Core+CW+CAdv Archer, no?

[Jackinthegreen]

Rangers get ride, as do scouts. Just make sure the DM isn't using the CA errata that says skirmish doesn't work while mounted.

More levels in scout than ranger is probably not the best idea for someone who wants to specialize in combat due to the BAB loss.

It's a bit of a shame he can't even use the Complete Champion spell-less ranger version, because oddly enough that's less magical than the CW one since it just grants extra feats instead of (crappy) supernatural abilities. Then again, the CW trade does still allow the ranger to use wands, scrolls, etc from his spell list technically, but I imagine the DM won't take too kindly to that.

 

[StreamOfTheSky]

Normally advancing in Ranger mainly is better. Lack of spells makes it a tougher choice, I'd still stick mostly to Ranger for the BAB.

Probably Scout 1 / Ranger 2 / Scout 2-4 / Ranger 3-16. Or maybe at level 20 go Scout 5, I don't know, not like you'll actually reach level 20. Anyway, Rapid Shot at Ranger 2 and Swift Hunter as your Scout 4 bonus feat.

 

[Dimitri Mazieres]

Normally, it'd be rogue archer for most damage, just because SA progresses twice as fast as skirmish. But...sneak attack requires spells or magic items to work from range past round 1, so in this game it probably won't work too well.

Actually, if you play the ranged support guy to the melee fighters, you can use SA pretty frequently by way of the Deadeye Shot feat from PH2.

 

[Omegaxicor]

Actually, if you play the ranged support guy to the melee fighters, you can use SA pretty frequently by way of the Deadeye Shot feat from PH2.

I haven't seen that feat before I will definitely recommend it, is there any way to reduce "Readying an action" from a standard action?

 

[StreamOfTheSky]

One shot sneak attack doesn't keep up w/ a Fighter's full attack volley for damage. So the point about highest damage stands.