For an overview of combat shotgun models throughout the Fallout series, see Combat shotgun. |
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The combat shotgun is a small gun in Fallout 3.
Background[]
The combat shotgun was a weapon born out of necessity in a world ravaged by war and resource shortages. Instead of lightweight metal alloys used in eg. the Citykiller, it uses wood and stamped metal sheets that greatly reduce manufacturing costs, while its design maximizes durability without sacrificing the firepower provided by standard 12 gauge shotgun shells. Although it might have seemed antiquated, the combination of firepower, ruggedness, and low price tag resulted in widespread adoption by the United States military.[1] Though early models used a combination drum-and-tube magazine (when placed in the magazine well, the drum would fill the tube with shells), standardized, mass-produced versions used a more conventional magazine placement with a variety of magazine types available.[2]
Its widespread use led to the development of a large variety of modifications, allowing for in-depth customization. These include various optics, ranging from simple iron sight rings, through reflex sights, to night vision and recon scopes, bayonets and compensators, as well as adjustable, pistol-grip tactical stocks from lightweight alloys. To capitalize on this, the military introduced the combat rifle: A combat shotgun rechambered for rifle rounds and without the heat shroud protecting the barrel. Everything else was left in place, including the original magazine well with the drum mount. Despite that, the resulting rifle was as cheap, effective, and popular as the combat shotgun.[3]
Its popularity proved enduring, as working units were salvaged after the Great War and pressed into use by wastelanders of all stripes, including merchant guards, adventurers, raiders, slavers, Gunners, and Talon Company mercs.
Characteristics[]

Combat shotgun expanded
Vastly superior to the sawed-off shotgun, the combat shotgun combines a large magazine with mutilating close-range damage. The only drawback is the weapon's poor reliability, as the combat shotgun deteriorates quickly. However, considering it is commonly used by human opponents, and its use in traps, you can usually find enough to keep at least one in fully working order.
Unlike the combat shotguns in previous Fallout games, the combat shotgun in Fallout 3 is not fully-automatic.
At 100% condition the combat shotgun can fire 145 shells, approximately 12 drum magazines, before breaking.
Variants[]
- The Terrible Shotgun, a shotgun that deals an obscene amount of damage to targets, in exchange for a much wider spread.
- Sim version (Operation: Anchorage add-on), a sim-only version of the weapon which differs in health, having such a high rating as to be essentially non-degrading. It also has a cleaner, less battered appearance than the standard Capital Wasteland version.
Comparison[]
Name | Type | Dmg/shot | DPS | Att/sec | Crit mult | Crit dmg | Spread | AP cost | Ammo | Ammo cap | Weight | Item HP | Value |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Combat shotgun | Shotgun | 55 | 82.5 | 1.5 | x1 | 27 | 3.0 | 27 | Shotgun shell | 12 | 7 | 200 | 240 |
The Terrible Shotgun | Shotgun | 80 | 120 | 1.5 | x1 | 40 | 6.0 | 27 | Shotgun shell | 12 | 10 | 350 | 250 |
Locations[]
- Rivet City- One is on display at Flak 'N Shrapnel's and can be bought or stolen.
- Fairfax Ruins- Some raiders will carry a combat shotgun.
- Megaton- One can be found in the Megaton armory.
- One can be found at the Dickerson Tabernacle Chapel.
- All rigged shotgun traps when disarmed will give you a low-condition combat shotgun plus some ammunition.
- Carolina Red, Lana Danvers, Leroy Walker, Rocksalt, Ryan Brigg all carry the combat shotgun.
- Simone Cameron will carry one at the Lincoln Memorial if you side with the slaves.
Gallery[]
- ↑ Use by soldiers in Operation: Anchorage
- ↑ Differences in design between Fallout 3 and Fallout 4.
- ↑ Design and modification options in Fallout 4.