A weapon produces an impressive number at close range, then seems disappointing across the arena. Before changing the entire build, check whether distance changes its damage. In games with damage falloff, the same successful hit can produce a different result depending on range.
Falloff rules are game- and weapon-specific. Some use thresholds, some use a gradual reduction, and some attacks do not follow the same range behaviour at all. The official Overwatch patch notes regularly identify range and falloff adjustments, illustrating why an old comparison needs its game version attached.
In a permitted practice range, use the same weapon, target type, hit location and relevant buffs. Compare several marked distances. Keep misses separate from successful hits so accuracy does not become confused with damage per hit.
A fictional example might show the same body hit dealing less damage at the farther marker. That observation suggests a range effect under those conditions. It does not prove that every enemy, attack type or game mode uses the same calculation.
Projectile travel time, spread, charge level and target armour can also affect what you observe. A distant target may take longer to hit even when damage remains unchanged. Conversely, a fast hit can still suffer a range-based reduction.
Write a compact test note: game version, mode, weapon, distance, hit location and relevant conditions. If a patch changes the weapon, repeat the affected part of the comparison rather than keeping the old ranking as permanent advice.
For boss fights, also check whether the encounter changes vulnerability or damage rules during phases. A test against a stationary practice target may not capture the conditions that matter in the fight.
The practical payoff is a better choice of position. Instead of asking only which weapon has the biggest number, ask at what distance and under which conditions it delivers the result your encounter needs.