Zombie survival tips?

[dividebyzero]

I think people grossly overestimate their abilities in a survival situation.

Most definitely. My country -New Zealand- seems famous for it's adventure holidays and rugged terrain. You can usually bank on 2-3 stories a week featuring some underprepared tourist "adventurer" getting lost in forests/ski fields - no mean feat when you consider that the country has no native predators larger than a cat.
Even with every second guy in the country being able to fish, shoot, use a compass, make shelter etc. I doubt that many would survive...and then you look at the city dwellers and the fun of having to account for threat in a vertical plane (above and below) in addition to scoping out whats in front and behind...we-l-l-l...it conjures up film footage of streetfighting in Stalingrad or Berlin in WWII, but without the ideology, equipment or training.
Agreed on the stealth approach- and that was sensibly/realistically portrayed in the British mini-series "Dead Set" (well worth a watch if you haven't already). You probably wouldn't want to test the zombies athletic ability by using yourself as a test subject - weapons have been known to jam, and reloading in extremis isn't going to be an emulation of Rambo.

 

[Matthew DeCarlo]

Agreed on the stealth approach- and that was sensibly/realistically portrayed in the British mini-series "Dead Set" (well worth a watch if you haven't already).

I'll be sure to do that, thanks for the recommendation.

 

[Archean]

I wonder why no one mentioned boarding Star Ship Enterprise and scooting off to a Zombie free planet in a nearby galaxy?

I think Mathew's solutions seems more plausible, as it also offers a way of replenishing food stocks (I.e. by growing more of it on the island + fish etc.) but with one caveat, if you run out of ammo, things can get bit complicated.

Whereas, DBZ's solution at least have one advantage, you can cruise away (as long as you have lots of fuel) from any apparent danger. To thwart them from walking their way to the ship, you can always park it somewhere like Mariana trench?

On a more serious note, I am still not sure which weapon I'd like to have to kill approaching zombies, any ideas guys?

 

[dividebyzero]

I wonder why no one mentioned boarding Star Ship Enterprise and scooting off to a Zombie free planet in a nearby galaxy?

And be cooped up with a starship full of trekkies? I'd rather take my chances with the zombies...the zombies that aren't into cosplay that is.

Whereas, DBZ's solution at least have one advantage, you can cruise away (as long as you have lots of fuel) from any apparent danger. To thwart them from walking their way to the ship, you can always park it somewhere like Mariana trench?

If zombies can walk across the floor of the port, swim up to the keel, and then traverse a reverse angle/sheer side of a welded steel hull, I'm pretty certain nowhere would be safe. The ship idea is that you're a floating island- having zombies flocking to you would seem to be the best outcome- an underwater zombie would likely "wear out" ( fish, crustaceans, tidal action) faster than on land.
I wouldn't bother sailing the ship anywhere. Unless you can navigate the port channel and have somewhere to go, stay in the port. I did a stint on a cruise liner a few years ago- the inwards food stores amounted to ~30 tonnes (smallish ship ~45000 tonnes, 650-1300 passengers) without fresh fruit/vegetables, stock carried over, and freezer storage.

On a more serious note, I am still not sure which weapon I'd like to have to kill approaching zombies, any ideas guys?

972G armoured bulldozer. No muss, no fuss

Added advantage of being a turbo diesel six. Low maintenance, good fuel economy. A real head turner...or squasher

 

[Archean]

I am inclining more towards a hybrid vehicle, which have front end of this beast and cabin/turret/105 mm L52 M68 rifled cannon & 1 x .50-caliber (12.7 mm) M2HB heavy machine gun of M1.

 

[Archean]

Oops I clicked to post it once, but some bug perhaps caused to it to be posted couple of times.

 

[dividebyzero]

I'd think armour piercing .50cal might be a little overkill, let alone a 105. Of course if they're densely packed the performance/m² goes way up. You could go with the full Jesse Ventura treatment if you're feeling frivolous ( luxury version optional)

Weapon choice might be down to what kind of zombies you're dealing with;
Euro zombies (28 Days later, Dead Set, Dead Snow) Fast. Long endurance, Cunning....Human analog: Boozed up European football hooligans
American zombies (Romero's ___of the Dead) S-L-O-W. Not particularly with it....Human analog: Octagenarian Alzheimer sufferers at the supermarket/ Stoners poring over a KFC menu

 

[Leeky]

.41 Magnum Desert Eagle! (my personal choice in side arm weapons)

I just love this gun! Loved it in Iraq so much and after some "behind closed doors" talks, I was able to keep my military issue Desert Eagle.

The Israeli's sure do know how to make fantastic guns. Although my favourite sidearm of choice has to go to its 9mm sibling, the Baby Desert Eagle II, BE9915RL (full size, 9mm, 15 round, polymer). Picture below is the sub-compact model, full size is half inch longer on the barrel.


And backing that up would be a sub-compact 9mm, most likely a Glock 26, another gunsmith I thoroughly trust.



Its insanely accurate in the right hands for such a small pistol. Definitely one of the best BUG's in my opinion.

A nice silenced submachine gun is always wise, along with the larger clip as well, which would make it ideal for "silently" killing larger numbers of zombies. So I'd have a H&K MP5SD6 too:



And aye, I've deliberately gone for three weapons using the same ammo. The MP5SD6 doesn't need subsonic rounds either, works with pretty much anything and I know for a fact I'd rather carry a single calibre round rather than several different types to accommodate other firearms.

I'd complement these with a very good sniper rifle, for picking off zombies at a long range, hunting and for distraction purposes. Not quite sure what I'd choose however. Another "silent" weapon is essential, so I'd go with arrows and a nice bow mechanism as well.

.50Cal would be serious overkill. I personally think 9mm provides more than enough stopping power with head shots.

Ten years ago I'd have fancied my chances in most environments, but these days I think I'd be safer in numbers with others. I have neither the stamina, strength (bad back) nor agility to be in the wilderness alone these days. That said though, I used to be a crack shot with most weapons, and while its been a while since I've shot (UK laws suck on that front, frankly!), it wouldn't take much practice to bring me back up to my previous best.

 

[red1776]

One of these (Talon riot control Vehicle) and a plentiful supply of MRE's ,( the meatloaf is particularly tasty) problem solved.

 

[Leeky]

Aye, would be a tough choice as to which was more useful, bigger or more agile. On one hand a fully armoured RUV like this would make a fantastic "safe" home, it's going to be useless when in a tight spot. Whereas a Hummer or even an APC would be so much better 90% of the time -- lets face it, cars and rubbish will be littered everywhere on the road, it would be nice to have something to just "move" them out of the way.

It's doubtful you'd find me dressed like those in the films and TV as well, I'd be in body armour if I was outside. At least it gives you slightly more fighting chance if they get too close.

The cruiseship idea sounds like a good place to hold up. But I'd be worried such a large ship had zombies inside it, and clearing it would be a logisitcal nightmare. You could literally miss one room with a couple of them inside and wake up one morning to find them chewing on you!

If you could guarantee it was zombie-free you'd be laughing though, as it would have massive stores and fuel to last a very long time if its not moving.

I'm not sure where would be best tbh. Definitely somewhere above ground though, because as nice as a bunker is, once you're surrounded you're stuck where you are, until you die trying to escape, or die from starvation.

So on that note, somewhere in the middle of nowhere in a very small community would be ideal. Ideally one with a concrete made building of several floors. Steel plating and other reinforcements on the ground floor windows, as well as inside on the ground floor. Welded up doors and access to the upper floors, and then you've a contain area above ground that can be defended, and know the ground floor is heavily defended too. It would also give you a higher plain to see the areas surrounding you, and a "safe" place to deploy the sniper rifle to pick off long-range targets should they become a threat. Plus you could use the roof to grow food on and collect rainwater.

I do think the big boat idea is a good one though. If it was small enough to move, but large enough to store a lot of fuel and food stuff it would be ideal. Could use a smaller boat to get to shore if you needed more supplies then.

 

[Marnomancer]

Whoa, looks like I'm not the only nuthead preparing for a zombie apocalypse.
Will post my plan ASAP.

 

[Jay Pfoutz]

After missing yesterday's convo...I'm lost. Time to read up.

 

[Dawn1113]

Whoa! Those vehicles look serious. But how much fuel do those things consume? Getting fuel will take some very dangerous work.

I'm with Matt on the choice of weapons. A .22LR would be excellent -- easy to shoot, not much noise, and not too much of a burden in terms of weight and bulk. A Colt Woodsman would be a perfect survival companion. I have no experience with subsonic rounds, though. I've never even seen on of those let alone had the chance to fire a round.

As to surviving in the wilderness, well, part of my plan involves finding Bear Grylls.

Leeky's suggestion sounds good: a small, relatively isolated community out in the countryside. The fortified building sounds good, as well. Maybe a rural bank building? You'd have to clear it, first, of course, and do it room by room. The vault would be my panic room -- the place I go to when everything begins to go wrong and the horde is about to get me. Ugh. I'd probably choose to suffocate in the vault before I let them have me for dinner.

And, yeah, I saw "Dead Set". Good show, that was. A lot of fun, scary moments.

 

[dividebyzero]

Whoa! Those vehicles look serious. But how much fuel do those things consume? Getting fuel will take some very dangerous work.

A vehicle that uses diesel is a better bet than conventional gasoline. Gasoline loses volatility as it ages- diesel being less volatile has a longer shelf life. The Cat 972G I posted uses ~25 litres/hour for continuous use as a loader, or ~ 8.5-9 MPG ( ~900 miles/1450km on a tank). Caterpillar 3116 engine is about as bullet proof/maintenance free as it gets. Of course that option depends on whether you're confident of tooling around in it - in the middle of a zombie apocalypse probably isn't the best time for driving lessons. Getting gas is as easy as siphoning via the inspection hatch of a service stations undergound tank (use a battery powered pump). Probably easier to drive to a regional gas distribution outlet and take it direct from tanker trucks if you want volume.

As to surviving in the wilderness, well, part of my plan involves finding Bear Grylls.

He could come in handy if you need pointers on drinking your own urine. I'd be more inclined to stay with terrain and level of "wilderness" you're already familiar with- would seem like a steep learning curve to have to contend with infected cannibals while educating yourself in a whole new enviroment

The fortified building sounds good, as well. Maybe a rural bank building?

Probably depends on how many of you there are...course if you planning on shooting first and asking no questions later then virtually any decent building that you could block entry to would be fine. If you're dealing with American Zombies (wandering around, no good at climbing) then just block the ground floor exits with vehicles (a la the original Dawn of the Dead -1978) and use a ladder to gain entry to a second story- pull up the ladder after you. If there's a lot of people in your group then a fortified building pretty much means putting yourself into prison...not much fun there.

 

[Archean]

@DBZ
Now that is more appropriate choice for a transport in such doomsday scenario, Marauder armored personnel carrier produced by Paramount Group in SAR.

It can take a hit from rocket launcher and survive, or even C4 can't do much damage to this beast.

A perfect vehicle to run over scores of zombies, and when you get tired of that, there is alway other options available

 

[dividebyzero]

Nice. I think the driver in pic#4 parks next to me at the supermarket judging by the dings and dents in my car doors. Where's the link? I may not wait for the zombie infestation to get one!

 

[Archean]

Pictures are here and here.

Info at wiki.

There you go, I think the standard civilian version comes with an AK47 to give you some counter attacking room

According to Wiki, they only made 75 of these beasts so far, so they are rare as well.

 

[dividebyzero]

75 ! Investment material. I'll check to see if the option list includes a wet bar and in-cabin entertainment centre -for those dull periods between mowing down the walking dead.

 

[Archean]

Sound like a plan, although, one would need to make lots of investment to bring the interior upto more 'luxurious' standards.

 

[cliffordcooley]

Nice. I think the driver in pic#4 parks next to me at the supermarket judging by the dings and dents in my car doors. Where's the link? I may not wait for the zombie infestation to get one!

You know that would be a mistake. If you ever decided to go to the bank in it, they would insist you transfered their funds instead of the armored transport service. However you could pay for the vehicle faster this way. LOL

 

[dividebyzero]

@ Clifford
I may have the vehicle, but unfortunately the bank aren't going to release funds to me unless I look like a security guard- sounds like a big ask to gain about 150lb, have a waist wider than my chest, grow a pair of moobs, look borderline retarded, and act like I'm not sure if I deserve minimum wage

 

[Dawn1113]

He could come in handy if you need pointers on drinking your own urine.

This made me laugh so hard I almost fell off my chair!

I saw that "Man vs Wild" episode.

 

[Dawn1113]

I've found my weapons of choice.

I'd carry a Colt Woodsman. I have one here in my apartment -- used to belong to my father, actually. But I will need to find more ammo. I'm sure 180 rounds won't be nearly enough.





Then I would try to find myself one of these, also in .22 LR.






I would think using weapons that fire the same ammunition would be a plus. I am nonetheless told there are conversion kits which permit the AR15 to fire rounds of a larger caliber -- .223 maybe? That could come in handy.

 

[Marnomancer]

[FONT=Arial][/FONT]

[FONT=Arial]Then I would try to find myself one of these, also in .22 LR.[/FONT]


[FONT=Arial]View attachment 73458[/FONT]



[FONT=Arial]I would think using weapons that fire the same ammunition would be a plus. I am nonetheless told there are conversion kits which permit the AR15 to fire rounds of a larger caliber -- .223 maybe? That could come in handy.[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial]THE CAR15....[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial]Used to be my weapon of choice in Delta Force Black Hawk Down.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial]The rotting turds would hardly need anything larger than 5.56.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial]Anyhow...[/FONT]

[CENTER][FONT=Arial]My Plan[/FONT][/CENTER]
[CENTER] [/CENTER]
[FONT=Arial]To my surprise Davis surprisingly posted the same thing which was going on in my mind.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial]Either way, whether I wake up in my bedroom or a hospital or a research facility, whether the outbreak occurred 12 hours ago or I hear it live on news, first a few priorities:[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial]1) Confirm the news[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial]No-brainer. But wouldn't want to make an *** of myself. And the local news channel has a nasty habit of exaggerating things.[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial]2) Contact survivor amigos[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial]Survivors would be found later. To begin with, I need a survivor team. What's better than my own tightly-knit band? My best pals are fellow Halo players, hardcore. So dealing with Flood-like things is easy-peasy (well, we've got plan), and these are but stupid, slow, dim-witted bodies...supposedly. Let's not think of infected chimps and dogs...[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial]3) Prepare supplies[/FONT]
If I plan to survive, I've got to get the essential supplies - primarily a few days' food, first aid, close quarters weapons (my combat knife), comm. devices (my cell phone, radio set, etc.), etc.


4) Lock 'n' Load
Once family and friends are together, just gotta muster up all available firepower, and quietly move out...

[CENTER]Most practical tactic[/CENTER]
Having played Amnesia: Dark Ascent, I've noticed that unlike most movies, it's way better to sneak past the undead hordes than gun your way through if you don't own an ammunition warehouse or can carry a thousand Vulcan rounds. The weapons needed for proper zombie annihilation are not readily available where I live.
So the proper approach would be to use stealth. Sneak into or raid Magnum Armory's outlet (depends on level of chaos in the city, bigger = easier), grab weapons for all. My personal outfit:
Primary: H&K UMP-45. Silenced. In some way.
If I can't find one, I'll make do with a H&K MP5SD.
Secondary: Dual 9 mm pistols (silenced), likely to be a Glock 26. As Leeky said, insanely accurate, light, fast, portable, and powerful enough to puncture rotting skulls. I'm one for the occasional theatrics and vanity, so if possible, I'll try to get Silverballers with "47" embossed in red across the barrel flanks.
Tertiary: Deagle . Or a H&K P30!
Close-combat: Combat Knife, if possible, a Malaysian military flick-knife-sword.
Armor: Will probably pick up something from Magnum's along with a holster, in worst case, scavenged patchwork body-armor.

Next post:
Temporary stronghold and survivor search.

 

[SirDigby]

You should all read Max Brook's Zombie Survival Guide, it tells you where to go, what to use, how to survive and stuff like that.

In all honesty, it depends on what sort of zombies you're talking about, there are the ones from :
Dawn of the Dead - (nearly mutants)
Left for Dead - Lazy around then run as soon as you provoke them
28 Days Later - Super aggresive not strictly zombies
Dead Rising - Super slow

In any case, I think they'd be most like the 28 Days Later, as it's a virus that makes you super aggresive without actually killing you, so you're not 'undead' (but neither are the people zombies are based upon)
I would definitly shoot my best friend, a good grip in reality (well, it's not, but nonetheless) is what you should have. I know a lot of people that said they would kill themselves in the case of a zombie outbreak. The first place I would go would be into all of my neighbours garage's, as everyone will think of going to 'the local gunshop or DIY store'. Then I'd make a steady braek for it for my local woods and climb some tree. Getting some rope, I'd tie it super tight round a bunch of trees then to a weak branch, so if anything touched it the branch would russle or break.