I meant more that if the Viper did allow regular ammo, it would then be boringly perfect. As is, I have no use for the thing, because I like having the non-lethal option available. Plus I imagine that, legal or not, police would doubly look over anyone carrying one, since its a weapon best suited for turning civilians into a red mess.

Back to the original topic I tend to pick specific weapon models based on the character, but classes are pretty universal. A light pistol for dress duty or situations when you're supposed to be armed but don't want to lug around a hand cannon. A heavy pistol for nearly everything else. A SMG when you need precision autofire but at closer ranges, and having some concealability is still important. And an AR when its open field, long range, and subtlety be damned.

Don't forget tasers. Those tend to be on par (overall) with light pistols as far as non-combat situations are concerned, but really do a number on living creatures.

Also, don't forget hunting rifles. Those tend to do as much damage as an assault rifle in burst fire mode but with a better range. They aren't any easier to hide, but you won't raise nearly as many eyebrows when you're carting one in your vehicle.

Sorry for bringing this up again: Of course what you say is perfectly true. But as a runner you would want to look at ALL the advantages - and while you are not specifically TRYING for the non-lethal option, the ability to reliably dish out stun to armoured opponents IS an advantage. And you're possibly doing more damage than with Gel rounds.

Gel are -/+2, so using my above considerations they end up at +1/-, exactly +1 DV, which is actually worse at dishing out stun damage than the Slivergun, but better than regular flechettes.

This is mechanics at work, and it also fits the fluff, as long as you count the P to S conversion as fluff as well.