Q:
Ranged weapon for pve?
Longbow, for both single and multi target situations, and even then only if there is no way you can melee.
Longbow, untraited with 30 points in Strength for Berserker’s Power + popping signet of fury to engage + signet cooldown trait + 40-50% crit chance + 60% and above crit dmg
= respectable damage even from longbow’s #1 auto-attack.
Neenu Waffler-Warrior for what once was the Toast-
Start with the longbow and if you ever find you’re missing something you can then try the rifle.