Re: DF 16 - Wilderness Adventures Travel Times
Yes, all Melee weapons have a reach. Essentially, with a reach 1 weapon, you can attack normally from 1 hex or attack from 2 hexes using a Step and Attack even if your foe uses a retreating defense. If you are in close combat and not held there (grapple) you could also step backwards and attack as well so long as you were already facing your foe.
If for some reason you are unable to step, (being grappled) you can actually use a weapon at a closer reach than it is designed for, though the penalty is -4 per hex of reach. So a broadsword (reach 1) used in close combat would be at a skill penalty of -4. A Spear in a 2 hex grip could be used at -8 in close combat...
Close combat weapons you can think of as having a reach of 0, with the same rules as above. You can step and attack from a range of 1, or use them from close combat. Realize that close combat has a whole host of other rules associated with it which can be found on 391 of the campaigns book.
I can't think of any special rules with the specific scenario you are describing, though it gets weird when someone tries to do abnormal things with a ranged weapon. I would handle things per the normal rules while the range collapses down. If the shooter tried to fire from close combat, I would penalize them at least the bulk modifier on the weapon. If they attempted to do something like parry or butt-strike or hit them with a bayonet, I'd probably require a ready maneuver and use a different skill (spear?... with a rifle default?). The hatchet wielder could pretty much get by on normal rules.