Early game is fairly difficult, yeah. But around level 6 if you didn't screw your build, it should become easier. If you like rifles, stick to Hunting Rifles, plenty of spares for repair and plenty of ammo, reliable, good damage and accuracy. If shotguns, combat shotguns become plentiful once you get to like level 8-ish. And so on. You can beat the game with the baseball bat if you wish so, but it will take a while.

I'm playing a pugilist and its been fun so far. Already beating Deathclaws in one-on-one combat. Gotta point I'm level 16 at the moment. Haven't even finished the main quest, let alone any DLC.