macdobhran | Weapons: The Pistol

how useful is this cultural icon against a swarm of newly risen flesh-eaters? In truth, not very. Unlike our fictional heroes, the average person may have difficulty hitting anything, let alone something as small and mobile as a zombie's head. Studies have shown that of all wasted ballistic wounds--e.g., those that struck a zombie in a non-lethal way--73 percent came from some type of handgun. Where handguns do come in handy is in extreme circumstances. If you are grabbed by a zombie, a pistol can be a life-saver. Pressing its muzzle against the undead temple and squeezing the trigger takes no skill and ensures a positive kill. For these reasons, a pistol should always be carried when confronting ghouls, but as a backup only.