Sidearms I can help with. There are two things that you need to know about sidearms in order to use them. 1. Knowing what a “good” sidearm looks like. 2. Knowing what theater to use one in. When it’s comes to a “good” sidearm there’s a simple rule: faster is better. The entire point of a sidearm is to overwhelm enemies with a volley of fire that’s easy to control in micro range engagements. Done right, and sidearms can even counter shotguns. Generally look for ones that either drop with full auto, or are intrinsically burst fire. Single shots (like Drang) can be deadly but I get that you’re going for easiest to use. Not really mastery of the archetype. The single easiest sidearm I’ve encountered so far is Death By Scorn. Two burst with full auto and headseeker (one of the best side arm perks btw) locked in. No random roll possible. Thing melts in the close range engagements you’ll be using it in. Downside is it’s hard to get but guns similar to it in perks will work. If you grind strikes you can get access to Last Dance rolls from Zavala. Intrinsically it’s three-round burst but it can also drop with full auto. Anonymous Autumn from Shaxx’s pool can also drop with some nice perks. If you are trying to avoid counting on RNG rolls, previous sidearms from seasons 1-3 are also good. Look into Traveler’s Judgment from Brother Vance for a good starting place (three round burst and headseeker). Generally try to avoid kinetic sidearms, I haven’t found any that really justify taking that weapon slot, unless you’re really tied to your energy weapon. As far as using one in combat. It’s honestly quite simple. Sidearms are holdouts. Don’t rely on a sidearm to start and finish the battle. Just finish. Use your main weapon as you normally would and if your opponent closes the gap then quickly swap to finish them off. Sidearms are great for routing, don’t attack head on. Go from the flank and force your foe to move in the room around you. It’s harder for them to shotgun, fusion, or melee you if you keep them moving. Also a sidearms best friend is the air. They’re are incredibly easy to use airborne, and it’s the kinda maneuver an opponent will struggle to adequately counter. Death from above. Honestly don’t force yourself to use one. Have one around and learn to feel when using one is appropriate. Hope this helps in some small way. Sorry about swords though. I’m worthless with them.