So check it out. If you're not sure what Arm Lock is, it is a toggle in your options that link your arm and torso guns together. It is the sole reason that terror builds like the Cataphract 3D and Highlander 732 are so brutally accurate.
So without further ado:
Step 1 - Pick a Style
You have two styles to use Arm Lock seriously with. The first is to disable it in the options menu, and to utilize the default toggle press & hold key of L SHIFT to toggle it back on. This is the most common method.
The alternate style would be to leave it on in the options, and press and hold L SHIFT to enable arms, opposed to disabling them. Either style is equally effective and is a pilot preference.
Step 2 - Pick a 'Mech
You're going to want to exploit the maximum potential of this, so you'll want a 'mech with it's big guns split between the arms and torso, in particular on 'mechs with lower arm actuators. Thus I'd recommend a Highlander, Cataphract, Victor or the like running both arm & torso guns.
Step 3 - Pick a Target!
Now, you're in drop and you want to get a quick, accurate shot at someone. Simply move your arm target over what you want to shoot, enable Arm Lock and you will now snap into alignment!
If you aim too far from the torso reticule, they will "meet in the middle" and snap together at a different point, so try not to over extend. Small shifts, however, always favor where you're pointing the arm. The defensive ability of the fast torso twists is dubious at best because of this, at least!
In Conclusion
With a little practice, you'll be able to poptart with the best of them, because the instant you release your jump jets you can press shift on your target and send all of your arm & torso guns flying into a single location on the enemy 'mech!
As a result you only really want to put guns on the arms that you might use in an infight (and thus not want to align). Past that, it makes no difference as you can negate all disadvantages with a single press of the button.
So if you've always wondered how those big split-location 'mechs manage to obliterate you in a single shot.. this would be it. Now perhaps you can at least turn the tables!
Edited by Victor Morson, 25 July 2013 - 02:57 PM.