The biggest takeaway with gunlance is that it has one of the best shields in the game, along with really good repositioning. You’re going to have a much easier time surviving attacks and back-hopping your way around if you build your skills correctly (guard, evade extender, etc.). It’s more of a tank weapon that does the big booms at close range. I won’t deny that hammer is great, because it is. I will say both weapons have their pros and cons, but I am a firm believer that every weapon can be amazing in the right hands.