im curious cause i do get some sway using the anti-material rifle with strength of 6, but i can still use it effectively. is there also a damage loss when using it below the strength requirement?

I was under the impression that the sway was caused by insufficient gun skill. Might very well be wrong though :/

dunno, must check with the GECK on how this affects...

im level 90 with gun skill. unless the weapon needs 100 skill ill double check on wiki. i just noticed the 8 strength requirement but i can still use it pretty well even with the sway. and since i have high sneak i can get even closer and sway wouldnt be an issue at all. i kind of wish they would have a popup up that says "you cannot use this weapon, only real men are allowed to use this weapon, not little girls."

there will always be noticeable sway while standing, and a very slight sway while crouched.

nothing but the weapon skill affects accuracy.

When it comes to guns, it requires you to have the necessary Strength and skill to use it. Otherwise you'll lose accuracy. Low Strength and/or skill will lower accuracy. Only low skill will lower damage. For instance:

The Anti-Materiel Rifle requires the player to have 8 Strength (or 6 Strength with Weapon Handling) and 100 Guns skill to use it optimally. If you have 5 Strength and 100 skill, you'll lose accuracy. If you have 8 Strength and 75 skill, you'll lose accuracy and damage. Only with the right amount of Strength and skill can you properly use the weapon.


Oh and remember to crouch when you're aiming. It really limits the swaying.

It helps you keep Big Guns and sniper rifles on target, plust helps with how fast you swing heavy melee weapons. Get the strength implant or Weapon Handling perk if you made your character too anemic to aim properly.