To me, the problem is that we only see about 5/6 small guns in use. Remember needlers? 14mm pistols? Grease guns?
but hey're mostly used for kicks and giggles or hunting. I wouldn't say that's entirely bad though - that way be get our bread and butter standard issue equipment and a bit of exotics every now and then. It adds some variety by allowing people who want to stand out the choice to do so at the cost of a bit of effectiveness.
See, to me that's a problem. It leads to everyone using the exact same guns. Nobody uses pistols 'cause there's no point. Using guns like plasma pistols shouldn't be gimmicky, they should have their own justifiable bonuses. Like lower AP cost or the weapon penetration perk.
10mm pistol makes the best sound. If this isn't an argument to use it, I don't know. :p
I do see people using .223 pistols for PvP from time to time. And there's a lot of guys using a variety of pistols to take out bluesuits and execute the wounded. Some do carry them as backup in case their hand gets crippled. I'd say they work more or less like they do in real-life - as a sidearm or last resort weapon
THIS IS NOT BETA THIS IS SPARTA