There is a blending effect between animations that was shortened dramatically in CM 1.60. It's not actually removed, but changed from something like 1.0s to 0.25s.
We (the developers) fought about this for a long time. I was against it, but eventually capitulated because it fixed some visual bugs. For example projectiles firing off before the ranged weapon is even raised.
I wish I could provide a better justification for it. Development was extraordinarily contentious however and there are many things I remain dissatisfied with, to the point that I no longer play the game.