Bolt Ace thematic issues / advice?

[Wolfenix]

So the "Bolt Ace" gunslinger variant has what I would call a thematic problem in that it doesn't explicitly replace the base gunslinger gun proficiency with all guns, the "gunsmithing" feat, nor the "heirloom gun" class features. What gives?

I am using the bolt ace variant gunslinger in a game without any guns. Any advice for replacements of those class features listed above, since paizo clearly goofed on the purpose of being a bolt ace in the first place? :P

I'm thinking of starting with a masterwork crossbow, proficiency with all crossbows, and perhaps a special crossbow-only crafting feat(with +2 to craft perhaps since it's limited)?

[Major_Blackhart]

Those are all good options actually. I'd say just exchange the gun themes for crossbow related ones, including proficiency in all crossbows if he's not already.

[Claxon]

Well, the gunslinger is proficient in martial weapons and simple weapons. That covers most crossbows in the first place.

There are a couple exotic ones, but honestly it's not a big loss not to have proficiency in them.

And the only reason gunslingers start with a gun is because they otherwise cost 2000+ gold. Not something a low level character can afford.

I guess my ultimate point is, that even without having a replacement. Even if you ignore those class features altogether, the class is still completely playable.

[Wolfenix]

Considering gunslingers typically get a superior weapon from the start, would it be at all appropriate for me to request a better than typical starting crossbow? Perhaps a masterwork repeating crossbow?

Also, on a side note, what kind of crossbows do you consider the best? Repeating is obviously better than standard, but what about heavy vs light vs double?

[FrodoOf9Fingers]

Repeating is not better than standard. It costs more, and you have to wait until crossbow mastery to use it well. A Light Crossbow becomes fully usable once you have rapid reload, without the need of getting another feat.

So, it comes down to:

Heavy, repeating light and repeating heavy require 2 feats to use consistently (rapid reload, Crossbow Mastery)
Light, hand require only 1 feat(rapid reload)

Heavy deals 1 more damage per hit on average than a light crossbow. So, you can take a feat to use that, or you can get a more useful feat, such as deadly aim, weapon focus, etc...

With that in mind, Light Crossbows are the best you can get.