There is an abundance of pistols in Fallout 4 to choose from, so if you’re unsure of which sidearm to use, here is a compilation of some of the top pistols in the game.
In Fallout 4, players have access to a vast selection of weapons, ranging from fiery swords to nuclear launchers. Even those who prefer a more straightforward approach or are following a Gunslinger build can find a variety of pistols to use in the game.
Despite their small size, these pistols should not be underestimated as some of them can deliver a powerful punch. With that in mind, here is a compilation of the top pistols in Fallout 4.
Table of Contents
- Deliverer
- Kellogg’s Pistol
- Wastelander’s Friend
- The Gainer
- Western Revolver
- Explosive 10mm pistol
- Old Faithful
- Eddie’s Peace
- Lorenzo’s Artifact Gun
- Hub’s Alien Blaster pistol
- Plasma Pistol
- Acid Soaker
- Salvaged Assaultron Head
- Survivor’s Special
- Zeta Gun
- Damage: 25
- Ammo: 10mm round
- Magazine Size: 12
- Fire rate: 66
- Range: 53
- Accuracy: 67
- AP cost: 26
Bonus perk: Enhanced VATS accuracy and 25% reduced Action Point expenditure.
Suggested modifications: Advanced Receiver, Extended Barrel, Sharpshooter’s Grip, Large Quick Eject Mag, Glow Sights, Suppressor
If you are familiar with Fallout 4, you are aware of the effectiveness of the Deliverer. This weapon stands out as the top pistol in the game and is also considered one of the strongest overall. Its combination of a suppressor attachment and reduced recoil makes it a perfect choice for stealth-oriented builds like the Infiltrator, which heavily utilizes VATS.
To obtain the Deliverer, make your way to the Old North Church and descend into the catacombs. There, you will find a bronze plate inscribed with “Boston, the Freedom Trail.”Interact with the plate and spell out the word R-A-I-L-R-O-A-D to proceed.
After completing the task, a hidden passage will be revealed next to the plate. Proceed into the room and converse with Deacon to initiate the Tradecraft quest. Upon completing the quest, you will receive the Deliverer as a reward.
Kellogg’s Pistol
- Damage: 48
- Ammo: 10mm round
- Magazine Size: 12
- Fire rate: 6
- Range: 119
- Accuracy: 70
- AP cost: 20
Additional benefit: Restores your AP when landing a Critical Hit.
Suggested modifications: Upgraded Receiver, Bull Barrel, Comfortable Grip, Short-range Scope
The Kellogg’s Pistol is a highly effective weapon that replenishes your Action Points with every critical hit. When combined with an Overdrive chem, it essentially provides an endless supply of Action Points. Simply perform a critical hit to refill the Action Points, use them to execute more VATS hits, and fill the critical meter to trigger another critical hit. This cycle can be repeated continuously.
To obtain the Kellogg’s Pistol, begin the quest Reunions, which is a main story mission assigned by Nick Valentine. You will need to travel to Fort Hagen and defeat Kellogg in order to acquire the weapon.
3. Wastelander’s Friend
- Damage: 18
- Ammo: 10mm round
- Magazine Size: 24
- Fire rate: 46
- Range: 83
- Accuracy: 76
Additional benefit: 50% increase in limb damage.
Suggested modifications: Upgraded Automatic Receiver, Muzzle Brake, Extended Quick Eject Magazine, Precision Grip, Extended Light Ported Barrel
Wastelander’s Friend is an exceptional 10mm pistol, known for its legendary effect that inflicts 50% more limb damage, making it ideal for immobilizing opponents. With the help of different perks, you can enhance its base damage from 18 to an impressive 60. Additionally, the 10mm ammo is both affordable and capable of inflicting significant damage.
Location: This weapon is available for purchase at Bunker’s Hill from Deb, as indicated on the map above.
4. The Gainer
- Damage: 48
- Ammo: .44 round
- Magazine Size: 6
- Fire rate: 6
- Range: 119
- Accuracy: 74
Bonus feature: Inflicts 15 points of damage by setting the target on fire.
Suggested modifications: Advanced Receiver, Bull Barrel, Comfort Grip, Reflex Sight
The Gainer is a one-of-a-kind. 44 pistol that is relatively easy to obtain and packs a powerful punch. However, its ammunition can be difficult to come by, making it most effective against swift adversaries. Additionally, using the Gainer adds a sense of satisfaction as it ignites your foes in flames.
Location: To reach the Vitale Pumphouse, follow the directions on the map. Once you arrive, enter through the open door and continue past the hallway to descend a set of stairs. You will then encounter a locked door next to a machine with buttons.
To open the door, a specific number of presses is required for each button. The required number of presses for each button, from left to right, is 10, 4, 5, and 1. Once the door is open, you can enter the room and retrieve the Gainer that is found next to a dead body.
Western Revolver
- Damage: 60 (Attack)
- Ammo: .44 round
- Magazine Size: 6
- Fire rate: 6
- Range: 179
- Accuracy: 66
- AP cost: 28
Additional benefit: None
Some suggested mods for this weapon include the Advanced Receiver, Long Barrel, Sharpshooter’s Grip, and Standard Sights.
If the Deliverer is too powerful for your preference, the Western Revolver offers a balanced option that packs a strong punch and adds excitement to combat. Its design stays true to its Western origins, providing a touch of New Vegas nostalgia. Additionally, the weapon synergizes seamlessly with the Gunslinger perk.
To obtain the Western Revolver, make your way to the Eastern entrance of Dry Rock Gulch on the map and speak to Sheriff Eagle. From there, continue down the street until you come across a Blacksmith building. Inside, engage in a duel with One-Eyed Ike and he will reward you with the Western Revolver.
6. Explosive 10mm Pistol
- Damage: 105
- Ammo: 10mm
- Magazine Size: 6
- Fire rate: 127
- Range: 89
- Accuracy: 76
Additional benefit: Upon impact, bullets cause an area of damage of 15 points due to explosion.
Suggested modifications: A powerful automatic receiver, a long light ported barrel, a sharpshooter’s grip, a large quick eject magazine, a recon scope, and a suppressor are all highly recommended for optimal performance.
The 10mm Explosive pistol is a fan favorite among the variety of weapons available in Fallout 4. While the regular version can be obtained early on, players may need to engage in farming to acquire its legendary explosive variant.
Acquiring the Weapon: Obtaining this weapon is not a guaranteed task. One strategy is to travel to Faneuil Hall and save your game outside the location. Continuously defeat Legendary Protectron Guardians until you come across the weapon. If it is not found, reload your saved game from outside the location and repeat the process until the weapon is finally obtained from one of the Guardians.
7. Old Faithful Geyser
- Damage: 24
- Ammo: Fusion cell
- Magazine Size: 30
- Fire rate: 50
- Range: 71
- Accuracy: 71
Additional benefit: Inflicts double damage when the target is at maximum health.
Suggested modifications: Upgraded Capacitor, Enhanced Sniper Barrel, Recoil-Reducing Stock, Extended Recon Scope, Precisely-Tuned Beam Focuser
Old Faithful is a laser pistol with a special ability that inflicts twice the damage when used against a target at full health. Furthermore, this weapon is highly customizable and can be transformed into a powerful one-shot kill sniper rifle through extensive modifications.
Purchase: This weapon can be purchased from Arturo at Commonwealth Weaponry in Diamond City Market.
8. Eddie’s Peace
- Damage: 48
- Ammo: .44 round
- Magazine Size: 6
- Fire rate: 6
- Range: 83
- Accuracy: 81
- AP cost: 26.25
Additional benefit: Increases limb damage by 50%.
Suggested modifications: Standard Receiver, Snubnose Barrel, Comfort Grip, Short Scope
Overall, Eddie’s Peace is a powerful pistol that can deal a significant amount of damage, especially when combined with its unique effect. However, the projectiles it fires are slow, making it less effective in combat. A superior option would be the Wastelander’s Friend, which offers the same effect but is a more well-rounded and efficient pistol.
Head to Andrew Station and initiate the Long Time Coming quest. Once you have defeated Eddie, search his body to obtain the pistol.
9. Lorenzo’s Artifact Gun
- Damage: 25 (Explosion) + 10 (Radiation)
- Ammo: Gamma round
- Magazine size: 8
- Fire rate: 66
- Range: 203
- Accuracy: 69
Additionally, this ability has a bonus effect of stunning or knocking enemies back within the designated area.
Suggested modifications: Lorenzo’s Artifact, Sharpshooter’s Grip, Electric Signal Carrying Anetnnae.
Lorenzo’s Artifact Gun stands out among other pistols on this list due to its unique combination of radiation damage and stunning capabilities. While most radiation weapons cause radiation poisoning, this pistol deals pure radiation damage, which may appear less effective in comparison. However, it still proves to be a formidable choice among pistols.
Directions: Follow the map to Parsons State Insane Asylum and initiate the side quest The Secret of Cabot House. Once inside, defeat Lorenzo and claim his weapon as a reward.
10. Hub’s Alien Blaster Pistol
- Damage: 50
- Ammo: Alien blaster round/ Fusion cell (with mod)
- Magazine size: 42
- Fire rate: 100
- Range: 149
- Accuracy: 76
Additional benefit: Critical hits will result in twice the damage and the critical meter will fill up 15% more quickly.
Suggested modifications: Extended Barrel, Precision Grip, Fusion Magazine, Basic Sights
The Alien Pistol, found in Hub and included in the Nuka-World DLC, is known as one of the most powerful pistols in the game. In comparison to the Alien Blaster found in the base game, the Alien Pistol outperforms it with its legendary effect.
To begin the quest Trip To The Stars, interact with Dara at the Hubologist’s Camp on the Nuka-World map. As you complete the quest, Dara will give you the weapon as a reward.
Plasma Pistol
Plasma Pistol in Fallout 4
- Damage: 24 (Attack) + 24 (Energy)
- Ammo: Plasma cartridge
- Magazine Size: 30
- Fire rate: 33
- Range: 119
- Accuracy: 142
- AP cost: 34
Additional benefit: There is no additional benefit.
Suggested modifications: Overcharged Capacitor, Short Barrel, Comfort Grip, Reflex Sight
The Plasma Pistol, similar to the Alien Blaster, is a visually appealing weapon that fires superheated plasma bolts. It is readily available for purchase from a merchant, making it easily obtainable. Due to its energy-based nature, it inflicts both ballistic and energy damage, making it a formidable weapon.
Where to Find: Once your character reaches level 16, this weapon can be purchased from a merchant, preferably in Diamond City.
12. Acid Soaker
- Damage: 10
- Ammo: Acid concentrate
- Magazine Size: 20
- Fire rate: 66
- Range: 35
- Accuracy: 89
- AP cost: 26
Additional benefit: Causes continuous acid damage and temporarily decreases damage resistance.
Suggested modifications: None
A notable addition to the Nuka-World DLC’s arsenal is this particular weapon, known for its ability to deal acid damage, setting it apart from other pistols featured on the list. However, its distinctiveness comes at a cost – the weapon’s ammunition requires a considerable amount of resources to be crafted, making it a significant drawback.
Obtaining Location: This weapon is available for purchase from the Nuka-Cade Prize Terminal at a cost of 6250 tickets.
Salvaged Assaultron Head
- Damage: 35
- Ammo: Fusion cell
- Magazine Size: Charged single shot
- Fire rate: 11
- Range: 93
- Accuracy: 65
This weapon discharge will result in the shooter being irradiated by 50 rads as a bonus effect.
Suggested modifications: None
The Salvaged Assaultron Head, a weapon component from the Automatron DLC, closely resembles a laser pistol. Although its appearance is impressive, it does not shoot laser beams like an authentic Assaultron’s head. Additionally, the weapon requires recharging after each shot, making it difficult to use effectively in combat.
Location: This weapon can be found south of the Tesla Rifle, as shown on the map. It is located in a room with three pillars, inside a Steamer Trunk.
Survivor’s Special
- Damage: 31
- Ammo: Fusion cell
- Fire rate: 44
- Range: 71
- Accuracy: 42
Additional benefit: The lower your health is, the more damage it inflicts.
Suggested modifications: Photon Exciter, Automatic Barrel, Sharpshooter’s Grip, Reflex Sight, Beam Splitter
Survivor’s Special has a distinctive weapon effect, but that is its only standout feature. Although it can be a lifesaver in dire moments when your health is low, it does not have a significant impact when used against Behemoths or other formidable adversaries while you are at full health.
How to Obtain: This weapon can be acquired by initiating The Lost Patrol quest, or by defeating Paladin Brandis at the same location and taking the weapon from his body.
15. Zeta Gun
- Damage: 10 (radiation)
- Ammo: Gamma round
- Magazine Size: 8
- Fire rate: 66
- Range: 119
- Accuracy: 69
Additional benefit: Causes an area of effect that stuns enemies upon impact.
Suggested upgrades: Zeta Wave Barrel, Sharpshooter’s Grip, Electric Signal Carrying Anetnnae
The Zeta gun utilizes Zeta rays to inflict radiation damage on your target. By equipping the Electric Signal Carrier Antenna, you can increase the base damage by 40. Despite its notoriety as one of the weakest weapons in the game, the Zeta gun is actually quite useful in the early stages, dealing a considerable amount of damage.
To obtain the Zeta Gun, go to the designated area on the map and initiate the side quest The Secret of Cabot House. Once there, you will need to decide between freeing Lorenzo and killing Jack Cabot. Afterwards, you can collect the weapon from Jack’s corpse.
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