I'm trying to make a non-VATS sniper, and was trying to figure out how much to put into perception and whether or not "Fast Shot" would be worthwhile. So here are my questions:

1. Does perception affect weapon spread, or only VATS accuracy?
2. Would the 20% reduction in accuracy of "Fast Shot" noticeably affect a weapon with 0.02 or 0.03 spread (Sniper Rifle, Anti-Material Rifle)?

Perception does not affect accuray at all.

Fast shot will give you -20% accuracy, which, for a sniper character, seems to be moving the wrong direction.

As to whether 20% of .2 will be noticeable- got me!

Just double checked the wiki and it confirms Perception doesn't affect spread. Anyone had any luck with Sniper Rifles and Fast Shot?

I think that trait is only related to VATS, but I could be wrong.

My sniper type took the other route; the trait that gives 20% accuracy but slows your fire by 20% (can't remember the name off the top of my head). To be honest I have not noticed a significant difference in sniping over another character I have that didn't take that trait. Both can headshot just about anything in sight with a full modded varmint rifle.

What I have noticed is a difference in VATS, with the sniper hitting noticeably more often than the other character.

I made a new character and saved my game at the Sunny Smiles bit where you shoot at the Sunset bottles. I tried shooting at the bottles with Fast Shot, then reloaded and walked just far enough outside of town to respec my character to have Trigger Discipline and repeated. I didn't notice any substantial difference in accuracy at that range, but did notice that Fast Shot made you fire A LOT faster, at least in comparison to Trigger Discipline.

One thing that should be noted is that Fast Shot caps your accuracy at 76%, regardless of range, skill, and perks. That would really crimp your ability to hit things, even at blank range.


http://www.gamefaqs.com/boards/959557-fallout-new-vegas/56798005