The numbers are damage multipliers. So say like the sniper rifle is 70 point for a hit. If you hit in the head, which has a 1.5 multiplier. You times it by 1.5.
@ the original post, any chance of getting some shottie stats?
It doesn't make a difference either way lol. I think it is less health though, because i've found im not able to make some drops i normally do on hardcore.