Before we can decide what the best weapon you should use against a zombie is, we need to make sure what type of zombie you are going to be encountering. The purpose of this survival guide and choice of weapons will be based on the scenario, that you are dealing with the run of the mill, government agency with the best of intentions, yet inevitably went wrong scenario.

If you happened to have a practitioner of Voodoo out to get you, well you are on your own with that type of zombie. In that case maybe send the Priest/Priestess flowers.

Since we are dealing with the bio-engineered type of zombie, there are some basic ground rules that you need to know. This will help you decide which type of weapon to pick, that is assuming of course you have the luxury of time before you have become a zombie yourself.

Most zombies seem to be "made" after they have been exposed to the bodily fluids of another zombie. This would make the process similar to a blood born pathogen. Because of this fact, the weapon you pick should be one that can be used at a distance. If the zombie is close enough to scratch or especially bite you, then you are one of them.

Zombies seem to have evolved as well. Not that long ago, the undead or recently dead were slow and had very jerky movements. The current pathogens that cause one to become a zombie have changed. You need to remember that the zombie you encounter today will probably be very fast and have at the very least, hunting skills. Some may have retained some intelligence from their previous life.

A zombie will usually crave fresh meat. The down side to this is the fact that you are what they consider fresh meat. The pathogen speeds up their metabolism, which is why they are fast. Because of this they will often go after protein. Your brains are a great source of this, so once again keep your distance.

The bright side of this is that the zombies seem to "burn out" if their food supply runs out. There isn't any kind of reliable information on what the time frame for this is, so hiding out isn't very advisable.

If you can get to a defensible location, such as a rooftop, engage the zombies with a long range rifle. The key is to shoot them in the head. You have to destroy the brain stem. They were humans not long ago, the brain stem is still what is needed to keep them moving. Destroy that and the zombie stops.

Use the skills that you have. If you are not a good shot with a rifle, then use a shot gun. Any kind of firearm will work, but you have to destroy the tissue of the brain stem. A body shot is just a waste of ammunition. Head shots are the key to your survival. Once you run out of ammunition move on to the next available weapon that will keep as much distance between you and them.

If it comes down to it, using a sword or machete will work. You will have to decapitate them. It boils down to the same simple rule. Destroy the brain and the zombie stops. Do not under any circumstances let them back you into a corner. You will tire before they do. A herd mentality does exist. If one zombie locates a food source (once again, that is you) others will follow it to your position.

So the rules are simple. Destroy the brain and the zombie is out of commission. Screaming will not help, it will probably attract more of them. You will need food and water. Shopping malls seem to be the best refuge for a human. Use these simple rules for your survival. One more thing, you might as well face the fact up front. Help is NEVER on its way. That is a pipe dream.

Learn more about this author, T. Scott Randolph.
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