Can a rogue sneak attack, during combat, with a ranged weapon, when hidden?

We have tried to figure this one out, but cannot. By how sneak attack works, it seems that a rogue should be able to fire into combat, and strike an opponent with a ranged sneak attack. But, by reading the rules, it seems that an opponent is not flat footed after their first combat action. Thanks!

Yes, as long as the rogue is still undetected (aka has not fired a shot yet and is hidden), he can sneak attack (once), because all opponents not aware of him will have their dex bonus denied.

As soon as the first shot is fired, however, opponents will (most probably) become aware of him and therefore regain their dex bonus. Since they are not flat-footed, they will regain it immediately and so only the first attack (if multiple attacks are available) would gain the sneak attack benefit.

There will not be another surprise round or something, he'll roll initiative like anybody else and just remain hidden and probably delaying until he wants to come out of his hiding place, fire his shots and then enter combat normally (or move away, hide again, come back and repeat, which will take at least 2 rounds to prepare or a -20 penalty to hide).

Bye
Thanee

Aaaa! Too many commas!

But to answer your question, yes. A Rogue can hide/sneak attack/hide/sneak attack, etc. The hide skill gives you 100% concealment, and that means your targetloses his Dex bonus to AC. So sneak attack away.

Just remember that using a skill is a standard action.