⚡ The Short Answer
The Apex Legends R-301 Carbine deals 14 body / 28 head per shot at a fire rate of about 558 RPM, giving roughly 130–140 DPS — and it is the easiest recoil AR to control, which is why it is the default pickup. Its recoil is a steady vertical climb with a slight right-then-left sway, very learnable: pull down and gently counter, and the reticle stays planted. For most players the R-301 out-performs higher-damage ARs simply because they hit more shots with it.
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🎯 Context Before the Numbers
The R-301's edge is consistency, not peak damage — its recoil is the gentlest of the ARs.
At 14/28 it is mid-tier on paper, but high hit rate makes its real DPS competitive with harder-hitting guns.
The recoil pattern is predictable, so it is the best gun to learn control on.
📋 The Numbers
Values below are community-reported reference estimates — always confirm in-game, as numbers shift with every patch.
R-301 stats
Core numbers, current season.
| Parameter | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Body / head | 14 / 28 | — |
| Fire rate | ~558 RPM | — |
| DPS | ~130–140 | — |
| Recoil | vertical + slight sway | — |
| Mag | 30 (36 extended) | — |
Recoil pattern
What to learn.
| Parameter | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Climb | mostly up | — |
| Sway | right then left | — |
| Control | pull down + counter | — |
| Why default | easiest AR | — |
🔄 Version Comparison: Old vs New Patch
Changes between 2025 and 2026 seasons
🆕 Current (2026)
📦 Previous (2025)
⚠️ Common Misconceptions, Cleared Up
A few ideas about this game that don't hold up — and why.
MYTH: "Higher-damage ARs are better."
✅ REALITY: The R-301's gentle recoil means more hits, so its real DPS beats harder-kicking guns in most hands. Control > peak damage.
📊 DATA PROOF: Hit rate wins fights.
MYTH: "Recoil is random."
✅ REALITY: The R-301 pattern is consistent — vertical with a slight sway you can learn and counter. That is why it is the best teacher gun.
📊 DATA PROOF: Pattern is fixed.
MYTH: "It falls off at range."
✅ REALITY: Like all ARs it drops a little at long range, but the R-301 holds well enough to contest mid-range reliably.
📊 DATA PROOF: Solid to mid-range.
🚀 Putting This Into Practice
Things you can actually try next time you play.
Master the R-301
Learn control here.
- Pull down as you fire to cancel the climb.
- Counter the slight right-then-left sway.
- Burst at long range to keep tight.
- Compare in the tool before ranked.
📌 Version Notes
Verified on the current Apex season. The R-301's stats are stable but balance passes do occur — we re-check after each update.
🔗 Related Data Articles
⚠️ Compliance Notice
Community-estimated reference values, not official data. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the respective game developers. Verify all stats in-game, as numbers change with every patch. All game names and trademarks are property of their respective owners.
🔗 Keep Exploring
📝 Wrap-Up
Verified on the current Apex season. The R-301's stats are stable but balance passes do occur — we re-check after each update.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q1What is the Apex R-301 damage?
14 body and 28 head per shot at about 558 RPM, roughly 130–140 DPS. Its real strength is the gentle, learnable recoil, which is why it is the default AR.
Q2Is the R-301 still good?
Yes — its recoil is the easiest of the ARs to control, so most players hit more shots and win more fights than with harder-kicking guns. Control beats peak damage.
Q3How do I control R-301 recoil?
Pull down to cancel the vertical climb and gently counter the slight right-then-left sway. The pattern is consistent, so it is the best gun to learn on. Compare in the tool.
📚 Sources & References
The figures on this page are community-reported reference estimates, cross-checked against the community and official sources below. Where a developer hasn't published exact figures, values are clearly marked as estimates and should be verified in-game, as they change with every patch.