HJL,
I would like to weigh in on the article of: Choices, Choices, Choices – Part 1, by K.C.
First thing I want to mention is by no way am I an expert in the field of firearms and all this is only my opinion and what I believe will work for me.
A firearm is a tool; many companies make tools, and people have their particular choices in what they like. For power tools, some like Milwaukee, Black & Decker, Ryobi, and so forth. For mechanics tools, some like Sears Craftsman, Snap-on, Kolbalt, and others. What it all boils down to is that when you need a screw driver, it doesn’t matter how many wrenches you have, because they will just not do the job.
In firearms, what is it you wish to have the tool do? If it’s defending your property and you have a field of view around a 1000 yards, then you may want something in the 50 cal range to start thinning out the herd as they approach, but something in the 30-06 or .308 range will also work nicely, such as a Winchester model 70 or an M1A. When shooting at a long distance, having a high capacity mag is not as important as it is when the herd is closer. In that case, having something that is accurate is what’s important.
If defending your property and you have a field of view around a 500 yards, then a 50 cal would be the wrong tool, but the 30-06 or .308 will really come into their comfort zone. Something like the AK47 or AR15 is also a nice choice.
If defending your property and you have a field of view of less than a 100 yards, the 30-06 or .308 may be too big for the job, but the AK47 or AR15 is still right at home. Something that also starts to come into play would be a 12 Ga pump shotgun with .00 buck, such as the Remington 870.
If you’re into the trenches or they have made it into your home, then the 12 Ga is still a great choice, if you have the shortened stock. However, nowt now having a pistol in 9mm, .40, or .45 has come into play.
One of the things I look at is the distance. I really do not care if I kill the zombie or not. My intention would be to just stop them from doing what they are doing, which is coming after me. If I wound someone and it stops them, I’m a happy camper. Also wounding makes it harder for the group of them because they have to use their resources to keep the person alive, but he is still not my problem. If someone makes it into my home, then killing is the preferred choice.
In the home, will a Glock in .45 do any better than a Colt .45? Well, will a Milwaukee drill a 1/2-inch hole in wood better than a Ryobi? Which brand you choose will be what you think feels comfortable and will do the job you need it to do.
Something I would like readers to consider is the Winchester 30-30. It’s the gun that won the West and did so by taking down cougars, buffalo, and grizzlies. It’s light, doesn’t have much of a kick, will do well out to 100 yards, and is also short enough for inside the home.
For personal carry, in the winter when I’m wearing more clothes, I like my .40 cal. In the summer, when I’m in shorts and a tee shirt, my .380 fits nicely in my pocket. If I’m attacked in the parking lot and I have my .380, will it kill the zombie? Maybe or maybe not, but I believe it will stop him from continuing his attack.
As it’s been said, when the SHTF the best firearm in the world is the one you have in your hand at the time.
P.S. in VA