I was wanting to play a class that started combat at range with a bow but switched to 1h and shield when mobs got in melee range. I don't really like the idea of backpedaling around shooting stuff as they chase you. In skyrim, would you be gimping yourself trying to play ranged and melee? I'm not sure how the leveling system and skills work, but if by splitting points in ranged and melee based combat makes me weak compared to just dropping everything in one style than I guess I'll go for full melee. Any help or tips would be appreciated.

That's what I'm doing except that I'm going archery/2h. 2h is going up faster than archery (I think it was 44 to 33 last time I checked), but I like how it's working out. So far I've invested more perks into 2h (4 vs. 2). I like the bonus of sneaking and getting a shot or two off for the 2x bonus and then switching to my melee weapon as the enemies start closing in.

Thanks for the reply. I'm still thinking about trying it. Sounds like it's going good for you.

The main thing I was wanting to find out though is that if you are gimping yourself by splitting points between two different styles.

I'm playing on master and am not having too much trouble, so no, I don't think it gimps your character.