Mastering the Distance: Your Ultimate Guide to Red Dead Redemption 2 Sharpshooter 7 Long Shot Locations
There you are, a seasoned hunter, a crack shot in a firefight, but one challenge in Red Dead Redemption 2 has you stumped: Sharpshooter Challenge 7. "Kill 3 enemies with a rifle from a distance of at least 660 feet in a single Dead Eye." It sounds simple enough, but finding the perfect spot to pull off this incredible long-range feat can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Don't you worry, partner. We've all been there, squinting at the horizon, taking a shot, and watching the tiny dot of an enemy simply run away unscathed. This guide is designed to walk you through not just one, but several reliable long shot locations and the precise strategy to turn this daunting task into a satisfying victory.
First things first, let's talk gear and preparation. You cannot complete this challenge with just any weapon. You need a long-range rifle. The Rolling Block Rifle or the Carcano Rifle are your best friends here. Both are scoped, high-velocity rifles designed for exactly this kind of work. Make sure it's clean, as a dirty weapon loses accuracy and range. For ammunition, High Velocity or Express rounds are ideal for maintaining bullet integrity over long distances. And finally, ensure your Dead Eye core is full. You're going to need it.
Now, let's break down the challenge itself. The three key components are:
- A Rifle: Check.
- 660 Feet: This is the crucial part. It's much farther than you think. The game's mini-map is your best measuring tool. The entire square of the mini-map, from edge to edge, is roughly 660 feet. So, your target needs to be so far away that they are either on the very edge of the mini-map or just beyond it, appearing as a tiny dot.
- 3 Enemies in a Single Dead Eye: This means you must mark and kill three targets before the Dead Eye meter depletes or you exit the mode.
With the basics covered, let's ride out to the most effective Sharpshooter 7 locations that consistently work for players.
Location 1: The Fort Wallace Fortress (A Classic and Reliable Spot)
This is arguably the most famous and dependable location for completing the RDR2 Sharpshooter 7 challenge.
- Where to Go: Travel to Fort Wallace, the heavily guarded military fort in the northern part of Ambarino, east of the Elysian Pool.
- The Setup: Do not approach the fort directly. Instead, find the cliffs to the north and northeast of the fort. You are looking for a vantage point where you can clearly see the soldiers patrolling the walls and the central yard. A great spot is on the ridge directly north, near the "N" in "Ambarino" on the map. Use your binoculars to scout.
- The Execution: From your perch, you will be well over 660 feet away. The soldiers on the walls are perfect targets. Wait until you see at least three of them relatively stationary. Activate Dead Eye, aim your scoped rifle, and paint a mark on the head of each of the three soldiers. Take your time to ensure you have three clear marks. Fire. If done correctly, you'll see three successful kill notifications pop up.
- Pro-Tip: Save your game right before attempting this. If you miss or only get two kills, you can simply reload and try again without having to deal with a Wanted level or respawning enemies.
Location 2: Hanging Dog Ranch (An Alternative with Ample Targets)
If Fort Wallace feels too hot, Hanging Dog Ranch in Big Valley, West Elizabeth, is another excellent choice for a successful long-range shot.
- Where to Go: Head to the picturesque valley of Big Valley and locate Hanging Dog Ranch, a known O'Driscoll hideout.
- The Setup: Position yourself on the large hill to the west of the ranch. There's a specific flat-topped hill that provides a clear, elevated line of sight over the entire ranch compound. The distance from this hill to the ranch is perfect for the 660 ft rifle kill.
- The Execution: Use your binoculars to identify the O'Driscolls milling about. They are often found near the main house, the barn, or the corral. Wait until a few are grouped up or standing still. Enter Dead Eye with your rifle, mark three targets, and fire. The key here is patience; wait for the right moment when the enemies are not moving erratically.
- Pro-Tip: The law won't bother you out here for taking out O'Driscolls, making it a slightly less stressful environment than a military fort.
Location 3: The Loft and the O'Driscolls (A Scenic Option)
This location utilizes a specific random encounter and a fantastic vantage point.

- Where to Go: Travel to "The Loft," a small cabin in Ambarino, northeast of Valentine and north of the Dakota River.
- The Setup: Just south of The Loft, along the road, a random encounter often spawns where a group of O'Driscolls have captured a man. If you see this event, do not intervene directly.
- The Execution: Instead, retreat back up to The Loft. From the high ground around the cabin, you can look down on the encounter from a distance that easily exceeds 660 feet. The O'Driscolls will be preoccupied with their prisoner, making them easy, stationary targets. Mark three in Dead Eye and take the shot to complete your rifle sharpshooter challenge.
Crucial Strategy and Troubleshooting: Your Questions Answered
Even with the best location, things can go wrong. Let's solve the common problems right here.
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"My shots aren't hitting!" This is usually due to one of three things:
- Wind and Bullet Drop: At this extreme range, you must account for bullet drop. Aim slightly above the head of your target. The scoped rifles have markings in the scope; the first dot down from the center is often the right amount of elevation for 660 feet.
- Dirty Weapon: A dirty rifle is an inaccurate rifle. Clean it!
- Wrong Weapon: Repeatable shotguns or repeaters will not work. It must be a long-range scoped rifle.
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"I can't get three marks in one Dead Eye!" This is a common frustration. The solution is to upgrade your Dead Eye. As you progress through the game, you unlock Dead Eye levels. You need at least level 4, which allows you to manually paint multiple targets. If you're still at a lower level, you may need to progress the story further or find a Potent Snake Oil recipe. Chugging one of these before the shot will significantly slow your Dead Eye drain, giving you all the time you need to mark three targets.
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"The enemies are moving too much!" Patience is a virtue, especially for a sharpshooter. Use your binoculars to study their patrol patterns. Wait for the moment when three are in a clear line of sight and relatively still. Sometimes, firing a warning shot near them (but not at them) can make them stop and look around, creating a perfect moment to activate Dead Eye and mark them.
Completing the Sharpshooter 7 challenge is one of the most rewarding moments in Red Dead Redemption 2. It tests your skill, your patience, and your understanding of the game's mechanics. By heading to one of these proven long shot locations like Fort Wallace or Hanging Dog Ranch, equipping the right rifle, and mastering the single Dead Eye tactic, you'll add that coveted "Challenge Completed" notification to your log and take one more step toward becoming a true Legend of the West. Now, go on, take the shot. You've got this.