I can see your point~ I chose 5 will instead of 5 str mainly because i wanted a more melee-oriented build, otherwise take steady aim, stack up like 18+ perception and get around 500 effective gun skills which turns .44 into real hand cannon seems more interesting imo.
I made some theorycrafting around pistols (for fun) and concluded there is never ever any sensible reason for raising your perception over 11 (Scrutinous feat) for pistols. The only possible exception is playing hybrid pistol/sniper rifle build and even there it's a stretch. Why:
- Pistols are accurate. 11 perception will guarantee hits on effective guns range and if you find that one enemy with high evasion, just move closer.
- 11 -> 19 (18 + food) perception is 30% more damage
- if you spend these 7 stat points on dexterity instead (which needs to be at least 9 for Bullet Time) you get 40-55% more shots per round. Optimal breakpoint for Bullet time is 17 dex (4ap 9mm shots, or 6ap .44 shots)
- more shots = more likelihood your rapid reloader kicks in giving those precious 10-20 AP
- pistols have huge damage variance. One time you hit for 50, next time you crit for 600. More shots help with averaging this out into reliable source of damage
- dexterity gives also initiative, throwing and subterfurge skills. Perception over 11 only boosts detection
Yes, hit and run is better, i dont know why i didnt take that.
I'm loving Hit and Run under Bullet Time. Worth maxing spec imo.