10mm pistols are sidearms using the 10mm ammunition that was common before the Great War. They were used extensively by the Bureau of Alcohol, Drugs, Tobacco, Firearms and Lasers, while in the military such pistols were being phased out in favor of energy weapons.[1] Their ruggedness, reliability, and firepower made them a popular choice among wastelanders and thus a staple of wasteland firefights.[2]
The Colt 6520 10mm autoloading pistol is a highly durable and efficient weapon developed by Colt Firearms prior to the Great War.[3][4] It proved to be resistant to the desert-like conditions of the post-nuclear wasteland and is a fine example of workmanship and quality construction (at least for the pre-War models, which became more scarce over time). The simple design of the gun allows it to be easily manufactured with relatively basic equipment, making it possible to be replicated in workshops in the post-nuclear world. The Colt 6520's durability, reliability, and simple design makes it very popular among wasteland denizens, for whom sophisticated high maintenance weapons would be a liability to survival.[5]
Characteristics[]
The basic pistol throughout the early stages of the game, it should be retired the moment the player picks up the 10mm submachine gun in Vault 15, which boasts the same damage, but 2.5 times larger magazine and burst firing mode.
Locations[]
The player starts the game with one in their inventory.
Vendors
Commonly sold by all gun merchants in the game.
Non-player characters
Commonly used by all characters in the game.
Behind the scenes[]
The visual appearance of the weapon is based on the sidearm belonging to the protagonist of Hard Boiled.
Gallery[]
Cover of the Hard Boiled comic showing the gun that inspired the 10mm.
↑Fallout 4 loading screen hints: "Small, dependable, reasonably powerful and widely available, the 10mm Pistol has been a staple of Wasteland combat since the bombs first fell."
↑In-game description for the 10mm pistol in Fallout and Fallout 2: "{800}{}{10mm Pistol}" "{801}{}{A Colt 6520 10mm autoloading pistol. Each pull of the trigger will automatically reload the firearm until the magazine is empty. Single shot only, using the powerful 10mm round. Min ST: 3.}"
↑Vault Dweller's Survival Guide p.5-15: "This is your basic ranged weapon. The 10mm round packs a goodly punch, and the Colt pistol is a fine example of workmanship and quality. It is a single shot weapon only, meaning that every time you pull the trigger, you will fire one, and only one, round of ammunition. The 6520 has no problem feeding hollowpoint ammunition for small game hunting, or armor piercing rounds for larger, bipedal game."