Dude, I have idea. On both my profiles I just went through the whole building then went to it and the pod was always open for me..
Pod was open for me, if it's not though, there is no reason for stressing, the gun has like what? 80 or 90 dps? you can get guns later with 150+ dps
For example the Laser RCW which is used by alot of fiends around New Vegas is better. Just an example....