Long bursts more effective than multiple short ones?

[MaxGunz]

I'd also like to know how except from dead six a long burst is supposed to hit the same part, especially when many spread-out guns are shooting?

Sure, you might keep it all 2 meters close but it's chance. Concentrate on the nose is not 'a part' that gets hit. It is many with some just 1 hit criticals, like carbuerettors, fuel lines, etc.

Most long bursts I've seen, over half the shots never hit. Get used to hosing, your choice of planes becomes limited.