Quote History Quoted:
Gladius, spears, shield, trained group of men that can do a phalanx formation well, yeah, you could fvck some rioters up. One untrained guy, nahhhhhh.
Where are the Roman Legions when you need them?
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Good point on the shields and having a formation. A coordinated small group can accomplish a lot - if they are disciplined and trained. The same is true for a bunch of guys with spears as for a rifle team. Sure, the rifle team is much more deadly with modest training, but to be really effective, the team has to know how to operate as a group.
It's sad but true, if you don't have a standoff weapon (ie: a rifle or handgun to give you some distance), a group of 10 year olds could pelt you to death with rocks. That would be one of the cases where the smartest move is to vacate the area (ie: run!) and find a more favorable place to make your stand, and just get the hell out of there. Other times, guys that are well experienced will close the distance, to where your opponent's range would not help them.
Against any group of opponents, a firearm is the best protection, but many people may need other options, whether due to local laws or circumstance.