Laser Weaponry: Worth it?, Cool, but worth the Nuyen? Options

[Aberrant]

So my current character is a merc and weaponsmith. I have been debating having his gun dealer contact begin searching the shadows for an Ares Redline Laser Pistol (Arsenal p.41) and a couple of Peak Discharge Packs (Arsenal p. 36).

I actually sunk some BP into Exotic Ranged Weapon: Lasers in hopes of being somewhat useful with them, and I will be honest: it seems too cool to not at least own one (and totally in character for a guy who collects firearms).

Is the damage, however, worth the cost and the highly illegal nature of the weapon?

Pros:

• Impact Armor, and only half that
• Absolutely no recoil
• Intimidating as hell (situational)

Cons:

• Totally illegal
• Expensive
• Small Ammo Capacity (Satchel notwithstanding)
• Low Rate of Fire

I assume that, since Laser weapons can accept top and under mounted accessories, that these can indeed be smartlinked, so, my character would have a "decent" (Depending on your table) die pool of Agility 6 + ERW 2 + Smart 2 =10
Not the best, but again, no recoil and decent penetration.

As an aside, are there any 'legal' versions of the Peak Discharge Pack? Because the Sonic Rifle from Ares uses them as well, and it is a perfectly legal weapon, but the ammunition is Availability F?