Non-Firearm Systems

Bows and Crossbows

The bow is among the oldest weapons in the world and even the latest, high-tech bows use the same basic principles of the earliest bows. The idea is to silently deliver lethal force at a distance by using elastic energy to propel an arrow at the target. Modern bows are capable of reasonable accuracy and power but require a fair amount of practice to become proficient. Modern crossbows on the other hand, require less training, (they are aimed and fired much like a rifle) are more powerful and are more accurate than bows.

Bows and crossbows can only serve one purpose to the White revolutionary and that is assassination. These weapons are capable of operation so quiet it would make a professional, machine shop silencer envious. The killing range of these weapons is quite limited and accuracy is a problem. 50 yards is the absolute maximum effective range but I would suggest less than half that for practical purposes. Hunting tipped arrow or bolts must be used for assassination work, target tips will not produce sufficient penetration. A clean shot to the heart will be necessary to ensure fatality, even a razor tipped arrow can't be counted on to make penetration with a headshot. Firing a bow or crossbow at a target wearing heavy clothing or who is behind vehicle or building window glass will greatly reduce your chances of success.

A great deal of planing must be used to make the use of bow or crossbow for selective assassination a success. Reloading time is rather slow (faster for bows than crossbows) so a follow up shot probably won't be a possibility… you've got to make your shot count. You will have to make your shot from fairly close range, somewhat like a Silenced .22 LR Rifle.

The large size of arrows and bolts produce a number of possibilities for modified ammunition including poison-filled hypodermic, incendiary or explosive. The use of modified ammunition will greatly increase the versatility of these weapons.

Choose at least a 60lb draw weight (draw weight is a measurement of the bow's power) for bows and at least 150lbs for crossbows. Anything less than this is just a toy and shouldn't even be considered for anything other than target shooting.

70lb Draw weight compound bow

165lb draw weight crossbow with scope and camouflage stock

Notes:

- Choose a bow with at least a 60lb draw weight

- Choose a crossbow with at least a 150lb draw weight

- Select weapons with flat black or camouflage stocks and limbs

- Hunting tips must be used for selective assassination

- Optical sights will increase crossbow accuracy

- Modified ammunition will increase the versatility of these weapons

Air Guns + Slingshots

Pellet guns, BB guns and slingshot are all useful for certain acts of vandalism and sabotage. These types of weapons are widely available and are unlikely to be banned by even the most repressive governments.

Weapons of this type can be used to break windows and damage property at a distance with little noise.

Air rifles can be modified to fire poisoned darts or pellets. Only powerful toxins, such as ricin, should be considered for this application. See the poisons section for instructions on producing appropriate toxins.

Knives + Other Close Combat Weapons

A heavy bladed knife with at least a 5" blade is an absolutely essential and universally available tool. You may choose either a single or double-edged blade, according to your preference but be sure its sharp and tough.

When using a knife for sentry removal or selective assassination, approach the target from behind, grab his face and tilt it back. Simultaneously stab the knife into the side of his neck and push in forward. This will sever the arteries and wind pipe. Don't attempt to slash across the throat as this is a more awkward motion and is much less effective. A stabbing wound to a kidney is also very effective but may leave the target able to make quite a scene before dying. Approach the target from behind, grab the shoulder with one hand and stab the knife into the kidney area as deep as it will go with the other hand. Turn the knife sharply it and rip it out. This will leave a gapping wound which will be nearly impossible to close.

The US Army FM 21-150 offers several sentry removal techniques with the combat knife. These two are the most suitable for selective assassination:

Kidney Stab, Throat Cut:

This technique relies on a stab to the kidney to induce immediate shock. The kidney is relatively accessible and by inducing shock with such a stab, the operative has the time to cut the target's throat. The operative completes his stalk and stabs the kidney by pulling the target's balance backward and downward and inserts the knife upward against his weight. The target will possibly gasp at this point, but shock immediately follows. By using the target's body weight that is falling downward and turning, the operative executes a cut across the front of the throat. This completely severs the trachea and carotid arteries.

Nose Pinch, Mouth Grab, Throat Cut:

In this technique, completely pinch off the target's mouth and nose to prevent any outcry. Then cut his throat or stab his subclavian artery. The danger with this technique is that the target can resist until he is killed, although he cannot make a sound.

If it is necessary to strike the target from the front or if you are in a self-defense situation, keep the knife out of view until you plunge it into the enemy. Use a backhand grip and hide the knife behind your wrist. At the last instant flip it to a front grip and thrust it upwards dead-center into the solar plexus. Pull it down and turn it as you rip it out. The target's guts will spill out along with copious amounts of blood. He will make very little sound if any but you will be soaked with blood.

An icepick or a similar thrust-only type weapon can be used to produce wounds which will bleed much less than those inflicted by a knife. This is a definite advantage for selective assassination where the operative must make a getaway without being spotted with bloodsoaked clothes. The wounds are, however, not nearly as lethal as those produced by a knife. The kidney attack can be made with an icepick but a direct thrust into the heart or brain will be more likely to produce a fatal wound.

A hammer can be used to produce lethal injuries silently and almost completely bloodlessly. A very hard blow to the head with a standard claw-hammer its almost certain to kill, a follow up blow or two will certainly do the trick. Again an attack from behind will be most effective, strike as hard as you can.

A thin length of strong rope, cod, or even a belt can be used to make a garrote which can be used from behind for silent and bloodless killing. Loops or handles are often added to the garrote in order to increase the effectiveness of the attack. Surprise is absolutely imperative when using one of these weapons.

The following technique is also form the US Army FM 21-150:

The Garrote:

In this technique, use a length of wire, cord, rope, or webbed belt to destroy a target. The operative carefully stalks the target from behind with the garrote ready The garrote is looped over the target's head across the throat and the operative forcefully pulls the target backward as he turns his own body to place his hips in low against the hips of the target. The target's balance is already taken at this point, and the garrote becomes crossed around the target's throat when the turn is made. The target is thrown over the operative's shoulder and killed by strangling or breaking his neck.

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