Posts: 6 Location: Minnesota, USA
Mon 05 Jan, 2015 2:59 pm
Love this conversation!
Regarding the 1861 Colt Navy Revolver, although it is a muzzleloading (or cylinder loaded) blackpowder firearm that does not use cartridges I would hesitate to use it because it DOES require Percussion Caps analogous to cartridge primers. I think expecting a ready supply of fulminated mercury or other strike sensitive explosive sandwiched in a copper cap may be a bit of a stretch.
For firearms, I'd go with the previously mentioned Kentucky or similar rifle. Really, I'd be fine with any longarm that fits the following: black power, round or minnie ball (easy to produce), and ignited by flint or pyrite on a striker of some variety. Basically, I'm looking for something that has simple components that are easily replaced or repaired when needed. That being said, as much as I'd love to throw a flint-lock in my kit because it is about the only weapon with which I feel I am truly competent I may have to skip it all together unless I have a ready supply of potassium nitrate and sulfur (charcoal is easy enough) for black powder production.
So, I guess my final selections will be:
Bow of any kind. I can use them well enough and I know with just a little more practice I will be good enough to survive with it.
Spear, for the same reasons others have already mentioned.
Long-knife/short-sword in the 18" range. Something long enough for effective combat use but short enough to easily maintain, produce, replace, and carry.
For tools I would have a simple woodcraft knife and a hatchet of any variety. Finally, I would wear at least a pair of lightweight
kote style sleeves with splinted spaulders and bracers. If weight were so much an issue I'd like to throw on a jack'o'plates or brigandine as well, but this is survival I want to keep it simple. I'm not looking to fight a war but I do want some level of protection (besides, I think kote would very effective against zombies if that is indeed the threat).
Cheers!
E