Rifleman Archive

Are there rifle options that are serviceable at close range, thus saving skill points that would otherwise have to go to a second weapon tree? Or is that a pipe dream?

Secondarily, are there significant defensive bonuses in other trees (especially Brawler) that make taking another skill worthwhile beyond just combat flexibility? Toughness, for instance; the naming convention, e.g. 2H Melee Toughness, is somewhat confusing for me since it implies a connection with the weapon but would on the surface seem to be a strictly defensive factor.

Yes, this is kind of looking for an easy way out of making tough choices, but can't blame a guy for trying. Part of the issue is image. It's hard to picture my character sniping away with a rifle then whipping out an ax or katana. Hand-to-hand isn't so bad in that regard, but that line doesn't complement the rifle's Mind damage very well.

Thanks for any guidance.