Laser Rifle
Arguably the best weapon in the game, the Laser Rifle is the next step up from the Laser Pistol, and leads on to the Heavy Laser. Good accuracy, long range, no ammo needed, burst fire... This gun has it all. It does a LOT less damage than the Heavy Plasma, but that's about it. The conventional rifle reaches its limits with floaters and snakemen, but the laser rifle, once developed, is useful for the rest of the game.
Note that its shots will quite consistently destroy trees, brick walls, and other obstacles, but not reinforced metal like bases or ships. See Destroying Terrain for more details.
The only thing that really withstands a point blank burst from this would be the Sectopod.
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Note with the additional bonus from kneeling, an aimed shot provides 115% * soldier base accuracy - A sharpshooter's dream. Too bad you can't specify head shots...