Both times that I played through Fallout 3, I started out specialized in small guns. I never liked the big guns much, and I usually just keep a Missile Launcher or Fat Man around to handle the big guys (like Death Claws and Super Mutant Behemoths).

The first time through, I settled on the Chinese Assault Rifle as my favorite weapon. I found the Xuanlong Assault Rifle in the city, and it did some sweet damage. Although I always had a sweet spot for the Combat Shotgun, I packed it up and stuck with the Xuanlong throughout most of the game.

Not this time around. I found a new favorite weapon: the Terrible Shotgun.

You can pick this up at the Raider camp in Evergreen Mills.  Smiling Jack, the vendor in the back of the bazaar section, drops it when killed.  I fought my way in, killed everyone, and was pleasantly surprised when this thing dropped.

Although it’s inaccurate (it is a shotgun, after all), it is awesome at close range. Overall, I think it’s damage is comparable to the Xuanlong Assault Rifle, but it seems to be devestating when you shoot somebody point blank. Throw in a Sneak Attack bonus, and you’re all set.

I’ll probably transition to Energy Weapons at the end, because watching people melt into a pile of goo is too much fun. But until then… the Terrible Shotgun is number one.