[@AdmrlStalfos19] If you take a quick look through the IC thread, you'll notice we don't really follow the mechanics of the game as much, so interception range isn't really a big deal. I wouldn't see any problem with your character being armed with a pistol, though.

As for the AT-rifle, well you're in luck. Valkyria Chronicles has not one, but TWO AT rifles in it (although they are not unlocked on the normal research tree). Since we don't have either a lancer or a sniper, I think it would be fine (though [@Lennon79] needs to verify this) so long as you don't powergame with it. Remember, it's going to be heavy as fuck, wildly inaccurate (I think the first rifle - the one you would be allowed to use - had an accuracy rating of E in game), and not do nearly as much damage as a proper lance. You wouldn't be able to one-shot tanks with it and shooting infantry would be a difficult task (due to the lack of accuracy), but we could make it work. Since we aren't following game mechanics... almost at all, I see no reason why you couldn't use the rifle to disable the tanks you cant kill. Getting a successful penetration might kill a crew member (though the tank would still be mostly intact). Alternatively, you could shoot off optics, treads, damage the barrel, etc. 

How's that sound? We just don't want to have a character who can do both a sniper and a lancer's job equally well.