Pathfinder Compatibility with Starfinder: Are “firearms” the same as “guns“ when concerning proficiency

[Shamus McShamus]

Getting ready to start GMing a campaign allowing pathfinder 2e in a starfinder 2e campaign. Does Gunslinger start Expert proficiency in starfinder “guns” or is it only in pathfinder “firearms” ?

[Rotfell]

Firearms and guns aren't the same. Firearms are a weapon group, and guns are ranged weapons with either the analog or tech trait. So unless your gun is in the firearm group, the gunslinger don't apply their proficiency into it.

There are rules in the GM Core how an archaic firearm may be upgraded to get the tech trait here. Then you could use a gunslinger with the usual proficiency with a weapon that also qualifies as a gun.

If it's just about using guns, just take Operative. Gunslingers are made around firearms' rules, after all.

[Finoan]

Yeah, the definition of 'gun' is a bit wonky. That is a known bug in the system. Technically a Crossbolter, a Flamethrower, and a Shuriken Drone (a.k.a Batarang) are all 'guns'. Because they are ranged weapons with the Analog or Tech traits.

But a Crossbow and a Flintlock Pistol are not. Because while they may be ranged weapons, they do not have the Analog or Tech traits.

Since using Gunslinger in a Starfinder game is already treading a bit into houserule territory, houserule further as needed.