This article does not cite any sources. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed.(March 2022)
A Magnum is (generally) a variation of a firearm round with a larger case size than is standard for that caliber, allowing for a greater amount of gunpowder behind the shot. Generally associated with pistols, weapons designed for these rounds have large frames to withstand the high pressures of their cartridges, and often have long barrels to maximize bullet velocity. These firearms use Magnum ammunition, and appear in both revolver (most common) and semi-automatic (somewhat rarer) forms.
The standard "power weapon" in almost all Resident Evil games, the Magnum deals devastating damage to enemies and also possesses superb penetrating abilities. These guns will almost always guarantee a Critical Hit against standard enemies such as a Zombie or Ganado when shot in the head.
However, Magnums often have a small supply of ammunition available and a relatively low clip capacity. Thus, their use is limited and recommended only for boss encounters and hard-to-kill enemies. Plus, they have a slow rate of fire due to strong recoil, and thus are generally unsuited for crowd control.
The Magnum is the second most powerful weapon type in Resident Evil next to the Rocket Launcher.
Gameplay Specifics[]
In Resident Evill: Director's Cut the player is granted the Infinite Magnum after beating Arrange Mode with the best ending.
In Resident Evil (2002) the randomly-generated enemy health can occasionally spawn a zombie that can survive a Magnum round, essentially wasting the shot. As such it is advised (more so than usual) to not use it on zombies.
In Resident Evil: The Mercenaries 3D and Resident Evil 6, the player can equip certain Skills that affect how effective Magnums are.
In Resident Evil: Revelations, enemies have a specific set of resistance and vulnerability to each weapon type. In Raid Mode, Raymond, Lansdale, Rachel, HUNK, and Lady HUNK have inherent skills that make them more effective with Magnums.
In Resident Evil 6, after completing all campaign chapters, a skill called "Infinite Magnum Ammo" will be available for purchase, granting unlimited ammunition to the weapon. The skill is one of the most expensive skills in the game.
"An energy weapon developed by Umbrella based on airborne electrical phenomena. It possesses great stopping power, but only when targeting enemy weak points."