Zombies? Really? Truth is stranger than fiction.

Recently, I had to things happen in close order to one another. Each of these events caught me by surprise. Both of these events are forcing me to address a subject I previously wouldn't dignify with my time. Facing this issue makes me wonder if I'm detached from a much larger segment of the shooting enthusiasts out there than I previously thought possible. I mean, I do it all. I shoot sporting clays, high power rifle, IDPA, IPSC, bullseye, Cowboy Action and just about anything else that involves firing pins and primers. I also spend a great deal of time in gun stores talking to customers about personal defense, plinking and hunting driven firearm requirements. A few years back, I faced something similar that I could hardly believe. People were ordering guns, Sig 556 rifles to be specific, because they enjoyed shooting the rifles in a popular video game. Most of these customers were surprised that the their $1500 bought them such a heavy little rifle. I actually got a few of them to the range to shoot their new toys. That was an experience.

A few days ago, I was in a competitors gun store. I used to buy a lot of guns there 15 years ago. They have a range and I stopped in to do some shooting. Afterwards, I was enjoying being amongst my people, shooters, and listening to the stories and questions from the customers. I actually heard a customer ask "what kind of gun would you recommend for shooting zombies?". I anticipated a smirk or similar reaction from the store employee. However, his actual reply was to engage the customer in a discussion that ranged from AR15's to full auto shotguns. About the time the clerk uttered "head shots are the only sure way to kill them in real life" I had had enough and left the store. In turn, I enjoyed a little laughter as I drove away.

The next day, I was at the doctor's office. I was pleased to see a copy of Outdoor Life on the table. As I flipped through the pages, I came across this picture.

Oh, it's real. It's a real AR15 that shoots crossbow bolts via a 22 blank fired through a modified Ruger 10/22 attached below the barrel. The builder even left enough room to use Beta C drum magazines to get capacity up to 100 rounds of 5.56 NATO. Personally, I applaud the craftsmanship. I'm sure it is a lot of fun to shoot. I'm betting the balance is a wee bit off. I don't see the utility of caring around something that large and heavy just so you can add a few arrows to your arsenal. I'd probably go with an AR10 and let the 308 do all of my talking. Has the perceived danger from masses of zombie hoards risen to a point that the firearms industry needs to offer legitimate products to fill this demand? A few years ago, I commented to a friend that the Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade(SHOT) show had gone completely "black". By that, I mean that everything "tactical" had taken over. Could this be the mark of a new trend in the industry? Will zombies take over SHOT down the road? Zombies taking over Las Vegas...that would be something.