Borderlands 4: How to Unlock the Legendary Stop Gap Sniper Rifle

 In Borderlands 4 Items, legendary weapons are among the most sought-after loot in the game’s chaotic arsenal, offering unique perk effects, high stats, and build-defining potential. One such weapon that has generated buzz since the game’s launch is the Stop Gap — a legendary sniper rifle from Vladof with an unusual performance curve that rewards sustained fire with massive damage output. This article explores everything you need to know about acquiring the Stop Gap, farming it efficiently, and using it effectively in your playthrough.

What is the Stop Gap Legendary Sniper Rifle?

The Stop Gap is a legendary sniper rifle manufactured by Vladof and is defined by a distinct mechanic known as Reconfigure. Unlike standard sniper rifles that favor slow, single-shot precision, Stop Gap rewards players for holding down the trigger — even though this comes with a trade-off.

Key Features and Perks

Reconfigure Effect: As you fire, the weapon’s fire rate decreases progressively — down to roughly 20% of its base rate — while damage per shot sharply increases, potentially reaching up to +750% of its original damage. This makes Stop Gap exceptionally powerful on longer engagements, particularly against bosses and high-HP targets.

Elemental Variants: The Stop Gap can spawn with various elemental damage types such as Corrosive, Cryo, Radiation, Shock, or Incendiary, depending on RNG luck.

Alt-Fire Mode: Some variants may include an alternate fire mode that functions like a shotgun, providing utility at closer ranges (though this mode doesn’t benefit from the Reconfigure bonus).

Role in Builds: While not suited to traditional hit-and-run sniper playstyles, Stop Gap excels in “boss-murder” builds where you keep firing to stack its damage buff and deliver devastating hits.

This combination of risk and reward makes Stop Gap one of the most distinctive sniper rifles in Borderlands 4.

Where to Find and Unlock Stop Gap

Unlike weapons obtained through story progression or guaranteed rewards, Stop Gap must be acquired as a drop — and does not have a fixed quest-chain unlock. However, there are reliable methods to farm for it that significantly increase your odds.

The Primary Drop Source: The Backhive

The most consistent way to obtain Stop Gap is by farming the boss Backhive, a powerful mutagen-infused enemy encountered in an abandoned Auger Mine known as The Claim, located in the Dissected Plateau region of the Fadefields.

Here’s how to reach and farm it:

Progress the Story: You must have progressed far enough in Borderlands 4 to access the Fadefields region and unlock its key fast travel points.

Fast Travel to Zadra’s Backup Plan: Use the “Zadra’s Backup Plan” fast travel point, which places you near the entrance to The Claim mine.

Enter the Mine: Push through the mine’s tunnels until you reach the end where Backhive awaits.

Defeat Backhive: Slay the boss — Stop Gap has a chance to drop on the loot roll after the fight.

Farm with Encore Machine: Nearby, you’ll find a Moxxi’s Big Encore machine. Use it to reset the fight without leaving the area and repeatedly defeat Backhive until Stop Gap drops.

Players report that while the drop is not guaranteed every run, consistent farming will yield the weapon eventually — though RNG luck can make this process feel grindy for some.

Other Drop Sources

Although Backhive is the most reliable source, Stop Gap can also drop from other legendary loot sources:

Red Chests scattered throughout the world

Golden Key chests (if you have Golden Keys available)

Other boss enemies with reserved legendary pools

These methods offer additional, albeit lower-odds, opportunities to obtain the Stop Gap — especially early in the game before you can consistently farm Backhive.

Preparing for the Fight: Tips and Tricks

Farming for Stop Gap can be straightforward, but getting it efficiently requires some tactical preparation:

Optimize Your Build

Since Backhive has a significant amount of health and continuously spawns smaller enemies, consider these tips:

Bring Crowd Control: Weapons or abilities that can handle waves of adds will keep the arena manageable.

High DPS: Use powerful build synergies — fire-rate boosts, damage amplifiers, and elemental weaknesses — to shorten each run.

Mobility: Backhive is large and can generate AOE attacks. Staying mobile helps you avoid damage while focusing on weak points.

Farming Efficiency

Encore Machine Usage: Place the Boss Arena Reset point to your advantage. You don’t need to exit the mine to respawn Backhive once you’ve reached him, saving physical time between attempts.

Save Locally: Consider saving before entering and using the machine to refine RNG without extra travel.

Stop Gap in Combat: How to Use It

Once you finally get the Stop Gap, mastering it is a separate challenge. Its “Reconfigure” mechanic essentially turns it into an inverse sniper — low fire rate initially, but towering damage later in a sustained burst.

Tactical Usage

Hold Down the Trigger: Unlike traditional snipers where single precision shots are ideal, Stop Gap rewards prolonged firing — each shot reduces fire rate but boosts subsequent damage.

Aim for Weak Spots: Since the weapon skyrockets damage, hitting critical areas (like boss weak points) after the damage ramp can output astonishing numbers.

Pair with Buffs: Use perks, Repkits, or skills that increase weapon damage, critical hit damage, or rapid magazine swaps to complement Stop Gap’s ramping effects.

Manage Ammo: Heavy sustained fire depletes magazines fast — optimize reload efficiency or pair with ammo regen items if available.

Conclusion

The Stop Gap legendary sniper rifle in Borderlands 4 is a unique and powerful piece of gear that rewards persistence, skill, and a bit of luck. Its distinctive Reconfigure effect sets it apart from conventional snipers and can become a centerpiece of your arsenal once you unlock it. By farming the boss Backhive in The Claim mine and leveraging reset mechanics like Moxxi’s Big Encore machine, you can steadily increase your chances of obtaining this weapon to buy Borderlands 4 Weapons.

Whether you’re chasing the most effective build for boss encounters or simply seeking bragging rights among friends, Stop Gap is worth the grind. Arm yourself, make each shot count, and embrace the thrill of pulling one of the game’s most exotic sniper rifles from the loot pool.