Weapon functions(how it works for ut2004)

Basic use

The flak cannon is the easiest weapon to get to grips with; and should be most novice's first choice weapon.
It is effective at close, and close to medium range.
Primary fire
- has a wide scatter - so at close range most will hit. At a distance, even if you do hit a target; most of the shrads will miss, and therefore damage will be minimal
- Flak shrads bounces off floor and walls, so can be used cleverly to shoot round corners. They are lethanl in confined spaces.
Secondary fire
- on contact with the ground or wall, it explodes
- It causes considerable dammage, and is more effective at a distance than flak primary

The flak barrels are the easiest way on foot to quickly dammage stationary objects like powernodes
Flak shrads have considerable momentum that will throw lighter Vehicles back and stop them from crushing you.
Flak is effective at dammaging vehichles. Stepping to the side of an onrushing vehichle and using flak often works well.
- The arc trajectory is useful to attack an area e.g. a node from behind ground cover; without exposing yourself to line of sight view of your target.

My preferred use is to predict where my opponent will be in 3/4 of a second - and fire a flak barrel to hit that spot; then hit that same spot with a flak primary as soon as the barrel is launched. If your guess is right, both shots will hit your opposing player at the same time; which should deliver more dammage than the opopnent has health. This is particularly useful if your opponent hasn't seen you.
By alternating primary and secondary attacks in a duel; and correspondingly moving closer or further, your opponents will have difficulty in second guessing your moves; which is always a good thing.

In a close range duel; retreat.
Use a shock rifle to physically push your opponent further away
Dodge to avoid incoming shots
Try to control the environment so that you are aware where your opponent is; and keeping him guessing where you will be.