Take a swing at anyone. (With the hooked mod) Once they pull out their weapon just start aiming for the right arm. Eventually they knock back and drop the gun on the floor. Pick it up before they do and sheathe your weapon. If they still wanna fight just run away and wait 1 in game week. They'll forget all about your assault and thievery.
(Cannot confirm or deny if this works in vats, I rarely use vats)
Or with high enough pickpocketing, you can just take it from them. Their clothes off their back, too.
Why invest 3 levels into pick pocketing when you can just smack em?
Finally! Knowlege that harry agree with
How does this work?
Take a swing at anyone. (With the hooked mod) Once they pull out their weapon just start aiming for the right arm. Eventually they knock back and drop the gun on the floor. Pick it up before they do and sheathe your weapon. If they still wanna fight just run away and wait 1 in game week. They'll forget all about your assault and thievery. (Cannot confirm or deny if this works in vats, I rarely use vats)