What's the point?

[aVanst]

Is there any point to trading a SM/Scout's boltgun for a combat blade? is it really just for the extra attack?

[Crimthaan]

Eh, some people prefer having close combat scouts to boltgun scouts.

I'd possibly use CC scouts if I was fighting guard or Tau. infiltrate them deeply and assault as soon as I can. Scouts are basically SM's without the same arm. save, why not?

[edmundblack]

And WS and BS don't forget.

The point? As Crim said basically. Scouts can be very effective at ambush raids with their extra attacks.

[anaximander]

A typical problem an ork player might set you is a squad of lootas, in a building, at the rear of their deployment area. Rarely have I seen maxed squads, usually about 8-10.

A squad of scouts coming on behind them can remove this problem. Giving the scouts ccw+bp allows them a shot, and then an extra attack in CC which they will need.

I have used a scout squad like this to destroy IG lascannon squads, thereby saving my LR's.

[WindlordRyu]

If you have CC scouts you would probably prefer replacing the boltgun with a PW of PF. I think CC scouts would work especially well in an army with Shrike.

Similar question: Is there any point in replacing a chapter champions bolter with a combat blade? He already have a power weapon and a bolt pistol.

[RustyKnight]

Similar question: Is there any point in replacing a chapter champions bolter with a combat blade? He already have a power weapon and a bolt pistol.

Make him look more badass?

[Durandal]

Does the combat blade have any special rules?

[Architech]

No it does not, just an extra CC weapon. I like CC scouts to tie up enemies. Mine have shotguns to lay down the law before charging...and then their pistols for cc (no extra weapon to limit the damage and not leave them open as easily to a disengaged shooting) Sarge has a power fist, just in case.

[Durandal]

No it does not, just an extra CC weapon. I like CC scouts to tie up enemies. Mine have shotguns to lay down the law before charging...and then their pistols for cc (no extra weapon to limit the damage and not leave them open as easily to a disengaged shooting) Sarge has a power fist, just in case.

....then why would such an "upgrade" even exist?

[Architech]

because you replace their boltgun with a blade and they get +1 attack for an extra CCW...

[Durandal]

I was taking about

Similar question: Is there any point in replacing a chapter champions bolter with a combat blade? He already have a power weapon and a bolt pistol.

not scouts.

[Architech]

Ah, sorry forgot that had been brought up. I have wondered the same, I don't want to get my rule book or codex...would he get another extra attack for having 2 swords and a pistol? If not, then it does not make sense other than appearances for wysiwyg

[Eternus]

You see, something that the DA codex has over the latest Marine book - better Scouts! They have BS ans WS 4, so really are Marines with weaker armour, though granted they are an Elite choice.

I often go for a 10 man unit, half with 4 Sniper Rifles and a Missile Launcher and the rest with Combat Blades and Bolt Pistols, and then break them down into combat squads - they work well as a poor man's assault squad that can infiltrate.