[David E]

I am the first to admit I don't understand the current zombie craze.

I'm simultaneously puzzled and encouraged by it.

If someone asks, "what do you need an..an..assault rifle for?"

If you say, "the Second amendment states, etc, etc, to keep the govt in check, etc, looters, rioters, competition, hunting, TEOTWAWKI, etc, etc"

They say, "you're a nut!"

If you say nonchalantly, "oh, for the zombie apocalypse, man."

They say, "oh, ok."......as if it's a legitimate reason!

Anyway, I'm putting on a Zombie match to tap into that resource.

Thoughts?

[ConstitutionCowboy]

It's a substitute for all the other common enemies we have that political correctness will not allow us to single out, make fun of, make targets in effigy of, etc., etc., etc.

Woody

[4v50 Gary]

Zombies are for real. All those nekkid & (drug induced bath salt (and it's not the bath salts that our parents used for aches and pains)) brain dead people trying to eat people meets the definition of zombie.

[HorseSoldier]

It's a weird phenomena, but I agree with the idea that zombie apocalypse prep preppers are often people who aren't comfortable with ideas like using deadly force against a (living) human for self-defense, etc. Zombies, all bets are off in a very black and white world and people with hippy-dippy world views can use that as a safe venue to play with violent and/or martial thoughts and impulses.

But, as noted up thread, if it encourages people who would not normally be gun owners, I think it is a good thing. Whether or not zombie preppers are people other gun owners would want to hang out with is much less important than padding the stats politicians look at before they take another run at gun control.

[Walkalong]

It's a definite craze right now, but it will pass, as all fads do. But for now, you can get "Zombie" just about anything.

[guyfromohio]

We say "zombies ", when we mean "degenerates intent on inflicting harm or taking what isn't theirs". It just makes our liberal neighbors chuckle at our fabulous senses of humor instead of ridicule our dead-serious intent to protect life and property.

[walker944]

Very well stated, Guy!!

[justice06rr]

Whether it be a phase or not, the Zombie craze is definitely picking up. I'm on the boat with the craze of course :D

It may not be a reality now or in the future, but riots, civil unrest, government takeover, etc are all real and very possible. Zombies just make it fun to own firearms!

[ApacheCoTodd]

I think it's recently reentered the American vernacular, propelled by popular entertainment as a catch-all for Us (whomever WE may be) against a "them" as a group standing against our interests. Those interests may be basic survival as in films and graphic novels or more mundane run-of-the-mill daily life interests.

I see recently even the U.S. Government has embraced Zombitude in an attempt to refresh the message on disaster preparedness.

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_ZOMBIE_APOCALYPSE?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2012-09-06-17-39-15

[bbuddtec]

not for nothin', but a LOT of ppl went out of their way to make a nuke shelter and stock it, from what I recalll,... :D ...still useful, "even tho"

welcome to the "TV"...

[Hardtarget]

You're right...zombie anything. I found some zombie twinkies. Red filling!<jk>

I think a zombie match would be great fun! Make it a three gun if at all possable with lots of movement...ala cowboy action. :D That would be fun and you could stick in lots of odd ball scenarios. Put in a snub gun/ hide out semi spot too.

Yep, you're going to have fun, (hard work), getting this put together. We need to see photos of this when you get this done.

Mark

I just noticed...you didn't say where this match is going to happen.

[mgmorden]

It's a definite craze right now, but it will pass, as all fads do. But for now, you can get "Zombie" just about anything.

I think the zombie craze *as it applies to firearms* will probably pass. The targets, the green-everything, the "Zombie Slayer" engraved AR receivers, etc.

That said, I think zombie "culture" as a thing has been popular and around for far too long to be considered a fad. I'm 31 and have been watching zombie films ever since I can remember. I've seen everything George Romero has made, along with a ton of other zombie films - some good, some not so good, but all still fun on some level.

Been playing the games too (Resident Evil has been around for over a decade and continues to be a wild success and has spawned a whole series of movies too).

Realistically I don't buy that zombies are some politically correct substitute for real people. From a movie standpoint, they present a situation that is very far from any logical reality. They are an enemy that has no feelings, can't take losses, and will not retreat. Nothing in nature does that. Animals (and people) tire and give up - and if you hurt them bad enough they back off. Zombies don't do that.

Combine that with the a built in survival instinct that causes a STRONG aversion to individuals that look diseased and you have a very scary situation. Scary situations cause an adrenaline rush - pretty simple. Much the same reason the Terminator franchise is popular. Different thing, but same hopeless scenario.

BTW, I'm actually doing a 5k run for a zombie themed event. The local parks commission is doing it on October 27th and it'll be 500 runners with flags, and 100 zombies turned lose. Gotta complete the course with all your flags intact to win prizes. If you lose all your flags, you become a zombie too and can chase other runners. Who can say that don't sound like fun? :)

http://www.rundead5k.com

[taliv]

there are lots of zombie matches out there, particularly for pistol and 3gun formats, but also for precision rifle. like most things, it was cool until everybody started doing it.


since for many, "zombies" is a codeword for blue helmets, meth heads, or their desperate former friends during some sort of calamity who know you have food and guns stockpiled in your house... we don't do zombie threads at THR.

it is important to remember that we don't just obey laws because of the threat of punishment, but because for the most part, they're the right thing to do. even if the gov collapsed and no one would ever catch you, it would still be wrong to just start shooting anyone you see in the street, or anyone who might knock on your door looking for help.

and more practically, even though it is occasionally disrupted in the US, order has always been restored. and we as a society have little sympathy for those who committed crimes during the disorder.

since the typical zombie response (shoot everyone in the head) is not appropriate for pretty much any scenario you can imagine (including long-term societal breakdown), it really isn't useful for any sort of discussion except video games and discussions about how lame zombie stuff is.

[threefortyduster]

My thought is that it's a way to have fun with something too many people take WAY too seriously and get WAY too out of shape over (either for or against). The fact is, it's probably bringing some new people in who otherwise wouldn't have considered it.

I have a box of ZombieMax .30-30 ammo on my dresser in full view for the sole purpose of it being a conversation starter.

[Nushif]

We say "zombies ", when we mean "degenerates intent on inflicting harm or taking what isn't theirs".

since for many, "zombies" is a codeword for blue helmets, meth heads, or their desperate former friends during some sort of calamity [...]

See, that's something I don't get. I have never heard that. I use the zombie line as well sometimes, but pretty much everyone I know actually does use it as a joke.
When we're talking personal defense we actually you know talk .... personal defense. I very openly shared with my friend at first that I bought a shotgun when I realized only the "conservatives" are armed, supposedly.
When we talk about "t3h 3ndz of t3h world" we actually talk about it. I am not kidding when I say I have never heard zombies used as some sort of code word.

[Carl N. Brown]

To me, "zombies" is a code word for the living dead (as in "Night of the Living Dead", "Dawn of the Dead" and "Day of the Dead", duh.)

[mf-dif]

It's a joke. Like anything in life, tell a joke and make uncomfortable things comfortable.

Zombies, Vampires and Werewolves are popular again FYI.

[Readyrod]

Those iClones on their iPhones look like zombies to me.

[W.E.G.]

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd7/rkba2da/humor/attachment.jpg

[MrCleanOK]

I am not kidding when I say I have never heard zombies used as some sort of code word.

I doubt there are many people that seriously use "zombie" as some kind of insider code word, so that we can talk about self defense and civil unrest without those "sheeple" getting unsettled. I think it is as has been said by others. Some people have always been fans of zombie movies, and it's just a fun exercise in grown-up make believe. Some people, probably subconsciously, use the current zombie culture to explore martial skills and equipment in a way that is palatable to themselves or their peers/family. I think HorseSoldier's post is an excellent description of that second group of "zombie" people.

I get tired of all this stupid zombie crap, but if the endstate is that more people are spreading their interests from from movie/videogame/whatever culture to firearms culture, I can put up with it.

[taliv]

I am not kidding when I say I have never heard zombies used as some sort of code word.

np. just keep in mind that if you use the term, depending on the context, some people will assume that's what you mean.

[Nushif]

Zombies, Vampires and Werewolves are popular again FYI.

Still waiting on my demons though. I would shell out good money for bullets actually made from a sanctified cross.

[Rick R]

Just think of the conversation some archaeologists are going to have 200 years from now when they find zombie knives, ammo, sights, lunch boxes etc. "This seemingly enlightened society managed to put men on the moon but still believed in the existence of zombies to the extent that they formed zombie response teams".

[Jorg]

It's a substitute for all the other common enemies we have that political correctness will not allow us to single out, make fun of, make targets in effigy of, etc., etc., etc.
We say "zombies ", when we mean "degenerates intent on inflicting harm or taking what isn't theirs". It just makes our liberal neighbors chuckle at our fabulous senses of humor instead of ridicule our dead-serious intent to protect life and property.
Well, perhaps in certain limited circles, but certainly not for society at large. The sheer number of zombie walks, zombie 5ks, apps like Zombies, run!, zombie toys, zombie books, zombie-themed underwear, zombie-themed music, and so forth indicate that for a least a rather large number of people, zombies are nothing more than fun pop culture phenomenon.

[Leanwolf]

GUYFROMOHIO - "We say "zombies ", when we mean "degenerates intent on inflicting harm or taking what isn't theirs"."

I believe it was the late Jeff Cooper who began using the term "goblins" years ago to describe the same as above.

"Goblins," "Zombies," "Freebooters," etc., they're all the same, aren't they? Out to do us honest folks harm, huh. :)

L.W.

[p2000sk]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQWb-5nblx4&feature=plcp

I found this link through the Hornady ammunition website, it is a 1 minute 54 second zombie video featuring the effectiveness of their 'Z Max' ammo.

[OilyPablo]

If you are going to overcharge me for gun gear by calling it "zombie", then at least release some real zombies to shoot. Get on with it already. :cuss:

[CZguy]

If you are going to overcharge me for gun gear by calling it "zombie", then at least release some real zombies to shoot. Get on with it already.

I gotta admit that I get a little concerned when people appear to think that Zombies exist. :scrutiny:

I have successfully avoided being overcharged for zombie gun gear, by not buying any. Just a thought. :)

[OilyPablo]

Let me see. Ammo box with no zombie picture? $11. Box with zombie? $25. Tough call!

[taliv]

Well, perhaps in certain limited circles, but certainly not for society at large. The sheer number of zombie walks, zombie 5ks, apps like Zombies, run!, zombie toys, zombie books, zombie-themed underwear, zombie-themed music, and so forth indicate that for a least a rather large number of people, zombies are nothing more than fun pop culture phenomenon.

all true, but no different than saying in some circles, the word "damn" has a religious meaning but for most of society, it's a meaningless expletive. or like saying for some "memorial day" has profound meaning but for most people, it's when the community pools open and everybody skips work, grills out and drinks beer.

[flatlander937]

It's a weird phenomena, but I agree with the idea that zombie apocalypse prep preppers are often people who aren't comfortable with ideas like using deadly force against a (living) human for self-defense, etc. Zombies, all bets are off in a very black and white world and people with hippy-dippy world views can use that as a safe venue to play with violent and/or martial thoughts and impulses.

I don't get the zombie shenanigans myself... I'd feel like a stupid kid for even considering to buy/shoot zombie targets at the range... but I know a lot of people who are really into it... near the point of almost truly believe they will come one day.... :uhoh:

but that is a VERY interesting point of view on why some people embrace the zombie shooting thing and reject more... useful forms of training/preparedness/etc... at least initially.

[David E]

Twice a month, I run Carrygun matches at an indoor range in Edmond, OK (north side of OKC)

On 5th Sundays, I run a themed match like Concealment Challenge, Snubnose Championship (with a full auto MP-5 battlefield pick up!) etc.

This time, I'm doing Zombies and I'm surprised at the amount of interest. I already have a couple guys coming from Arkansas to shoot this Sunday night match.

For those that care, I am allowing ANY gun, except full auto and shotguns. In fact, you can run a different gun on each of the 4 stages. I'm curious what people think the "ideal" zombie gun is. I'm even awarding a trophy for the best zombie slayer gun, among others. 36 rds per stage for 144 total.

We will have swinging and charging targets and some that'll explode green bile. We will have low light, strobe light, chemical light and black light.

Me, I'm shooting my sorta custom 10-22 with a 50 rd drum.

It's all about having safe fun with guns.

[Osageid]

Hickok45 has put some vids that are entertaining. I don't get too upset just find it amusing as there are so many other things to be seriously concerned about.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

[wlewisiii]

zombie = no capability of rational thought at best...

Any company that puts out "zombie" trash, I stop buying anything from. That has been annoying with Hornady since I reload, but that's the way it goes. My money goes elsewhere now.

[Ehtereon11B]

It is worth a good chuckle to me. Zombie targets, zombie rounds from Hornady that I might get a box or two of in key calibers for posterity purposes. It started being a little obnoxious for me when the DOD did a press release about zombie prep. Government agencies have a way of making something not funny anymore.

[tarakian]

I will be shooting Zombies this weekend. This will be my fourth year making dead things deader. Why? Because it's a fun way to spend the day. People need to stop getting so upset about it. It just a light hearted variation on a shooting match. Don't like it or it doesn't interest you? OK by me, don't come play with us. But while you're sitting home this weekend railing against those stupid zombie idiots and yelling at the kids to get off your lawn, I'll be at the range with a bunch of my friends and many other people shooting high volumes of ammunition through my pistol, rifle and shotgun. Oh, and did I mention that there will be automatic weapons to really mow down the walking dead?

[Kingofthehill]

It's turned into a stupid marketing tool that was 3-4 years late. They are marketing to those late to the party but it's not as fun as it was IMO, especially since it went more mainstream.

[Deus Machina]

As said before, it's both a safe alternative to saying 'assailant' and a cover-all for the SHTF crowd.
It taps into the new 'gamer' crowd--don't tell me none of you guys got into guns because you liked cowboy movies or Dirty Harry--that is good IMO, as long as they remember that they're actual guns.
The marketing? Same thing the 'tuners' buy into. Same exact thing as anything else, or even cheap junk, but prettied up and marketed to 'racers'. Cosmetics.
The reason people accept is as an excuse: quoting the second amendment makes those people think you expect to use it as intended. Using zombies as an excuse is just silly (and no, no one thinks they're real) so is instantly put into the category as other sports equipment.

[Pilot]

Zombies really need to get a life.




:D

[The-Reaver]

If something like this subject gets new individuals into firearms who cares?

[guyfromohio]

Oily- not so. I've found hornady zmax to be some of the least expensive defensive ammo out there.

[Carl N. Brown]

I would not pay extra for "Zombie" on the label.

But, check out the zombie movie titles at Internet Movie Firearms Database (IMFDb, a dedicated gun buff wiki version of IMDb Internet Movie Database): a lot of zombie movies are showcases for the movie studio prop department firearms arsenals, so the interest is inescapable.

If you don't like zombies, change channels or pick a different movie at the multiplex.

[OilyPablo]

Guy - I wasn't referring to ammo - rather ammo cans. Plus like all things Zombie, I exaggerated a bit. Point being if the zombie stuff costs more, no way.

[guyfromohio]

True... optics, targets, etc......

[meanmrmustard]

It's a definite craze right now, but it will pass, as all fads do. But for now, you can get "Zombie" just about anything.
I hope not. It has more people interested in shooting. Anything with Zombie on it gets bought out like hot cakes, and folks are going to the range. Practicing for impending doom. If its not Zombie apocalypse, the it's socioeconomic collapse. God favors the prepared.

I like Zombies.

[Lex Luthier]

Howdy.

There will be a zombie themed shoot in Morristown MN this Saturday at Ahlmans Gun range. Camping Friday night. $75.00 entry gets you several shooting and projectile weapon stages, including spear throwing, knife throwing and slingshot. Also a machine gun range. Kung Fu, an Air Soft field, drawings, food vendors, fun for everyone! Plus, Ahlmans has the best gun store in Minnesota.

I am sponsoring a stage that includes homemade reactive zombies and other reactive targets, and what I hope to be a very popular nine arm spinner. I will post some pictures after.

Please visit www.shtfshoot.com (sorry you may have to plug that one in yourself), and check it out. If you're there please stop and say hello. You can also find the event on facebook.

[HoosierQ]

I am trying to get Skinwalkers into the collective zeitgeist. So far, not much luck. A way more useful, but equally vague notion: Sociopathic evil forces taking human form in order to hurt people. Figures in Navajo mythology. Popular as scapegoats, labels to place on people just gone plain bad, etc.

[bikerdoc]

Oh, how I hate the Z word, Z topics, Z products and anything else Z.

Pointless, useless, and gauranteed to decrease your I Q 5 points evey time it is said.

I would say more but I need to decide on the right caliber, as I am going hunting today for unicorn, jackalope and the elusive big foot.

[smallbore]

Zombies = what happens to sheeple who drink the kool-aid.

[303tom]

Zombie Craze;

SUCKS !

[Ryanxia]

We say "zombies ", when we mean "degenerates intent on inflicting harm or taking what isn't theirs". It just makes our liberal neighbors chuckle at our fabulous senses of humor instead of ridicule our dead-serious intent to protect life and property.

That's why I laugh along with a friend of mine who has gotten back into shooting because of the zombies, we call it two different things but we're both preparing for the same thing :)

[NeuseRvrRat]

you dusty old farts hate to see folks have fun

[Blackstone]

Just a good way to introduce a theme to any shooting matches. You can just avoid the whole overpriced zombie branded stuff anyway.

[Fremmer]

My sources indicate the impending zomboe uprising will occur while sheeple pretend there's nothing to worry about. Forewarned....

[Sam1911]

Anyway, I'm putting on a Zombie match to tap into that resource.

Thoughts?


So...the question is about a Zombie MATCH. Moved into Competition. Let's focus on the game aspect.

[Darkbob]

The zombie craze got me my first AR.

My wife and I love zombie movies, and we always have. After watching "The Walking Dead" (a show where they never say the word Zombie) recently, I showed her an image of a Spikes Tactical zombie themed stripped lower (http://www.spikestactical.com/new/z/lower-multi-forged-zombie-livedead-markings-p-566.html). When I told her the price of the lower (I didn't happen to mention the total cost to finish an AR build ;)), she told me that she really liked it and that I should get one.

So, for all you naysayers out there, Zombies = New Guns (http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=634089) (<--link to my AR thread).

[303 hunter]

Zombie Craze;

SUCKS !
I'm ready for this zombie crap to be over too!

[MagnumDweeb]

If you think Zombies are bad check out "Crossed" not for those with weak stomachs.

Onto the zombie match, head shots will be all the craze, and the .22lr rifle should play a central role in my opinion. If the only thing that will stop a zombie is a head shot than all you really need is a .22lr. All the other calibers are fro bandits, brigands, and marauders in the post-zombie-apoaclypse world.

Zombies will be the first problem, people will be the second. Can anyone remember Hurricane Katrina.

[Sam1911]

One more time: So...the question is about a Zombie MATCH. Moved into Competition. Let's focus on the game aspect.

[Blackstone]

IDPA shooters often run zombie-themed shoots, especially around Halloween time. Basically, only headshots count.

[StandingTall]

"No one ever went broke underestimating the intelligence of the American public."
H. L. Mencken

Boy, ain't that the truth.

[Ky Larry]

I hope that everyone stops buying Hornady 6mm ZombieMax bullets. I can get them about $10.00 cheaper per 500 than 58gr VMax bullets. With 44.5gr of AA-4350, they shoot bug holes at 100yrds with my Marlin XS7. Last week I hit a crow in the head with this load at 165 yrds. People should stop buying these bullets. They're terrible.


P.S. "Please don't throw me in the briar patch."

Brere Rabbit

[Dr.Rob]

Zombie themed matches sure seem to have more 'bullet hose' stages, which is more or less unique to them.

Turning a blind corner to see 20 'shoot' targets from contact to 10 yards just isn't happening in your average IDPA or 3 gun match.

[OilyPablo]

Amazing.

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2012/09/18/zombies-to-invade-san-diego-counter-terrorism-summit/?test=latestnews

[meanmrmustard]

I'm ready for this zombie crap to be over too!
Too bad it won't be! Yay!!!

[Sam1911]

So, since there is no interest in discussing competition aspects, and we're just going to continue "Love Zombies/Hate Zombies" bickering -- another Zombie thread CLOSED.

Predictable, really.