Obviously I haven't seen the top of the range weapons yet, but I'm alternating between the Laser Rifle, Combat Shotgun and when roaming the wilds the Chinese Assault rifle (I've sent my melee character on holiday and playing a energy weaponeer atm). I favour the Laser Rifle when the going gets tough, the extra attack in VATS I find useful, although I find the flamer good against Mireluks(Sp?) now that I knwo to hold the key/button down.
PS The talon dudes are still donating, they've paid for my Megaton House upgrades all by themselves, nice of them.:laugh: