Bounty Hunter Archive

I'm a pre CU player and returned to the game a lil over a month ago. I've just been using the weapons I already had. I recently have been mostly hunting in groups. i'm confused slightly on how weapons certs work and since I'm a master ranger too, I was wondering which Rifle, Pistol, and Carbine would be most useful in hunting? Wut are considered good stats? I'm really confused on those. If there is a stickey I missed some where, just point me to it. thanks for the help!