So I recently started an NCR Ranger playthrough, and I plan to basically be an noncommissioned soldier for the NCR. Do all there quests, do as they say, etc. Eventually earn my Black Armor.

So I have a question, what would be the best 2nd combat skill for an NCR player? I have the choice of Explosives, Melee, Unarmed, and Energy. The first 3 are all equally good choices, and I don't know which to pick.

I've already done an Unarmed playthrough, and Unarmed generally isn't great late game unless you have 100 skill (in which case it is unstoppable), so I might get bored of that. I tried a melee character, didn't enjoy it. I have heard that explosives is terrible.

Which one?

To be honest, I don't really see why you would need anything beyond guns, it's a very flexible class.

NCR uses guns.

In your experience, when has a NCR ranger used something other than some form of Sniper Rifle?

I just looked up the Ranger page on the wiki, and their tag skills are: Guns, Sneak, and Unarmed.

http://fallout.wikia.com/wiki/New_California_Ranger_(Fallout:_New_Vegas), http://fallout.wikia.com/wiki/Veteran_Ranger

Rangers specialize in guns, explosives, sneaking, unarmed, and are rather adept at knife fighting. Just look up "US Special Forces training"

I was thinking only getting my melee up to 50, then stick with Chance's Knife that + Cowboy would be formidable in close quarters.

Also, what is more Ranger-ish: modern guns (service rifle), cowboy guns (repeater), WW2 guns (hunting rifle), or futuristic guns (that gun)?

Revolvers and modern guns. I say you should have a Trail Carbine, Assault Carbine Hunting Revolver, Anti-Materiel Rifle and a Brush Gun as your standard equipment.

NCR Ranger is my favorite play through. Anti-Material Rife, Ranger Sequoia, Brush Gun, and Ballistic Fist (After I take out Caesar and his Guards of course)

I was thinking of getting both my Melee and Explosives up to 50. Use the former for Chance's Knife, the former for C4. Maybe knock it up to 75 so I can use Annabelle

If you're looking for your own role go with what you chose above, as not every ranger ever would have the same three skills..

However if you want to make a character as close to those rangers in game.. the quote I'm quoting is best of the best as it's the ranger class, class skills.

Good point, kinda forgot that I used a mod to make people sell ranger sequoia. My bad

How do I start the Return to Sender quest anyway? I've done 3 playthroughs (only 1 being anti-NCR) and no dice.

There's a gal at Camp Fornlorn Hope, she's in the big tent.