Ranged attack spell in melee

Quote from Deathmolar >>

Quote from Thezzaruz>>

Quote from Deathmolar>>

Ironically, the only feat that grants firearm proficiency also removes the melee disadvantage, which feels like a tacit admission the rule is broken. 

Nah that is a flawed reasoning. There are subclasses and such that gives proficiency with firearms, the feat is meant to be a way to upgrade your skill just as there are similar feats that takes away the disadvantage for bow users and for spellcasters. The fact that it also gives proficiency is just so that there is an easy way to add it to a character that doesn't get it from the start.

I do not think it is flawed, i believe the flaw is yours to own. Point blank handgun testing such as shooting into jell show handgun firearms are far more deadly when the target is inches from the muzzle. As i was saying for most other weapons this rule should apply, just not handgun firearms which are designed for close range. Crossbow expert and Gunner remove this disadvantage but I suggest these weapons should have an advantage to offset and improve it for experts. I will be applying it for my games. As for other GM's I play with, it will be a discussion topic regarding logic. I do not foresee an argument due to the weak firearms rules overall for D&D.

 It is far more difficult to use a firearm/ranged weapon accurately when your opponent is grabbing at the weapon and jostling your aim as you bob and weave trying to avoid getting split down the middle by their sword.  Admittedly ballistic gel doesn't put up much of a fight. 

It sounds like your group plays fast and loose with the minutia, which is great and fun for the players.  We tend to be more rules oriented than "Rule of Cool" at our table most of the time.