Surviving the Undead: Zombie Guns

John B. Snow Avatar

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Forget the hoary arguments about the .270 versus the .30/06. If you want to get some heat going among gun owners, ask what makes for the best zombie gun. As with nearly every other subject of interest to shooters, it turns out the opinions are deeply held–even if the speaker's personal experience with zombies is somewhat thin. However, the issue isn't nearly as academic as you might think. In various "practical" shooting competitions–such as the fast-paced game of 3-gun, and even in cowboy action–it is not uncommon to see zombie stages where the shooter must face down a horde of targets. Typically these require precise shot placement and lots and lots of shooting. On this much we can agree: High-capacity guns chambered in cartridges noted for their knockdown power are preferable. Target sights for accurate shooting and accessories, such as lights and lasers to aid in low-light situations, are a good thing too. My three zombie-fighters are listed on the opposite page. If all of this sounds like a barely veiled excuse to spend more money on yet another gun with all kinds of goodies hanging off it, well, who am I to argue? ******Editor's Note: With Halloween coming up, we felt like you all could use a nice refresher. You never know when you'll need to defend against the hordes of undead.****** ****OL.com’s Guide to Zombie Games >>**** ** OL.com Reader Zombie Guns >> **
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LCW AR-15
If your first reaction upon seeing this creation from Lauer Custom Weaponry is, "That doesn't look stock," congratulate yourself on your powers of observation. Yes, Lauer can build you a rifle with an arrow gun attached that fires bolts with a .22 blank. And, yes, you can get one with a custom blood-spattered pattern that shows off your zombie-horde-fighting cred. Underneath the unusual bolt-ons is a reliable .223 that is ready to take on any worm-eaten monstrosity you might face–or the zombie stage during your next 3-gun match. The compensator, from Bushmaster, does a good job of keeping the rifle on target, while the 3.5X ACOG gives you a clear and bright aiming point. If you think the undead are scary, wait till you see the tiny cluster of holes this gun produces after emptying the 30-round magazine. [ $1,895, optics not included; lauerweaponry.com ]
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Cut down on reloads with the Beta C 100-round drum magazine.
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Remington 870
What this modified 870 lacks in subtlety it more than makes up for in effectiveness. The extended magazine tube, from Choate Machine and Tool Co., gives the gun a 7+1 capacity, while the adjustable stock from Knoxx lets you change the length of pull and has a built-in shock-absorbing spring that dampens felt recoil. And no zombie-fighting shotgun would be complete without a light for night work, which is why Surefire's forend is a must-have accessory. [ Price varies; remington.com ]
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Para Super Hawg
To round out my trio of zombie guns I wanted to include a .45 that packs a punch. The Super Hawg from Para is a double-stack 14+1 1911 that fits the bill. The interchangeable fiber-optic front sight gives you the option of a red or green bead, depending on the flavor of undead you're facing. The gun itself handles amazingly well. The long barrel and overall heft keep muzzle flip to a minimum during rapid fire, even with heavier loads. Plus, as my friend Kerby Smith, who works for Para, told me, "Zombies hate pork." [ $1,369; para-usa.com ]
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Zombie Vitals?
That's a trick question, son! Zombies don't have vitals. They're dead. The only way to take 'em out is with a head shot. Remove what is left of the brain and, presto, no more zombie. So get to work on your marksmanship. Before it's too late. Want to brush up on your zombie slaying skills? Check our our ZOMBIE GAMES gallery and then enter your own zombie gun or idea to our ZOMBIE GUN CONTEST.