PVP Combat help

[mdcyntst 0]

I've been playing for many many months (maybe a year) now and I keep getting my a$$ kicked in pvp.  I've noted a few scenarios that I can't figure out why or how to address.

1).  When I am well equipped with stab vests, combat helmets, and a variety of guns, I get killed by players in just shirts and pipe.  I unload full clips, hitting them (mind you they are often body shots not necessarily head shots).  Then they hit me a few times, I'm down, wake,  beaten, dead...... 

2).  Gun battles.  I unload clips on them, they kill me with two shots.  (granted they might be head shots, can't tell), but I don't make myself easy to find and hit.  This is consistent, not just one-off battles.

3).  When I respawn (now I'm a shirted player with a pipe),   I beat and beat and beat.  1/2 the time I can barely win, other times Im just out beaten dead.  Not I'm not battling a well equipped player just another respawned player.

I just seems there is a big disparity between who/how I'm being killed and my ability to kill other folks, either similarly equipped or even less equipped.

I'm certain the general answer is they are better at PVP combat.  I could accept that easily, but statistically I think I'm missing something.  I just don't think everyone can beat me every-time.  I must be missing some strategic gameplay.  For example,  guns vs pipes at close range.   I often have issues firing.  So is close order combat the strategy?  I do a lot of close order combat with zombies and they can be difficult to beat to death sometimes.  However I can take them down with 2-3 shots.  So.  shoot zombies, beat players?

Is there a "preferred" outfitting you use.  Preferred weapon setup?

I'll survive for about 2-3 weeks, sneaking around, avoiding PVP, keeping zombies quiet.  I'll gather a decent outfitting.  hunting pants, vest,  jacket, gloves, face covering, etc.  Decent backpack, good boots(usually assault).  Most of the time I'll find a combat helmet.  Weapons: sg82, skorpion, 380 pistol, 9mm pistol all in good condition.  I have a stash of different assault weapons, but I don't carry them too often.  Big, bulky and loud, I've never found a rifle suppressor.  I can usually find small caliber suppressors.  But it's inevitable,  I'll be in a building, I hear someone comming.  I'll find a good position, wait, they enter.  I surprise them, unload 20 or more rounds into them.  While I unload they close the gap, beat me with a melee weapon before I can swap out my gun..  DEAD.......  Rinse and repeat.

I would love your feedback to improve my PVP skills.