Location: null

Discussion: Hypothetical: Finding a gun Post-Zedpocalypse

Category: Discussion Forum / General Discussion

Report thread
Watch thread
Share this

1 2 3 | Next

paulred2	Hypothetical: Finding a gun Post-Zedpocalypse Jun 11 2012, 10:07 PM EDT So it's post Z-day. I live in Ireland. There are few firearms here - but they do exist. To be succinct: My plans for any disaster simply do not include guns. I have no experience with them, I don't own any, I cannot rely on being able to get my hands on them. So, now the hypothetical: I've survived an outbreak in the way I'd hoped to - By keeping my head down, and avoiding conflict. I'm not part of any group or team, I haven't bugged out. I've just bunkered down in my now-slightly-fortified home. I've done alright so far, but I've had a few 50-50 escapes from conflicts with infected and non-infected. While out scavenging for a specific part/tool etc I happen to stumble upon a firearm. I find ammunition nearby. At this point in time I've got no knowledge of/experience with guns. Keeping in mind the context, and assuming absolute ignorance - Talk me through the following: - Should I take the gun at all? Do I just hope the next 50-50 encounter goes my way too? - How do I secure the gun initially for transport from that initial location(make sure it's not primed to explode/shoot me in the foot etc ) - how do I go about making sure the gun is functional(Without having it explode in my hand) and that ammunition is suitable for the weapon - How would I most efficiently(in terms of time and ammunition) and subtly go about learning to shoot with some proficiency; given that I'm doing it autonomously and presumably with no guidance at all? I realize asking for details about the weapon would be your first though, but I think the more general this information is, the better. Post reply Do you find this valuable? Keyword tags: gun basics
IamSlowRide	1. RE: Hypothetical: Finding a gun Post-Zedpocalypse Jun 11 2012, 10:43 PM EDT \| Post edited: Jun 11 2012, 10:46 PM EDT Let me start by saying that no one ignorant of firearms should handle one BUT in this scenario where your life could be saved by taking this firearm this is what I have to say. 1. All guns are always loaded. 2. Never let the muzzle cover anything you are not willing to destroy. 3. Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on the target. 4. Be sure of your target and what is beyond it. Now pick up the fire arm and rack the slide back to clear the chamber, lock it open, eject the magazine, check the body of the slide for the denomination of caliber, 9mm, .40, .45 etc...now look at the rounds you found are they in a box with the same markings as the weapon? If not check the shell casing for caliber, do they match? If they match you are in good shape but before you load and fire it you need to determine in your case visually if the weapon is sound, you will need to look the weapon over for any obvious damage, if all looks good, load the magazine, insert the magazine, disengage the slide lock to chamber a round, safety the firearm and get yor arse back to your house, where you should try disassemble the firearm and clean it as best you can before attempting to fire it. This is rudimentary and crude at best but I am on my phone and its the best I can manage right now. Remember the rules most importantly! Post reply 1 out of 1 found this valuable. Do you find this valuable? Do you?
Sharpie41	2. RE: Hypothetical: Finding a gun Post-Zedpocalypse Jun 11 2012, 11:20 PM EDT \| Post edited: Jun 11 2012, 11:21 PM EDT Yes bring the gun What SlowRide said, but I'll add to it. Finger off trigger, as soon as you pick it up your finger should be no where near the trigger unless you need to use it. Assume it's loaded, prove otherwise. Keep muzzle pointed in a safe direction (Ground typically) and be sure of target. I'm going to give you directions for the Sig P226 (SlowRide would be a good guy to ask about this) since the Armed Garda use 226s or Walter 99c and you'd probably find that first and not the long guns (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garda_Emergency_Response_Unit#Weapons_and_equipment......If you're curious) EJECT MAG!! (Little button where the thumb would be, also going against what slowride said) pull back slide and eject chambered round if there is one chambered. Check boxed ammo to the markings on the gun, it'll be stamped on the base of the ammo and the barrel and/or slide. I would leave it unloaded until you were able to get back to safety and train with it. As for training, handle it, dry fire it many times until you know when the trigger will break and how heavy the pull is, pull back the slide and practice inserting (EMPTY) mags into it, then when you're comfortable with that, fire a few rounds off and check your groupings. As for securing the gun, do above then stick it either in a bag (unloaded) or a holster if you find one (Again, unloaded until you are trained with it) Go (http://www.zombiesurvivalwiki.com/page/Weapons+and+Gear) here for references on basically any common gun you could find Hope this helps. Post reply 1 out of 1 found this valuable. Do you find this valuable? Do you?
DevilNuts	3. RE: Hypothetical: Finding a gun Post-Zedpocalypse Jun 11 2012, 11:21 PM EDT "...Now pick up the fire arm and rack the slide back to clear the chamber, lock it open, eject the magazine, check the body of the slide for the denomination of caliber..." Even that might be too much for someone with no experience whatsoever. If you have absolutely no idea what you are doing, I would suggest leaving it alone unless you can 100% confirm that it is unloaded. If you can, grab it definitely. But you shouldn't try to use it. For starters, that 50/50 chance is not going to improve much now that you possess a tool you don't have any idea how to use. There may be something wrong with the gun that you won't be able to identify - One little thing goes wrong (Magazine in backwards, cant find the safety, firing pin missing, double feed, sights misaligned, slide bite, etc.) and you may have doomed yourself by trusting the weapon to solve your problem for you. Stick that thing in your waistband loaded, and you might blow off something you will miss dearly. Still, if it is unloaded, you should keep the weapon. The ammunition alone will have significant trade value, as will the gun if it works. Perhaps you will even find someone to teach you how to use it someday (or at least some kind of instructional material). Post reply 3 out of 3 found this valuable. Do you find this valuable? Do you?
renet76	4. RE: Hypothetical: Finding a gun Post-Zedpocalypse Jun 11 2012, 11:30 PM EDT If you have no knowledge of firearms at all then use the Internet while you can to familiarize yourself with the basic components of a firearm type you are most likely to find in your part of the world We can tell you how to do lots of things but unless you have seen a rifle in person how will you know what a bolt is to start with While watching youtube and reading things off the web will not make you a master of firearm safety it may just give you some basic concept of a firearm and its components and how to check them if they are loaded or unloaded Post reply 3 out of 3 found this valuable. Do you find this valuable? Do you?
LJ126	5. RE: Hypothetical: Finding a gun Post-Zedpocalypse Jun 11 2012, 11:41 PM EDT \| Post edited: Jun 11 2012, 11:46 PM EDT The above is absolutely correct, all of it. Realistically, you're most likely to find a long gun (shotgun or rifle) of some kind in Ireland. It will probably not be stored loaded, but most people keep ammunition near to their firearms. Of course, remember gun safety rule #1 - it's loaded even when it's not loaded. In 99% of cases (barring extremely old muzzleloaders, some "bring back" military firearms, etc.) the firearm will have the caliber pressed clearly into the side of the barrel. Use this to determine the type of ammunition you'd need. Find it: the weapon is an ugly, ungainly club without it. If you've found a shotgun, you'll probably find a manually-operated version. It will likely be single/double-barreled breech loading (AKA break-action) or pump action shotgun. A shotgun is easily ID'd by the large diameter barrel, as the two most common caliber chamberings are 12 and 20 gauge, and each of these have barrel diameters of over .50 inches, though there are smaller gauges also. Most break action shotguns have a tang-mounted lever that must be moved to open the action. Shotgun shells are loaded (and possibly extracted) by hand, and must be replaced after firing. The metallic rim should face the you, the shooter. A pump action shotgun is a little more complicated to explain, but to summarize, you load unfired shells directly into the bottom tube, and by operating the slide to and fro, you unload and load the chamber. You can load the chamber directly when the slide is back and the action is open, close the slide to load the chamber with a fresh, then "top off" the magazine tube by pressing new shells through the bottom of the receiver. Semi-auto shotguns are less common (especially there), but operate similarly to pump action shotguns, except that the action requires no input from the shooter other than for loading and unloading. Post reply Do you find this valuable?
LJ126	6. RE: Hypothetical: Finding a gun Post-Zedpocalypse Jun 11 2012, 11:48 PM EDT All of that said, Ireland does allow people to purchase firearms, and your best bet would be to get ahead of the curve and learn how to use them. http://www.ehow.com/how_5617057_gun-license-ireland.html Post reply Do you find this valuable?
IamSlowRide	7. RE: Hypothetical: Finding a gun Post-Zedpocalypse Jun 12 2012, 12:02 AM EDT "Even that might be too much for someone with no experience whatsoever. " I agree DN, however in the "hypothetical" spirit of the thread I was trying to provide some working knowledge for him. And someone else said it already but now is the time to gain the knowledge even if your just reading it, knowledge weighs nothing and its free. On another note you could go buy an airsoft rifle or pistol and practice safe weapon handling with it. Post reply Do you find this valuable?
Sharpie41	8. RE: Hypothetical: Finding a gun Post-Zedpocalypse Jun 12 2012, 12:11 AM EDT "I agree DN, however in the "hypothetical" spirit of the thread I was trying to provide some working knowledge for him. And someone else said it already but now is the time to gain the knowledge even if your just reading it, knowledge weighs nothing and its free. On another note you could go buy an airsoft rifle or pistol and practice safe weapon handling with it. " According to my cousin you need a licence for that too. Post reply Do you find this valuable?
TreeLegs	9. RE: Hypothetical: Finding a gun Post-Zedpocalypse Jun 12 2012, 12:26 AM EDT Figure out what firearms would be used by law enforcement, military and other groups around your area and watch videos, read books and just educate yourself on the proper use on firearms. If you can go to a history muesem and speak to someone that would be a great idea. You may not be able to put one in your hands, but the next best thing is to put it in your head. Most firearms functions are pretty similar so if you are prepared mentaly for them, it would help you out a lot. In the mean time, practice your marksmanship with archery. Marksmanship skills cross over pretty well. Post reply Do you find this valuable?
BamaChris	10. RE: Hypothetical: Finding a gun Post-Zedpocalypse Jun 12 2012, 12:38 AM EDT This is one of those threads that I logically understand, but can't quite wrap my head around I understand that many countries don't allow private ownership of guns. I also understand, logically, that many people have never handled a gun at all. But being a life-long shooter and gun buff, I can't empathize with having no gun knowlegde at all. I mean this as no slur to anyone. Its just one of those things I can't grasp on some level. Post reply Do you find this valuable?
taylor2011ful	11. RE: Hypothetical: Finding a gun Post-Zedpocalypse Jun 12 2012, 12:39 AM EDT In addition to the above posts, remember the non-desirable effects a gun has. Such as the loud noise made by a gun, lack of training aside, you may put yourself into serious trouble. Killing one zed that presents an immediate threat could draw scores of them your way. Plus living in Ireland, where ammo is scarce, you might not have enough ammo to practice and still maintain enough to protect yourself in a sticky situation. I would say take the gun, but follow the instructions for unloading and practice. Use it sparingly as well, stick to what you know, and use it only on occasion. Eventually, with training and discipline you will know it as well. But then, even with practice, it would be a hard thing to learn to clean and properly maintain the mechanisms. Believe me, nothing would put a damper on your day like getting gunpowder residue gummung up your action. Post reply Do you find this valuable?
taylor2011ful	12. RE: Hypothetical: Finding a gun Post-Zedpocalypse Jun 12 2012, 12:45 AM EDT "This is one of those threads that I logically understand, but can't quite wrap my head around I understand that many countries don't allow private ownership of guns. I also understand, logically, that many people have never handled a gun at all. But being a life-long shooter and gun buff, I can't empathize with having no gun knowlegde at all. I mean this as no slur to anyone. Its just one of those things I can't grasp on some level." Feel free to correct me if i'm wrong but i believe thet most European countries keep private gun ownership restricted becuase of the population being so close together. In America, gun ownership is restricted in high population areas and metropolitan areas. One gun in the hands of a dangerous individual in a densely populated area can be a much larger problem than in a rural area. Post reply Do you find this valuable?
IamSlowRide	13. RE: Hypothetical: Finding a gun Post-Zedpocalypse Jun 12 2012, 12:50 AM EDT "According to my cousin you need a licence for that too." For the knowledge or the airsoft...lol Buy a cap gun then? Or maybe a new set of running shoes would be a better investment Post reply Do you find this valuable?
=jesse=	14. RE: Hypothetical: Finding a gun Post-Zedpocalypse Jun 12 2012, 12:50 AM EDT Read up now. Learn the 4 rules Slow posted by heart. Know them better than the back of your hand and remember your first mistake can be your last mistake. Don't touch the trigger, and for gods sake, don't look down the barrel to see if there is anything in there....ever. Post reply Do you find this valuable?
chitoryu12	15. RE: Hypothetical: Finding a gun Post-Zedpocalypse Jun 12 2012, 12:52 AM EDT Like Sharpie said, check out what he linked on weapons and gear. I personally made almost every single instruction manual on the individual firearms there, and I've actually tested the knowledge I've gained from nothing but reading the manuals and discovered that I not only remembered everything, but I could use the weapon well, solve problems with it, and even teach another shooter. Considering that the only instruction the staff gives is telling you where the controls are, I would say that looking into the weapons in as much depth as I did to make the articles was an improvement. That said, follow the instructions on that page. Finger off the trigger unless you're about to pull it, don't wave it around carelessly. Acknowledge that you're holding a weapon just as you would acknowledge that you're driving a car while holding onto the wheel. Just as you wouldn't turn the wheel aimlessly while gesticulating a point while talking, don't wave a gun around or point at people with it. Post reply Do you find this valuable?
wantmarmite	16. RE: Hypothetical: Finding a gun Post-Zedpocalypse Jun 12 2012, 2:09 AM EDT "This is one of those threads that I logically understand, but can't quite wrap my head around I understand that many countries don't allow private ownership of guns. I also understand, logically, that many people have never handled a gun at all. But being a life-long shooter and gun buff, I can't empathize with having no gun knowlegde at all. I mean this as no slur to anyone. Its just one of those things I can't grasp on some level." I don't get people that don't enjoy some kind of physical activity in their daily life. No running, swimming, ball sport, biking, or anything else. My parents are into sports and most of my extended family. I have a difficult time empathizing with people that don't enjoy being even a little physically active. It's a difficult concept for me. I think it's normal to have difficulty understanding people with such different values than yourself. Post reply Do you find this valuable?
shadowmancer	17. RE: Hypothetical: Finding a gun Post-Zedpocalypse Jun 12 2012, 4:23 AM EDT \| Post edited: Jun 12 2012, 4:30 AM EDT To get fire arms experience without a gun, goto a range which rents guns for lessons or specialty guns. Find these ranges in your local yellow pages. Logically, most guns found post apoch will be on the dead and the sites of battle. If you have no qualms against scavenging from these areas they could be located. Ammunition will be on the overrun remains. Even if you don't use the gun yourself or the ammo it is a useful trade item. I make these assumptions based on personal experience, history and the iron harvest. The iron harvest is the annual discovery of ww1 and ww2 era arms and munitions on the former battle site in europe. Miltary engagements in large scale don't go back and pick up dropped hardwear when retreating from attacks or when decimated. Look at the Dunkirk evacuation and recent Italian weapons finds in North Africa. Personal experience, well I've personally found a few decayed relics from major battles of the war of 1812 on Canadian soil they were degraded but had spent two centuries in wet soil. Post reply Do you find this valuable?
ReidyZ	18. RE: Hypothetical: Finding a gun Post-Zedpocalypse Jun 12 2012, 7:23 AM EDT "According to my cousin you need a licence for that too." In Ireland you can own an airsoft gun without a licence if it is below 1 joule. Post reply Do you find this valuable?
Filadog	19. RE: Hypothetical: Finding a gun Post-Zedpocalypse Jun 12 2012, 9:30 AM EDT Here in the US to own and drive a car is rather restrictive, have to take a test, get a special photo ID,buy insurance, pay a large yearly license fee and a tax when you buy your car and then you are restricted to where you can drive it, Most states inspect your car every year I think though if someone wrote in and said they don't know anything about cars and asked for pointers on how to drive one they might find post Z the answear would be to learn now and get a car now if at all possible Post reply Do you find this valuable?

1 2 3 | Next

JavaScript must be enabled in order for you to contribute to this site.
To start contributing, enable JavaScript by changing your browser options, then try again.

Home