History Main / FirearmsAreCowardly

May overlap with Main/TheLethalConnotationOfGunsAndOthers, where the perspective is that guns are so inherently deadly (what with the {{Instant Death Bullet}}s and all) that it doesn't take any particular courage or skill to just point and shoot.

Whatever the reason, don't expect respect for those wielding a gun by examples of the trope. Don't expect a RevolversAreJustBetter stance here. Can lead to examples of the trope demonstrating forms of ArchaicWeaponForAnAdvancedAge by using swords, bludgeons, and other melee weaponry in an age where guns are the norm out of disgust for firearms.

* ''Crescent Moon in the Warring States'', Creator/NobuhiroWatsuki's debut work, shows MasterSwordsman Hiko Seijuurou (who would later become the predecessor of [[Manga/RurouniKenshin Himura Kenshin's instructor Hiko Seijuurou]]) pulling a OneManArmy LastStand against the army of the lord who destroyed his homeland Kitakata with only his wakizashi. Then the enemy lord shows up in person and shoots him with a musket; Hiko calls him a coward in disgust.

* ''VideoGame/Persona5'': Played with. While most characters use model firearms that become functional in the Metaverse, only [[spoiler:[[DirtyCoward Akechi]]]] has used a real gun. After betraying the Phantom Thieves and getting Joker arrested, [[spoiler:he]] goes to the interrogation room with a silenced pistol which is used to assassinate the Thief. [[spoiler:However, the group actually knew of Akechi's two-faced nature and planned in advance so Joker survives]].

* A possible UrExample would be present in the case of Spartans against bowmen in Greek Antiquity. Spartan hoplites despised the bow, a weapon they had traditionally viewed as the preserve of cowards and women and the notable long-range firing weapon of the period. It was not until the humiliating defeat at Sphacteria by Athenian Bowmen in 425 BC that proved to be a turning point in Spartan military tactics and organization in regards to archers/bowmen being respected combatants, albeit one [[SoreLoser of begrudging respect]]. This disrespect for range-fighters has been expanded into all ranged weapons depending on the culture, which would include bows and arrows, throwing daggers, etc. The main grievance being that to be in close combat forces a combatant to literally put their body in the line of danger in a way that fighting from a distance doesn't. As such a combatant needs the muscle mass and physical fitness to take on a lot of damage which range fighters are denigrated for not having.

* ''LightNovel/{{Durarara}}'': Guns are not viewed highly in this series and often used and associated with the most dishonorable, cowardly, and downright rotten of characters. Examples include the following:

[[caption-width-right:350:[[FridgeLogic Why would the Man of Steel need Guns anyway?]]]]

* ''ComicBook/{{Doom}}'': The story opens up with Doomguy tearing through demons with his fists and cries out he doesn't need guns because guns are for wussies. The trope is subverted when he gets to a Cyberdemon and his punches suddenly do nothing because his [[QuadDamage Berserker Pack]] wore off. He runs away with second thoughts, thinking maybe he does need a [[{{BFG}} big gun]] after all.

*** Subverted with the Bretonnian navy: Despite being helmed by the nobility, their ships are the most heavily-armed of any faction, [[LoopholeAbuse as the law forbids guns on Bretonnian ''soil''.]]

* ''WesternAnimation/TheVentureBros'': Brock Samson goes out of his way to avoid using guns, going so far as to outright refuse to fire one during his Kill License recertification, regarding it as "fruity". Right before grabbing said gun and throwing it to destroy one of the targets he was meant to shoot. Later on however he's a bit more pragmatic about this, stating that he considers guns to be a last resort in order not to escalate conflict with the Guild and will start looking for a gun when the situation is dire enough.

Guns may also be looked at disdainfully by the BadassPacifist, who believes real bravery means [[ToWinWithoutFighting refusing to resort to violence at all]], or the TechnicalPacifist, who believes it's only brave to use nonlethal weapons. May also be why TheHero will often [[HeroesPreferSwords wield a sword]].

* ''Film/OceansThirteen'' The scene where LeMarc robs Linus at gunpoint on the roof of Bank's casino and Linus disgustedly remarks "A ''gun''? Seriously?" Then immediately subverted in a way, as LeMarc responds by tossing the pistol (shortly revealed to not even be loaded) to Linus and then parachutes to the ground. [[spoiler: And the diamonds he stole from Linus were fakes anyway.]]

* ''Literature/TheMoonOfGomrath'': The dwarf Uthecar disagrees strongly with Colin's suggestion that they'd be better off with guns -- he thinks killing at a distance means you don't apppreciate the cost of each death, and isn't particularly happy even with the bows and arrows the elves use.

* ''WesternAnimation/TheVentureBros'': Brock Samson goes out of his way to avoid using guns, going so far as to outright refuse to fire one during his Kill License recertification, regarding it as "fruity". Right before grabbing said gun and throwing it to destroy one of the targets he was meant to shoot.

Guns may also be looked at disdainfully by the BadassPacifist, who believes real bravery means refusing to resort to violence at all. May also be why TheHero will often [[HeroesPreferSwords wield a sword]].

Depending on the story, there are many reasons why DoesntLikeGuns may be conflated with denouncing cowardice. Perhaps the detractor may see long-ranged combat as cowardly since the firearm user doesn't want to risk getting their hands dirty up close. Perhaps the detractor believes GunsAreWorthless because of various drawback issues with the weapon in action and believes those who need to rely on them to defend themselves are just as worthless. Perhaps the detractor has a romantic love for the old-fashioned RatedMForManly SwordAndFist thinks anyone who needs to use a gun is weak and dishonorable and ruins the LetsFightLikeGentlemen spirit of honorable combat. The last point is often taken as the logical conclusion of firearms of GuysSmashGirlsShoot, with firearms being viewed as unmanly/not masculine because they are associated with feminine types deemed too dainty for up-close combat.

Guns may also be looked at disdainfully by the BadassPacifist, who believes real bravery means refusing to resort to violence at all.

* ''VideoGame/DevilMayCry4'': Nero is the only member of the Order of the Sword who uses a firearm, being the most irreverent and despised member of the group. Fitting to their name, the other members only use swords as they feel guns are dishonorable and weapons fit for the feeble.

* ''Franchise/StarWars'': In ''Film/ANewHope'', Obi-Wan Kenobi voices his distaste of blasters, the eponymous firearm of the series, considering them synonymous with dishonorable and uncivilized aggression, preferring to use diplomacy and fanciful swordsmanship instead. In ''Film/RevengeOfTheSith'', as a CallForward to his introduction to the lightsaber from the original trilogy, he immediately discards Grievous' blaster after desperately using it-- to save his own life, no less--with a dismissive "so uncivilized".

->''These are loud and clumsy! These are the weapons of cowards!''
-->-- ''The Batman'' referring to guns from ''WesternAnimation/BatmanTheDarkKnightReturns''

[[folder:Fanfiction]]

[[folder:Film -- Live-Action]]

[[quoteright:350:[[ComicBook/ActioComicsNew52 https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/firearms1.png]]]]

[[quoteright:350:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/firearms1.png]]

* In ''Anime/{{Grenadier}}'', the sword-wielding {{ronin}} Yajiro initially stands by this trope. He believes that gun users are cowards since they do not personally feel the weight of the lives they take with their weapons as he and his fellow swordsmen do. Traveling with Rushuna, a master gunslinger, slowly changes his mind, however.
* In Creator/NobuhiroWatsuki's debut work, a one-shot called ''Crescent Moon in the Warring States'', shows MasterSwordsman Hiko Seijuurou (who would later become the predecessor of [[Manga/RurouniKenshin Himura Kenshin's instructor Hiko Seijuurou]]) pulling a OneManArmy LastStand against the army of the lord who destroyed his homeland Kitakata with only his wakizashi. Then the enemy lord shows up in person and shoots him with a musket; Hiko calls him a coward in disgust.
* In ''LightNovel/{{Durarara}}'', Guns are not viewed highly in this series and often used and associated with the most dishonorable, cowardly, and downright rotten of characters. Examples include the following:

* Superman stands by the trope in ''ComicBook/ActionComicsNew52''. In issue #7, General Lane suggests Superman take some guns to deal with Brainiac who is holding the city of Metropolis prisoner. Superman responds, "Guns are for sissies".
* In ''ComicBook/TheShadowHero'', Mock Beak is shown as a scrawny, honorless, yet cunning gang leader. Late in the first book, he is pitted against the tough, brutish gang leader Big Cookie in a ceremonial fight to the death, with the winner inheriting Ten Grand's criminal empire. Mock Beak reveals that [[spoiler:he snuck a gun into the arena, and he shoots Big Cookie, killing him instantly]]. One of Ten Grand's daughters is clearly shocked and disgusted by Mock Beak's underhanded tactics of violating the rules of the area and asks her father if they are acceptable. Ten Grand simply calls Mock Beak "[[CombatPragmatist resourceful]]," and allows it.
* In the [[FountainOfMemes highly quotable]] ''ComicBook/{{Doom}}'' comic, the story opens up with Doomguy tearing through demons with his fists and cries out he doesn't need guns because guns are for wussies. The trope is subverted when he gets to a Cyberdemon and his punches suddenly do nothing because his [[QuadDamage Berserker Pack]] wore off. He runs away with second thoughts, thinking maybe he does need a [[{{BFG}} big gun]] after all.
* ComicBook/{{Daredevil}} has sometimes expressed this opinion, particularly in regards to ComicBook/ThePunisher, who's held in low regard by superheroes for his use of guns and willingness to kill people.

* In ''Fanfic/TheMountainAndTheWolf'', The Wolf actually refers to Chaos Dwarf cannons as "the weapons of cowards" when an Ironborn asks what that horrible noise was. Most of the Wolf's crew are dedicated melee fighters since acts of insane courage are the best way of getting the gods' attention and favor.
* A [[SubvertedTrope subverted]] example is present in ''Fanfic/GreyjoyAllaBreve''. A SelfInsert in the body of Theon Greyjoy [[GivingRadioToTheRomans introduces modern technology to Westeros]]. Among those technological advancements are firearms. [[ArchnemesisDad Balon Greyjoy]] scornfully dismisses them as "coward's weapons". Of course, Theon points out that [[{{Hypocrite}} Balon wants those "coward's weapons"]] to give his Ironborn an advantage against the Northern navy.

* {{Downplayed}} in ''Film/TheLeagueOfExtraordinaryGentlemen'' where the British characters don't have a problem with single-action firearms; however when it comes to automatic firearms, notable disgust is given ...
-->'''Quatermain:''' Automatic rifles! Who in God's name has automatic rifles?
-->'''Elderly Hunter:''' Dashed unsporting! [[CulturalPosturing Probably Belgian.]]

* In ''Literature/TheMoonOfGomrath'', the dwarf Uthecar disagrees strongly with Colin's suggestion that they'd be better off with guns - he thinks killing at a distance means you don't apppreciate the cost of each death, and isn't particularly happy even with the bows and arrows the elves use.

* In ''TabletopGame/WarhammerFantasy'', this trope is seen by various factions:

** Chaos forces typically have little in the way of ranged weaponry as their WarGod Khorne does not like his followers to shed blood without risking their own. Exhibiting bravery in battle is the best way to get noticed by the gods, and so gain their favor. Doing otherwise is the quickest way to lose Khorne's favor.
* In ''TabletopGame/Warhammer40000'', the forces of Khorne believe this trope for much of the time.
** Even Khornate forces use boltguns due to the modern setting, but only to have something to do as they close in for melee.
** Subverted with the BloodKnight Orks, who are just as happy to attack with their ridiculously overpowered and inaccurate guns as to close in and get chopping with rusty axes. To an Orc, Honor means nothing when it comes to fighting and winning.

* In ''Videogame/DevilMayCry4'', Nero is the only member of the Order of the Sword who uses a firearm, being the most irreverent and despised member of the group. Fitting to their name, the other members only use swords as they feel guns are dishonorable and weapons fit for the feeble.
* Played with in ''VideoGame/Persona5''. While most characters use model firearms that become functional in the Metaverse, only [[spoiler:[[DirtyCoward Akechi]]]] has used a real gun. After betraying the Phantom Thieves and getting Joker arrested, [[spoiler:he]] goes to the interrogation room with a silenced pistol which is used to assassinate the Thief. [[spoiler:However, the group actually knew of Akechi's two-faced nature and planned in advance so Joker survives]].

* In ''WebAnimation/HelluvaBoss'', Moxxie gets grief from fellow Imps because of this trope. In one episode, everyone goes to Millie's family's ranch to meet her folks. Unfortunately, the family is considerably unimpressed with Moxie's lack of physical ability despite his talent with firearms and he is constantly derided for it.
* In ''WebAnimation/IfTheEmperorHadATextToSpeechDevice'', Kitten thoroughly marks his hatred for the Tau, but one of his biggest grievances is that he sees them as a cowardly race who only fires at their enemies with extreme firepower from afar, use other species as meat shields to fight in close quarters for them, and refuse to fight in melee themselves. Of all his grievances, this is the one that actually infuriates the Emperor.

* In the ''WesternAnimation/StreetFighter'' cartoon, Guile firmly believes this trope and the sentiment that ''Guns are for Wimps'', preferring to settle things with his fists, boots, and KiManipulation. This did not stop Hasbro from packaging multiple guns with the action figure that was released for the cartoon (all of which were originally from their concurrent GI Joe action figure line).
* In ''WesternAnimation/TheVentureBros'', Brock Samson goes out of his way to avoid using guns, going so far as to outright refuse to fire one during his Kill License recertification, regarding it as "fruity". Right before grabbing said gun and throwing it to destroy one of the targets he was meant to shoot.
* In ''WesternAnimation/BatmanTheDarkKnightReturns'', Batman rallies the former Mutes into the Sons of Batman Gang to bring law and order back to a riot-filled Gotham City. While he does he goes out of his way to forbid the use of firearms owing to his own DoesntLikeGuns stance, deeming them the weapons of cowards, and saying that the Sons must rely on their brains and fists to take back the city.

* A possible UrExample would be present in the case of Spartans against bowmen in Greek Antiquity. Spartan hoplites despised the bow, a weapon they had traditionally viewed as the preserve of cowards and women and the notable long-range firing weapon of the period. It was not until the humiliating defeat at Sphacteria by Athenian Bowmen in 425 BC that proved to be a turning point in Spartan military tactics and organization in regards to archers/bowmen being respected combatants, albeit one [[SoreLoser of begrudging respect.]]
** This disrespect for range-fighters has been expanded into all ranged weapons depending on the culture, which would include bows and arrows, throwing daggers, etc. The main grievance being that to be in close combat forces a combatant to literally put their body in the line of danger in a way that fighting from a distance doesn't. As such a combatant needs the muscle mass and physical fitness to take on a lot of damage which range fighters are denigrated for not having.

-->"I was much more afraid in Montgomery when I had a gun in my house. When I decided that I couldn’t keep a gun, I came face-to-face with the question of death and I dealt with it. From that point on, I no longer needed a gun nor have I been afraid. Had we become distracted by the question of my safety we would have lost the moral offensive and sunk to the level of our oppressors."

* In ''WesternAnimation/TheVentureBros'', Brock Samson goes out of his to avoid using guns, going so far as to outright refuse to fire one during his Kill License recertification, regarding it as "fruity". Right before grabbing said gun and throwing it to destroy one of the targets he was meant to shoot.

Depending on the story, there are many reasons why DoesntLikeGuns may be conflated with denouncing cowardice. Perhaps the detractor may see long-ranged combat as cowardly since the firearm user doesn't want to risk getting their hands dirty up close. Perhaps the detractor believes GunsAreWorthless because of various drawback issues with the weapon in action and believes those who need to rely on them to defend themselves are just as worthless. Perhaps the detractor has a romantic love for the old fashioned RatedMForManly SwordAndFist thinks anyone who needs to use a gun is weak and dishonorable and ruins the LetsFightLikeGentlemen spirit of honorable combat. The last point is often taken as the logical conclusion of firearms of GuysSmashGirlsShoot, with firearms being viewed as unmanly/not masculine because they are associated with feminine types deemed too dainty for up-close combat.

* In ''Anime/{{Grenadier}}'', the sword-wielding {{ronin}} Yajiro initially stands by this trope. He believes that gun users are cowards, since they do not personally feel the weight of the lives they take with their weapons, like he and his fellow swordsmen do. Traveling with Rushuna, a master gunslinger, slowly changes his mind, however.
* In Creator/NobuhiroWatsuki's debut work, a one-shot called ''Crescent Moon in the Warring States'', shows MasterSwordsman Hiko Seijuurou (who would later became the predecessor of [[Manga/RurouniKenshin Himura Kenshin's instructor Hiko Seijuurou]]) pulling a OneManArmy LastStand against the army of the lord who destroyed his homeland Kitakata with only his wakizashi. Then the enemy lord shows up in person and shoots him with a musket; Hiko calls him a coward in disgust.

[[folder:ComicBook]]

* In ''ComicBook/TheShadowHero'', Mock Beak is shown as a scrawny, honorless, yet cunning gang leader. Late in the first book, he is pitted against the tough, brutish gang leader Big Cookie in a ceremonial fight to the death, with the winner inheriting Ten Grand's criminal empire. Mock Beak reveals that [[spoiler:he snuck a gun into the arena, and he shoots Big Cookie, killing him instantly]]. One of Ten Grand's daughters is clearly shocked and disgusted by Mock Beak's underhanded tactics of violating the rules of the area, and asks her father if they are acceptable. Ten Grand simply calls Mock Beak "[[CombatPragmatist resourceful]]," and allows it.

* In ''Fanfic/TheMountainAndTheWolf'', The Wolf actually refers to Chaos Dwarf cannons as "the weapons of cowards" when an Ironborn asks what that horrible noise was. Most of the Wolf's crew are dedicated melee fighters, since acts of insane courage are the best way of getting the gods' attention and favor.

[[folder:Film-Live Action]]

** Bretonnia is famous for its disdain of any ranged weapons (especially firearms) ever since the death of Gilles Le Breton to a crossbow, forbidding gunpowder weapons on its soil and only permitting longbows to its peasant levies while the ruling class focuses on horseback combat. Thanks to the Lady giving them resistance to firearms, they can hold their own against gun-happy armies like Dwarfs, Skaven or the Empire.

[[folder:VideoGames]]

* Played with in ''VideoGame/Persona5''. While most characters use model firearms that become functional in the Metaverse, only [[spoiler:[[DirtyCoward Akechi]]]] has used a real gun. After betraying the Phantom Thieves and getting Joker arrested, [[spoiler:he]] goes to the interrogation room with a silenced pistol which is used to assassinate the Thief. [[spoiler:However, the group actually knew of Akechi's two-faced nature, and planned in advance so Joker survives]].

* In the ''WesternAnimation/StreetFighter'' cartoon, Guile firmly believes this trope and the sentiment that ''Guns are for Wimps'', preferring to settle things with his fists, boots, and KiManipulation. This did not stop Hasbro for packaging multiple guns with the action figure that was released for the cartoon (all of which were originally from their concurrent GI Joe action figure line).

[[/folder]]

* In ''Franchise/StarWars'', Obi-Wan Kenobi voices his distaste of blasters, the eponymous firearm of the series, considering them synonymous with dishonorable and uncivilized aggression, preferring to use diplomacy and fanciful swordsmanship instead. As a Call-Forward to his introduction to the lightsaber from the original trilogy, he immediately discards Grievous' blaster after desperately using it-- to save his own life, no less--with a dismissive "so uncivilized".

* In the ''WesternAnimation/StreetFighter'' cartoon, Guile firmly believes this trope and the sentiment that ''Guns are for Wimps'', preferring to settle things with his fists, boots, and KiManipulation.