Am I the only one who thinks they're nearly useless? Even on lower difficulties they svck.

The Combat Shotgun is the best close range weapon in the game in my opinion. They've got really high damage. And of you get Le Fusil Terribles, or an Explosive or Wounding Combat Shotgun you've got a hell of a powerful weapon. I'm playing on Survival, for what it's worth.

Ya kidding me? They are great! Double barrel is such a raider slayer early on (especially if ya put a rank in gun nut early on so you can put a good receiver mod on it)


And the combat shotgun is such a room clearer, especially since its actually really manageable with a auto receiver. So either ya having high expectations based on some other game ya played, or ya Bern using them at ineffective combat ranges.

I don't know if you're the ONLY one; I use mine somewhat regularly. At close range, inside a building where the Ferals pop unexpectedly, it's a lifesaver. I like a short barrel and full stock on the combat shotgun myself.

I also redesigned an auto-shotgun with quick-eject drum mag, reflex sights and custom stock. I named her Vera.

Yes, there are some useless shotguns available in the game.

However if you come across a legendary version with good specs (like better accuracy and range) they can prove to be extremely useful.

I use mostly melee and when I'm overwhelmed and near defeat at the hands of larger enemies in number I pull out the shotgun which makes short work of enemies at close to medium range.

I modded one with legendary bonus damage so it has a very large magazine, quick reload, low recoil and good fire rate.

It's a real lifesaver as it can force larger enemies backwards, blow them to bits or cripple them, depending on their size and health.

This is the one i use and there are probably better ones available.

http://ocau.com/pix/4pzk2

I found the same with sniper rifles, it took a bit of trial and error and allocating the right perks to find one that performs to my liking.

I use mine plenty, generally in small cramped spaces. It helps bringing those rude feral ghouls who don't respect your personal
space down quick enough. Although the shotgun I use is the combat shotgun. XD To increase their damage output,
you'll need the rifleman perk right?

Shotguns bad? I suspect you're using them the wrong way. They're not meant for ranged combat. It's a close quarter weapon. In that environment, it slays everything.

Double Barrel ones are effective when you're just started. It's a cool close quarter head boomer.

In high level, I just can't use it anymore as enemy's head become more and more like rubber. Hence, combat shotgun is for you.

In this run i ONLY use shotguns.

Two combat shotguns, one explosive, one wounding.

If you're on PC and using mods: Try the IF-88 Tactical Shotgun... it's maybe what you are looking for.

Edit: when using explosive shotguns with maxed out demolition perk, i strongly advise to use the padded mod for your chestpiece (or save often)

Also, you have to remember that shotguns are tied to the rifleman perks. .. If you chose to concentrate on gunslinger or commando they might not seem as powerful.

In the beginning of the game I found the shotgun to be a really great "running around stupidly" gun. If something popped up out from under a rock unexpectedly I could blast it in the legs and run away a bit. Since I focused on a sniper build, by end game, yes the shotgun was a bit useless to me.. also, pretty darn heavy once you get it modded up. But it was definitely a necessity for me for quite awhile. I named my shotgun Toothless.. I felt that was a pretty good name for a shotgun.

You gotta be joking! My main gun is sawn-off double barrel shotgun and coupled with overdrive it kicks enemies like a mule! (and on this run I don't even use VATS).

I'm still using a sawn-off shotgun at level 60. Of course, it's a legendary one, but still.


As for the Combat Shotgun, I don't use it because I hate how similar it looks to the Combat Rifle.