[quote=Aristo]
In this case, my concept is basically a sword with a long-barreled pistol fused to it; certainly unfit for any kind of distance work, but a close-in shocker. Sword first, firearm second. I wouldn't ever imagine deliberately drawing the entire thing just to take a shot at somebody; the gun's pretty much there just for a little zing in a close-distance encounter. It'd probably never get used in a typical occasion. Used in a two handed, half-swording style, I wouldn't think any added weight from the gun would be a major hindrance to the control of the blade.
[/quote]

You'd be surprised, i've actually held a proper "gunblade" and the loss of control over the blade is actually fairly acute. The weapon being added to the sword actually has a significant effect on the balance of the weapon, and an improperly balanced sword would get you killed against a swordsman of similar skill or better. While they can certainly be a shock to their victims, the loss in performance is fairly major.