All the special weapons should put out comparable damage in PvE, but at their respective ranges. Shotguns - Insane damage at extreme close range. These should have the most damage, because they have the most risk associated with them and very limited range. Fusion Rifles - Very high damage (higher then they currently are), to compensate for their charge time and they're wonkyness at close range. These are supposed to be Mid range killers. Snipers - Very high damage at the longest ranges, and boosted by precision shots. Snipers are often the safest options, because you just hunker down in the back and barely any shots hit you.