If I like the trac-5 and the Carv would I like the S version? Also Shotguns viable still?

I saw the trac 5 s and the Carv-s but wasn't sure how the 50 RPM would change my killing potential
Any recommendations on an upgrade or stick with the gun(i play close to medium range and like ADS rather then hipfire, sometimes i have to force myself to hipfire in CQC)

I didn't buy a shotgun yet for my LA. I see potential with pump actions(in most fps i use pump shotguns) but sometimes my comp gives me low FPS in bigger fights. As i stated before, I really hate hipfiring with full auto guns so i would rather a shotgun. For shotgun users, did the nerf make shotguns non viable?

Pump shotguns are viable. But if you hate hip-firing, get an auto or semi-auto shotgun. I've got a habit to always ADS from other games, but with PS2 you just can't do that all the time, especially with a pump action shotgun.

EDIT: In fact, I couldn't get a single kill with my pump shotty until I learned that I needed to break my habit of ADS.

I have been having way too much fun with my extended-mag Slug Nova recently. It is the VS semi-auto, and it has no bullet drop which makes it as accurate as a sniper, and just as powerful (semi-autos).

However I would DEFINITELY say that if you find your framerates unstable in large fights a pump would not be ideal. With my old graphics card I could barely get kills with my Deimos because frames would drop and stutter when I got in close range, exacerbated by the tiny trigger-delay of PAs. However, with my new card (superfly GTX 770) my frames are not any better (CPU bound) but much smoother, especially in fights.

In addition to breaking your ADS reflexes, also learn to walk, not run. DO ADS around corners indoors but walk whenever you expect resistance so your shotty is at the ready.

You should trial several shotguns to see what you like.

My pump still 1 shots people.

Seems viable.

S versions are only been bought for the grenade launcher (as engineer) in most cases.

The pumps are bound to relatively slow and sluggish playstyle compared to the semi and auto shotgun. It feels like ages before you can actually shoot out of running or in the air.
For my more agile and mid air play i prefer the NC Mauler (dont know the equivalents name) due to the fast refire time (victim still feels almost OHKed), the fast reload and most of all the smallest cone of fire that shotguns can have. It allows for a few meters extra kill range compared to the others.


I played the 2nd gen pump (bruiser), small cone semi(mauler) and biggest mag semi(sweeper, 250certs) to aurax. I actively use the mauler now and found the sweeper to be absolute trash after all the patches.

All shotguns are still viable , semiautos/autos gonna take 2-3 shots to kill someone , pumps 1 hit and Jacky takes 1 burst.

If you're having FPS drops , pick an auto or a semiauto , don't go for pumps. you will suffer.

the trac 5's is good with the Ub grenade launcher and is quite easy to handle when shooting aswell.
T9 carv 's on the other hand is the worst pice of **** on this planet with lower firerate then the standard t9. The recoil is uncontroll able is just goes wherever it pleases and attatchments are **** for it aswell i mean why would you ever want extended max on the carv

i dont understand....

I tend to agree with gurra.

I didn't think the T9 S was an improvement over the standard, which is pretty good - although I now roll with the Rhino anyway.

I've purchased the Trac S. The trouble is the gun component is worse than the standard Trac. The compensation is the UGL which I found I didn't use often enough to justify it. So for engy I use the Jag or the AMC.

They're completely different weapons IMHO. I use the Trac 5 S for the UBGL, but the weapon itself is inferior at close range to the actual Trac 5. However, you'll find its recoil more controllable and you can get those headshots in at mid-close to mid ranges, which is great.

If you have low fps don't get a pump action. Get a Barrage or a Nighthawk. NH is better up close and the Barrage has more range. Carv-S sux and the Trac5S is a mediocre gun but it can have an under barrel shotgun, grenade launcher or smoke launcher. Btw, ADSing in every engagement is putting your self at a massive disadvantage unless you're seriously good and are able to land every shot even if they're half a metre in front of you. If I were in your shoes I'd go with a Lynx, a Jaguar, a Nighthawk or a Barrage.

The S variants just get more attachment options, meaning you can utilise the same weapon for different roles. Good if you are on a cert / SC budget, otherwise there are other weapons that will out perform them in specific areas. Jack of all trades master of none deal.

Also underbarrel launchers.

pumps are good fun but you almost have to be in their face to OSK, a heavy with a shield at 10m will take at least 3 well aimed shots and you wont always get the kill before he does ... still fun tho... oh and i see youre TR, get the uppercut rather than the blackjack, its just that tiny bit better.

With Auraxium on both the Carv and Carv S.... I can say I hate both.

The S version of the TRAC-5 is most useful because it allows the underbarrel grenade launchers and shotgun. As a carbine, the versions that allow the UBGL are generally "meh" (the NC Gauss Compact S certainly isn't great) but the ability to hang virtually any attachment off them makes them versatile and the "meh"ness of them as guns is the tradeoff for that versatility.

I still occasionally use my Piston (NC auto shottie) and it works OK. Remember that the auto shotguns can viably be fired semi-auto as well by tap-firing, and that's how I usually end up using them. I don't like pump-actions because yes, they are one-shot-one-kill inside about 8m if you hit center of mass, but if you miss, you can get killed before the action cycles. I will say that since the SMGs came along, I see fewer shotguns even in biolab fights. Which is good, because for a while there, I was hearing the very distinctive sound of the TR shotgun action in my sleep...

Stick with the defaults if you use the shooty bit of the weapon instead of the UBGL. Carv S is very much an aquired taste. Upgrade to the Jaguar and MSW-R if you want simillar weapons with their own strenghts.

Once you go trac you never go back. Highest ROF sniper rifle in the game.


Some people claim the trac series is a carbine but in reality it's a sniper rifle that doubles as carbine. It also has an integrated circle 360 degrees kill everything around you mode.

yea, cause this isn't at all inaccurate or biased.


T5-AMC is the most sniperish of the TR carbines anyway.

The S variants generally have worse stats* than the stock weapons, but are balanced by offering more upgrade potential. So, the question becomes, do you want a weapon the is almost the same, but that has a slight tweak to a certain area. If so, look into the other weapon options as you may fine what you're looking for there.

The one exception to this are the Carbine and Assault rifle variants with under barrel grenade/smoke launcher. If you want grenades or smoke, go for it. If not, see above.

*Usually, lower rate of fire. I think they might have slightly worse accuracy as well, but can't remember.

Funnily enough, I like the Carv (got Auraxium with it too) and think it's far superior to the Orion. However, nothing will beat the Gauss Saw in the hands of a skilled player (if you're not a skilled player prepare to die, a lot).

Note- I use flashbangs instead of frags