Prepare for the Zombie Apocalypse (Part 3) : Maintenance

So now that you’ve started training physically and practicing with your weapon/weapons of choice, it’s important not to lose sight of the regular care that your body and weapons need in order to maintain optimum functionality. Establishing good habits now will only make things easier when walking dead come trick-or-treating in your neighborhood.

Our favorite firearm cleaning system kit: Otis Elite Cleaning System with Optics

We talked briefly last time about the importance of having the experience of a gun jam at the shooting range as opposed to running into that for the first time in a life or death situation. One thing that can help prevent that is to regularly clean your firearm. Cleaning your weapon is also a good way to become familiar with its working parts as well as lessening the intimidation many people initially tend to feel with using one. The practice of breaking down, cleaning and reassembling your firearm after each trip to the range serves a two-fold purpose. It allows you to see what makes your firearm work and teaches you what types of wear and tear are normal and what may be problematic or unusual. As I’ve said before, it’s much better to learn these sorts of things in advance versus in the heat of the moment. This familiarity may even allow you to notice when a problem is pending and give you the confidence and knowledge to prevent it from happening in the field.

Similarly, you should approach physical training as the method by which you familiarize yourself with your personal capabilities. Make note of things that are problematic and things which may be downright impossible. In “The Art of War” Sun Tzu states: “If a battle cannot be won, do not fight it.” With that in mind, it’s ideal to know some of your limitations before you set off into the fray with your pack and gear in tow. Obviously it’s impossible to know what you’re capable of in any given situation, but if you know the parameters in which you’re typically capable of operating it will allow you to make educated and realistic judgment calls when the pressure is on.

Take a look at your gear as well and make note of any limitations or expiration dates that may ultimately be pertinent to your survival. Some water purification systems and treatments have operational effective temperature ranges. Some have specific operating conditions that dictate effectiveness. The time to know about those operational ranges is now, not later.

By reviewing your equipment, your weapons and yourself regularly you’ll be more comfortable and confident when the chips are stacked against you. As Sun Tzu says: “If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle.”

**Thumbnail featured image by Guns and Ammo. Check out this article on How to Clean Your Handgun.

See part 1 and 2 of preparation:
Part 1 – Training Your Body
Part 2 – Weaponry