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Since Vulkite weapons were more effective than Bolters, why didn't the higher-ups within the Legions use them? It would make more sense that they would be the ones with the costly, higher-powered weapons? Also, why aren't Vulkite weapons available as relics to First-Founding and Second-Founding Chapters?

Cause you have an abundance of ammunition for more standard weapons While voltkit charges are very scarce. Besides, if your bolter gets stuck, you read a short lithany, headbutt it and it's as good as new.

According to Lexicanum, the Volkite weaponry was pretty much standard-issue when the Legions were founded, but was eventually replaced by more flexible Bolter that was also easier to manufacture.

 Finlandiaperkele wrote:
According to Lexicanum, the Volkite weaponry was pretty much standard-issue when the Legions were founded, but was eventually replaced by more flexible Bolter that was also easier to manufacture.

Yeah, this. Originally Volkite weapons were the mainstay weapon, but the bolter is easier and I assume cheaper to manufacture, and probably does better against more targets; the Volkite weapons probably struggle a bit more against armour than a bolter for example.

 dusara217 wrote:
Since Vulkite weapons were more effective than Bolters, why didn't the higher-ups within the Legions use them? It would make more sense that they would be the ones with the costly, higher-powered weapons? Also, why aren't Vulkite weapons available as relics to First-Founding and Second-Founding Chapters?

Some do. They're an option for Legion Praetors, and I think at least one of the Primarchs carries one.

At the same time, the Bolter is more reliable, and longer ranged - plus, legion officers are all ex line troopers, so many will stick with the weapon they've always fought with.

 ImAGeek wrote:

 Finlandiaperkele wrote:
According to Lexicanum, the Volkite weaponry was pretty much standard-issue when the Legions were founded, but was eventually replaced by more flexible Bolter that was also easier to manufacture.

Yeah, this. Originally Volkite weapons were the mainstay weapon, but the bolter is easier and I assume cheaper to manufacture, and probably does better against more targets; the Volkite weapons probably struggle a bit more against armour than a bolter for example.

Vulkite weapons are basically just Hellguns on steroids. I don't see how bolters are better except for ease of manufacture.

So Vulkite weapons still exist in the 40kth? I don't recall seeing them on any models.

 Shadowclaimer wrote:
So Vulkite weapons still exist in the 40kth? I don't recall seeing them on any models.

There aren't any 40k era models that have them on, mostly because I think the fluff for them is newer than the codices that would include them. They're still around by m41, but they're exceedingly rare.

The one and only reason is demand outpaced supply, this is stated in the hh books, the imperium simply could not provide every single line trooper at the time with volkites, this is why they are reserved for elite units or support units

 Stonebeard wrote:

 Shadowclaimer wrote:
So Vulkite weapons still exist in the 40kth? I don't recall seeing them on any models.

There aren't any 40k era models that have them on, mostly because I think the fluff for them is newer than the codices that would include them. They're still around by m41, but they're exceedingly rare.

Just wondering for things like Deathwatch or such, didn't know if there was an Inquisitor model or something that might have a Vulkite pistol or something.

Maybe, but they'd be rare enough not to include them in the rules. There will literally be thousands and thousands of different unique weapons that aren't included in the rule systems because of space issues.

 Stonebeard wrote:

 Shadowclaimer wrote:
So Vulkite weapons still exist in the 40kth? I don't recall seeing them on any models.

There aren't any 40k era models that have them on, mostly because I think the fluff for them is newer than the codices that would include them. They're still around by m41, but they're exceedingly rare.

They are probably used mainly by ceremonial guards, since the manufacturing of Volkite weaponry has been discontinued at large in favour of Bolt weaponry, so I doubt they see any real war in 41st Millenium...

I don't believe the issue here is background related.

Supposedly there's only one Imperial jetbike left in existence, but it has rules.

I believe the issue is rules derived, Volkites are characterful but not overly effective in 30k, bringing them into 40k would require them to think long and hard about how to balance their ability to chew through Guard, Orks, Eldar and Tyranids like a hot knife through butter. And Forge World can't be bothered.

Finlandiaperkele wrote:

 Stonebeard wrote:

 Shadowclaimer wrote:
So Vulkite weapons still exist in the 40kth? I don't recall seeing them on any models.

There aren't any 40k era models that have them on, mostly because I think the fluff for them is newer than the codices that would include them. They're still around by m41, but they're exceedingly rare.

They are probably used mainly by ceremonial guards, since the manufacturing of Volkite weaponry has been discontinued at large in favour of Bolt weaponry, so I doubt they see any real war in 41st Millenium...

If that, maybe. You'd probably find one in a chapter armory or in the collection of some rouge trader or inquisitor.

 Gashrog wrote:
I don't believe the issue here is background related.

Supposedly there's only one Imperial jetbike left in existence, but it has rules.

I believe the issue is rules derived, Volkites are characterful but not overly effective in 30k, bringing them into 40k would require them to think long and hard about how to balance their ability to chew through Guard, Orks, Eldar and Tyranids like a hot knife through butter. And Forge World can't be bothered.

But the said jetbike is actively used in combat.

And volkite weapons weren't a thing before FW released HH: Betrayal.

And in 41st Millenium it's used by ones who has access to rare gear (High-profile Astartes, Inquisitors, Deathwatch, Rogue Traders. AdMech has access to even better laser weapons)

 dusara217 wrote:

 ImAGeek wrote:

 Finlandiaperkele wrote:
According to Lexicanum, the Volkite weaponry was pretty much standard-issue when the Legions were founded, but was eventually replaced by more flexible Bolter that was also easier to manufacture.

Yeah, this. Originally Volkite weapons were the mainstay weapon, but the bolter is easier and I assume cheaper to manufacture, and probably does better against more targets; the Volkite weapons probably struggle a bit more against armour than a bolter for example.

Vulkite weapons are basically just Hellguns on steroids. I don't see how bolters are better except for ease of manufacture.

I don't know, I was just thinking ruleswise I know they're good against hordes of infantry who usually have lower armour so I think in my head I made the connection that therefore they struggle with armour.

When you are outfitting hundreds of thousands of men, you need an easily replaceable weapon. Volkites were brilliant weapons, but too expensive to manufacture and maintain.

The Legions might also have discontinued (or put at a lower priority) training Techmarines to maintain the volkite guns. By the time 40K rolls around it would be very rare that someone can make them work safely even if the Chapter has a few in the armory. They'd probably have to ask the AdMech to dig out a manual, and getting indebted for restoring one gun for the Chapter Master is something to think long and hard about.

Spetulhu wrote:
The Legions might also have discontinued (or put at a lower priority) training Techmarines to maintain the volkite guns. By the time 40K rolls around it would be very rare that someone can make them work safely even if the Chapter has a few in the armory. They'd probably have to ask the AdMech to dig out a manual, and getting indebted for restoring one gun for the Chapter Master is something to think long and hard about.

This is the first answer that has made any sense, thank you.

The reason none of the 40k Space Marine models have Volkite weapons is simple: they are an invention by Forge World for the Horus Heresy series. That's all there is to it.

Now, from a fluff perspective, they exist in 40k, but they are considered rare and archaic weapons. I imagine they would require Mechanicum intervention to allow them to function, and their numbers would likely be low in Chapter armories. That said, they're probably similar to Contemptor Dreadnoughts in 40k; not unheard of, but very rare.

 Gashrog wrote:
I don't believe the issue here is background related.

Supposedly there's only one Imperial jetbike left in existence, but it has rules.

I believe the issue is rules derived, Volkites are characterful but not overly effective in 30k, bringing them into 40k would require them to think long and hard about how to balance their ability to chew through Guard, Orks, Eldar and Tyranids like a hot knife through butter. And Forge World can't be bothered.

Not only is this a good point, but it also circles back around to the fluff. If Volkites are hugely effective vs. lightly armored troops, and then you have a massive rebellion where half of your heavily armored troops turn traitor and become the predominant threat, it makes sense that you might de-emphasize the use of said weapons.

(Not that bolters are particularly good against power armor either--but you get my point).

Da Butcha wrote:

 Gashrog wrote:
I don't believe the issue here is background related.

Supposedly there's only one Imperial jetbike left in existence, but it has rules.

I believe the issue is rules derived, Volkites are characterful but not overly effective in 30k, bringing them into 40k would require them to think long and hard about how to balance their ability to chew through Guard, Orks, Eldar and Tyranids like a hot knife through butter. And Forge World can't be bothered.

Not only is this a good point, but it also circles back around to the fluff. If Volkites are hugely effective vs. lightly armored troops, and then you have a massive rebellion where half of your heavily armored troops turn traitor and become the predominant threat, it makes sense that you might de-emphasize the use of said weapons.

(Not that bolters are particularly good against power armor either--but you get my point).

Actually, the Volkite weapons were phased out before the Horus Heresy even began.
Bolter is more usefull against multiple types of targets (thanks to the type of ammunition used) and easier/cheaper to maintain and manufacture, whereas Volkite weapons are useful mainly against lightly armoured infantry, and are complex/expensive weapons.