It’s a pity they don’t work better for you as to my mind they’re the closest to the bolt action rifles in the scout class. I also sometimes forget that when I use the 1906 it’s (hopefully) in 1v1 close combat where I can dump 5 rounds in to them quickly and get to cover. Definitely harder for multiple enemies up close but it can be done with a bit of dancing around and long range just means pacing your shots - I probably don’t need to tell you about positioning though as you’ll be no doubt used to this. I’m on console though so the AA probably does me quite a lot of favours.
Your quote pretty much sums it up - they’re powerful guns by oh my can they be punishing haha.