Qualifiers: I only play PvE (Solo or Mobius), and want to stay in a haz res or CNB until I get tired. I also like using my Corvette for other things as well.
First off, I use NO armor other than the stock offering. None, nadda. I tried the fancy armor, but I don't need it, and it just slows my ship down. My shields are somewhere north of 2400Mj IIRC, and when they get down to 30-40% I simply pick on smaller targets while they recharge ( I prefer to have 50% or better shields to take on a Elite conda). With no armor upgrades I find my Corvette to be more nimble in maneuvering, and with almost a 21Ly jump range and a 7A fuel scoop the bubble is my playground. I even do missions and some short range exploring in it.
I only have access to G3 shield boosters, and don't know how to use a SCB nor even own one. I haven't found that I need them. I run class D life support and sensors to reduce weight and increase jump range as well.
I have recently switched my huge beams for huge G5 efficient MCs with autoloader at the suggestion of a forum member here. All other hardpoints have turreted burst lasers G5 long range. Everything is on one trigger, so all I have to do it poke a NPC with my MCs and the lasers will take over. I will let the lasers take out smaller targets by themselves sometimes as I'm scanning for other targets. The medium and larger targets get introduced to my MCs. When taking on Elite and Dangerous smaller ships I keep the nose of my ship oriented on the target (or close) so that all of my burst lasers can fire, including the large one on my belly . This usually works well with only occasional shots needed from the MCs to just accelerate things.
I use the turrets because I'm lazy I guess. I have used gimballed lasers and have no issues taking out smaller targets, but I find the turrets allow a more relaxed hunting experience.
