Battlefield 5's Top Sidearms in 2026: Your Ultimate Guide to Secondary Firepower

In the chaotic, fast-paced arenas of Battlefield 5, your primary weapon might jam, run dry, or simply be the wrong tool for a sudden, close-quarters panic. That's where your trusty sidearm steps in, bridging the gap between a reload and a respawn. But with a decent catalog of handguns available, which one truly deserves a spot on your hip? Let's break down the current performance and viability of the top five pistols you should be alternating between for the best results in 2026. From the speedy starter to the stealth specialist and the raw-power revolvers, find out which backup can turn the tide of battle.

🎯 The Reliable Starter: P38 Pistol

Every soldier's journey begins here. The P38 is your introduction to sidearms in Battlefield 5, and thankfully, it's a forgiving teacher. Its key strength lies in its high rate of fire (360 rounds per minute) and manageable recoil, allowing for quick follow-up shots. The reload animation is snappy, letting you get back into the fight without missing a beat. Think of it as your training wheels—reliable and easy to handle.

However, don't expect it to carry you through entire matches. Its main drawback is low damage output. Even at point-blank range, you'll need four body shots to secure a kill. Push beyond 20 meters, and that damage drop-off becomes painfully evident, requiring even more bullets. It's perfect for finishing off weakened enemies or dealing with emergencies at lower ranks, but it lacks the punch to be your primary killing tool.

Quick Stats Snapshot:

• Rate of Fire: 360 RPM ⚡

• Damage: Low (4-shot kill up close)

• Best For: New players, finishing moves, panic situations.

🔥 The Speed Demon: Ruby

Unlocked at rank three for any class, the Ruby is where things start to get spicy. This handgun outshines the P38 in one critical area: pure, unadulterated speed. With a blistering rate of fire of 449 RPM (the highest among standard pistols), a generous 10-round magazine, and the lowest vertical recoil, the Ruby is your go-to for overwhelming enemies in a split second. Its quick draw speed is also a hidden gem, perfect for quickly shooting enemy grenades out of the air before they become a problem.

But speed comes at a cost. Like the P38, the Ruby suffers from low damage potential, also requiring 4-5 body shots for a kill. The damage fall-off at range is even more severe; you might need up to 10 shots to drop a target at longer distances! So, is it weak? Yes, noticeably. But is it valuable? Absolutely. When the battlefield descends into chaos and you need a rapid solution, the Ruby's fire rate can save your life.

Why choose the Ruby? When you need to put a wall of lead downrange faster than your opponent can react.

💥 The Classic Powerhouse: Mk VI Revolver

Welcome to the big leagues. Unlocked at rank 15, the Mk VI Revolver is one of the two powerhouse handguns that trade rate of fire for raw stopping power. This sidearm is all about damage potential. Aim for the head, and it's a one-shot kill. In close-quarters combat, two body shots are all it takes to send enemies back to the deploy screen. Despite its limited 6-round cylinder, its hip-fire accuracy is surprisingly good, letting you land those crucial shots even when not aiming down sights.

Its rate of fire (180 RPM) is slow, but when each bullet hits like a truck, who needs a fast follow-up? The trade-offs are in handling and bullet velocity. The vertical recoil is significant, forcing you to re-center your aim after every shot. Its 230 m/s muzzle velocity also makes leading moving targets, especially at mid-range, a challenging task. Mastering the Mk VI requires patience and precision, but the reward is a sidearm that feels as powerful as some primary weapons.

Mk VI at a Glance:

Attribute	Rating
Close-Range Damage	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rate of Fire	⭐⭐
Ease of Use	⭐⭐⭐
Versatility	⭐⭐⭐

🥷 The Silent Professional: M1911 Suppressed

Stealth is a valid strategy, and the Suppressed M1911 is its perfect sidearm embodiment. Purchased for 300 Company Coins, this variant's crown jewel is its integral suppressor. This attachment completely removes the directional damage indicator you cause from the enemy's minimap, allowing for silent flanks and assassinations without giving away your position. Want to clear a point without the whole enemy team knowing? This is your tool.

Beyond stealth, it's a solid all-rounder. It boasts good damage (2-3 body shots per kill), a respectable 300 RPM fire rate, and a 250 m/s muzzle velocity. The main drawback is a sharp damage drop-off beyond 12 meters, cementing its role as a close-quarters stealth weapon. But in 2026's meta, where situational awareness is key, the ability to engage quietly and escape without a trace is an invaluable tactical advantage.

Pro Tip: Pair this with a Recon or Assault class for devastating silent hit-and-run tactics.

👑 The King of Sidearms: Model 27 Revolver

For 900 Company Coins, you can purchase the undisputed champion of sidearm damage: the Model 27 Revolver. This is not just a backup weapon; it's a primary weapon in a secondary slot. Its power is staggering: any headshot within 30 meters is a guaranteed kill, and two body shots will drop any foe in close quarters. This incredible damage retention at range is thanks to its high base damage paired with an incredible bullet velocity of 460 m/s—making it exceptionally effective even against moving targets.

So, what's the catch? It has the slowest rate of fire on this list (106 RPM) and significant recoil (or "kickback") with each thunderous shot. Missing your first shot can be punishing. But these are fair trade-offs for a weapon that can decisively end fights in an instant. When your main gun is empty and a heavily armored Assault is rushing you, switching to the Model 27 is often the best—and most satisfying—answer. It truly blurs the line between sidearm and primary.

Final Verdict on the Model 27:

• Unmatched power at close-to-mid range.

• High skill ceiling due to slow fire rate and recoil.

• Worth every Company Coin for players who value decisive firepower.

🎮 How to Choose Your 2026 Sidearm?

The "best" pistol ultimately depends on your playstyle and the role you're filling. Can't decide? Here's a quick cheat sheet:

• For New Players & Aggressive Run-and-Gun: Start with the P38, then graduate to the Ruby for maximum spam fire.

• For Precision & High-Risk/High-Reward: Master the Mk VI Revolver for consistent two-taps.

• For Stealth & Tactical Play: The M1911 Suppressed is your only and best choice.

• For Raw Stopping Power & Confidence: Save up for the Model 27. It's the sidearm that makes you feel unstoppable.

Remember, in Battlefield 5, your sidearm is more than just a last resort. It's a strategic tool that can define your effectiveness in clutch moments. Whether you're fanning the hammer of a revolver or silently picking off targets, choosing the right one for your kit is a key step to dominating the battlefield in 2026. So, which one will you trust with your virtual life? 🤔