Maria

Maria is a unique weapon in Fallout: New Vegas and also appears in the graphic novel All Roads.

Background
A heavily customized model owned by Benny, head of the Chairmen, Maria is a true work of art. The entire body of the weapon is damascened with decorative floral patterns and a polished nickel finish. The normal checkered grips were replaced by pearl panels, with the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe, considered as a representation of the Woman of the Apocalypse. The weapon has also been reassembled with the use of improved internal parts, giving it improved performance and durability.

It, along with Chance's knife, was responsible for a great amount of Fiend deaths in the pages of the graphic novel All Roads. It is also the gun used by Benny to shoot the Courier in the Fallout: New Vegas introduction cutscene.

Characteristics
Maria is the unique variant of the 9mm pistol. Apart from the unique appearance, it offers greater accuracy, a higher rate of fire, improved damage per shot, and, of course, it is more durable. The downside is that it cannot mount any weapon modifications.

It is considered an improved holdout weapon (requires Sneak skill 50 or greater).

Variants

 * 9mm pistol, the common variant.
 * Dean's 9mm pistol, a unique non-playable 9mm pistol used by Dean Domino. It only differs from the standard pistol in its use of companion ammunition.

Location

 * The Tops: Benny carries it. The weapon can be pickpocketed from him in the Casino or the presidential suite. Alternatively, killing works just as well.
 * The Fort: If Benny survives the encounter at the Tops, he will be captured by Caesar. If the player kills him while he is bound in the tent or in the arena, Maria will be present on his corpse. However, crucifying Benny will preclude gaining the weapon.

Note that it is possible to obtain two copies of Maria in both of the above encounters.

Related challenges

 * Talk About Owned: Kill Benny with Maria.