TOPIC: Stu's Handy Stein

Stu's Handy Stein lets you quaff two potions as a free action.

What type of action does switching weapons usually take? A free action? A main action?

Could I begin combat with Stu's equipped - drink a Potion of Cat's Grace & a Potion Thor's Retort - then use my main action to switch to my ranged weapon so that I'm ready to attack in ranged the following turn?

If it's just a free action, I assume I could Drink the two potions, then attack with the Stein. The following turn, I'd use my free action to switch weapons and proceed to attack with my ranged weapon.

I believe switching weapons is a free action.
Your second example would work quite well.

Arnold wrote: What type of action does switching weapons usually take? A free action?

Yes a Free Action.

Could I begin combat with Stu's equipped - drink a Potion of Cat's Grace & a Potion Thor's Retort - then use my main action to switch to my ranged weapon so that I'm ready to attack in ranged the following turn?

No. You get 1 Free Action and 1 Standard Action per round. You can't do 2 Frees or 2 Standards.

If it's just a free action, I assume I could Drink the two potions, then attack with the Stein. The following turn, I'd use my free action to switch weapons and proceed to attack with my ranged weapon.

Yep that would be the best way to do it!

Also see page 39/40 of the Player's Handbook! truedungeon.com/resources/item/100-players-handbook