For me the Hunting rifle is the most crappiest weapon in the Fallout 3 weapon arsenal. It only shoots one bullet a time and it takes ages to reload after every bullet you fire. Only in V.A.T.S it seems that the Hunting rifle does it not so badly. Further then that, CRAP!
For me the best weapon is definitely the Chinese Assault Gun and the Terrible Shotgun. Both are a bit overpowered if you would asked me.