Laser pistols is basic energy weapon. Unlike old games energy weapons are not "top of the chain" at lest not in the start. They are increadibly powerful and fun all game, but laser pistol is fairly weak, though it has very high basic crit chance. In general laser weapons have high crit chance, so they best used when you have high enough luck/finesse etc, they really start kicking after "laser commander" perk preferably with "better criticals", making even laser rifles terrifying weapons.

Also consider that it has very high fire rate, 5 shots from laser pistol are about 2 shots from something like cowboy repeater. I'd say from 0 skill weapons they are one of the best. Plasma pistols better though and pretty easy to get early.

And on the final note, you need VERY LITTLE science to start making overcharging energy cells, it boosts energy weapon dps through roof. For example you can't make armor piercing or HP bullets yourself. So early overcharged or max charged ammo is basically cheat.