Does anyone use blaster rifles or heavy weapons? I've played through the game twice, and it seems like duel pistols are a lot better. Is there a range or rate of fire difference?

Don't understand this post. Are you refering to a specific game? Doesn't make much sense as a stand alone question.

is "knights of the old republic" real time or turn based.

I'm using Canderous at the moment, and I've upgraded his initial heavy blaster so it's now the bee's knees :D . Huge rate of fire and a lot more powerful, but a little less accurate.

Shouldn't this all go into the misc. games thread?

Well... In my games, Carth use dual pistols, mission use a single one, and Canderous use the big guns like the one he start with.

My main characters use melee, but if they were using guns, I'd probably max the 3 skills and let him/her use the strongest one.

Well, I actually had some of the characters alternate who was using Zaalbars bow, once it is upgraded enough, it couldnt be beat, but I suppose it just depends on how you fight, some weapons are better for range, like the rifles, and weapon set-ups like the duel pistals would be better for accuracy.