Forget pistol crossbows and learn to use a stick

[grumpy old man]

all weapons have been tested in combat it's what humans are good at just look at history and adapt to fit.
i have used guns but my love is japanese weapons because they are proven and i know how to use them well.
the key to any weapon is what you want to do with it hunt or kill ? but if you don't know how to use it you will most likely lose anyway.
villians have the advantage along with troops over most people as they are use to fighting which you shoould take in to account as well