Need light gun guidance

[TheManuel]

I am considering adding a light gun to my upcoming cabinet project with real arcade monitor but can't seem to find the one killer option.
I read the wiki on light guns and I am a lot better informed than when I started and have eliminated the ActLabs gun for price and lack of flexibility.

The LCD Topgun seems like a good candidate?
- How accurate is it?
- Does it work well with recent MAME versions?
- I see it at Play-Asia for ~$52 after shipping which makes it a little expensive; are there other places to buy?

The Guncon2 hack sounds like a better candidate for the price and I don't mind building the hardware.
- How accurate is it and how does it compare to the Topgun in this regard?
- Are the drivers well supported by MAME?
- Is there a particular brand recommended for the hack?

Thanks

[Dartful Dodger]

You can try eBay.  A while back someone posted an eBay link that listed a bunch of new/like new Topguns for cheap. 

I think if you haven't started building your cabinet you should hold off on buying the gun until last.

Guncon3 for the Playstation works like the Topgun.  it's only a matter of time before the PC light gun choices get better.

At least that's what I'm hoping for, and waiting on.  If I get my cabinet done this winter I'll be buying two LCD Topguns.  But I agree, they do seem a little high, but to avoid any screwing around I think they'll be worth it.

[mrserv0n]

As far as the LCD topgun, mine is dead on accurate and I have recommended it time and time again.

[TheManuel]

Thanks for the feedback.

Any proponents of the Guncon2?

[tba]

i have dual Guncon2's running through a 52" rear projector TV.

they work, thats the best i can say... they are VERY jittery and don't shoot into dark areas of the TV's, if top guns existed before i bought these i would have.

they take constant work to keep running and have to be tweaked CONSTANTLY!

[TheManuel]

i have dual Guncon2's running through a 52" rear projector TV.

they work, thats the best i can say... they are VERY jittery and don't shoot into dark areas of the TV's, if top guns existed before i bought these i would have.

they take constant work to keep running and have to be tweaked CONSTANTLY!

Are these problems related to your display being a big RPTV or the guncon2 in general?

[divemaster127]

Its a shame the guns seem to be the one area that the mame hardware etc is very weak, I have never purchased guns due to i have been hoping Andy or Randy to come up w/ a awesome gun.
dm

[tba]

i have dual Guncon2's running through a 52" rear projector TV.

they work, thats the best i can say... they are VERY jittery and don't shoot into dark areas of the TV's, if top guns existed before i bought these i would have.

they take constant work to keep running and have to be tweaked CONSTANTLY!

Are these problems related to your display being a big RPTV or the guncon2 in general?

sorry i have been away for a while, anyways, my problems are a result of the limitations of Guncon2's. i have run them on 4 different tv's 2 crt and 2 projection. same problems.

[TheManuel]

sorry i have been away for a while, anyways, my problems are a result of the limitations of Guncon2's. i have run them on 4 different tv's 2 crt and 2 projection. same problems.

Thanks for that insight.
That was my "el cheapo" alternative for light guns that you just killed  .
Oh well.  I'll keep my eyes peeled for Topgun deals in the future and whatever else might surface.
Like Dartful Dodger said, I'll leave that part for last and see what is available a few months from now.
Right now my first order of business is getting a 25" arcade monitor for cheap which is proving a tough cookie.