In this thread I'm going to talk some math and reasons as to why "the best Auto in-game" may be subjective to you as a player. [b]Why this is possible and not just "High Impact is the only way to go" as per-pre-1.1.1[/b] So, we all know the effects of the 1.1.1 patch were pretty brutal aye? A scaling nerf that hit High Impact Autos like a truck and less so for other archetypes. High Impact went up to 1.06 seconds with crits, mid-models went up to 1s flat, and High Rof sat at .96 with the same steep learning curve due to that stability. Welp, now with 2.0 on the way Autos are getting a damage rebound, but unlike the 1.1.1 there is no out-right mention of the same Impact scaling. There-fore it's no guarantee yet quite probable that the current damage model comparisons will follow the same trend post-patch. It should DEFINITELY be noted however that Autos as a whole are indeed getting a damage falloff nerf. [b]Now let's talk about Auto Rifle archetypes[/b] (all archetypes are listed as provided by the Brady Game's strat guide) Balanced (Her Right Hand)/Precise (Vanquisher): Both have the same Impact & RoF as well as very similar Range and Stability values with the difference being mag size, reload speed, and Handling. After patch expect these weapons to maintain their current status as being the best for dealing with ranged targets compared to other Auto Rifles, however if there is no Impact scaling with the 2.0's coming change than you may be outgunned by another Auto in close quarters in an out-right encounter of equal footing. These Autos are the easiest to use outside of the Stable Archetype. Lightweight (Abyss/Vindicator)/Stable (Low Down/Up For Anything): Both have the same Impact & RoF, comparing the two directly and in-game you'll see the Lightweight models have a notably lower base stability and mag size and higher Reload speed, but don't dismiss them, while the Stable archetype models are easier to use the Lightweight archetype has a notably higher Handling stat which decreases the time it takes to get into Aim Down Sight, ready, and stow. If you take a short period of time to learn the recoil pattern of a Lightweight model you'll be hitting faster and there-for killing faster in PvP, but due to the larger mags the Stable archetype may be favorable in terms of sustained DPS in PvE. Both archetypes have the best body-hit DPS & TTK Rapid (Atheon's Epilogue/Unwilling Soul): You see that .96 TTK, you see that they deal 12 per-crit at 900 RPM vs the High Impact's 22 at 450. What they lack however is Range and Stability. This archetype is far and away the most difficult to utilize effectively but thanks to 1.1.1 if you do want to take the time to do so you will be greatly rewarded! [b]TL; DR So, pick an Auto based on how you like to engage.[/b] (some generalizing, but don't let me stop you from doing what you find most enjoyable) Wanna keep 'em at range? Go ahead and keep rocking High Impact, but consider Stable when fighting in maps like The Cauldron and Anomaly to stay as efficient as possible. Like raw damage potential but ease of use in-mind? Go with Stable/Lightweight. Both have the fastest body-hit TTK on the market and while the Lightweight models aren't total laserbeams initially they don't take much to become one. Want to really bring the pain and often find yourself in CQC encounters? Go max RoF. Manage the recoil and you can easily go toe-toe against some Pulse Rifles even before 2.0 hits.