A quick weapons primer...

There seems to be a lot of debate about what weapon is best against the undead. While much of this is based on personal opinion/preference, there are a few things to consider. Of course, weapon choices ultimately depend on what is available to you at the time. Here, I will list a few weapons commonly used by survivors (myself included) and the pros and cons of their use.

1.) Ak-47/sks rifles.
I group these two together because of their closely related design and function, shared caliber of ammunition (7.62x39mm), and the fact that they share most of the same strong and weak points.
The good: They are relatively plentiful (as is ammo for them) and they are both damed reliable and can take much abuse.
The bad: They are both marginally accurate by head shot standards. They were designed for targeting chest-size targets, not head-sized ones. I have owned and used both a lot over the years. They are great for those with good marksmanship skills and plentiful ammo. They are not the best choice for novice shooters in terms of accuracy. That being said, with a little practice, they make a hell of a weapon.


2.) The AR 15/ M16 family of rifles/carbines: This covers the ar 15 and m16 because the only difference is that the m16 can be fully auto (or three shot burst) as well as semi auto. The ar 15 is semi auto only. Other than that, they are the same. They shoot the extremely accurate and very available 5.56x45mm (.223 Remington) round.
The good: These rifles are highly accurate and thus make for easier head shots. They offer low recoil for quicker follow-up shots, and are available in tons of different configurations for every tactical situation or shooter. They are more reliable than people give them credit for, and are quite robust. They are light and easy to maneuver.
The bad: They are slightly less user friendly and require a little more care than an ak 47. That being said, a short AR 15 m4 carbine is my weapon of choice for both close and long-range Z killing, but new users should be properly introduced to this rifle by someone already familiar with them.

3.)The semi-auto handgun: These are everywhere and come in many sizes, styles, and calibers.
The good: These guns are small and easy to carry, the ammo is widely available for most calibers, and they allow you to carry a lot of ammo at once. They make for good close-quarters weapons and are good choices at closer ranges by those with good shooting skills.
The bad:These are good BACK UP GUNS but they are not well suited for use as a primary weapon. Head shots will only be possible by competent and trained shooters at more than a few feet. Because Z's only respond to having their heads blown off, these are not the ideal weapon and should not be used by beginning shooters unless no other option is available.

4.)Shotguns: Everyone knows this one. Its large, loud, and effective at closer ranges.
The good: They pack a hell of a punch. Good for inexperienced shooters because good marksmanship is not required, just a strong shoulder. Semi auto shoguns provide quick follow-up shots, but nothing is as reliable as a Mossberg 500 pump or a Remington 870 pump. In a survival situation, I recommend a pump action shotgun.
The bad: These guns kick hard, are loud as hell, and make a huge mess of the target. Not well suited to smaller shooters and, frankly, scare the hell out of most inexperienced shooters.

5.) Machetes, blades, axes, etc: One of man's oldest weapons is the blade. It comes in many sizes and styles and has been killing folks for thousands of years. All I can say is, USE WITH CAUTION!!! Remember
The good: They never need to be reloaded. Thats about it.
The bad: They are only useful at arm's length ranges, which put the Z's within striking distance of your tasty flesh. Blades have a tendency to wedge into their targets, making removal difficult and sometimes impossible while on the run. They also take a lot of strength and stamina to wield effectively over even short periods of time. Trust me, blacksmithing/bladesmithing was a hobby of mine back when we all had time for hobbies, so I have made and used several axes, swords, knives, etc. They take a lot of stamina to use. To me, the risk of infection due to close quarters battle is too great to consider the blade a primary or even secondary weapon. Save these for last-ditch efforts at survival.


6.)Explosives/Fire: What, are you fucking kidding me?
Fire doesn't kill zombies until the flames finally get to the brain. Fire only makes flaming zombies, which burn you and the safe house you are hiding in (or the whole town for that matter). Leave these options alone. Which is worse, facing down a horde of the undead, or a flaming horde of the undead. Listen to the bear, don't play with fire.

REMEMBER that the best weapon is knowledge and preparation. Your head is the best weapon in your arsenal, use it above all others.

Hope this helps. Stay alive out there.