[Namikaze]

Hmm...  sounds like the argument in favor of using Exotic Ranged Weapon for mounted lasers is starting to get some holes in it.  This was an interesting little discussion - thanks everyone for participating.  I'll leave things open in case anyone comes up with a new position or reasoning, but it sure looks like a slam dunk for Gunnery. 

[Lucean]

How can something look open and shut at the same time or is this some wordplay thing?

[Namikaze]

LOL no that's me not proof-reading my own sentences.  I'll change the metaphor so that it's less confusing. 

[Emperors Grace]

For a laser, you need to hold your aim on one spot, most likely while moving, for at least a second, if not more.

If anything, I'd assume a mount and some auto tracking software would be an aid to holding such a focus, not a detriment.

For manual control? Would it have auto tracking software if you are firing using manual control, rather than remote control? If it does have auto tracking software, you would be right though.

As an assist.  (Think of the gyro mount in Aliens, it didn't fire the gun or aim but it made holding it steady much easier)

It's the same reason my camera has anti-shake tech in it.  My hand may move slightly or vibrate but the camera stays focused on the same spot and the picture clear.

From what I've heard for RL tanks, move and fire systems work similar.  You designate target and pull triggers but the computer tracks the relative changes for the motion of you and your target between designation and fire and makes the slight adjustments needed.  (any RL tankers feel free to correct)

[8-bit]

For a laser, you need to hold your aim on one spot, most likely while moving, for at least a second, if not more.

If anything, I'd assume a mount and some auto tracking software would be an aid to holding such a focus, not a detriment.

For manual control? Would it have auto tracking software if you are firing using manual control, rather than remote control? If it does have auto tracking software, you would be right though.

As an assist.  (Think of the gyro mount in Aliens, it didn't fire the gun or aim but it made holding it steady much easier)

It's the same reason my camera has anti-shake tech in it.  My hand may move slightly or vibrate but the camera stays focused on the same spot and the picture clear.

From what I've heard for RL tanks, move and fire systems work similar.  You designate target and pull triggers but the computer tracks the relative changes for the motion of you and your target between designation and fire and makes the slight adjustments needed.  (any RL tankers feel free to correct)

That actually makes a lot of sense. I work with cameras a lot, so the comparison really helped. I think you're right. That means that shooting a mounted laser should be no more difficult, or even easier, than a hand-held one. Well, I guess Gunnery makes sense then.

[Xenon]

I can't find any evidence that you would ever use any other skill than Gunnery when firing a vehicle mounted weapon.... shrug.


weaponry—if you’ve got a gun mounted on or in a vehicle, use Gunnery

Gunnery is used when firing any vehicle-mounted weapon, regardless of how or where the weapon is mounted. This skill extends to manual and sensor-enhanced gunnery.
Default: Yes
Skill Group: None
Specializations: Artillery, Ballistic, Energy, Guided Missile, Rocket

The rules and modifiers for ranged combat apply to vehicle-mounted weapons. Vehicle-mounted weapons are fired using Gunnery + Agility [Accuracy] for manual operation, like door guns on mounts, or Gunnery + Logic [Accuracy] for remote operated systems. A Complex Action is required for shooting weapons mounted on a vehicle in any firing mode. Characters shooting handheld weapons follow the normal rules for ranged combat and suffer a –2 dice penalty for firing from a moving vehicle. Stationary vehicles do not confer any of these effects, though they may inflict the Firing from Cover modifier.

[Anarkitty]

This crossed my mind while I read through this thread:
When you mount a weapon you remove a lot of the differences between different types of firearms.  Compare a pistol, an assault rifle and a rocket launcher (assume a heavy mount).

When hand-firing, they all have different stances.  When mounted-firing you use the same stance for all three.
When hand-firing, they all have different recoil your body has to compensate for.  When mounted-firing you don't have to worry about recoil.
When hand-firing, they all have different sights and aiming methods.  When mounted-firing you are usually sighting them using the mount.
When hand-firing, they all are different shapes and weights.  When mounted-firing you control the mount rather than the gun so differences don't matter.

There are minor differences in operation, but there are more similarities when firing a mounted weapon than differences.  All of these cases also apply to lasers, the differences in stance, recoil, sights, and weight all cease to matter when you mount it.

That seems to be why the Gunnery skill works the way it does.

[Reaver]

Gotta agree.

Gunnery is the "shoot all" skill for just about all mounted weapons. Which kind of makes one of the most important skills a combat rigger could take!

[Spooky]

Agreed, gunnery covers anything mounted. Interesting side thought: should that include guns mounted on a tripod? Opinions?

(Personal opinion: no, only mounted on vehicle counts for gunnery, because tripod is man portable.)

[Anarkitty]

I could see a gun on a tripod (but not a bipod) being able to use the Gunnery skill as an option.  I think it makes sense.

I'll be making it a house rule in my game at least.