From the Desk of John Rourke – November 27th, 2017

  The trend towards “grippy” textures being added to pistols for better handling is definitely a positive one. While the ability to hold a gun may not seem like much of an issue at the range but when the sweat starts pouring and grips get wet things can get slick. Magazines are a bit behind… Continue reading From the Desk of John Rourke – November 27th, 2017

Chicken Noodle Soup Taste Test: 4 Years Expired

  While I stock up on freeze dried and bulk foods such as rice, canned goods are the staple of my own food storage program. I have written about the myths surrounding expiration dates and suffice it to say canned foods will last years past labeled expiration date if properly stored. This goes for almost every kind of… Continue reading Chicken Noodle Soup Taste Test: 4 Years Expired

Converting a Cargo Trailer Into a Camper

A little over a year ago I was looking into converting a cargo trailer into a “camper”. The purpose behind this was not only to be ready-to-go for camping at a moments notice but also for bugging out. The vehicles I had at the time had fairly low maximum pounds which I could pull. Even a… Continue reading Converting a Cargo Trailer Into a Camper

From the Desk of John Rourke – November 21st, 2017

  Well, “Project Cherokee” is officially on the road. While it remains a piece of crap it is now a legal piece of crap with two new tires on the back. The original front tires were HORRIBLE – dry rot, smooth tread that screamed the need to slide across water, and constantly going flat. I threw a… Continue reading From the Desk of John Rourke – November 21st, 2017

DIY: Making Waterproof Matches In Two Simple Steps

  While my “Go To” firestarter is a Bic lighter, matches are super cheap and widely available. One problem is they are very susceptible to moisture. Ever try lighting a soggy match? Yeah. Kinda like trying to write on wet paper. Try as you might the outcome is not very desirable. Waterproof matches are available… Continue reading DIY: Making Waterproof Matches In Two Simple Steps

Strengths and Weaknesses

  I’ve had some older folks suggest that they are useless should the SHTF. They talk about their bad knees, inability to run, or other physical limitations. Others will say they are just not “tactical” enough and don’t have an aggressive mindset. It is disappointing to hear talk like this and the display of such defeatist… Continue reading Strengths and Weaknesses

From the Desk of John Rourke – November 16th, 2017

  I’ve never understood the idea of “hate crimes”. If I get the hell beat out of me I want the group of guys that did it held accountable. Their motivation should not matter. Consider that for a moment. You are assaulted and the predator receives 5 years in jail for the crime. Your neighbor –… Continue reading From the Desk of John Rourke – November 16th, 2017

From the Desk of John Rourke – November 15th, 2017

  Growing up I used to think a lot about what it must have been like back in the “Cowboys and Indians” days. I’d sit along a riverbank and wonder if goods were transported down the river to market. Driving through a town I’d dream of what the area looked like before buildings were erected.… Continue reading From the Desk of John Rourke – November 15th, 2017

Panhandle Rancher: Living with the Model 1911 Caliber .45ACP Pistol [Part 2]

Part 1 can be seen HERE.   Range safety Extend your right hand ahead and out at shoulder level. Move the hand to the right noticing the effort required. With the hand again pointing forward, move the hand to the left, again noticing the effort required. For the same reason that it is easier (but… Continue reading Panhandle Rancher: Living with the Model 1911 Caliber .45ACP Pistol [Part 2]

From the Desk of John Rourke – November 14th, 2017

  Watched a documentary on Netflix showing several people on election day in November of 2016. It’s interesting the cross-section of people all around the country from all different backgrounds. The absolute true beliefs their candidate is the right one. What is also very interesting are the reasons that people stated they were supporting Hillary… Continue reading From the Desk of John Rourke – November 14th, 2017

Panhandle Rancher: Living with the Model 1911 Caliber .45ACP Pistol [Part 1]

  Living with the Model 1911 Caliber .45ACP Pistol By Panhandle Rancher   Warning: the following article is intended to provide an overview on the safe handling of the M1911 series caliber .45acp semi-automatic pistol. This article is not a substitute for professional hands on instruction, which the shooter must have before proceeding to load… Continue reading Panhandle Rancher: Living with the Model 1911 Caliber .45ACP Pistol [Part 1]

From the Desk of John Rourke – November 13th, 2017

  When loading magazines – Where are your eyes looking? For most, looking at your hands while they insert rounds in the magazines is common. I suggest changing that practice so you are always looking around and allow the loading of magazines to become instinct NOT requiring you to visually focus on the ammo and… Continue reading From the Desk of John Rourke – November 13th, 2017

Saturday’s – “What on your mind?”

  Here is a place to share things you’ve been thinking about lately. What kind of things? Recent accomplishments in preparedness. Projects being worked on. Thoughts on world events. Recent purchases & recommendations Current events related to politics, terrorism, crime – whatever. Go on an adventure or have fun? Share it! Whatever is on your… Continue reading Saturday’s – “What on your mind?”

From the Desk of John Rourke – November 10th, 2017

  Sorry for the lack of regular posting. As stated previously I have a lot going on and hopefully, by sometime next week all will be back to normal. Priorities. Although finding time to work here has been difficult it is fairly easy for me to throw something up on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and also in… Continue reading From the Desk of John Rourke – November 10th, 2017

CIMA Knife Table Top Review

This was originally published August 23rd, 2016. My CIMA knives continue to do extremely well today. I ordered this CIMA fixed blade knife a couple months ago when it was on sale for less than $20 and was shipped free. I really wasn’t expecting much. This is Chinese-made and at that price point how good… Continue reading CIMA Knife Table Top Review

From the Desk of John Rourke – November 8th, 2017

  This video shows how to make smoke grenades at home. This could be useful. ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ Is there a trend developing of Conservatives being attacked by Progressive-leaning nutjobs? That…ladies and gentlemen….may be the understatement of the year. ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ The Bic lighter may be the absolute #1 overlooked… Continue reading From the Desk of John Rourke – November 8th, 2017

From the Desk of John Rourke – November 7th, 2017

  Another unfortunate event where evil shows itself and the innocent are killed. If there can be any positive that comes out of the Texas church shooting is that a “good guy” with a gun likely stopped the continued slaughter. This will be of no consequence to those who wish to reduce the right to… Continue reading From the Desk of John Rourke – November 7th, 2017

Saturday’s – “What on your mind?”

  Here is a place to share things you’ve been thinking about lately. What kind of things? Recent accomplishments in preparedness. Projects being worked on. Thoughts on world events. Recent purchases & recommendations Current events related to politics, terrorism, crime – whatever. Go on an adventure or have fun? Share it! Whatever is on your… Continue reading Saturday’s – “What on your mind?”

Paladin Press “Going Out of Business” HUGE Sale

****Note: This post originally appeared over at BestPreparednessDeals.com.   Paladin Press has been a staple in the survival & preparedness book market for decades. Authors who simply could not get their information published by mainstream publishers had Paladin to go to. and we all benefited from that. Paladin Press has announced they are closing their doors… Continue reading Paladin Press “Going Out of Business” HUGE Sale

5 Tips for Improving Your Shooting Accuracy

  It happens to every shooter, whether you are a novice or an experienced shooter. You get to a point where you miss targets that you know you should hit. Sometimes you may be new to shooting, but you seem to have plateaued in your shooting skills. Or maybe you are just trying to improve… Continue reading 5 Tips for Improving Your Shooting Accuracy

From the Desk of John Rourke – November 1st, 2017

  For longterm power outages, candles are an inexpensive solution. Excellent shelf life and easy storage make candle a staple which to stock up. My own preference are jar candles. They provide their own container and burn efficiently. Never leave a candle unattended….for obvious reasons. ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ Radical Islam needs to be… Continue reading From the Desk of John Rourke – November 1st, 2017

From the Desk of John Rourke – October 31st, 2017

  Happy Halloween everyone. While this typically fun time of the year isn’t what it used to be I hope everyone has an enjoyable evening. ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ This is a heck of a deal!!! A full upper with several choices of configuration with charging handle and BCG. Total price is $329.99. Use promo… Continue reading From the Desk of John Rourke – October 31st, 2017

From the Desk of John Rourke – October 30th, 2017

  One last comment on the whole “Free Kindle ebooks aren’t free” thing – it’s all about timing. My “From the Desk of….” posts go live every night at around 9:45pm.  All the listed Kindle books are free at that time. Amazon does not have any control over when the books are free and when… Continue reading From the Desk of John Rourke – October 30th, 2017