I'm playing as a solider and want you guy's opinion, because I personally prefer the second assault rifle rather then the special one so I want to know should I pick the Widow or Claymore.

The specialized assault rifle is really inaccurate at first, but once you get the assault rifle accuracy upgrade, it's a beast. So I'd say get that; it might not seem like the best choice at the time, but in the long run, it probably will be.

Basically boils down to play style. Do you want an incredibly powerful long range weapon, or an incredibly powerful close range weapon? Adrenaline rush will help you line up headshots or close the gap quick, so it really does boil down to what kinda range you like to work from.

The Widow is essential if you're playing as an Infiltrator. I'm pretty sure it will give you the highest damage output in the game if you combine it with damage bonus from being cloaked in addition to wearing damage + armor. As for a Soldier I never played one, but I would imagine that the Claymore would be best though.

widow

I used the hell out of my Claymore as a Vanguard, but I can't imagine it doing you much good as the significantly more versatile Soldier. Pick up the Widow.

I used the widow in both of my soldier playthroughts. I hate inaccurate weapons, so I used the widows + vindicator most of the game, with the handcannon from time to time.
 
You won't regret using the widows. Plus, it's color scheme matches that of the vindicator ;D

Between those two, the Widow.  If you're playing Soldier, the power bonus from the special basically allows the Widow to do one hit kills (one shot Harbringer).  
 
As a Soldier, I try not to do close range combat, and if I do I just send Grunt out and run back a bit, so the shotgun is useless.

Definitely the Widow.   The Claymore isn't much of an improvement over the Eviscerator you get from the Cerberus network.

I chose the widow. but then again i was an infiltrator so that was an obvious choice.  This weapon is sick, I can one hit vorcha with it on insanity

Widow is the way to go.

I'd pick the Widow.

"Definitely the Widow.   The Claymore isn't much of an improvement over the Eviscerator you get from the Cerberus network. "

Widow is amazing. Once I got over my "Limited ammo, so I'll save for certain occasions" mentality, everything started dying a lot faster and easier, especially as an Infiltrator.
 
Well, except for those damn husk rushes.

Wait... Windowmaker shotgun? Was this a downloaded gun because I never heard of this.

" Wait... Windowmaker shotgun? Was this a downloaded gun because I never heard of this. "

Gah. Just picked the 3rd assault rifle today, I almost went with the Widow. Looks like I should've gone with that. Guess I'll just save it for an infiltrator playthrough or something. Definitely gonna look into that accuracy upgrade. If nothing else, I like not ever running out of ammo (hello 500 some-odd capacity!)

I play as a soldier exclusively and I took the Widow (My second character on my 4th overall playthrough). If you get the Geth Pulse Rifle you won't miss the collector ship rifle at all. Get the Widow, its a beast.

I love the Widow but maybe assault rifle is better for soldier. Dunno.

Chose the Widow, it's insane but I run out of ammo quickly.

I chose the Widow Maker because I'm a MAN.