system
Given the following post, respond as if you're commenting on Reddit:
human
[The Witcher] Why don't Witchers traditionally use ranged weapons or shields?

It seems to be more of a stubborn show of pride much like the medieval British in refusing the crossbow rather than a practical decision. I get that training for a decade or longer with Witchers who *also* refused ranged weapons and shields will teach you to opt for the standard dual swords/bombs/potions/Signs combo, but surely as monster slayers rather than proud warrior clans the Witchers must have seen the benefits of ranged weapons and shields? Sure they've managed alright thus far and can cope with what they have, but wouldn't it be made much easier if they could snipe a cyclops from a distance with a longbow? Or defend themselves from dragonfire with a heat-resistant shield rather than attempting to dodge the attack or withstand it with Quen and potions? After all, Witchers only wield one sword at a time and could wield some sort of shield on their non-sword hand (potentially strapped to the wrist to allow smoother Sign usage). Is it still about breaking tradition like Geralt suggests when Vesemir hands him a crossbow?

On a related note, would a Witcher who found themselves in a modern setting utilise our firearms and explosives, or insist on typical Witcher methods still?
gpt
Monster 3 times your size is trying to hit you, do you want to dodge it, or do you prefer to give up your arm and try to block the blow with the shield.  
Shield is a hindrance, instead of using both hands to make the swings hitting harder, you have one hand blocked, and in most cases you can't even use the shield effectively. Learning to use your speed and powerfull blows is strictly better than rely on a small chance that you will be able to use shield in the fight.  

Bows and crossbows takes 2 hands, meanwhile you can shoot fire and telekinetic blasts without having to put away your sword, using one hand to form signs.  
Igni is always better than any arrow could be.