Are Classic FF8 Gunblades Feasible Weapons in Real Life?

The iconic FF8 Gunblade, with its dual function as both a sword and a revolver, has captured the imaginations of many. But how feasible is it for such a weapon to exist in real life?

Iconic FF8 Weapon: The Gunblade

When it comes to the FF8 Gunblade, players of the game know that it is not just a regular sword or revolver. Instead, it combines the functionality of both, making it a versatile weapon for Squall's journey. However, when we delve into the real world, creating such a hybrid weapon presents several challenges.

Blazefire Saber: A Vision from the Game

A similar weapon in the FF13 series, the Blazefire Saber, is often pointed out as potentially unfeasible. The issue here is that the weapon parts required to make it are extremely difficult to produce, and even if they could be made, it would take a significant amount of time. If it were to have a flame effect, the Blazefire Saber would probably use a FN 5.7x28mm round, a small rifle caliber.

Pistol Swords: The Not-So-Perfect 2-in-1 Weapon

A real-world equivalent to the FF8 Gunblade is the pistol sword, which is essentially a cutlass with a flintlock pistol attached to the blade. However, these weapons also face significant drawbacks. The pistol sword is a combination of a heavy sword and a heavy pistol, making it unbalanced and inefficient. They fell out of use quickly due to their lack of practicality.

Bayonets: The Pragmatic Similarity

When we consider the FF8 Gunblade, a comparison with bayonets is apt. A bayonet is essentially a blade attached to a rifle and has been around since the 17th century, with limited usage even today. This form of weapon is viable, as it provides the benefits of both a rifle and a sword, albeit in a balanced form.

Real-World Feasibility of Gunblades

While the FF8 Gunblade might seem like a perfect combination of a sword and a revolver, it is not a practical design for real-life use. A large blade attached to a pistol is a poor combination, as the heavy blade will mess with your balance. The pistol part would bring the weight too close to the handle, making it inefficient. People have tried to create pistol swords, but these did not work together effectively. As a result, they were given a choice between a sword and a pistol.

Bayonet and Its Effectiveness

Bayonets work better on long arms due to their balance. Holding a long rifle spreads the weight out over a greater distance, making a relatively light blade less impactful on balance. With the weight and length of a rifle, the bayonet can behave like a spear, allowing for effective thrusting. However, a heavier bayonet on a rifle can compromise balance and make the rifle too top-heavy. The downward slice on the barrel can also damage the weapon.

Conclusion: Virtual Versus Reality

Final Fantasy, as a game, often prioritizes style over substance. The Rule of Cool and the importance of the weapon as a symbol of the character make these hybrid weapons feasible within the game's universe. However, in the real world, such designs are impractical and may not perform as intended. Therefore, while the FF8 Gunblade is an impressive concept in the game, it is not a viable weapon in real life.