It is obtainable only via console command on PC. This weapon can not be found anywhere in the game. However, it uses 5 microfusion cells per shot, rather than one. A side-by-side comparison of both Gauss rifles, the beta and the 'official', tested on multiple targets from multiple angles seems to confirm this. Virtually identical to the Gauss rifle of the Fallout 3Operation: Anchorage add-on, the New Vegas variant can still knock down enemies and is effectively an energy sniper weapon. For some reason this off-center trajectory remained unchanged in the 'official' version, leading many players to confusing missed shots, because visually the round appears to be dead-center despite the fact that the actual coded path for the round remains up and to the right. When one fires the beta version, the round clearly fires quite a ways up and to the right of the center of the scope. The beta version is especially interesting because, when fired, it shows the true trajectory of the Gauss rifle's shots, where as the 'official' version of the weapon shows a misleading visual representation of the bullet trajectory. It is only obtainable through console commands. After completing the simulation it can be found in the VSS Armory at the Outcasts Outpost. Its added to the game when you download the first DLC Pack, Operation: Anchorage. It only does about 25% of the damage of the final version, but has a 100% knock-down chance. The Gauss Rifle is a Small Guns weapon in Fallout 3. The beta Gauss rifle is a beta version of the scoped Gauss rifle that uses the model of a laser rifle and features a five round magazine.

The Beta Gauss rifle is a cut weapon in Fallout 3. The following is based on Fallout 3 cut content and has not been confirmed by canon sources.

New vegas gauss rifle