i definitely would want hand to hand combat, just in case your out of bullets lol

The question of the lifetime. In truth we will never know the answer, for just like in HOTD Kouta tells Saeko that he is all but cannon fodder without his guns. Where as Saeko is unstoppable with a sword she may end up being just a waste of space without a melee weapon, then again maybe not. Me personally, the bayonet rifle would have to be me, but I'd do a little better if it was on a shotgun. And pistols would be wasted with me.