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Hi I am looking at equiping a Blood Angels 10 man assault squad with either 2 meltaguns or 2 plasma pistols.

I am not sure which would be better.

Plasma pistols come in the box where meltaguns don't.
but meltaguns have a better AP
Plasma pistols don't sacrifice the extra attacks in an assault.

I need a strong opinion one way or another backed up with reasoning.

All opinions much appreciated - Thanks

Do you play against more infantry or tanks?

^ this... its really the only thing you should consider

Sorry I should have mentioned I am new to warhammer 40k. (first army)
I've been to my local club and it's a mixed variety but I think more infantry based although there are still their tanks to consider

Sorry that I can't be any more specific.

Melta's are the safest bet, besides your plasma pistols have the same range.

Meltaguns.

A plasma pistol is literally worse in every way. Lower strength, worse AP, no +D6 against vehicles, can't ID T4 models, can burn yourself, has shorter range, etc. etc.

Meanwhile, the one thing you get with a plasma pistol is the ability to get an extra chainsword attack.

Woo-friggin'-hoo.

 Ailaros wrote:
Meltaguns.

A plasma pistol is literally worse in every way. Lower strength, worse AP, no +D6 against vehicles, can't ID T4 models, can burn yourself, has shorter range, etc. etc.

Since when was 12" less than 12"?

Point is, taking a plasma over a melta is only good if you want more attacks in CC. Which i'm assuming if you can take a plasma or melta, you are not relying on CC.


Go with the Melta

-Loki- wrote:

Ailaros wrote:Meltaguns.

A plasma pistol is literally worse in every way. Lower strength, worse AP, no +D6 against vehicles, can't ID T4 models, can burn yourself, has shorter range, etc. etc.

Since when was 12" less than 12"?

Oh, sorry, I was thinking of grenades.

What I meant to say is that a plasma pistol is literally worse in every way. Lower strength, worse AP, no +D6 against vehicles, can't ID T4 models, can burn yourself (which is bad because it's on a more expensive/necessary model), and is on a model that can be picked out in a challenge,

So take the melta.

Meltaguns.

Because.

Meltaguns.

I'm gonna jump in with everyone else here and say meltaguns. Ailaros said it best, the only thing the plasma pistol offers over the meltagun is one extra attack on the guy holding it.

As for availability, just check on ebay (or, god forbid, GW) for meltaguns. I'm certain you can find the bits somewhere for cheap.

Not sure about BAs, but if your sgt can take a plasma pistol, you can have your cake and eat it too. Give meltas to your squadies and a plasma to the sgt, and then give the sgt another one so he can Gun Slinger and can get 2 S7 AP2 shots (and he still gets the +1A in CC - hooray!). Of course, this assumes you have the points to burn.

[Edit: ...and that you are allowed to do this with BAs]

I am interested in the answer to the above, can ba ASM sargs take dual plasma pistols?

MarkyMark wrote:
I am interested in the answer to the above, can ba ASM sargs take dual plasma pistols?

Sure can. Text reads, and I quote:

"The Sergeant can replace his bolt pistol/chainsword with:
...
- a plasma pistol, infernus pistol, power weapon, or lightning claw...15 points

Granted, it's a pricey investment considering that the twin plasma pistols is now double his points cost (18 base, 10 for Sarge, 30 for pistols) but hey, it's a guy in a squad with the rough equivalent of a plasma gun that can be fired before assaulting.

I wouldn't load up a basic assault squad with that many points. Even for BA, they're not that good in assault compared to a proper assault unit so they need support. THAT'S where the points should be going.

Not to mention, if you take out a few models shooting on the way in you run the risk of leaving yourself out of charge range and out in the open during your opponent's turn.

If you must, give the Sergeant a power fist to aid against walkers and CMs, but with the changes to grenades that's no longer necessary.