Initial shot damage is an important concept to consider in combat, due to the fact that a high initial shot damage can simulate the effects of a high DPS in the first few seconds of an engagement. This works because for most engagements, each weapon already has a round loaded "in the chamber" from the start, because even the longest reload times are usually shorter than the times between what we call "separate engagements" (usually just the time it takes to close to within weapon range for one side),and because weapons with longer reload times usually cause more damage per shot. Theoretically, an equivalent advantage could be achieved and prolonged by repeatedly leaving an enemy's weapon range, or hiding behind cover, between your own shots