61 replies to this topic

[Spinning Burr]

It really comes down to DPS vs alpha damage as most debates boil down to over weapons in Mechwarrior. The UAC5 and the gauss rifle are considered the most versatile and effective ballistic weapons in the game, being equally good point blank as extreme range, and equally capable of brawling as sniping, though gauss is now a liability at close range brawling after nerfs to it. Both are so good that they were nerfed with ammo limitations and drawbacks (jamming vs fragile and exploding) yet are still considered the best ballistic weapons in a class of weapons that suffers in this game compared to lasers, missiles, and now even ppcs.

So, which is "the best" for weight, heat, alpha, dps, versatility, etc.? UAC5 doesn't really hit stride until you have two of them at 18 tons + ammo. Gauss is as effective alone at 15 tons as twin gauss at 30 tons. In other words, gauss has a linear return on investment. It's heavy but you get what you pay for. UAC5 has a "sweet spot" of at least two. Any more than two and you have a better alpha sniper weapon but not really a faster machine gun dps weapon when chain fired. Two gauss rifles for 30 tons are deadly, but you can get 3 UAC5's for 27 tons for a much faster reloading "automatic gauss rifle."

Let's assume you have to stick to your guns and can't mix for example 1 gauss + 2UAC5's for this poll.

[DegeneratePervert]

I don't like UAC5's unless they are paired. Gauss is the superior ballistic.

[Ranek Blackstone]

I hate the UAC5 and don't use it in anything I run. I like my guns to be jam free thank you.

[Spinning Burr]

Ranek Blackstone, on 02 March 2013 - 11:19 AM, said:

I hate the UAC5 and don't use it in anything I run. I like my guns to be jam free thank you.

That is a fair point; however, some people prefer their guns not to blow up. I've killed more than one mech from a gauss explosion and have died from torso gauss destruction myself.

[Khobai]

UAC/5s are better but only when doubled or in triplicate.

[0X2A]

Single : UAC/5 Plenty of firepower and the abiity to double tap if you need to in a pinch.

Dual : Gauss 30 damage on (usually) one component every 4 seconds.

[Roughneck45]

Either of them in good hands are devestating.

Gauss is better though just because it is easier to use.

[Byk]

AC/20 all day every day. Anyone who uses anything smaller is a sissy.

[CheebaMech]

Dakka is always superior.

[Royalewithcheese]

UAC5 is dead shooty wiv loads uv dakka. Da only fing more killy dan two UAC5 is two UAC5 an anuvva UAC5.

Edited by Royalewithcheese, 02 March 2013 - 12:23 PM.

[Cato Phoenix]

Anyone else want RAC10s?

[Elizander]

Gauss Rifles go well with anything.

[TOPGUN Stinger]

Gauss be TOPGUN approved...!!!



Message endorsed by Maverick.

Edited by TOPGUN Stinger, 02 March 2013 - 12:26 PM.

[One Medic Army]

I use neither.
Gauss explodes
UAC/5 Jams

I prefer AC/10, AC/2, or AC/20

No question though that AC/5 is the worst ballistic.

[Spinning Burr]

I'm testing two ballistic builds on Muromets and haven't decided which makes more sense. Both give dakka and alpha as combos.

The first is 3 UAC5's with one ERPPC and 5 tons ammo. The second is 2 UAC5's with one gauss rifle and 6 tons ammo. They are surprisingly close. 25 points alpha with great sniper range, and UAC5 dakka approved. 33 vs 34 tons total. Can run on 280-300 XL engines trading maneuverability for leg armor and/or more ammo to suit individual taste.

[Corbon Zackery]

It takes 3 hits to do the same dmg. one gauss does and it jams.

[Felicitatem Parco]

Quad UltraAC/5 JagerMechs will be coming... Soon™

Don't forget that weapons combo possibility. They say the Ilya is unfair because it can hold 3 UAC/5's... ha!

Edited by Prosperity Park, 02 March 2013 - 12:30 PM.

[Spinning Burr]

TOPGUN Stinger, on 02 March 2013 - 12:26 PM, said:

Gauss be TOPGUN approved...!!!



Message endorsed by Maverick.

I think Maverick is more of a UAC5 guy.

[Thegreatdive]

Gauss for extreme range, but I like the UAC5 more because its more versatile, I don't feel like I'm wasting ammo if I miss a few shots, and its a hell of a lot lighter (especially paired). I bought a 3D just to try poptarting a bit and couldn't stand it, so I threw 2 UAC5s and 4 ML on it, and saw my average damage double. Imo the UAC5 just allows for better support weaponry, rather than forcing a pilot into having to essentially boat double Gausses.

[Spinning Burr]

Prosperity Park, on 02 March 2013 - 12:29 PM, said:

Quad UltraAC/5 JagerMechs will be coming... Soon™

Don't forget that weapons combo possibility. They say the Ilya is unfair because it can hold 3 UAC/5's... ha!

I think 3-4 UAC5's is overkill. Cool no doubt, but overkill for anything except "more damage" for alpha sniping. The dakka benefit trails off past 2 guns. You can justify 3 guns to pick up slack for a jammed weapon, but 4 guns doesn't give you any more dakka. Just more boom.

Thegreatdive, on 02 March 2013 - 12:31 PM, said:

Gauss for extreme range, but I like the UAC5 more because its more versatile, I don't feel like I'm wasting ammo if I miss a few shots, and its a hell of a lot lighter (especially paired). I bought a 3D just to try poptarting a bit and couldn't stand it, so I threw 2 UAC5s and 4 ML on it, and saw my average damage double. Imo the UAC5 just allows for better support weaponry, rather than forcing a pilot into having to essentially boat double Gausses.

You can justify a single gauss rifle as effective more than a single UAC5, me thinks. The UAC5 is the gun that "needs" to be paired.