What is the advantage of handguns in Red Dead Redemption?

Solution 1:

The advantages to handguns in Red Dead Redemption and other games is the close-mid range, accurate and high fire rate of the pistols allowing the player to maneuver and reload faster.
In hardcore or free-aim, strafing around close range areas with a handgun or shotgun will give you the advantage to let loose at a higher and smoother rate.