All I wanted to know was what the best weapon was...

TLDR: there isn't one

TLDR: there isn't one

An expert's guide to finding the best weapon in DUST 514:

1. Buy a Militia version of each weapon that has a Militia version. They're BPOs, so they won't disappear with each death.
2. Buy one of each Militia suit, and module.
3. Build a whole stack of experimental builds using this gear, combining the different items in unique ways.
4. Try out the different fittings you created in step 3.
5. Decide which worked best for you.
6. Check if any of the non-Militia weapons are going to function similarly enough to your current setup to be worth trying.
7. If the answer to 6 is yes, buy at least 10. If not, skip to 10.
8. Create an appropriate fitting around the new weapon.
9. Test and see if it's better than your current choice by a significant enough margin to justify the added cost.
10. You now have an awesome weapon and fitting. Use it.

Basically, TRY EVERYTHING. You'll find what works best for you. It might not be the same as what works best for me. Ask my girlfriend what the best weapon is, and she'll either tell you it's the Forge Gun or a Sniper Rifle. I'd say Swarm Launcher or Shotgun. Other players will tell you it's one of the Assault Rifles.

Different people perform better with different weapons and different fittings. Nobody can tell you what YOU will do best with unless they know you well.