Yes that's probably why the guns didn't do well for you. Usually we get negative reviews stating melee is impossible to play with, not the other way around. Though in truth, it's really based on the person playing. We get (((WEAPON TYPE))) is superior to (((OTHER WEAPON TYPE))) all the time, but really I don't think there's much of a difference. The crafted weapons are a bit more powerful than the rest, but even that's probably not too objective.
In my opinion, people are just looking too much at the skill tree... because their mind is still stuck in Fallout perks.
This is why people are limiting themselves to certain guns due to their builds. (If I take Automatic, I must stick with assault rifles, If I take rifles, I must use hunting rifles)
TBH, your skill tree is horrid and very hard to cherry-pick compared to Fallout. But after playing your game a long time, I have to say the melee perk is clearly useful and underrated.
+ 10 Melee & Unarmed is something you will use in the early games because guns are unreliable and ammo is scarce
+ Used AP goes into Dodge is also good for defensive purposes. Even at ranged combat, you minimize crit chance against you by increasing Dodge when you backpedal after firing a sniper shot.
+ 1st hit in melee is a crit is fine, it swings fight easily your way in the early game.
+ 10% crit melee chance is pretty bad but you want the Quick Reaction investment
The above are 4 perks you take before you unlock the 5th one:
Quick Reaction
The extra Half turn perk is universally useful. And is a nice payoff for sticking with that perk line.
Anyway, the reason why I like the melee talents is the smooth progression of usage throughout the early game till the end.
People, don't limit yourself to just one type of weapon.
Makarov is usable at Pistol 65 with high DEX and ATT just do the Aimed shot on the chest.
AK74 an AUTOMATIC weapon is still capable of being single fired for an aimed shot, leading to efficient damage compared to burst.
Juggle the ammo use. Pick 2 types of guns. You have enough skill points to spread. If you're fighting trash, you can always pull out the knife.
Other notable talents:
Witcher: Double dmg vs Animal works with any weapon. Worth a pick if you want to save bullets against tough mutants
Armor of God & Shieldbearer: Just make yourself tankier and less vulnerable to bullshit crits.