Use of advanced rifles in melee combat

[l_c_jackson]

In Mongoose Traveller, which of the more advanced rifles/carbines (Gauss, Laser, or Plasma) are capable of mounting a bayonet, or being used as a club?

I'm working from the Pocket Rulebook only, I'm too mean to buy the new version of Mercenary (I have the Classic black book and MegaTraveller to refer to).

Many thanks in advance.

 

[steventirey1985]

Central Supply Catalog has this:

Bayonet Lug (TL 3): Many weapons come with a bayonet attachment as standard but it is possible to convert any pistol, shotgun, carbine or rifle weapon to carry a bayonet. Most such conversions are clumsy and diffi cult to shoot or fi ght with, however. Cr 10, 0.1 kg.

Other than that, most weapons don't mention anything about bayonets. So it seems to be a GMs call.

And I could of sworn that there were rules for using a weapon in melee (either as a club, or hitting them with the butt), but I can't find anything. So it seems to be a GM call again.

 

[McPerth]

I guess laser weapons have not a barrel strong enough to have a bayonet attached. Not sure about plasma/fusion guns, but anyway the bayonet would be probably damaged by its bolt should they be fired, so my guess is neither them can have it attached.

 

[BytePro]

Any weapon should support a folding bayonet.

 

[Magnus von Thornwood]

I am with BytePro!

Any weapon should support a folding bayonet.

What dude said! Seriously, if your laser rifle doesn't have the strength to mount and use a bayonet, you have made a crappy weapon.

Now, I understand even with proper strength you only want to use a bayonet as the last resort since any stress to the barrel can potentially throw it out of alignment, but it should be able to mount one.

Every rifle should able to, in emergencies, be turned into Club TL-1 or Spear TL-2. It may be Government Ammo^SM, but even with support ammo can run out. Steel does not need ammo to hurt people, just a good solid swing or thrust.

Just my 2 CrImps.

And you bet my serious forces both government and merc (such as I would run) have, train, and if need be, use bayonets on whatever long arm they are issued.