In the Silver Rush on Freeside I did they're little oddjobs, then I killed them all with some well placed C4.. then I looted the whole place.. they have a laser tommy gun on the shelf... its beast... yeah, id check it out if you haven't already. And is there a real tommy gun?

I think you mean the Laser RCW? And yes, it is beastly. Uses ECP's, which are super easy to get if you have high enough science to convert other types of laser ammo. I found one inside the Bison Casino in Primm, and another in the hands of a Fiend gang member. It's my go-to gun right now, and it's awesome.

There's another even sooner, just outside the very first town you start in.

Yes this is what I mean. Is there one that fire bullets but not lasers? My science skill isn't high enough to convert ECP's.