To me that is what support has always been about. Tripod gun shooting from distance. The Bar Tel is like a lazer when prone. Combined with airburst makes them quite the killing machine. I find other classes pretty much own support up close so just tend to stay medium range.
I prefer to be in the action resupplying my team mates who will hopefully revive me when necessary. The BAR trench is epic for this. Heavy hitter with good enough hip fire when the gas comes in, and good enough at medium range when the air is clear.