Death of the storm bolter?

[ShinyRhino]

Storm bolters were an upgrade rarely taken by non-Terminators (for whom is wasn't actually an upgrade) in 5th. The extra bolter shot at range was universally derided as "not worth it." The fact that almost every Marine sergeant can take a combi-bolter made the storm bolter even less appealing.

 

Now, with the changes to Rapid Fire in 6th, have we seen the extinction of storm bolters taken as sergeant and veteran gear on non-TDA models? Can you think of any utility that a storm bolter would bring to such a unit in this new edition?

 

I would sorely like to actually use all the storm bolters I have in my bitz box, but just can't seem to justify their inclusion over a combi-bolter in any place I could actually take a storm bolter.

[rubix41]

Now, with the changes to Rapid Fire in 6th, have we seen the extinction of storm bolters taken as sergeant and veteran gear on non-TDA models? Can you think of any utility that a storm bolter would bring to such a unit in this new edition?

 

I only saw Storm Bolter's as a benefit in multiples but, in regards to wargear, are people TAKING Storm Bolter's on vehicles now to dilute the random weapon destroyed roll?

[Iron Father Ferrum]

Storm bolters were an upgrade rarely taken by non-Terminators (for whom is wasn't actually an upgrade) in 5th. The extra bolter shot at range was universally derided as "not worth it." The fact that almost every Marine sergeant can take a combi-bolter made the storm bolter even less appealing.

 

Now, with the changes to Rapid Fire in 6th, have we seen the extinction of storm bolters taken as sergeant and veteran gear on non-TDA models? Can you think of any utility that a storm bolter would bring to such a unit in this new edition?

 

I would sorely like to actually use all the storm bolters I have in my bitz box, but just can't seem to justify their inclusion over a combi-bolter in any place I could actually take a storm bolter.

 

I never saw anyone take them as non-vehicle upgrades anyway, so I'd say that the extinction curve was already dipping in 5th.

 

 

I only saw Storm Bolter's as a benefit in multiples but, in regards to wargear, are people TAKING Storm Bolter's on vehicles now to dilute the random weapon destroyed roll?

 

 

And that's the only thing I can see them being used for, honestly. Especially on, say, Vindicators or Razorbacks.

[Disruptor_fe404]

I've never seen anyone willingly pay points for a storm bolter, nor have I ever done it.

 

I also agree with Deus Ex Ferrum, I'd consider it on vehicles such as Vindicators and Razorbacks.

[DarkGuard]

I don't think the storm bolter will be making an appearance on non-TDA squads anytime soon. There's no reason to spend 10pts on an extra bolt shot at over 12" range or the ability to fire and assault. Those 10pts could be used on something much more useful.

[Inquisitor Fox]

I definitely never took them on my Sisters units. Really I don't see a lot of point to paying for them. I'll use them if I get them for free, but I'm not gonna buy one. It is better than a bolter, but if I'm paying points on a special weapon I'd rather have plasma, melta, flamer.. something useful.

[spartan249]

People used to buy storm bolters? Preposterous.

 

Buying storm bolters is a waste of points if it's going to a sergeant or infantry that don't get special ammo. 6th edition has put the final nail on the coffin IMO.

[Warprat]

I think they are still an interestingly cheap option for a bargain basement shooty Command Squad. 9 bolter shots at 24", and a better assault capability model for model over the standard tactical trooper. And you still get feel no pain for the squad and any IC that joins.

 

Take a cheap rhino. Now you get another storm bolter and the squad can go down to two vets and still be annoying as they fire out the top like a 20 point storm bolter vehicle upgrade.

 

The razorback is also a decent option for the points, and it can do its own thing, because the storm bolters on the Command Squad have such a good range.

 

Edit: Just looked it up... the apothecary is a character. So add that in, LOL!

[Captain Idaho]

You'll not get much supprt for that use of the unit here I'm afraid. 127pts for 5 dudes who can put out 9 S4 shots a turn is not going put much in your favour against most opponents regardless of Feel No Pain, especially when you consider for just 43pts more you can get a Scoring unit with free heavy weapon and special weapon that has more bodies etc.

[Koremu]

If you want a shooty Command Squad, take Plasma Guns

[WarriorFish]

Considering Stormbolters were taken once in a blue moon in 5th and 6th only reduces their usefulness... so pretty much dead now I agree.

 

Maybe we'll see them drop to a more acceptable cost in the future?

[Bannus]

Blood Angels may still find a use for them. Their Sergeants don't pay such a high premium for their storm bolters.

[ShinyRhino]

The all-storm bolter Command Squad was the only unit I could think of that might be of marginal use, and even then only VERY marginal use. Since special ammo doesn't work in them, you certainly don't want Sternguard walking around with storm bolters. Even adding Lysander to the all-SB Command Squad just doesn't add enough kick to it.

It's sad, really, as the storm bolter is such an awesome "Rule of Cool" weapon.

[Spaced Hulk]

I think there are a couple of builds where storm bolters could be beneficial. First of all, they're a relatively cheap way to give a bit of ranged punch (and therefore a bit of tactical flexibility) to a counter charge unit. eg:

 

Space Marine Command Squad (187 pts)

- Apothecary with boltgun.

- 4 veterans, each with lightning claw & storm bolter.

 

The second option is one I'm currently building for my Executioners army:

 

Space Wolves Wolf Guard (260 pts)

- Marine with terminator armour, assault cannon & power fist.

- 7 marines, each with power armour & storm bolter. 2 also armed with power fists.

Accompanied by a Wolf Priest with a storm bolter & Saga of the Hunter (113 pts)

 

16 bolt shots, 4 assault cannon shots, all potentially a precision shot, all re-rolling 1's to hit and to wound against a preferred enemy type and which Outflanks (re-rolling the table edge thanks to acute senses). 9 power fist attacks on the charge/counter attack, 15 standard attacks + the Wolf Priests attacks, again all potentially precsion strikes and re-rolling 1's to hit and to wound, and every model can accept challenges and gets a Look Out Sir save ;)

[pingo]

Well I suppose they are better than a bolt pistol or boltgun for a model with a single specialist weapon.

 

Oddly enough for an assault weapon, the storm bolter's prime range is 12"+, i.e. beyond charge range. If that's the range you intend to fight at, they may be worth upgrading to from a boltgun.

 

Saying that, giving a storm bolter to a squad sergeant probably doesn't really add enough to the unit to justify even a meagre points cost. Granted it doubles their chances of sniping at range, but we're talking about small margins.

 

My view is storm bolters only start to shine en masse and very much boost the effectiveness of small units who are comfortable engaging in firefights against light-to-medium infantry. Hence why they work so well for Tactical Terminators and Grey Knights - small units who feel more pressure than others to maximise their ranged output. There is an argument for using them in Command Squads for that reason, but I feel there are tastier options in there that make better use of what is an expensive unit (in other words, you've paid the base points, you may as well make sure the unit packs a meaty punch).

 

I guess I would have to say that storm bolters are a solid and decent weapon, but one on it's own is unlikely to have much impact on a game.

[Paulochromis]

I recall Stelek posting a list including all-stormbolter Sternguard, I think with Pedro, to take advantage of the Assault nature of the weapon.

That said, he threw in an offhand comment to the effect that you could just as well take Grey Knights.

And this was back in 5th, before allies lets you take GK anyway.

[Grey Mage]

I recall Stelek posting a list including all-stormbolter Sternguard, I think with Pedro, to take advantage of the Assault nature of the weapon.

That said, he threw in an offhand comment to the effect that you could just as well take Grey Knights.

And this was back in 5th, before allies lets you take GK anyway.

Probably before they got their all FW all the time buff too for that matter.

 

Losing special issue ammunition makes that a horrible option.

[Inquisitor Fox]

Well I suppose they are better than a bolt pistol or boltgun for a model with a single specialist weapon.

This is true... I may want to convert some of my "powerfist" sergeants into stormbolters instead of pistols...

[appiah4]

For BA, SBs were OK in 5th, still OK in 6th.

 

Bolters can fire 1 at 24", SBs fire 2 at 24" for 3pts.

 

They are a cheap and feasible complement for LCs, PFs and THs.

 

I use them.

[WarriorFish]

Blood Angels pay how much for a SB!? Emperor's biscuits why won't you share your toys with the rest of us? ;) That's a fair price indeed but I assume it's too much to hope for your vehicle SBs to get a points reduction too?

[*Furyou Miko]

Sisters only pay 3 points for infantry storm bolters too, and we never use them either (a flamer is 2 points more, :)!)

 

I used to take double storm bolters on my Rhinos under the Witch Hunter book, but that was back when our storm bolters ignored cover saves. Made rhinos into GEq-slaughtering monsters.

 

Now I just take Repressors for the same price.

[Jamafore]

I've modded my Captain with a SB, haven't used it in a game yet, but I figured of the assault weapons, it's better than the BP, and won't wound him like the PP has a chance to.

[Lord Scytha]

Sisters only pay 3 points for infantry storm bolters too, and we never use them either (a flamer is 2 points more, :sweat:!)

 

I used to take double storm bolters on my Rhinos under the Witch Hunter book, but that was back when our storm bolters ignored cover saves. Made rhinos into GEq-slaughtering monsters.

 

Now I just take Repressors for the same price.

 

Still with the random weapon destroyed rules I'm betting SBs is once again going to be the bee's knees on v-hickles. Especially one gun tanks like vindicators, razorbacks and immolators.

[Gentlemanloser]

Storm Bolters used to be quite the hot purchase for GK Warrior Accolytes.

 

Now, I'd take the Bolter on them almost every time instead.