When it comes to maximizing damage output in Fallout 76, the choice of weapon can make or break your survival, especially in high-level content or solo runs. Among the array of guns and melee weapons scattered across Appalachia, the Dom Pedro has been turning heads lately. But how does it really stack up against the rest of Ohio’s arsenal? I spent some time testing, tweaking builds, and comparing numbers to see if this shotgun deserves the hype.
The Dom Pedro Basics
For those unfamiliar, the Dom Pedro is a variant of the double-barrel shotgun found primarily in the Ohio region. Its base damage is solid, and what makes it stand out is the sheer burst potential. In close-quarters combat, one well-placed shot can obliterate enemies that might take several hits with a standard combat shotgun. Personally, I found it especially satisfying when clearing tight spaces in events like the Brotherhood of Steel missions—one shot, a clean sweep.
One thing to note is that the Dom Pedro favors perk builds that boost shotgun damage or improve reload speed. If you’re rocking perks like Shotgunner or Expert Shotgun, you’ll see noticeable DPS gains. But don’t underestimate the importance of armor penetration—some high-level enemies can shrug off a few shots if you’re not packing the right ammo.
Comparing DPS Against Ohio Weapons
I ran a series of tests against similar-tier Ohio weapons, including the Liberator and the Ohio-made combat rifles. For consistency, I kept all my mods standard and tested against level-50 Scorched enemies. Here’s what stood out:

• Liberator: Good range, manageable recoil, and faster fire rate than Dom Pedro. But at point-blank, it lacks the punch of a double-barrel blast. If you’re playing with friends and need a bit of crowd control without overcommitting, it’s a solid choice.
• Ohio Combat Rifle: Reliable, balanced, and hits consistently at mid-range. However, its DPS peaks lower than the Dom Pedro in close combat. You’ll want this for versatility, but don’t expect to one-shot heavily armored mobs.
• Dom Pedro: Peak DPS is unmatched in short-range encounters. My personal tip: combine it with stealth perks or sneak attacks for an even higher damage spike.

The takeaway? Dom Pedro shines in close quarters, while other Ohio weapons tend to offer better range and steady output. Your choice should depend on whether you value explosive bursts or consistent hits over distance.
Fallout 76 Items That Boost Shotgun Damage
If you’re looking to really push the Dom Pedro to its limits, you’ll want to explore other Fallout 76 items that complement it. Ammo types, armor mods, and temporary buffs can all significantly affect DPS. For example, the “Explosive” ammo perk turns each shot into a mini-firework, often doubling damage in crowded scenarios. On the other hand, armor mods that increase shotgun damage or critical hit chance make every trigger pull feel satisfying.
Personally, I like combining a Dom Pedro with a set of perks that reduce recoil and increase critical damage. It turns an already powerful shotgun into a close-range monster, capable of shredding high-level bosses in seconds.
Where to Find the Dom Pedro
One thing I’ve noticed is that this shotgun isn’t as common as other Ohio weapons. Hunting it down can feel like a mini-quest of its own. Some players swear by checking specific high-level vendors or rare loot locations. For those who prefer a shortcut, services like U4GM can help acquire weapons and items in the game. While I usually advocate exploring and farming for gear, I can understand the appeal—especially if you just want to jump into endgame content with a competitive setup.

In my experience, the Dom Pedro is a close-range powerhouse that can outperform many other Ohio weapons under the right conditions. If your playstyle revolves around aggressive, up-close combat, it’s definitely worth the effort. That said, versatility is a strong argument for other weapons—you’ll need to adapt depending on mission types and enemy composition.
A final tip: don’t ignore the importance of perks and complementary items. A high-damage weapon alone won’t make you unstoppable. Proper build synergy can turn an already deadly Dom Pedro into a game-changer. And for those of you trying to diversify your arsenal, exploring other Fallout 76 items can add surprising advantages, even in areas you thought were underwhelming.
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