Custom M44 and M700 Carbon all the way. I don't mind the SCAR-H, but it's hard to control on the console. You have to wait after each shot for the reticle to settle, thus killing its DPS. The SVD is the better choice for that type of marksman rifle IMHO. I've been using the DeadEYE set a lot lately with lots of extra crit damage and have been aiming for Deadly, Destructive and either Ferocious or Predatory (maybe Self Preserved if it's any good with this set). The typical desire for the Brutal talent, as well as anything which increases crit chance, simply doesn't make sense with this set. Really hoping the Custom M44 or M700 Carbon shows up in the BoO as a blueprint one of these days since my Custom M44 does not have Deadly. Hoping to break 400k on all body shots once I do.
I enjoy "immersive sniper kills" as well, not matter the game. However, using the Dead-EYE set doesn't automatically mean headshots don't matter anymore. They do, especially when one is using certain skill/talents (Precision for example, as well as One is None). There is a small icon that pops up on headshot kills and I live for it, even when wearing this set. I play more than one character and it's good to maintain this skill, especially on the console. It's also been fun trying to get the perfect sniper rifle for this build, as well as all the 19% crit damage mods for it and four 2.0% crit damage mods for the Pulse skill (which is now at 26.5%). I'm on my fifth rifle now and am doing 336k as my minimum damage (369k if I headshot first, more if I also find a decent perch which is its own challenge and even more if I use Pulse too). The perfect M700 Carbon dropped a couple days ago (on what felt like my millionth LZ run) and I don't think it's possible to roll with more damage than it did. All my hard work eventually paid off and I love it. ;-)Originally Posted by Veldaz Go to original post
I would say that it's a bit of a 50/50 tie in my book.
In my limited experience the bolt action is where the real "one hit kill" power is, with the semi auto obviously having the advantage in putting more shots on target in a set time period.
To state the obvious, I feel that if you can get equal or similar damage from your semi auto, as it is firing at a faster rate, it has the edge, especially in those back to the wall situations should you ever be reliant on your sniper to save the day.
But I'm not sure a semi auto can ever have as high a damage output in a single shot (or DPS) and so I guess it's time to get the calculator out to see the which offers "more bang for your buck" over a set period of time.
I have a bolt action rifle, one of those M variants, and it has a damage output of 81k, with a DPS (after mods) of 230K, but it only has a small magazine and low RPM.
The semi auto I have is an SVD and has about 73k damage, with about 140k DPS (again, with mods), buy has a much higher RPM and mag size.
So I end up putting more damage on target in say 10 seconds, with the SVD, despite its lower numbers etc...for that reason I prefer the SVD.
However, the bolt action can be a one shot kill to the head on red and purple enemies, making it much more useful in less crowded and NPC heavy situations where I have the time to plot up in cover, or scope in from a elevated position and take advantage of the damage it does.
These are only my experiences using fairly underpowered weapons (GS 209ish) so it is something that each individual may have to trial for themselves.
Uh why does your SVD hit nearly as hard as your BAR? isn't the SVD a semi auto? If so that is REALLY high damage for a semi auto. Highest I have seen is 55k at 5k Firearms. Where in that situation my M700 hits for twice that.Originally Posted by RhinoCharging00 Go to original post
Seems I am one of a few that actually use the scopes :P
I think I can put a lot more hits in with a semi auto rifle. To a point where it is actually more damage. And there are some more things to be considered when checking the performance of those guns.
For example, when you cannot one shot a target, but it barely survives. With a bolt action you need to wait a longer time, while the semi auto would kill it with a quick body shot. And a lot dmg gets wasted as you dont need the full power of the round.
Or fighting as a team, many NPCs move a lot more around, as they maybe decide they need to take cover in other places and stuff. In those situations semi auto feel more stable as you can compensate misses better, and have a lot more rounds per magazine before you need to reload.
For solo gameplay, I really prefer the first strike power of bolt actions. Unaware targets can be taken down one shot or at least with a follow up shot much easier, if you use a semi auto in such situations, enemies often have enough time to react and get to cover, because 3 shot with a semi auto take longer then 2 with a BA.
I really think much depends on preference and situation.
I don't know to be honest, could it be my bolt action is weak, and so by comparison it appears stronger?Originally Posted by Draevik Go to original post