Bullets and Bounty

Expert Analysis: Why Bullets and Bounty Stands Apart

Hacksaw Gaming has engineered a slot that breaks from standard Wild West templates through its DuelReels mechanic. Unlike traditional expanding wilds or sticky symbols, the VS and Bounty VS symbols create full-reel character duels that display multipliers ranging from 2x to 100x. The distinction between Outlaw DuelReels and Bounty DuelReels introduces strategic depth: Outlaw multipliers add together when multiple appear in a winning line, whilst Bounty multipliers carry progressive increases through free spin features.

The 19-payline structure on a 5x3 grid operates with medium-low volatility at 2 out of 5 stars, yet the maximum win reaches 20,000x through multiplier stacking in the Hidden Epic Bonus. This volatility rating means more frequent smaller wins in base gameplay, with explosive potential reserved for bonus rounds when Progressive Bounty Hunter Multipliers compound with DuelSpin mechanics.

The True Grit bonus presents a genuine strategic decision rather than a simple choice between options. Taking the guaranteed 10 free spins with Progressive Bounty Hunter Multipliers provides steady multiplier growth each time a Bounty DuelReel appears. Choosing the gamble offers 33.3% chance at Four Shots to Freedom, 33.3% chance at 5x cash, 16.7% chance at 10x, and 16.7% chance at 20x. The RTP remains 96.26% regardless of strategy, meaning the choice depends purely on risk tolerance rather than mathematical advantage.

Four Shots to Freedom distinguishes itself through the Bullets and Bounty Bar progression system. Collecting Bounty Hunter symbols fills the bar in stages, with each level requiring more hunters but awarding more powerful DuelSpins. Level 4 demands all 5 positions filled but guarantees a spin with minimum 5 VS symbols covering all reels, creating massive multiplier potential when combined with high-value symbols across 19 paylines.

The symbol paytable follows a clear hierarchy: card suits pay 0.02x to 0.10x for 3-5 matches, themed symbols range from 0.05x for Wagon Wheels up to 1.00x for Sheriff Badges, whilst Wild, VS, and Bounty VS symbols all pay 3.00x for five-of-a-kind. This structure means base game wins come primarily from themed symbols, whilst special symbols provide both payouts and feature triggers.

Katherine 'Quick Draw Kate' O'Callaghan serves as more than visual flavour. Her character appears in every Bounty DuelReel confrontation, and the Progressive Bounty Hunter Multipliers represent her accumulating bounties through the feature. This narrative integration gives context to the multiplier mechanics rather than presenting them as arbitrary number increases.

The bonus buy options span from 1.5x bet for BonusHunt FeatureSpins up to 100x bet for direct Four Shots to Freedom access. RTP values across buy options range from 96.24% to 96.36%, with Bad Blood FeatureSpins offering the highest at 96.36%. This narrow RTP range means bonus buy selection should focus on preferred volatility and feature mechanics rather than chasing optimal return percentages.

Draw or Die FeatureSpins guarantees minimum 1 Bounty VS per spin at 30x bet cost, identical to Bad Blood FeatureSpins pricing but with high volatility versus medium. This creates a clear choice: Bad Blood provides more frequent mixed DuelReels with medium variance, whilst Draw or Die focuses purely on Bounty mechanics with higher risk and reward potential.