If you’ve spent any time in Fallout 76, you know that Caps are the lifeblood of the wasteland. Whether you’re trading with vendors, fast-traveling, or trying to buy Fallout 76 items cheap, every Cap counts. One of the best ways to stretch your budget is by unlocking weapon mods yourself instead of purchasing them outright. Here are 20 essential weapon mods that will save you Caps in the long run—and how to get them.

1. Hardened Receiver (Various Weapons)

A staple for boosting damage without sacrificing too much fire rate. Scrap combat rifles, handmades, or hunting rifles to unlock this mod.

2. Stabilized Stock (Automatic Weapons)

Improves recoil control, making automatic weapons far more manageable. Scrap assault rifles or SMGs to learn it.

3. Suppressor (Pistols/Rifles/Heavy Weapons)

Stealth builds rely on suppressors, and buying them from vendors is pricey. Instead, scrap weapons like the 10mm pistol or combat rifle.

4. Aligned Barrel (Energy Weapons)

Reduces AP cost in VATS—great for laser rifles. Scrap any energy weapons you find instead of selling them.

5. Stinging Magazine (Handmade Rifle)

Adds armor penetration and ammo capacity. Since the handmade is a player favorite, unlocking this mod early is a smart move.

6. Reflex Sight (Most Rifles)

A must-have for VATS users. Scrap rifles frequently to get this mod without paying premium Caps.

7. Bayonet (Hunting Rifle/Combat Rifle)

Adds melee utility to ranged weapons. Scrap hunting rifles to unlock it for free.

8. Beam Splitter (Laser Pistol/Rifle)

Turns your laser weapon into a shotgun-style tool. Scrapping lasers is the way to go.

9. Calibrated Receiver (Lever Action Rifle)

Boosts damage significantly. Since lever actions are rare, scrap every one you find.

10. Drum Magazine (Shotguns/SMGs)

Doubles your ammo capacity. Scrap weapons like the combat shotgun or .45 SMG to unlock it.

11. True Long Barrel (Sniper Rifles)

Improves range and accuracy. Scrap hunting rifles or gauss rifles to learn it.

12. Compensator (Automatic Rifles)

Reduces recoil for better sustained fire. Scrap assault rifles or handmades.

13. Recoil-Compensating Stock (Heavy Weapons)

Makes heavy guns like the .50 cal easier to control. Scrap miniguns or gatling lasers.

14. Glow Sights (Pipe Weapons)

A budget-friendly alternative to night vision. Scrap pipe revolvers or bolt-actions.

15. Piercing Magazine (Combat Shotgun)

Adds armor penetration—essential for tough enemies. Scrap combat shotguns relentlessly.

16. Hair Trigger Receiver (Western Revolver)

Speeds up fire rate on single-action guns. Scrap revolvers to unlock it.

17. Scorched Killer Receiver (Various Weapons)

A niche but valuable mod against Scorched. Scrap weapons dropped by Scorched enemies.

18. Bruising Grip (Melee Weapons)

Increases damage and durability. Scrap melee weapons like super sledges.

19. Aligned Short Barrel (Plasma Weapons)

Balances AP cost and damage for plasma rifles. Sc