Have you gotten catalyst for Hardlight yet? It is supposed to ease the recoil effect on weapon. Cannot make much for commenting catalyst effects on recoil. Still some % to progress for final install. And what you are supposed to do with people who already spent time to get and unlock the Hardlight catalyst? You are just negating their all playing and investment for the weapon? Even with recoil without catalyst, it has pretty good attributes to be used around. Lack of falloff makes good for any range engagement. Get autorifle assist and short bursts will land at decent rate on target on medium range. Closer distance targets are large enough that you should be able to hit them even with normal recoil. Since you most likely use it as shield stripper, it does not care where you hit target anyways. For long range engagement, you should be consider using Borealis. I am somewhat impressed on how this weapon does not have any actual balancing, past some minor screen/sight shaking, for the value it brings to combat with present form. Recoil pattern is more vertical on Hardlight and than average autorifle, within my small testing. Other AR's seem to have more horizontal component on recoil thus softening the sharp upwards movement, that seem to cause problems with some players. If you have problems with the sharp recoil effect, dump what does not work for you and select other weapon that suits you abilities and possibilities better. It is good weapon, but none forces you to use it.