gun or crossbow

[Nosta]

I at a lost as to what to use for my range artificer
can some one tell me why one would be better than the other
I plan to use infusions to empower the weapon and its ammo
also I plan to turn said weapon in to an item familiar, and i'll be level 10 so i'll get one special ability
but i'm not sure what ability to give it. ( the item familiar is part of my back story )

can someone throw me some ideas

[Fii]

What edition are you playing in? The answer may vary by editions.

[Nosta]

What edition are you playing in? The answer may vary by editions.

3.5 with drg mag allowed

[Geddy2112]

Well, one makes a huge bang when discharged, the other is utterly silent. With proper reload tricks, both dakka fast, but unless you plan on being able to cast silence then prepare for a loud BANG when you shoot a gun. Pick accordingly.