Top 5 Hand Cannons for PvP

Published on: Nov 8, 2014 @ 1:22

With the right hand cannon, you can dominate in the Crucible. Which of them are the best? Do you agree with this list? Let us know what hand cannons you prefer to use!

In this article we’ll give our opinions on the top 5 hand cannons in the game. If you missed our Top 5 scout rifle video, click here to watch that.[divider]

Top 5

Check out this video, where we list our opinions for the top 5 best hand cannon choices for PvP and what perks you want to look out for.

Disclaimer: As explained in the video, the reason Hawkmoon is not on the list is because PD staff member Wally (the video creator) didn’t have footage or experience with it, and therefore couldn’t give a solid report on it.

It’s definitely worthy of being in the top 5 though!

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1. The Last Word – 68 Impact

Pros

  • Fully Automatic
  • Stability/precision damage upgrade
  • High rate of fire
  • High stability with perks

Cons

  • Exotic Only/ RNG Drop, Xur Might Sell
  • Low magazine size
  • Low Range
  • No Sight Changes

 

2. The Thorn – 68 Impact

Pros

  • Final Round, with small clip size, increases damage output
  • Perfect Balance perk increases Stability
  • Potential three shot
  • Burn Damage Perk can finish off weak opponents

Cons

  • Low Clip size
  • No sight changes
  • Long reload time
  • Only obtainable with an Exotic Bounty

 

3. Timur’s Lash – 94 Impact

Pros

  • Very high Impact
  • More damage with Luck in the chamber/Final Round
  • Almost on par with the Hawkmoon
  • Great range for a hand cannon
  • Reforging in the next Iron Banner could lead to an even better Timur’s Lash

Cons

  • Low Fire Rate
  • low clip size at 7
  • RNG drop from Iron banner
  • Rng Perks, meaning not all timur’s lashes are equal

 

4. Red Hand IX – 81 Impact

Pros

  • Excellent Impact
  • Fantastic Stability, even without RNG Perks, making it a fantastic handcannon to use in pvp
  • 10 Round Magazine, above average for semi automatic

Cons

  • RNG perks, meaning that beyond the primary stats, you could get a red hand not as beneficial as others
  • Low range
  • Average Reload time
  • Average Rate of fire

 

5. FateBringer – 81 Impact

Pros

  • High rate of fire and Impact
  • Very large magazine size
  • Precision kills grant quicker reload for a short time

Cons

  • Only obtainable in VoG
  • Most perks are better suited for PvE