As I've already said in one of the closed threads:
Because of the spread, at
90 meter range the bullets hit at least 3 components while fighting against another light mech. Using
4 machineguns it
takes 40 seconds to destroy a
stock Commando on testing grounds (16 armor 16 internals). While aiming at the center torso, you destroy the side torsos first.
In comparison,
4 Small Lasers destroy the same Commando in about
5 seconds (3 salvos = 36 pinpoint damage). In testing grounds there is a bug that makes the lasers start their recharge as soon as they start firing, when in online mode the recharge starts when the beam stops. So, in an online game it would take
6.75 seconds. (2 full cycles + 1 beam).
So while fighting small mechs @ 90 meters 1 Small laser is equal to 6 machineguns. In a fight between a Jenner with 6 Small Lasers and a hypothetical light mech armed with 36 machineguns I put my money on the Jenner, because the pilot only has to aim for 0.75 seconds and then it can dodge and torso twist for 2.25 seconds, while the other mech has to constantly aim at the Jenner. Not to mention that 18 tonnes of weapons would make a light mech rather slow.
I realize small lasers spread damage due to movement, but a skilled player can put the whole 0.75 beam on the same location. No amount of skill can overcome the machine gun spread against other light mechs.
Edited by Kmieciu, 10 April 2013 - 05:56 AM.