We all have our likes and dislikes when it comes to weapons, but I can say that the AR-16 is not that easy to use by a n00b - all you guys are seasoned pros and probably can't remember when you were n00bs (but you were once don't forget   ), whereas me, I can still remember not having a clue about how the different weapons performed when I first started playing FC2  

I actually found it quite difficult at first - sure you can get almost full auto, and the sights help too, but you can very easily miss with the AR-16 (the sights magnify the lightest movement and it's often difficult acquiring a target at range), as mentioned, it's all about whose finger is on the trigger, just like all the weapons.
As a n00b I started with the commando class only - G3-KA4 and pretty much used nothing else. I couldn't use the LMGs (too unwieldy), or the RPGs (too dangerous lol), or the snipers (too hard lol) and even the AR-16 - 3 shot burst wasn't enough lead lol. The commando class is in my opinion the best all round weapon set in the game - why d'you think they call it commando class?   Commandos are elite, specially trained, all purpose soldiers which can use anything to their advantage in order to survive in combat. And I think those weapons reflect just that, they are great for long range (ish) once you are skilled enough, they lay down enough lead to provide cover and pin down an enemy (when you shoot sparingly - short bursts), they are pretty good from the hip at close range, the recoil is managable once learnt also. Some may say that the AR-16 does this all too, but much better, I'm not sure I agree there though, I have found it to be difficult at very close range, from the hip, but yes it's generally very good all round, but the other assault rifles are easier to learn and get good results imo, simply because you can throw more lead at your enemy quicker.

I do have a fondness for the AR-16 though, now that I have learned how to use it properly (some may disagree that I can use it properly though lol), but it's not exactly stealthy, as the FC2 guide suggests - why it's in saboteur class with a bunch of silenced weapons is beyond me. It should be a commando class weapon imo. The Sharpshooter class is the most deadliest and also the most difficult to learn imo (also the dartgun which I think should be in the sharpshooter class too imo), but only once you've learned the weapons. A sniper (or dartgun) plus the pistol in the hands of a practiced opponent will own anything, at any range, and if you stay within dashing distance of ammo, you will be unstoppable.

Neverthless, any time spent mastering the characteristics of a particular weapon is sure to lead to some level of proficiency - I know what you mean though, mix it up a bit and try something different - I played on Negs 'zero tolerance' .... I mean 'zero diamonds'  last night, and I had a great time with the trusty G3-KA4, brought back some nice memories. And the Star .45 pistol is just awesome too, even a lowly grunt like me was able to score some decent kills when G3-KA4 ammo was low

These are just my personal opinions on the weapons, I'm definitely no expert on any of them, but in a way it's more fun knowing there is a deadly, skilled enemy out there (regardless of what they are shooting) - makes you feel alive, and keeps you on your toes - I'll always love FC2 multiplayer for that

Sure, it may take 1 round to get used to the AR, but then even a new player will just tear everything apart with it, regardless of how good his actual skills are. It doesn't take any brainpower to develop an AR-16-madness-rambo-style-technique.


I used to be a noob, and that was slightly more than a year ago, maybe 1 and half years ago. My skills actually built up slowly, until they stopped growing at some point and remained at the same level. And guess what guns I used back when I was a noob? Exactly, AR-16 and MGL-140. The MGL had an exorbitantly bad reputation at that time, cause getting kills with it was so damn easy.

I once fired one single shot into a crowd with the MGL and killed all of them. 6 or 7 people.
 
Although, as for the AR-16, that gun was way weaker and more balanced before the latest patch was released.

Btw: For those who missed something and don't believe the AR-16 is too easy to use, read Neg's summary accurately. Neg, it rocks.
Technically it would end all discussions regarding the noobishness of the AR-16. Nobody will find a good argument against that summary.

And yeah, the AR-16 should be in the commando class. First and only weapon to be unlocked with 4 diamonds instead of 3.

Neg's summary is excellent I agree, all I'm saying is that  I respectfully disagree with the no-scoping, or firing from the hip point - I myself found this much easier to do with the commando class weapons, because of the rate of fire mostly. I understand what Neg means about the 3 shot burst being 'on target' ie. the second and third rounds land where the first one lands, but it still requires some skill to get the first round to land in the first place, especially no-scoping. Simply spraying a room will not work....I've tried the 'rambo-style-technique believe me and that technique can be applied to any weapon really (not snipers etc obviously lol), but I think you stand a better chance in a room with a commando class weapon, shotgun, uzi or a good old grenade imo.
I can't comment of the effectiveness of the grenade launcher though - I've never used them, and never want to either, far too dangerous and I'm bound to blow myself up anyway lol.

I just think it's a little unfair to judge a weapons 'n00bishness' on its effectiveness - as I said before, it's the person holding it that counts, and I've had many a poor performance with the AR-16 lol, and I've seen a lot of 'randoms' (call them what you will, they're all players of the game) that handle the weapon poorly too - using it as a sniper when it clearly isn't and will never be, or trying to spray a room with bullets and failing badly. If I'm in a room with a n00b who is holding the AR, I'll choose a shotgun every time, and I'll win every time, not because I'm any good with it, it's just the right tool for the job.

The AR-16 has it's place in the game because it fits quite specific criteria in my opinion - a medium to long range, tactical assault rifle, it's as simple as that, and that's what it excels at, and that's how I use it. If I'm on a small, tight, urban map, I don't use it, the FAL is far better, and easier, as are the shotguns and sub-machine guns. Long range maps - sniper. The AR-16 isn't the most suitable weapon for these, but it can perform reasonably well in these circumstances if you take the time to learn, which - with the greatest of respect to you UD - takes longer than one round, at least it did in my case

Don't get me wrong UD, I know I'm never going to convert you, and I wouldn't want to   I have the utmost respect for you as a player and know full well you are a master in your chosen classes (especially the dartgun   )
And it's a good point you make about the patch, I don't remember the weapon before that, because I mostly used the commando class, which I still maintain is easier to master.

Again, these are just my personal opinions, I know you'll agree UD, how ever our opinions may differ, this is all healthy discussion, and helps keep the game alive

[**edit**] @DEEZ, You should definitely try those DLC weapons - the explosive crossbow is quite good, and I especially like the silenced shotgun

It just sucks too bad that you can't use the DLC weapons on normal games, just pick them up on those 4 add-on MP maps.

They are pretty cool though. The explosive crossbow is like a silenced rocket launcher.

Those and the quad.  Some 4-wheelin' offroad maps would be cool too.

And the rock, paper, scissors.  That's how I play too.  I keep getting owned by any weapon, I'll change my class to fit the situation.

Good point Max and Neg, I meant the term in the 'newbie' sense - I apologise  . I don't consider myself as a n00b, but a newbie?....well....thats another matter  - I don't mind being owned anywhere (it happens a lot lol), I just love playing the game, and every time I play I get a teeny, weeny bit better....slowly....very slowly in fact lol, but hey, it's just a game 

Good idea Neg, I'm gonna go put my name down right away.

Well put Cookie  and welcome mate, great to see you here

There's no doubt of the AR's power.  But that's what makes it balanced, since there are many other things you cannot do with it.

You're just too good at the game to use the AR.  It's kinda like cheating.