There are six different gun categories in "Apex Legends." Each has its own benefits and drawbacks.
To be clear, the ranking below isn't definitive — it's based on playing "Apex Legends" and watching others play it. There are definitive lists breaking down the damage each weapon does, and that is certainly one way of ranking which weapon is "best."
But the long and short is this: Deciding which weapons are best for you in "Apex Legends" comes down to personal taste and play style. You may never use sniper rifles, or shotguns, and that's fine. The ranking below is a kind of average of what we've seen from high-level players and our own time playing the game.
7. Longbow
The only reason the Longbow is last on this list is because "Apex Legends" prioritizes close-to-medium range combat over all else. Given that, sniping isn't always the most useful thing to do.
That said, if you're going to snipe, the Longbow is the finest option. It does heavy damage (using heavy rounds), and can be combined with the "Skullpiercer" attachment to do even heavier damage with headshots.
6. Wingman
The Wingman is a revolver, which means it's slow and can only hold a few bullets. It's a gun that you absolutely need to aim carefully, or else you'll waste your shot and get taken out.
But if you've got a crack shot, it's a devastating weapon. Even body shots with the Wingman do a lot of damage, but headshots are especially crushing. Like the Longbow, the Wingman can be paired with the Skullpiercer attachment for even more devastating headshots.
5. Peacekeeper
The shotguns in "Apex Legends" vary wildly, from the vicious Peacekeeper to the almost worthless Mozambique.
Do yourself a favor and keep an eye out for the Peacekeeper. Even with nothing attached, right out of the gate, it's an extremely powerful weapon. Since it's not slug-based, your shots spread out the further they have to travel — unless you snag a choke attachment to tighten the shot, making it a powerful weapon even at mid-range.
BONUS: If you can find the Precision Choke attachment, you can charge shots until they're super tight in scope and extremely damaging, even from mid-to-long range.
4. R-301
The R-301 is the best all-around gun in "Apex Legends." It works with a variety of attachments, and can be used at almost any distance. It's good right at the beginning of a match, and just as good at the end.
There are no caveats necessary here: If you're able to find one, you should take it.
3. Prowler Burst PDW (with an amendment)
The Prowler Burst PDW is a bit unwieldy given that it operates as a five-round burst weapon — all that downtime between bursts is likely time you're being shot at.
But, if you can pair the Prowler Burst PDW with the Selectfire Receiver attachment, you're able to turn the Prowler into a fully automatic weapon. And that's especially meaningful with the Prowler, which fires heavy rounds (read: bigger, more painful bullets).
That said, this is a conditional weapon that you probably shouldn't grab unless you're either prepared for burst-based battles or already equipped with another weapon you can lean on until you find the proper attachment. Or if you've already got the necessary attachment, of course.
2. Kraber
The top two guns on this list are likely to be expected if you've been playing "Apex Legends" since launch. You're unlikely find either easily — they're only found in high-tier loot areas or in care packages, and they come in very limited supply.
That said, the Kraber is only number two here because it's a sniper rifle. Given that, it's not super useful right at the end of a game when the circle is tight.
1. Mastiff
As you might've guessed, the Mastiff is at the very top of this list. It's a ridiculously powerful shotgun that's extremely rare — and with good reason. It takes out even the most heavily-armored player in a shot or two at close range.
No equivocating here: If you find a Mastiff anywhere, at any point in the game, take it and become the champion you deserve to be.