system
Given the following post, respond as if you're commenting on Reddit:
human
[Star Trek] What's the advantage of using a rifle-style phaser over a handgun-style phaser?

Looking into the phasers shown in TNG and other series, it seems like there's not much of an advantage to the rifle-style. Handheld, handgun-style phasers can be set powerful enough to completely disintegrate someone. Phasers don't have recoil so the second handhold isn't really for that. I don't recall anyone running out of "ammo" so the extra size isn't for that either, so far as I'm aware. I don't know of any special/extra features that rifles have over the handguns. They're heavier I'm sure, and are probably harder to handle and turn with. The only advantage I can see if that they have better aiming down the sights, but if you have a weapon with unlimited ammo that can harmlessly stun an enemy no matter where they're shot, I don't see exceptional aim as being that useful.

So what's up with the rifles?
gpt
Phaser rifles use a different targeting computer that can track multiple simultaneous fast moving targets at greater range. They are also more effective against armored or shielded opponents and small craft. The rifle can fire in beam and pulse modes and for longer periods on a single charge - and can accept an easily replaced plasma battery. Handheld phasers are good for close work and in tight conditions, but they haven't got the stopping power to disable a Klingon, Nausican, Breen, or Borg without killing them.

The paperwork for unintended disintegration takes forever.