Since when did Cpt. Kirk need a phaser? Wagon train to the stars--remember? When it came time for the big fight scene, it was fisticuffs for the maximum drama--he simply kicked the weapon out of the hand/paw/whatever of the alien of the week. You also evidently forgot about the Klingon factor. They don't need no stinking phasers. They have Batleths. I can assure you that a Batleth can killeth confederateths. One local Martial Arts Master & self admitted "Trekkie" has used his full-size Batleth in many demonstrations to kill large melons, 2 x 4s & other such enemies. He does admittedly have to re-sharpen his Batleth after killing cement blocks.