Alright folks – a new regular feature will be “Q & A Day”. Basically, ask me a question and I will give you an answer. It can be about pretty much anything – politics, firearms, current events, survival, preparedness, underwater basket weaving – whatever.
Go ahead – “make my day.”
JR
Good morning JR – was hoping you could discuss some of the intricacies of underwater basket weaving and it’s proportionate importance to long or short term prepping – Lol. That cracked me up and gave me a good morning laugh!! Thanks sir. Know you are into flashlights. What is your #1 choice right how, and are you using a solar charger and batteries with it? If so, what charger and batteries do you recommend? Thanks and keep Looking UP
JBernDrApt – Appreciate your interest in underwater basket weaving. I am going to have to hold off on providing more information as it is sooooo important and complex an entire article series really is in order.
Regarding my flashlight choice – I have two flashlights that I absolutely love:
The first is the Olight S1 500 lumen light. It is very small and super bright.
The other is the Helotex G2. I carry this one more than any other and have two of them. It is unique in that it runs on either a AA alkaline or a CR123 battery. At $25 it is a fantastic light.
I have a couple of solar panels – small in size but not really for a pack except a Goal Zero and a couple others. For AA batteries all the panels will recharge them. For a CR123 – well, I’m screwed. You have identified a problem in my preps. Will have to get some rechargeable CR123 batteries. Currently I stock up on non-rechargeable CR123 batteries. Thanks!
I have actually woven baskets underwater, or well, I used dried weeds soaked well in water to soften (which is why it is called underwater basket weaving). One typically starts with a series of spokes radiating from a central point and then weave a reed up and down between those spokes in an increasing circle. This forms the base of the basket. I let the base dry for an hour or two and then turn the spokes extending from the completed basket bottom upward, again weaving circumferential weeds in that interwoven pattern to form the walls of the basket. A thicker reed is chosen for the upper circumferential edge and when wrapped around a couple of times well interlaced with the wall ribs (the spokes) will reinforce the top edge and strengthen the basket. Thick reeds are woven into a side of the wall of the basket while still wet and pliable. These reeds are twisted together where they exit the top of one wall and formed into a handle and the process of interleaving untwisted reeds is undertaken on the opposite side. Set aside in the sun to thoroughly dry and in a day or so, presto, one has a neat basket in which to carry valuables. Same techniques can make fish creels, chicken nests, all sorts of things, including chairs, boxes to carry like a pack, etc., and it all begins with sedges and reeds found at pond and river edge. ‘Tis a serious subject for serious peppers.
PR
dried reeds (and sedges) I should have written rather than dried weeds. Sorry. PR
Thanks JR appreciate the info. PR Thanks. I’ve made some fish traps kind of working like this but nothing this fancy – while I was kidding JR you may have challenged me to try something a little fancier!
JBern, I wove my first reed basket in a summer vacation Bible school class somewhere about 1958. Why we were weaving baskets is lost to time, but later in life, I remembered and amplified. Reed college actually offers a class in underwater basket weaving. Willows, reeds, and sedges all make good baskets in order of strength.
PR
JR
I have seen comments about your podcasts but have not see an invite or a schedule for one. Is this just for select people possibly while you are trailing it or did I miss an invite?
Question 2; If hiLIARly is sworn in as president, will you speed up your search for a safe haven? Based on your article a day or two ago, you will have only 18 months!
Hey Fred! Check it out here @
We also have a Facebook page with the link on the site. You can sign up to receive updates and information as well.
We are currently posting one every Monday roughly, but it is not a set schedule. Topics will vary with every episode.
Thanks!
Thanks Ralph. I will write something up to pass on to everyone.
Fred C – I haven’t really been pushing the Patriot Podcast as I have been having some technical difficulties with the sound quality. Pretty frustrating. I am actually working on it tonight to see if I can get it resolved. I will post something up shortly(within a week or so).
Regarding Hillary I am already ramping up my preps. I have goals and am targeting one year into her first term. I am still convinced she will win and STILL hoping I am wrong.
You asked…
When talking about preparing oneself/family/friends in the event of social collapse, regardless of cause (biological/chemical/nuclear/terrorism/mother nature…), with others who do not ascribe to the same preparedness philosophy, I typically get this general response: “if society should fail, I don’t want to be around anyway”. How would you try to encourage them to think differently, IF they were someone special (family/friend) to you?
I’ve had to do this, first you ask them (If they have children or family members that depend on them), what would XXX do if you aren’t around? Why are you responsible for their safety and well being during good times but don’t want to be bothered with it during the bad times? Aren’t you being a bit selfish and not wanting keep them alive? It worked with a couple people who thought that same way – seriously, one person had two children under 10 who said ‘why bother’.
MacDaddy – the sad reality is some people just won’t be convinced. Hey – let’s hope THEY are the ones that are right and everything will be just fine. Beyond that I have talked to people about winter storms, hurricane/tornado seasons in order to get them to do SOMETHING. I am seeing a lot of people actually saying that the world is going crazy lately and want to do something as far as preps.
Another option when it comes to food and talk about buying and “stocking” up on sale. Not so much for preparedness but for saving money. Most people want to save money. Give an example that if they buy $50 of Buy One Get One Free stuff and it lasts until the next time the same stuff is on sale(say, 3-6 weeks) – that is $50 they didn’t spend and can use for a bill or for Starbucks.
Anyone else feel free to chime in.
With all the talk going on a EMP attack or a cyber attack on a crumbling power grid I wonder why this isn’t a topic with either party in the presidential race to me it’s a no brainier by addressing this problem it would create good paying jobs solve a crisis before it happens and save billions of dollars and millions of lives but hey what do I know.
Cole – the reason is the masses know little about EMP and if a candidate brought it up to those masses they would look like a nutcase. I do remember it coming up – I believe by Cruz – during the debates and it was frowned on and made fun of a bit by the mainstream media.
Or is is too scary to seriously contemplate the 90% die off that is predicted from the lack of AC mains. No politician wants to bring that bad news forward.
By then I shall be actively teaching classes in basket weaving on the edge of my pond.
PR
I live where the massacre of 8 family members took place in southern rural Ohio and the surviving family members fear for their lives as does many in our community because the killer(s) have not been caught. I have two questions…how do you prepare yourself to handle a gun if you’ve never touched one yourself? And, what other way can you protect yourself when you go to places that ban guns even in your car on their property, my son had to sign a paper at his new job in Cincinnati stating the company could inspect his vehicle at any time for guns and illegal drugs and he has to put a red hanging tag on his rearview mirror signifying he is willing to let security/cops search his vehicle, so what way could you protect yourself without a gun? Thanks.
A Girl – heck of a good question. As far as learning about handling a gun training is needed. Go to a local gun shop they probably can recommend someone. You can even take the class BEFORE buying a gun and have the instructor show you and have you handle different types so you can see which one feels best.
Alternative weapons? I would suggest a can of bear spray as a possibility. Advantage to bear repellent is it can discourage multiple attackers with one spray. Realize though that the wind can carry it back to the user and create issues as well.
Hope this helps.
When stuck in some overseas hell hole w/o modern weapons, I always went for the wasp spray. Projects a stream 20 feet – now imagine hitting someone in the eyes with it. A real game ender.
PR
A Girl, I am glad you are considering leaving that timid class of people known as sheeple (from their sheep like behavior) and entering the more rare class of sheep dogs who undertake responsibility not only for their own safety but also that of their loved ones.
Many sheriff departments offer citizen academies that are free. The purpose of these schools is to create a group of volunteer deputies (with real police powers). During this training you would experience a subset of the type of training professional sworn law enforcement have completed. I highly commend this process on several grounds. First, it familiarizes you with the ‘authorities’ and them with you. They will start to think of you as one of their number, if not their flock. Second, you will receive training in your state’s laws, in the mechanics of arrest and defensive tactics, and will likely end up qualifying on the firearms range. That in itself is a great goal as you will have a carry permit and likely one as a police officer – and other than your time, it is free. Contact your sheriff for details. If his department doesn’t put on citizen academies, ask who nearby does, or look on line. Many city police departments do the same.
Citizen academies are one of the best (and cheapest) ways to learn self defense, state and local law, very basic firearm skills, and the local ‘authorities.’
PR
Thank you both for your comments. I’ve never been a sheeple, I’ve just always been terrified to touch a gun myself, and I’ve always supported the right to bear arms, this rude awakening in rural Ohio hits too close to home for me not to find a way to protect my family.
Have you received that Chinese copy of the PVS-14 night vision yet? How’s it working out?
It did not work out well. Not worth it. Was going to post the info in an upcoming “From the Front Lines….”
Those who suffer my scribbles know I like quality, the very best quality affordable. Pendleton blankets, Surefire headlamps, Brunton compasses, Peak Beam Systems Maxa Beam, Barrett .50BMG, Orvis clothes, Filson – the best oiled jackets ever and hearty tin man cloths, Kitanica pants and jackets, Danner boots, Randall knives, Lodge cast iron cookware, and the list goes on – all of these folks base their reputation on a level of high quality that is often generational. The most reliable purveyor of night vision I have found is JRH Enterprises which sells the best in US Gov’t night and thermal vision products.
PR
As someone new to all of this, my question involves concealed carry.
1. Should the carried weapon be “locked and loaded,” i.e. loaded magazine in place, cartridge in chamber, pistol cocked and safety off?
2. If the answer is yes, isn’t there a danger of accidental discharge if the weapon is rapidly drawn from the holster?
3. Rapid draw of Glock pistols is a concern, because the safety is built into the trigger and if a finger hits the trigger on draw it is going to fire. Yes, the trigger pull on a Glock is heavy, but in a panic situation I can see it happening.
Thanks,
Walt Nelson
Cathedral City, California
Walt, get some training first before carrying if you have these questions, there are many places that will happily give you basic instruction. It’s not something you can learn by reading a blog or watching a video. 1) A handgun must always be carried loaded and ready to fire because you may not have the opportunity to insert a magazine, load chamber and fire the weapon under stress. 2) with familiarization of your firearm you should NOT accidentally fire your weapon as long as you keep your finger off the trigger until it is on target. 3) That will not happen as you withdraw it, it HAS happened when reholstering it into really cheap and bad designed holsters, into waistbands where a shirt or a cinch toggle from a jacket has inserted itself into the trigger guard. Once again, it takes practice and training to be proficient with a handgun.
Good advice jh.
Here you go Walt –
1. Should the carried weapon be “locked and loaded,” i.e. loaded magazine in place, cartridge in chamber, pistol cocked and safety off? I do not like pistol with a “safety” that has to be disengaged prior to firing. Now – if that is what someone trains with constantly then it probably shouldn’t be a problem if they really train. By training I mean removing from holster, disengaging the safety, and then targeting the threat. My issue with safety’s is when the stress gets high and the heart is pounding blood in some cases common tasks which seem easy to accomplish suddenly become difficult. Go run a mile or twelve then try to pull your keys out and unlock your car. Suddenly more difficult.
I also carry a round in the chamber for the same reason – plus it is much faster. Holster system obviously must allow for this to be done safely.
2. If the answer is yes, isn’t there a danger of accidental discharge if the weapon is rapidly drawn from the holster? Accidental? I don’t think so. Unintentional? It is possible. If the finger goes on the trigger and pulls the trigger the gun will go off. When I train and practice drawing I have never had an unintentional trigger pull. My finger does not enter the trigger guard until I am aiming at the target and ready to shoot.
3. Rapid draw of Glock pistols is a concern, because the safety is built into the trigger and if a finger hits the trigger on draw it is going to fire. Yes, the trigger pull on a Glock is heavy, but in a panic situation I can see it happening. See my previous answer. Is it possible? Yes. Anything is “possible”. It is also possible that you could “think” you removed the ammunition from the gun and go to clean it and fire the round into the ceiling. It’s possible – but not likely. It’s possible that a gun with a frame mounted safety could fire if the safety is swiped off during drawing and then the trigger is pulled. Oh – and the trigger pull on a Glock is not heavy. Pretty comfortable.
It really keeps coming down to training and practice with your weapon.
Thanks for asking these questions, I wondered about accidentally shooting the gun and I’ve always imagined if I touched a gun to defend my family I’d look like a modern day Barney Fife.
All good answers to cocked and locked questions.
Train, train, train because when the chips are down, training will hold the day. I carried the DA/SA SIG P220 for a couple of decades, round in chamber and like a revolver, ready to fire with a long DA trigger pull. The transition thereafter to SA fire is what requires training. I now carry 1911 platforms, cocked and locked, because of consistency of trigger pull, inherent accuracy, and speed from holster to first round. I also spent several years in one boy’s camp where we shot about 50,000 rounds a year through pistols, SBRs, and the like. That experience was all about training and discipline and being leading molecules on a spear point.
I loathe panic. Nothing draws more post incident acclaim than being squeaky on the tac net. Training and more training should produce a smooth and even calm approach toward danger. Fear never goes away but with training, its effect can be moderated and kept under tight control. It is the human condition to fight or flee, but discipline and the confidence proper training engenders lets one perform well in the face of fear. Never forget you are the product of a long line of survivors.
A Girl, Walt, please consider the citizen police academy I suggested prior. Join the NRA.
Once that round is fired, be it in panic or with cool collected thought, nay even premeditation, the bullet can never be recalled. There is nothing more sad than an ‘accidental’ GSW caused death and few things as satisfying as the righteous projection of force in defense of one’s family, friends, or even fellow citizens.
PR
I too carried 1911’s and P-35’s in (Condition Carry) I have done this for so many years it’s natural. I enjoyed everyone comments.
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