Best shotgun in general?

[spade]

I got a riot shotgun because i've heard it's generally the best, but it just doesn't seem to do very well in combat, any tips?

[CJOLL4]

If your character has low strength, you might go with the Lever-action Shotgun. It deals the highest damage out of all 20 ga. shotguns in the game. It also benefits from the Cowboy perk.

If your character has higher strength, you should go with Dinner Bell, assuming you're willing to complete Bleed Me Dry to get it. If not, the regular Hunting Shotgun is still a great option.

Two quick notes:

1. Shotguns are much more viable if you have the related perks: Shotgun Surgeon and And Stay Back. If you aren't getting good results with the Riot Shotgun, it might be because you don't have the Shotgun Surgeon perk.
   
2. I don't have Gun Runners' Arsenal or the Courier's Stash, so I can't tell you anything about shotguns added by those DLC.

[spade]

Thanks, my character has a relatively high strength, so I'll try to get a Dinner Bell

[CJOLL4]

Oh, one more thing: hand-loaded ammunition, like magnum or slugs, is way better than the default. The hand-loader perk is your friend.

[ghpstage]

I find the regular hunting shotgun to be better than Dinner Bell due to the upgrades it can have.

[mrmike_49]

Important to get the two Perks for shotgun
1) Shotgun Surgeon
2) Knockback

using Flechette ammo, I can take out 2 (TWO) Deathclaws at point blank range!

So, yes, the Riot Gun is far and away the best up close weapon in the game!

edit: NOT so great at mid-range, obviously useless at long range. Use at close range, use VATS. For multiple targets, shoot each target once in the head, then go back for a 2nd shot (that likely won't be needed except for an occasional Deathclaw)

[CJOLL4]

Originally posted by ghpstage:

I find the regular hunting shotgun to be better than Dinner Bell due to the upgrades it can have.

Best solution: get WMX[www.nexusmods.com]

[Bansheebutt]

Dinner Bell already has the choke on it.

The long tube is pretty give or take honestly, especially given how glitchy the reload animation is.

[rept]

BIG BOOMER