That Gun: A Closer Look at Fallout: New Vegas’s Iconic Pistol

Introduction

The Mojave Wasteland is a harsh and unforgiving place. Survival often depends on your wits, your companions, and, of course, your weapon. For many a Courier venturing out from Goodsprings, “That Gun” isn’t just another firearm; it’s a rite of passage, a symbol of preparedness, and a testament to their growing strength in a world desperate to chew them up and spit them out. This unique pistol, found nestled in the dusty town of Novac, has captured the hearts of Fallout: New Vegas players for its distinctive design and surprising effectiveness. While other weapons like the Anti-Material Rifle and the Ranger Sequoia boast higher raw power, “That Gun” carves its own niche with its early availability, respectable damage, and undeniable charm. This article will dive deep into “FNV That Gun”, exploring its origins, dissecting its stats, highlighting its strengths and weaknesses, and ultimately revealing why it continues to be a beloved icon of New Vegas.

Unearthing a Relic of the Old World Blues

To embark on the journey of acquiring “FNV That Gun”, you will need to make a stop at the sleepy town of Novac, a place known for its iconic dinosaur statue and the slightly off-kilter residents. Inside the general store, you’ll find Cliff Briscoe, the proprietor, a man with a story etched onto his face and a peculiar taste in merchandise. He is the key to getting your hands on “That Gun”. Specifically, you need to locate “That Gun” on Cliff Briscoe’s person within the shop. He will try to sell it to you for an asking price of approximately one thousand caps. This is a hefty sum for a new player, but bartering skills can significantly lower the price. Alternatively, if your skill in stealing is high enough, you can attempt to pickpocket it, though be warned, failing to do so will turn the entire town hostile. There are no other known routes to acquiring the weapon. Once acquired, you will quickly realize that this isn’t just any random pistol; its unique appearance hints at a fascinating backstory.

The story of “That Gun” is actually rather ambiguous. Its design bears a striking resemblance to the “Blade Runner” movie pistol, indicating a pre-War understanding of the classic film, or simply a clever design choice made by the developers. The “That Gun” name itself adds to the mystique, implying a legendary status or a story hidden just beneath the surface. It adds to the feeling that you, the Courier, have stumbled upon something significant within the vast wasteland.

Statistical Analysis: Breaking Down its Capabilities

“FNV That Gun” is chambered in .357 Magnum, a round known for its stopping power. Its base damage is respectable for a pistol acquired so early in the game, and its damage per second will allow you to deal with threats quickly and efficiently. Ammunition, while not the cheapest, is generally easy to come by, especially if you focus on looting containers and vendors within the Mojave Wasteland. The pistol’s critical hit chance is notable, allowing you to maximize its effectiveness in combat if you focus on perks that increase critical hit damage. Like all weapons in Fallout: New Vegas, “That Gun” requires maintenance, its condition deteriorating with use. Regular repairs, either by yourself or a skilled vendor, are necessary to keep it in top working order. Ignoring this upkeep can lead to decreased accuracy and damage, making the weapon less reliable in a firefight. There are no modifications available for this weapon.

Embracing its Strengths: What Makes it Shine

The high damage output for its class and availability gives “FNV That Gun” a considerable edge in early game encounters. Its accuracy allows you to effectively engage targets at medium ranges. Its critical hit potential further enhances its damage, rewarding skilled players who aim for weak points. The relative ease of acquiring it, especially compared to some of the more esoteric weapons in New Vegas, makes it a reliable option for most players. Its versatility is its greatest asset, allowing you to use the gun effectively against a variety of early-to-mid game threats, from annoying geckos to lightly armored raiders.

Acknowledging its Limitations: Understanding its Weaknesses

While powerful, “FNV That Gun” does have its limitations. Its .357 Magnum ammunition, while relatively common, can become scarce if you rely solely on it for every encounter. The pistol’s condition deteriorates at a moderate rate, requiring constant attention to repairs. While formidable in the early stages, “FNV That Gun” will eventually be outclassed by later-game weapons that deal significantly more damage, or have better ammunition efficiency. Some also consider the recoil to be too great for accurate rapid firing.

Playstyle Adaptations: Building Around “That Gun”

“FNV That Gun” shines brightest in the hands of a “Gunslinger” build, a character who focuses on pistols and revolvers. The Cowboy perk is essential for this type of build, increasing the damage dealt by revolvers, lever-action rifles, shotguns, and dynamite. A character focusing on critical hits can also maximize the potential of “That Gun.” The Finesse perk will give you an additional bonus to critical hit chance, while the Better Criticals perk will increase the damage dealt by critical hits. With the right perks and a little bit of luck, you can turn “That Gun” into a devastating weapon. Due to its ease of acquisition, “FNV That Gun” is a perfect weapon to utilize in the early stages of the game. It is the perfect companion for new players as they venture into the Mojave Wasteland.

A Comparison: Where it Stands Among its Peers

When compared to the standard .357 Magnum Revolver, “FNV That Gun” deals significantly more damage and offers greater accuracy. Against other early-game pistols, like the 9mm Pistol, “That Gun” wins out in terms of raw power and overall effectiveness. As you progress further into the game, you will naturally encounter more powerful options, such as the Mysterious Magnum or the Plasma Defender. But even then, “That Gun” remains a viable option, especially if you have invested in perks that enhance its critical hit potential and damage output.

Legacy and Community: Its Enduring Appeal

“FNV That Gun” is a beloved weapon in the Fallout: New Vegas community. Its distinctive design and quirky name have made it a fan favorite. Numerous mods have been created to enhance or alter the weapon, often improving its stats or adding new functionalities. The gun has also been the subject of countless memes and recurring jokes within the community, solidifying its status as a true icon of New Vegas. Many players have shared stories of their adventures with “That Gun”, recounting epic battles and humorous encounters. These anecdotes highlight the enduring appeal of this unique weapon and its lasting impact on the Fallout: New Vegas experience.

Conclusion: A Timeless Classic of the Mojave

“FNV That Gun” possesses a unique combination of power, accessibility, and undeniable style, making it a weapon that stands out even in the sprawling armory of Fallout: New Vegas. Its easy acquisition, respectable damage, and critical hit potential make it a valuable asset for any Courier. While it may eventually be outclassed by more powerful weapons, “That Gun” remains a beloved classic, a symbol of early success, and a testament to the enduring charm of Fallout: New Vegas. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a fresh-faced newcomer, That Gun is more than just a weapon; it’s an experience, a piece of New Vegas history, and a reliable companion on your journey through the wasteland. In the end, That Gun’s significance extends beyond its stats, cementing itself as an unforgettable piece of the Fallout: New Vegas experience.