Auto rifles are not fun to use. Hand cannons are the most gratifying primary weapon in the game. There’s nothing like a crispy 3-tap while peek shooting or the classic hand cannon/shotgun swap kill. Good hand cannon players move better, make smarter plays and position themselves better because they have to. The playstyle is rewarding. I’d argue that it’s the most rewarding playstyle in the game. Which is why no matter what the meta is; people will always use hand cannons.

Saying hand cannons users are smarter is a wild take because the only decision made is when to peek. I use hand cannons because autos are just -blam!-. And HC hit registration is wild because there ain't no way my shot that felt like a foot off their head shoulda hit. I love HCs in PvE. I'm sick of seeing them for, idk, 10 years nonstop in pvp. It's old.