Fallout 4 Best Pistol: 14 Pistols Ranked + Locations

Yes, you read the title right: “Fallout 4 best pistol.” Fallout 4 is one of the best games ever created. From revolvers to plasma pistols, there are a variety of handguns to collect in Fallout 4 and its expansion packs. The best guns in Fallout 4 are listed below, along with their stats and the locations to discover them. If you play Fallout 4 regularly, you will know the significant number of weapons to select from. However, these picks outshine the rest in potency and destructive potential.

Best Pistol In Fallout 4 Compared

Here is a comparison table of my best Pistols in Fallout 4 . Each stat can be sorted to view the highest and lowest values, which has been done for your convenience:

No.	Pistols	Damage	Ammo	Clip size	Fire rate	Range	Accuracy	Value	Weight
1	The Compensated A5 Pipe Pistol	13	.38 round	12	55	83	57	20	2.3
2	The Compensated .38 Pipe Bolt Action Pistol	34	.308 round	6	2	95	63	30	3.2
3	The Old Faithful	24	Fusion Cell	30	50	71	71	918	3.9
4	Kellog’s Pistol	48	.48 round	6	6	119	70	449	4.3
5	Zeta Gun	direct hit: 10! Area of effect: 11.5!	Gamma round	8	6	119	69	156	3.1
6	The Compensated Advanced 10MM Pistol	18	10mm round	12	46	83	60	45	3.5
7	The Compensated .308 Pipe Revolver Pistol	24	.45 round	6	6	83	61	25	4.2
8	Sharpshooter’s Alien Blaster Pistol	50	Alien blaster round	42	100	119	79	1551	2.5
9	Improved targeting Overcharged Laser Pistol	55	Fusion cell	-	-	-	-	364	4.3
10	The Compensated .50 Pipe Bolt Action Pistol	34	.308 round	6	2	95	63	30	3.2
11	The Bull Barrel Advanced .44 Pistol	48	.308 round	6	6	83	65	93	4.2
12	Eddie’s Peace	48	.44 round	6	6	83	81	454	5.0
13	Tactical Overcharged Plasma Pistol	24 attack 24 energy	Plasma cartridge	30	33	119	142	123	3.9
14	Sharpshooter’s Gamma Gun	direct hit: 100 + 10! Area of effect: 23!	Gamma Round	8	66	119	69	3	5sec

Finding good pistols in the game can provide you with tremendous advantages and increase your chances of survival. Click here if you want to know about the overall best weapons in Fallout 4. This guide is about Fallout 4 best pistol, and to learn more about it, read till the end and get hands-on the best handguns in the game. Let’s get started.

The Compensated A5 Pipe Pistol

Best for Beginners.

Damage	13
Ammo	.38 round
Clip size	12
Fire rate	55
Range	83
Accuracy	57
Value	20
Weight	2.3
Reload	1.0

In Fallout 4, there are various handguns, with some being more powerful than others. The Pipe Pistol with a .45 caliber receiver is a good choice, especially for beginners.

It’s a reliable secondary weapon for dealing with threats like ghouls and Deathclaws. Adding a .45 caliber receiver increases its damage per shot, and you can customize it further with other modifications.

To find the Pipe Pistol, visit Bedford Station and use a terminal. If you can’t find one, you can buy it from Arturo Rodriguez, a vendor in Diamond City.

The Compensated .38 Pipe Bolt Action Pistol

Best for Close to Mid-Range Combat.

Damage	34
Ammo	.308 round
Clip size	6
Fire rate	2
Range	95
Accuracy	63
Value	30
Weight	3.2

The Pipe Bolt pistol with a .38 caliber receiver is another excellent handgun in Fallout 4. Bolt action pistols are known for their high damage output, making them a great choice for close to mid-range combat.

These pistols excel in accuracy, ensuring each shot hits the target and quickly drains their HP. Despite its unconventional appearance, the Pipe bolt action pistol’s damage and accuracy are top-notch, dealing 34 damage per shot with .308 rounds.

You can easily find this weapon by looting raiders or settlers. If you visit Drumlin Diner early in the game and complete Trudy’s quests, she will sell you a pipe bolt action pistol. It’s a reliable choice for those looking to deal significant damage in the wasteland.

The Old Faithful

Best Laser Pistol.

Type	Unique energy weapon
Effect	Does double damage if the target is at full health.
Damage	24
Ammo	Fusion cell
Clip size	30
Fire rate	50
Range	71
Accuracy	71
Value	918
Weight	3.9

The Old Faithful is a great laser pistol you can find in Fallout 4. This amazing handgun deals double damage to the enemies. This pistol is great for sneak attacks, and that will give you a chance to get the sneak bonus. Players can buy this gun from Arturo, a guy you can find in Diamond City.

Old Faithful is a one-of-a-kind laser pistol with the Instigating Effect, which allows it to deal twice damage to enemies who are initially at total health. This fantastic pistol can spawn as a laser rifle substitute at higher levels.

Kellogg’s Pistol

Best for V.A.T.S. Combat.

Type	Unique pistol
Quests	Reunions
Effect	Refills your Action Points on a Critical Hit
Damage	48
Ammo	.48 round
Clip size	6
Fire rate	6
Range	119
Accuracy	70
Value	449
Weight	4.3

Kellogg’s Pistol is a notable handgun in Fallout 4, associated with the infamous Kellogg. It possesses the “Relentless” effect, which makes it stand out. You can acquire this pistol early in the game.

Keep in mind that it has a high Action Points (AP) cost. However, it shines in V.A.T.S. combat, as it refills your AP, providing an advantage in battles. The Kellogg’s Pistol deals substantial damage to enemies.

One drawback is its low fire rate, making it unsuitable for sneak attacks. This handgun is an excellent choice for new players and can be obtained after defeating Kellogg and taking it from him. It carries the legacy of its previous owner and is a formidable addition to your arsenal.

Zeta Gun

Best Gamma Pistol.

Type	Radiation Weapon
Quests	The Secret of Cabot House
Effect	The area of effect stuns enemies on a hit
Damage	direct hit: 10! Area of effect: 11.5!
Ammo	Gamma round
Clip size	8
Fire rate	66
Range	119
Accuracy	69
Value	156
Weight	3.1

The Zeta Gun is a gamma pistol that players will come across multiple times in the game. This fantastic pistol can knock down enemies on a single shot. This handgun is a modified Gamma gun that deals very little damage and has no unique radiation or poisoning effect. Although this gun has does not have extra radiation damage, this pistol can be a good option for beginners.

You can find the Zeta gun inside the Science Lab in the Cabot House.

The Compensated Advanced 10MM Pistol

Most Powerful Pistol.

Type	Pistol
Damage	18
Ammo	10mm round
Clip size	12
Fire rate	46
Range	83
Accuracy	60
AP Cost	21
Value	45
Weight	3.5
Reload	2.7 (1.7) sec

The ten-millimeter pistol, upgraded with an advanced receiver, is a solid handgun choice in Fallout 4. It’s one of the most advanced and powerful pistols available in the game, offering a great balance between DPS (damage per second) and accuracy.

Using 10MM rounds, this weapon deals 18 damage with a fire rate of 46, making it a versatile starting weapon. Modifying it with an advanced receiver adds +13 damage, resulting in a total damage of 31 per shot. This is a significant amount of damage, especially for small to medium-level enemies.

You can find a 10MM pistol right before leaving Vault 111, by exploring the Overseer’s office. It’s a reliable choice that you can start your journey in the wasteland with.

The Compensated .308 Pipe Revolver Pistol

Best for Cowboy-Themed Build.

Type	Pistol
Damage	24
Ammo	.45 round
Clip size	6
Fire rate	6
Range	83
Accuracy	61
Value	25
Weight	4.2

The Pipe revolver, upgraded with a .308 receiver, is a formidable weapon choice in Fallout 4, particularly for a cowboy-themed character build. It excels in delivering high damage output and accuracy, making it perfect for achieving critical hits.

Unlike the Pipe pistol, this unique Pipe revolver uses .45 ammo and offers remarkable damage and excellent accuracy for mid to long-range combat. The base stats show 24 damage and a fire rate of 6, but you can significantly boost both damage and fire rate with the .308 receiver upgrade, resulting in 42 damage and a fire rate of 7.

Acquiring the Pipe revolver in Fallout 4 is straightforward. Visit the Wooden Building in Bedford Station, go to the second floor, and find a desk containing the Pipe revolver. Alternatively, you can loot this weapon from the bodies of raiders and super mutants throughout the game world. It’s a great choice for those who want a powerful and accurate revolver in their arsenal.

Sharpshooter’s Alien Blaster Pistol

Best Alien-Based Weapon.

Type	Unique energy weapon
Damage	50
Ammo	Alien blaster round
Fusion cell (with mod)
Clip size	42
Fire rate	100
Range	119
Accuracy	79
AP Cost	20
Value	1551
Weight	2.5

The Alien Blaster pistol, specifically the Sharpshooter’s Alien Blaster, is a standout choice in Fallout 4. It has a futuristic appearance and fires blue energy bolts. However, it comes with a couple of downsides.

One major drawback is the rarity of its ammo. You may also want to avoid upgrading the weapon’s barrel, sight, or grip, as it can reduce its overall damage output. Additionally, the projectile speed is slow, which can be problematic when trying to deal significant damage to your enemies.

The Alien Blaster has a damage output of 50 per shot, making it a great option for beginners.

To get this gun, you’ll need to steal it from an alien, which you can find inside a cave near a destroyed UFO. Head Northeast from the crash site and follow the green liquid on the nearby rocks and ground to locate the cave.

Improved Targeting Overcharged Laser Pistol

Best Far-Range Pistol.

Type	Unique energy weapon
Damage	55
Ammo	Fusion cell
Value	364
Weight	4.3
Projectile	550

If you are a fan of laser pistols, the laser pistol fully upgraded with no scattering is the best pick. If the Alien Blaster does not suit well for your character, you can also rely on a Laser pistol to obliterate opponents at far range and deal heavy damage. Even though both Alien Blaster and Laser pistol can yield almost similar performance, players might still want to consider Laser pistol for fusion cell ammo and over-the-top accuracy. 

The Compensated .50 Pipe Bolt Action Pistol

Best .50 Caliber Pistol.

Type	Pistol
Damage	34
Ammo	.308 round
Clip size	6
Fire rate	2
Range	95
Accuracy	63
Value	30
Weight	3.2

The Pipe Bolt pistol upgraded with a .50 caliber receiver is another excellent pistol choice in Fallout 4. Pipe bolt-action weapons are relatively easy to find, especially early in the game when settlers and low-level opponents like raiders commonly carry them.

This Pipe bolt action pistol stands out with its .50 ammo modification, making it a strong option for long-range combat despite its initial damage output. With the right character perks, you can turn it into a formidable weapon.

Notably, this pistol offers better accuracy and longer range compared to the standard pipe bolt pistol.

To get this pistol, head to Concord. As you move north of the Museum of Freedom, you’ll come across a house. Inside the house, go upstairs and find the dead body of a raider, next to which you’ll discover this bolt action pistol. It’s a great choice for those looking for a long-range pistol option.

The Bull Barrel Advanced .44 Pistol

Best Accuracy.

Type	Pistol
Damage	48
Ammo	.308 round
Clip size	6
Fire rate	6
Range	83
Accuracy	65
AP Cost	25
Value	93
Weight	4.2

The .44 pistol upgraded to the advanced receiver is next on the list. This advanced pistol packs a punch of .44 rounds and a remarkable range with accuracy. Players utilizing this weapon will not have to worry about going up close and personal with enemies and can pick off opponents from shadows. 

It is because the .44 pistol already deals a whopping 48 damage per shot. Meanwhile, modifying it with bull barrel adds +36 to damage, which can deal fatal damage to both small and large enemies. 

Eddie’s Peace

Most Unique Pistol.

Type	Unique Pistol
Damage	48
Effect	50% more limb damage
Quests	Long Time Coming
Ammo	.44 round
Clip size	6
Fire rate	6
Range	83
Accuracy	81
AP Cost	26.25
Value	454
Weight	5.0

Eddie’s Peace is one of the best pistols in Fallout 4. It is a .44 pistol with a snubnosed barrel. Players often get confused by the look of this pistol as it looks like a rifle. It often gets mistaken for a gun because of its scope.

Eddie Winter attached this rifle scope on this pistol when he had it during the Holocaust. In addition to the sight scope, Winter also added polymer grips to this pistol. This weapon deals tremendous damage to opponents and has a great fire rate.

In addition, Eddie’s Peace has a crippling effect which is essential to deal tremendous damage to your enemies. Interestingly, this crippling Effect is most likely a reference to kneecapping, which a criminal leader like Eddie would like to do. It also gives 50 percent more limb damage compared to other guns.

Tactical Overcharged Plasma Pistol

Best Energy Pistol.

Type	Energy Weapon
Damage	24 attack 24 energy
Effect	50% more limb damage
Ammo	Plasma cartridge
Clip size	30
Fire rate	33
Range	119
Accuracy	142
AP Cost	34
Value	123
Weight	3.9

The fully upgraded Plasma pistol with no scattering is an excellent energy handgun in Fallout 4. Energy weapons add excitement to gameplay, and the Plasma pistol is one of the top energy weapons in the game, capable of dealing both ballistic and energy damage to formidable foes.

Unfortunately, this weapon uses Plasma Cartridges as rounds. So make sure you have plenty of ammo before pursuing gameplay solely with a Plasma pistol. 

To get the Plasma pistol, you’ll need to progress in the storyline and reach at least level 16. Once you reach this level, you can visit vendors in Commonwealth Boston to purchase one for bottle caps. Alternatively, you can find Plasma pistols occasionally carried by higher-level Gunners defending outposts. It’s a versatile weapon that can be a game-changer in battles.

Sharpshooter’s Gamma Gun

Best Stunning Pistol.

Type	Radiation Weapon
Damage	direct hit: 100 + 10! Area of effect: 23!
Effect	The area of effect stuns enemies on a hit
Ammo	Gamma Round
Clip size	8
Fire rate	66
Range	119
Accuracy	69
AP Cost	156
Value	3
Weight	5sec

The gamma gun pistol fully upgraded weapon, is a must-have for everyone who plays Fallout 4. Gamma Gun qualifies as a powerful weapon that punches the enemy in the face and features an Area of Effect dealing onset damage to the surrounding enemies. The first hit from the Gamma Gun can also stun the enemies, giving you a competitive edge to make your move and finish the enemy with a bloody massacre. 

Obtaining the Gamma Gun requires players to hunt down Child of Atom at Kingsport Lighthouse. Once killed, you can loot off the pistol from their body and claim for your character. 

Why Others Were Not Chosen

• The Gainer: Less impressive or similar stats than other pistols.
• Early Retirement: Doesn’t deal any sort of noticeable damage.
• Wastelander’s Friend: Impressive range but low damage output.
• Gen-4 10mm Pistol: Only effective against robots.
• Silver Sidearm: No special effect, and causes low damage.
• Ultimatum: Nothing impressive other than the radiation damage.
• Flare Gun: It’s a flare gun, and nothing more.
• Classic 10mm Pistol: Low damage output.

 My Favorite

In this discussion above, you’ve learned some of the best handguns in Fallout 4. Some of these weapons deal more damage to enemies than others. If you play Fallout 4 every day, you might already know about most of these pistols. My personal recommendation is the The Compensated Advanced 10MM Pistol, which has a high damage per second and accuracy.

However, if you are a beginner, this guide will help you. It is because this guide gives you an overview of the best pistols you can get your hands on while playing the game. Moreover, you can learn more in our extensive guide to Fallout 4 best weapons. Players should also note that while they can find some of the firearms mentioned in this list quickly and in the early stages of the game, others might give you a tough time, and you might struggle to get them.