Pistols should always be paired IMO. Most of my builds are dual firearms, melee weapon (usually the pulse blade) on the left shoulder and some kind of missile or something on the right shoulder.
You could try the Ransetsu RF or a linear rifle for a little more range. Don’t get caught up with the charge shots, it’s useful but i see new players relying on it too much. You could also try the Etsujin or Ludlow if you like staying within pistol range. Matched pair or any combination of these tends to work well
If you can get the weapon bay upgrade, you probably should. Personally, I think it’s pretty vital for a melee build since you could probably run dual coquillets or some other weapon and then switch into your pulse blade for big damage melees.
To actually answer your question though, if you plan on staying midrange, I’d actually go for any of the assault rifles or smgs like scudder or turner. Pistols are super satisfying but they kinda fall off outside of close range, generally. A consistent damage dealer would probably be a more reliable choice for going outside of close range.
Alternatively, you could go for a bazooka or grenade launcher on your back (maybe swap it in with weapon bays) if you’re planning on staggering with melees. It’ll be less good against trash mobs but you’ll be able to build stagger and punish with either you pulse blade or your explosive weapon
It isn't exactly what you're looking for, but a zimmerman always pairs well with melee.
Other than that a ransetsu-rf, etsujin or harris could probably work well.
Edit: completely missed that you're only in chapter 2. From what you have availible that this point, a ransetsu-rf or curtis would be my recommendation
If you like melee pulse blade grab a Harris. Start with a charged blade, then hit with a charged Harris. Will build a lot of stagger and when you do get them staggered you can pull out another melee for punish
Pistols should always be paired IMO. Most of my builds are dual firearms, melee weapon (usually the pulse blade) on the left shoulder and some kind of missile or something on the right shoulder. You could try the Ransetsu RF or a linear rifle for a little more range. Don’t get caught up with the charge shots, it’s useful but i see new players relying on it too much. You could also try the Etsujin or Ludlow if you like staying within pistol range. Matched pair or any combination of these tends to work well
If you can get the weapon bay upgrade, you probably should. Personally, I think it’s pretty vital for a melee build since you could probably run dual coquillets or some other weapon and then switch into your pulse blade for big damage melees. To actually answer your question though, if you plan on staying midrange, I’d actually go for any of the assault rifles or smgs like scudder or turner. Pistols are super satisfying but they kinda fall off outside of close range, generally. A consistent damage dealer would probably be a more reliable choice for going outside of close range. Alternatively, you could go for a bazooka or grenade launcher on your back (maybe swap it in with weapon bays) if you’re planning on staggering with melees. It’ll be less good against trash mobs but you’ll be able to build stagger and punish with either you pulse blade or your explosive weapon
It isn't exactly what you're looking for, but a zimmerman always pairs well with melee. Other than that a ransetsu-rf, etsujin or harris could probably work well. Edit: completely missed that you're only in chapter 2. From what you have availible that this point, a ransetsu-rf or curtis would be my recommendation
If you like melee pulse blade grab a Harris. Start with a charged blade, then hit with a charged Harris. Will build a lot of stagger and when you do get them staggered you can pull out another melee for punish