As is series tradition, the magnum, or Lightning Hawk, is the most powerful handgun in the Resident Evil 2 Remake, and an absolute beast against its many hideous bosses. But you have to jump through a few hoops to get it.
Just like with the shotgun, keep in mind that the magnum is a Leon-exclusive weapon. Don't worry, Claire doesn't miss out, as she gets the MQ 11 submachine gun instead. Not as powerful as the magnum, but a lot more forgiving if you miss a shot (RIP to all of my stray magnum bullets indented in the walls of the RPD.)
To get your hands on it as soon as possible, this page explains how to get the Lightning Hawk magnum in Resident Evil 2 Remake.
Resident Evil 2 Remake magnum location
The Lightning Hawk magnum is located in the Armory of the S.T.A.R.S. Office, on the second floor of the RPD when you're playing as Leon in the Resident Evil 2 Remake. However, you need to collect a few items and solve a puzzle to get the USB Dongle Key required to unlock the door to the Armony.
How to get the Lightning Hawk magnum
After you pick up the Spade Key, head to the library on the second floor of the RPD. To the immediate right of the entrance that leads to the Main Hall is a small reading table with a Red Book on it. Pick up the book.
Exit to the Main Hall and, staying on the second floor, go through the door on the opposite side, which leads to the Art Room. Here you'll find a statue with an Arm next to it. Pick up the Arm and combine the Red Book with it, then use the combined object on the statue.
The statue will activate and release a Scepter. Examine it and you'll receive a Red Jewel. Now go to the Interrogation Room on the first floor of the station, where you'll find a Bejewelled Box. Combine this with the Red Jewel.
Inside you'll find a S.T.A.R.S. Badge. Examine this in your inventory and spin it around until you see an interaction point. Interact with it and the badge will become a USB Dongle Key. This can then be used on the computer in the S.T.A.R.S. office on the second floor to unlock the Armory, which contains the magnum.
