Our incentive we tried pushing for pistols was being able to use them while performing timed actions, but it seems that wasn't enough
Our incentive we tried pushing for pistols was being able to use them while performing timed actions, but it seems that wasn't enough
Because pistols don't have the staying power like M41 or even M39 (as shit as it was before the buff in dev branch). When it's time to fight runner/lurker, you have a max of 18 rounds (for mod88, other pistols have less than this) before you need to reload. Also since medic/engie (the roles that perform the highest amount of timed action) can only realistically take 1 weapon with limited space for ammo, they can't really threaten anything on their own.
Sure, VP and M4A3 do decent damage, but with 14 shots for VP and 9 shots for M4A3, you can't really go against any runner/lurker that knows how to kite and dodge with it being your only weapon
Maybe allow sidearms to be shoot inside beno belly?
The M4A3 does enough damage to threaten xenos if you mag dump them, at least. But yeah, you can't fight runners or lurkers with them because you can't stun them, so the guns are effectively useless against them.
What was buffed about the m39 anyway?
Also as engineer you can easily take a shotgun and then a sidearm, or even two guns. You really do not need a satchel or backpack or the tool belt as engineer as long as you have a tool pouch and construction pouch, and you can forgo the tool belt for a shotgun shell belt instead.
IRL pistols are supposed to be a weight efficient backup weapon, but in CM there's not much penalty to just taking two full size firearms. The only downside to taking two full firearms is that your inventory space suffers, but most people seem content to have less ammo in exchange for having a shotgun and an m41 so they can do better damage.
I'm indifferent on the idea of pistols being able to be used while down. Honestly, 50% of the time that Marines are downed they're way too fucked up to use a pistol anyway. I don't think we'll see pistols used more until there's reason to not just take another primary weapon.
You shouldn't be penalized for taking two guns anyway. Just make sidearms actually worth using.