Going by past experiences, as the info on FO4 is limited at this point.

Previous games (and since we're talking Bethesda, I'm including TES:Skyrim for the argument) have had some measure of crafting/modding weapons and armor and the odd few unique items.

The problem for me is generally that - while the unique items look nice and shiny - they can't compare to the modified generic items and lack stats that make them worthwhile. Skyrim being a prime example here, as those items never really figured in my game-play other then as home decoration.

Fallout 3/New Vegas were somewhat better, with New Vegas probably best due to modded ammunition being a big factor in weapons. Gun Runners Arsenal certainly was doing good as it added more modding option for unique weapons as well.

With Fallout 4 bringing a whole new system of tweaking your weapons and armor, I'm somewhat concerned if/how unique items are handled.

*crosses fingers that uniques can be broken down and their parts reused to boost other guns*

If they get unique looking skins, and are modable it would be fun.

in Skyrim, I really love the spellbreaker shield and the dawnbreaker sword.

but I dont use they. The equipment you can craft is much better.

let's see if it was fix in FO4.

In Skyrim, I used crafting to keep improving my unique weapon (Dawnbreaker), and to make my lighter-weight armor (whose look I preferred) strong enough to use at high level. I didn't enchant a set of +smithing armor, drink super-strong +smithing potions, and make weapons that did hundreds of damage. That kind of thing is boring.

Now, given that the Fallout series does it's items differently than TES (no enchantments, no potions, weapons having much-more-set stats rather than ranges of possibilities), I have a feeling you won't be able to do anything like in Skyrim. Build new modules, and combine them in interesting ways, sure. But no crafting a "Laser Barrel, 20dmg" at skill 25, and then crafting the same mod at skill 100 + a dozen bonuses, for 200dmg.

But, hey - just like most stuff on the forum right now, it's all guesses.

I don't think it's going to be like Skyrim at all. The crafting system from Skyrim was all about increasing stats and powering things up. The Fallout 4 crafting system seems like you just need to be a certain rank to create certain weapon and armor parts with set stats. You're not going to be creating super potions to create super enchantments to create extra-super potions to create extra-super enchantments to create super-duper armor to create extra-super-duper weapons and armor. You're just going to be making parts that go onto other parts.