I love how everyone is calling the HMG a situational weapon. EVERY weapon is situational, the challenge to using each weapon is getting into the situation that best suits your weapon. Laser rifles trump AR's at a range if you have good aim, especially if they heat up a bit before hitting, shotguns, SMG's and HMG's trump AR's at close range (couldn't tell you how many GEK's I've stomped with a toxin), Snipers top AR's at extreme range (any range really if you have a good sniper like Sleepy Zan or Texas Hitman using it), Pistols top AR's if your a good shot mid to close range, Mass drivers are exellent at mid to semi close range if you can aim them and have cover since they are an indirect fire weapon, AR's however are good at any range if you spot the enemy out of their weapon's proper range or if you are able to maneuver properly to get the drop on them or are a good dancer. It's ALL situational, the AR is just the one weapon that has the potential to be good at almost any range when put in the right hands.

*looks at the last four lines I wrote*..... Yup, already covered that. You might actually want to read before you post.