This is the primary thing. Range affects the 'accuracy' rating behind the scenes and allows for better bullet registration. I have a 63 range plus rangefinder HC that I use all the time, and it hits where I point it, 10 time out of 10. My Hawkmoon with a max range setup (in the 40's, I think, no rangefinder), it just doesn't feel as consistent. It's not like the shots don't hit, but I don't feel like they hit where I'm aiming sometimes. Clear headshots become body shots, and that can and will cost you encounters with a HC. Bungie really needs to just get over the hand cannon hump and just let them perform as they are designed to, not like something that needs help getting up the steps and we all clap if it manages to do it on it's own. With the right perks, HC's are solid, consistent, scary murder machines. Without them, they are just a ticket to the struggle bus. I hit my IB high score with one last season, and I'm going to do it again this time around.