Late now, so a more thorough update tomorrow. But I did want to illustrate the advice given has been taken to heart. Presuming a decent level of cooperation, this is about par for me as of late (and this was a fast one): http://img827.imageshack.us/img827/7551/screenshot2013032121390.jpg Top damage maybe one out of every 3-4 wins. But always high medal count with 5k+ hits. My single-target damage is astounding. So much so that top DPS is irrelevant to my 'feel good' level. Good stuff. Thank you all.

More excellent words of wisdom. Appreciated. At work so this will be more brief a response than I'd prefer... I tend to keep my ACC at or around 100% (to ensure the 110% Tech for specials). This based on the mad math skills of the folks over at mmo-mechanics, specifically here: http://mmo-mechanics.com/swtor/forums/thread-364.html. They indicate everything outside of Flurry utilizes Tech ACC. I have considered forgoing 5% ACC for additional Surge, but I'm already @76.67% in that category. Though I do tend towards much of what you've mentioned, there's definitely a great deal of food-for-thought in your write up. I'm curious: what would you consider appropriate Crit percentages?

First of all, really appreciate all the comments, suggestions, and 'welcomes'. One of the reasons I decided to come back was the community. Thanks for proving me right. Considerable improvement. Taking my Critical down to 30% was troublesome (mentally). It bothered me to no end and it just seemed wrong. But when you're right, your right. And you guys were spot on. Just pulled a 317K in Void Star, 3rd after a Trooper and a Lightning Sorc. Previous two WZ I only pulled 250K, but was no. 1 on both. I stacked Cun/Power (775), removed Vital from the rotations, and now open with Cover -> Charged -> Sabo -> Trick -> Aimed (with Quickdraw popping more often than not after that). I re-spec'd 29/9/3 and rely on Aimed a lot more. Had to forgo Burst Volley, but haven't noticed any detriment. Almost never used BV, so I don't miss it. Will continue to update as my gear improves (ever so slowly... too slowly). Many Thanks again.

Initial results favorable. Entering WZ with only basic buffs (no Xeno stims) to gauge the difference. In the few I've played I'm easily pulling 250K (again, only basic buffs), with a fair amount of self-imposed screw ups due to adjusting to the new rotation. Seeing improvement.

This is solid advice, and it's appreciated. I do indeed use Sab... just neglected to mention. The most intriguing portion of what you've mentioned is the overuse of Flourish/Vital. I honestly hadn't even considered removing them from the rotation. I suppose I theorized the -20% plus DOT was worth the additional seconds. I generally use them on-the-run/approach, before I plant (not when Hunkered). I'm going to back off on their application as recommended and see where that takes me. I do understand the need to plant as a SS. My "not a turret" comment was more to illustrate that I try not to lock myself into a static position for too long. You use of "refresh ballistics" is an excellent descriptor. I was Sabo spec for a long time prior to changing to SS, and I'll admit I sometimes have difficulty purging the joyous dancing flame tossing pyro mentality. And to answer your question: I am hassled quite a bit so 'setup' rotations are difficult most times. I find myself on defense about 50/50 compared to offence. So in retrospect I think need to pick my battles & position(s) more intelligently. Again, many thanks. I'll report back after some "theory application".

Only recently came back after a year hiatus. Prior to the break I was respectably at or near the top of the damage board in WZs. Obviously there have been gearing changes since then and initially I was extremely outclassed, but I was stunned to see my output has dropped significantly and I seem unable to bring myself back on par with the better Sharpshooters out there. I've poured over forum posts and recent guides, to no avail. Looking for some feedback. The vast majority of the time I am a 33/5/5 Sharpshooter. My unbuffed Cunning tips 1950 (2200+ with stims & buffs). I have re-geared with all 61 mods, all but two of which are WH. I've crammed aug slots into every conceivable nook and cranny, all +12End/+18Cun. My Expertise hovers around 1200. I have a solid Flourish, Vital Shot, Charged Burst, Speed Shot+Burst Volley, with optional Aimed Shot rotation (plus Quick Draw and Trick Shot where appropriate). I'm not a turret... prefer way more mobile. Stick and move, rinse and repeat. I was initially concerned the Expertise wasn't higher, but upon examining the 400k+ GS I note they have very close to same, sometimes slightly lower. I have tried stacking power up to 600, adjusted my Crit between 35% and 40%, even tried pushing Surge upwards of 80% even though I knew it was fruitless to do so because of diminishing returns. I can readily pull 200K. Occasionally I'll crest 250K. On rare occasions I'll top 300K. But I get nowhere close to 400K... and it's frustrating the hell out of me. What am I missing? I'm not interested in the high numbers for their own sake. I generally post in the top 25 percentile for number of kills. I'm specifically interested in increasing my damage efficiency. It seems logical to me that if other SS are able to put out at those levels, I could be performing considerably better than I am currently. Your input is greatly appreciated. Let me know if I need to provide additional or more detailed information. Thanks in advance.

Searched for these forever myself with almost no information to go on... so I don't mind sharing. I have multiple copies of the gloves, bracers, and belt. They are Balmorra Heroic Area drops. Champion Snipers, Champion 'Bots, and Champion Sith Lords should be your targets. Edit: disregard. I misread 'Spider' for 'Viper' (the higher-level black ones). Spider sets can be acquired by repeating 'Enemies of the Republic' Heroic on Coruscant.

L50 GS Sabo build. And 'kite' is appropriate, not 'keep at bay'. Through good timing and appropriate use of interrupts (an oft neglected talent in PvP). I am taken out by Marauders all the time. In contrast, I take out Marauders all the time. 50/50 proposition. And that ratio bothers me not at all. For the record: I do not play a Marauder or their mirror.

30sec rendition: - Kite, don't plant. Keep them at distance. Strafe - Stick and move. Dont 'turret' - Don't expect to be able to squat, pop Hunker, and actually survive for very long against any credible melee class There's definitely a theme in the above. A significant majority of the angst I see/hear coming from GS players directly relates to those player's absence of a mobility mindset. A completely static GS simply does not survive for long in PvP. In fact, turreting paints a neon bulls eye on your forehead.