ummm.....Should never need to use VATS with this gun anyway. So it doesn't matter what the AP cost is.
That's irrelevant, though. Yes, if I didn't use VATS there would be no problem. But it's a pretty large game mechanic that I would like to use, at least from time to time. I don't want to have that spoiled by only being able to get off one shot.
I would love to know the thought process behind the decision to have this rifle have the second-highest AP cost of EVERY other weapon, behind the Anti-Material Rifle and the Thermic Lance (tied at 65). Seems very arbitrary.