from my tests (raising up new chars all the time) i got the impression that all weapons are available in the pistols, rifles, psi (drones are a bit weak at start, i'd rather use fists) line, for a nice progression in skill levels, while theres a gap at cannons/heavy weapons.
starting with the all-too-powerful TL 3 grenade launcher, you'll work your way to the TL 23 or switch to the high-tech TL 19 laser cannon. the TL 10 flamer is quite hard to use, and only a few people understand the importance of handgrenades in NC. it would be easier, and more appealing for the new player, to have a single-shot low-tech alternative gun. at TLs like 12, 44 and 72. Here it is:
1669.png
Yes, right, thats the ion cannon, which could be recoloured and reused (and refitted with new sound fx), as a non-rare, lowtech "howitzer" or "mortar", straight shooting, easy to handle (good aiming), medium range, not too much damage, slowly firing (new) shrapnell charges (fire, piercing, explosive, uranium, like other low-tech guns). the gun should be easy to implement by the dev tem (later this year) and boost playing fun for tanks and heavy PEs.
what do you think?