Pick your vehicle and pick your weapons for the inevitable Zombie Apocalypse.
Toyota Prius V since gasoline will be very scarce and there are lots of Priuses to use for spare parts. My arsenal would include two 9mm handguns, a .270 hunting rifle, and a couple hunting knives.
79 Chevy truck. Green. With a rebuilt small block and a 4bbl. 4wd this time, and a 4 spd auto to make it easier to shoot n drive. Whatever guns I can find, probably several 9mm pistols and some AR15 piece of junk.
Defender 110 with some kind of carb'd military 6-cylinder diesel transplant, a vege oil/anything-that-is-liquid-and-burns conversion, and non-computerized auto transmission. Machete, katana, some axes, 12 ga pump, .410 semi-auto, .22 semi-auto with 60+ rnd mag, 30-06 with a really long scope, .45 revolver, 9 mm semi-auto, RPG launcher, and a lot of ammo.
(http://cdn.obsidianportal.com/assets/152250/Imperial_Star_Destroyer_by_Maste.jpg)
No way in hell I'm sticking around to fight zombies. I'm leaving and obliterating them from orbit.
For some reason, I like this one
(http://files.doobybrain.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/aton-impulse-viking-2992.jpg)
Noobs.
M35A2.
Millions of them around, last forever and will run on anything from crankcase oil to vodka. Cheaper than all the options mentioned so far as well.
Quote from: Soup DeVille on October 17, 2013, 01:32:10 PM
Noobs.
M35A2.
Millions of them around, last forever and will run on anything from crankcase oil to vodka. Cheaper than all the options mentioned so far as well.
Yeah but does it float on water? I can escape zombies by going on the water and live off of fish.. And the M35A2 seems like it's too big where a Zombie can hide in your cab and attack you.
Quote from: NomisR on October 17, 2013, 01:36:04 PM
Yeah but does it float on water? I can escape zombies by going on the water and live off of fish.. And the M35A2 seems like it's too big where a Zombie can hide in your cab and attack you.
You could always just get a boat?
Quote from: NomisR on October 17, 2013, 01:36:04 PM
Yeah but does it float on water? I can escape zombies by going on the water and live off of fish.. And the M35A2 seems like it's too big where a Zombie can hide in your cab and attack you.
It'll ford something like six feet, which is good enough most of the time.
Quote from: Northlands on October 17, 2013, 01:54:52 PM
You could always just get a boat?
For the price of that monstrosity, you could get a dozen.
And if you really need something that floats, there are a couple dozen Soviet BMP-1s in the country.
(http://mansworldmagazine.com/mansworldmagazine/sites/default/files/uploads_frontend/uploads_editor/rides/cars/The%20Lamborghini%20LM002/lm2_center.jpg)
Sooo... no one's picking the Hyundai Veloster that they are advertising during Walking Dead? :rolleyes:
Quote from: Northlands on October 17, 2013, 01:54:52 PM
You could always just get a boat?
But then you can't drive a boat on land.. this is like the best of both worlds... almost..
Quote from: Soup DeVille on October 17, 2013, 02:05:32 PM
And if you really need something that floats, there are a couple dozen Soviet BMP-1s in the country.
What's the MPG on those?
Quote from: Northlands on October 17, 2013, 01:54:52 PM
You could always just get a boat?
I would take an oil tanker like the Smokers from Waterworld.
Quote from: NomisR on October 17, 2013, 02:42:01 PM
What's the MPG on those?
not good, but again they'll burn basically anything.
Quote from: Eye of the Tiger on October 17, 2013, 02:48:38 PM
You mean GPM
:lol: yeah, exactly.. M35A2 makes more sense than BMP1 since at least you can probably run it off of zombie remains after you kill them
Quote from: Soup DeVille on October 17, 2013, 02:50:24 PM
not good, but again they'll burn basically anything.
Turbine?
Quote from: Eye of the Tiger on October 17, 2013, 02:52:13 PM
Turbine?
High compression multifuel engine. The Russians would never use turbines for armor.
Quote from: Soup DeVille on October 17, 2013, 02:53:07 PM
High compression multifuel engine. The Russians would never use turbines for armor.
Multifuel engines are amazing. I would go with an M35A2 even without zombies. I just want one. I also want a waste oil furnace.
Quote from: Eye of the Tiger on October 17, 2013, 02:56:08 PM
Multifuel engines are amazing. I would go with an M35A2 even without zombies. I just want one. I also want a waste oil furnace.
It'd be the handiest thing to have for working your new land...
Quote from: Soup DeVille on October 17, 2013, 03:01:21 PM
It'd be the handiest thing to have for working your new land...
Too bad I am stuck with an Accent... But it will get a lift, HD tyres, and a utility trailer.
Quote from: Soup DeVille on October 17, 2013, 02:53:07 PM
High compression multifuel engine. The Russians would never use turbines for armor.
So you can chop up zombies and use them as fuel?
Quote from: NomisR on October 17, 2013, 03:30:57 PM
So you can chop up zombies and use them as fuel?
Do zombies ferment on their own? If they do, you could likely boil and then distill them and get something flammable enough.
Quote from: Soup DeVille on October 17, 2013, 03:34:54 PM
Do zombies ferment on their own? If they do, you could likely boil and then distill them and get something flammable enough.
I ended up finding this
http://www.centives.net/S/2012/how-long-would-food-fuel-and-ammo-last-in-the-zombie-apocalypse/ (http://www.centives.net/S/2012/how-long-would-food-fuel-and-ammo-last-in-the-zombie-apocalypse/)
So if you can ferment zombies, would help with the whole ammo issue and gas since you can just run them over and use them to make fuel.
Quote from: NomisR on October 17, 2013, 03:37:00 PM
I ended up finding this
http://www.centives.net/S/2012/how-long-would-food-fuel-and-ammo-last-in-the-zombie-apocalypse/ (http://www.centives.net/S/2012/how-long-would-food-fuel-and-ammo-last-in-the-zombie-apocalypse/)
So if you can ferment zombies, would help with the whole ammo issue and gas since you can just run them over and use them to make fuel.
Wow. It's nuts how much work people put into this.
Like I said though, they will run on crankcase oil, and here's going to be about a gallon of it in every derelict car on the side of the road, and ten gallons or so in every big rig.
I'm thinking diesel pickup truck, maybe an M-ATV.
Weapons? I'm thinking a Kel-Tec KSG shotgun, an M4 or M16 rifle, a 9mm semi-auto handgun, a .357Mag revolver, .22LR semi-auto rifle, a 9mm semi-auto carbine, and a katana.
Quote from: MX793 on October 17, 2013, 04:08:55 PM
I'm thinking diesel pickup truck, maybe an M-ATV.
Weapons? I'm thinking a Kel-Tec KSG shotgun, an M4 or M16 rifle, a 9mm semi-auto handgun, a .357Mag revolver, .22LR semi-auto rifle, a 9mm semi-auto carbine, and a katana.
How many different types of ammo will you have to carry with you?
Quote from: SVT666 on October 17, 2013, 04:39:30 PM
How many different types of ammo will you have to carry with you?
I'm counting five right there, and he doesn't even have a good rifle round yet..
Some sort of APC, maybe like a BTR-90. AK-47 as an AR since they're....everywhere and practically indestructible. A decent sized flexible spear and either a decent katana or a scimitar for close quarters.
Quote from: SVT666 on October 17, 2013, 04:39:30 PM
How many different types of ammo will you have to carry with you?
I want to be sure I've got something to cover a lot of different, common ammunition types so I'm not stuck with a gun that can't fire whatever ammunition I manage to scrounge up. If I had to pair it down, I'd go with the KSG, the 9mm handgun, and the katana.
Quote from: Northlands on October 17, 2013, 05:02:58 PM
Some sort of APC, maybe like a BTR-90. AK-47 as an AR since they're....everywhere and practically indestructible. A decent sized flexible spear and either a decent katana or a scimitar for close quarters.
You might want something with long range reusable or ammo that you can make yourself.... like a crossbow, or a homemade repeating crossbow.
Quote from: MX793 on October 17, 2013, 05:03:01 PM
I want to be sure I've got something to cover a lot of different, common ammunition types so I'm not stuck with a gun that can't fire whatever ammunition I manage to scrounge up. If I had to pair it down, I'd go with the KSG, the 9mm handgun, and the katana.
If the ammo is there to scrounge; so are the guns.
I would have a 12 ga shotgun as well. You could reload them with anything as long as you can get your hands on more gunpowder.
There's so much ammo out there already, by the time it runs out, if there are still zombies around; well, it'd be best to just stab 'em.
Quote from: Soup DeVille on October 17, 2013, 05:02:01 PM
I'm counting five right there, and he doesn't even have a good rifle round yet..
Are you really going to be taking pop shots at zombies at long range? You don't need a 30-06 or .308 to put a hole through a zombie's head. .223/5.56 doesn't have the range or power of a .308 or whatever, but it's a smaller round so you can carry more rounds per pound.
12ga buckshot is highly effective at closer ranges and you don't need to be a crack shot to hit your mark.
9mm is one of the most common handgun rounds. Plenty powerful to get the job done.
.22LR doesn't have much range or power, but its super common.
The .357 is powerful and can fire .38 rounds as well, lending some versatility. And revolvers don't jam if there's a misfire.
Quote from: MX793 on October 17, 2013, 05:12:58 PM
Are you really going to be taking pop shots at zombies at long range? You don't need a 30-06 or .308 to put a hole through a zombie's head. .223/5.56 doesn't have the range or power of a .308 or whatever, but it's a smaller round so you can carry more rounds per pound.
12ga buckshot is highly effective at closer ranges and you don't need to be a crack shot to hit your mark.
9mm is one of the most common handgun rounds. Plenty powerful to get the job done.
.22LR doesn't have much range or power, but its super common.
The .357 is powerful and can fire .38 rounds as well, lending some versatility. And revolvers don't jam if there's a misfire.
If you need to clear a building, why make it so you have to walk up to them?
If versatility is what you want, get an Astra 600.
Quote from: Soup DeVille on October 17, 2013, 05:23:12 PM
If you need to clear a building, why make it so you have to walk up to them?
If versatility is what you want, get an Astra 600.
What makes it so versatile?
Quote from: SVT666 on October 17, 2013, 05:28:31 PM
What makes it so versatile?
It's a blowback design chambered in 9mm Largo. Which means, the length of the cartridge is somewhat flexible.
It can fire 9mm largo (9x21), 9mm NATO, 9x18 Makarov, and .380 ACP. Barrel switches can give you .32 ACP, 7.62 Tokarev, and a couple of others.
A .30-'06 can be fitted with chamber spacers so it can also fire .308 and .32 ACP.
Get a .22 conversion for that AR instead of another complete rifle.
Now, you have three guns that can fire any of nine common rounds.
Quote from: Soup DeVille on October 17, 2013, 05:37:44 PM
It's a blowback design chambered in 9mm Largo. Which means, the length of the cartridge is somewhat flexible.
It can fire 9mm largo (9x21), 9mm NATO, 9x18 Makarov, and .380 ACP. Barrel switches can give you .32 ACP, 7.62 Tokarev, and a couple of others.
A .30-'06 can be fitted with chamber spacers so it can also fire .308 and .32 ACP.
Get a .22 conversion for that AR instead of another complete rifle.
Now, you have three guns that can fire any of nine common rounds.
Good to know.
Quote from: SVT666 on October 17, 2013, 06:14:39 PM
Good to know.
After thinking about it, you could also have a second cylinder for that .357, but have it machined to take 9mm with gear clips; which would also accept .380s.
So now, you have one revolver that takes four very common rounds.
Quote from: Soup DeVille on October 17, 2013, 05:23:12 PM
If you need to clear a building, why make it so you have to walk up to them?
If versatility is what you want, get an Astra 600.
I'm not a good enough shot to be hitting moving, melon-sized targets at over 300 yards. But for a given carry weight (which is important if you're hoofing it), you get roughly twice as many rounds of .223 as you do .308.
I think I'll just make my way to Soup's truck and just carry whatever he's carrying to fight off zombies.
Quote from: Soup DeVille on October 17, 2013, 01:32:10 PM
Noobs.
M35A2.
Millions of them around, last forever and will run on anything from crankcase oil to vodka. Cheaper than all the options mentioned so far as well.
Too big. Only reason to get one is so you can build a living space on the back (which is a a good idea).
Quote from: Rupert on October 17, 2013, 07:29:05 PM
Too big. Only reason to get one is so you can build a living space on the back (which is a a good idea).
They actually feel smaller from the drivers seat. Good visibility. I'd like to see what a bobbed one is like.
M1 Abrams Tank.
Quote from: Soup DeVille on October 17, 2013, 07:53:06 PM
They actually feel smaller from the drivers seat. Good visibility. I'd like to see what a bobbed one is like.
Heh, that would be rad.
FN FAL in .308, Benelli Supernova with all the frills, .44 Magnum, claymore - Sword, and mines. Carry all this shit around in a Marauder with a 50cal on the roof.
Quote from: veeman on October 17, 2013, 08:59:31 PM
M1 Abrams Tank.
Have you seen The Walking Dead? That story does not end well for the tank.
Quote from: Soup DeVille on October 17, 2013, 05:02:01 PM
I'm counting five right there, and he doesn't even have a good rifle round yet..
Zombies have soft skulls. You don't really need a big round to penetrate them and get to the brain. You'd only need a bigger round for killing people who are attacking you, but an M4 will do that job as well.
Quote from: Raza on October 18, 2013, 08:25:41 AM
Have you seen The Walking Dead? That story does not end well for the tank.
Tank seemed fine. Even if it wasn't an Abrams.
Quote from: Raza on October 18, 2013, 08:28:07 AM
Zombies have soft skulls. You don't really need a big round to penetrate them and get to the brain. You'd only need a bigger round for killing people who are attacking you, but an M4 will do that job as well.
They might have soft skills eventually; not sure about that. Other people might be a problem though, and I don't want to have to close on them either.
On second thought, this:
Shelby mustang GT500 ( I am legend) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aO3b4yK68Y4#ws)
Quote from: Soup DeVille on October 18, 2013, 08:52:46 AM
They might have soft skills eventually; not sure about that. Other people might be a problem though, and I don't want to have to close on them either.
My thoughts on this are as follows:
Guys who are saying they'll use swords are the first to get killed. Swords are not easy to use; if you don't know what you're doing, they're cumbersome and dangerous, and in very close quarters, extremely hard to use effectively. Since headshots are all that count (even decapitation, by Walking Dead rules, isn't a kill), lopping off body parts doesn't even slow them down. You'll be swarmed and a meal before the average person can figure out which side of the sword is sharp. If my old college roommate, an accomplished fencer, said he wanted a katana, I'd say cool, go for it. But if the closest you've come to using a sword is a toy lightsaber, you're fucked. And not in a good way.
Zombie skulls are fragile (again, Walking Dead rules) and plentiful, so to me, accuracy and penetration are very important. Very few zombies wear body armor (though some do), so a 9mm carbine would be a good choice as a medium distance zombie hunter. My choice here would be a Beretta CX4 Storm, 9mm carbine. I know that I'm deadly accurate with it. Throw on a scope and a suppressor, and you've got a nice weapon for an elevated position; night defense, day defense, without the sound of a loud, large caliber weapon drawing in more zombies.
Reloading sucks, so I'd choose a 9mm handgun with a higher capacity magazine. I know in actual life, I prefer an SA/DA handgun, but in high stress frantic situations, a consistent DAO handgun might be better. Something like a Glock 17 or a Walther P99, with no hammer to get snagged on clothing, would be my preferred choice, despite the coolness factor of my Sig or an HK USP. I'm leaning Glock on reliability.
I'd also want something that without a doubt settles the argument. Smith and Wesson 686+ chambered with .357s would do the trick. And truth be told, I wouldn't mind a .45 Colt Defender as a last resort type of handgun.
Then there are two more types of weapons that are a must have in any zombie apocalypse arsenal: shotgun and long gun.
Shotguns are reliable and easy to use. A Remington 870 would do the trick just fine, but if mayhem is your soup du jour, an AA12 with a 200 round drum is a must. Personally, I'd go with the Remington pump action shotgun over a potentially fickle AA12.
Long gun. I have a preference for bolt action here, something that's easy to manage and easy to clean. Higher powered, so people think twice about raiding your camp once their buddy's head explodes. I honestly don't know much about these, so I'm going to choose one of my favorites from the Call of Duty series, the Remington 700.
Home base is of utmost importance. You don't want to carry everything with you all the time, or sleep in a car, or anything like that. So your loadout can be variable. On a run, you don't want to be too specialized and run into something you weren't prepared to handle. That's when I'd go for my all rounder: Ruger Mini 14 Tactical. Pistol grip, reliable, with a flash suppressor, integrated scope mounts give it versatility; you can get dirty with this gun. Semi auto, so you don't burn through ammo, TV show style.
And, luckily, I'm a decent archer, so I'll keep a bow and arrow around as a backup.
For the car, assuming you've got a defensible home base, I'd want something decently quick and all wheel drive, so I can get off the main road if I need to. And a bit of space, so you can throw gear and/or supplies in the back. Maybe an older hawkeye/blobeye WRX wagon or Forester 2.5XT.
Well, for close range, a blunt weapon would definitely work better against undead based on the rules you've stated. And I believe blunt weapons also has a bonus vs undead too so this definitely helps. So a large sledge hammer or a mace would be a much better close range weapon than a sword would. Bats probably wouldn't last more than a few dozen blows at most.
LOL. I'd like to see what a 200 round drum of 12 gauge looks like.
Quote from: Raza on October 18, 2013, 12:01:14 PM
My thoughts on this are as follows:
Guys who are saying they'll use swords are the first to get killed. Swords are not easy to use; if you don't know what you're doing, they're cumbersome and dangerous, and in very close quarters, extremely hard to use effectively. Since headshots are all that count (even decapitation, by Walking Dead rules, isn't a kill), lopping off body parts doesn't even slow them down. You'll be swarmed and a meal before the average person can figure out which side of the sword is sharp. If my old college roommate, an accomplished fencer, said he wanted a katana, I'd say cool, go for it. But if the closest you've come to using a sword is a toy lightsaber, you're fucked. And not in a good way.
Zombie skulls are fragile (again, Walking Dead rules) and plentiful, so to me, accuracy and penetration are very important. Very few zombies wear body armor (though some do), so a 9mm carbine would be a good choice as a medium distance zombie hunter. My choice here would be a Beretta CX4 Storm, 9mm carbine. I know that I'm deadly accurate with it. Throw on a scope and a suppressor, and you've got a nice weapon for an elevated position; night defense, day defense, without the sound of a loud, large caliber weapon drawing in more zombies.
Reloading sucks, so I'd choose a 9mm handgun with a higher capacity magazine. I know in actual life, I prefer an SA/DA handgun, but in high stress frantic situations, a consistent DAO handgun might be better. Something like a Glock 17 or a Walther P99, with no hammer to get snagged on clothing, would be my preferred choice, despite the coolness factor of my Sig or an HK USP. I'm leaning Glock on reliability.
I'd also want something that without a doubt settles the argument. Smith and Wesson 686+ chambered with .357s would do the trick. And truth be told, I wouldn't mind a .45 Colt Defender as a last resort type of handgun.
Then there are two more types of weapons that are a must have in any zombie apocalypse arsenal: shotgun and long gun.
Shotguns are reliable and easy to use. A Remington 870 would do the trick just fine, but if mayhem is your soup du jour, an AA12 with a 200 round drum is a must. Personally, I'd go with the Remington pump action shotgun over a potentially fickle AA12.
Long gun. I have a preference for bolt action here, something that's easy to manage and easy to clean. Higher powered, so people think twice about raiding your camp once their buddy's head explodes. I honestly don't know much about these, so I'm going to choose one of my favorites from the Call of Duty series, the Remington 700.
Home base is of utmost importance. You don't want to carry everything with you all the time, or sleep in a car, or anything like that. So your loadout can be variable. On a run, you don't want to be too specialized and run into something you weren't prepared to handle. That's when I'd go for my all rounder: Ruger Mini 14 Tactical. Pistol grip, reliable, with a flash suppressor, integrated scope mounts give it versatility; you can get dirty with this gun. Semi auto, so you don't burn through ammo, TV show style.
And, luckily, I'm a decent archer, so I'll keep a bow and arrow around as a backup.
For the car, assuming you've got a defensible home base, I'd want something decently quick and all wheel drive, so I can get off the main road if I need to. And a bit of space, so you can throw gear and/or supplies in the back. Maybe an older hawkeye/blobeye WRX wagon or Forester 2.5XT.
Some of us can use a sword. Or one of us. Spears are better. I don't think any of us have any notions of using it unless there's is only one or two zombies groping for us if there's no time to reload ammo.
As for cars. No need for anything fast. Pretty much anything on four wheels with an engine sporting more than 60 horsepower will outrun zombies. :lol:
Quote from: Northlands on October 18, 2013, 12:47:03 PM
As for cars. No need for anything fast. Pretty much anything on four wheels with an engine sporting more than 60 horsepower will outrun zombies. :lol:
Wimmer would be safe then.
Quote from: MexicoCityM3 on October 18, 2013, 01:24:12 PM
Wimmer would be safe then.
Well, his choices would probably break down on him
Quote from: Soup DeVille on October 18, 2013, 12:33:04 PM
LOL. I'd like to see what a 200 round drum of 12 gauge looks like.
A 200 round drum would be carrying over 20 lbs of ammo alone. Have fun lugging that around. I'm pretty sure the drum magazines for the auto shotguns cap out at 50 rounds.
Quote from: NomisR on October 18, 2013, 12:17:00 PM
Well, for close range, a blunt weapon would definitely work better against undead based on the rules you've stated. And I believe blunt weapons also has a bonus vs undead too so this definitely helps. So a large sledge hammer or a mace would be a much better close range weapon than a sword would. Bats probably wouldn't last more than a few dozen blows at most.
A metal bat would probably be pretty good too; light, but durable, easy to swing, no learning curve.
Or as The Last of Us has taught us, a pipe with scissors duct taped to it is pretty fucking effective too.
Quote from: MX793 on October 18, 2013, 02:54:48 PM
A 200 round drum would be carrying over 20 lbs of ammo alone. Have fun lugging that around. I'm pretty sure the drum magazines for the auto shotguns cap out at 50 rounds.
Okay, so it might not be 200 rounds. Don't know why that number was stuck in my head, but that's what was in there. Maybe it's 200 round drum for an AK?
Quote from: Northlands on October 18, 2013, 12:47:03 PM
Some of us can use a sword. Or one of us. Spears are better. I don't think any of us have any notions of using it unless there's is only one or two zombies groping for us if there's no time to reload ammo.
As for cars. No need for anything fast. Pretty much anything on four wheels with an engine sporting more than 60 horsepower will outrun zombies. :lol:
Yeah, if you know what you're doing with a sword, that's cool. But most people think that because they watched a few episodes of Highlander they can rock the shit. :lol:
As for the car, I feel you on speed. I weighed that, thinking about a lower model Subaru. BUT....you might run into people out there too and might need to make a getaway from something quicker than a zombie. I stand by Forester 2.5XT--5 speed manual of course. In the zombie apocalypse, people will still not be able to drive stick, so your car won't get stolen. :lol:
Quote from: Soup DeVille on October 18, 2013, 08:50:06 AM
Tank seemed fine. Even if it wasn't an Abrams.
The guy in the tank didn't seem so fine.
Quote from: MX793 on October 18, 2013, 02:54:48 PM
A 200 round drum would be carrying over 20 lbs of ammo alone. Have fun lugging that around. I'm pretty sure the drum magazines for the auto shotguns cap out at 50 rounds.
For the Saiga at least, the vast majority are 20 rounders, and are big enough. For $400 or so, you can get the 30 round "wraithmaker" drums, which are only slightly bigger.
Quote from: Raza on October 18, 2013, 03:20:47 PM
The guy in the tank didn't seem so fine.
No, but it isn't quite clear how he ended up that way. He wasn't nibbled on, and his gun was still loaded, so he didn't run out of ammo either.
Quote from: Soup DeVille on October 18, 2013, 06:07:22 PM
No, but it isn't quite clear how he ended up that way. He wasn't nibbled on, and his gun was still loaded, so he didn't run out of ammo either.
I assumed he either starved to death or committed suicide. I suppose he could have died from fright (or a stress-induced heart attack).
I wanna add a bow and arrow, crossbow, ball and chain, war hammer, and silencer for the .22 and 9mm. And armoring to the Defender.
As for all this skills nonsense, a) these are zombies, and b) you will have plenty of time to develop skills.
Quote from: Rupert on October 18, 2013, 08:29:32 PM
I wanna add a bow and arrow, crossbow, ball and chain, war hammer, and silencer for the .22 and 9mm. And armoring to the Defender.
As for all this skills nonsense, a) these are zombies, and b) you will have plenty of time to develop skills.
Yeah, if you happen to run across an experienced swordsman who'll teach you, you're good to go. Just spend years practicing with it and you'll get pretty good. :devil:
The fact that they are zombies is what makes a foolproof melee weapon all the more important. Every bite or possibly even a scratch is a kill shot on you. You have to destroy the brain. You can't go swinging your ancient relic Michonne style without knowing what you're doing or you'll be eaten alive.
You've got the right idea with a bow and arrow though. It's easier to get good, or at least of less consequence if you're not excellent, easier to teach yourself, and keeps distance between you and the target.
Quote from: Raza on October 19, 2013, 01:11:13 PM
Yeah, if you happen to run across an experienced swordsman who'll teach you, you're good to go. Just spend years practicing with it and you'll get pretty good. :devil:
The fact that they are zombies is what makes a foolproof melee weapon all the more important. Every bite or possibly even a scratch is a kill shot on you. You have to destroy the brain. You can't go swinging your ancient relic Michonne style without knowing what you're doing or you'll be eaten alive.
You've got the right idea with a bow and arrow though. It's easier to get good, or at least of less consequence if you're not excellent, easier to teach yourself, and keeps distance between you and the target.
During the Renaissance era, a man regarded as one of the best swordsmen/fencers in Europe once said (paraphrased) "It is not the second best swordsman in the world that I fear to face in a fight; it's the worst."
Skill matters if you're fighting another intelligent, armed (and presumably trained) combatant. Against unarmed, unarmored, mindless zombies, a sword will be as effective as a bat in untrained hands, maybe moreso. For starters, a sword has a point, meaning that if you find yourself in close confines without room to actually swing, you can stab. Second, a sword's CG is located a few inches from the grip, whereas a bat's is near the end. Despite the two weighing about the same (if we're talking katanas), this makes a bat more difficult, and more tiring, to swing and to make quick and/or repeated strikes with. Unless, of course, you choke up on the grip. But then you've shortened your striking distance, meaning you have to get that much closer.
The most dangerous melee weapon for the untrained are any of the flail-type weapons (nunchuks, morningstars, ball-n-chains...). Very easy to hurt yourself with a weapon like this, and some of them aren't even particularly effective at delivering powerful or lethal blows (nunchuks, specifically).
Quote from: MX793 on October 19, 2013, 01:35:05 PM
During the Renaissance era, a man regarded as one of the best swordsmen/fencers in Europe once said (paraphrased) "It is not the second best swordsman in the world that I fear to face in a fight; it's the worst."
Skill matters if you're fighting another intelligent, armed (and presumably trained) combatant. Against unarmed, unarmored, mindless zombies, a sword will be as effective as a bat in untrained hands, maybe moreso. For starters, a sword has a point, meaning that if you find yourself in close confines without room to actually swing, you can stab. Second, a sword's CG is located a few inches from the grip, whereas a bat's is near the end. Despite the two weighing about the same (if we're talking katanas), this makes a bat more difficult, and more tiring, to swing and to make quick and/or repeated strikes with. Unless, of course, you choke up on the grip. But then you've shortened your striking distance, meaning you have to get that much closer.
The most dangerous melee weapon for the untrained are any of the flail-type weapons (nunchuks, morningstars, ball-n-chains...). Very easy to hurt yourself with a weapon like this, and some of them aren't even particularly effective at delivering powerful or lethal blows (nunchuks, specifically).
Well, what is a zombie or herd of zombies other than the worst swordsmen? We're not talking about a duel here--you versus one unarmed, braindead zombie. If you've got a pack of them to contend with, one swing of your sword that doesn't get the head or a stab that misses the head is probably the second- or third-to-last thing you'll ever do. I get what you're saying with the flail weapons. I agree, but I'm also not telling everyone to grab a cat o' ninetails in case of the apocalypse. And a full size katana weighs a lot more than an aluminum baseball bat; yes, it's also longer, which has positives and negatives.
Perhaps it's the strategy that I'm assuming people will take with a sword--more of an attack than defense. I mean, if I'm being swarmed by zombies, I'm clearing a path to get some distance between me and them, not standing around unsheathe my sword and take them all out before sauntering away, which is what I imagine most people envisioning themselves doing with a sword. Bash, bash, bash, run, pop, pop, pop. That's my close quarters plan.
Quote from: MX793 on October 19, 2013, 01:35:05 PM
During the Renaissance era, a man regarded as one of the best swordsmen/fencers in Europe once said (paraphrased) "It is not the second best swordsman in the world that I fear to face in a fight; it's the worst."
Skill matters if you're fighting another intelligent, armed (and presumably trained) combatant. Against unarmed, unarmored, mindless zombies, a sword will be as effective as a bat in untrained hands, maybe moreso. For starters, a sword has a point, meaning that if you find yourself in close confines without room to actually swing, you can stab. Second, a sword's CG is located a few inches from the grip, whereas a bat's is near the end. Despite the two weighing about the same (if we're talking katanas), this makes a bat more difficult, and more tiring, to swing and to make quick and/or repeated strikes with. Unless, of course, you choke up on the grip. But then you've shortened your striking distance, meaning you have to get that much closer.
The most dangerous melee weapon for the untrained are any of the flail-type weapons (nunchuks, morningstars, ball-n-chains...). Very easy to hurt yourself with a weapon like this, and some of them aren't even particularly effective at delivering powerful or lethal blows (nunchuks, specifically).
I really think for zombies, a rapier would be better than a katana.
Katana = razor sharp. Removes libs more easily.
On second thought, I'll drop the Claymore and go with a mace, or a daibo with a fair amount of skull-crushing power.
Quote from: S204STi on October 19, 2013, 02:37:55 PM
Katana = razor sharp. Removes libs more easily.
On second thought, I'll drop the Claymore and go with a mace, or a daibo with a fair amount of skull-crushing power.
Zombies don't care about lost limbs, and the katana only stays sharp with close and expert care. Swing into a door jamb or any decent sized piece of metal and you've nicked your blade.
Quote from: S204STi on October 19, 2013, 02:37:55 PM
Katana = razor sharp. Removes libs more easily.
On second thought, I'll drop the Claymore and go with a mace, or a daibo with a fair amount of skull-crushing power.
You can make any quality sword of any kind razor sharp. You can make any kind of metal with the right properties (not too brittle and not too soft) razor sharp, at that.
Quote from: Soup DeVille on October 19, 2013, 02:12:57 PM
I really think for zombies, a rapier would be better than a katana.
Katana = slicing; rapier = stabbing. Anyone can survive a few rapier stabs if they miss only a few very small vital areas.
Quote from: Raza on October 19, 2013, 01:48:32 PM
And a full size katana weighs a lot more than an aluminum baseball bat; yes, it's also longer, which has positives and negatives.
The typical katana weighs roughly 1-1.5 kg. Your typical, adult-sized regulation bat runs .9-1.2 kg.
Quote from: Rupert on October 19, 2013, 03:08:10 PM
Katana = slicing; rapier = stabbing. Anyone can survive a few rapier stabs if they miss only a few very small vital areas.
Zombies only respond to head trauma though. In other words: you have to hit a small, vital area, or else you're just making a mess.
Quote from: Raza on October 19, 2013, 01:11:13 PM
Yeah, if you happen to run across an experienced swordsman who'll teach you, you're good to go. Just spend years practicing with it and you'll get pretty good. :devil:
The fact that they are zombies is what makes a foolproof melee weapon all the more important. Every bite or possibly even a scratch is a kill shot on you. You have to destroy the brain. You can't go swinging your ancient relic Michonne style without knowing what you're doing or you'll be eaten alive.
You've got the right idea with a bow and arrow though. It's easier to get good, or at least of less consequence if you're not excellent, easier to teach yourself, and keeps distance between you and the target.
You don't have to be good against Olympic fencers; these are zombies.
Quote from: MX793 on October 19, 2013, 03:08:31 PM
The typical katana weighs roughly 1-1.5 kg. Your typical, adult-sized regulation bat runs .9-1.2 kg.
Fungo bats and wakazashis it is then.
Quote from: Soup DeVille on October 19, 2013, 03:10:16 PM
Zombies only respond to head trauma though. In other words: you have to hit a small, vital area, or else you're just making a mess.
Heads are pretty big, and slicing is more likely to catch the head than stabbing. And removing limbs still counts for something.
Quote from: Rupert on October 19, 2013, 03:07:34 PM
You can make any quality sword of any kind razor sharp. You can make any kind of metal with the right properties (not too brittle and not too soft) razor sharp, at that.
w/e but if you remove all their limbs, or behead them, no more pursuit.
Quote from: Rupert on October 19, 2013, 03:14:47 PM
Heads are pretty big, and slicing is more likely to catch the head than stabbing. And removing limbs still counts for something.
Unless you're indoors or otherwise don't have the room for slicing attacks. Even samurais used the katanas mainly on the open battlefield, and kept a shorter sword for indoors (the wakazashi).
Quote from: S204STi on October 19, 2013, 03:15:32 PM
w/e but if you remove all their limbs, or behead them, no more pursuit.
Seems like a lot of work to me.
Quote from: Soup DeVille on October 19, 2013, 03:17:42 PM
Seems like a lot of work to me.
Last resort, really. That's why I'd go with firearms with considerable stopping power. The katana is just in case.,
Aye. My list of weapons is pretty ridiculously long. Many options preferred before the katana.
Quote from: Soup DeVille on October 19, 2013, 03:17:20 PM
Unless you're indoors or otherwise don't have the room for slicing attacks. Even samurais used the katanas mainly on the open battlefield, and kept a shorter sword for indoors (the wakazashi).
No doubt. If I could only have one weapon, it wouldn't be a katana, tell you what.
Machete would still be a better choice for the post-apocalyptic wannabe samurai....
Which is why it's on the list.
Quote from: Rupert on October 19, 2013, 04:35:49 PM
Which is why it's on the list.
Well, I can't remember everything that's in everyone's lists. I mean, do you remember what all-rounder rifle I chose? Without going back to my post, of course, honor system here!
No, but I'm not criticizing your list, either.
Quote from: Rupert on October 19, 2013, 04:45:07 PM
No, but I'm not criticizing your list, either.
I wasn't criticizing yours specifically. I just noticed a couple of people going swords, and since I know how hard swords actually are to use, I thought I'd mention it.
For transport I would probably start off with something like this:
(http://images.autotrader.com/scaler/544/408/images/2013/9/6/354/540/33111558932.354540225.IM1.03.565x421_A.562x421.jpg)
Shaky logic behind the choice: Diesel might not get hit as hard as gas supplies initially, and you can scavenge it off of any farm that runs tractors or other equipment from their fuel tanks. It's also capable off road which would probably be pretty important if highways and such are clogged up, parts would be easy enough to find, and it can haul a few people with me. It's also tall enough to be harder for zombies to reach into. Downside is inefficiency and that you'll probably run out of diesel eventually too, even if you're in a heavy farming area.
For weapons... I'm going to say I'd keep my 9mm handgun, get a 12 gauge shotgun, 30-06 (all things with common ammo), and pick up a machete (Raza is right) and a baseball bat for closer situations. Some claymores would be nice, but I don't know exactly where to find those.
Multi-fuel diesel is where it's at.
Quote from: Rupert on October 19, 2013, 04:12:38 PM
Aye. My list of weapons is pretty ridiculously long. Many options preferred before the katana.
Yeah, at that point you're at the "I'm fucked" stage.