What do you use to record with?
my first guess was fraps but i got a nasty stutter for some reason
some advice on what to use would be appreciated

Fraps is what most people use. This is another one, I have not used it or heard anything about it.

http://www.topshareware.com/ZD-Soft-Game-Recorder-download-43396.htm

And another one I have never used

http://www.labnol.org/software/download/how-to-record-computer-game-videos-for-youtube/2205/

Thanks i'll look into them

Fraps has some settings to investigate as well; like capture at ? size.
If you are running Fallout 3/NV at 1080p, then stuttering is just something you'll see.