Drive-by shooting remains one of the most thrilling mechanics in Grand Theft Auto V (GTA V) and its online counterpart, allowing players to unleash chaos from the safety of a moving vehicle. Whether evading police in story mode or battling rivals in GTA Online, selecting the right weapon can mean the difference between a clean getaway and a fiery wreck. This guide ranks the top drive-by eligible weapons based on fire rate, magazine size, accuracy, damage output, and overall effectiveness in vehicular combat. We’ll dive into each option’s strengths, weaknesses, acquisition methods, and pro tips for maximum impact.
Understanding Drive-By Mechanics in GTA V
In GTA V, drive-by shooting lets passengers (and sometimes drivers) fire specific weapons from vehicles without exiting. Eligible weapons are limited to pistols, submachine guns (SMGs), and a few others, as larger rifles like assault rifles are too bulky for vehicle use. Key factors include hip-fire accuracy, which suffers in motion, reload speed during pursuits, and ammo capacity to sustain prolonged engagements. Recent updates, like the San Andreas Mercenaries DLC, introduced new contenders such as the Tactical SMG, shaking up the meta.
Story mode and GTA Online share most mechanics, but Online benefits from upgrades like extended magazines and attachments available via the Gun Van or Ammu-Nation. Vehicle type matters too—lowrider cars offer better passenger aiming angles, while motorcycles enable solo drive-bys with shotguns in some cases.
Ranking the Best Drive-By Weapons
Our ranking prioritizes weapons with high fire rates and capacity for suppressive fire, balanced against damage and control. Here’s the tier list from S (top) to A (strong alternatives):
- S-Tier: Unmatched Dominance – AP Pistol, Tactical SMG
- A-Tier: Reliable Choices – Micro SMG, Combat PDW, Tec-9
- B-Tier: Situational Picks – Heavy Pistol, Vintage Pistol
1. AP Pistol: The Drive-By King
The **AP Pistol** reigns supreme as the go-to drive-by weapon, thanks to its fully automatic fire mode mimicking a mini-machine gun. Boasting 30 rounds per magazine (extendable to 66 with upgrades), it delivers rapid 6.5 damage per shot at 1,200 RPM—ideal for shredding tires, health bars, and pursuers alike.
Pros:
- Insane fire rate for close-range suppression.
- Highest magazine capacity among pistols.
- Excellent accuracy from vehicles, even at moderate speeds.
Cons:
Pro Tip: Pair with the Extended Clip and Incendiary Rounds for DOT (damage over time) effects, turning it into a police-bait nightmare during five-star chases.
2. Tactical SMG: New Meta Challenger
Introduced in the San Andreas Mercenaries update, the **Tactical SMG** challenges the AP Pistol’s throne with superior range and precision. Its 120-round drum magazine and 600 RPM fire rate make it a beast for extended drive-bys, especially from the driver’s seat in GTA Online. Damage hovers at 7 per bullet, with better bullet spread control than older SMGs.
Pros:
Cons:
Pro Tip: Use in open-top vehicles like the Vapid Dominator for passenger duos—one driver, one gunner—to lock down highways.
3. Micro SMG: Classic Speed Demon
The **Micro SMG** is a lightweight legend from earlier GTA titles, carried over with 1,400 RPM—the fastest in class. Its 20-round mag (up to 40 extended) spits 5.25 damage bullets, perfect for quick sprays on motorcycles or compact cars.
Pros:
- Blistering RoF overwhelms single targets.
- Compact size for easy handling in tight spaces.
- Cheap ($1,500) and common in street fights.
- Low damage and range limit it to CQC.
- Quick to overheat without upgrades.
- AP Pistol: Buy at Ammu-Nation after Level 50 or loot from Ballas gangs.
- Tactical SMG: Gun Van (rotating stock) or Arms Trafficking missions.
- Micro SMG: Default passenger weapon; upgrade at Agency Armory.
- Vehicle Synergy: Use the Lampadati Felon for stable passenger fire or Ocelot Pariah for driver-only blasts.
- Positioning: Left-side passengers have better angles in US-style traffic; switch seats dynamically.
- Combo Tactics: Throw stickies from vehicles while spraying—deadly for roadblocks.
- Online Loadouts: MK II variants (e.g., Combat PDW MK II) add tracer rounds for night fights.
- Drive-By Shooting – GTA Wiki – Fandom — GTA Fandom. 2023-05-15. https://gta.fandom.com/wiki/Drive-By_Shooting
- The Best Weapons in GTA V Online — Odealo. 2022-11-10. https://odealo.com/articles/the-best-weapons-in-gta-v-online
- GTA Online: Tactical SMG In Depth Guide — YouTube (GhillieMaster). 2023-06-14.
- Best Drive-By Weapons? :: Grand Theft Auto V — Steam Community. 2015-04-20. https://steamcommunity.com/app/271590/discussions/0/1290691308592479887/
- GTA V – Which is the best Drive-by Gun? — YouTube. 2014-03-22.
- What is the best drive by weapon? – GTA Online — GameFAQs. 2014-02-18. https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/boards/733723-grand-theft-auto-online/67485989
Cons:
Pro Tip: Ideal for solo bikers; combine with homing launcher for anti-heli defense.
Weapon Comparison Table
| Weapon | Fire Rate (RPM) | Mag Size (Upgraded) | Damage | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AP Pistol | 1,200 | 66 | 6.5 | General drive-bys, pursuits |
| Tactical SMG | 600 | 120 | 7 | Long chases, Online PvP |
| Micro SMG | 1,400 | 40 | 5.25 | Motorcycles, quick kills |
| Combat PDW | 800 | 60 | 8 | Mid-range suppression |
| Tec-9 | 1,100 | 50 | 5.5 | Budget option |
Acquisition and Upgrades Guide
Unlocking top drive-by weapons is straightforward:
Essential upgrades include Extended Magazines (+capacity), Scopes (for PDW), and special ammo like FMJ or Explosive for Online versatility. Total investment: $50K-$100K per loadout.
Advanced Strategies for Drive-By Mastery
To elevate your game:
In missions like By the Book or freemode bounties, chain drive-bys with ramming for 100% efficiency.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Novices often spam-fire without aiming, wasting ammo. Instead, burst-fire at 20-30m ranges. Reloading in traffic is suicide—carry snacks for health regen. Finally, ignore shotguns; they’re motorcycle-only and inaccurate from cars.
Drive-By Weapons in GTA Online Updates
GTA Online evolves with DLCs: Pre-2023 meta favored AP Pistol, but Tactical SMG’s 2023 debut shifted balances toward sustained fire. Future patches may nerf or buff—check Rockstar Newswire.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the absolute best drive-by weapon in GTA V?
The AP Pistol edges out due to speed and capacity, but Tactical SMG excels in Online.
Can you drive-by as the driver?
Yes, with SMGs/pistols from left-side vehicles; right-side limited.
Are there drive-by shotguns?
Only on motorcycles with Sawed-Off.
How to get unlimited ammo?
Interaction Menu > Inventory > Resupply, or Ammu-Nation.
Best vehicle for drive-bys?
Bati 801 bike or Bravado Buffalo STX.
Conclusion
Mastering drive-bys in GTA V transforms chaotic escapes into calculated takedowns. Stock the AP Pistol or Tactical SMG, upgrade wisely, and rule Los Santos roads. Experiment in freemode to find your perfect loadout.