Hunting Rifle

The Ruger Mini-14 hunting rifle is the most accurate gun in the game. Essentially a high-powered sniper rifle, it features semi-automatic fire, and is the only weapon in game that has a scope attachment. It is still accurate without having to use the scope, however movement of any kind severely lowers accuracy. It holds a 15 round magazine with 180 rounds in reserve and has the unique ability to shoot through almost any surface in the game, making it possible to take down enemies hidden behind objects, walls, or floors; or several enemies at once so long as they are lined up properly.

The weapon can fire as fast as you can pull the trigger in close-quarters combat, but distance is the key to this weapon. Long hallways and open spaces are where this gun really shines and in these environments, the rifle can really rack up the headshots. Players with shotguns will be your best friends, as teaming up with them creates an effective combination. Try to keep the infected away from them, and they can take care of the infected rushing you at close range. The weapon is only moderately effective against The Tank but the accuracy of this weapons allows a player to hit the tank from a distance without the risk of being punched.

In reality, the Mini-14 normally uses iron sights, with any scope being a third-party attachment. It is unique in that it is the only weapon in Left 4 Dead whose magazine capacity is lower than its real world counterpart, as basic Mini-14 models currently ship with 20-round magazines. However, they can also be shipped with 5-round magazines for areas that ban high capacities for civilians, which may have been what the developers were basing the in-game capacity on.

Tip: Don't be afraid to use the hunting rifle in close combat, it is surprisingly effective and accurate at close range, even without scoping in. A single shot is usually enough to down a regular infected, even if it hits an arm or a leg. Crouching is encouraged, as it greatly improves both scoped and unscoped accuracy. The hunting rifle is least accurate while moving, but is still more effective at repelling zombies at close range than pistols, if used properly. The trick is knowing when to use the scope and when not to.

The hunting rifle can shoot through ceilings, floors, and walls so if an ally is in trouble, trying shooting through the obstacle. Note, though, it can only travel through one obstacle and it must be thin like a wall. Dumpsters, cars, etc. can't be pierced. The hunting rifle can also shoot through Infected indefinitely and great for funneling.