | I | None | $45,000 |
| Harris 500 Mk3 | $60,000 | Harris 500 Mk2 | II | None | $105,000 |
| ORDR-12 Mk1 | $160,000 | Harris 500 Mk1 | II | None | $175,000 |
| ORDR-12 Mk2 | $320,000 | ORDR-12 Mk1 | II | None | $495,000 |
| ORDR-12 Mk3 | $640,000 | ORDR-12 Mk2 | III | None | $1,135,000 |
| TAG-12K Mk1 | $400,000 | ORDR-12 Mk1 | III | None | $575,000 |
| TAG-12K Mk2 | $800,000 | TAG-12K Mk1 | III | None | $1,375,000 |
| TAG-12K Mk3 | $1,600,000 | TAG-12K Mk2 | III | None | $2,975,000 |
| DP-9 Mk1 | Free | Nothing | Any | None | Free |
| DP-9 Mk2 | $25,000 | DP-9 Mk1 | I | None | $25,000 |
| LBR-44 Mk1 | $100,000 | DP-9 Mk1 | II | None | $100,000 |
| LBR-44 Mk2 | $200,000 | LBR-44 Mk1 | II | None | $300,000 |
| Vulture 50 Mk1 | $300,000 | LBR-44 Mk1 | III | None | $400,000 |
| Vulture 50 Mk2 | $600,000 | Vulture 50 Mk1 | III | None | $1,000,000 |
Common questions
Why is a cheaper gun still locked for me?
Its purchase price does not include access. For example, CB45 Mk2 needs previous research, settlement level 1 and 25 jail years before its $3,780 purchase is useful.
Will the 0.40-second Reaper result apply against armor?
No. The cited body test assumes 100 health, no armor and every hit landing. Armor and Bastion’s extra reduction change the outcome.
Does Mk3 hit harder than Mk1?
Mk tiers preserve per-bullet damage and fire rate. Their improvements concern magazine capacity and range, depending on the weapon.
Why can I not buy PDW90 or LM 249 Mk2 in the market?
Those variants have no listed research or Black Market purchase route. The collected acquisition route is weapon loot.
Should I buy an expensive gun just to open better loot?
A weapon does not replace a room key, lockpick, drill or access card. If entry is the bottleneck, fund the matching opener before treating weapon cost as heist progression.