I posted a variation of this a couple of times before, with no responses or feedback so am trying again...

I've been trying to earn the challenges in game relating to killing certain creatures, dealing x damage with certain weapon types, Criting certain areas with certain weapon types, etc. I have noticed that while trying to do this that the Sturdy Caravan Shotgun is not a "shotgun" (Though a Caravan Shotgun is), Annabelle is not an Explosive Launcher (though a regular Missile Launcher is) and I have come across one or two other "named" weapons with this problem that escape my memory at the moment. (just remembered one: Dinner Bell not a "Shotgun") Anyone know the reason behind this and if it is likely to be fixed. I lwould prefer using the "named" versions of weapons and dislike being forced to use the regular ones in order to complete these challenges. If no fix forthcomong, does anyone know which other "named" weapons don't count as their base type so I can keep it in mind in the future?

If anyone can help me out with this that would be great

I never thought the unique weapons were any diferent from their basic versions. As I thought they were still whatever type they are. I have got challenges with unique weapons. Not that I try to do them that much.

A lot of these things work off of what's called "form lists". These are lists of items that the game will reference for certain things. In the case of the perk Laser Commander, it references a form list that includes all the laser weaponry. Where this goes awry is when a specific weapon is somehow left off of the form list, eg That Gun is not on the form list for the perk The Professional, even though it is a handgun. Some of what you are seeing are these kinds of issues. Consult the wiki to see what weapons will not help you advance your challenges. Not all unique weapons are afflicted thusly. And I'm not even certain what criteria those challenges check to see what applies. Set lasers for fun must check weapon type. Ones for pistols will check the weapon animation/stance. Others may work off of a form list. Maybe if you tell me what specific challenges you are going for I can try to find out what might not apply.

-Gunny out.