L'Etranger

[r_a_k]

I think most of us agree, that L'Etranger is a bit weak. I, for instance, would love to see it working not just as accessory for Saharan, but as fully functional weapon.

That said, before I jump to my proposed changes, I would like to remind you all what was real-life inspiration of L'Etranger

Nagant M1895 revolver

- 7.62 mm ( 0.3' )
- seven shot (not 6!)
- gas-seal (boost to the muzzle velocity, allows weapon to be suppressed)
- increased accuracy
- slow reload (each bullet has to be inserted separately)

While I wouldn't mind allowing (balanced) suppressed gun, it would require model change and I don't think Valve would go for it. Still, even without suppression, basing on real-life characteristics, I would propose:

L'Etranger (mk II)
Level 5 Revolver

7 rounds chamber (and total ammo of 28)
-20% spread recovery time (1 sec instead of 1.25 sec)
+15 cloak on hit
-20% damage penalty
+50% slower reload time (1.74 sec instead of 1.16 sec)

what does it change?
First, let's compare damage output. For simplicity reasons, let's do it at basic dmg range.

Spamming without waiting for accuracy:

- Stock Revolver: 6x40 dmg in 3.48 sec = 68.96 dps
- current L'Etranger: 6x32 dmg in 3.48 sec = 55.17 dps
- mk II L'Etranger: 7x32 dmg in 4.06 sec = 55.17 dps

Now, waiting for perfect accuracy, with

- Stock Revolver: 6x40 dmg in 7.5 sec = 32 dps
- current L'Etranger: 6x32 dmg in 7.5 sec = 25.6 dps
- mk II L'Etranger: 7x32 dmg in 7 sec = 32 dps

As you can see, such change wouldn't take Revolver close counter general defence niche. Yet it would make more fair using L'Etranger with measured, timed shots (equaling its dps with revolver), making it more appealing.

On top of that, cloak bonus gets a bit better, since instead of getting 90 cloak per clip (6x15) you can now get full with extra bullet.

Extended reload time is here not only to honour real-life gun, but mainly to set frames of weapon that supports timing and planning instead of spamming.

Do you thing it would be enough, to make L'Etranger viable on its own?

[StarCraft]

yes, I rather recharge faster then shooting more for the l'etranger though, +20 cloak on hit , basically equates to the same thing, just more stealth with other way, and this way just makes it more unique to the individual weapon, it would be enough to make L'Etranger viable on its own, the l'etranger is weak though, don't know if you'll be able to get off 7 shots, before the enemy knows your there, or even if it would be worth it to shoot 7 times to get the more cloak regen, as to oppose to 4 or 5.

[StarCraft]

bump.