Hey I’ll make this quick: Is there a way to build a Gunslinger or Fighter to use a scattergun for mid range then switch over to sword of some kind for melee? Should I just grab something like a Musket Axe and build for double weapons?
A gunslinger could do this, sure. It depends on what level of optimisation you're after to some degree.
A savage technologist barbarian with a dragon pistol, paddle-foot pistol or similar + sword might be naturally better at it though. Are you set on gunslinger or fighter?
I was leaning toward gunslinger due to the Gun Training ability
SavTech gets something like gun training at L5.
Thats not bad but I was thinking more of build that opens with the scattergun then quick draws to great axe/sword when enemy gets to close.
If you want to use a 2H sword or axe then you'll need to either drop the gun (often a poor idea) or pay a second feat tax on quick stow. Which I suppose is doable - fighting with a greatsword/axe only requires the power attack feat to be competitive and you're not focusing on the gun at all.
Shield Focus + Unhindering Shield + Buckler Gun = ???
It literally gives you the wrist guns used by Deadshot.
You can technically wield a 2H weapon whilst utilizing your Buckler Gun, and keeping your AC from the buckler.
Someone will undoubtedly say something about "hands' worth of effort", but they are crazy people who don't want you to have any fun.
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I had an idea of doing swashbuckler (musketeer)/gunslinger (mysterious stranger). Gives you a charisma grit & panache pool. The musketeer gives you back quick clear. Take fencing grace for your rapier. Not quite what you're thinking though.
Gunslingers get martial weapon proficiencies and full bab so they can melee just fine if built that way. You could use weapon finesse and slashing grace or fencing grace so you don't need strength at all. Pick up quick draw when you can to facilitate swapping weapons. Would work fine.
If you go the weapon finesse route, take a look at the shieldmarshal prestige class. It gives some bonuses to firearms and light blades, as well as some other fun abilities.
On the other hand, if you prefer a strength build, you could look at it as you're only going to be shooting close range targeting touch, so who cares if your dex is low, you're still a full bab class. Just go all in str, take the guntank archetype, wear fullplate. Just to be different, you could even use one of those weird axegun combo weapons that nobody ever uses.
I played a pirate themed character that was gunslinger/monk/ranger/horizon walker. She had a blunderbuss that she would fire then draw sword and charge in. The favored enemy bonuses made it still quite good against select enemies.
The axe musket performs more or less as a standard pistol (not really as a musket despite the name and the reload time) and a battleaxe. Not greataxe. It can't fire scatter shot. The buckler gun is a buckler and an inferior pistol (10' range increment) and can't fire scatter shot either.
If you want to use a blunderbuss as a melee weapon you might be better to either go for the stock-striker style, or to use it as an improvised weapon perhaps with shikigami style. I know, doesn't fit your image.
So after looking over the various items and archetypes everyone suggested I see a pistol will be a better choice for what I’m looking for. First choice would be a Paddle-Foot Pistol for the four loaded shots with my second choice being the Dragon Pistol. As for class, I looked over a number of different archetypes and what not and think the following is the closest to my initial idea:
https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/base-classes/cavalier/archetypes/paizo-cav alier-archetypes/musketeer/
Welp you’re right and that makes me sad. But at least I know going pistol is going to be the better choice.
