I think this is in the wrong subforum, but to answer your question, me. The electro-pistol does damage that 1. hits multiple clustered targets, making it almost like a mini-grenade you can fire twice a turn, and 2. can stun. It can also reach sky-high crit multipliers with appropriate mods and Practical Physicist; I think mine is doing 255% crit bonus damage right now or something silly. Combine with Aimed Shot, and watch 3-4 enemies drop in one turn. Few enemies resist electric damage, and it works especially great on bots and jerks in metal armor.
I have not found as much use for laser/plasma pistols in comparison.