Chainsaw (Fallout: New Vegas)

The chainsaw is a weapon in Fallout: New Vegas.

Characteristics
An old fusion-powered chainsaw makes a fine melee weapon following the nuclear holocaust. It's heavy, but deals lots of damage. Since it's so heavy, you'll need 7 Strength and 75 Melee Weapons to use it effectively.

Functionally, the Chainsaw is similar in operation and use to the Auto axe from Fallout 3. In many ways, it is used similar to the Ripper in that it can be used to either slash at an enemy or stab and continue to cause damage. Also like the Ripper, it does a catastrophic level of damage if used in VATS attacks. It possesses a special attack, called Scrap Heap that is usable in V.A.T.S.; this attack is a 2-handed downward swing with the chainsaw.

Note that the Chainsaw, along with the Ripper, is one of two weapons in Fallout: New Vegas that computer-controlled NPCs use differently than the player. Rather than use the thrust attack, they use the VATS-styled slash. This is something to be feared, since this slash deals truly catastrophic levels of damage; if an enemy using it gets a lucky strike, they can kill a low-to-medium-leveled Courier in a single blow.

Locations

 * One can be found in Vault 3, equipped by the Fiends leader, Motor-Runner on his throne.
 * The Caesar's Legion blacksmith and Veteran Legionaries have a random chance to have a chainsaw equipped.
 * It can sometimes, if rarely, be found used by Viper and Jackal gang members once the player is sufficient level.
 * It can sometimes be purchased at Hoover Dam.
 * Once in a great while the merchant within the Crimson Caravan Company will also have it for sale.
 * It can also be purchased at Mick and Ralph's occasionally.
 * It can sometimes be purchased from the Great Khan Armorer.
 * One can be found inside the Caesar's Legion Safehouse post patch 1.02/1.20.