OK. I havent read all the posts but from what I've read here and in the past I'm going a bit contrary to convention.
I set convergence on any gun .50 or higher at D650. I set every gun smaller in a pattern from D400 to D375. My normal firing range is from 600-400 in short bursts with tracers on until I have a hit then I open up. I always fire all guns. My hit rate averages between 6 and 9% so I think I'm in range with most players.
Here's my convergence theory:
Most guns .50 cal or better including cannon have pretty good balistics and can fly some distance and still cause damage. This includes the German fighter cannons but they require a slight amount of additional lift compared to the US .50's and the Hispano 20 mm's (which to me seem almost identical balistically).
Guns in the 7.9 and .303 range don't fly so well so I keep them short. Beyond D300 or D350 they are of little use.
My ranges then are potentially from D650 to D375 at point convergences, almost exactly my firing range, and more reasonably from D1000 to D200 in wing banks.
So what happens in a furball when distances are much shorter, say D200 or when all guns are set at D650?
1. I dont have to lead as much because my guns are already aimed higher but, in a tight turn I still can't see my opponent under my nose (thus the use of short bursts until I find range). In a tight lead turn my wings are also in-phase with my opponents so I'll either cause serious damage to BOTH his wings or, if my shots are off the mark, I'll only take off one wing while peppering the cockpit with the other side.
2. I can usually saddle up on and get in phase with most planes if only for a moment. If my wings are in phase with his, again, I'll cause serious damage to BOTH his wings. If my shots are off the mark I'll only take off one wing while peppering the cockpit with the other side. Same thing in a snapshot.
So does this mean that you have to be in phase? Not nessesarily. If it's a rolling fight he's going to roll through one wing bank or the other. You just have to watch, anticipate and snipe.
This convergence set-up also allows me to take shots as long as D800 with some accuracy helping a lot against bombers while fighter kills at D1000 are possible. I'm not afraid to take on a bomber in almost any plane with this set-up as long as my guns are .50's or better.
Why leave tracers on? Why not? They help me find range quickly. If the enemy sees them and turns, great, because I mosly fly T'n"B planes and I'll saddle up and take a snapshot or lead-shot on their break. In a T'n'B fighter I WANT them to turn so why not make them nervous?
What about if it's B'n'Z not T'n'B? Doesn't matter as I'm not going to open until D600 anyway and by the time the tracers fly by my enemy I'm already off the trigger and pulling out.
Another thing I do is use zoom in most fights. I zoom in ~ 50% and flip in and out of zoom view depending upon the situation. If possible to use, zoom really helps tune my shots in (especially at distance in level flight) but when the turning gets tight it goes off or I lose peripheral vision. It also goes off to check SA.
I'm sure many will argue my set-ups and tactics but they work for me. I'm not the best pilot in the arena by far but usually am able to hold my own.
