Combat rank progression and outfitting for a Cobra MKIII

[glynie]

How do,

So I've done a fair bit of trading and exploring. Got 35 million in the bank and a nice Cobra MKIII (which I want to stick with), however my combat rank's still a bit rubbish. So, I was wondering what the fastest way to progress through the ranks is. Here's my current outfitting (only showing combat related equipment):

F2 Multi-cannon (Gimballed)
F2 Multi-cannon (Gimballed)
E1 Beam Laser (Gimballed)
E1 Beam Laser (Gimballed)
Point Defence
A4 Power Plant
A4 Thrusters
A3 Life Support
A3 Sensors
A3 Power Distributor
A4 Shield Generator
A2 Auto-Field Maintenance Unit

I've heard however that a good way to go about this is to stick on crappier lasers? (Because apparently the rubbish lasers do decent damage and don't overheat - so for long periods of combat I'm better getting 4 rubbish lasers - don't know which ones - and going to a combat zone with lots of small ships.) Is this true?

If so, what lasers should I use and where's a combat zone?

The only other thing I should tell you is: I've a clean record and I'm friendly/ranked with the federation so I don't want to ruin that reputation. So pirates or other faction targets would be needed.

 

[INSTG8R]

Pretty much run the exact same loadout minus the AFMU(I use a KWS) I don't fear much of anything. Beams cut thru shields pretty quick and the MC's just shred hulls on small ships and with proper sub-system targeting make pretty quick work of bigger ships as well.

I wouldn't change your load out.

 

[glynie]

I wouldn't change your load out.

Aye but like you, I find combat pretty easy - so if I'm gonna do it for ages, it's probably easier sitting in a combat zone or whatever...and then there's the multi-cannon ammo running out.

 

[INSTG8R]

Aye but like you, I find combat pretty easy - so if I'm gonna do it for ages, it's probably easier sitting in a combat zone or whatever...and then there's the multi-cannon ammo running out.

I can spend at least 30min in a RES killing whatever shows up and still only use half my ammo, not too mention it's cheap as chips to replenish. And I just keep my finger on the trigger with my MC's. I toss lead with abandon.

 

[glynie]

Alright, where's a combat zone then? I've heard there are some tiny little ships or something.

 

[PhazonAran]

Alright, where's a combat zone then? I've heard there are some tiny little ships or something.

Are you talking about the Condors ? Be careful if you want to fight them, you'll have to cope with the capital ship they came with.

 

[INSTG8R]

Alright, where's a combat zone then? I've heard there are some tiny little ships or something.

Combat Zones move around. I mainly frequent Resource Extractions Sites for my Bounty Hunting needs. You get a random mix. It's either all Sidewinder, all Cobras, and the occasional Anacondas.