One of my players has asked me what the benefit of an SMG is under the rules as written, particularly when compared to a Handgun.
If, for example, you take the Enfield No2 Service Revolved that has:
Range: Close
Stress: 4
Salvo: Vicious
Size: Minor
Qualities: Close Quarters & Reliable
If you compare that to a Thompson SMG that has:
Range: Close
Stress: 4
Salvo: Stun
Size: Major
Qualities: Inaccurate
You can debate the relative benefits of a Salvo that inflicts a Vicious effect vs. a Salvo that inflicts a Stun effect but the Size of the pistol compared to the SMG seems to suggest that, in game mechanics terms, it would be better to take the pistol plus two other minor items rather than the SMG as a major item.
Or am I missing something in the rules? Should an SMG have the Area Salvo effect like a Machine Gun for example? Please can you advise if I’ve missed something?
Any thoughts or input would be appreciated.