Forum adverts like this one are shown to any user who is not logged in. Join us by filling out a tiny 3 field form and you will get your own, free, dakka user account which gives a good range of benefits to you: No adverts like this in the forums anymore. Times and dates in your local timezone. Full tracking of what you have read so you can skip to your first unread post, easily see what has changed since you last logged in, and easily see what is new at a glance. Email notifications for threads you want to watch closely. Being a part of the oldest wargaming community on the net. If you are already a member then feel free to login now.

So CSM Chosen has their basic wargear having a bolt pistol, close combat weapon, and a boltgun. Does this mean that a stock chosen in close combat always has +1 attack for 2 close combat weapons, but can also run around and shoot his boltgun in the shooting phase.

Some of my gaming friends have a "unless he has a pistol and a close combat weapon modeled in hand, there is no extra attack" mentality, but I am reading the rules different. (Of course, no clarification in the FAQs

Yes, you're not using all weapons you have all the time.
Though if you shoot with a boltgun you probably won't get to charge .
A model could shoot his bolter as Overwatch and then fight in melee with his pistol and CCW for example

Are there any current rules saying you have to model the 2 CC weapons in order to get the bonus attack?

While I'm not sure if there's a specific rule requiring it, generally speaking people expect that an upgrade (something needing extra points not included in the basic description of a model) should be modeled appropriately onto the dude/lady/thing.

But Chosen CSMs come standard with bolt pistol, CCW and bolter. So you can model them however you'd like, with a CCW/pistol combo or boltgun. But being Chosen, since they're 'fancier', you could stick a bolter slung onto their shoulder whilst posing in a cool manner with the other standard weapons. Or if you have one with a melta gun or something like that, you could stick a chainsword on the belt for a complete effect. Aesthetically, it does improve the air of awesomeness on most models, and therefore performance

If you put on a power weapon, modeling that as an axe, sword, or stave, or lance will make a big difference...that's the only instance I can think of where the actual model piece is needed, but again, those are upgrades.

Yeah, I like me some kit bashing. This is my first marine army so I'm a bit overwhelmed by the new rules.

I'll definitely follow your advice and give anyone with a chainsword and pistol in hand a weapon sling, and everyone holding a bolter or better a chainsword or one of those knives somewhere along with a loaded pistol holster.