Although many gun enthusiasts have tired of the “zombie” gun craze, the notion of having a couple go-to guns in times of crisis is something we can all get onboard with. So here’s the TAG Team’s choices for a sidearm and long gun they’d reach for in an end of the world, dystopian, societal collapse, zombie-apocalypse-type-situation. Give us your selections in the comments below, or give us your thoughts on our choices!
Handgun: CZ-75 (left) – For a full size double stack 9mm pistol, its ergonomics are difficult to beat. I’m also more accurate with that gun than any other pistol, which is something I value for a gun to which I’m trusting my life.
Long gun: AK-74 (below)- This was a toughie. I like both AR- and AK-style rifles, but out of my personal firearms collection, my AK-74 outperforms my AR-15 in reliability. I’d want that peace of mind in a SHTF scenario. It also doesn’t hurt that 5.45 is reasonably affordable and not too difficult to acquire, has decent range, and is light enough for me to tote a substantial amount of it.
Handgun: Glock 19 (left)
There are a bunch of light, relatively high-capacity, reliable handguns out there that would serve my purpose. However, I have more trigger time in on Glocks, so one major reason for selecting one would be my comfort level. Another reason is that their parts are somewhat interchangeable and there have been more of them produced than most other handguns. I think I’d be more likely to come across other 9mm pistols in the field, and that could prove useful in keeping the gun in working order. I’d go 9mm for weight-to-capacity ratio and for ammo supply. I’d go G34, but I’d be starting in the city, and concealment could be to my advantage. Also, I’d likely be on foot at some point and I’d want to save the weight.
Long gun: Remington 870 (below)
I’d hate to lug the weight of the 870, and in a lot of scenarios I’d choose differently. With limited knowledge, I’d want to go with a pump shotgun because of its multipurpose nature. I’d at least start out with a gun that let me fill several purposes (until I depleted my shell stash). Again, I have the most trigger time in on the 870, so I’d pick it over Mossbergs and other options. They are everywhere and I’d be likely to find multiples (for parts). In addition, I think if I could get my hands on some primers, I could find a way to reload for it more readily than many other long guns.
Handgun: Glock 17 (left)
Okay, so my mindset here would be survivability. Considering that during a zombie apocalypse there would probably be limited resources, I have to base my decisions on ammo availability, firearm reliability and function. Nine-millimeter will be all over the place to trade for, steal, or pick up. Glock has proven its reliability, and is extremely easy to take down, clean, and put back together, even in the dark. It also does not require a lot of lubrication to function.
Long gun: AK-47 variant (below)
7.62×39 may not be as readily available as .223/5.56 would be during a zombie crisis, but there will still be plenty of it around. Reliability? It’s an AK. Do I need to say more? It also needs little to no cleaning or lubrication, and is very easy to service in the field.
Handgun: Performance Center M&P R8 in .357 (left)
A high-quality revolver that holds eight rounds of .357, I think the M&P R8 would be an ideal sidearm in times of crisis because A.) You can shoot either .38 Specials (and +P) or .357s from it—helping to improve your chances of finding shootable ammo when scavenging B.) You can’t beat a revolver for reliability, and C.) It fires a round potent enough to stop both two-legged predators and larger game.
Long gun: Remington 870 (below)
No, it’s not glamorous choice, but 12 gauge ammo is easy to come by, has plenty of stopping power, and is versatile: The 870 can shoot birdshot, buckshot, or slugs, making it a great game-getter. Plus, given the popularity of the 870, replacement parts would be easier to come by than other long guns.
Handgun: Smith & Wesson M&P 9mm (left)
Until recently, I have not been a big fan of the “zombie craze”, nor did I subscribe to the dystopian theory. However, after becoming a fan of AMC’s The Walking Dead and after seeing the Hollywood blockbuster World War Z, I began to think “what if that REALLY did happen?” Even though my logical mind knows that this is scientifically and biologically impossible, I began to pick out my “zombie killing” (ZK) tools. My ZK handgun would be my trusty Smith & Wesson M&P 9mm. It’s light, easy to carry, holds a lot of rounds, it can take a beating and can go a while without cleaning.
Long gun:Bravo Company MFG (BCM) AR-15 (below)
I would have to chose my custom Bravo Company MFG (BCM) AR-15 with the 14.5″ barrel for my ZK long gun. BCM rifles are battle-proven, tough as nails, and accurate to a fault. If I needed to shoot on the move, shoot from a distance, or bash some zombie skull with my buttstock, the BCM rifle would do the job well. Equipped with SureFire 60 and 100 round magazines, I think I would be good to go. I’ve got to go. I hear someone moaning outside my window!
Handgun: Glock 17 (left)
The Glock 17 has and will remain my go-to pistol, most likely for forever. Extreme reliability with good accuracy, coupled with lightweight design and a bore axis that is unbeatable, makes the G17 my pick in the zombie apocalypse.
Long gun: AR-15 (below)
I don’t think I can really choose anything over a good old AR15. It’d be the perfect multi-purpose rifle for the task at hand. Lightweight, accurate at a reasonable distance, good ammo capacity and just plain fun to shoot. Yes, the AR15 will do.
Glocks are the AKs of the pistol world, so I’d go with the Glock 22, since the rounds are prevalent and you could probably pick up spare magazines and ammo off of zombified police officers.
Long gun: AK-101 (below)
The zombie apocalypse presents a myriad of problems to potential survivors. The first is that you may or may not have access to or time for cleaning supplies. What you need is a weapon that is rugged and can fire with little to zero maintenance or cleaning. For a long rifle, the Kalashnikov series comes to mind, but then we run into another problem: ammunition. Unless you have the time and materials to reload, ammunition will be scarce. The 7.62x39mm Kalashnikov round isn’t readily accessible in the United States, either. So, my solution is to go with a 5.56mm Kalashnikov platform, such as the AK-101. That way, you combine reliability with ammunition access.
Handgun: Springfield XDm .40 (left)
To protect myself from non-zombie threats, I’d choose my XDm 4.5″ .40 caliber. The capacity is nice (16 rounds) and it’s what I’m most comfortable shooting. I like the pistol and I like the round. It works well for me and I trust it.
Long gun: Ruger 10/22 (below)
I would choose the Ruger 10/22 for its quietness and accuracy. The round should be more than enough to head-shot and put down a zombie, plus, you can carry a ton of ammo without much effort.
Featured image courtesy of Resident Evil: Afterlife.
I am a fan of this question, however, it is incomplete. The zombies we are talking about, are they “Shamblers” (Night of the Living Dead), “Sprinters” (Dawn of the Dead, 2004), or “Infected” (28 Days Later). And before some geek throws a fit about Infected not being zombies, I don’t recall any mention of Voodoo in any Romero movie, so STFU. Anyway, my loadout would very greatly depending on the “breed” of zombie.
ThorDeSchane I’m picturing infected types like in 28 Days Later (scariest ones, in my opinion). Anyone else?
Defiantly the Walking Dead type, WWZ they were way to fast!
ThorDeSchane I was thinking of a “variety bag” o’ zombies. I figured I’d be able to address a decent spread of zombie threat, from what my family dubs, “leg draggers” to “zippity zombies.”
I’d prepare for the worst, 28 days/weeks later infected type that is.
In my opinion, the 28 Days Later wouldn’t as bad as Dawn of the Dead/World War Z, since body shots still put them down. My votes would be 10/22 – 22/45 for Shamblers since it is ALL about shot placement with them. AR-15 – Glock 9mm for sprinters to blend capacity, power, and precision (shoot for the pelvis first! they can’t crawl that fast). Ultimax and FNP .45 for infected for stopping power and capacity, since it is more like traditional combat.
A question for who have chosen the shotgun: what barrel lenght, chokes and sights would you mount?
AlessioBaldi 18″ barrel for weight and maneuverability. Full choke to allow shooting both steel and lead without need for change. Sights? Give me a good ol’ fashioned gold bead.
AlessioBaldi I’d go 18″ fixed cylinder & I’d stash a rifled barrel in the high country 😉
As to sights, I’d use the http://wp.me/a33YiT-Rcthat are currently on my 870. (I’m afraid AR’s have ruined me.)
Onlyone barrel ;)That’s a difficult choiche for me. I have hunting in mind, and untill i can make it to the mountains, where there’s plenty of roe deers and wild hogs, the inly game i can get is birds and rabbits/hares. For these small games a longer barrel, let’s say at least a 22″, with mobile chokes, vent rib and a fiber optic front post would be far better, and it’d be ok for hogs and deer also (i’ve just used it successfully ;D ). That’s not the best option for cqb or fibua, but i wish to exit the urban srea as soon as possible. Afterall, there is only a half dozen miles from where i live to the mountains.Remington doesn’t have a 22″ for the 870, soi think i’d go for the 26 😉
Anyone planning on “scavenging” ammunition or parts has not been paying attention to how disasters work.
You won’t find any supplies post-disaster. The rush on it would deplete store shelves and the disaster is keeping resupply to arrive.
Better have what you need BEFORE it hits.
Agree, thats the essence of prepping. But keep in mind that you might not be able to take with you, or reach, your supplies. Not everybody is, want or can be deep into prepping. Those can only grab what they have and hope to be able to find what they need. Ammo can be taken from dead enemies or bartered with other items for example, same for spare parts.
Agree, thats the essence of prepping. But keep in mind that you might not be able to take with you, or reach, your supplies. Not everybody is, want or can be deep into prepping. Those can only grab what they have and hope to be able to find what they need. Ammo can be taken from dead enemies or bartered with other items for example, same for spare parts.
What a great article. After reading all of the comments too it makes sense to take what you have already acquired. But if its Chaos there’s no rules. I would carry my 1911 45, to put I’m down, my light kaltec PMR 30, for head shots, always have back up. My Ar15, suppressed , and a knife and Zombie axe.
DarkGriffin Ooh, I like those PMR 30s. Just can’t get over that capacity…
I’m going to echo the sentiment already expressed in several comments… I love this article :] Fun idea, and interesting responses. Good on ya, Nate, for the idea and its execution.
FateofDestinee Thank ya! But again, it was due only to a well-executed collaboration between some great folks.
The initial question refeted also to a societal collapse and a dystopian type society coming. Would this kind of situations change you choices?
AlessioBaldi I actually think the reason the whole zombie apocalypse notion became so popular was due to its (innocuous) similarities to societal collapse. That said, I think our choices would serve us equally well in a societal collapse/dystopian society.
The whole idea of zombies ending the world sparks lots of conversation and imagination. In all reality though, if the world were to fall apart I’d grab my M1A, and my Kimber desert warrior. With .308 rounds out of my rifle, I will have plenty of knockdown power, and my reliable 1911 spits out .45 rounds which will also do the trick. Ammo should be reasonably easy to acquire for both. I also would have my Ka-Bar as a back up, can’t go wrong with a fixed blade. Great job Nate, you really got the gears to spinning in lots of peoples heads with this topic.
The whole idea of zombies ending the world sparks lots of conversation and imagination. In all reality though, if the world were to fall apart I’d grab my M1A, and my Kimber desert warrior. With .308 rounds out of my rifle, I will have plenty of knockdown power, and my reliable 1911 spits out .45 rounds which will also do the trick. Ammo should be reasonably easy to acquire for both. I also would have my Ka-Bar as a back up, can’t go wrong with a fixed blade. Great job Nate, you really got the gears to spinning in lots of peoples heads with this topic.
Shoot to hit Excellent selections! I’m all about the Ka-Bar, too. 🙂 Glad you enjoyed the article! It was a lot of fun pulling it together.
Shoot to hit Excellent selections! I’m all about the Ka-Bar, too. 🙂 Glad you enjoyed the article! It was a lot of fun pulling it together.
Only two is a problem because you neeed three as a minimum. I have my second place stashed with stuff too but there I went with a minimum.
Mossberg 500 Coast to Coast special win a 32 inch full choke barrel. I have a stash of 000 shells loaded with 28 grains of 231 that are down right punishing to shoot.
Some kind of 22 pump mine is a Premier Trailblazer for quiet killing.
A revolver the one I happen to have up there is a Herrington and Richardson in 32 H&R. Anyone age five or above can use it with lethal accuracy.
At home I would grab my Smith and Wesson 624 in 44 Special. For a rifle I would grab a Winchester 25-35 since I have 1000 rounds in a back pack and of course my trusty 120 year old Winchester model 90 simply cause she still will do the job with less bark.
In this type of SHTF situation I would not want an autoloader simply because keeping it clean enough to function would be a problem.