Shotgun questions: how do I effectively use shotguns and which one is

[SpellAndShield]

some tips? Some I found completely ineffective, especially in VATS, such the sawed off shot gun. I am find the hunting shotgun quite effective but still am not sure as to the best way to use shot guns.

[Liquidacid23]

get up close

[Vagrant0]

A shotgun is not really designed for VATS because you're often using VATS to thin out the herd before it can reach you. A better place for the shotguns are inside the vaults and other closed spaces where you always have things popping up from around the corner. Using a slug type ammo improves VATS accuracy, but you're better off using a rifle or something similar to hit distant targets.

[SpellAndShield]

A shotgun is not really designed for VATS because you're often using VATS to thin out the herd before it can reach you. A better place for the shotguns are inside the vaults and other closed spaces where you always have things popping up from around the corner. Using a slug type ammo improves VATS accuracy, but you're better off using a rifle or something similar to hit distant targets.

 

Are you saying shotguns are overall not that useful?

[Liquidacid23]

you can get crazy criticals with shotguns .. so they ARE useful.. they are just meant to be used at relatively short range so they are best used in smaller spaces like inside buildings and vaults

[csgators]

Or as a replacement for a melee weapon when there in your face.

[DocSeanson]

Dear Shotgun Shogun,

 

 

 

Early game shotguns are great for up close limb and headshots. The Caravan shotgun 20.g is a great for a new game while the Riot Shotgun or the unique 12g. Dinner Bell will replace your form of close combat death if your going for Guns skill and take the Shotgun Surgeon perk.(spelling?) The Hunting Shotgun becomes useful after you add a few mods with better range and a tighter spread. Do not pass up the Cowboy perk either as that will increase your damage with the shotguns 25%.

 

 

Ave,

Doc

[Yum Cha]

I can smash Cazadors with my hunting shotgun. Also nice when Deathclaws get a lil'...too close...

 

I also like switching between hunting and lever action shotgun.

 

The shotguns can be pretty accurate too.

[WrathOfDeadguy]

Shotguns are at their best when you have some cover to work with. A shotgun with a tight spread (hunting shotgun, caravan shotgun, etc) and slugs can work some decent medium-range spam fire without wasting as much ammo as automatics, but you're best suited using rocks and corners to get closer before firing. The great thing about shotguns is that they land hits all over your target- for best results, aim for the upper chest. You're less likely to miss that way, and some of your pellets will probably find their head.

 

Shotguns are especially great when combined with explosives... any explosives, even weak, cheap ones, and even if you have no explosives skill to speak of. Explosives weaken and cripple enemies even if they don't kill them outright; follow up with a shotgun blast and you can net yourself several kills at once. The same trick works wonders against tough critters like Deathclaws; a mine cripples the legs and lets you get into shotgun range (but not quite melee range) safely to finish them off.

 

Videogame shotguns being unrealistically short-ranged as always, look for ways to close the distance without exposing yourself to return fire. Most folks think of sniper rifles as great for stealth characters, but the higher your sneak skill the more you can benefit from the huge up-close damage output of a shotgun, and the less your shotgun combat experience will hurt (as you'll be able to get into effective range unmolested).

[Drag00n123]

Is it worth taking the Shotgun Surgeon/Cowboy perks? I'm at level 22 so not many choices left..