Getting armed in Los Santos is less about buying everything in sight and more about knowing what each weapon is good for. A new player can build a useful setup at Ammu-Nation, then test it carefully instead of turning a quiet street into a police scene. If you're still learning the city, browsing GTA 5 Accounts can also help you understand what equipment and progress options other players value, but the basics remain the same for everyone.

Start at Ammu-Nation

Ammu-Nation is the main shop for guns, explosives, armour, and a few clothing items. There are 11 stores around the map, so you usually won't need to travel far. Walk to the counter, move through the categories, and check the price before confirming a purchase. Franklin, Michael, and Trevor can each carry a broad selection, but your cash disappears quickly if you buy every item at once. A sensible first visit is about covering different situations, not filling every weapon slot.

Build a practical loadout

The Combat MG is handy when a mission throws several enemies at you. It holds 100 rounds in its basic magazine and costs $3,700 in Story Mode after Blitz Play. The Special Carbine is more controlled and costs $14,750, making it a solid pick for players who prefer accurate bursts. The RPG and fragmentation grenades have a very different purpose: they are powerful, loud, and risky near traffic or pedestrians.

Choose the Special Carbine for steady mid-range aim.
Keep the Combat MG for crowded fights.
Save explosive equipment for missions or open ground.
Buy body armour before spending spare cash on cosmetic items.

Prices and useful extras

Item Story Mode price Best use
Combat MG $3,700 Longer firefights
Special Carbine $14,750 Accurate rifle work
Brown Woven Shooting Vest $150 Character styling

The clothing racks are easy to overlook. A Brown Woven Shooting Vest costs $150 and changes the character's look without affecting gun performance. Use the weapon wheel to switch equipment quickly, especially when a mission changes from driving to shooting. It takes a few minutes to practise, and that small habit saves time under pressure.

What happens when the police arrive

Firing in public brings an immediate response, especially if an RPG destroys a parked Ocelot Jackal. Taking another car to escape can raise the wanted level to two stars, and officers will chase, block roads, and ram the vehicle. They may fire rather than attempt a quiet arrest. Keep moving, break their view around alleys or buildings, and avoid smashing into every car on the road. Crashes slow you down and give patrol cars an easy angle. If the getaway car is trapped, jumping out usually ends badly. A calmer escape route is often worth more than another burst of gunfire, and players comparing GTA 5 Accounts buy options should still remember that good driving matters just as much as the equipment they carry.