One Pistol or Small Side Arm

[stonyman65]

If you could only cary one gun, a pistol, what would it be?

A pistol with spare ammo. thats it.

I would cary a 1911 with 7 7-round magazines. thats 49 rounds on hand with a spare for myself (if I need it)

you?

[Zombie Buffet]

I don't really know much about guns. If I were in a zombie scenario, I'd consider myself lucky to even have one, and spare ammo to boot!:lol:

[AN OLD SHOE]

well a 1911 would be nice....but i guess i would just have a glock...but if i could pick any gun without me having it...it would be a 357 oh yeah!

[Faran Brigo]

A .22LR silenced pistol and a 500 round ammo brick. I don't trust the .22, but if I had just 1 pistol, I'm pretty screwed if lots of zeds come after me anyway.

[mattifikation]

I think I'd go for a 9mm HK MP5-PDW. It's compact, it's light, it uses a commonly available round, it takes 30 round magazines, and it's available in select-fire. In fact, in a zombie situation, I'd be just fine with one of the many semi-auto civilian versions out there.

[fester_hicks]

one pistol.... well the most ammo found will either be .22 or 9mm.

I'd have to go with a .22 if it was a semi-auto and NOT a revolver...to much time to reload.

A 9mm would be good later down the road abit when involved with actual humans or animals that might need "bled out".

[skullwarrior]

i just need a 357 magnum. thats all i need lol.

[Z-Day is very soon]

Cz-99 (Zastava Arms) too bad they are hard to get in America

[detpat]

Glock 22 with sare mags, the 1911 would be great too [mine's a beautiful combat commander with ivory grips to match my detective special [both pairs from the same tusk]. I'll have to post a pic sometime for you guys to drool over.

[Behemoth]

I don't really know much about guns. If I were in a zombie scenario, I'd consider myself lucky to even have one, and spare ammo to boot!:lol:

Oh you would find plenty ( you are in the US right? ), in my opinion you might even be given one once people start to see that the outbreak is no joke, they will want you on their team, the rest would be up to you.

For me my choice is the 357 revolver, 6 inch colt python or similar, if you miss with that, well you don't deserve anything better than a chomp on the arm.

[Victor Clark]

If zombies were walking around outside, I wouldn't really care what gun I had. If I had a choice in the matter, I would take a 44 Magnum, and go Dirty Harry on those bags of puss!

[vortec1]

Ruger p89 with 30,15 or 10rd mags.great pistol

[stonyman65]

I think I'd go for a 9mm HK MP5-PDW. It's compact, it's light, it uses a commonly available round, it takes 30 round magazines, and it's available in select-fire. In fact, in a zombie situation, I'd be just fine with one of the many semi-auto civilian versions out there.

That is not a pistol. The K&K MP5PDW or the MP5K are compact sub machine guns.

A pistol would be just that - a handgun. not a sub machine gun.

MP5s, Uzis, Carbines and automatic pistols don't count.

[stonyman65]

Glock 22 with sare mags, the 1911 would be great too [mine's a beautiful combat commander with ivory grips to match my detective special [both pairs from the same tusk]. I'll have to post a pic sometime for you guys to drool over.

Cool.

I'm a 1911 fanatic. I have a Springfield Armory 1911 'Loaded' model that's parkerized. all stock. Im going to replace the grips with some new ones from Eagle Grips when I get the money, also going to re-finish it. Bi-tone, blue for the slide and hard chrome for the frame - like the old IDPA comp pistols.

I'm also going to buy a GI 1911 in stainless steel and put some pearl grips on it. Kind of like a show gun...:)

[vortec1]

MP5, Have carried this on the job! this is where I get my carbine/pistol thoughts.:)

[stonyman65]

MP5, Have carried this on the job! this is where I get my carbine/pistol thoughts.:)

*sigh*

NO MP5s

NO Submachine Guns!

Civilian use only

PISTOLS ONLY

:x :x

[mattifikation]

They make semi-automatic civilian mp5's which also have no buttstock, so they are legally considered pistols.

But if I still can't pick one, I'll take a Springfield XD 9mm, since, well, I already have one.

[Devilspaintbrush]

ONE pistol??

yow that is a tuff one

hmm most likely have to stay with my Springy XD9 or my new XD45 with all of the spare mags I have for it

1911 would be my first choice normally, BUT I have more spare mags for the Xd's

[mattifikation]

oo.
How's the 9 working out for you? I've had mine for a grand total of 2 days now and haven't even had the chance to go shoot it yet.

[Seway]

I'd have a .22 silenced pistol or a Glock.

[mil-collector]

my HK USP45...it's what i shoot the most with, and am most comfortable with at the moment.

[Augustus Desius]

FNP-45. Though I absolutely love the Five-seveN (would marry it if thats what it took to own one.) I'm afraid it simply is too much maintenence for me.

The .45 round will assure that I will put a hole in anything I shoot at and if I miss and hit the body, It will completely stop the zombie, Giving me a moment to re-aim.

[Seway]

I've got another idea: If i could, i would have a high-powered railpistol. That would be cool.

[Darkness]

"What is a railpistol, seway? Do you have a picture or link you could share?"

[Jimmy]

My Glock 23 of course. =]

[Tripoli]

Good Old, 1911A!

[Eknytz]

Hmm if it's just pistols then....
http://www.littlegun.be/arme%20americaine/gyrojet%201960%20-01.jpg
or this
http://content.answers.com/main/content/wp/en/thumb/c/c3/300px-G18_mag.jpg
JK
A FN five seven because it can hold 20 round in a standard magazine(none of the guns above)

[zombieuprising]

I'd have to go with a 357 Magnum

[Eknytz]

I'd have to go with a 357 Magnum

not to nitpick but thats a bullet not a gun.

[zombieuprising]

lets say desert eagle mark XIX.

[drtongue]

My trusty Ruger p95 , has never failed me yet. Rugged and can hold up to 16 rounds.

[Faran Brigo]

lets say desert eagle mark XIX.

Uh, not to rain on your parade but... why? Loud, expensive, bulky, heavy, overpowered, unreliable pistol with rare ammunition and enough recoil to hurt your wrists if you're not careful.

I'm wondering, how come everyone just looks at the DE pistols and assumes they're the ultimate gun for the apocalypse? I can think of few pistols that would be LESS adequate in that kind of situation. No offense, but there's lots of reasons why no military or law enforcement agency has ever adopted the desert eagle.

The Desert eagle is the "I'm a noob" t-shirt of the gunworld :lol:

[mattifikation]

I don't know about that. The rare ammunition thing would be a drawback, but what do you do when you run into all the zombies in riot gear who used to be cops trying to stop everyone from biting people?

It would be nice then to have something that can punch through those helmets more easily.

[Eknytz]

c'mon this!!!!
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/25/Five-seveN_USG.jpg/300px-Five-seveN_USG.jpg

[Faran Brigo]

I don't know about that. The rare ammunition thing would be a drawback, but what do you do when you run into all the zombies in riot gear who used to be cops trying to stop everyone from biting people?

It would be nice then to have something that can punch through those helmets more easily.

You shoot them through the face? :lol:

That aside despite popular misconception riot helmets are designed to withstand blunt and edged weapons, they're rarely bulletproof. Even so, at the ranges a pistol is useful from, it'd be hard for a PASGT helmet, let alone a riot helmet, to stop a 9mm round.

[mattifikation]

Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying it's my choice. When I bought my 9mm, the choice was between that and a .44 magnum revolver.

I chose the 9.

All I'm saying is, sometimes you *do* need a bigger caliber.

[vortec1]

If you could only cary one gun, a pistol, what would it be?

A pistol with spare ammo. thats it.

I would cary a 1911 with 7 7-round magazines. thats 49 rounds on hand with a spare for myself (if I need it)

you?

you did not say It could not be a auto. some of us have that lisence!

[Faran Brigo]

It could be an automatic PISTOL, if you don't know the difference between a pistol and a submachinegun, I sincerely doubt you'd have one of those licenses, especially since automatics in the U.S. are restricted to law enforcement/military personnel or holders of a permit from the ATF since the NFA of 1934. Then again maybe you do and you've just never read whatever paperwork you signed.

In any case automatic pistols would include the Beretta M93R, HK VP70, or Glock 18. Maybe the micro uzi, or the mac-10 but that's a bit of a gray area. A full size MP5 definitely ISN'T a pistol though.

mattifikation: I get it, but I don't agree. A 9mm is already a bit of overkill for a human skull, maybe you could even do with .22LR, anything over .380 is already a waste of firepower if you're going for headshots, and nothing else will faze a zombie.

[vortec1]

It could be an automatic PISTOL, if you don't know the difference between a pistol and a submachinegun, I sincerely doubt you'd have one of those licenses, especially since automatics in the U.S. are restricted to law enforcement/military personnel or holders of a permit from the ATF since the NFA of 1934. Then again maybe you do and you've just never read whatever paperwork you signed.

In any case automatic pistols would include the Beretta M93R, HK VP70, or Glock 18. Maybe the micro uzi, or the mac-10 but that's a bit of a gray area. A full size MP5 definitely ISN'T a pistol though.

mattifikation: I get it, but I don't agree. A 9mm is already a bit of overkill for a human skull, maybe you could even do with .22LR, anything over .380 is already a waste of firepower if you're going for headshots, and nothing else will faze a zombie.

Faran brigo. I do know what I'm talking about semi pistol versions of mp5 and rifle version mp5 with 16.5 barrel full auto with the every barrel lenght inbetween. :)

[mattifikation]

There's nothing in the definition of a pistol that says it has to be small. According to the law, anything that doesn't have a stock is a pistol. And according to the law, a fully automatic weapon is civilian legal if it meets certain requirements and you have the right permits.

It doesn't matter if it's a submachine gun or not. According to the law, it's still either going to be a rifle or a pistol.

[Faran Brigo]

So you're saying according to the law something like a thompson without the stock is a pistol? crazy law. Alright, I buy it, I take back what I said.

[mattifikation]

Gun laws are pretty good at being crazy. :-)

[Augustus Desius]

c'mon this!!!!
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/25/Five-seveN_USG.jpg/300px-Five-seveN_USG.jpg

:drool: Has to be the best looking gun in the world. I want one soooooooo bad! It's my favorite gun hands down. They're expensive though. Still, with a 20 clip and light, low recoil rounds, it's hard to say no to such an awesome gun.

Basically, I said the other gun because I would like a larger round. I think the .45 is a really good all-purpose round.

[killnburn]

well there is only one BIG problem with the fn five seven, the ammo is really rare, 5.7mm isn t common at all otherwise its probably one of the best pistol for zombies.

my personal choice has to be a hk usp tactical, full size, chambered in 9mm with the extended 18rnds mag.

[fester_hicks]

.22 Ruger... easy to clean,easy to silence, easy to shoot and easy to find ammo.

[Dagnammit]

I'd take my crossbow. It's silent and has re-usable ammo. Reloading times are comparatively long but I wouldn't be planning to do too many shooting rampages - I'd rather try to stay away from zombies altogether, taking down the occasional threat with my bow and blunt weapons.

[fester_hicks]

i like the crossbow idea as well, or an kind of bow. Hell, in a pinch, even spears.

[Darkness]

i like the crossbow idea as well, or an kind of bow. Hell, in a pinch, even spears.

"We have a thread for each of those groups of weapons. This one is just for this topic."

[fester_hicks]

ONE GUN...Ruger 10/22 rifle... i'm telling you... LMFAO!

[vortec1]

Well I have two guns that work the same holster/shoulder.same mag,caliber how can you beat that!:think:

[Shadowalker191]

Would have to use my everyday carry. Para-Ordnance P14.45, .45ACP cartridge, and has a capacity of 14+1 rounds.

Also own 10 extra magazine's, effectively giving myself 140+1 rounds in a nice small package.

[kai055]

i live in the uk and dont have access to guns but what about c02 pistols or nail guns, what do people think

[Whiterook]

Probably my Browning Buckmark in .22LR. I want a Ruger Mk2 just because they are built like a tank. Give me as many mags as I can hold and as much ammo, I'll be good to go.

My CZ-75b in 9mm would be with me if I have to up the power.

[Firedude]

What I currently use for the most part; my Kimber Warrior and my Kimber Ultra Carry II (everyday carry gun):

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k185/jimkurtsey/DSCN1275.jpg

I really like the .45 for personal protection (against "live" people). For Zombies were only head shots count I would probably go with a Glock 17 (9mm, 17 round magazine). Glocks are reliable, 9mm has minor recoil and alittle lighter to carry more of, 17 rounds is decent capacity.

[kai055]

even tho i am in da uk, if i could have 1 gun i would ave a mp40, good room clearing weapon as well as mininum recoil

[Shadowalker191]

If you could only cary one gun, a pistol, what would it be?


No auto's, Sub's, etc. etc. etc.

Pistols.

[bandits1]

http://img222.imageshack.us/img222/6673/hkuspctaq4.jpg

[kai055]

i like pistols like a magnum like the colt python, and have only realli fired a replica but i liked it all

[Tripoli]

There are a lot of nice picture in this thread. . . Too many handguns! You will need a carbine or a rifle during the Zombie Apocalypse. . . Lever action, magazine fed, pump, or something that can be reloaded quickly on the run. . . Pistols don’t have the range or accuracy!

[DBCooper]

I agree with you about the Rifle Carbine thing. . . but this thread is about HANDGUNS. . . 1911 Colt Defender. . . .45ACP now that is the gun for me!

[13hollowpoints]

Probably my Browning Buckmark in .22LR. I want a Ruger Mk2 just because they are built like a tank. Give me as many mags as I can hold and as much ammo, I'll be good to go.

My CZ-75b in 9mm would be with me if I have to up the power.


You'll need all the mags you can hold using a .22 :zom2: The point of shooting a zombie in the head is to destroy the brain. A .22 just doesn't have the expansive damage as a larger caliber. I wouldn't go below a 9mm. I wouldn't use a 9mm personally. I have a Beretta PX4 Storm in .40 cal and it explodes water melons and pumpkins. The shock wave would gel a human brain (what stayed in the cranial cavity anyway). There is less recoil than from a .45, and although there is tons of .45 ammo around. .40 ammo is on the rise, as almost all U.S. SpecOps have gone to the .40 (except Marines) and it is becoming the choice for police too. It is shorter like a 9mm but fat like a .45, causes much damage.

A .22 would just punch a hole in the brain. It may not even make it all the way through. At certain angles, a human skull can deflect a .22 bullet. It would still hurt, but what's that to a zombie? A high brain shot would either take out his speech ;-) or give him a lobotomy. Just what a zombie needs, eh? You'd be relegated to aiming for the base of the skull to destroy the oblongata and stop any signals from the brain reaching the body (if that would work on a zombie).

If you're in my camp, nothing less than a 9mm. But my main rig would be a shotgun.

[Whiterook]

You'll need all the mags you can hold using a .22 :zom2: The point of shooting a zombie in the head is to destroy the brain. A .22 just doesn't have the expansive damage as a larger caliber. I wouldn't go below a 9mm. I wouldn't use a 9mm personally. I have a Beretta PX4 Storm in .40 cal and it explodes water melons and pumpkins. The shock wave would gel a human brain (what stayed in the cranial cavity anyway). There is less recoil than from a .45, and although there is tons of .45 ammo around. .40 ammo is on the rise, as almost all U.S. SpecOps have gone to the .40 (except Marines) and it is becoming the choice for police too. It is shorter like a 9mm but fat like a .45, causes much damage.

A .22 would just punch a hole in the brain. It may not even make it all the way through. At certain angles, a human skull can deflect a .22 bullet. It would still hurt, but what's that to a zombie? A high brain shot would either take out his speech ;-) or give him a lobotomy. Just what a zombie needs, eh? You'd be relegated to aiming for the base of the skull to destroy the oblongata and stop any signals from the brain reaching the body (if that would work on a zombie).

If you're in my camp, nothing less than a 9mm. But my main rig would be a shotgun.

At certain angles the human skill deflects 9mm, 40, and 45.

I ain't saying the .22lr isn't weaker but it has one advantage over any others. That is? Well, I can carry about 10,000 rounds of it. Long after you run out of ammo I'll still be shooting.

Besides, I think you are underestimating it. It can mess a brain up real well, please check this test out.

http://rimfirecentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=218136&highlight=turkey

That is with using normal velocity ammo.


What do you think a 9mm, 40 or 45 will do? Completely obliterate someones head, turning it into mush? Not likely. A watermelon or pumpkin won't give you realistic damage.

The bottom line is I don't think caliber matters. Pick what you have, or what you can get, AND WITH WHAT YOU CAN HIT WITH. My Buckmark is very, very easy to hit with.

[Tripoli]

Whiterook, that was an interesting link and thanks. Before the UDS&D thread re opened I read about a guy who did .22 lr shooting tests on coconuts and a pig skull. It took a while but found it on the link below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GU-MvYIRAHk

[VXTip556]

i'd probably use the px4 storm, or a VP70 with stock, something with a stock because making a headshot with a handgun at any distance beyond point blank range would be quite difficult unless you practice regularly

[13hollowpoints]

I'm speaking strictly handguns. But notice that the 22LR doesn't leave much of an exit wound. Of course that was only a, what was it 50gr, 80gr? The ammo I shoot is in the 130gr-150gr. The larger caliber bullet also spreads wider and fragments to cause damage as it rips through. A .45 won't explode a head, but it will leave a minimum softball size hole on exit.

The concusive force (spd*velocity*mass, all that science stuff) is what make sthe differences. The 22LR just doesn't cause the damage I would want. I'm always amazed when peope survive chest shots from .45's. The meat and blood gels in a wide radius around the bullets path of flight. It's interesting to see the collateral damage done to deer meat from different kinds of ammo.

I was impressed that the 22LR went through a whole frozen turkey, I didn't expect that. They should line up a few turkey's and try 9mm, .40, .45, and a .50cal to see the varying effects.

Did that turkey test mention if they used hollow points or what? I'll have to look.

[Poorat99]

M107 Sniper rifle or a Desert eagle hand gun. Both are .50 cals. I love sniping...

[DevilsRain]

Whiterook, that was an interesting link and thanks. Before the UDS&D thread re opened I read about a guy who did .22 lr shooting tests on coconuts and a pig skull. It took a while but found it on the link below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GU-MvYIRAHk

He shot the cute lil piggy in the head? What FUN! Coconuts and pork, how cute can that be?

[oktanis]

Aye! great suggestions!

As for one gun... thats a bit far reached for one answer, in realistic terms i personally would take a .22. Its small, light, and packs a small but relatively able head splitting wallop, as well as providing the ability to carry copious amounts of ammo. It is also easy to find.

My next choice, (and speaking on less realistic terms) would be a 1911... just because, it rocks.

Then the .50 Desert eagle, action express. again because it rocks, and if you are firing into a crowd, you are bound to kill/injure at least 2 haha

Then at the most unrealistic point of my post, is something called "Metal Storm" which is an electronically fired, non mechanical (no moving parts) 3-4 barreled pistol...
As i said, its non mechanical, meaning the bullets are loaded into the barrel at once (yes all of them) and fired by current passing through a charge packed behind each round allowing most of the rounds to be fired within a REALLY small amount of time... :machgun2:

I think this is it
http://www.technovelgy.com/graphics/content/vle045.jpg

i'm running on coffee fumes at 6:am and haven't slept yet, so excuse my non ending rant :lol:

But yeah! If all else fails, i shall dawn my good old trusty blunderbuss, grab my cutlass, and begin slashing my way through the non ending ranks of the rotten flesh and disease ridden undead, surely dying as the pirate i was born to be!
YO HO!!

[mattifikation]

I'm pretty sure you're planning on making every mistake in the book then.

1. .22lr: a round that has too small of a one-hit-kill ratio. Especially in a pistol, you're going to have a problem busting through the skull and doing much brain damage at any range outside of a few yards. Plus it leaves you with a *terrible* ability to fend of human targets.

2. .45apc: a round that will blow heads apart no problem and stop living men in their tracks, but limits your magazine capacity by a high degree. Especially in a 1911! If you're surrounded by 50 zombies, you don't want 8 round magazines.

3. .50 desert eagle: it's a round that's expensive to buy right now and will be impossible to find after z day, there are higher capacity revolvers, and the gun is renowned for being unreliable. Need I say more?

4. Metal Storm: You said it best, it's unrealistic. On top of that, it's a waste of ammunition. Precise head shots are the order of the day, not spray'n'pray guns.

sorry if it sounds like i'm picking on you!

[DevilsRain]

I thought you would want the bullet to stay in the skull and mix things up. Plus the way a .22 breaks up and skull fragments you might do more damage with a smaller round. Oh, almost all bullets will or can deflect off the skull, that is just the way it is. 22s are so small and cute I bet you can carry lots of them.

[13hollowpoints]

The deflection problem is usually when it's a grazing shot, so odds are it wouldn't have done much damage anyway, whatever size around. Since it's not known how much brain needs to be destroyed, I would go with a larger round just to make sure I finished the job in the quickest possible way.

.40 or .45 would be my main choice, but I wouldn't be against having a 9mm just because ammo is everywhere for 9's. You can pack a lot of 9mm-.45 clips in a tactical vest and still be able to haul ass. If you need to use thousands of rounds on one run, you're probably gonna get overrun anway. You should stop shooting and concentrate on getting the F outa there!

Definitely .22 is small and light. My ammo box has about 2000 rounds of .22 and it takes less room than two boxes (100 rounds) of .40's or .45's. The kick of my .45 just feels like it's gonna cause a lot more damage than my .22 :guns:

[bandits1]

After reading everyone's thoughts as to which gun/caliber they feel is the best and why, I would like to change my answer to the Glock 17 Pro...

http://img87.imageshack.us/img87/3223/glock17pro1nl0.jpg

...I don't know too much about firearms, but the 9mm seems to be a good balance between decent stopping-power and high-capacity. The Glock 17 Pro has a extended magazine capacity of 19 rounds...and I figure the less times you gotta reload while under heavy attack, the better. Plus it has a extended, threaded barrel just in case the need arises to do your zombie-killin' on the down-low.
http://img246.imageshack.us/img246/6964/evolutionfe4.jpg

Even if you're currently an avid and accomplished target shooter, I doubt most people will be scoring perfect head-shots at 90% accuracy while being chased and outnumbered 10-to-1 by creatures whose only desire is to eat you. To me, this makes quantity of ammo more important than quality of ammo.(My first choice would be the "military/law-enforcment-only" full-auto capable Glock 18C, but I sincerely doubt I'd be able to get my hands on one:-()

[adman1996]

my dad has like 250 9mm rounds 150 .22 rounds and 100 holo tip metal slugs... a p99 with parts to be adjusted between the 9mm and .22... and a remington 870 marine magnum for those slugs all open in veiw in his closet a samurai sword in the garage and i have a nazi dagger real thing [dull though except for a sharp tip] in my room 2 foot long sledge hammer so i think im in the clear of the attack

[adman1996]

my dad has like 250 9mm rounds 150 .22 rounds and 100 holo tip metal slugs... a p99 with parts to be adjusted between the 9mm and .22... and a remington 870 marine magnum for those slugs all open in veiw in his closet a samurai sword in the garage and i have a nazi dagger real thing [dull though except for a sharp tip] in my room 2 foot long sledge hammer so i think im in the clear of the attack

i would like a DEagle with .45 adjustment or 357 adjustment not the .50 cal though more ammo for .45 in most stores and homes same with 357 easy to find ammo .50 is the hardest to find

[C J]

Well, my pistol of choice would be a 40mm semi-automatic with large clips. The 9mm just doesnt have enough stopping power and the .357 has a little too much bang and recoil for me. GO with the glock unless one of you gun enthusiasts can recomend something better?

[Onslaught]

9mm semiauto. most likely a S&W M&P or Steyr MA1. i'd scavenge a glock or xD in a pinch though. 9mm is easier to get, in greater supply, and causes less wear on the firearm.

9mm has plenty of punch. we're just talking about popping through skulls here. beside that, shot placement will always be the detemining factor in a weapon's effectiveness. because there is virtually no situation where one shot in one location with a 9mm would not be fatal, but the same shot in the same location would be fatal with a .40. let's face it folks, we're talking about .05 of an inch difference in diameter. that means a difference of .025" radius. if your groups are only off by .025" with a handgun, you're my hero.

ball ammo out of either will have plenty of penetration. save the money from the cheaper 9mm to buy more ammo to practice with.

[apso1871]

Here would be my choice. I do know that the 5.7x28 ammo is hard to get, but considering I know a good gun shop where I can get a box of 50 rounds for only $20 I will start stocking up.
The one I have already is exactly the same, but with a black stock.

[C J]

My gun experience is limited to what I have shot for the most part a 9mm, and a 357(6 inch barrel). I would probably be happy with either the 9mm or the 40mm semi-auto but prefer the 40mm. Replacing the ammo is another story if round availabilty is an issue then I will reconsider. What I would really like is a spas 12 or some other lighter semi auto shotgun. I actually held one of these and a friend offered to lend it to me. Up here in Canada they are pretty rare.

[BenAli]

I just don’t think you people are getting it.

First, the “One Gun” thing is all about a pistol to combat the “undead” with, not a rifle, shotgun, or any other weapon on the planet.

My choice would be a .32 H&R MAGNUM Ruger SP-101 or an S&W 432 PD. It is the best of all worlds, the round has what it takes to penetrate the skull and fry the brains, it is light enough to carry LOTs of ammunition, a revolver is more reliable than any automatic (yes, I know a revolver can malfunction too.), the accuracy is FANTASTIC!!!

Sure there is an availability of ammunition problem but this being a standard .32 caliber bullet and the components can be reloaded into the H&R casing all is good!

BTW nobody said their would be a shortage on ammunition for your “One Gun”.

[bandits1]

...My choice would be a .32 H&R MAGNUM Ruger SP-101 or an S&W 432 PD. It is the best of all worlds, the round has what it takes to penetrate the skull and fry the brains, it is light enough to carry LOTs of ammunition, a revolver is more reliable than any automatic (yes, I know a revolver can malfunction too.), the accuracy is FANTASTIC!!!

Sure there is an availability of ammunition problem but this being a standard .32 caliber bullet and the components can be reloaded into the H&R casing all is good!

BTW nobody said their would be a shortage on ammunition for your “One Gun”.
I just assume when anybody asks a "what weapon would you choose?" type of question, that ammo availability is automatically built into the question.

Even knowing that a six-shooter has almost no chance of jamming, I'd still choose the high-capacity/faster-reloading capabilities of a semi-auto...and I'd make sure it's chambered in a very popular caliber to make it easier to scavange/share ammo: 9mm, .40, or .45.

Like I mentioned in a previous post, I doubt hardly anyone - even an accomplished target shooter - will be scoring perfect head-shots at a very high-percentage when you're outnumbered and running for your life. The less times you gotta stop to reload, the less chances a zombie gets to eat your face.

[BenAli]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cY9CyA9s41c

He might be the best but you can see with practice one can make fast reloads with a wheeled gun.

And yes I have seen how fast a semi can be reloaded. BTW an semi-auto is magazine dependant, lose your mags or damage them when they drop, can you say, bye bye.

[bandits1]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cY9CyA9s41c

He might be the best but you can see with practice one can make fast reloads with a wheeled gun.

And yes I have seen how fast a semi can be reloaded. BTW an semi-auto is magazine dependant, lose your mags or damage them when they drop, can you say, bye bye.
Cool clip, but I'd be willing to bet that no one here can come even close to that guy...even with practice.

So are you saying that you'd choose a six-shot revolver over a 17-shot Glock based on the chance that you'll drop and damage your mags?

[BenAli]

Your selective reading is ASTONISHING!

What I am saying is, I would rather have a rifle over a handgun. And YES, I would rather have a 6-shot revolver over a 17-shot “Tupperware” Glock.

http://www.virginiacops.org/Articles/Shooting/Combat.htm

I am reasonably sure if you take the time to read the above article you will see the difficulty in making consistent head shots with any pistol.

O’ and BTW reloading a revolver isn’t that hard.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P382tsARVdM

[DevilsRain]

A man that can reload fast, he sound hot to me.

[bandits1]

Your selective reading is ASTONISHING!

What I am saying is, I would rather have a rifle over a handgun. And YES, I would rather have a 6-shot revolver over a 17-shot “Tupperware” Glock.

http://www.virginiacops.org/Articles/Shooting/Combat.htm

I am reasonably sure if you take the time to read the above article you will see the difficulty in making consistent head shots with any pistol.

O’ and BTW reloading a revolver isn’t that hard.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P382tsARVdM
I'm sure just about everyone would rather have a rifle than a handgun as their one-and-only weapon, but this thread is about handguns.

And it's precisely that difficulty in making consistant head-shots while under pressure and outnumbered that makes it a great advantage to have more rounds avaliable inbetween reloads. I would trade a small amount of reliability for 3x more ammo in the mag/clip/cylinder.

[DBCooper]

And it's precisely that difficulty in making consistant head-shots while under pressure and outnumbered that makes it a great advantage to have more rounds avaliable inbetween reloads. I would trade a small amount of reliability for 3x more ammo in the mag/clip/cylinder.

I’ve been reading and following this thread for a few days now. What I want to know is, you want to spray and pray to make up for your inability to shoot accurately? Just wondering.

[Tripoli]

I for one own many revolvers and semi-autos and I have never, ever, had a revolver malfunction and fail to fire (unlike my semi-autos). I have also learned how to fire, maneuver, and reload without emptying the cylinder. As far as one gun, I agree that a pistol should be a last resort firearm and only used when running away is no longer an option, 6 to 8 rounds can and should be able to buy you an escape route.

[Hitman]

I'll have to stick with my G19. in a couple of weeks it will be suppressed ,so that gives it a big advantage over everything else but my PT99 . I have plenty of mags (including my 2 G18 33rd mags ) . I can use the 15rd G19 mags and the 17rd G17 mags (thats what I CCW for spares right now) . its light enough that I don't mind carring it, and I can conceal it if need be (I do daily). I have plenty of 9mm ammo and everyone I know shoots the same caliber (I also reload it). I try to keep 8000+ rounds on hand at all times with several hundred being subsonic for the silencers . its also very relaiable , thats why its my CCW gun.

on the other hand if I only could take one HANDGUN and have it be my only gun ever I might be tempted to take my .454 ruger super redhawk. it shoots light .45colt loads that recoil like a light .38wad cutter. it can also shoot a very hot light magnum bullet out to 100 yards for very accurate head shots (it has a scope) . I do have a shoulder holster for it and have CCWed it under a light jcaket . with speed loaders it could be a contender.

here is a pic of my G19 along with a couple of other things to be ignored for the purpose of this thread.
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i277/bobsboobs/eurotrash.jpg

here is the .454 , the one in the middle with the scope.
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i277/bobsboobs/littlefriends.jpg

of course I'd rather have my M16 or MP5 over either one.

[bandits1]

I’ve been reading and following this thread for a few days now. What I want to know is, you want to spray and pray to make up for your inability to shoot accurately? Just wondering.
Nope, I'd just rather have more rounds than less. Isn't that logical? I'm not saying anybody who picks a revolver is wrong - any working gun is a good gun - but every choice has it's pluses and minuses. I'm just trying to be clear as to exactly why they would choose a relatively low-capacity revolver. "Reliability" seems to be the strongest argument here - and a good one as reliability is very important in this scenario. But like I mentioned before - I'd be willing to trade-off some reliability for 2-3x the ammo capacity.

I also think that people may be overestimating their abilities to score perfect head-shots at a high-percentage while greatly outnumbered and running for your life. I understand that some individuals may be accomplished target shooters...but targets can't attack you and eat your face.

[Mrgibins]

If you only have one pistol you are pretty screwed, I'm a shot gun type guy anyway, but I would go with whatever i could get the most ammo for

[Cortexx]

Glock 19 its compact and only a .9mm you dont need a .40 or .45

[jagus12]

357. Magnum...
That is the only pistol Ive been able to practice in my life, and my grandfather has a shitload of ammo of it :lol:

[Tripoli]

I'm pretty sure you're planning on making every mistake in the book then.

1. .22lr: a round that has too small of a one-hit-kill ratio. Especially in a pistol, you're going to have a problem busting through the skull and doing much brain damage at any range outside of a few yards. Plus it leaves you with a *terrible* ability to fend of human targets.

2. .45apc: a round that will blow heads apart no problem and stop living men in their tracks, but limits your magazine capacity by a high degree. Especially in a 1911! If you're surrounded by 50 zombies, you don't want 8 round magazines.

3. .50 desert eagle: it's a round that's expensive to buy right now and will be impossible to find after z day, there are higher capacity revolvers, and the gun is renowned for being unreliable. Need I say more?

4. Metal Storm: You said it best, it's unrealistic. On top of that, it's a waste of ammunition. Precise head shots are the order of the day, not spray'n'pray guns.

sorry if it sounds like i'm picking on you!

1. Not for a close brain shot
2. .45 ACP is too heavey, cost too much, and doesn't have the range needed
3. .50 DE, All I can say is - ROFL
4. Metal Storm? Is the coffee on? I don't think so scooter!

[Commander Ambrose]

A "Desert Eagle" and only one shot-to commit suicide

[JakAttak]

my choice would be a .22 Ruger great accuracy, 15 round capacity and the round will bounce around in the Z's skull. light with small compact ammo so you can pack way more than a .45 and it's way quieter than other guns. and with these magnums thats just dangerous overkill they're loud, heavy, and have very poor compacity so hen the dead rise resist the urge to get your mag and rock n' roll stop think grab something more economical.

[Dave Of The Dead]

The Walther P22, because its nice and light. Plus .22 is easy to come by. Hell, today i even found an unfired, .22 round in the street. Don't exactly want to know why though...

[JakAttak]

it's okay but it only has a 10 round capacity and not as accurate as a ruger.

[Dave Of The Dead]

it's okay but it only has a 10 round capacity and not as accurate as a ruger.

a lot of .22 pistols have a 10 round capacity. And that's an understatement.

[JakAttak]

well you have a point and those are more common but I have a ruger and a waulther so it's moot for me

[john154]

SKS or m14. You'll allways find 7.62x39 and .308 anywhere you go and they're both renowned man killing rounds. Nuff said.

[john154]

Err.. what i mean by that is what the hell's the point of a pistol after the apocalypse. Concealed carry won't be much of an issue anymore.

[stonyman65]

Just a thought. something challanging to think about.

I love all of the people saying the Desert Eagle and other large bore handguns. it's so funny becuase anyone who has ever shot a real weapon before, especially a Desert Eagle or something like that, will know that they are extremly hard to handle. accurate rapid fire is almost impossable - to test this theory I asked some people at my local range and at my last USPSA match I was in. here are the results

Best rifle: AR-15 .223 or .30 M1 Carbine
Best handgun: 1911 style .45 or safe-action 9mm (Glock, S&W MP, Springfield XD.. ect..)

now, keep in mind that almost everyone I've talked to are/where active military with combat experinace or LEOs. i think these guys know what they are talking about.

[Dave Of The Dead]

Plus the desert eagle only comes with clips that contain 7 rounds, and the 14 round clips are illegal or something of the sort.

[Onslaught]

Err.. what i mean by that is what the hell's the point of a pistol after the apocalypse. Concealed carry won't be much of an issue anymore.

consider it an "automatic dagger"

it can peirce the skull at close range and i tight quarters without the need for strength or force on your part..

[JakAttak]

Just a thought. something challanging to think about.

I love all of the people saying the Desert Eagle and other large bore handguns. it's so funny becuase anyone who has ever shot a real weapon before, especially a Desert Eagle or something like that, will know that they are extremly hard to handle. accurate rapid fire is almost impossable - to test this theory I asked some people at my local range and at my last USPSA match I was in. here are the results

Best rifle: AR-15 .223 or .30 M1 Carbine
Best handgun: 1911 style .45 or safe-action 9mm (Glock, S&W MP, Springfield XD.. ect..)

now, keep in mind that almost everyone I've talked to are/where active military with combat experinace or LEOs. i think these guys know what they are talking about.
And a desert eagle is huge unless you are Andre the Giant (which I highly doubt) you will have trouble holding this gun.

[Hitman]

And a desert eagle is huge unless you are Andre the Giant (which I highly doubt) you will have trouble holding this gun.


holding or hiding ? holding is no problem. hiding can be done with a unbuttoned shirt over it or a light jacket (I know a guy that does it on occasion). the .44 mag can be had with 14rd mags and the .50 holds just as much as the 1911 in .45acp with 10rd mags avail for both. from what I've heard they are pretty decent in the accuracy area as well. also .44mag ammo is pretty common and will probly be on the shelf way after the standard "defence" calibers are gone. they do make them in .357 that is a baby to shoot with full power loads . while I'm not saying its the best pistol out there but its not the big pos every one talks about.

[JakAttak]

but you also have to remember the kick can and has dislocated wrists unless you get a stock locate the nearest stash of desert eagles and go the other way

[Hitman]

but you also have to remember the kick can and has dislocated wrists unless you get a stock locate the nearest stash of desert eagles and go the other way

the reciol is 1/3 of my .454 and I've shot it left handed (I'm right) with one hand just to show that its more technique than anything else. I've also fired 3" slugs out of my 870 AOW with one hand with out damaging anything. the DE is a light weight by compairison.

[JakAttak]

well damn you kicked my ass out of the water.

[Hitman]

well damn you kicked my ass out of the water.


not trying to, just tring to show you that experiance is much better than second hand knowledge.

[JakAttak]

Well all I know is I prefer guns with a lighter kick I can shoot a .45 freehand

[Screwballgunnut]

Man, oh man, there's some interesting discussion on this thread. My perspective, as a full time gun nut, is that some of these choices are gun newbie "its pretty, I like it" or marketing sucker "its new and great, I need one" mentality. The FN 5.7 is a good gun, but a complete lack of spare parts & very limited ammo availability makes it a poor choice. Same with the desert eagles, esp the 50AE. The DE's are also a bad choice because if you have to carry one for more than 20 feet, you'll be using it on yourself. Those things are like wearing a brick on your thigh.

I am a diehard 1911 guy, carry one everyday and will die with my 1911 in my hand. Thats partly the because I grew up on 1911s, and partly because they are damn good guns, with a HUGE aftermarket, and tons of spare parts & ammo availability. Most importantly John Moses Browning (hats off for a moment of silence) designed the 1911 to where the common grunt could rebuild one with minimal training.

If I couldn't have a 1911, my next choice would be a glock 21, as glocks are plentiful, with lots of spare parts lying everywhere, and they're dishwasher safe.

[detpat]

I don't know ANYONE who has ever been injured by recoil, stupid stunts and idiocy are another matter.

[bandits1]

Man, oh man, there's some interesting discussion on this thread. My perspective, as a full time gun nut, is that some of these choices are gun newbie "its pretty, I like it" or marketing sucker "its new and great, I need one" mentality. The FN 5.7 is a good gun, but a complete lack of spare parts & very limited ammo availability makes it a poor choice. Same with the desert eagles, esp the 50AE. The DE's are also a bad choice because if you have to carry one for more than 20 feet, you'll be using it on yourself. Those things are like wearing a brick on your thigh.

I am a diehard 1911 guy, carry one everyday and will die with my 1911 in my hand. Thats partly the because I grew up on 1911s, and partly because they are damn good guns, with a HUGE aftermarket, and tons of spare parts & ammo availability. Most importantly John Moses Browning (hats off for a moment of silence) designed the 1911 to where the common grunt could rebuild one with minimal training.

If I couldn't have a 1911, my next choice would be a glock 21, as glocks are plentiful, with lots of spare parts lying everywhere, and they're dishwasher safe.
Solid points - some of which I was trying to make earlier. Clearly the best choice would be a very popular gun(like the 1911-variants and Glocks) in a very popular caliber(9mm, .45).

If you're one of those posters that already own a .357 magnum revolver - are well practiced in shooting it and have loads of ammo for it - then that's fine. Use what you're already good at using.

...but if you're not one of those posters: when you break into that abandoned gun store looking for a trusty sidearm, stick to the basics instead of going all "Hollywood" and taking a shiny, nickel-plated Desert Eagle .50AE.

[JakAttak]

I don't know ANYONE who has ever been injured by recoil, stupid stunts and idiocy are another matter.
not quite a friend of my dad's split his thumb with the hammer of a .454. I laughed:lol:

[detpat]

not to mention that the guns are in large safes and you're gonna need serious tools to get at them.

[JakAttak]

an ax to cut out the window frames.

[LukeIsHere]

I would take a Smith &Wesson 686P .357 magnum with a 6" barrel. I know that you get higher capacity with an automatic, but when the zombie apocalypse comes, the only thing I care about is thea gun that is the most reliable for the long haul back to civilization (which might take years, if it even happens). I don't even want to entertain the risk of a jam. When I pull the trigger, I want the next round and fire, BLAM... every time... without fail. I don't want to spend too much time worrying about cleaning, either or loading magazines when I'm on the run.

Cross carry with lots of speed loaders at hand, and I'll be fine. If you are in a situation where the few seconds difference between a good speed load and switching a magazine is critical or where squeezing off those 4 extra rounds in a magazine makes all the difference compared to firing 7 rounds and reloading with a revolver, well... you're probably f***** anyway, right? Because that situation means the zombies have overrun you and you are screwed.

[zombie2x4]

Greatest ever is the Ariakon ACP20 Pistol

[JakAttak]

what is this fetish with high powered handguns? It doesn't need to blow a head off just pierce the skull and do damage inside.

[zombie2x4]

Better chance of making a successfull kill.:zom2:

[Dave Of The Dead]

Better chance of making a successfull kill.:zom2:

No... Just because the gun is more powerful doesn't mean that you can kill easier. The way to kill a zed is with a successful shot to the head and you can pretty much do that with any gun.

[LukeIsHere]

No... Just because the gun is more powerful doesn't mean that you can kill easier. The way to kill a zed is with a successful shot to the head and you can pretty much do that with any gun.


No, that's not true. Stopping power makes all the difference... especially when you are cornered and overwhelmed. A .22 (like some people have strangely chosen) will just plink into a zombie's body. They don't feel pain and they don't stop until they have massive trauma to the brain or spinal cord. The bullet is so small that there is a risk of ricocheting/deflecting off a zombie's head or even penetrating and getting lodged in there without doing serious damage. Lot's of humans have survived small-caliber bullets in the head. Many are still living with bullets in their head. Nobody is walking around with a .357 magnum round in their heads... because they're all dead.

In addition, if you can't get a head shot, you can at least blow their shoulder out, blow a knee out, or cause enough damage to seriously slow them down or knock them down.

Dave, I don't think you have seriously considered being in a crisis situation where it's dark out, you're fumbling for gear, and zombies are closing in. Your small caliber weapon and your pair of knives are going to get you killed in such a situation...

- Luke

[JakAttak]

No the .22 is not a good choice because of stopping power. It's a good choice because of accuracy (with quality bullets that is.) and great capacity. and the people who got shot in the head and lived there aren't as many as you let on and their brain was probably just skimmed by the bullet. and a .22 will pierce a skull and bounce around inside making your gray matter look like an ant farm inside.

[DemonChild]

S&W 500...^_^ bang bang lol

[zombie2x4]

Well maybe the .22 is strong enough to pierce the skull and destroy the brain but theres other guns that im sure have a harder time to destroy the brain usually the stronger the gun the easier it is to kill a zombie so its more of a reassurance kind of thing.

[JakAttak]

that's why you need to keep a calm head. and there isn't much weaker than a .22

[zombie2x4]

Yeah and I totally agree with that but those people (which there will be alot) will freak out.

[Dave Of The Dead]

No, that's not true. Stopping power makes all the difference... especially when you are cornered and overwhelmed. A .22 (like some people have strangely chosen) will just plink into a zombie's body. They don't feel pain and they don't stop until they have massive trauma to the brain or spinal cord. The bullet is so small that there is a risk of ricocheting/deflecting off a zombie's head or even penetrating and getting lodged in there without doing serious damage. Lot's of humans have survived small-caliber bullets in the head. Many are still living with bullets in their head. Nobody is walking around with a .357 magnum round in their heads... because they're all dead.

I see absolutely nothing wrong with what I said. It is true that just because you have a bigger bullet, doesn't mean you have a better chance at a head shot, which is the goal right?

[Faran Brigo]

Actually what he's saying is that there's a chance that you might shoot a zombie in the head with a .22LR and:

1.- The bullet won't penetrate the skull
2.- The bullet will penetrate but not damage the brain enough to bring the zed down
3.- You cannot get a headshot for some reason and you must blow off a kneecap/shoulder/the jaw to buy yourself time.

I had the same theory, but I'm not really sure how often any of those things happen (or if they happen at all). I disagree completely with #3, if you can't hit the head, then why could you hit a smaller target like the knee or shoulder?

[john154]

While we're talking about .22LR did you know that personal defense pistols in .22 and .25 often come with directions saying that in the event that you must shoot someone ensure you shoot them in the face, neck or groin becasue no where else will these tiny rounds be effective enough to stop a determined attacker. .22 will bounce off most bones including skulls. I suppose thats where the whole "brain scrambler" idea came from. However it still means you've got to place that 5.5mm piece of lead into an eye socket or through the nasal cavity. Not an easy shot from farther then 10 meters with a pistol and perhaps a hundred with a good rifle and .22 isn't accurate much past 100m. I've hit gophers from one range berm to the next(100m) before with a 18" barreled .22 but i'd hate to try that from the standing or which out of breath:0

Another variety of small, unthreatening rifle that shoots a common round is your 1866 repeater variety of rifles. Henry's, Winchesters ect. A lot of them fire the more potent .357 Mag/.38 Special which has quite nice balistics and humbled recoil out of the rifle's 18-20 inch barrel. With their rounds in a tube below the barrel they're also very compact and easily concealed (as rifes go). See below. Its NICE!

http://www.marstar.ca/gf-Chaparral/1873-Rif.shtm

[Dave Of The Dead]

That is true. My second option would be a .38 special. I like those revolvers aside form the 6 round capacity.

[LukeIsHere]

That is true. My second option would be a .38 special. I like those revolvers aside form the 6 round capacity.

I was thinking the same. I would definitely carry a good, sturdy .357 magnum (Ruger GP100 or S&W 686) and load it with .38 special +P. Plenty of damage and less stress on your hand and your gun. If you feel you need more stopping power, you can always change out for .357 magnum rounds. You can even go down to regular .38 special. One gun, three caliber choices... plus infinite combinations of loads and grains.

With a good holster and a lot of speed loaders, you'd be well armed to fight zombies and *not* have to worry about a jam, clip malfunction, etc.

[LukeIsHere]

S&W 500...^_^ bang bang lol

lol... would be fun as hell. In seriousness, though, it would be loud as hell and after a few dozen rounds, you're hands would hurt so much that you'd beg the zombies to chew 'em off.

[Hitman]

a good .357 revolver can shoot much more than 3 different rounds. should the need arise 9mm, .380 , 9mm makarov , 38colt , and a few others can be fired from a .357 revolver. the cases without rims need a small piece of wire wound around the lip to keep the case from falling into the cylinder too far. this should only be done in a life or death situation as it could cause damage to the gun or shooter.

[JakAttak]

you're kidding right.

[john154]

No he's not. They're all very, very close to the same diameter...er caliber. There are revolvers out there designed to take as many as 25 different calibers. Check this link out: http://www.kitsune.addr.com/Firearms/Revolvers/Medusa_Model_47.htm

[Dave Of The Dead]

Now that would be very useful when the sh*t hits the fan and the same ammo is hard to come by.

[Whiterook]

People underestimate the .22lr.

And no, a .357 or .44 to the skull does not mean 100% of the time the person is dead.

You see on the news every now and then how "Woman is shot several times in head with .357-survives", stories like that.

Sure, you'll also find stories of .22s doing that.

You'll also find stories of people being killed by a .22 to the brain.

It is all a trade off. Personally I like the idea of being able to have 10,000 rounds of ammunition on me, or between 2 people. Also, a .22 pistol is easier to hit things than with a 9mm, 40, etc. Especially for someone not familiar with firearms.

I can see people taking a 9mm over it. I can understand taking anything over it.

When people discredit the .22lr completely, that is what is annoying.

Further, if you actually consider these choices regarding zombies...won't the skulls and area around it be weaker somewhat? Possibly not at all or possibly extremely.

.22s will stop a zombie in the chest the same way a .500 magnum will....

Shooting a knee cap or somewhere else? Why? If you can hit that hit them in the brain.

[JakAttak]

well mostly I agree but a magnum gun may knock a Z back. and I doubt skulls would be weaker.

[mattifikation]

Guns don't "knock you back" in the real world. They showed it on mythbusters, even a 12 gauge didn't "knock back" the dead pig they were shooting.

What a .357, a .45, or even a 9mm will do that a 22 will not do is more reliably penetrate the skull. There's no definite way to destroy brains (even Hiroshima had ground zero survivors,) but you need to remember that it's all about maximizing your odds.

[LukeIsHere]

People underestimate the .22lr.

And no, a .357 or .44 to the skull does not mean 100% of the time the person is dead.
You see on the news every now and then how "Woman is shot several times in head with .357-survives", stories like that.
Sure, you'll also find stories of .22s doing that.
You'll also find stories of people being killed by a .22 to the brain.
It is all a trade off. Personally I like the idea of being able to have 10,000 rounds of ammunition on me, or between 2 people. Also, a .22 pistol is easier to hit things than with a 9mm, 40, etc. Especially for someone not familiar with firearms.
I can see people taking a 9mm over it. I can understand taking anything over it.
When people discredit the .22lr completely, that is what is annoying.
Further, if you actually consider these choices regarding zombies...won't the skulls and area around it be weaker somewhat? Possibly not at all or possibly extremely.
.22s will stop a zombie in the chest the same way a .500 magnum will....
Shooting a knee cap or somewhere else? Why? If you can hit that hit them in the brain.


1. There has never been a report of anyone surviving a .357 magnum shot to the head. People only survive bullets like that if it misses ("grazes") the skull.

2. You're right. People do get killed by .22 shots to the head... it's called an assassination: you put the barrel directly on the back of the person's skull and pull the trigger. The bullet leaves a small mark with minimal blood loss and penetrates the skull without exiting. That's why gangsters and mafiosos like to use it for this purpose. That's why people say a .22LR is good for "headshots." Good luck getting a zombie to get down on his knees and let you take a direct shot at point-blank range.

3. People "discredit" the .22 long rifle because it is not a good choice for fighting zombies... period. When you are running, dodging, and panicking... you're going to be plinking away with that .22 and watching absolutely NOTHING happen as you get surrounded.

4. ".22s will stop a zombie in the chest the same way a .500 magnum will" No... no.

5. "Shooting a knee cap or somewhere else? Why? If you can hit that hit them in the brain." Okay, think with me, pal... When I said you can blow a knee out with a .357, what I meant was IF you can't stop to aim (for example, if you are surrounded or if you are in a tight situation), you can hit the zombie somewhere else on his body and do massive tissue trauma to slow him down or stop him. Hit him in the shoulder, and he'll spin around or fall over, for example. Obviously if you have a direct shot to the head, do it. Jeez...

[Kolapsky]

I'd probably use a Deagle. I know it sounds dumb, but me and my cousin shoot Deagles every weekend in his backwoods,we don't kill anything though. Basically shoot logs and sh*t.

I've gotten used to the recoil so yeah,probably a Deagle.

[bandits1]

Guns don't "knock you back" in the real world. They showed it on mythbusters, even a 12 gauge didn't "knock back" the dead pig they were shooting.

What a .357, a .45, or even a 9mm will do that a 22 will not do is more reliably penetrate the skull. There's no definite way to destroy brains (even Hiroshima had ground zero survivors,) but you need to remember that it's all about maximizing your odds.
I saw part of that episode of Mythbusters. They showed that getting hit by a round will only "knock you back" about as much as firing the gun knocked back the shooter, which isn't much, if at all.

Taking into account everyone's arguments about the "ideal" caliber to carry, plus some research of my own, I'd stick with the ubiquitous 9mm. It's a good comprimise between the something that could possibly be a bit inconsistant(.22) and something that may be a bit of overkill(.50 AE).

[Dave Of The Dead]

A large caliber round going through a soft body will not make the target "spin around" or get knocked back. The bullet will simply go in and out of the dead tissue unless it hits a bone, then it might ricochet in a different direction or blast right through. A zombie will not react in the same way as a human when it gets shot, even with a higher caliber. Remember a zombie is walking dead flesh, not a log or piece of sheet metal that will fall over when hit with a .50 cal Deagle.

Yeah, I saw the mythbusters episode where they tested that. They used a .357 magnum on a dead pig hanging just barely on a hook and the pig didn't move at all. They finally made it slip off the hook when they used a 12 gauge shotgun. If a dead pig won't react to a shot to the chest, a dead person won't react to a shot in the chest. Look it up Luke.

[LukeIsHere]

A large caliber round going through a soft body will not make the target "spin around" or get knocked back. The bullet will simply go in and out of the dead tissue unless it hits a bone, then it might ricochet in a different direction or blast right through. A zombie will not react in the same way as a human when it gets shot, even with a higher caliber. Remember a zombie is walking dead flesh, not a log or piece of sheet metal that will fall over when hit with a .50 cal Deagle.
Yeah, I saw the mythbusters episode where they tested that. They used a .357 magnum on a dead pig hanging just barely on a hook and the pig didn't move at all. They finally made it slip off the hook when they used a 12 gauge shotgun. If a dead pig won't react to a shot to the chest, a dead person won't react to a shot in the chest. Look it up Luke.


"The bullet will simply go in and out of the dead tissue" A handgun round like a 9mm or .357 usually has a hollow point. When it hits human flesh (dead or living), it expands and rips tissue. Being dead doesn't change that. These is indeed a chance of the bullet "overpenetrating" and passing through the body... but so what? IF it's a good hit, it will expand in the torso and cause a massive exit wound or a sufficiently powerful round will indeed knock someone back.

Forget what you saw on "Mythbusters." In fact... stop watching that dumb, phony show. :) A pig hanging from a hook does not mimic a walking human body. A person (or Zed) can get shot in the chest or shoulder with a powerful load and stop in his tracks or fall down. Just do a quick search of police accounts of shooting suspects with different rounds.

Who said anything about a Desert Eagle? I wouldn't recommend that gun at all, my kukri and .22 wielding ninja friend...

[LukeIsHere]

If a dead pig won't react to a shot to the chest, a dead person won't react to a shot in the chest. Look it up Luke.

ROFL... you don't say. A dead pig won't react to a shot in the chest? ... dunno what dead pigs you are shooting...

[Dave Of The Dead]

Did you even read what I had to say or are you just going to shoot down everyone that opposes your super-matrix ideas?

A dead person, a zombie, will not react to a bullet passing through their body. They don't feel pain.

The pig in mythbusters was suspended by a hook which was teetering on the edge of another hook. If they would have pushed the dead pig ever so slightly, it would have fallen. So don't act all high and mighty with your hollywood ideals of flying back if you get hit in the chest because it has been tested and you have been proved wrong.

[Hitman]

I know that shooting live pigs with the most powerfull pistol I have didn't knock the last one down. I hit bone (well it was before I hit it , the after effect was more like bloddy splinters) and all that did was slow it down enough to finish it with the knife. I don't see how something with less power will knock something that weighs more (my last hog was around 120-130# ) and is heading towards you , down . if your shooting something more powerfull than my .454 ,the real question is why? the recoil of my pistol is too much to make any kind of a quick follow up shot if need be. I can shoot this pistol one handed just to put that in perspective .

as for the .22lr not passing trough a skull and just bouncing around inside , thats yet to be seen. the shooting of skulls that I've done (deer and pig) the bullet passed cleanly on the same path out the back side. the deer skulls were shot with a pistol using remington subsonics . the damage to the skulls were compleatly unimpressive ,but I did notice quite a bit of brain squirting out the entrance hole as I made the shot . the damage from a 12ga slug or my .454 with hardcast bullets was much more conclusive .

[LukeIsHere]

Did you even read what I had to say or are you just going to shoot down everyone that opposes your super-matrix ideas?
A dead person, a zombie, will not react to a bullet passing through their body. They don't feel pain.
The pig in mythbusters was suspended by a hook which was teetering on the edge of another hook. If they would have pushed the dead pig ever so slightly, it would have fallen. So don't act all high and mighty with your hollywood ideals of flying back if you get hit in the chest because it has been tested and you have been proved wrong.

For your own sake, don't quote "Mythbusters" as evidence for anything. People will take you more seriously.

No one was disputing that Hollywood is fake and people don't fly backwards when shot with a bullet. A sufficiently powerful and well-placed shot will, however, stop them in their tracks. Do a websearch of "hydrostatic shock." You'll learn something.

Nevertheless, you are right about one thing. A zombie will not be stopped by a bullet passing through their body. You know what? A living human won't, either, if he's motivated enough. A .50 Desert Eagle round will indeed probably pass right through a human torso. That's why I wouldn't recommend that gun. A .357 magnum might pass through but more likely will expand correctly with a good shot, that's why I said I would carry .38+P rounds just in case.

There's also something called "hydrostatic shock" when you hit flesh with a powerful enough round that correctly expands.

Dave... do you actually know anything about guns and ballistics?

[Hitman]

just out of curosity I weighed 10,000 rounds of .22lr . it was just at 85 pounds . I then weighed one .22lr (remington subsonic) it was 50.3 gr , one round of 9mm ( 115gr monarch) it was 180gr , .45acp (230gr fmj ) was 329gr , 12ga 1oz slug was 658 , and 12 00 buck (winchester 9 pellet) was 700 gr, 5.57 m855 was 185gr , 7.62x39 123gr fmj was 252gr, .308 145gr fmj was 346gr , and 5.7X28 40gr V-max was 107gr .

[LukeIsHere]

...I don't see how something with less power will knock something that weighs more (my last hog was around 120-130# ) and is heading towards you , down .
...
as for the .22lr not passing trough a skull and just bouncing around inside , thats yet to be seen. the shooting of skulls that I've done (deer and pig) the bullet passed cleanly on the same path out the back side. ... the damage from a 12ga slug or my .454 with hardcast bullets was much more conclusive .

Word, Hitman. You hit the nail on the head. In fact, I was thinking that I would probably use CastCore bullets from Federal in the event of a zombie apocalypse. 180grain .357 mag rounds... as backup to 38+P. A solid lead bullet would be great for direct headshots on Zeds.

[Dave Of The Dead]

Okay, your hydrostatic shock basically causes neural trauma that knocks a living thing unconscious. It does not cause the target to "fly back." If you were to shoot a zombie, hydrostatic shock would NOT occur.

[Hitman]

hydrostatic shock is for soft tissue . its what creates the temporary cavity shown in balistic gell blocks when shot by pistols. about the only tissue really effected by it is the liver as it has no elastisity . ther permanant crush cavity is the only one that really makes much a differance. rifles are another matter.

zombies go down with a head shot .

[LukeIsHere]

Okay, your hydrostatic shock basically causes neural trauma that knocks a living thing unconscious. It does not cause the target to "fly back." If you were to shoot a zombie, hydrostatic shock would NOT occur.

Again... no one is saying that a human or zombie will "fly back" like in a movie, so why do you keep bringing it up?

There is some debate about hydrostatic shock and stopping power. In fact, many cops report that human subjects keep coming even after being shot multiple times in the chest with a large round like a .45ACP or a .40.

Hitman is right... the only guarantee is to blow their brains out with a head shot. And you're probably more likely to do that with a heavier, more powerful bullet. It's that simple. If I had to fight off a group of 3 zombies, I would want a powerful round to make those head shots. I would not want a .22. I have a Vietnam vet friend who still has a 7.62mm bullet in his head from Vietnam. A .22 could do the same thing: get lodged in a corner near the eye or something. That's all I'm saying.

[Dave Of The Dead]

Again... no one is saying that a human or zombie will "fly back" like in a movie, so why do you keep bringing it up?

It was said about a page back and it sounded like you were defending that statement by saying:
4. ".22s will stop a zombie in the chest the same way a .500 magnum will" No... no.
5. "Shooting a knee cap or somewhere else? Why? If you can hit that hit them in the brain." Okay, think with me, pal... When I said you can blow a knee out with a .357, what I meant was IF you can't stop to aim (for example, if you are surrounded or if you are in a tight situation), you can hit the zombie somewhere else on his body and do massive tissue trauma to slow him down or stop him. Hit him in the shoulder, and he'll spin around or fall over, for example. Obviously if you have a direct shot to the head, do it. Jeez...

But whatever, all is cleared up.

[bandits1]

The theory that the momentum of a bullet is able to stop forward-progress of an attacker and knock them backwards is called "knockback" and it seems it's been largely proven to be a myth.

Read: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stopping_power

[LukeIsHere]

The theory that the momentum of a bullet is able to stop forward-progress of an attacker and knock them backwards is called "knockback" and it seems it's been largely proven to be a myth.

Read: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stopping_power

No one is suggesting that a bullet will make someone fly backwards. In fact, I agree with you 100% that a 200 pound zombie lumbering towards you as fast as he can go will not be stopped by sheer force of momentum or "fly backwards" by a .357 magnum round in the torso. That's just simple physics. That's not what I am arguing.

What I am saying is if a zombie is lumbering toward you and you hit him in the shoulder with a .357 magnum, the force at that pivot will knock him around. That's the dynamics of human body locomotion: if you push someone's shoulder hard, they spin. That's why the pig-hanging-on-a-chain example is so stupid: it doesn't replicate the way a human body works. Alternatively, if you shoot a human/zombie in the knee with a .357 magnum it will blow out and he will fall down. That is my point. If you are carrying a .22, however, you won't get the same effect. The bullet will just plink into the zombie.

[Faran Brigo]

5. "Shooting a knee cap or somewhere else? Why? If you can hit that hit them in the brain." Okay, think with me, pal... When I said you can blow a knee out with a .357, what I meant was IF you can't stop to aim (for example, if you are surrounded or if you are in a tight situation), you can hit the zombie somewhere else on his body and do massive tissue trauma to slow him down or stop him. Hit him in the shoulder, and he'll spin around or fall over, for example. Obviously if you have a direct shot to the head, do it. Jeez...

I know what you meant, I'm saying it doesn't make sense because if you're close enough to blow off a kneecap without aiming, you're also close enough to blow off the head with the same level of difficulty, actually easier since a skull is bigger than a knee.

Perhaps I'm not making my point clear. In other words, if you're more than 15 feet away, you need to aim regardless of what you want to hit. If you're closer than that then you don't need to take your time aiming and can hit the head as easy as you can hit the shoulder since it's, how much? a few inches away?

I'm being honest when I say I just can't imagine it, so please describe to me in what kind of up-close situation you would have a knee or shoulder shot available but not a headshot? really, I mean, I'm holding a gun, the zombie's lunging at me, why would I shoot him a few inches from his head? it's not going to take more time, at the distance where firing without aiming can work you just point in the general area, it's going to be the same regardless of your target, so why waste bullets?

Also, you're right, likely if it hits the shoulderblade it will cause displacement due to hitting bone. How much would it take a frenzied corpse that doesn't feel pain and doesn't care how badly you maul it to recover from that? Wouldn't it just make the zombie jerk back and then right to normal? as if you punched him on the shoulder?

[LukeIsHere]

Try this. Get the nerf gun that shoots the little rubber balls. Stand with your gun slung across your back or in its holster. Then have three friends jump you randomly when you are not ready and try to get three "headshots," then let us know what happened.

- Luke

p.s. - you probably did not get three headshots. You probably hit something, though. That's what I mean: it's what happens in a crisis situation.

First rule of crisis management: "Anything that can go wrong, will"

Some people on this board seem to think that they will be pimping ninjas with their double wakizashis. Or they think they will double wield two .22LR pistols and sling headshot after headshot while backflipping off of walls.

Reality is not nearly as glamorous. They would try a move they saw in a video game on a group of zombie, get taken down, and get eaten... fast.

[Kolapsky]

:clap: Luke,you know how to sum things up.

[Dave Of The Dead]

Now I have seen nothing about people dual wielding pistols on here and I think its a bad idea all around. If you really think about it, carrying a .22 would be a hell of a lot more realistic than oh, I don't know, carry a .50 cal Desert Eagle. I swear I have seen somebody post "I think i'll carry a Deagle!" on every page. Sure, have fun with the clips smaller than a .22's and oh, don't forget about finding ammo! Its the people who think they're going to turn into Rambo as soon as the sh*t hits the fan. There is nothing wrong with carrying a blade with you. Especially when you have trained with them. Just like I'm sure you wouldn't go anywhere without a gun, I wouldn't go anywhere without a trusty blade.

[mattifikation]

The user JakAttack made the following post:

"well mostly I agree but a magnum gun may knock a Z back. and I doubt skulls would be weaker."

That's why we're discussing things getting "knocked back," to clear up this idea that bullets can knock zombies back. When people get "knocked back," it's a reaction to the injury, NOT a direct result of being pushed backwards by a big bullet. Zombies don't care if they've been injured. This makes extra large rounds unnecessary.

However, .22lr is less likely to penetrate the skull than medium and large calibers. I'm in agreement that a 9mm is the way to go for handguns against zombies. Hydrostatic shock won't affect a zombie, and "knocking back" just doesn't happen, so larger bullets than 9mm (or .38) are taking up more space than they need to be.

All that being said, if you're going to take a revolver, you're still better of taking a .357 just because it will shoot both .357 and .38 caliber bullets, and that means more ammo availability.

[Whiterook]

1. There has never been a report of anyone surviving a .357 magnum shot to the head. People only survive bullets like that if it misses ("grazes") the skull.

2. You're right. People do get killed by .22 shots to the head... it's called an assassination: you put the barrel directly on the back of the person's skull and pull the trigger. The bullet leaves a small mark with minimal blood loss and penetrates the skull without exiting. That's why gangsters and mafiosos like to use it for this purpose. That's why people say a .22LR is good for "headshots." Good luck getting a zombie to get down on his knees and let you take a direct shot at point-blank range.

3. People "discredit" the .22 long rifle because it is not a good choice for fighting zombies... period. When you are running, dodging, and panicking... you're going to be plinking away with that .22 and watching absolutely NOTHING happen as you get surrounded.

4. ".22s will stop a zombie in the chest the same way a .500 magnum will" No... no.

5. "Shooting a knee cap or somewhere else? Why? If you can hit that hit them in the brain." Okay, think with me, pal... When I said you can blow a knee out with a .357, what I meant was IF you can't stop to aim (for example, if you are surrounded or if you are in a tight situation), you can hit the zombie somewhere else on his body and do massive tissue trauma to slow him down or stop him. Hit him in the shoulder, and he'll spin around or fall over, for example. Obviously if you have a direct shot to the head, do it. Jeez...


1. It happens. I'm telling ya man, not just grazing shots either. This one little girl took MULTIPLE rounds from a .44 magnum in the head and body to protect her mother, she survived. The human body is nuts, a .357 to the head is not 100%.

2. Want to volunteer to take a .22lr from my Buckmark at 75 yards, in the head?

http://rimfirecentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=218136&highlight=turkey

I posted that before, but check it out.

3. Unless you hit them in the head with a 9mm, .40, etc...nothing is going to happen. If you put yourself in a position where you are surrounded you are dead anyway, no matter what gun or how good you are.

4. I guessed you missed that one...neither will stop.

5. Nothing is going to spin around or fall over from a shot to the shoulder, especially if they don't feel pain. I see what you are saying, but that situation is too unlikely to happen. Not only is it unlikely, but like I said before if you are surrounded and have no time to aim....bye bye! Also, say they are wearing baggy pants...it may be hard to tell where a knee actually is. If you have a a direct shot to the shoulder then you have one at the head...

Another thing...the area I am from is pretty rural. Now what does that mean? Well I have a campspot that is in the woods, on a mountain. If anything comes up there it is easily ambushed by me or whoever I am with. This is another reason the .22 is advantageous. For one we can take a hell of a lot of it up there and we can take precise shots on anything coming.

I'm not saying .22 is my only gun, but it is damn useful. In the initial "zombie outbreak" I am grabbing a rifle and my pistol will be a 9mm CZ75B.

[LukeIsHere]

1. It happens. I'm telling ya man, not just grazing shots either. This one little girl took MULTIPLE rounds from a .44 magnum in the head and body to protect her mother, she survived. The human body is nuts, a .357 to the head is not 100%.

source?

2. Want to volunteer to take a .22lr from my Buckmark at 75 yards, in the head?

Sure! I'll be dodging and weaving and see if you can kill me with your .22 at 75 yards. Then I'll run up to you with my .357 magnum and we'll see who survives. Let's set it up.

3. Unless you hit them in the head with a 9mm, .40, etc...nothing is going to happen. If you put yourself in a position where you are surrounded you are dead anyway, no matter what gun or how good you are.

Ahh... you've cleared that up for me. Thanks. Now, if I ever get surrounded by zombies, I'll just throw my gun on the floor and relax because Whiterook told me that I'm dead anyway...

4. I guessed you missed that one...neither will stop.

I wish we had zombies to actually try this stuff on. My friend... if you shot a zombie in the chest with a .500 round, you might sever the spine (which would drop the zed). If you shot him in the chest with a .22LR, there's no chance of that happening. Although a .500 round is extreme... I wouldn't use it... your hands would be in bad shape after a few dozen rounds.

5. Nothing is going to spin around or fall over from a shot to the shoulder, especially if they don't feel pain. I see what you are saying, but that situation is too unlikely to happen. Not only is it unlikely, but like I said before if you are surrounded and have no time to aim....bye bye! Also, say they are wearing baggy pants...it may be hard to tell where a knee actually is. If you have a a direct shot to the shoulder then you have one at the head...

If they are wearing baggy pants, like MC Hammer, I'd tell them that those pants are way out of style, and that they should try some new khaki capri pants, like Banana Republic... which are tighter fitting and stylin' nowadays. I'd keep a few pairs in my rucksack just in case... then blow the knee out as soon as he had them on.

I love how adamant people are about this stupid stuff.

Yeah, it's hard not to be hardassed when rimjobs are trying to convince you that people survive multiple .44magnum shots to the head... little girls at that.

I'll tell you what... if you find me a reliable source that proves anyone survived shots from a .44magnum to the head, I'll go to your place, stand off at 75 yards, and let you shoot my nuts off with your .22. Deal?

[Whiterook]

source?



Sure! I'll be dodging and weaving and see if you can kill me with your .22 at 75 yards. Then I'll run up to you with my .357 magnum and we'll see who survives. Let's set it up.

You know zombies don't zig zag, thats the ****ing point! They also won't run up to me and shoot me in the head. Since we don't have zombies you can "stand in". Get it?



Ahh... you've cleared that up for me. Thanks. Now, if I ever get surrounded by zombies, I'll just throw my gun on the floor and relax because Whiterook told me that I'm dead anyway...

Right, maybe you'll make it out once or twice. I'm just not planning on "if I get surrounded my .357 will get me out of it".




I wish we had zombies to actually try this stuff on. My friend... if you shot a zombie in the chest with a .500 round, you might sever the spine (which would drop the zed). If you shot him in the chest with a .22LR, there's no chance of that happening. Although a .500 round is extreme... I wouldn't use it... your hands would be in bad shape after a few dozen rounds.

You're right. It might drop it. My point was if you're shooting a zombie in the chest the result is going to be negligible.



If they are wearing baggy pants, like MC Hammer, I'd tell them that those pants are way out of style, and that they should try some new khaki capri pants, like Banana Republic... which are tighter fitting and stylin' nowadays. I'd keep a few pairs in my rucksack just in case... then blow the knee out as soon as he had them on.

I guess you haven't seen modern urban dress? They wear it.



Yeah, it's hard not to be hardassed when rimjobs are trying to convince you that people survive multiple .44magnum shots to the head... little girls at that.

Right. It was a 9mm, not a .44. I got the first and 2nd story mixed up.

http://toledotalk.com/cgi-bin/tt.pl/article/8486/Girl_7_shot_6_times_saving_mom

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23914454/

Thanks for calling me a "rimjob", too.


I'll tell you what... if you find me a reliable source that proves anyone survived shots from a .44magnum to the head, I'll go to your place, stand off at 75 yards, and let you shoot my nuts off with your .22. Deal?

"Police investigators would theorize that the man fired three shots from a gun that they believe was a .44-caliber handgun. One of the bullets struck Marie directly between the eyes."

From last article posted.

No, I don't care for that deal. Come on man, this is all in fun. You are twisting and twirling my words.

[Dave Of The Dead]

Luke, just because someone is challenging what you are saying doesn't mean you have to be a total jerk to them. Insulting people will get you nowhere fast.

[JakAttak]

Don't be an asshole and a .22 can pierce a skull further than point blank. a gun is a gun and if you get shot directly in the head you will, let me repeat WILL die.

[Faran Brigo]

Try this. Get the nerf gun that shoots the little rubber balls. Stand with your gun slung across your back or in its holster. Then have three friends jump you randomly when you are not ready and try to get three "headshots," then let us know what happened.

- Luke

p.s. - you probably did not get three headshots. You probably hit something, though. That's what I mean: it's what happens in a crisis situation.

First rule of crisis management: "Anything that can go wrong, will".

You're right, I wouldn't get a headshot. If we go by probability and statistics, the chances I would hit any other part that would help, as opposed to thin air or fleshwounds are very small too, small enough that I consider the small advantage it could afford me is not a good trade-off as simply carrying more .32, .38S, .380, 9mm or .45 ammunition. Even if we go by that logic, it would simply be better to carry a machine pistol and spray and pray, the higher number of smaller rounds makes it more likely to get at least one good hit and you can still use semi-auto mode to make headshots.

You're absolutely right, anything that can go wrong will, which is why you have to be prepared. Everything's a tradeoff though, and you have to prepare for the most likely risk or the one you have better chances of overcoming, which is why even though many people keep their valuables and documents in a safe and have homeowners insurance, they don't construct a self-sufficient fallout shelter under their homes. There comes a point where plugging one hole means opening another, and I honestly think this at the end is about what you personally think is best since it's very hard to prove that this or that may be more likely.

I have to say though, if this is the way you get when you have problems with someone, you'll have bigger problems with the living. No offense intended, just saying there's no need to snap like that.

[bandits1]

...Yeah, it's hard not to be hardassed when rimjobs are trying to convince you that people survive multiple .44magnum shots to the head... little girls at that.
http://img57.imageshack.us/img57/9062/banzc1.gif No need to get your panties in a bunch and throw a hissy-fit just because someone is disagreeing with you. Take a Midol and calm yourself.


It's obvious that you're going to be one of those survivors that gets killed by other survivors long before the zombies get a chance.

[mattifikation]

Don't be an asshole and a .22 can pierce a skull further than point blank. a gun is a gun and if you get shot directly in the head you will, let me repeat WILL die.

No, you MIGHT. A friend of mine told me about a guy who tried to kill himself three times. The first two times, he shot himself point blank in the head with a .22. One of those times, he drove himself to the hospital afterwards (don't ask me why.)

If you're so adamant that "a gun is a gun," then why not go with .17hmr? Even smaller than .22! Carry even more!

[Whiterook]

No, you MIGHT. A friend of mine told me about a guy who tried to kill himself three times. The first two times, he shot himself point blank in the head with a .22. One of those times, he drove himself to the hospital afterwards (don't ask me why.)

If you're so adamant that "a gun is a gun," then why not go with .17hmr? Even smaller than .22! Carry even more!


.17HMR isn't 11 dollars for 550 rounds.

You can stockpile .22lr like no other.

[Faran Brigo]

If you're so adamant that "a gun is a gun," then why not go with .17hmr? Even smaller than .22! Carry even more!

The irony here is that the .17hmr has more propellant and delivers more power over a smaller contact area, which means it has better penetration than the .22LR.

Also, the "hydrostatic shock" theory is quite controversial, personally I think it's crap. Just google it to see why I have my doubts.

[doctorsatan]

my good old usp with silencer and 6 12 round mags plus 2 extened mags and i'd be pretty well off

[Dave Of The Dead]

You can always get yourself some .22 magnum rimfire and call it even *shrug*

[john154]

http://img57.imageshack.us/img57/9062/banzc1.gif No need to get your panties in a bunch and throw a hissy-fit just because someone is disagreeing with you. Take a Midol and calm yourself.

It's obvious that you're going to be one of those survivors that gets killed by other survivors long before the zombies get a chance.

Here you go about talking about killing people again. Who needs the chill pill now? Luke calls em as he see's em. Kudos Luke.

And Jakatack All guns are not created equal. Take a look at some common rounds next to your .22LR.
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1355/935242259_6add5690d7_o.jpg

[bandits1]

Just based on the fact that people have to argue tooth-and-nail to justify the .22 as being a viable zombie-killing option...makes it not an option. Know what I mean?

If z-day actually happens and I find myself an abandoned and well-stocked gun shop, I'd stick with my original choice of a sidearm chambered in 9mm just to be safe. No sense in taking the chance that all of you pro-.22 cal peeps are way wrong.

http://img66.imageshack.us/img66/8956/glock17torchunitjpgqn8.jpg

[Faran Brigo]

I hate to be morbid (actually I love it) but I think, now we know (http://arxiv.org/pdf/0803.3051), or maybe we don't.

It penetrated alright, but the kid made it so... Yeah, I'm changing my choice, glock 17C with 6 clips of 9mm

[JakAttak]

still sticking with my .22 ruger and .223 rifle thank-you-very-much.

[Whiterook]

Just based on the fact that people have to argue tooth-and-nail to justify the .22 as being a viable zombie-killing option...makes it not an option. Know what I mean?



It is the internet. People argue everything tooth and nail.

[JakAttak]

true Dat have you seen sites on legalizing marijuana people probably get killed over the sh*t people say on the Internets

[Dave Of The Dead]

true Dat have you seen sites on legalizing marijuana people probably get killed over the sh*t people say on the Internets

You usually don't get killed over pot. Unless it is thousands/millions of dollars worth. Coke and more expensive stuff is what you get killed over. :naughty: But back to the topic...

[JakAttak]

Just an expression over arguments going to far but ... yeah

[mattdettorre123]

Glock 19 in 9mm Luger. Hi-cap mags with +2 extensions, with night sights and a light on the front. more rounds = less reloading in a bad situation. as much ammo and mags as i can carry. the .45 is only useful for people who feel pain, either will destroy the brain but the 9mm yields faster follow up shots.

[lizardman464]

If I had to pick from my current weapons, it would have to be my Colt Lawman MKIII in .357 with a 4inch barrel. A little overkill with .357 but you can always use .38s and it's not that much of an overkill.

Picking from weapons I'd like to own soon, the Jericho in 9mm.


.22 is too iffy to be a main weapon, I'd keep one with me but only for situations where there was no danger present. It would suck to have it not do the deal when really needed.

[zombiedad]

Glock 21 (.45 13 +1) as many mags as I can get!!

[JakAttak]

hmm still ruger or high cap 9 mil.

[Cenobite]

I don't really know much about guns. If I were in a zombie scenario, I'd consider myself lucky to even have one, and spare ammo to boot!:lol:

Yup, same here.

I'd take something automatic and high caliber. Anybody got AK with some spare magazines?

[ashley]

I wouldn't need a gun, my super badass-es..ness? would suffice.

[Dave Of The Dead]

I fired my .380 today for the first time and I got to say that it is probably my first choice... unless I get any more guns of course.

[50 cal]

Probably my Glock 17. It really doesn't need much in the way of maintanence I have one that I've fired well in excess of 2500 rds and still haven't cleaned.
I have a few 33 rd mags for it also. Excellent for running and gunning.
A lot of people don't like the grip angle of the G17 but I like it.

My Beretta 92fs would get second nod.

Lots of cheap 9mm out there.

And yes, the lowly .22lr will kill you just as dead with a head shot as a 44 Mag. Probably more people killed accidentally with .22's as people killed on purpose with anything else.

[JakAttak]

96% chance you're going to die

[DarthJoe8]

Never mind

:drinking:

[JakAttak]

never mind what?:drool:

[GunSlingerInferno]

My Glock 21SF with a stock Glock 20 slide and ejector to shoot 10mm, with several spare 15 round mags.

[JakAttak]

10 mil. isn't something you can pick up everywhere.

[GunSlingerInferno]

10 mil. isn't something you can pick up everywhere.

True, but I reload my own. I would also keep my .45 slide, doesn't take long to change it. I have enough powder and lead in my house to get in some big trouble.

[Trumble0]

A TC Contender 30-06 pistol with a scope with high rise scope mounts to look under and use iron sights for close range, plus ive got 3,000 rounds of US Surplus Ammunition and Brass and enough reloading supplies to hold out for quite some time.

[csmasterrave]

Give me a FN P90 with extra 4 clips and i am good to go

[bandits1]

A TC Contender 30-06 pistol with a scope with high rise scope mounts to look under and use iron sights for close range, plus ive got 3,000 rounds of US Surplus Ammunition and Brass and enough reloading supplies to hold out for quite some time.
Isn't that a single-shot, break-open silhouette/hunting gun? You'd choose that as your one and only gun?

That's crazy.

[Rogers120]

I'd prolly go with a hi-cap mag sidearm. I'd go with a Beretta, because i'm not one for polymer pistols i.e. Glock. But what ever you're best with, try different types. If a zombie is close enough you need a pistol you're gonna need something you're skillful with.:guns:

[Trumble0]

Isn't that a single-shot, break-open silhouette/hunting gun? You'd choose that as your one and only gun?

That's crazy.
Yeah, it is a breech-loading pistol, I don't plan on doing much shooting... but its an all around useful gun, its a 30-06 so it has a greater range and power than your standard 9mm or any other pistol caliber, but i suppose one of those ugly .223 pistols that look like an M-16 would serve the same purpose.

[beyerwrestler]

Id have to carry around :clap:the .50 cal Desert Eagle with 7 round clip:clap:
As for any attachments id have to say a red dot laser sight. :guns:

[bandits1]

Yeah, it is a breech-loading pistol, I don't plan on doing much shooting... but its an all around useful gun, its a 30-06 so it has a greater range and power than your standard 9mm or any other pistol caliber...
Things don't always go according to plan when there's a billion hungry zombies running around. You may not have any choice but to do a lot of shooting when there are dozens of infected headed your way...then that single-shot silhouette gun is going to get you killed.

Id have to carry around :clap:the .50 cal Desert Eagle with 7 round clip:clap:
As for any attachments id have to say a red dot laser sight. :guns:
Overkill IMO. Large, heavy gun with relatively few rounds. Can't share ammo and it's gonna be tough scavenging ammo outside of gunshops.


...but it's a slightly better choice than a single-shot silhouette gun. :-|

...and as far as attachments go: I think a tactical light would be 100x more useful than a laser sight, especially in a ZPAW environment where consistant and reliable electrical service may be hard to come by.

[beyerwrestler]

.


Overkill IMO. Large, heavy gun with relatively few rounds. Can't share ammo and it's gonna be tough scavenging ammo outside of gunshops.


...but it's a slightly better choice than a single-shot silhouette gun. :-|

Wel,l Ive shot the deagle and it does have a kick but nothing to bad. In my county all sport, hunting, and gun shops carry .50 cal ammunition. If a zed outbreak did occur and i had to carry just the deagle i could just run to the Sports Authority by my house in less then 3 minutes or so with my pack. But then again i wouldnt be walking around id be driving my truck. I could load up ammmo in the bed and hold spare clips in my pant and coat pockets. I understand what you mean though but its better than a revolver and with the power of a .50 caliber round i could stop anything living or undead in its tracks. Plus with clips its faster to reload then the revolvers that people keep saying theyd carry. :-|

[mattifikation]

What happens when the stores are out of your ammo? Expect the ammo to be gone from store shelves within 2 hours.

Most of your ammo is going to be scavenged from people's houses, or dead people. You're counting on other people's stockpiles of .50 cal, when many many more people are going to have the common rounds.

[Trumble0]

Things don't always go according to plan when there's a billion hungry zombies running around. You may not have any choice but to do a lot of shooting when there are dozens of infected headed your way...then that single-shot silhouette gun is going to get you killed.


Overkill IMO. Large, heavy gun with relatively few rounds. Can't share ammo and it's gonna be tough scavenging ammo outside of gunshops.


...but it's a slightly better choice than a single-shot silhouette gun. :-|

...and as far as attachments go: I think a tactical light would be 100x more useful than a laser sight, especially in a ZPAW environment where consistant and reliable electrical service may be hard to come by.
Good point, probably wouldnt just be carrying that... but since the question is worded that way, I'd probably have to change my answer to a .40 Beretta M96, looks almost Identical to the M92FS but its bigger than the 9mm, plus My uncle's department uses .40's and he can get me as much reloadable brass as I want, just need to buy the dyes.

[beyerwrestler]

What happens when the stores are out of your ammo? Expect the ammo to be gone from store shelves within 2 hours.

Most of your ammo is going to be scavenged from people's houses, or dead people. You're counting on other people's stockpiles of .50 cal, when many many more people are going to have the common rounds.
I get your point to but again by the time word got out of a zed outbreak id be driving straight to either the Sports Authority or the local gun shop where im friends with the owner. Hed help me out with any ammo or guns i would need. But yeah you never know whats gonna happen:drool:

[9mmheadshot]

either a glock 19 or kimber 1911 .45 acp

[Tripoli]

Beretta 9mm, Model 92. This is about the best I can think of. By the way, and handgun would be the last choice of a firearm. Carbine, with high capacity magazines and low recoil, tons better than a pistol! :guns:

[stark55]

1911 for me. or a custom gun. i can think up a better zed killer than is on the market i just cant make it.

[Tripoli]

1911 for me. or a custom gun. i can think up a better zed killer than is on the market i just cant make it.

A 1911 .45 is fine but the low magazine capacity and extra weight of the ammunition might be a problem.

[Panther7]

Well I am a sucker for .45s so i'll take the SOCOM, 12-round with 5 extra clips with a flashlight attachment (silencer is asking to much)

[Gummerfan]

If I could only have one gun (pause for laughter) I take a 6" or so .44mag revolver, preferably stainless. I've got a 5 1/2" Redhawk to fill that bill.
Ammo is common, it can use either magnum or .44 spl, it's got all the power, range, and accuracy you'd need from a handgun, and it's not too big or heavy.
Of course, if the only fiream I had was a handgun, I'd find a way to swap it for a rifle ASAP.
For a dedicated Zombie gun, I'd use one of the AR-based .223 pistols.( I call my Carbon-15 pistol "Project Zombiegun" :D) It's plenty good for Zeds, but the .223's ballistics are so castrated by that short bbl that I wouldn't trust it for defense against looters.

[stark55]

A 1911 .45 is fine but the low magazine capacity and extra weight of the ammunition might be a problem.

i know everyone knows by now. but i like the power. my second choice for a pre existing gun would be a liborator and 5 boxs of ammo. after that is a good .22 LR.

[ZomCom]

Living in the USA, I doubt I would be restricted to just one gun unless the streets are crawling with zeds. If they were, I doubt I would be firing off 500 rounds instead of hiding in the attic. My gun nut, 2nd Amendment, conceal carry, ex-Army Sniper, 20+ weapons, redneck cousin bought an FN-57 last month. He says it is the most accurate handgun he's ever fired. That is a major endorsement. Plus, 20 adequate-for-the-purpose rounds would seem ideal on paper. Also, I want a gun my wife can use if I’m otherwise occupied holding the door closed or lifting kids into the attic. The movies show the fun side of a zombie apocalypse, nailing wood over the windows, fighting zombies, trying to unlock the gas pump and fill the pickup. They don’t show the mundane side, like severe stomach cramps and diarrhea from tainted water, rolling on the floor in agony because you banged your shin on the coffee table after the power went out, PTSD from watching the living dead eat your girlfriend. You may want a weapon anyone can use in case you are inconvenienced by any or all of the above.

But, for you gun nuts that are going to raid the corner gun store, don’t fill your pickup with every available box of ammo. You are either going to lay low, or die with 1000 unspent rounds. Leave something for your neighbors. Hording is a great way to protect yourself for a few days while your unarmed neighbors are joining the ranks of the undead. That will come back to bite you, pun intended.

[bhk2000]

I hear a lot about 1911's and .357 mag. I think that's overkill. your not trying to put a 6 inch hole in thier chest, your trying to shoot them in the head. 1911's are great guns, very relyable, but only hold 7 rounds unless you have one with a stacked mag. even still you dont need a .45 ACP round to take out a zombie. the range is not much different than a .22 anyway. A .357 mag is used to take out bears and such and are mostly found in revolvers, only holding 6 or 7 rounds at a time.

the pistol i would use would be the ruger 10/22 pistol. Its a verson of the ruger 10/22 rifle but with a pistol length barral and a pistol-like stock. It shoots .22 LR and is sapposidly very accurate. you can buy a 30 round mag or even a 90 round. If you think this gun doesnt count as a pistol i'd choose a ruger mk II. my friend had one and it is very accurate. holds only 10 rounds though. ether way, a laser/flashligt combo is always a good addition

[Screwballgunnut]

I hear a lot about 1911's and .357 mag. I think that's overkill. your not trying to put a 6 inch hole in their chest, your trying to shoot them in the head. 1911's are great guns, very reliable, but only hold 7 rounds unless you have one with a stacked mag. even still you don't need a .45 ACP round to take out a zombie. the range is not much different than a .22 anyway. A .357 mag is used to take out bears and such and are mostly found in revolvers, only holding 6 or 7 rounds at a time.

You make a very good point here, however, you fail to recognize the short comings of a .22. We've all read accounts of eskimos killing polar bears, the most deadly predator on earth, with a .22 pistol. You're focusing on is the fact that the .22 did the job. You missed the part of the story where its pointed out that the eskimo did it by sneaking into the cave the bear was hibernating in, and shooting the bear in the skull, through the ear, killing the bear in its sleep. The eskimo that tried to kill the awake & attacking polar bear with a .22 pistol didn't fair nearly as well.

The name of the game is knockdown. Granted, a .22 will sufficiently scramble a zed's brain that it will kill it. BUT, will it stop the attacking zed quickly enough to ensure that you don't get bit? In my experience, thats at best a maybe. I say this from my experience of shooting a pissed off pit bull in the back of the head with a .22 before (sneak attacks are your friend) That dog continued to attack the dog in his jaws for about 10 minutes more. I'd much rather have a .45 to stop one. Yes, the mag capacity in my 1911 isn't that great (8+1 with Wilson Combat/Tripp Research mags) but I have practiced reloads regularly enough that it isn't near the issue some folks make it out to be

the pistol i would use would be the ruger 10/22 pistol. Its a version of the ruger 10/22 rifle but with a pistol length barrel and a pistol-like stock. It shoots .22 LR and is supposedly very accurate. you can buy a 30 round mag or even a 90 round. If you think this gun doesn't count as a pistol I'd choose a ruger mk II. my friend had one and it is very accurate. holds only 10 rounds though. ether way, a laser/flashlight combo is always a good addition

The 10/22 is a damn good platform, and like you said, there are a lot of easy to adapt accessories for them, however, the caliber would concern me. Shooting zeds at 100yds with a 10/22, and watching them drop would be good fun, but for up close and personal work, I'm of the opinion more (caliber wise) is better.

[bhk2000]

you make some good points and in addition the the polarbear story i also heard of one about a mountain lion killed by a lucky, well placed shot with a .22 round that ended saving the shooters life.
i guess the point of this thread is to choose one gun. if i could choose more i'd have a bullet for every situation but for the sake of the senrio I'm still going to go with the .22

[ZomCom]

You should make a distinction between caliber and hitting power. A .22 is simply inadequate for the job. A .223 is plenty adequate. Also, there is not going to be a restriction on expanding bullets. A 9mm hollow point is gonna be adequate just like a .45.

Since our zombie canon is open ended, I would assume that the intended targets would, or could be like those in the Plague of the Dead series, Sprinters (infected) and Shamblers (undead), and maybe even other marauding survivors. Stopping a charging Sprinter requires adequate hitting power. Stopping a Shambler requires a head shot. Stopping a marauder firing from cover requires firepower. I would want a fair amount of accurate, adequate bullets in my gun. I can’t reload a revolver quickly, so I would only want one as a reliable backup. I like the idea of a .45, but that seems like a gun that would require some expertise to use correctly. Even if I trained with one (which I wont), I want my family to be able to use it, too. That’s a pitfall with opinions from experts, they know what works for them, and not necessarily what will be best for an untrained survivor. I tend to believe .44 mags, .40 cal. and Desert Eagles have that drawback. Here is a good rule of thumb, if the gun has an obscure nickname like Deagle, assume no one I am likely to hide out with will have enough familiarity with it to be able to work the safety, much less shoot it.

Here is my absolute rule of thumb. If I have to rely on a gun, any gun, to save me from zombies, I’m already in a very bad place. I would rather have a good hiding place and a lousy gun than a good gun that I actually have to use.

[Trumble0]

I think a .40 S&W is a decent enough round, and most glocks will hold near 15 or so rounds of .40 in a clip, compromise between the power of a .45 and the mag capacity of a 9MM. I know that as a gun owner I have shot many more rounds than someone who hasn't ever handled a gun, but out of all the guns mentioned (.44 Mag, .45, .357...etc.) I think the .40 has a controllable recoil, it's not a handcannon like some pistols, but you're not sacrificing too much power for the comfort of it either. I plain just don't trust a 9MM for stopping power. We had a Trooper over here that responded to a Bank Robbery had the element of surprise (Silent alarm, no sirens used) Shot one of the robbers twice in the chest with his Glock 9MM loaded with hollowpoints, the shots took the guy back a bit and were in the upper area of the chest, But the robber pulled out a .45 and managed to get a headshot on the cop and Killed him. Since then the NYS Troopers have switched over to .45's. If the trooper had been carrying a .40 the guy would have gone down and not gotten back up. 9MM is a caliber best suited for a backup gun. In my experiences I have seen a .22LR get deeper penetration than a 9MM, and the 9mm had little if no expansion. I'd feel much safer in a ZPAW with a .38 caliber 1911 or a .40 in pretty any style of semi-auto, and you won't ever see one of those videos of the people hitting themself in the face from the recoil. Just my opinion though, and I think everyone should carry what they're comfortable with, but a .40 isn't a handcannon by any means

[Whiterook]

I get your point to but again by the time word got out of a zed outbreak id be driving straight to either the Sports Authority or the local gun shop where im friends with the owner. Hed help me out with any ammo or guns i would need. But yeah you never know whats gonna happen:drool:

The "deagle" sucks as anything other than a target and maybe hunting pistol.

Sure you shot the "deagle" but did you shoot it when you were running? Scared? Carrying pounds and pounds of equipment?

The .50 cal will tire you out pretty fast if you shoot any number of rounds.

Ammo...you won't find it. Sure you say there are tons of places that have it. I don't buy it, maybe they carry 100 rounds but the chances of you getting to all the shops and securing all the .50AE is nil. Even if you do, how many spare MAGAZINES(not clips) will you find?

Either way, if you do find all of that, I bet you'd drop that thing in a heartbeat for something that isn't useless.

[mattifikation]

I think .45 is just overdoing it. It's a good round and all that, but there are better options. 9mm lets you carry far more ammunition. .40sw and .357sig give you more power than the 9mm if it's important, and still more capacity than any .45.

Not that I wouldn't like to have a nice .45 on hand in a normal situation, but when you might be going weeks on end without finding a new ammo supply it just doesn't make sense to only have a few rounds to begin with.

[JakAttak]

A .22 should be more than enough considering it's muzzle velocity is way faster than other handguns.

[Trumble0]

A .22 should be more than enough considering it's muzzle velocity is way faster than other handguns.

If you are looking for Maximum Velocity you might as well get a .17HMR, its the same caliber as a BB Gun .177 but it is necked down from a .22 Magnum and uses powder to propel it. I've seen one used to take out a 600 pound pig that already had 4 .45 hydrashock hollowpoints in its head... the Pig dropped like a ton of bricks after 1 shot, it took about 10 seconds to run to the car and grab the rifle after the .45 was out of ammo and the pig was still alive and standing after the .45 clip was empty... it also has the oddest sounding resonance after firing. it sounds like a bullwhip cracking, and then you hear the sound spread out front... IDK how to describe it... anyone who has fired a rifle knows about just the sort of echo you hear after the initial crack of the round going off.

[bandits1]

...I plain just don't trust a 9MM for stopping power. We had a Trooper over here that responded to a Bank Robbery had the element of surprise (Silent alarm, no sirens used) Shot one of the robbers twice in the chest with his Glock 9MM loaded with hollowpoints, the shots took the guy back a bit and were in the upper area of the chest, But the robber pulled out a .45 and managed to get a headshot on the cop and Killed him. Since then the NYS Troopers have switched over to .45's. If the trooper had been carrying a .40 the guy would have gone down and not gotten back up. 9MM is a caliber best suited for a backup gun. In my experiences I have seen a .22LR get deeper penetration than a 9MM, and the 9mm had little if no expansion. I'd feel much safer in a ZPAW with a .38 caliber 1911 or a .40 in pretty any style of semi-auto, and you won't ever see one of those videos of the people hitting themself in the face from the recoil. Just my opinion though, and I think everyone should carry what they're comfortable with, but a .40 isn't a handcannon by any means
Everything you're talking about is gun shots to the body, which most people "in-the-know" won't bother doing too much. The name-of-the-game when dealing with zombies seems to be headshots.

I'm sure a 9mm round will do just fine messing up a brain.

[secretcog]

Anything 9mm. Due to the abundance of ammo.

[Trumble0]

Everything you're talking about is gun shots to the body, which most people "in-the-know" won't bother doing too much. The name-of-the-game when dealing with zombies seems to be headshots.

I'm sure a 9mm round will do just fine messing up a brain.

Yeah, It probably would stop a Zed... but what about the Outlaw/Raider type ZPAW survivors, or wild animals if you're camped out in the mountains... chances are someone would eventually run into a bear or mountain lion if they were choosing the "Grizzly Adams" survival method by avoiding population centers after the ZPAW.

[bandits1]

Yeah, It probably would stop a Zed... but what about the Outlaw/Raider type ZPAW survivors, or wild animals if you're camped out in the mountains... chances are someone would eventually run into a bear or mountain lion if they were choosing the "Grizzly Adams" survival method by avoiding population centers after the ZPAW.
Good points about raiders and large predatory animals. The larger caliber would be handy to have around in those cases.

...but since this thread is about choosing only one handgun in a single caliber, I'm going to have to stick with 9mm. I'll take the higher magazine capacity, less recoil, and ability to carry more rounds over the extra stopping-power of the .45.

[Trumble0]

Good points about raiders and large predatory animals. The larger caliber would be handy to have around in those cases.

...but since this thread is about choosing only one handgun in a single caliber, I'm going to have to stick with 9mm. I'll take the higher magazine capacity, less recoil, and ability to carry more rounds over the extra stopping-power of the .45.

Yeah, That's a good point about the higher mag capacity, i guess 15-17 9MM does beat 8-10 in the .45... Did anyone ever actually say it has to be 1 caliber? I know My brother has a kit for his .45 where he can change the upper on his gun, fairly certain its just the barrel and some internals and he can swap from .45 to .40, or 9MM... you just have to get the calibers your gun style comes in so that they make clips that will fit in the grip in those calibers. I mean you couldn't like switch it on the fly or anything... but if you were holed up and running low on .45's or 9MM whichever you intially started out with, you could swap it over to take the other caliber. I think his S&W has kits made by Kimber for the caliber swap. it's not cheap but it's cheaper than the alternative of buying another gun in that caliber... Technically, I think it would still be 1 gun, wouldn't it?

[Whiterook]

Technically, I think it would still be 1 gun, wouldn't it?


Legally, yes. Take an AR-15 for example. You can have multiple "uppers" in 9mm, .223, .45, etc but still use the same "lower". The "lower" is the actual part that is registered as a firearm. Meaning you can sell the rest of it, but that lower receiver needs to be legally transferred.

[Gummerfan]

The .22 sucks, deal with it. I know a guy who was shot in the head at close range with a .22 pistol. The bullet entered at the forehead, skidded around the skull, and exited just above his ear. He's still walking around and fine today since the bullet never penetrated his skull. I also had a neighbor who attempted suicide by sticking a .22 pistol in his mouth. The bullet lodged in his upper pallet and again, he's fine today, thanks to the .22's lousy penetration.
My favorite of the handguns I own is my Glock 20 10mm, with a Lone Wolf 6" hunting bbl, Wolf springs and a Buffertech recoil buffer. But 10mm ammo is hard to find (the good stuff, anyway) so I have to rely on Doubletap Ammo and UPS to feed the need. If TSHTF, that option will be be unavailable and if I did find any ammo it would be the lousy factory stuff. (might as well be carrying a .40 Slow & Weak). So, while the G20 is my favorite HG, it's not ideal for the purpose.

[Whiterook]

The .22 sucks, deal with it. I know a guy who was shot in the head at close range with a .22 pistol. The bullet entered at the forehead, skidded around the skull, and exited just above his ear. He's still walking around and fine today since the bullet never penetrated his skull. I also had a neighbor who attempted suicide by sticking a .22 pistol in his mouth. The bullet lodged in his upper pallet and again, he's fine today, thanks to the .22's lousy penetration.




The greatest strength of the .22LR was never power. It is supported for "survival" purposes because you can carry many more rounds than any other cartridge, it is everywhere, and that the firearms are easy to shoot.

[mattifikation]

Good thing you can carry a bunch, since you'll need to keep shooting until you put one right through the zombie's eye...

[Trumble0]

If I had to carry a .22... I would carry a .22 magnum, the casings are only a little bit longer, so you aren't losing much of that precious ridiculous amount of ammo storage. The logic just isn't there IMHO... it's like ok... I can have alot of really powerful ammo or have ridiculous amounts of possibly the weakest ammo save for maybe a .25 auto. In the long run I think it would equal out... ok so instead of one .223 or .308 bullet to the head it takes 4 .22 shells most people are going to shoot for the forehead and thats one of the thickest parts of the skull. Like Mattifikation said, you'd almost have to aim for an eye, or a temple perhaps, and anyone who would trust a .22 to take down a zombie easily probably doesn't have much practical gun experience, or trusts Max Brooks word like the word of god himself. but w/e each to his own.

[Trumble0]

The last post probably sounded pretty condescending... but seriously... if someone is going to write a book and try to pass it off as legit, they need to know what they're talking about. This isn't the first time I've heard Max Brook's technical knowledge of weaponry questioned. I've also seen it in the World War Z topic. A .22 just isn't a round I would trust with my life, not even against a live person let alone and undead person that feels minimal if no pain.

[mattifikation]

Max Brooks is an idiot when it comes to guns. His argument against select-fire rifles is that the "temptation" is there to switch to "rock and roll," whatever the hell that means.

Unless by temptation he means "option," I just don't get what the hell he's saying. If you don't have the discipline to not waste your ammo, then you just shouldn't be the guy with the gun to begin with.

His argument against submachine guns was range, but he was all about the .22 wimpfire cartridge. He also flat out made up half the book off the top of his head, so I don't know why people go by that thing.

[Trumble0]

Max Brooks is an idiot when it comes to guns. His argument against select-fire rifles is that the "temptation" is there to switch to "rock and roll," whatever the hell that means.

Unless by temptation he means "option," I just don't get what the hell he's saying. If you don't have the discipline to not waste your ammo, then you just shouldn't be the guy with the gun to begin with.

His argument against submachine guns was range, but he was all about the .22 wimpfire cartridge. He also flat out made up half the book off the top of his head, so I don't know why people go by that thing.

Yeah, he's probably of the same breed that writes the news articles about how dangerous guns are, which have coined such gems as "Semi-automatic Revolver"... and refer to any rifle as an assault rifle. Pretty soon NY is going to ban my Ruger 10-22 Assault rifle :lol: It's just honestly, you spend the time writing a book that its in good fun, but when writing a survival guide you should be able to replace zombie with something and have it still be applicable and useful... dinosaur, alien, the predator jk... But honestly, a little research would have helped the book out alot. As far as his research went, im pretty sure he just walked into a gunshop and was like... what's the smallest most underpowered bullet ever made?

[mattifikation]

I'm surprised he doesn't try to push pellet guns on his poor unsuspecting readers.

"Pellets are the optimum ammunition to use against zombies. With proper aim, a pellet can be shot directly up a zombie's nostril and into its brain. Furthermore, you can get a can of hundreds of pellets for just a few dollars. And best of all, pellets have no gunpowder or other volatile substances in them. Some pellet guns are made almost entirely out of plastic, so they're lightweight and easy to carry over long distances..."

[Trumble0]

I'm surprised he doesn't try to push pellet guns on his poor unsuspecting readers.

"Pellets are the optimum ammunition to use against zombies. With proper aim, a pellet can be shot directly up a zombie's nostril and into its brain. Furthermore, you can get a can of hundreds of pellets for just a few dollars. And best of all, pellets have no gunpowder or other volatile substances in them. Some pellet guns are made almost entirely out of plastic, so they're lightweight and easy to carry over long distances..."

Hahaha, I was behind some guy in Dick's Sporting Goods, I was inquiring about a Ruger Mini-14, which I later found out Dick's doesnt carry because it's an "Assault Rifle" and some guy was asking about a Pellet Pistol, one of the pretty powerful crossman ones that kind of look like a TC Contender, to "Shoot geese that were in his yard" because he lived on the edge of a lake... The Dick's guy told him that it would be against the law and cruelty to animals/harassing wildlife if he did, and I had to keep from laughing. I could see that guy trying to use a pellet gun on a zombie.

[mk2]

I would second the 1911 or possibly a glock because I would find 9MM ammo faster than I would .45 I imagine. I have a collection of 1911s and I have one glock G26, so I'll have both on Z day :evil:

[mattifikation]

Haha. Remember, if it's not a person you can kill it with pellets!

Rhinoceros poaching career, here I come!

[Trumble0]

Haha. Remember, if it's not a person you can kill it with pellets!

Rhinoceros poaching career, here I come!

Imagine if you will... A world where Max Brooks had released his Book in the late 70's/ early 80's. The course of Movie history would have been totally changed... Whilst reciting the bad ass line "If it bleeds, we can kill it" in Predator, Arnold would have been holding a Crossman Spring loaded pellet pistol, since his Squad was special forces and needed all the ammo they could Carry. :lol: But honestly in all the zombie movies Ive seen, I've never seen or heard the suggestion to employ a .22 against a zombie... Hell I'd take the Sony Discman Laser Gun from "Raiders of the Living Dead" before a .22

[lavel]

I don't really know much about guns. If I were in a zombie scenario, I'd consider myself lucky to even have one, and spare ammo to boot!:lol:

I heard of presidential 42 magnum. I heard they shoot nice--I might use that one.:)

[Whiterook]

Ain't basing anything on that book. It is smart to have a .22 with you. Sure, I'd take my CZ75B in 9mm too, and one of my centerfire rifles. None will do it all.

I love how macho some of you guys are. Calling the .22 "wimpfire". Give me a break, sure if you are running out there in the middle of a group just blasting at things it won't be the best.

If any of you guys want to volunteer to take a round of ".22 wimpfire" just let me know!

Now I never said it was the end all be all of cartridges. On the other hand if you think it is useless, and can't take out a skull you are severely misinformed. Probably worn down by years of shooting partners and teachers who condemn the round as being weak and useless.

It is weak, but it isn't as weak as many would believe.

http://rimfirecentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=218136&highlight=turkey

Read that. I've posted it here before but it is a good read.

[Trumble0]

I would like to see that same test done with a Human head, Poultry bones are more fragile than any other bone. the next time someone bags a deer with a small rack and doesn't care about mounting it, shoot it in the head with a .22 at those distances I bet the results would be alot different. I'm not disputing a .22 round would go through a stomach or chest, but I have a hard time believing even the High velocity .22 rounds would penetrate a human skull easily at a range. I have no problem believing people have shot rabbits in excess of 300 yards, .22's shoot relatively flat, but again, you dont need to shoot a rabbit in the brain to kill it.

[Whiterook]

Someone on this board did a test on a pigs head with a .22. Went deep into the brain, there was a video on Youtube of it. I'll try and find the post.

That poster was rabidly pro-.22 to the point of being a huge pest. I argue for it, but I know it can't do everything.

[Gummerfan]

Given the choice between something that "could", "might", "may" do the job and something that WILL do the job, I'm gonna put the odds in my favor.
And no, I wouldn't want to be shot with a .22 (or a .380, .25, or BB) any more than I'd want somebody to attack me with a $50.00 BudK wallhanger sword-like-object.
Still not gonna bet my life on either one of them though.

[Trumble0]

Exactly, I'd rather have a little overkill than be right at that fringe where it would work, or might not work. And... don't you think it's kind of contradictory to tell readers to pick a gun because you can carry loads of ammunition, and then advise against using a gun for fear of drawing zombies to your position? oh well, in non-life and death situtations you can't beat the .22 as far as being a cheap plinking gun,I shoot my Savage MkII when I get bored, alot less expensive and time consuming than shooting my 30-06, but in a ZPAW the one adjective I wouldn't want to describe the thing that may very well be keeping me from a horrible death is cheap.

[Trumble0]

Coming back to the .22. It would have to be a bolt or Lever action,Revolver or a pump although I haven't seen a pump action .22 in awhile. The semi-autos lose power because of the gas-cycling system. the only downside to all of these are... Bolt's dont have a very high ROF, and Lever actions and pump actions don't load with box mags, theyre usually internal tube mags that may or may not take speed loading tubes, and the speed loading tubes would be more awkward to carry than box mags because of their length. Revolver... not that bad if you carry around speed-feeders and train reloading.