Equiping the Bulls

Hello everyone. A quick question regarding the Bulls. Shouls I go with Ironfists instead of the second hand weapon? I think I am going to run 12 of them in 2 rows of 6. What do you guys think? Would hand weapons be useful in any situation since it seems that ironfists are the way to go?

Adw are good if you're going simultaneously or first against dwarves, undead and great weapon units. You're paying for six additional attacks for a number of points multiplied by the number of bulls in your unit. One extra wound may come out of those attacks. However, buying them parry saves is good since you're paying for the chance to roll a lot more dice in which the desired outcome has similar odds. Look at how often six attacks frokm bulls help you vs making the chance of parry saves.

The answer is Ironfists more often than not, and the reason why is because AHW's add very little additional offense to a unit of Ogres (who have few models in the front rank and already have a high attack count), whereas Ironfists greatly improve their defense (because it bumps armor by 1, gives you a parry, and you only lose an Ogre when you fail 3 saves).

Retaining the three attacks from Bulls is often worth more than the 3-6 attacks the front row gets from AHWs.

1. You are not giving up combat resolution
2. You might be/remove steadfast
3. Once you are down to 1 rank you are retaining not only the 3 attacks, but also a Stomp which auto-hits.

The only time I would consider AHW is in a small unit where they would all see combat, and even then I'd still be tempted with Ironfists.

If they could not take Ironfists, AHW's would be a very good upgrade for only one point each Bull. But Ironfists are much better now.

Thanks for the replies everyone  So Ironfists is the way to go at this time.

armour saves and parry saves are a really good option given how expensive ogres are per-model. every wound saved is a pip of CR in your favour and 30+ points saved :-)
IF all the way

Ironfists all the way, the way I look at it, you have a 1/2 chance to keep 3 attacks every 3 wounds. That's just an offer I can't pass up! not to mention the mournfang cav! yummy!

IF's all the way.  AHW only give you 3-4 extra attacks most of the time depending on how wide the front rank is.  IF keep you alive longer and that is golden.