Quick Question

[TismeVader]

for an archer, which is better a fighter or a ranger (3.5)

[Siberys]

Either are good, depending on what type of archer you're going for.

You could be the scouting archer, which would be suitable for rangers, as you go around, scout out danger and possibly eliminate it if you think you can, but otherwise prepare yourself for an upcoming battle.

Or could could be the archer that butchers people to death, which of course would go well with fighter.

If your DM uses a mostly combat oriented campaign, go with fighter. But if it's about 50/50 with combat and roleplaying, go with ranger.

[Kheros]

A rogue with Crossbow Sniper and Rapid Reload feats with a Light Crossbow is possibly a better archer than either

[GawainBS]

I'd skip on that Rogue idea. It has serious BAB issues, amongst others.

Apart from that, what books do you use?

If you're using the Spell Compendium, I'd go for Rangers. They have a lot of good spells that have to do with Archery.
If you have Complete Adventurer and Complete Scoundrel, go for a Swift Hunter. (= Ranger + Scout.)
A pure Fighter is about the weakest choice you could make, anyway. The only advantage is has, is Weapon Spec., which boils down to, at most and the cost of three feats, +6 damage. Ranger skills and spells more than make up for this.

[Kheros]

I never said it should be a PURE rogue, just primarily a rogue

He can do a swashbuckler/rogue with those 2 feats and Daring Outlaw. Thats a big boost to BAB and major sneak damage on attacks in the opening round or he can even snipe-hide one attack a round

Tons of options....tons.

[TismeVader]

my dm aint big on loads of books so all we use are DMG, PH and Forgotton realms Setting...

[GawainBS]

Try to get Spell Compendium in. It has great Ranger spells.
For an intresting Core-only archer build, consider the Bard/Arcane Archer. I believe I have showed you this some time ago.

http://www.gamebanshee.com/forums/956396-post11.html

I'm pretty sure that in pure Core, this build does better than pure Fighter or pure Ranger.

[TismeVader]

thanks for teh feedback i have another question, can you use wep focus and fin at the same time???

[GawainBS]

Yes, of course.

Edit: Just thought of an intresting Core-only Archer build: Ranger 13/Horizon Walker 7 of the same 14/6. The intresting part is that Horizon Walker can get a teleport ability usable every 1d4 rounds. Great for an archer. Its other abilities aren't bad either.
As a reminder: Horizon Walker is a PrC from the DMG.

[TismeVader]

thanks i will look in to it

[Eric V]

i think ranger is the best choice cause it has the most abilties

[Siberys]

i think ranger is the best choice cause it has the most abilties

Abilities-wise, Ranger is a far worse choice for archer. Scout, yes, but just someone who can shoot a bow and arrow, Animal companions and tracking abilities are pointless.

[Kheros]

ofc if you want a truly great archer, the Arcane Archer PrC can't be beaten really.

[GawainBS]

Abilities-wise, Ranger is a far worse choice for archer. Scout, yes, but just someone who can shoot a bow and arrow, Animal companions and tracking abilities are pointless.

Choosing between the Fighter and the Ranger, I too would throw my lot with the Ranger. Spells & Skills easily win out on the bonus feats and (Greater) Weapon Spec. It's not only about damage, it's also about keep being able to dish it out.
Edit: Rgr16/Ftr4 has the best of both worlds.

ofc if you want a truly great archer, the Arcane Archer PrC can't be beaten really.

See the link I posted earlier, it goes in to greater detail.