ITT: Debate interspersed with "Hey guys I played prop hunt once, I know what I'm talking about. No, really!" Who knew shotgun was such a big issue.
The reason nobody has really complained this until late (other than this new wave of faggot babies) is because prior to this last year, weapon switching caused you to lose any speed buildup you made by killing props. So, much like Shooter said, most people use THEIR PRIMARY weapon: the flamethrower. I use shotgun as a desperate attempt to knock off the last 5-20 hp or so if the prop is running away out of the flamethrower's reach.
Now that everybody is spoiled and keeps their health upon weapon switch, people such as Josh, Shooter etc can get away with a tiny 2 flamethrower-ammo tap of M1, then rely on that secondary flare to instagib the prop.
Given that comparison between those 2 scenarios, you can really see that the shotgun isn't OP.
Dodging my flare's no different from dodging your flames except that I can only shoot a flare every 1.6 seconds.
Also, I didn't know that weapon switch caused you to lose speed. I think that's a bad idea because it promotes only flamethrower use. D:
Shotguns are not OP in any way, only maybe when engie is using one running after you but thats for engie and you can outrun him easily. Shotguns even up close take many hits whereas Flame/Flare or Flame/Axe aren't OP?
Pyro shotguns are ok anyway unless the pyro in question has fast movement cause they can keep up with you, even then, that's because the pyro has kills and they deserve those if they got them (other than stealing, but I digress).
In short, yeah they are annoying, and yes when you are around a corner and lag compensation gives the pyro the kill it's rage inducing, but they are NOT op. just think of those who join the server and get killed before they are given a chance to live? (Shooter I'm looking at you )...and anyone using the flare/axe combo.
1) Engie, soldier, and heavy all have 6-shot shotguns. I think the only one that's a problem is the soldier because of the increased mobility; engie and heavy are, well, slow.
2) Anyone can run away from me and my flares, I seem to have no problem doing it to you. Getting killed before you have a chance isn't my fault when you (generalizing here) don't run.
3) Axe sucks. All the power of the flare and less aim required than the shotgun. Also can't really be dodged except by being out of range.