Shotguns in Fallout 76 are often overlooked in favor of rifles, heavy guns, or stealth builds. But with the right mods, shotguns can absolutely shred through enemies in both PvE and PvP situations. Whether you’re using pump-actions or combat shotguns, the right tweaks can breathe new life into these close-range beasts. Here's a breakdown of 23 essential mods that turn shotguns from situational to spectacular.

1. Refined Receiver (Combat Shotgun)

Adds better damage output while maintaining accuracy—key for consistency in mid-range fights.

2. Hardened Receiver (Pump-Action)

Boosts base damage significantly, making your pump-action shotgun hit like a freight train.

3. Aligned Long Barrel

Improves range and hip-fire accuracy. This mod lets you stay effective even when you're not hugging enemies.

4. Aligned Stock

Better recoil control and accuracy while aiming. It helps especially in VATS-heavy builds.

5. Stabilized Long Barrel

Great for keeping your spread tighter and extending range—ideal in daily ops or public events.

6. Perforating Magazine

Ignores a portion of enemy armor. This mod is a must-have when dealing with high-level enemies.

7. Extended Magazine

More shells mean fewer reloads mid-fight, which is especially helpful in mutated events.

8. Drum Magazine (Combat Shotgun)

Perfect for crowd control or boss fights. Combine this with perks like Scattershot for maximum effect.

9. Stabilized Stock

Improves bash damage and stability—a good pick if you sometimes rely on melee in tight spaces.

10. Forceful Stock

Increases bash damage and gives a little extra kick in melee-centric brawls.

11. Reflex Sight (Dot)

Fast target acquisition with reduced AP cost in VATS. Great for fast-paced encounters.

12. Glow Sights

Helps visibility in low-light areas like caves or inside buildings—underrated, but effective.

13. Muzzle Brake

Reduces recoil and helps with control, especially on automatic shotguns.

14. Suppressor

Useful for stealth-based shotgun builds, especially if you're running a sneak/VATS hybrid.

15. Automatic Receiver (Combat Shotgun)

If you want to go full Rambo, this is the way. Pair with Enforcer perk for leg-breaking fun.

16. Calibrated Receiver

Bonus critical shot damage, ideal for VATS-focused characters who like to blast limbs.

17. Steadfast Receiver

Improved bash damage and condition. A niche choice, but useful for melee/shotgun hybrids.

18. Shotgun Choke

Narrows spread and improves range—key for players who want precision instead of spray.

19. Bayonet

Adds melee versatility, especially for players who enjoy sprint-bashing.

20. Standard Long Barrel

A balanced mod that improves range without a major downside.

21. Standard Sights

No AP cost increase and clean view—works well if you don't like cluttered optics.

22. Quick Eject Magazine

Speeds up reloads, which is great for fast-paced PvP skirmishes.

23. Prime Receiver

Using Ultracite ammo gives extra damage against scorchbeasts and bosses. Ideal for endgame content like Scorched Earth or the Queen fight.

Why Mods Matter for Shotguns

Shotguns used to feel underwhelming in Fallout 76, especially when enemies had high armor or mobility. But once you start stacking the right mods, perks, and a few smart gear choices, you’ll find they’re incredibly viable even against the toughest foes.

Whether you're farming events, running daily ops, or tackling Expedition bosses, upgraded shotguns can hold their own. And if you’re hunting for components or caps to fund your build, check out the various Fallout 76 items for sale PC players often look for. Just remember, optimizing your build and crafting these mods can cost a good chunk of Fallout 76 Caps, so plan accordingly.

Try combining mods like Perforating Magazine, Reflex Sight, and a Hardened Receiver with the Enforcer perk and you’ll notice how quickly you can stagger or cripple enemies. With some patience and the right setup, your shotgun could become your go-to weapon once again.