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Top hand cannon setups for controllers you need to try!

Unlock Your Potential | Best Hand Cannon Setups for Controller Play

By

Liam O'Sullivan

Jan 5, 2026, 02:41 PM

Edited By

David Brown

Updated

Jan 6, 2026, 12:12 PM

2 minutes of duration

A controller with a hand cannon displayed on screen showing optimal setup for gameplay.
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A surge of players is exploring hand cannon setups tailored for controller gameplay, keen to enhance their performance in competitive environments. Recent insights from forums reveal crucial tips and recommended weapons that have garnered attention from both beginners and veterans alike.

Top Choices for Hand Cannons

Among the favorites, the Austringer remains a go-to choice for newcomers. Players suggest crafting this weapon due to its customizable stats. One player stated, "If you have Austringer available to craft, I think itโ€™s one of the best hand cannons to start out with because it has good stats you can play around with."

Many have touted the Not Forgotten and Solemn as solid alternatives for new players as well, with several responses echoing that confidence is key. Another user shared insights about competing with higher-tier hand cannons, recommending Rose with max stability and range to enhance performance.

Understanding Range and Aggression

Players reiterate the need to balance aggression with range when firing hand cannons. A forum member emphasized, "Biggest thing for me is playing my range and not getting over aggressive; there's little forgiveness when missing shots." A focus on stabilization becomes vital as players adapt to the nuances of these weapons.

Key Insights for New Players

Some effective strategies for mastering hand cannons include:

  • Practice in PvE: Spend ample time in PvE content for comfort before jumping into PvP.

  • Stability Goals: Strive for a stability rating of 70 or higher to help with accuracy.

  • Weapon Recommendations: Experts advise steering clear of models such as 180s, Crimson, Sunshot, and any Omolon hand cannon in the early stages to avoid frustration.

Voices from the Community

"Use it in PvE for an hour or two to get the feel then run PvP."

โ€“ Anonymous player

Another player highlighted the importance of patience, noting, "If youโ€™ve the patience to do so, you can mix it up some."

Advanced Setups

A shift to more advanced setups continues to gain traction. Suggestions for high-performance weapon perks now include:

  • Slideshot for Rose

  • Opening Shot for Hawkmoon

  • Custom loadouts with components like smallbore, accurized rounds, and a stability grip.

Key Takeaways

  • ๐Ÿ”ซ Austringer, Not Forgotten, and Solemn are essential starting points.

  • ๐ŸŽฏ Focus on a stability rating of 70+ for better accuracy.

  • ๐Ÿšซ Avoid specific models early on to improve learning experiences.

  • ๐Ÿ“ˆ Rose recommended for confident players, equipped with high stability and range perks.

As conversations about hand cannon configurations grow on forums, strategies will bolster community connections. Players continually share personalized setups that maximize both stability and range, proving that adapting to gameplay trends can lead to major improvements.