Still on my first play through, I want to give Maria a whirl (I've heard good things about it), but I don't want to have to kill Benny to do so. I have a rather high stealth skill (in the 60s), and even with magazines, I can't pickpocket it from Benny. I tried to pickpocket it off of him at the Tops before confronting him. However, every attempt failed. Not only that, but when I try it, he "activates" it so it's on his person and not inventory (which is a pain to work around). I tried again in the presidential suite after going with the "forget it, I forgive you option", and I failed yet again (multiple times, considering reloads). I know he's been captured by Caesar, but I'm wondering if there's a way to steal it and still go with the sneaking him a bobby pin and stealth boy option. Or, is there any way period to get the weapon and let Benny go? If you could keep the spoilers to a minimum, I'd appreciate it.

Have you try stealthboy yet?

Another thing you can try before pickpocket Benny is poison him.......but it isn't that great.

The only way to get Maria(without killing Benny) is to pick pocket it off him while he's held prisoner at The Fort. If you want Benny to live then my best advice is to kill every legion at The Fort so when you cut him loose he can easily escape.

First, it's good to know I'll have another shot at a PP. Second, if I slip him a stealth boy like he asks, isn't that an instant escape for him? I don't mind wiping out Legion, but it would be a little time consuming and, more importantly, messy. My "Good Natured" character would like to avoid that.

Unfortunately, giving him the stealth boy will cause the legion members in the tent to attack you, and more than likely will wipe you out in a couple of hits.

Well, I was planning to keep one or two for myself as well.

shoot him in the leg hell pull it out then shoot it out of his hands and holster your weapon then go pick up the gun

How high does sneak have to be to get it from him? I juiced myself up to 97, and I get caught every time.

Higher sneak, higher steal success rate. And don't forget to do it while [Hidden]

You can't get much higher than 97. Does it really need to be 100 to get Maria?

Do you even see Maria in his inventory?

Yes, it's there. I'm using a stealth boy and la fantoma magazine while in the entrance to the tent (where Benny can't see me). Crouching, I work my way behind him, and try a PP. I fail every time. At this point, my stealth is effectively 170 assuming values over 100 register, which I doubt, but anyway...

Side note, using a stealth boy in front of a guard dog apparently freaks them out a bit.

Have to try to knock him out with a Compliance Regular?

I don't have that weapon.

I finally got it.

I had to start from outside the tent, in a place where I wasn't detected by anyone. Then I had to use a stealth boy and La fantoma. It took a few tries, but I have it.