Gunslinger + Spellslinger; focused on bullets... viable?

[karossii]

I have read a bunch of threads on how the spellsinger sucks more than it first appears to, and how to make it viable. I haven't yet seen a proposed build where a character focused on gunslinger and dipped into spellslinger to focus on the magic bullet ability's bonuses.

What would be the drawback to this? You'd lose some deeds, possibly a few bonus feats; but you'd gain some spells and magic bullet seems a strong addition/exchange for the lost deeds. With Eldritch Knight, you'd trade in more deeds for more spells, but spells which can be used alone, or to swap for gun benefits.

Is this such a bad idea, is that why no-one has suggested it? Or am I just missing any such threads that may have been brought up already?

[karossii]

Also, would a pistolero with 'Up Close and Deadly' be able to add the 1d6 damage to a spell cast through his pistol? "At 1st level, when the pistolero hits a target with a one-handed firearm that is not making a scatter shot, she can spend 1 grit point to deal 1d6 points of extra damage on a hit." You are hitting, you are using the firearm, and it is not making a scatter shot.

[GM Arkwright]

Hmm.

I am something of a fan of bailing out of Gunslinger once you reach level 5 and get to add your Dex bonus to damage rolls, so I've got no problem there.

Getting to add the dancing/etc bonuses is nice, but I most like getting the wide array of low-level wizard utility spells. Armor failure chance is a hindrance, but not terrible.

The biggest problem with this dip is the loss of BAB, which hurts. Then again, firearms target touch AC so perhaps not as badly as it might seem. Eldritch knight nicely brings it back up somewhat with some handy combat feats.

On balance, compared with going straight wizard- you lose Arcane Bond, and familiars are fun and so is a free spell per day. You get the ability to channel ranged touches and cones through your gun. Your damage is going to be significantly down compared to straight wizards, and besides you're a gunslinger you want lots of shots not just one weak fireball. You lose 0th level spells... eh. you get weapon enhancements. NICE. And you have to choose four opposition schools.

On balance, compared with going straight gunslinger- less BAB, you miss some of the choicer deeds, and one or two less feats. AND the spellslinger gets arcane school class abilities. NICE.

I actually quite this gunslinger/spell slinger build. On balance, I'd say it's worth it. Adds much to the versatility of a gunslinger and while it detracts from its BAB I'd say the extra well-rounded nature is worth it. Don't expect to be channeling evocations through your guns, thoguh.

[karossii]

I thought the biggest problem, the reason few like it, is that the spellslinger is listed as a wizard archetype; when to me it should be an expansion of the gunslinger. Instead of looking what the wizard loses, look at what a gunslinger gains.

Now I need to see if I can build one.