SLINGS AND ARROWS

It is a commonly held notion that using non-f~earrnb allistics such as
bows and slingshots are a waste of energy and resources. In most
cases, this is true. However, if used properly, such a weapon will
enable you to score a kill at long range with little or no sound. What if
you're attempting to escape an infested area, yon tum a comer, and a
single ghoul blocks your path? It's too far away for a hand weapon.
Before you get close, its moans will betray your position. The crack of
a firearm will sound an even louder alarm. What do you do? In cases
like these, certain silent weapons may be your only option.

1. THE SLING
Made famous from the biblical story of David and Goliath, this
weapon has been part of our heritage since prehistoric times. The user
places a smooth, round stone in the wider center of a thin leather strip,
grabs both ends, swings it repeatedly in a rapid circle, then releases
one end of the strip, loosing the stone at his target. Theoretically, it is
possible to dispatch a zombie with a silent headshot at just under thirty
paces. However, even with months of training, the chances of scoring
such a hit are one in ten at best. With no experience, the wielder would
be better off just throwing stones.
2. THE SLINGSHOT
A descendant of the leather strap, the modem slingshot has at least ten
times the accuracy of its ancestor, the sling. What it lacks is punch.
Small projectiles fired from a modem slingshot simply do not have the
force, even at minimum range, to penetrate a zombie's skull. Using this
weapon might serve only to alert a ghoul to your presence.

3. THE BLOWGUN
Given that poison has no effect on the undead, discount this weapon
entirely.

4. SHURIKEN
These small, multipoint devices were used in feudal Japan to pierce a
human skull. In appearance they resemble a steel, two-dimensional
replica of a shining star, hence their nickname, "throwing stars." In
expert hands, they could easily bring down a zombie. However, as with
many weapons discussed, the throwing star requires great expertise.
Unless you are one of the few masters of this art (only a handful can
still claim this title), refrain from such an exotic method.
As with shuriken, these short-range weapons require weeks of practice
to hit something as large as a human body and months to hit something
as small as a human head. Only a dedicated expert could even hope for
a reliable zombie kill. The time and energy spent training could be
much more productive if applied to a conventional weapon. Remember,
you have a variety of skills to learn, and not aU the time in the world to
learn them. Don't waste those valuable hours attempting to master a
third-rate weapon.

5.THROWING KNIVES

As with shuriken, these short-range weapons require weeks of practice
to hit something as large as a human body and months to hit something
as small as a human head. Only a dedicated expert could even hope for
a reliable zombie kill. The time and energy spent training could be
much more productive if applied to a conventional weapon. Remember,
you have a variety of skills to learn, and not aU the time in the world to
learn them. Don't waste those valuable hours attempting to master a
third-rate weapon


6. THE LONG OR COMPOUND BOW
To be blunt, hitting a zombie
through the head with an arrow is
an extremely difficult feat. Even
with compound bows and modem
sights, only experienced archers
have a chance of making a direct
shot. The only practical use for
this weapon is the delivery of
incendiaq arrows. For starting
fires silently, at long distance,
nothing works better than a flaming arrow. This manner of attack can,
and has, been used to set undead individuals on fue. The targeted zombie
will not know enough to pull the mow fiom its body and might,
given the right circumstances, bum other ghouls before succumbing to
the flames.

7. THE CROSSBOW
The power and accuracy of a modem crossbow can send a "bolt"
(crossbow mow) clean through a zombie's skull at over a quarter mile.
Small wonder it has been dubbed "the perfect silent killer."
Marksmanship is important, hut no more so than with a rifle.
Reloading requires time and strength, but this should he unnecessary.
The crossbow is a sniper's weapon, not a crowd-stopper. Use only
against one zombie. Any more, and you might find yourself grabbed
and mauled before you have time to load another bolt. As for bolts,
either triangular or bullet-shape will suffice. For increased accuracy, a
telescopic sight should be added. Unfortunately, the size and weight of
any good crossbow will make it the primary weapon. Therefore,
choose one only when the situation permits, such as traveling in a
group, defending your home, or when no silenced frearms are available.

8. THE HAND BOW
Smaller, one-handed crossbows can serve as a complement to your primary
weapon. Carrying one means that a compact, silent weapon will
always be on band if needed. In comparison to the larger crossbow,
hand bows have inferior accuracy, power, and range. Using one means
getting closer to the target. This increases not only the danger but the
risk of detection, which, in turn, negates the need for a silent weapon.
Use the hand bow carefully, and sparingly.