Guns in Hand to Hand Combat: WW1 & More

[@JinKee]

what is a gun but a device that launches very small pommels?

[@xenomorphphantom8991]

At very high velocities....

[@henninghesse9910]

There is a report from the winter battle in the Champagne (feb/march 1915) of a german three man team acting together in trench raids. The strongest would carry two machinegun shields in his left and a Beilpicke (a pionier axe pretty similar to a bording axe) in his right hand and following him one guy with a lot of handgranates and another one with a bayonet. They seemed to have been quit sucessfull hacking and stabbing through the french trenches and the one with the axe would always volunteer for the dangerous leading job. I guess that kind of working together in a melee might have been common on both sides.

[@mekarum]

Would you remember the source? Seems like an interesting read!

[@henninghesse9910]

@@mekarum books.google.de/books?id=z1sKwwEACAAJ&dq=Oskar+(Prince+of+Prussia)&hl=de&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwig6MKD_PDuAhXG1qQKHdsrBIgQ6AEwAHoECAAQAg It´s the Kaiser´s fifth son Oskar Prinz von Preußen, so I guess you take it with a grain of salt. He served as Oberstleutnant in Loraine, can´t say if he saw action or just wrote down some hurra bs for the german public. Thou the concept makes sense and I was always wondering why the Beilpicke is seldom mentioned in trench war. Though I have to say they feel a bit clumsy in the hand. Here is one: www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/wwi-german-pioneer-beilpicke-trench-1854312136

[@mekarum]

@@henninghesse9910 thanks! A grain (or a bucket) of salt is a pretty important tool for an historian, hahaha This sort of gear'd look impressive, even if not 100% practical/optimized D:

[@henninghesse9910]

Because of the langets and the wide grip at the top the weight distribution is kind of odd. Found one 25 years ago in the basement of the Student House I was living in. Didn’t know what it was, broke the handle and lost the langets, I might put the head on a pole with a spike and use it as some kind of Luzerner Hammer simulator.

[@nikolaivasilev7371]

there were also a lot of handmade weapons from other tools and equipment in WWI and even in some places in WWII(trench WWI warfare ones being quite nicely shown in one part of the video),not to mention army knives,which says a lot when it comes close to close combat.It is always good to have on the side a smaller cutting and stabbing weapon in close to close combat.Same reason we have them in the armies to this day.Not to mention it is great utility tool,if made right

[@caranthir21]

Ernst Jünger describes in his WWI memoires a lot of grenade duels during trench raids. Would be an interesting topic too

[@mauricewalshe8234]

Also the Arditti Italian storm troops used to use knives and bag of grenades

[@Henchman34]

That's terrifying.

[@DeathWishMonkey]

Grenade and rifle “duels” were mentioned in US Army’s account of some WW2 battles.

[@sugarnads]

ANZACs were experts at bombing raids in gallipolli and on the western front. I would assume equal facility for our canadian cousins. 🇦🇺🇳🇿🇨🇦

[@jeffthebaptist3602]

The British hand grenade were variants of the Mills Bomb during both World Wars, right? The other problem with trench warfare is that trenches were constructed with sharp turns every few meters. This prevented projectiles (bullets, shell splinters, etc) from traveling very far down the trench and injuring people. It also confined the high explosive blast from an artillery shell to a smaller section of trench. But it means everything happens up close and in tight quarters. Trying to swing around 2 yards of rifle and bayonet in that confined space is difficult.

[@Man_Emperor_of_Mankind]

Yes, the British military primarily used different Mills Bomb variants through those wars

[@JinKee]

Gun Jesus from Forgotten Weapons and Karl from InRangeTV did a segment on trench knives and the most simple one was "the french nail" which was a tempered steel rod with a point on one end and the back end bent into a D ring guard. Shockingly effective and ugly as sin.

[@coyote2792]

I also imagine that the officers' swords might run into the same issue, being too long and unwieldy when needed and a few hundred yards too short the rest of the time. So it's not surprising that they would be dispensed with even while shorter melee weapons were coming in.

[@adwarfsittingonagiantsshoulder]

I was just watching "Active Self Protection" Channel... and more or less the same subject reappears : some guys say things like :"If that and that appens, I will draw my gun and shoot it". The guy from active self proteciton debunks it very often by saying things like : "you need to earn your draw", or "at this range, this is no more your gun bur OUR gun", or "you need to have at least some hand to hand combat / grapling training to be able to then use your gun"... Very interesting Matt to put that in a WW1 context. Nice video !

[@trapperscout2046]

Active Self Protection is a great channel. John Correia also often points out that the bad guy always gets to set the time and place for the ambush.

[@shahnxaoc7749]

I love that channel as well. And this is why a concealed and easily accessible small to medium fixed blade is superb as a retention tool. At grappling range it may be our gun, but this is my knife.

[@loquat44-40]

I do not do it, but many people in civilian life in the USA for protection carry not only a pistol, but also a knife. For most modern military combat, but with important exceptions, both pistols and edge weapons are not considered so important by many military planners. But both do get used. A knife is quiet and can be used to more or less to kill someone quietly by people that have some skill in their use. As stated in the video, a gun used in a crowd can hit other people. knives used by someone that knows what they are doing has resulted in the 21 rule. If you have a holstered gun, you do not want to let someone with a knife in hand to approach within 21 ft. 'The 21 foot rule drill is well known within the law enforcement and personal defense circle. This defensive drill was patterned after a Salt Lake City Police Sergeant Dennis Tueller experimentation. The Tueller drill is all about “reactionary gap” through training. Other trainers have come up with the distances associated it to the Tueller drill. This experimentation, determined that the average healthy adult male can cover a distance of seven yards (21 feet) in about 1.5 seconds. The significance of the time factor is based on the reasonable standard that a person who’s trained in proper pistolcraft (gun fighting) should be able to draw a handgun and place two centered hits on a life-size silhouette at seven yards in about 1.5 seconds. Its important to point out that both the distance of 21 feet and the time factor as addressed in Tueller’s drill, were both approximations based on training experience is all.' americanshootingjournal.com/revisiting-the-21-foot-rule/ PS During the Korean war there were stories of Turkish soldiers with knives sneaking out at night into chinese lines killing with edged weapons and also stories of chinese/korean soldiers doing the same to american troops. The soldiers that did such things were not the typical every day soldier. Someone I knew that was there said he saw obe night the turks had stolen a regimental safe belonging to the chinese forces on the other side.

[@DrygdorDradgvork]

I always carry a pistol with at least one spare magazine as well as two knives: a utility blade/multitool and a defensive blade. I have never had need (and hopefully never will) to use a firearm in defense but I use my utility blade pretty much daily. Honestly don't see why anyone wouldn't want at least a knife for EDC. They're one of the simplest, most versatile tools, and, God forbid it ever comes down to it, they also work as weapons if need be. Why two blades? Same reason I carry spare magazines. Two is one and one is none. I also carry a tourniquet, hemostatic agent (on occasion), a pen light, and, also on occasion, less lethal options like OC spray or a stun gun.

[@leofedorov1030]

@@DrygdorDradgvork Do you train different scenarios? I used to be like you and carry an arsenal of self-defense weapons, but later realized (through training) that less is more, especially under stress. I am not implying at all that you don’t train. Now, I am down to primary (always a handgun) and just one secondary (another gun, pepper spray, tactical flashlight or some kind of impact device). I carry a pocket knife, but purely as a tool. Knife is VERY overrated as a self defense tool specifically, all things considered. Self defense is not the same as combat. Knifing someone is always a messy affair and it always looks bad in court. I do like blades and even have a small collection, but they are not a part of my self defense plan.

[@Sam-iw6te]

Carry two firearms and two knives. The knife is MORE IMPORTANT than a gun, IMO, but the gun is far more valuable. Most fighting from what I've observed gets too close for handguns to be efficient.

[@Man_Emperor_of_Mankind]

An important part of the 21ft rule is to remember that it doesn't apply to just trying to defend yourself with a handgun. The same concept is applicable to any weapon. There are mall ninjas out there who think that they have something on people carrying firearms, when in reality they aren’t anymore likely to respond to an unexpected attacker within the 1-2seconds that it takes to cover the distance Situational awareness should always be a focused concern.

[@Sam-iw6te]

@@Man_Emperor_of_Mankind Something I'll add to this, is in every test I've seen the gun has to be charged first and the defender is always standing still. Putting distance and dynamic movement between you and the killer is HUGE, and having your gun in a constant state of usefulness is a must.

[@RockyMountainBear]

"This is my rifle, this is my gun. This is for fighting, this is for fun."

[@gregajohnson1985]

This was my plasma, i rolled a 1."

[@Titanic_Tuna]

@@gregajohnson1985 Mechanicum of Mars, what have you done. My fellow loyalist, now an ashen mist.

[@Krishnaeternal]

Yet 3 inch deep, pierced, sword in hand. Is only violence that you understand ?

[@bibekjung7404]

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[@JinKee]

11:04 one concept in battle drill 6 is to have one pair of soldiers pull long security with firearms and the other pair goes in to breach openings, dominate corners, assault enemies and subdue prisoners. once you clear out an area, the teams can switch. By having one pair short and another pair long there's always somebody far enough away to place deliberate shots at angles that don't endanger your own. distraction devices like 9-bangers and protective equipment like ear defenders help get the edge too, if you're fighting people who don't have them. nobody would be asked to clear a structure on their own. If it is too dangerous you can pull back and get your heavier weapons to reduce the structure from a distance, assuming there are no noncombatants in the building and the enemy is not able to escape through a tunnel.

[@slicerneons3300]

Question is; do you prefer John Wick or Equilibrium style?

[@peterwall8191]

*Slicer Neons* sad to say i don't think many even know what Equilibrium refers to. That said , its hard choice. Equilibrium is a classic, but i think john wick fight choreography is more realistic. Closer to a real fight than "gun cata". Just an opinion.

[@Leman.Russ.6thLegion]

I carry a steel frame CZ pistol, EDC, for the specific reason I can also club an attacker with it.

[@titanscerw]

Based

[@Leman.Russ.6thLegion]

@@titanscerw u r

[@evandaire1449]

I carry both a CZ and a revolver. As much as I love my Gucci CZ space blaster the revolver has the advantage when fights get hands on.

[@Leman.Russ.6thLegion]

@@evandaire1449 i also sometimes carry a snubby .357mag. Trick is to get them to grab around the front for the gun qnd blast their fingers off at the cylinder gap. (Proven French Special Forces Judoku kahn attack)

[@blairbuskirk5460]

Revolver can't be drive out of battery when jammed into a targets body, thus the term belly gun. An autoloader is a better offensive handgun but a revolver is more versatile in unconventional engagements at grappling range.

[@kazeshi2]

its always bugged me in movies/shows where people get shot and just fall down dead(unless they are a hero of course). sure that can happen but just speaking from a hunting perspective, even hitting a deer/elk in the heart isnt always instant death, they can jump or bound a time or 2 and if you miss a mortally wounded animal go quite a long way before it collapses. humans of course will be similar, they might fall over in shock or near instant death but they might do a lot of other things too.

[@texasbeast239]

The Henning Group makes a spiky stabby guide rod for the Tanfoglio/EAA Witness line of modern pistols. They market it as a novelty item, but hey, you never know...

[@jonathanferguson1211]

Good video Matt. You should know that the shoulder stock for the Webley that you briefly show was at the very least unofficial, and almost certainly was never actually carried in anger. We have the original example that appeared in Dowell's book, and it has no provenance. The example from the Pattern Room was fabricated by them. Both have bright metal slots cut into the grips to allow the stock - which is literally just the signal pistol stock - to be fitted. In practical terms it also makes no sense. It can't be removed without tools (and you'd have to carry the grips with you), can't be holstered, and the resulting stocked pistol has no sling provision. Finally, there are no historical accounts of it being used or even existing at the time.

[@afinoxi]

"As always on this channel we like to talk about the butt and we like to talk about penetration." Oh that sentence can be taken *way* off of context

[@johnrollex680]

Pretty sure he has embraced that particular tendency of the community.

[@jon-paulfilkins7820]

he knows his audience!

[@INTERNERT]

@@jon-paulfilkins7820 he really does lol (thanks Matt!)

[@mayeejun]

There's a video somewhere in the archive literally titled 'The butt, penetration and swinging'. Matt knows *exactly* what he's saying.

[@tobesvalois8873]

It was a deliberate nod to his regular viewers. People on this channel like to playfully highlight Matt's usually inadvertent double entendres

[@alexh4436]

The USA employed shotguns for trench warfare which must have been effective because the Germans (inventors of poison gas, flame throwers and saw tooth bayonets) tried to get them declared too inhumane for war. The USA also employed a .45 autoloading pistol. I guess the philosophy at the time was that the way to stop somebody with a hand weapon from continuing to try to kill you after you shot them was to just use bigger bullets.

[@Sophocles13]

Stopping power has always been important in handguns. The British ran 455 Webley's as well. During black powder days especially they couldn't get high muzzle velocities which is why caliber and mass were king. Anything that isn't moving fast enough to cause massive traumatic shock (like rifle bullets are capable of) really needs to rely on mass to deliver any sort of stopping power. After all something moving as slow as a pistol bullet is really just putting that caliber of hole in it's target.

[@blairbuskirk5460]

The German complaint was based on the fact that at 100 yards 00 buckshot is not reliably lethal thus it was a maiming weapon at conventional ranges. Then again the folks who rule on such matters found it no more morally offensive than the shrapnel from an artillery shell. Also the cardboard shells of that era were not well suited for muddy trenches, they would absorb moisture and swell, jamming up the magazine tube. The shotgun was most useful for nightwatch roles as if you heard a noise and your call out didn't get the correct response you could pump off a few shells in their direction and had a better chance of hitting in a low/no light conditions than a rifle or pistol.

[@chooseyouhandle]

The shotguns weren't that effective, that's a myth. The shells got wet in the trenches and would misfire and jam up the guns. The Germans just complained for political and propaganda reasons.

[@kongandbasses8732]

You should have talked to the godfather of my mum. He was in WW II, at first in France, then fighting in Russia. (See what I did there?) He told impressive storys, how real combat looked like, even in the second World War. I for myself served from 1982 to 1986 and still know the command "Spaten frei", what translates to "use your shovels" in the case of hand to hand combat.

[@girthbrooks39]

These days I am no longer surprised by the good fortune of finding on your channel absolutely fascinating knowledge concerning subjects and matters of the utmost interest to me oftentimes covered almost nowhere else. You are definitely one of a kind on this platform and awesome just in general! Please keep cranking out the gems, and thank you for all of your work.

[@MaliciousMollusc]

I've seen John Wick, I know this is legit

[@davidtuttle7556]

Ive watched Sharpes rifles and Horatio Hornblower. Certain single shot pistols make excellent offhand parry weapons as well as blunt damage weapons.

[@AsianTrix]

@@davidtuttle7556 Now that’s soldiering.

[@mrbouncelol]

@AileDiablo we should probably compare a war bow is to a battle rifle cartridge like 762x51 or even a heavier sniper cartridge like .338 lapua. If any of those hits you in the thorax you're unlikely to survive

[@mrbouncelol]

@AileDiablo True, haha I'd rather have the worst rusty old sword than just my fists

[@val26874]

Funny how SG never mentioned muzzle-punching someone in the throat so there's time for a reload.

[@davidioanhedges]

The US police have a 21ft (6.5m) rule, if someone is within 21ft of you, a knife is deadly irrespective of what weapon you have ... Mythbusters showed this was valid in their Gun vs Knife test

[@Vivi2372]

Not really going to apply if they already have their gun drawn, aimed at the person, with their finger on the trigger though. Which being US police is pretty much the second they step out of their vehicle. Especially if the person they're going after isn't white.

[@badlaamaurukehu]

@@Vivi2372 🤣 Get back in your playpen.

[@janrobertbos]

@@badlaamaurukehu Could you please explain why this is your (quite impolite) answer, Sir?

[@bo_392]

@@badlaamaurukehu bad cop no donut

[@dshepard3161]

@@Vivi2372 Utter bullshit statment

[@EricDaMAJ]

Most early fighters preferred a heavy pistol both for their reliability/big calibers and to use them as a blunt weapons. Military musket and single shot percussion pistols were deliberately shaped so they could be reversed and used as small clubs for that reason and the function carried over to many revolvers. It wasn't unusual to see illustrations of fighting men carrying a knife in their strong hand and a pistol in their weak hand.

[@Jim-Mc]

Reminds me of an interview I've seen where a US Navy Seal described a hypothetical enemy intruder with a so called 'assault rifle' as "no problem at all." He was not concerned about someone in his space armed that way because he'd be close enough to easily overcome it.

[@chooseyouhandle]

Why the quotation marks? Assault rifle is a perfectly good description of a select fire, intermediate caliber rifle. Yes it's a doctrine term but everyone knows what you mean when you say assault rifle.

[@andypanda4927]

Ian & Carl had an interesting video about improvised & hand wpns in trench warfare of WW 1. "InRange..."

[@everrettwesterman2381]

Hey Matt, one thing to note with revolvers is that they don't get pushed out of battery if pressed into someone, so in close quarters with a revolver you can push the barrel into an individual and fire away. This almost eliminates the chance of missing your target. The same can be done with a semi-automatic pistol if you press the back of the slide firmly forward with your thumb for one shot, it will not be able to chamber another round. Thanks for noting that many rounds will go through your target, so in a caotic melee you may not be able to deploy a firearm without killing an ally. Bayonets have been used in modern combat in such situations.

[@itsapittie]

That's why small revolvers are still popular as a "last ditch" backup weapon for law enforcement. They can't be pressed out of battery and they can be reliably fired without removing them from a pocket. A semiauto will fire the first shot inside a pocket but usually won't return to battery due to fabric caught in the slide.

[@everrettwesterman2381]

@Kelton Oliver excellent addition, thanks for sharing it.

[@brucetucker4847]

Never tried that with an autoloader but it sounds like a good way to break or at least sprain your thumb. The heel of your off hand is probably a better idea.

[@randomnobodovsky3692]

Pistols with fixed barrels similarly can't be pushed out of battery.

[@everrettwesterman2381]

@@brucetucker4847 that’s what I thought when I first heard it, but I believe my Dad did it during the academy or during inservice training. The trick is to not give the slide an opportunity to move back thereby gaining no momentum. The energy dispersion then acts like any other fixed barrel firearm. However, if the other hand isn’t occupied with warding attacks from an opponent, using the palm of the free hand would not be a bad idea. Thanks for commenting. This has proven an enjoyable discussion.

[@loquat44-40]

One of our local county commissioners had formerly been a sheriffs deputy in the next county over. In a hostage situation he and two other LEOs managed to at close ranges badly shoot up the female hostage without hitting the bad guy and so for them using handguns in a crowded scenario did not do anyone any good. The hostage taker was willing to negotiate and eventually the shot up lady got released.

[@shorewall]

I'm glad she was OK, because man that sucks. :D

[@loquat44-40]

@@shorewall That ex LEO sucks even more as our county commissioner. He never saw a subdivision application that he would not vote for. Of course he prays before each meeting lol for guidance from the almighty. So our former excellent, now over crowded schools with everything else are going down the drain literally with all of the flooding that has resulted.

[@keithallardice6139]

This is a great video Matt, fully agree with everything you said - we do tend to have a sanitised version of war from far ago and we're totally wrong! Sure I saw a video by In-Range TV on this very subject a while ago - hope you don't mind me mentioning it here? Love this kind of content, keep it up mate! Stay safe and take care ;-)

[@brucetucker4847]

The most important reason for using hand weapons in trench warfare was stealth. If you were going on a nighttime trench raid - and the British Army in particular was very keen on trench raids - your chances of making it back across No Man's Land were much better if you didn't announce your presence to every enemy within a mile with the loud reports and bright muzzle flashes of gunshots. Suppressors (silencers) had been invented but were very rarely if ever issued to military units.

[@canadianeh4792]

In 2008 in Afghanistan I heard about a group that was putting together a new kind of grappling martial art to train guys in where the idea is to get your opponent into a position where they can be shot by your buddy. I don't know if it ever happened or it was true at all, but it's an interesting idea.

[@matthaft2048]

When I joined the Army in 2010 and went through combatives training there was a lot of emphasis on gaining and maintaining dominance with the goal of positioning your opponent where your battle buddy can shoot them

[@davehood2667]

While the old saying goes "never bring a knife to a gunfight" the reverse is also true; don't use a gun at knife range. Matt mentioned the "21 foot rule", for those unfamiliar: within 21 feet (about 6.5 meters) a guy with a knife will reach you before you can gun him down. Modern bayonets suck, most vets I know favored long knives or hand axes/tomahawks. Which makes me wonder if one can retrofit a Mauser bar lug onto a modern AR, the 84/98 #3 is easily the best bayonet I've ever gotten my hands on.

[@Katzbalger001]

I believe the 21 ft rule deals with holstered pistol against a person carrying a knife--if the pistol is out and ready (and in a useful caliber with properly designed ammunition), then the knife wielder is in deep doo-doo.

[@ruffmansavageveteran1345]

Exactly why I carried my buck 119 knife in OIF/OEF.

[@knutzzl]

" point blank " A) muzzle against the target B) 21ft C)gun elevation 0°

[@blairbuskirk5460]

Every gun has two distances which are defined as point blank. See the sights are set up at a slight upward offset to the bore, allowing for you to use your sights for ranged encounters, the point blank range is where the projectile is on the same plane as the sights. With most modern military rifles this is twenty and one hundred yards ( assuming the use of a 5.56×45mm cartridge) basically point blank is a range in which elevation calculations are removed from the firing solution.

[@RobinRobertsesq]

In some of Vigilance Elite videos about CQB techniques in clearing rooms, he talks about the positions of his carbine as he enters a doorway with respect to being able to strike a very close opponent with the muzzle as part of bringing it to bear.

[@Si-Horrocks]

This whole vid was kinda, "Run at someone with a gun, run away from someone with a knife."

[@dshepard3161]

Rather have a puncture from FMJ than a gaping gut wound from a bayonet, bullet be fast in vital area, ergo i wont care, however a prolonged death with my wet bits dropping to the dirt is much more unappealing, you talk to LEO's and see what they consider worse, a dumb-ass holding a pistol like a three year old, or any nut with a blade in close and drugged to the moon.

[@SonsOfLorgar]

@@dshepard3161 and their worst nightmare is a drugged up or psychotic combat veteran with an antique trench dagger in a gloomy pub (spiked knuckle duster grip with a dagger blade)

[@richard6133]

Run laterally away *if* you're going to run from someone who has a firearm. The X-axis is harder to compensate for target motion than Z-axis.

[@francesbadger3401]

@@richard6133 correct! This is very important.

[@hailexiao2770]

@@dshepard3161 Eh, it depends on the FMJ. I'll take any pistol FMJ over a bayonet stab, but I'd take that bayonet stab over a close range M193 or DM111 gut shot any day.

[@dillonbuford]

People misuse the term "point blank". Point blank refers to a distant where the shooter does not have to adjust the point of aim for bullet drop.

[@Elbowbanditest2003]

Interesting

[@dillonbuford]

@@Elbowbanditest2003 thank you.

[@Elbowbanditest2003]

@@dillonbuford now I can say I shot all my class mates at point blank range

[@dillonbuford]

@@Elbowbanditest2003 what's that now?

[@jimmyrustler8983]

Yup, technically 100 yards for anything chambered in .308 is point blank. And trying to explain this to people always gets weird 🤣

[@DonMeaker]

A key lesson of the US Civil War was the outstanding effectiveness of cavalry armed with a large caliber repeating revolver. Even JEB Stuart, a practitioner of the sword-charge also carried several large caliber LeMat revolvers with .44 caliber bullets and a 20 gauge shotgun in the center of the cylinder. Victorian combat against the Madhists during the punitive expedition was pretty sterile, at least up until the cavalry charge. In that, Churchill reported the Broom-handle Mauser was the best thing in the world.

[@umar4117]

As with earlier handguns from the 17th through 19th century, they had quite heavy frames especially naval handguns, A Colt or Webley revolver has a heavy back strap and frame and trigger guard, they were designed to spin around and be used as a quite formidable club which also is quite effective.

[@rumplefourskin6775]

Matt Easton will never get tired of the dirty puns lol

[@Fenrasulfr]

Didn't they show on mythbusters that within 6.4 meters (sorry for miss remembering) someone with a knife can get to you before you shoot. And if you combine that with what you see in certain police shootings where the target still charges after being shot that armor and melee weapons can still be viable even to this day.

[@demonprinces17]

21 feet

[@arx3516]

If you have a pistol and you are adept in hand to hand martial arts you could defend against the attack and then shoot them right after.

[@shorewall]

@@arx3516 yeah, even knowing that, I'd still take the gun. I remember seeing footage of some guy who was reporting on protests out in the Portland area. This was before the blm riots. A bunch of trouble makers surrounded him and started antagonizing him. So he pulled out his pistol and told them to back off. He didn't even have to point it at anyone, and they gave him space. I'm not worried about the suicidal attacker. I hope I never meet them. I'm worried about the punks who think they can pick on a weak mark. I want to show them they are messing with the wrong guy, and they will move on. Because most criminals are cowards.

[@placeholdernameisplacehold7671]

That's why tazers can be a useful weapon in such cases. Although a gun shot does more damage, a tazer will cause the criminal to physically be unable to move even if their pain tolerance is very high.

[@jimmyrustler8983]

@El Bearsidente Meth's a helluva drug. Things like this have to be considered, as well as things like Level 2 body armor being available on Ebay. My opinion as well as many others these days, reckons that the Pelvic girdle may be the best place to aim your shots at. Because meth doesn't fix bones or ruptured arteries, and not many people wear Level 2 on their dick. 👍

[@81Roeland]

Hi Matt, would you like to shine your light on the dutch military klewang and it's use in combination with a carbine or revolver? Thank you in advance

[@mrd7067]

"Stopping" power (although i don`t like that word) exists. You have basically 3 fist size target areas where you can stop someone reasonably reliable. There are some people who, if hit there still fight on but that`s a one in a million. There is even one point at the head where everyone shuts down instantly but that one is very hard to hit. Knives have the same or even more problems as pistols in a meele (yes they kill, effectivly if you know what you are doing but there are other factors, you also get into problems if the guy you stabbed or cut keeps fighting for 2-5 minutes). A spade or trenchclub provides the most possible success, especially if there are multible people involved and the surprise is over. A problem that is not to be underestimated in meele with handguns or guns in general is the triggerguard. Fingers are easily broken. The Fitz specials came into being for reasons. Anyway handgrenades in all their forms and usages are not to be underestimated. They change things.

[@itsapittie]

As inaccurate as it is, "stopping power" is a convenient shorthand for the concept of rapidly incapacitating an opponent so it doubtless will continue to be used. As you point out, except in cases of transecting the spinal cord there is almost nowhere a person can be hit that will incapacitate them so rapidly that they don't have time to kill you as well. A spade or trench club provides what could be termed "stunning power" in that a blow to the head with a heavy object is likely to disorient the recipient to the point that you can follow it up before they can respond.

[@mrd7067]

@@itsapittie i wouldn`t call it "stunning power" with a spade. When you hit the collarbone and or eter the body with the spade the shock and trauma you produce in an instant is so big that the body shuts down. Supposedly there were cases where people fought on even when the spinal cord was hit/cut (i don`t know how that is).

[@itsapittie]

@@mrd7067 certainly the sheer amount of damage sustained at the time of impact is a significant factor with any weapon. That's why we study things like hydrostatic shock and temporary wound cavities. As for continuing to fight after the spinal cord is transected, I find that so unlikely that I'd have to see it to believe it. I'm an MD and I think your skepticism in that regard is warranted.

[@theultimatederp3288]

Guy with the knife: "No! You can't just ignore the 21 foot rule by pistol whipping me!" Guy with the pistol: "Ha ha. Pistol go bonk!"

[@DerrillGuilbert]

Shawn Ryan, when he was training Keanu on room clearing for the Wick movies, specifically stated he preferred a foregrip on his rifle over the more accurate options, because it gave him the ability to use a stronger punch forward if someone is in front of him as he, e.g., moves into a room. The video is on Taran Tactical's channel.

[@adamburgess4618]

This video made me remember another one I saw, I forget which channel it’s from, where a style of fighting by firing a flintlock pistol and then then twisting it around to use in the off hand while using a sword.

[@ericmitchell985]

Re: Passthrough hitting people behind your target in that close-defense shooting stance, that's actually why, when I've seen the stance demonstrated, the pistol is held quite high and the muzzle is canted more aggressively downwards - so that the passthrough goes through the heart region and into the ground/floor as quickly as reasonably possible. Otherwise, yes, I agree with everything you said, particularly with the fact that gunshots are not 'instant kills' like the movies show them. Edit: Whoops. Failed to consider that revolvers would require a lower firing position because of the cylinder gap (well, sans M1985 Nagant and similar). My bad.

[@Man_Emperor_of_Mankind]

How often do you think there is an opportunity to shoot a human torso at an angle where projectile pass throughs will be heading towards the ground? Pass throughs are a serious concern, but they're a concern best addressed by using modern jacketed hollow point projectiles

[@ericmitchell985]

@@Man_Emperor_of_Mankind I'm not disagreeing, and I fully grant that it's an extremely niche situation. I'm just saying that the *particular* stance that he was demonstrating, I've usually seen with the pistol held higher and with a more aggressive angle, more like he demonstrates initially, rather than the more flat presentation he uses later. In most self defense shoots, obviously this is not possible, but neither would you use that shooting stance. The arm is up to protect the head from blunt force, thus, the attacker is within range to strike physically, which does allow for such extreme angles of fire since they are very close, and you're allegedly stepping into the attack in order to break its momentum. Equally, if there _isn't_ anything on the far side of the target that you're concerned about shooting, then there's no need for that angulation at all - I was merely addressing his concern that in a 'melee,' you might hit a friendly on the far side. I'll reword my original comment because it does come across as particularly 'authoritative' and, I believe the technical term is, 'douchey.' Original wording: 'Re: Passthrough hitting people behind your target in that close-defense shooting stance, that's actually why the muzzle should be aimed downwards when firing - and the pistol held quite high - so the bullet goes into the ground/floor as quickly as possible.'

[@brucetucker4847]

@@Man_Emperor_of_Mankind Soldiers can't legally use hollowpoints, though.

[@Man_Emperor_of_Mankind]

@@brucetucker4847 That depends on the soldiers, there are lots of countries who didn't sign the Hague Convention agreements, and just as many which signed it and now laugh at it as ridiculous. (Which, it is ridiculous, and reflects the nonsensical nature of early doctrines on firearm use) But even for those nations that still follow that agreement, fragmenting projectiles generally serve the same purpose

[@Man_Emperor_of_Mankind]

@@ericmitchell985 I'll give you that, and agree that in those early pistol doctrines that used methods similar to what he was demonstrating, that does make sense

[@AutismIsUnstoppable]

One thing you didn't mention was running out of ammunition and weapon malfunctions. Granted its not real life but I've had many experiences in games where I've needed to reload but am too close to the enemy so had to use my bayonet or butt.

[@Talishar]

I think the thing to really keep in mind about this though is still the weapon in hand is still better than the one in your belt. I believe the weapons that were used in a melee would be whatever they happened to be holding at the time. If they're going through and clearing out a town or a bunker, the officer probably has a pistol in one hand and a melee weapon of some sort in the other. If they're American, several of them have a trench gun. If you get ambushed, and you're still holding your rifle, you probably weren't going to drop the rifle to pull out your knife or club whilst the other person is actively trying to kill you. You're going to respond with whatever is in hand and if you can disengage enough to pull out the melee weapon safely, then you can do it. Generally, it's the benefit of the one ambushing to be able to choose the weapon that best fits the scenario while the ones getting ambushed have to stick with the best weapon for as many situations that may arise. This generally means some form of firearm. It should also be noted that by the end of WWI and through WWII, generally the knife or shovel/spade was used in melee but you generally weren't running about clearing buildings with just your entrenching spade. Up until modern times, the procedures for clearing a building means that you will almost never have to engage an enemy with a knife. Over time, the knives have been getting smaller and smaller even though the frequency of warfare hasn't decreased as much as people would like. Also, the "21 foot rule" wouldn't apply in general soldiering. A soldier in active combat or potentially active combat will at worst, be at low ready and if actively clearing a building, they'll be at high ready. You aren't closing the 21 feet unscathed unless you really get the drop on them. The 21 foot rule is primarily for police officers in that it describes the distance a person can travel in the time it takes an average officer to unholster and present their weapon and fire. A military member in a combat zone already has their weapon out at some sort of ready so you're not running 21 feet to melee them from the front where they can see you like the police tests. As far as close in trench firearms that can almost always guarantee a 1 shot stop is the trusty shotgun. They can actually be reloaded a lot faster than a revolver too and can be done on the move between positions they were a lot shorter than the standard rifles of the day and even had bayonets. They were so effective, Germany tried to get them banned from warfare. The only downside is that the U.S. didn't get enough of them out to their allies.

[@andrewpease3688]

Stalingrad. Fighting for control of stairwells the Russians found that a sharpened spade was the most effective weapon. A sweep always has an advantage over a pin point.

[@theoldefirme4500]

The First thing in CQC we were taught was called a "muzzle thump" US Infantry

[@Slash-XVI]

For those of us not in the know: what does that phrase mean?

[@theoldefirme4500]

@@Slash-XVI Pistols are rarely issued to standard infantry, M4 carbines are the main weapon. When engaging in combat it is held pointing roughly straight out from the body mostly just like movies and games. When you encounter an enemy in striking range you prrform a vicious stab with the muzzle of the carbine into the face or more likely the sternum. This ideally creates space for movement and incapacitates unarmored combatants as it is extremely painful to be javelined by a dull steel rod backed by a muscled armored angry scared soldier. And no fine motor skills required lol

[@titanscerw]

So gentlemen, Mr. Easton here is trying to convey a point to add a handy cutlass to your regular Glock, CZ, Beretta's EDC. Hope this matter of klewang is now sufficiently clear and I can rest assured you will act accordingly.

[@shorewall]

We need to bring back the edc sword. 😀

[@titanscerw]

@@shorewall for sure, dear sir!

[@toddellner5283]

Klewang is the most onomatopoetic weapon. The name is EXACTLY what it sounds like when the blade whacks into someone's helmet. Kle-WAAAAANNNGGGG!!!

[@evandaire1449]

I’ll EDC CCW my CZ and also hide a rapier in my shorts 😂

[@ArmouryTerrain]

Back in 1996 I was working as a security guard at a nightclub and was shot by a 38 pistol at the distance of about 5 meters. It was a through wound in my side and on my adrenaline high, I stomped the shooter. He is still in a wheelchair.

[@blairbuskirk5460]

.38 special or .38 SW? huge variance in velocity and projectile weight. Kinda like a .380 and 9mm luger are the same diameter yet vastly different loads.

[@ArmouryTerrain]

@@blairbuskirk5460 without any armour and at that range it really would not have made much difference. It hurt, there was lots of blood and adrenaline kicked in.

[@johnf7332]

Awesome topic. Very interesting

[@TheAegisClaw]

Bayonet charge on Mt Tumbledown during the Falklands conflict. By all accounts pretty effective.

[@Viperzka]

One concept to consider as well is that, even if the sword might have some uses in warfare, there is a concern about the training needed to use it. Any time spent training a soldier to use a sword or other melee weapon is time NOT spent training them on some other aspect of soldiering. There are certainly times where a sword or literally anything else will work better than the rifle, but it happens so rarely that it just isn't worth spending the time to train soldiers on them. That being said, I definitely practiced quick draws and fighting techniques with my bayonet when I was overseas (which was never needed).

[@brucetucker4847]

I expect a poorly-trained man with a sword in a trench or other confined area is as much a risk to himself and his fellows as to the enemy. A knife or club strikes me as a lot more sensible in that regard.

[@HUVideoer]

When I was in the army in the beginning of the 90'ties, we still trained using the E tool as one of our main hand to hand weapon. You have it anyway, and a blow from steel E tool is pretty deadly. Even if your stressed out and not able to aim or control, a hit with a heavy metal edge anywhere is not fun. We were taught to aim for neck, collarbone and face. The hand to hand classes focused on bayonet on a rifle and the E tool. using a knife or hand to hand was seen as absolutely last resort.

[@johnvaness8445]

First time watching, Excellent video, Thanks!

[@0214Bub]

You made a very good often overlooked observation of WWI in that it was a much more barbaric hands on ordeal than most people realize. If anyone doesn't believe this is so just take a look at some of the improvised trench raiding implements the soldiers used.

[@jameshedrick4490]

Close quarters combat is a very good reason to spend a lot of time working on your draw and reaction time with your pistol or handgun. It's definitely possible to draw your gun and shoot someone at point blank range (or close combat distance) if you can get your gun out and online in time to shoot.

[@marcelosilveira2276]

8:40 if you didn't sign the treaties of Genebra, you can use hollow-point bullets on your pistol to ensure this won't happen. A hollow point bullet will "open" on impact, which both makes it extremely hard to remove, almost ensuring a death by bleeding on your target, but, more importantly, it ensure the bullet won't trespass the target. This may be a problem if your target is wearing any sort of armor (bullet proof vess, for example), because it basically nullyfies the bullets penetrative capacity, but it ensures that if you hit someone at point blank, you won't be hitting whoever is behind them.

[@andrewgillis3073]

The long bayonet was actually to defend against cavalry charges during the Napoleonic era. During WW I (and later) a favorite weapon was the entrenching tool / trench shovel. It was short and sharp edged, and most soldiers had one. Soldiers accounts from WW II were that the bayonet was next to useless in Jungle warfare. I was in the modern American army for 23 years, and I never fixed a bayonet, and was only issued one once.

[@scholagladiatoria]

Yes the US military has a poor history with the bayonet, but just look at what the Japanese did with the bayonet in the exact same war! I have a lot of videos about bayonets if you search on my channel :-)

[@andrewgillis3073]

Yes, the Japanese make great use of the bayonet not only in WW II, but also in their war with Russia. None the less, for allied forces in WW II, the trench shovel often shows up in hand to hand fighting. The current tool of the US army is not well suited for such a role, unfortunately.

[@stormiewutzke4190]

I enjoyed this one a lot. If you ever want to get into doing WW 1 and 2 stuff I would really enjoy it. If you do one of the things to bring out is that pistols kill by bleeding and damage to any organs just like bows and arrows. Its not until you get to a specific velocity that there is enough pressure on tissue that it causes a shock wave that allows the shot to damage areas away from the wound channel that MAY affect the nervous system or the brain. There was a study done on goats and it showed some evidence that instant death may be caused by the difference between if the heart was contracted or relaxed with being contracted allowing the Shockwave to make it to the brain. Full metal jacket bullets don't transfer their energy as well or cause as much damage as expanding bullets. With full metal jackets having to have much higher velocity to cause a lot of damage. One of the reasons that the 5.56 NATO caused so much damage was it is basically a .223 that was designed for varmint hunting. I may not have the history perfectly right but the original AR15 was designed as a varmint rifle and it was picked up as a alternative for the Vietnamese in the Vietnam War because they were of smaller stature and didn't do well with the big .308. They 3nded up realizing that the tiny 40 grain bullets did way more damage than expected do to its very high velocity. They are now having problems with its effectiveness once they started using heavier bullets to be able to shoot well at longer ranges and are trying to come out with larger calibers again.

[@brucetucker4847]

The problem with the 5.56mm is it depends on that shock wave to be incapacitating and thus loses effectiveness very rapidly with range when fired from the shorter barrels that have become so common. The heavier bullets are designed to fragment or tumble at lower velocities and thus remain lethal at velocoties that are still high but not high enough to cause the massive hydrostatic shock of the smaller bullets at 2800+ fps.

[@BCSchmerker]

+scholagladiatoria *"Pistol-whipping" was a term coined in Utah, New Mexico, and Arizona Territories, USA, in the latter Victorian era,* in which the revolver was used as a blunt-force enhancer. Rifles, carbines, and shotguns doubled as clubs.

[@mina7572]

Badass thumbnail for this video, Matt.

[@maximumbob350]

Hi Matt, Awesome to see that Adams on the channel. I'm a huge fan of English revolvers, and don't feel that they get the love they deserve (the 1867 Adams happens to be a particular favourite of mine). I live in the UK and am curious as to what the legal status of that particular model of revolver is; is it classed as an an obsolete calibre, or is that one a deact? I realise that this is completely missing the actual point of the video, but I can't help but ask...

[@andreweden9405]

Yay, I had been wanting you to talk about modern combat knives! I know that you say that the swords made by Wilkinson(or whatever their current name is, I forget) are quite inferior in quality compared to their earlier(pre-WW2?) swords. Would you say that the same applies when it comes to their current iteration of the Fairbairn-Sykes Commando dagger?

[@cowis52]

9:15 cool to see a bit of the Canadian war museum here

[@Kim-the-Dane-1952]

I seem to recall you mentioning in another video that the first official British kill in WWI was done with a sword.

[@nickdougan394]

I have it on good authority that in WW1 the Mills Grenade was redesignated the Mills Bomb because the Grenadier Guards petitioned the King, and hence the Government, that references to grenadiers (those throwing grenades) retreating in the course of trench warfare was a slight upon The eponymous Guards who, of course, never retreated. And hence "bombers".

[@shorewall]

Fucking hell. 😀

[@gw833]

I'm sure someone left a comment about this but they did make and the troops made bayonet mounts for their pistols, you could actually see some in the two pictures he showed of the revolver on the table and one hanging up on the wall on the left side

[@md_vandenberg]

For more information on this topic, InRangeTV did a video on melee weapons of WWI. No matter how advanced firearms become, striking someone with a sharp and/or heavy implement will always be effective and in style.

[@jakubfabisiak9810]

Hey, Matt - now that it's out in early access, coule you please take a look at Hellish Quart? It's shaping up to be the most realistic swordfighting game ever. Currently has 5 characters playable: 3 Sabers, rapier, and longsword, with another saber, and what looks like a schiavona in the works.

[@ThePageofCups]

Matt, is this your pitch to do a collab with Ian and Karl? :^)

[@jamesr792]

If it isn’t, it should be!

[@strider_hiryu850]

there's also the simple fact that when your in a building, trying to keep your wits about you, your likely to leave you hearing protection out of your ears to listen to enemy footsteps and to communicate with friendlies. Firing any kind of gun in this particular environment will rock your ears like a concert. No bueno. Knives, Bayonettes, clubs, and buttstocks are silent.

[@markhatch3737]

Sounds like you need a short blade. Now the Roman gladius makes some sense - up close and very personal!

[@aptcmpasion]

100% bang on; an amazing number of lads are completely oblivious to all points; tho, ya cooda mentioned kukri, ph bolo WW2, modern ph Marine force recon ginunting

[@joegillian314]

I thing about someone armed with a knife is: if you are unarmored (which you probably are) and you have nothing but your bare hands (or something useless as a weapon, or even as a barrier), you're going to get stabbed if they get close enough to you. It's very hard to guard a knife stab at close range even if you know it's coming. There's just almost no chance to avoid being stabbed or cut once the knife is in range.

[@Psiberzerker]

The M-1 Garand is incredibly well balanced. Why drill teams still use it today. One of the best guns to beat someone with, with or without the bayonet fixed.

[@HUVideoer]

true.. a good solid hitter

[@onlyashadow1121]

Fight review of Shanghai Knights Clocktower, git going

[@warpartyattheoutpost4987]

This video released just when I was thinking about getting an additional, shorter barrel for my AR-15. *It's a sign.*

[@victorwaddell6530]

Our lawmakers and attorneys in the US need to watch this video . Too often policemen are criticized for shooting a knife weilding assailant multilpe times in the torso . The cry goes something like " He was unarmed ! " or " Why didn't the cop shoot the guy in the leg or his knife hand ? " The people saying these things are often the ones that claim that weapons with the capacty of more than ten rounds are unnecessary ' High Capacity' Assault Weapons ' .

[@charleslawrence9825]

Matt you are so deliberate (and straightfaced) delivering the “...talk about butts and penetrations.”

[@CommanderTycho]

Something interesting about close range scenarios with pistols is that it's fine to press a revolver against your target's body but if you press a handgun that has a slide and a tilting barrel against a body, it will go out of battery.

[@alantheinquirer7658]

Heh. I'm currently reviewing a book featuring a Scottish canoneer in the 1600's who carries various dirks and a backsword ... but his personal weapon is an axe-handled dag. Dunno if you've heard of it but there's a great historic firearms You Tube channel called "Forgotten Weapons". Might be a neat crossover.

[@corro202]

Great video.

[@dalemenk895]

I'm going to start this comment with the admission that I am an American citizen. I have a permit to carry a handgun, and I carry one wherever it is legal. This video is spot on. I have actually given a lot of thought to this issue. I have thought about how to use my handgun as a striking weapon in the event that I have drawn, but can't fire due to unsafe conditions, i.e. people in close proximity.

[@blairbuskirk5460]

Assuming you conceal carry I wouldn't draw in that scenario until you can establish a safe firing angle. Use a judo hip or shoulder toss and fire at a prostrate target on the ground. Not good practice for legality but nevertheless safer for possible bystanders.

[@raitsesman]

Can we please have a video about usage of armor in WWI? I think it's an immensly interesting topic. Maybe WWI melee combat in general?

[@unap16]

Good day Ser Matt. I would like to ask an off topic question given you are now covering JP swords (Asian curved swords w/similar design to Tachi & Katana)- Have you, in your research, ever discovered why JP curved swords never used western type Pommel, (which also act as counterweight to draw the PoB towards the hilt) and instead opt for longer handles to attain similar result? Thank you.

[@iJakku]

I would love to see katana's with a cross guard and pommel! Ones I've own are very front heavy, I wonder if it'll make it more usable as a one handed sword.

[@barefoofDr]

A Webley Mark VI, with or without a bayonet, and the 1911 are excellent weapons to bludgeon with in close quarters.

[@marcelosilveira2276]

10:26 shooting the heart is not a quick nor painless death. I don't quite recall the specifics, but essentially you drown on your own blood if your heart stops working... which gives an adrenaline-driven foe plenty of time to shoot back. Might end them right then and there if they didn't had adrenaline pumping on their veins yet, but if they are already in combat? yeah, a bullet through the heart will give plenty of time to shoot back, best you can get is force the target to flinch in pain and miss their attack

[@jay_chang]

Most guns are heavier than swords or dagger, if you are getting pistol whipped by a person in the face it isn't any less painful than getting hit by a baton. getting rifle butted isn't going to hurt less than getting hit by a baseball bat. The rifle sling can be used to strangle someone and the best thing is you have the rifle as a handle so the sling wont really be hard on your hands. Even without a bayonet jamming a rifle muzzle into someone is going to hurt a lot.

[@danielgonzales3676]

I'm dying to know, most of your material is geared towards distant historical eras, what made you decide to bring it to modern(ish) times? Loved the video.

[@Rougrou1597]

Using Revolvers as clubs in the Civil War is unique as they come also number 1

[@JerryRey404]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but the kind of close quarters, especially in-building type of fighting, where rifles are too long and unwieldy to use, are why the SMGs were invented. So that soldiers would not need to rely on physical prowess and their ability to wrestle to survive.

I remember a WW2 veteran telling how they were defending a hill and it was a moonless night when the enemy charged. He told it was hard to know who was who, so they were fighting with knives and feeling the other guy if he had a backpack to distinguish between friends and foes. That was of course told with a smile and a wink but nevertheless there is some truth to the story.

[@CharlesStearman]

I once read of a British soldier in WW2 who was in a front-line foxhole on a very dark night when he felt a hand on his helmet and a moment later heard a voice behind him whisper "Nice Tommy!" It was a Gurkha out looking for Germans who had felt the shape of his helmet to decide whether he was British or German.

[@presidentlouis-napoleonbon8889]

You got a pristine Martini-Henry, Matt.

[@jimmyrustler8983]

Butt and penetration in the same line, and didn't even so much as crack a smile. You truly are the master of innuendo 🤣 I did have some old literature on WW1/WW2 Webley and automatic pistol training regimen, and a lot of point shooting was part of official doctrine. A big contender for #1 trench weapon was the simple entrenching tool too, since almost everybody had one issued, as opposed to a knife or pistol. Most pistols and knives were either captured from the enemy, or made in the trenches.

[@michaelpeters6659]

even on the modern battlefield we carry knives. if you turn a corner and someone jumps out and grabs the barrel of your rifle you want something quick and dirty to get them off of you so you can get back to your primary weapons system.

[@cropman123]

It is very rare for a handgun round to pass completely through another person even at point blank range and FMJ bullets with most military handguns of the past (.32acp, .455webley, 38/200webley, .38s&w, .38Spl.or .45lc) or modern day (9x18, 9MM, .380acp, or 45acp). I am not saying it doesn't/couldn't happen, but it is rare. It would almost certainly happen with FMJ in .357 magnum, .41 magnum, .44magnum, or larger; but these are not typically military handguns.

[@brittakriep2938]

Stas sats: A revolver is always a pistol, but a pistol is never a revolver.

[@nickdougan394]

Eh? Many pistols are revolvers, but these days most would be "automatics". Some revolvers were carbines or even full length rifles, but that was a technology that did not work and was soon overtaken by magazine weapons too.

[@ZagorTeNayebo]

@@nickdougan394 ever heard of a metaphor

[@Scott-qq9jd]

Careful now. I tried pointing out how modern English differentiates between the two, and the next day he did a video...

[@badpossum440]

@@nickdougan394 some revolvers were automatics also.

[@ftdefiance1]

@@badpossum440 Sam Spade approves this post

[@evilwelshman]

A revolver or pistol would be terrible as a protective implement. While they are a block of metal that you can use to shield yourself from an attack and would be much more preferable than having to take a machete to the head, they still nonetheless only have a comparatively small surface area for which to block with. And more importantly, it is also a very delicate piece of implement. A blow from a heavy object such as a sword or even a club is likely to damage the barrel or any number of small but critical components; subsequently severely compromising the revolver or pistol for their intended purpose. And possibly even a hazard to the owner should they try to fire said damaged revolver/pistol.

[@brucetucker4847]

I've got a Webley, that thing is built like a tank. A sword blow might leave a nasty cosmetic gash but it's unlikely to render it inoperable. It would also make an excellent club. Older designs like 19th century Colts are a lot more fragile.

[@sugarnads]

Cap and ball remained in use well into the early 20th in the US. It worked. It was reliable. New guns were expensive so why change if it was working?

[@Shozb0t]

You should review the instructional video "Surviving Edged Weapons" which can be found on youtube.