22LR Varmint Rifle - Restoration
⚪ Last updated 2024⚠️ Install Order · 5 steps
Install in this order, then this mod last — most mods fail to load without their framework and dependencies in place.
Preview

🔍 Analysis
- 👍 3.4% endorsement rate — high engagement, a strong quality signal
- 🏆 #86 of 367 Weapons mods in this game by downloads
📋 About This Mod
UPDATE: New version to account for the altered stats on the Ratslayer and Varmint Rifle, and to fix one of the dialogue options where Sunny would resupply you on ammunition (it was checking for 5. 56mm ammo). I also removed the limb damage penalty entirely, since . 22LR is no longer the \'\'sucks ass\'\' caliber. I have not added any critical hit multipliers to the weapons however, unlike the altered . 22LR weapons. The Varmint Rifle is just the same Varmint Rifle, but with a different caliber ammunition. Also, this update replaces three placements of 5. 56mm ammo with . 22LR: one in Goodsprings, and two in the NCR Correctional Facility. All of these are meant to be used with Varmint Rifles, so they should be switched to the appropriate caliber ammunition. -------------- FUN FACT: Did you know that at one point during development the Varmint Rifle was chambered for . 22LR rounds? Yes, it\'s true. Although the idea was scrapped partway through development, its legacy remains present even in the current game. For example, Dixon (in Freeside) carries a Varmint Rifle, but instead of 5. 56mm ammo he carries . 22LR rounds. This mod alters the Varmint Rifle (and its unique variant, Ratslayer) to use . 22LR rounds rather than 5. 56mm rounds. This works surprisingly well, and slots into the game wonderfully. For example, the wide availability of . 22LR rounds in the early game suddenly makes a LOT more sense, and it is surprising how this relatively simple change affects the overall course of the game. The mod also alters the ammo given if you progress through the introductory training mission with Sunny Smiles, so that she gives you . 22LR rounds instead of 5. 56mm rounds. NOTES I have to say that I was surprised at how much this simple change alters the early game. Having the Varmint Rifle chambered for . 22LR does make things slightly difficult once you get to the point where you are going to transition from it to another rifle weapon (Cowboy Repeater or Service Rifle, usually), but for the most part it just plain WORKS, and very well. It\'s clear this change was made late in development, and undoing the change results in something that feels surprisingly well-balanced. OTHER VERSIONS There is also an additional version of this modification which ONLY alters the Varmint Rifle, leaving the Ratslayer as a 5. 56mm weapon. This version can be found in the Files tab, under the \'\'Optional\'\' section. DO NOT USE THE WMX PATCH WITH THIS VERSION.
This mod changes the Varmint Rifle in Fallout: New Vegas to use .22LR rounds instead of 5.56mm, as originally intended during development. It also alters the unique Ratslayer weapon. With over 1,300 endorsements and 38,000 downloads, it's a popular restoration mod for players seeking lore-friendly weapon changes.
✨ Key Features
📊 Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Community-approved with 1,317 endorsements and 38,588 downloads
- Simple, focused change that respects the game's lore
- Covers both the standard Varmint Rifle and the unique Ratslayer
⚠️ Cons
- May conflict with other mods that alter the Varmint Rifle or Ratslayer
- Last updated in January 2024 — check compatibility with your mod load order
For Fallout: New Vegas players who want a more lore-friendly Varmint Rifle that uses .22LR rounds as originally intended. Also for completionists who want the Ratslayer to match. Skip if you prefer the vanilla 5.56mm setup or don't care about ammo type changes.
💡 Beginner Tips
- Use a mod manager like Vortex or FOMM to install and manage this mod easily.
- Place this mod early in your load order to avoid conflicts with other weapon mods.
- If you're using other Varmint Rifle mods, test in-game to ensure the ammo change works as expected.
📊 Mod Details
- Game
- New Vegas Mods
- Author
- Yukichigai
- Version
- 0.3
- Downloads
- 38,588
- Endorsements
- 1,317
- Category
- Weapons
- Created
- 2/12/2011
- Updated
- 1/28/2024
🔧 How to Install New Vegas Mods
Download from Nexus.
📖 Full step-by-step install guide for New Vegas →
Visit the official mod page for specific installation instructions for this mod.
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