As for the rifle: True, but only because you can't 'draw' or even set a rifle quickly. If they already had the rifle set to their shoulder ready to fire, the rifle would still win. If they had the rifle in their hands, they'd have a decent chance... and if they had it on their back or otherwise 'put away', they'd be screwed if the swordsman got into the 5-7 foot area before they pulled it out.

And that's why soldiers have side arms.

One thing I noticed is that you , with the exception to the mention of the claymores, seem to focus on the katana as the competitor for the sword, and only give body armor. I think a combo of SWAT riot gear (the body armor and bulletproof(?) shieldtaht is about the size of a person) and the gladius, using Roman tactics could be effective. *note: I know very little about the SWAT gear so please don't be too harsh on me for any errors.

The SWAT shield would be a little too big for quick fighting...but it would make for great cover against other firearms.

The reason why they've been discussing mainly the katana is because it has the best chance of defeating a gun-slinger.

Equip someone with a rifle and swat riot gear, and they'll be able to take the person with the gladius no problem. It might get a little risky if it was a normally dressed person with a gun, however.

But this is just swords vrs. guns... not swords with body armor vrs guns on a naked guy...

one, I did not say he was naked, just gave sword guy a shield
two, I was talking about pistols
and another situation along these lines
the guy with the gun is laughing at the sword guy for using a sword and not paying attention while the sword guy comes up and kills him

sure, I am baised for the sword, but at least I know better than to bring ligtsabers and jedi into this. Whoops. may just have *yoing*

Brind a Jedi into this. Bullet goes through the light saber and kills the Jedi (He would expect a deflect like everything else).

Also, even with a shield, the gun guy could wait until the sword guy moves the shield for his slash or stab, then shot while backing up.

sorry about the Star Wars thing, but remember the lightsaber easily cut through the normal doors so I think they could stop the bullet pretty easy, unless the real one (from Star Wars universe) got switched with a toy one or a flash light
*please return to discussing real weapons while I hang my head in shame for bringing in fantasy gadgets

Wouldn't the bullet disintegrate when it hits the lightsaber, since the bloade is made of pure energy? Aww crap, I'm dragging Jedi even more into this...

Here's one that MIGHT prove a victory for the sword wielder: a stealthy-type ninja stalking a gunslinger at night in the forest. Unless the gunner had night vision goggles (or a shotgun), he'll probably miss the ninja.

The bullet would not be deflected. The light saber deflects lasers because they are lasers, it cuts through metal because it's extremely hot. The bullet would probably be melted actually, then the Jedi would be covered in liquid hot metal. That would kill him too, or distract him so you can shot him more.

Unless the gunslinger had a mini force shield. But then you're just getting silly.