The Walking Dead TV Series: Why Can't Rick and the Others Get .50 Caliber Machine Guns?

It's a common fan question to ponder: why don't Rick Grimes and his group secure .50 caliber machine guns from army bases or roadblocks? These powerful weapons seem like an obvious solution to fend off hordes of walkers. However, there are several practical and narrative reasons why this scenario is not feasible in the TV series, as well as how scavenging for such advanced weaponry in a zombie apocalypse is a significant challenge.

Practical Challenges of Securing Machine Guns

The main logistical issue with securing .50 caliber machine guns lies in their portability and maintenance. Machine guns, such as the M2 Browning, are not man-portable and require extensive support. The ammunition for these weapons is considerably larger in size and weight compared to standard firearms. For instance, a can of 50 caliber ammo typically holds only 100 rounds, while a similar-sized can could contain approximately 840 rounds of 5.56mm or 1,000 rounds of 9mm ammunition.

To transport these weapons and ammunition, one would need a robust vehicle, such as a Humvee, equipped with the necessary mounts. Even then, such weapons would be classified as heavy assets and would require specialized handling, maintenance, and fuel.

No Access to Military Grade Ammunition

In the post-apocalyptic world depicted in The Walking Dead, the supply of military-grade ammunition is highly limited, if not non-existent. Civilians would not have access to such weapons, and even those who might have stored them would not likely maintain the vital components like the belt links, which are essential for feeding the machine gun.

Narrative Considerations: What if They Found a Machine Gun?

Even if Rick and his group were somehow able to secure a machine gun and ammunition, the show's narrative still faces challenges. Firstly, the story's tension and drama would diminish if walkers were an easy target. The prevalence of machine guns would make the situation more manageable, significantly stripping away the sense of fear and danger that defines the show.

The Characters' Limited Understanding of Defense

Another aspect to consider is the characters' limited understanding and preparation for the zombie apocalypse. Rick and his group often take shortcuts and make mistakes that would be easily avoidable. For example, even if they find an arms cache, they might fall through its floor, fail to check for walkers, or get stuck on the roof, risking exposure to danger.

The Show’s Purpose: Obsticles and Challenges

The walking dead TV series is intentionally designed to present challenges and obstacles to keep the story compelling. If Rick and his group had a simple solution to the zombie problem, the show would lose its narrative tension. Regularly finding that the survivors must overcome new and unique challenges maintains the show's appeal and keeps the audience engaged.

Additionally, the recurring theme in the show of military personnel being found in zombie-infested areas with expended ammunition provides a realistic portrayal of combat scenarios. In heavy battles, it's common for soldiers to run out of ammo as others take the remaining rounds to continue fighting. This dynamic adds a layer of realism and challenge that keeps the story interesting.

Conclusion

The Walking Dead TV series presents a complex and multifaceted world where finding and securing powerful weapons like .50 caliber machine guns is not only challenging but also counterintuitive to the show's narrative. The characters' limitations and the presence of military-style weaponry in the show serve to maintain the series' tension and realism. The show's creators strategically place obstacles and challenges to keep the story engaging and to explore the resilience and adaptability of the characters in a brutal, post-apocalyptic world.