Showing my age here but back in the ’80s, I was a teenage survivalist. At 14, I was an avid reader of Survive Magazine and was laser-focused on preparing for the certain inevitable nuclear war with the Soviet Union. Well…..a lot of people thought it was inevitable.
Back in the 80’s I read numerous books, magazines, and eventually internet “bulletin boards” and forums. There were discussions surrounding survival kits, guns, ammunition, etc. like there is today, but, it seemed much simpler back then. What I mean is nowadays a discussion around a “bug out kit” involves extremely specific situations and circumstances with those commenting being critical of every little thing that could go wrong or that is different than what they perceive as an “SHTF”.
Yeah – I like simple and I like to take away that which I will from someone’s perspective rather than purposely being negative just to be negative in some social justification to tear someone else down.
Ok. I feel better now.
Back in the ’80s, the AR-7 Survival Rifle was one of THE best survival rifles. It was super-light, didn’t do anything perfectly, was very compact, and inexpensive. Today if you suggest anything other than a Ruger 10/22 take-down you are called a nutcase at best. Yeah – I still think the AR-7 is a great option for a survival rifle. Guess I’m old school.
“Remember the Ruger P85? I’m still wanting one.”
I’ve given up trying to put together a bug-out bag, INCH bag, GOOD bag, etc. – I just make survival kits. Period. These are general purposes kits that can provide solutions for a variety of situations. They do not excel in one particular situation or another. There are just far too many variables to accurately predict what might happen or what situation you could find yourself in.
I’ve got a 4×4 truck that I talk about in the membership area of this website. I’m not spending thousands and thousands of dollars putting together the ultimate in off-road vehicles with the absolute best of the best of accessories. Nope – I don’t have the funds for that. I’m a divorced working man and planning for the future who is trying to be as prepared as possible for what MIGHT happen. I’m a regular dude.
The S might not ever hit the fan. With these modern days, I certainly question whether a national apocalyptic event is even a possibility unless an EMP occurs, but the reality is everything might just be fine – or sorta fine from an SHTF perspective. If that happens commonsense preparedness just makes sense. Just fine. The evidence is certainly stacking up that “just fine” might really suck.
I miss the simplicity of survival in the 80’s.
Rourke
Tula .223 Rem Ammunition* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Fantastic Car Pack and EDC Bag
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Smith & Wesson 10.6in High Carbon S.S. Fixed Blade Knife with 5.2in Tanto Blade and TPE Handle – less than $40