Forgive me if I missed the ruling on this, but, when in close combat, an attacker hits when rolling under or equal to WS, correct? Yet, when firing a pistol in close combat, they get to roll under their BS plus the modifier for close range (+30)? Do close combat rolls do not get this modifier as well? If not, then what would be the point of using a close combat weapon?
Fuller said:
Forgive me if I missed the ruling on this, but, when in close combat, an attacker hits when rolling under or equal to WS, correct? Yet, when firing a pistol in close combat, they get to roll under their BS plus the modifier for close range (+30)? Do close combat rolls do not get this modifier as well? If not, then what would be the point of using a close combat weapon?
In close combat, wen using a melee weapon, yes, the attacker must roll equal to or under his modified WS (situational modifiers such as All Out Attack, aiming, etc will add or remove from the base WS).
When firing a pistol in close combat, you roll equal to or under your modified BS. However, when in close combat and shooting a pistol at a target in close combat with you, there are no range modifiers, so no +30 for point blank range. If they weren't actively dancing around you trying to hit you with an ax but instead sitting in a comfy chair, or hunkered down behind the couch trying to shoot you first (but otherwise not moving all around you), then you would get the +30 for point blank range as it would be easer to hit such a target.
So, WS checks never get modifiers for range and BS checks only get modifiers for range if your target can't or isn't actively trying to put an ax in your skull.
I second that Graver has said.
And also, don't forget to check the latest errata. It has a very extensive input on firing in close combat.