When you look at the description for weapons, there is an icon. I get that the icon shows what skill governs that weapon. There's (usually?) a number beside that icon as well, though. Sometimes its 0 (e.g. a cleaver) and other times it's 25 (e.g. baseball bat). (Not just melee, guns too). What's that number mean. I know it's not a requirement for equipping like Strength, because I can equip a baseball bat even though my Melee is less than 25.

this is the level requirement, you can equip it but it wont be as affective as if you had it at that level

Skill level requirement. For instance, if your Service Rifle has a picture of 3 bullets with a '25' beside it, then you need 25 guns skill to be able to use that weapon efficiently, as well as meeting the strength requirement,

Okay, thanks. What would think there'd be some quick indication of whether or not you meet the requirement, though.. too bad. Any idea of what "less effectively" means in terms of game mechanics?

Just got around to more carefully reading the in-game help. If either the Str requirement or the skill requirement are not met, the following is the negative effect:

* ranged weapons wobble
* melee weapons are more slow.