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===Bolt-action Rifles===
===Bolt-action Rifles===
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'''Bolt-action rifles''' are loaded by manual operation of the bolt [[File:290px-Remington_700_BDL.jpeg|thumb|274px|Remington Model 700]]to eject a spent cartridge from the chamber and load a new one. Bolt-action rifles typically have: excellent accuracy, a long effective range, and excellent [[Hydrostatic Shock|stopping power]], are easy to use and maintain, and are very sturdy and reliable. On the other hand, they have a low rate of fire (depending on the action e.g. Mauser 98 derived rifles have a "cock on opening" bolt which makes the rate of fire slower. On the other hand, the Lee-Enfield series rifles have a "cock on closing" bolt whilch allows for a higher rate of fire) and a small magazine capacity (typically 3-5 rounds, depending on caliber -- although some, like the Lee-Enfield and the Ruger Gunsite Scout Rifle, have as many as ten), and are difficult to maneuver in close quarters due to their size and length. However, ex-military bolt-action rifles are useful in close quarters as a melee weapon thanks to the durable steel-backed wooden frame the rifle can be used to bash in skulls or as a spear when a bayonet is fitted. According to the ''Zombie Survival Guide'', ex-military bolt-action rifles like the [[Karabiner 98k |Mauser Kar98k]], the [[Lee-Enfield]], and the [[M1903 Springfield]] are ideal anti-zombie firearms.
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'''Bolt-action rifles''' are loaded by manual operation of the bolt [[File:290px-Remington_700_BDL.jpeg|thumb|274px|Remington Model 700]]to eject a spent cartridge from the chamber and load a new one. Quality-made bolt-action rifles are often easy to maintain, and are very sturdy and reliable. Since their action requires the operator to manually cycle the bolt, the practical rate of fire for a bolt-action rifle, like any other manually-operated firearm, is much lower than a self-loading firearm's. According to the ''Zombie Survival Guide'', ex-military bolt-action rifles like the [[Karabiner 98k |Mauser Kar98k]], the [[Lee-Enfield]], and the [[M1903 Springfield]] are ideal anti-zombie firearms.
Bolt-action rifles were standard-issue infantry weapons with the armed forces of many countries up until the 1950s when they began to be usurped by semi-automatic battle rifles. Bolt-action rifles continue to be popular with civilian shooters to this day, and modern designs are favored by military and police snipers for their superior accuracy. Bolt-action rifles are still being used by numerous countries as a second-line or reserve rifle for police and military units e.g. the Canadian Rangers. Ex-military bolt-action rifles are still being encountered in the hands of guerrilla forces in numerous conflicts around the world e.g. Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, India (with the Naxalite Maoist rebels and the Indian police making extensive use of the Lee-Enfield series rifles alongside more modern rifles e.g. L1A1 Self Loading Rifle and the AKM). In an number of countries where the legal ownership of all semi-automatic centrefire rifles among licenced, law-abiding firearm owners is heavily restricted and/or banned e.g. Australia and Great Britain; bolt-action rifles (along with lever-action and pump-action rifles) are the only legal alternative.
Bolt-action rifles were standard-issue infantry weapons with the armed forces of many countries up until the 1950s when they began to be usurped by semi-automatic battle rifles. Bolt-action rifles continue to be popular with civilian shooters to this day, and modern designs are favored by military and police snipers for their superior accuracy. Bolt-action rifles are still being used by numerous countries as a second-line or reserve rifle for police and military units e.g. the Canadian Rangers. Ex-military bolt-action rifles are still being encountered in the hands of guerrilla forces in numerous conflicts around the world e.g. Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, India (with the Naxalite Maoist rebels and the Indian police making extensive use of the Lee-Enfield series rifles alongside more modern rifles e.g. L1A1 Self Loading Rifle and the AKM). In an number of countries where the legal ownership of all semi-automatic centrefire rifles among licenced, law-abiding firearm owners is heavily restricted and/or banned e.g. Australia and Great Britain; bolt-action rifles (along with lever-action and pump-action rifles) are the only legal alternative.
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*AR-15 or M-16A1 or M-16A2 - Civilian and Military variantions of the M16 family (USA). Originally produced by Colt, several "clones" of the Eugene Stoner design now exist. Since the propellant (gunpowder) issue was worked out in the late 1960s, the AR-15/M-16 series have been as reliable as any other (non-AK) assault rifle if properly maintained, but often-repeated claims they are prone to malfunctioning continues. In both Gulf War conflicts they have proven more reliable in sandy environments than the British Enfield bullpup assault rifle especially when a high grade lubricant (Teflon based) is used. Chambered in 5.56 x 45mm NATO (.223 Remington).
*AR-15 or M-16A1 or M-16A2 - Civilian and Military variantions of the M16 family (USA). Originally produced by Colt, several "clones" of the Eugene Stoner design now exist. Since the propellant (gunpowder) issue was worked out in the late 1960s, the AR-15/M-16 series have been as reliable as any other (non-AK) assault rifle if properly maintained, but often-repeated claims they are prone to malfunctioning continues. In both Gulf War conflicts they have proven more reliable in sandy environments than the British Enfield bullpup assault rifle especially when a high grade lubricant (Teflon based) is used. Chambered in 5.56 x 45mm NATO (.223 Remington).
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*M4 Carbine - Derived from the earlier CAR-15, a shortened M-16. Very user friendly, plethora of attachments/add-ons/interchangable parts, uncomplicated to field strip with experience. Can be prone to reliability issues. While not a primary choice, they may be all that's available in a collapse situation. Chambered in 5.56 NATO.
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*M4 Carbine - Derived from the earlier CAR-15, a shortened M-16. Very user friendly, plethora of attachments/add-ons/interchangable parts, uncomplicated to field strip with experience. Can be prone to reliability issues. Chambered in 5.56 NATO.
*AK family (AK-47, AK-74, AK-102, AK-108, among others) - Very durable, hardly jams (anything will jam if not taken care of) and has less parts than the M16. Also includes any semi-automatic variants produced for civilians(USA).
*AK family (AK-47, AK-74, AK-102, AK-108, among others) - Very durable, hardly jams (anything will jam if not taken care of) and has less parts than the M16. Also includes any semi-automatic variants produced for civilians(USA).
*Remington 700 - Highly popular bolt action rifle among military, law enforcement, and civilians for use as a sniper or hunting rifle.
*Remington 700 - Highly popular bolt action rifle among military, law enforcement, and civilians for use as a sniper or hunting rifle.
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*SA80 - The L85 is the standard issue service rifle of the British Armed Forces. It is a bullpup, selective-fire assault rifle firing 5.56x45mm rounds. Not cheap or widely available, but very accurate.
*SA80 - The L85 is the standard issue service rifle of the British Armed Forces. It is a bullpup, selective-fire assault rifle firing 5.56x45mm rounds. Not cheap or widely available, but very accurate.
*Mauser Karabiner 98k - WWII German bolt-action infantry rifle chambered in 7.92x57mm. Highly popular and accurate rifle among firearm owners.
*Mauser Karabiner 98k - WWII German bolt-action infantry rifle chambered in 7.92x57mm. Highly popular and accurate rifle among firearm owners.
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*Lee-Enfield series rifles - Classic British bolt-action infantry rifle chambered in .303 British. Highly reliable, accurate, and renown for it's smooth bolt action. Capable of achieving a high rate of fire (15-30 rounds/minute) due to the rifle's "cock on closing" bolt-action and 10-round magazine.
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*Lee-Enfield series rifles - Classic British bolt-action infantry rifle chambered in .303 British. Highly reliable, accurate, and renowned for its smooth action.
*Springfield M1903 - Famous American bolt-action infantry rifle chambered in .30-06 Springfield. Highly accurate but can prove unwieldy to the inexperienced shooter.
*Springfield M1903 - Famous American bolt-action infantry rifle chambered in .30-06 Springfield. Highly accurate but can prove unwieldy to the inexperienced shooter.
*Mosin-Nagant - Famous Russian/Soviet series of bolt-action rifles and carbines chambered in 7.62x54R. Mosin-Nagants are a rugged and reliable bolt-action rifle that's also very affordable due to the massive influx of rifles from the former Soviet Union on the surplus gun market in recent times.
*Mosin-Nagant - Famous Russian/Soviet series of bolt-action rifles and carbines chambered in 7.62x54R. Mosin-Nagants are a rugged and reliable bolt-action rifle that's also very affordable due to the massive influx of rifles from the former Soviet Union on the surplus gun market in recent times.
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Sniper rifles are intended to engage targets at greater distances than a standard soldier's rifle and/or with greater accuracy. Sniper rifles are usually defined as rifles capable of sub-MOA (minute of arc) performance at 100yrds and/or the ability to accurately hit a point target (man sized target) at 600+ yards (those with range <600yrds are usually defined as designated marksman rifles). Nevertheless, these are not hard and fast rules. They are more difficult to use effectively than one might suppose, and using them at extreme distance requires much practice and training. Many factors such as wind, bullet drop, altitude, air temperature, and even the earth's rotation (for particularly long shots) must be factored in when making shots at long distance. Examples used by armies around the world are the AWM, M24, M40, PSG1, M21, and the M110. Features such as action, barrel style, magazine capacity, and stock style and material vary greatly among rifles.[[File:Images_(27).jpg|thumb|M24 sniper rifle ]][[File:L96_sniper_rife.jpg|thumb|L96 sniper rifle]]
Sniper rifles are intended to engage targets at greater distances than a standard soldier's rifle and/or with greater accuracy. Sniper rifles are usually defined as rifles capable of sub-MOA (minute of arc) performance at 100yrds and/or the ability to accurately hit a point target (man sized target) at 600+ yards (those with range <600yrds are usually defined as designated marksman rifles). Nevertheless, these are not hard and fast rules. They are more difficult to use effectively than one might suppose, and using them at extreme distance requires much practice and training. Many factors such as wind, bullet drop, altitude, air temperature, and even the earth's rotation (for particularly long shots) must be factored in when making shots at long distance. Examples used by armies around the world are the AWM, M24, M40, PSG1, M21, and the M110. Features such as action, barrel style, magazine capacity, and stock style and material vary greatly among rifles.[[File:Images_(27).jpg|thumb|M24 sniper rifle ]][[File:L96_sniper_rife.jpg|thumb|L96 sniper rifle]]
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While some might see the sniper rifle's accuracy as a great tool against zombies, that is not always the case. Even if someone is trained to properly use one, engaging a zombie is much more difficult than training targets. Military and police snipers are trained to hit an enemy's chest to either penetrate their heart or hit another vital organ to cause death or severely would them; they are purposely trained to avoid the temptation to try and make a headshot. If the sniper can aim several inches higher, they will find out why this lessen was taught - hitting an enemy's head at long ranges is difficult. Sniper rifles have effective and maximum ranges at which they can be expected to hit a point, or at least near it. When shooting a head, the couple of inches a bullet can miss means missing the target completely. Combine this with the movements it makes when lumbering towards something, and trying to shoot a zombie with a sniper rifle dramatically reduces its range. [[Suppressor]]s can usually be attached to most sniper rifles that can make the shot silent at the range of the target. Even so, an impact into a zombie head and it falling to the ground will be heard by others if the area is quiet. This can be exploited to draw in and kill other zombies as they gather and slow down to inspect the area.
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While some might see the sniper rifle's accuracy as a great tool against zombies, that is not always the case. Even if someone is trained to properly use one, engaging a zombie is much more difficult than training targets. Military and police snipers are trained to hit an enemy's chest to either penetrate their heart or hit another vital organ to cause death or severely would them; they are purposely trained to avoid the temptation to try and make a headshot. If the sniper can aim several inches higher, they will find out why this lesson was taught - hitting an enemy's head at long ranges is difficult. Sniper rifles have effective and maximum ranges at which they can be expected to hit a point, or at least near it. When shooting a head, the couple of inches a bullet can miss means missing the target completely. Combine this with the movements it makes when lumbering towards something, and trying to shoot a zombie with a sniper rifle dramatically reduces its range. [[Suppressor]]s can usually be attached to most sniper rifles that can make the shot silent at the range of the target. Even so, an impact into a zombie head and it falling to the ground will be heard by others if the area is quiet. This can be exploited to draw in and kill other zombies as they gather and slow down to inspect the area.
==Anti Materiel rifles==
==Anti Materiel rifles==
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Anti Materiel rifles (AM rifles) are high powered sniper rifles used against enemy objects (as opposed to personnel) that smaller caliber rifles can't penetrate. They are usually chambered in high calibers such as .50 BMG.
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Anti materiel rifles (AM rifles) are high powered rifles used against enemy objects (as opposed to personnel) that smaller caliber rifles can't penetrate. They are usually chambered in large calibers such as .50BMG.
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Anti Materiel rifles first saw combat in World War I. They were used against enemy vehicles, tanks. They were powerful, but other weapons such as bazookas were more effective. (bazookas weren't invented until WWII.) Modern anti material rifles are typically semi automatic. They have a low magazine capacity, typically 5 to 10 rounds, and are heavy and cumbersome. These drawbacks make them inpractical for use in a zombie apocalypse and can't be used indoors. The high power rounds also allow for over penetration. You may use it for taking down many zombies at once, but heights of zombies vary, so multiple headshots in one shot are difficult. At the long ranges they are capable of, the bullets usually drift enough to miss a man-sized target, let alone a head, where hitting a part of a vehicle would still have been acceptable. At shorter ranges the large bullets would seemingly cause a head to explode, but the same end result could be accomplished using a smaller and lighter scoped rifle with smaller and lighter roundss. However, extremely powerful bullets (such as the aforementioned .50 BMG) can quite literally rip off limbs and blow a body open with a single shot, easily disabling a zombie; the rounds also produce significant hydrostatic shock and have potential to cause remote brain damage. These rifles can be used effectively against heavily armed bandits (ex. light-skinned trucks and helicopters.) Types of AM rifles are the American M82A1, the British AS50, and the old Russian PTRD. Another good one is the World War 2 Boys anti tank rifle chambered in the rare .55 Boys cartridge.
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Anti materiel rifles first saw combat in World War I. They were used against enemy vehicles, tanks. They were powerful, but other weapons such as bazookas were more effective. (bazookas weren't invented until WWII.) Modern anti material rifles are typically semi automatic. They have a low magazine capacity, typically 5 to 10 rounds, and are heavy and cumbersome. These drawbacks make them inpractical for use in a zombie apocalypse and can't be used indoors. The high power rounds also allow for over penetration. You may use it for taking down many zombies at once, but heights of zombies vary, so multiple headshots in one shot are difficult. At the long ranges they are capable of, the bullets usually drift enough to miss a man-sized target, let alone a head, where hitting a part of a vehicle would still have been acceptable. At shorter ranges the large bullets would seemingly cause a head to explode, but the same end result could be accomplished using a smaller and lighter scoped rifle with smaller and lighter rounds. However, extremely powerful bullets (such as the aforementioned .50 BMG) can quite literally rip off limbs and blow a body open with a single shot, easily disabling a zombie; the rounds also produce significant hydrostatic shock and have potential to cause remote brain damage. These rifles can be used effectively against heavily armed bandits (ex. light-skinned trucks and helicopters.) Types of AM rifles are the American M82A1, the British AS50, and the old Russian PTRD. Another good one is the World War 2 Boys anti tank rifle chambered in the rare .55 Boys cartridge.
==References and External Links==
==References and External Links==