I think you may be on to something with the readying time of pulling the weapon out or switching to another weapon after. There needs to be a larger risk/reward for that class of weapon . Another thing, a sniper is meant for long range encounters. People shouldn't be able to constantly hold down hallways at close range with one. Likewise, I shouldn't be able to pick off a sniper at ridiculous range with a pulse rifle, cough, hawksaw or GoM, but both happen. I've adjusted a lot of my gameplay to avoid getting sniped, but, it doesn't make it less annoying. Also, using a secondary weapon all game shouldn't be a thing. It's called a secondary weapon for a reason. This goes for shotguns and snipers. I can't tell you how many times I enter a trials match, see 3 snipers, and immediately know it's going to be a lame ass 5 to 9 rounds of slow gameplay. Maybe add in bullet drop or some other new mechanic. I play BF4 all the time and sniping actually takes skill in that game because of that mechanic. Maybe another option is to have a revers damage buff. For example, shooting an enemy point blank with a sniper shot does 50% less damage. It's literally the only gun good at all ranges right now. Secondary weapons should feel clunky, not be so fluid to use. Changing from special to primary should be quicker than primary to special. Maybe also make all snipers bolt action. At long range, that's not a big deal, but at short range, it will eliminate it as an option except for the true elite.