Torezu, on 28 October 2015 - 03:02 PM, said:
I disagree on both counts. I run a BNC-3S with gauss, 2 LPLs, and 4 MLs. The gauss is in a torso by itself, heavily armored, and is good for follow-up critical shots or weakening an armor section for when the lasers burn in.
If you are pairing it with other, complementary weapons (usually Lasers to take advantage of the low heat of Gauss), I agree it can be great pinpoint front loaded damage added into the mix. I still think it's a little underwhelming for the tonnage when you are only loading one.
As far as putting it into a ST goes, that is dependent on the mech in question. I can't see myself loading it into, for example, any Atlas RT and expect to not have it Pop on me pretty quickly. Are the BNC ST pretty friendly or have armor quirks? Either way, it's taking a great risk, especially if you are running more armament in the arm that might drop off in case of weapon explosion. If it fits your playstyle and you feel it's worth taking the risk go for it! I'm not trying to tell people how to build their mechs, just putting in my opinion here.