User blog comment:Ekreture/Ashigaru vs Yeoman Archer/@comment-4098900-20140722173431/@comment-4661256-20140724211147

"not so skilled black powder gunmen" The Ashigaru were, first of all, trained extensively with how to use firearms. It just takes less skill to aim and pull a trigger than to use a bow, but they were still trained. Also, the Ashigaru were trained with other weapons so they're effective at all ranges with spears and swords. The Longbowmen are too specialized to fight in a melee battle, and so they'll be outclassed up close.