I’ve noticed with lazer rifle scope/VATS shots, where you can see the ‘flight path’, you can get some wild misses at close range when you KNOW you had a solid crosshair lock. Like you fired intentionally over the target’s head.
Oh the ammo I have wasted...
BTW... What exactly is VATS, anyway?
I suspect that's the game's un-acknowledged version of the "contracting reticle" on other shooter games. You know the kind where your shot will fall somewhere in the aiming circle, which contracts in size as you hold it steady on one point.
It's a fair way to simulate realism...unless you already happen to know what you're doing. (Gritted Teeth!)