So you probably already have a good guess as to where I stand, but you are wrong! I like both of these! My Akmagnus build: http://warframe-builder.com/Seconda...211-9-222-9-204-7-193-6-206-6-205-5/en/3-0-37 My Akvasto build: http://warframe-builder.com/Seconda...95-11-263-7-204-7-193-6-206-6-205-5/en/3-0-29 At first glance, both pretty much do the same thing. However, there are some key differences that make these two distinct: Akmagnus: Higher damage/shot. Higher crit. and status chance. Much better for crit-based damage builds Akvasto: Much faster firing and reload rate. Can do both crit-based or flat damage builds Cheaper to upgrade (requires 1 less forma to max out) On paper, it would appear the Magnus is far superior, but in reality the two are surprisingly close in terms of overall damage output. Even though the Magnus has slightly higher dps, its base damage is primarily Impact compared to the Vasto's mostly Slash damage... so choose according to what you need. Probably the one major difference though is that due to the Vasto's overall higher rate of fire, it is more likely to run out of ammo before the Magnus. It isn't as bad as automatic secondaries, but something you should be aware of. On the other hand, the Vasto sounds awesome and makes you feel like Jackie Chan in Shanghai Noon so (obviously) it wins this showdown by default! P.S. - You can do a crit-based loadout with the Vasto, but I found it did *slightly* more damage if you used a flat damage build. But at least it gives you plenty of options if you are shorthanded on some mods.
FYI: I find that the Ice Storm mod is "almost" always good to have on secondaries. It really is that good.
I prefer Akmagnus. Both style and stats wise. The build that I use: http://warframe-builder.com/Seconda...18-5-209-11-193-6-211-9-263-4-356-7/en/3-0-37 This has served me well against pretty much anything. With all dual stat mods you can get proc close to 100% which means almost nonstop stunlock for those annoying Eximuses and other heavy units. Aim for the head and let it rip. The three elemental mods can be changed around freely if other damage types are needed.
Interesting update; I managed to increase the Vasto's dps beyond that of the Magnus: AkMagnus: http://warframe-builder.com/Seconda...11-9-222-9-204-7-193-6-206-6-205-5/en/3-0-37/ AkVasto: http://warframe-builder.com/Seconda...2-11-199-9-204-7-193-6-206-6-205-9/en/3-0-29/ The drawback here is that I had to nerf the Vasto's status chance to increase the damage output. Still, for most players, this build is probably easier to make because it doesn't rely on any "rare" mods such as Pistol Pestilence and Jolt.
ROUND TWO: U18 Akmagnus http://warframe-builder.com/Seconda...6-6-543-6-209-6-195-11-487-8-605-7/en/3-0-37/ Akvasto http://warframe-builder.com/Seconda...6-6-543-6-209-6-195-11-487-8-605-7/en/3-0-29/ The new Prime pistol mods have given these old favorites a new lease on life. However, thanks to having both superior crit and status chance, the Akmagnus now far out strips the Akvasto in pretty much every meaningful way.
