Bolter + Burst VS Gatling

The problem lies not in one missile - those are easy. The trouble is in groups. Bolters tend to overkill one target and permit others to pass, while gatlings - though you take a risk - have a better chance of taking down two or three missiles, when multiple guns bear down on point defense.

Though Gatlings are more expensive to start, they are also cheaper to upgrade to best effect than bolters, requiring fewer upgrades. Gatlings are relatively effective out of the box, and one hull-damage upgrade each is all they really starve for.

I tend to go bolter more for ships that are likely to rely on close-in weaponry, like the early game where I don't have much long-ranged gear, or if I have no drones.