The Bantam is a lightweight double-action revolver available in ARC Raiders that mimics classic western-style gunplay. Players can fire it from the hip for continuous shots with reduced accuracy, or aim down sights for more precise targeting. While its compact design might seem unassuming, skilled opponents can prove this weapon is far more dangerous than it appears.
ARC Raiders players can acquire the Bantam through three primary methods. The most straightforward approach involves looting it directly from Weapon Crates, where it has a 55% drop chance and has become the most common small weapon available in these containers. Alternatively, players can search Containers scattered throughout the map or locate and craft the weapon using its blueprint.
The Bantam blueprint drops most frequently on the Pendola Pass Map, particularly during Night Raids. The Commissary Supermarket and Old Town areas are prime locations for finding blueprints. Players seeking a higher concentration of blueprint drops should focus on the Old Town Alleys, where containers appear to have a significantly elevated chance of containing the crafting schematic. Since ARC Raiders operates on an RNG-based extraction system, the weapon can potentially appear almost anywhere on the map, so thorough exploration increases the likelihood of discovery. Additionally, completing the fourth tier rewards of the current Raider Pass provides another avenue for obtaining this revolver.
Regarding performance, the Bantam's primary strength lies in its ability to fire continuously from the hip, offering broad coverage against larger targets despite sacrificing accuracy. Against other Raiders, however, the weapon proves less effective. The revolver cannot be modified and lacks any attachment slots, meaning players cannot equip silencers, specialized ammunition, or additional magazines.
Several tactical considerations emerge from detailed analysis. The Combat Mk. 3 (Flanking) augment works exceptionally well with the Bantam, increasing the draw speed of stowed or unequipped pistols and hand cannons by 33%, providing an advantage in dangerous player-versus-player encounters. A close-range combination of the Buretta and Bantam can eliminate even heavily shielded Raiders. The weapon's effectiveness diminishes significantly at medium and long ranges unless players utilize aimed fire. Hip-firing without upgrades proves unreliable.

Upgrading the Bantam to higher tiers substantially improves its capabilities. A Bantam IV features a 44.1% reduced reload time, 18.75% increased dispersion recovery time, and 24% reduced spread dispersion. At this upgrade level, the weapon displays a well-controlled conical spread pattern with minimal recoil during hip-fire. However, even an upgraded Bantam cannot destroy medium or heavy shields with a single magazine reload, and it consumes ammunition considerably faster than the Anvil revolver.
Whether the Bantam merits use depends on playstyle and objectives. For player-versus-player combat, the weapon excels when paired with the Combat Mk. 3 (Flanking) augment and a secondary sidearm such as the Canto, Bobcat, or Buretta. Drawing first becomes critical for maximizing effectiveness. In player-versus-environment scenarios, the Bantam performs adequately against weaker enemies when using aimed fire. Hip-firing an entire eight-round magazine at close range against tougher enemies like Shredders presents significant tactical risks and should be approached cautiously.
