I couldn't find any thread on this specific issue after a search or two. I do not intend to spam.

From a lot of experience with Fallout 3 (I have HUNDREDS of hours into this epic game), I can honestly say that the Zhu-Rong is broken/bugged in every way possible.
First and foremost, the bullet damage is rarely, if ever, applied to the target. With a Small Guns skill of 100, and full condition, the Zhu-Rong has a DAM of 11 (no DLC perks factored, otherwise 21 with Superior Defender/Ghoul Ecology). It did not even scratch a Radroach in a succesful Sneak attack (it even displayed the Sneak Critical message). The Fire damage then killed it. 2 for 5 secs=10 damage. This was not a one time glitch either. Its happened well over 50 times.

If the target is already ablaze, any shots fired during those 5 seconds are completely ignored. Does not even reset the Fire damage timer.

Second, this pistol is not affected in any way by the Pyromaniac Perk. I think its because it was left off of a form list.

Third, these issues are present on PS3, 360, and PC (though PC has mods and patches to fix it).

I am playing the PS3 version and that's why I posted here. I have the release copy (NOT the goty edition) with every addon downloaded via PSN. Patches are up to date.

Main reason I post this is because I would like to bring attention to it. The Zhu-Rong has been broken since day one, and the few patches released have ignored it. The Zhu-Rong is a pretty nice pistol (if Pyromaniac affected it, it would do 16-17 damage plus 10 in Fire damage), and is honestly my favorite.
I would love to see one of my favorite guns actually functioning before New Vegas is released.
Because I will probably be playing it non-stop once its out

Not saying "release a patch to fix this one little gun". The Explosives Expert Perk needs to be applied to the Missle Launcher and Miss Launcher, Pyromaniac applied to Burnmaster and Zhu-Rong (Nuka Grenade maybe?). For the absolutely brilliant minds at Bethesda this should be easy (no sarcasm. Fallout and Oblivion are awesome). And maybe the fact that the official guide clearly lists the Zhu-Rong and Burnmaster under Pyromaniac, and Missle Launcher/Miss Launcher under Explosives Expert.

Sorry for the large text wall, and good luck with New Vegas. Looks epic so far.

The gun does no damage sometimes. It's a cool weapon though. Fun to use on weak enemies.

It does no damage most of the time and isn't affected by the proper Perks is the problem. If it worked, it'd do 26+10 damage (Pyromaniac, Superior Defender, Ghoul Ecology). It'd be a great pistol, as it uses common ammo, repair is easy and cheap, and has a lot of health. Its just that it only does 10 in Fire damage.
So I find myself using it to kill gas leaks and busting out the Shishkabob to actually kill things.

I really do agree with you... But think of it as a throphy in you're locker.