Alternatives to Firearms for Defense and Hunting in a Survival Situation
 

From SurvivalBlog.com:

Alternatives to Firearms for Defense and Hunting in a Survival Situation, by Bill H.

http://www.survivalblog.com/2008/06/...rms_for_d.html

While in a modern setting there is no replacement for a well maintained firearm, individuals who read Survival Blog are well aware that the terms "Modern", "Optimal" and "Best Case" are unlikely to apply in the not so distant future. Most tools can serve more than one purpose. A large Crescent wrench can be used as an impromptu hammer for example. Likewise your .308 battle rifle could be used to hunt rabbits, but it has several drawbacks to be being used in such a way. However just as a proper tool kit has a hammer as well as a Crescent wrench, a well-stocked retreat has a .308 (or similar rifle) as well as an alternative way to hunt small game. Keeping that in mind a bit of research into alternative weapons coupled with some practice would be advisable for those who wish to provide for and protect their families.

This article is in no way meant to be a comprehensive study of these alternatives but rather a starting point or overview of some of these possibilities. We will discuss modern versions of ancient weapons as well as an improvised archaic weapon. The important thing is to look at the possibilities and outside what is accepted. These tools may not be as efficient as a modern firearm or as easy to learn as a single shot rifle, but are well worth your consideration.

Air guns
We often think of these tools as a kid's toy, yet the truth is that the technologies of sending a projectile down range by using compressed air has been around since the 15th Century and at one time were made as sniper rifles and even big game rifles for Boar and Bear. Admittedly the air guns available to us are a far cry from those antique products of great craftsman, but they are still worth consideration. The benefits of these tools is that they are as simple to use as a single shot rifle and, depending on the quality, very capable of taking small game. The drawback is that they require specialized maintenance and can be difficult to repair due to the nature of specialized parts...............

http://www.survivalblog.com/2008/06/...rms_for_d.html

Re: Alternatives to Firearms for Defense and Hunting in a Survival Situation
 

For defense a pump garden spray full of kerosene and a Bic lighter are a deadly combination, at close quarters.

Re: Alternatives to Firearms for Defense and Hunting in a Survival Situation
 

What was the deadliest, most feared long distance personal weapon before the invention of gunpowder?

King David knew.