So my question is this on a generic mandalorian merc which upgrade is better, the k4 security bot or gunner?

Gunner if you can afford it.

Both are a way to guarantee consistent damage, gunner doesn't limit you to predictable maneuvers and works when stressed.

It depends what you're shooting at. K4 is better against low-Agility targets, where you're less likely to miss and trigger the Gunner.

Gunner if you can also squeeze on Predator. K4 otherwise.

Both are pretty sweet, as are Mando Mercs in general.

K4 is better for the action economy. If you want to boost or focus after, you still get your target lock. If you want to push the limit, you can even squeeze in three actions. Also, K4 is cheaper.

Rec Spec.

If you plan on taking ordnance, K4. Otherwise, Gunner or Recon Spec.

Depends on the rest of your list, and your opponent's. K4 deals more damage, Gunner strips more tokens.

If you want to see a breakdown of the stats, here you go: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/14TzJpxuS2TxLpNsy3EC-FVU6IliBwFxcda5kL8dONT8/edit?usp=sharing

Rec Spec.

On a Mando Merc? You ain't wrong.

The Focus action becomes more prominent as your pilot skill decreases, and it also becomes subtly more powerful.

Moreover, if you're using a Mando rather than one of the named pilots, that's usually because you're hurting for points, so taking the cheaper of the 3 viable options will open up other opportunities in your list... like getting an Elite Talent, perhaps?

What are you using your action for?

Bombs? Gunner.

Defense? Rec spec provides modifiers for offense and defense.

Offense? Gunner again. If your I modified shot misses you still get a shot. If your modified shot gets cancelled by tokens... You take another shot.

Special? K4. If you are planning on playing stressfully due to EPT or other shenanagins then greening into K4 into "second" action is a good thing.

K4 is a wonderful upgrade and I would pick recspec over K4 if you don't have any other attack rerolling abilities. K4 and engine upgrade makes for a very powerful firespray.

Predator instead of k4. Or predator and tactician instead of gunner

K4 and Expert Handling was always an amusing combo for me.

K4 ups max damage (TL+focus); Gunner ups min damage (hit assurance). If you're up against B-Wings and Y-Wings, K4 will probably be better. If you're facing Fel, you want Gunner. With most ships, I would say to go for the option that increases max damage (*cough* FCS is better than AC on B-Wings *cough*) because it'll help you in mirror matches, but you don't often see Firesprays anymore (or at least, I don't).

Firesprays suffer from being the only wave 2 ship without any update. Since they started out with very poor pilots and hunt been updated it's no wonder they are in decline. Since they are a point or 2 too costly and compete with all the imperial aces in price point they are even farther out of favor.

All the scumspray did was give the scum a boost. I expected an "imperial warmachine" aces style pack that had firesprays and bombers with new ordnance and the advanced fix... Scum killed imperial firesprays, punishers and ks did bombs, and raider got the advanced.

I'd love to see a firespray title that adds hull and crew at the cost of cannons and bombs... Call it Prison Transport. I'd love to see a crew that could kidnap other faction crew as single use. I'd like to see a firespray with an illicit or tech slot. Lots of really simple fixes that could unlock their potential.

Oh...and update the Pilots! Kath and Fet are disgracefully bad as imperials.

I will say that Imperial Fett is not as bad as he appears, if you fly him like Scum Kath.

Yea firesprays definetly need help. They need something to compete with aggressors. Maybe a title that gives free engine upgrade so you could then have your mod slot free to equip auto thrusters.

I love PTL + K4 myself. Allows you to tank a bit if need be, with tl, focus and evade. Yum.