User blog comment:James12708/New Multiplayer DLC/@comment-3228423-20120406185917/@comment-1388547-20120408225524

I find the plasma shotgun awkward at close range because it fires when you release the trigger rather than when you pull it. That fraction of a second can make a big difference when you've just charged into a group of enemies. For my Vanguards, I prefer a more conventional shotgun for close range, and a good heavy pistol to complement it. But yeah, I think I'm going to enjoy the Battlemaster.

@Slowrider7: You get points for assists, too. ;-) More seriously, as a Vanguard player I like having other classes on the team.  I can mop the floor with the most enemies, but there are a few that a Vanguard just isn't built to fight.  Particularly Banshees. *shudder*