The Dilemma of Auto Versus Single Shot

[TacticalSkirmish]

Was reviewing the thread concerning accuracy for the machine guns. Could have posted there but felt this issue was a little different, though probably been discussed here many times.

Firstly, I'm not a real soldier I just play one in BF2. So my comments/questions are only about gameplay and not realism or upcoming changes in the patch.

Many in the other thread were complaining about accuracy with machine guns. It has taken me some time to realize that being prone and even shooting from the sight isn't the whole story. Range is a vital component. All too often I was taking the Support gun (which I still like), and dropping to the ground only to be killed by the other guy.

Two things I have learned - the Assault rifle has better range/accuracy. And online, perhaps because of lag and/or the recoil, the guy that can keep moving while shooting is likely to win in this scenario, especially up close.

Machine guns have no accuracy? Well last night I was next to a Sniper for a little bit with my Assault rifle. With single shot, prone and using the gunsight I was getting several kills (before moving closer). This was at a considerable distance (top of building across a gorge).

Which brings me to my next question. Using the Medic and Assault on single shot seems to allow me to win those distance encounters. And yet there are times when I should have used auto (especially closer in). Ideally, if I wasn't so slow :hmm:, I would switch but often don't have the time.

Do you prefer auto or single shot? Do you constantly change the firing mode?

TS!

[ozziegt]

Re: The Dilemma of Auto Versus Single Shot

Well I play as medic with the l8. I usually keep it in automatic mode, but if I am going to pick people off and I have time I will switch to single shot. Taking out snipers is a normal activity for me.

[BeerStein]

Re: The Dilemma of Auto Versus Single Shot

I always keep on auto - and just have enough control over my clicking to single shot or double/triple tap when I need accuracy. Then if I need to too I always can just go for a wide open spray if they are in my face - rather than having to go spastic in single shot.

[imported_Psycho]

Re: The Dilemma of Auto Versus Single Shot

Depends which gun i am using, with most i normally use single shot unless i no i am going to be upclose with people, but with the support gun i am happy with the "spray and pray" technique, not so much praying any more because it works.

[Berrern]

Re: The Dilemma of Auto Versus Single Shot

I use both modes, and change a lot.

Single shot is great for longer ranges, while full auto is good for close/medium range.

The selection I make is also based on the enemys position, for example if he's on medium range and running, I let rip with full auto (I shoot in burst of course), but if he's at the same range and lying prone, I use single shot as he's a smaller target this way.

It's not hard to change firemode, just takes one keypress, and the 3 key is right next to my W (walk forward) key so it's easy and fast to change it.

By standard I normally always use Full Auto when running around (in case an enemy suddenly pops up around the corner), and change between the two very often.

[menace-uk-]

Re: The Dilemma of Auto Versus Single Shot

I always keep on auto - and just have enough control over my clicking to single shot or double/triple tap when I need accuracy. Then if I need to too I always can just go for a wide open spray if they are in my face - rather than having to go spastic in single shot.

I am the same as that and i use the G36 which is accurate however you shoot it

[dnoe91]

Re: The Dilemma of Auto Versus Single Shot

I have a button on my mouse maped to the 3 button. This allows me to change my rate of fire without having to go for the 3 button.

[The_Misfit]

Re: The Dilemma of Auto Versus Single Shot

dont use medic too much, unless flying.

but on SpecOps and Assault, full auto most of the time, but if we're fighting people from a distance or defending a postion I'll go over to single shot, both the m16 and the SO m4 are amazing in single shot @ distance, have taken out SVD snipers many times..

[usiel]

Re: The Dilemma of Auto Versus Single Shot

I use both..often toggling back and forth depending on close vs long distance combat.

[MrChris_CJ]

Re: The Dilemma of Auto Versus Single Shot

i constantly switch depending on what im doing or where im going...sometimes u jus cantt ap the mouse button fast enough on single for it to be useful at close range :)

[flying_chicken_wing]

Re: The Dilemma of Auto Versus Single Shot

I use single and auto on my G3 (If you like the assault weapons you should try this out as your next unlock) and my G36C and yes... I switch often between firing modes.

[Mr Tough Pants]

Re: The Dilemma of Auto Versus Single Shot

I use single shot and it's difficult to constantly change rate of fire so what I might end up doing is put Rate of Fire on one of the extra buttons on my mouse, near the thumb area, this way I don't have to find the # 3 key all the time.

[Armo_Bastard]

Re: The Dilemma of Auto Versus Single Shot

I have a button on my mouse maped to the 3 button. This allows me to change my rate of fire without having to go for the 3 button.

How do you do that? I have a 5 button mouse, but I don't know how to set it up.

[flying_chicken_wing]

Re: The Dilemma of Auto Versus Single Shot

How do you do that? I have a 5 button mouse, but I don't know how to set it up.

Go to options and controls, and just press the button on the mouse when asked for. If your mouse is installed correctly it should work.

[TacticalSkirmish]

Re: The Dilemma of Auto Versus Single Shot

Thanks for the comments. I too find myself constantly switching depending on the circumstances.

One thing I did wish was that it would stay "locked" in single shot. Most times I prefer this rate of fire. I think it goes to Auto even when switching from grenade/smoke then back to the gun. Maybe I'm wrong? Obviously upon re-spawning it is on auto - would be nice to change to single shot (for me anyway). Can this be done?