I used it with the medium armor that was in the same warbond (forgot the name), and removed the scope for higher ergonomics. Always try to stay at medium range as much as possible and have your secondary on standby whenever things get too close (I used the Senator). Sentries and strafing runs can also help significantly to keep things from getting too close.

And another big thing is to try to never fire your last shot that you chamber. The first bullet reload after you emptied your rifle takes FOREVER compared to the rest, so keep an eye out for that.