The R-301 Carbine is probably my most used assault rifle in Apex Legends as I prefer to get up close and blast my opponents! And if your playstyle is as reckless as mine, then there’s no better weapon to help you accomplish that than the R-301. But before we take a look at its stats, let’s address a controversy.
Is the R-301 Really an Assault Rifle?
Technically, it is. But according to its stats and how players use it, it’s much closer to a submachine gun, rather than a traditional assault rifle. Usually, the stats on assault rifles are well-rounded, the intent behind that is to give them the ability to fulfill multiple roles.
The downside of this is that they don’t really excel at anything. The R-301 steps away from that principle. You can technically use the R-301 as a traditional assault rifle, but that would keep the gun from achieving its full potential. The Carbine is best used up close and personal, as that is where it shines!
The Stats of the R-301 Carbine
When it comes to stats, the philosophy of the R-301 is “have the fire rate of an SMG, with the damage of an assault rifle.”
| Target | Mods | Dmg | 100 | 150 | 175 | 200 | 225 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Head (1.75x) | – | 25 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 |
| Head | Lvl. 1 | 22 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 11 |
| Head | Lvl. 2 | 19 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 12 |
| Head | Lvl. 3/4 | 18 | 6 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 13 |
| Body | – | 14 | 8 | 11 | 13 | 15 | 17 |
| Body | Fort | 12 | 9 | 13 | 15 | 17 | 19 |
| Legs (0.75x) | – | 11 | 10 | 14 | 16 | 19 | 21 |
| Legs | Fort | 9 | 12 | 17 | 20 | 23 | 25 |
It’s undeniable that the R-301 has the lowest damage per shot of all the assault rifles. It compensates for this by having the highest fire rate. This is both a blessing and a curse. It’s nice that it can fire quickly, but its magazine size even with a Legendary Extended Light Mag, has 28 shots. And with a rate of fire like the Carbine has, that runs dry in an instant. Speaking of attachments, let’s take a look at what’s available for the R-301 Carbine.
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Attachments for the R-301 Carbine
Another regard in which the R-301 is unique among the assault rifles is in its attachments. All the others only have 4 slots, while the Carbine has 5.
- Barrel Stabilizer
- Extended Light Mag
- Standard Stock
- 1x HCOG “Classic”
- 1x Holo
- 1x-2x Variable Holo
- 2x HCOG “Bruiser”
- 3x HCOG “Ranger”
- 2x-4x Variable AOG
- Anvil Receiver
Ideal R-301 Carbine Set-Up
Now let’s look at how you should ideally kit out the R-301 Carbine. For starters, find a 1x-2x Variable Holo. The iron sights of the Carbine aren’t the best, so this should be a priority. Then, find an Epic Barrel Stabilizer. After that, grab an Epic Standard Stock. And lastly, grab a Legendary Extended Light Mag.
It might seem strange to recommend a Legendary Extended Light Mag at the end, but hear me out: the RoF is so fast that a difference of 10 bullets really doesn’t do much. Especially if you tactically reload your weapon instead of a normal reload. And don’t bother with an Anvil Receiver. It’s honestly a joke that it’s even available for the R-301. Unlike the Flatline, it receives no benefits from the Anvil Receiver.
Should the R-301 Carbine be Recategorized?
When looking at its stats, the R-301 has more in common with a submachine gun than an assault rifle. This has sparked a debate if it should be recategorized. Seeing as the SMG category already has the Alternator, the R-99, and the C.A.R. It’s highly unlikely that another weapon that uses light ammo will join them.
When it comes to playstyle, its strengths are geared towards close-range engagements, with damage falling off drastically at range. This is what makes the 301 so unique. And, a fan favorite.
Potential Balance Changes for the R-301 Carbine in the Future
Continuing on from the previous point, the R-301 is commonly lauded as an S-tier weapon, and it’s easy to see why. But as with all things in life, even that will change sooner or later. Having a faster rate than some SMGs is a bit silly, so, in the future, we might see its rate of fire lowered, with its damage being increased instead – something closer to what the Havoc and the Flatline have. But who knows, Respawn Entertainment giveth… and Respawn Entertainment taketh.
