Recluse is a pinnacle weapon meaning it's supposed to be strong it's also one of the strongest weapons in the game possibly stronger than Luna just less range however this range balances it out seen as any weapon with more range should be able to dispatch of them and if they get too close a shotgun will to the job meaning that for successful kills the user must require some skill as to not get too close and die
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It feels stronger in Gambit and pve than in crucible for me. If I'm close enough to be super effective, a shotgun works just as, if not better.