User blog comment:Mathmagician/Wall of Flesh Solo Guide/@comment-202.45.119.16-20111219044233/@comment-4674838-20111219045425

The Phoenix Blaster is indeed better, as it does 23 base damage instead of the Minishark's 6. This is somewhat offset by the fact that the Minishark fires a bit faster, however, it's generally not enough to account for the damage differential after the enemy defense rating is factored in. That's not to say you can't beat the Wall of Flesh with the minishark. It's just that the Phoenix Blaster does the job better.