What am I missing with the electropylon driver?

I just got to biome 3 for the first time and started using the driver. Holy fuck is this gun absolute dogshit.

At range or straight in front of enemies it doesn't seem to do any damage whatsoever.

So imagine my surprise when I come here and everyone it turns the game onto easy mode.

What am I missing? I don't see how this thing is supposed to even be viable never mind overpowered.