This is the build I'm currently using to great success. Hanging a bit back from the front line allows me to deal heavy damage, pretty much instantly finish off wounded mechs, and the AC20 strangely allows my side torsos to absorb considerable damage, to the point that I almost always lose both side torsos before dying. This variant replaces the SRM6 with 2xSSRM2+A. I have to yet to try it out, but it seems interesting. Edit: I guess I'd like it if some more knowledgeable people gave their opinion on the loadout and possible improvements.
With the Streak Variant, it needs streak ammo. Not a big issue, but the first. The second being putting 2DHS in the arms. Again, not a big issue, but lossing your arms decreases your cooling by 2.8 this is how I would run the OP. More auto cannon ammo for a DHS. that, and moving the DHS into the SRM torso; making it less likely to go first when you lose your armor there.
You're right on the streak ammo, completely. I forgot changing that when modifying the build on Smurfy. The rest of the points you bring up are completely correct in theory, and normally I'd agree with you. Not now though. It's rare for me to lose an arm in this mech, so having my DHS in there isn't a big deal. The Orion just isn't the kind of mech that loses arms. I do usually manage to have them stripped, but very rarely are they critted or destroyed, I just lose the side torso. I also disagree with the ammo, 21 shots I find to be more than enough, you just have to pick the targets you use the AC20 on. It's there for when you really decide to engage someone. For targets of opportunity, I just use the MLs. I value the slightly higher cooling efficiency more. But then I suppose it does come down to personal preference. Edit: Some stats. Do note that I'm not the best player ever (Though I consider myself fairly good) and only play PUG matches. I only ran this build on my ON1-K so far, only basic efficiencies unlocked. 63 matches played, 331 damage and 1.6 kills on average, with a total K/D of 2,81. I think the difference between my average kills/match and my total K/D show that this mech is a real killer, capable of slaughtering its way through smaller, or similar-sized damaged mechs with surprising ease. While I don't have stats for it, I think I only ran out of ammo in about 10 matches so far, so that's 15% of the time.
Here is the dildo; I mean Deal. DHS have a HP of 10. AC20's have an HP of 18. SRM6's have a HP of 10. Where do you want to put your DHS to pad out your SRM6? The side torso. My build's side has an internal HP value of exactly 50HP, while yours only has 40 HP. and, just to show my mistakes, my build puts a single ton of AC20 ammo in the AC20 slot. The ammo has 10HP, but, when it explodes, it caused 20DPS/1S. Meaning it could destroy the AC20! Instead, I should have put the AMS ammo their, which had 10HP and causes exactly .024 damage per ton. Also, which produces more heat, 4ML or a single AC20? 4ML x 4 heat = 16 Heat. 1AC20 x 6 heat = 6 heat. Now, for Light mechs, Understandable. Anything heavier= the are already on your ass and you had better fucking turnaround and give them something from your big bun gun.
