What is rifle reality?  Jeff Cooper knew what it was, our military snipers know what it is as well.
It’s the concept of bringing enough gun.   People, we have hard, hard times coming.  We will very likely be in the fight of our lives as individuals and Americans.  Few realize that proper weapon selection can be a lifesaver.  I prefer the .308 battle rifle.

Former Navy Seal Matt Bracken wrote a series of articles on possible scenarios in coming events.  He hit upon important points.  Most of the adversaries we are likely to face regardless of the group they represent will carry a .223 caliber weapon. or a 7.62 x 39 mm caliber weapon.  These weapons are limited in range.  The .308 will vastly outreach them.

Now I hear the arguments of how the .223 is just great and reaches out there.  Then how come the military snipers don’t use it? The answer is killing power.  A Louisiana Swat team hit a section 8 project house to get out a barricaded subject using .223 weapons.  They were unable to hit the barricaded subject due to the inability of the .223 bullet to penetrate the building’s steel door.  They now carry .308 Fn-Fal rifles.  Several members of that swat team got shot but they learned from it.

Matt Bracken advised using a high capacity, scoped battle rile in .308 to reach out and hit multiple targets with reach and power and that is the reason for it all. Jeff Cooper stated that a rifle should project power, accurately at a distance with speed.  Anyone who has ever sparred or fought an opponent with a much longer reach understands this.  They can hit u before you can hit them.

This is the thesis of my argument. The .308 gives you the reach over the .223 and 7.62 x 39 crowd.  For those who can only get one gun, get a .308 battle rifle.  A good Fn-Fal, G3 or clone, or even the venerable M1A. It will do the job greatly.  The goal is to reach out, punch cover, buck the wind, and put the bad guys down hundreds of yards before he is even a threat to you.  This is life insurance.  Buy for your health, buy for your life, but buy it now.

The vast majority of the AR’s I’ve bought/built as well as other long guns I’ve purchased have had open sights or red dot optics. The simple reasoning behind this is a longstanding belief that red dots provide faster target acquisition and typically the ranges which I may acquire targets are 100 yards or less.

I’m changing my thoughts on this…..just a bit.

I’ve taken numerous tactical carbine classes over the years and all have been completed using open sights and red dots. Frequently I find when I go to the range it takes longer to focus when shooting pistols(I do NOT focus on the front sight as most suggest). The eyes are aging. It’s just the way it is. Red dots have been an immense help in faster target acquisition and sending multiple rounds down range accurately. While the movies may portray close-quarter combat(CQB) as a romantic and adventurous means by which to conduct yourself in an apocalyptic event – I’ll pass if possible. No…..I’d rather avoid any contact and if engagement is necessary I’d rather perform at distance utilizing a magnified optic from cover(over concealment).

Rambo would likely disagree…….but he’s fictional….remember?

I recently saw a comment on a social media platform that said anyone who uses magnified optics is a “dead man waiting to die”. This is post-SHTF I assume. I really don’t understand this thinking. The world is full of nut-cases and I’ll rank this assclown right up there with the best of them.

My next build – starting shortly – will be a carbine with a magnified optic. I’m thinking of a fixed 3X power but I’m open to suggestions. I’ll tell you the Recce Rifle I built a while back continues to impress and I absolutely love it. The only thing I really need to do with it is try some 77-grain premium ammo, and some 62-grain as well – and see what it can do. Those MidState Firearms uppers just continue to impress. Hell – I think I’ve built 6-7 AR’s with their uppers thus far.

Anything that will assist me to place rounds on target in the most expedient manner possible at any given range sounds good to me.

#pewpew

Take care all –

Rourke

As we go through these incredible times that I call “frigg’n nuts” I’ve decided to build one more AR. I certainly hope this isn’t the last, but, you never know. Seriously – things are getting nuts and I see things getting MUCH worse in the very near future. As I put away food, medical supplies, and armament – I’m looking at being able to arm multiple members of my group. They need not just armament, but magazines, ammunition, and load-bearing gear.

Yup – looking at doing another build. I have several stripped lowers including this 17 Design Billet. I’ve built lightweight carbines, several pistols, a Recce-concept, etc. Not sure what I’ll do next. AR pistols are fun. This lower won’t work but I’d love to do a 9mm build.

That’s the fun with the AR. So many possibilities. I’ll update in a few weeks.

#pewpew

Rourke

[ecwid_product id=”278693897″ display=”picture title price options addtobag” version=”2″ show_border=”1″ show_price_on_button=”1″ center_align=”0″][ecwid_product id=”456999534″ display=”picture title price options addtobag” version=”2″ show_border=”1″ show_price_on_button=”1″ center_align=”0″]

The Ruger PC Carbine is basically a souped-up 9mm version of the Ruger 10/22 takedown. It has a blowback action and is extremely simple to takedown into two components – the stock/action and the barrel/handguard. The PC has the ability to accept Ruger 9mm magazines OR Glock 17/19 magazines(using a special adapter that is included). It can do the same with a Ruger American pistol but who the hell would own one of those? 😉

A couple hundred rounds have been shot so far with no issues. Accuracy has been very good. 50-yards is as far as I’ve gone out and no adjustments to the sights have been made. Picking off tin cans and knocking over steel plates was easy out to that distance. I’m considering the installation of a red dot, however, I really how compact and slim it is right now. We’ll see.

I love this gun. Throw it in a case, add a few 17-rd mags along with a couple 33 rounders and you’ve got a great truck setup. The only drawback so far and it’s fairly significant is the weight. It’s heavy. 6.8 pounds heavy. My 2 cents is it should weigh no more than 4.5-5 pounds. There’s no way I would call this a backpacking gun simply due to the weight. This carbine would be a great gun sitting in a rack on a farm’s UTV.

Another positive for the Ruger PC is the fact it accepts Glock mags. Having your “long” gun accepting the same magazine as your side is a good thing. Cool!

The Ruger PC Carbine is a fun gun to shoot. It’s a solid, reliable firearm that will provide years of service if properly cared for.

Rourke

Fantastic deal……If you are looking to put together your first AR – or just want to add another reliable and inexpensive weapon – this is a great deal.

PSA AR15 COMPLETE CLASSIC STEALTH LOWER

$129.99

LINK

plus…….

BLEM PSA 16″ M4 CARBINE-LENGTH 5.56 NATO 1/8 PHOSPHATE CLASSIC UPPER W/BCG & CH

$269.99

LINK

equals……

$399.98

Free Shipping

Follow the links to purchase. Helluva deal.

Keep your powder dry!

Rourke

Hello all –  just wanted to pass on this deal I just came across.

Summary: Buy any model of AREX 9mm pistol and get 500 rounds of 9mm for free. The prices for the AREX pistols are already discounted. Add the 500 rounds of ammo and it’s a no-brainer if you can afford it. I’m struggling not to pick one up myself as it’s a great deal.

Interested? follow this link: https://globalordnance.com/arex-delta-gen-2-m-fde-upc-815537023961/?afmc=32

Keep your powder dry!

Rourke

Since Facebook kicked me off their platform including my 1776 group with more than 2,000 people I have been a regular user of MeWe. While far from perfect and deserving of many more users than it currently has – it’s pretty good. I have a personal account as well as a 177PatriotUSA.com MeWe Group and pages connected to some other initiatives.

MeWe gained tremendous popularity a few years ago when Facebook started deleting firearms groups and really clamping down on any kind of firearm-related content.  On MeWe, I am a member of several gun selling/trading groups in Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. I’ve conducted business with several people selling/trading ammunition, gun accessories, and of course guns.

Right now I am in discussion with someone I purchased a stripped lower from last year as they have a Ruger SR45 up for sale. I trying to pick it up for $325. While gun prices on MeWe over the past several months have been largely ridiculous, there are deals to be had. $325 for a quality semi-auto 45ACP is not bad. We’ll see what happens.

So – if you’re on MeWe look me up. My personal account is here – – – – > https://mewe.com/i/johnrourke5

The 1776PatriotUSA.com Survival & Preparedness Group is here – – – – > https://mewe.com/join/1776patriotusacom1

BTW – I have created a new Facebook account and group page. Hey – I’d love to tell FB to kiss my ass, but, the reality is for those of us trying to reach the maximum amount of people possible Facebook is necessary. You know what? I’m going to try to get as many folks to open MeWe accounts as possible.  So – I’ll use their own service against them. To me, that is the smart thing to do. I’ll post links to these new accounts once I’m ready.

Take care all and stack it to the rafters!!

Rourke

[ecwid_product id=”381953032″ display=”picture title price options addtobag” version=”2″ show_border=”1″ show_price_on_button=”1″ center_align=”1″][ecwid_product id=”409414550″ display=”picture title price options addtobag” version=”2″ show_border=”1″ show_price_on_button=”1″ center_align=”1″][ecwid_product id=”242253829″ display=”picture title price options addtobag” version=”2″ show_border=”1″ show_price_on_button=”1″ center_align=”1″]

I have long sought a Steyr M9A1 9mm pistol. In a crowded field where so many pistols are only slight deviations from each other, the Steyr has been truly unique for years. The original M9A1 became aged as modern technology improved not only manufacturing and quality, but accuracy and triggers as well. Steyr came out with their new A2 MF and just today I had the ability to lay my hands on this unicorn. I absolutely loved it.

So – anyone have one by chance? If so, please share your thoughts below.

Will I get one? I need another pistol like the National Debt needs another trillion added to it. That doesn’t mean it won’t happen though.

Have a good rest of your weekend.

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

Fantastic deal……If you are looking to put together your first AR – or just want to add another reliable and inexpensive weapon – this is a great deal.

PSA AR15 COMPLETE CLASSIC STEALTH LOWER

$129.99

LINK

plus…….

BLEM PSA 16″ M4 CARBINE-LENGTH 5.56 NATO 1/8 PHOSPHATE CLASSIC UPPER W/BCG & CH

$269.99

LINK

equals……

$399.98

Follow the links to purchase. Helluva deal.

Keep your powder dry!

Rourke

BLEM PSA AR-15 COMPLETE MOE STEALTH LOWER, GRAY

$139.99

LINK

plus…….

BLEM PSA AR15 COMPLETE MOE EPT STEALTH LOWER, GRAY

$279.99

LINK

equals……

$419.98

Follow the links to purchase. Helluva deal.

Keep your powder dry!

Rourke

BLEM PSA AR-15 COMPLETE MOE STEALTH LOWER, GRAY

$139.99

LINK

plus…….

BLEM PSA AR15 COMPLETE MOE EPT STEALTH LOWER, GRAY

$279.99

LINK

equals……

$419.98

Follow the links to purchase. Helluva deal.

Keep your powder dry!

Rourke

Ammunition availability is improving. While far from normal things are getting better and that is HUGE. Here’s the deal – as things improve NOW is the time to take advantage of the decreasing prices and increase in supply.  What we know is every day that goes by is one day closer to the next shortage – or ban. I am not talking just for ammunition but for firearms and magazines as well.

So – if you’ve been waiting for the market to improve to make a purchase it absolutely is a good idea to go ahead and make some purchases now. Now, do not make ALL your purchases now. No. Make some now then watch the market. Assuming prices drop more then go ahead and make more after the market improves. Drop more? Buy more. Prices rise? Hey – you made some purchases and improved your position.

Here are some of the best deals I’ve found so far:

• Tula Steel Cased 9mm 115-gr 1000-rd case – – – > $349.99
• 12 gauge 00 Buck Shells – Pack of 10 – – – – > $5.99
• Tula 9mm Steel Cased 115-gr box/50-rds – – – – > $17.99
• .223 Rem. 69-gr Sierra Matchking 20-rd/box – – – – > $17.99
• Winchester 9mm 115-grain 200-rds – – – – >$119.99
• Tula .223 Remington 20rds/box – – – – > $9.99
• Tula .223 Rem 10 boxes of 20 rds plus 10 PMAG 30-rd Magazines – – – – > $199.99
• Remington .223 Remington Freedom Bucket – 300 rounds – – – – > $219.99

Please remember that these were in stock at the time of publishing and may sell out quickly.

Keep your powder dry!!

Rourke

Seems a lot of people gained their tactical knowledge from the movies especially when it comes to shotguns. I’ve seen it all over the Internet. Folks state the big advantage of a shotgun is there is no need to aim. Just point in the general direction and destroy your target.  For far too many this fallacy is used as common knowledge.

Multi-projectile ammunition such as bird and buckshot do provide an advantage as precise shot placement is not as critical compared to rifle and pistol rounds. Yes – the projectile spread from a shotgun increases covering more target area as distance grows from the shooter, however, it’s not an “aim in the general direction” situation. For common cylinder bore defensive shotguns the spread of most loads average around .5″ – 1.0″ per yard. This means that at a living room distance of 15 feet the spread would max out around 3-4 inches. Yes – a concerted effort must be made to aim.

One of the major benefits of the shotgun is the sheer devasting power and the massive variety of loads available for all kinds of purposes. Bird hunting, defense, deer hunting, turkeys – there are tons of loads with different projectiles. Variety is the spice of life, right?

What’s important is to test your own equipment and loads to see how your specific ammunition and shotguns pattern together.

BTW – this is my Mossberg Shockwave. Love this thing. I use mini-shells in it almost exclusively.

Rourke

For over a year the firearms market has been a rollercoaster ride. The threat of civil unrest spreading across the country with COVID right beside it drove people to gun shops sending prices upwards and supplies down. Ammunition came under high demand and prices skyrocketed.

Everyone ignored magazines(for the most part).

Market conditions have certainly leveled out and prices have improved. Even with an anti-gun White House and Left-controlled Congress, things are heading in the direction of normal, though we are still quite a ways. Once the ramblings of serious gun control begin prices will likely get back on that rollercoaster once again.

Back to magazines. Anti-gunners have long targeted “high capacity magazines” frequently professing legislation that limits magazine capacity to 10 rounds(or less). Right now as of this writing magazines are available in large quantities and at very good prices. A few months ago I purchased an additional 200 AR magazines at rock-bottom prices. Why? The main reason was to secure an ample supply stream that would suffice for myself and others should I need to equip them.

When, and I do believe it’s when not if – severe gun control is implemented there is no doubt magazines will play a major role. When this occurs what you have at the time may be all you can get. No more. Seems to me it would be a good idea to snatch up some extra mags for any magazine-fed firearms you have soon.

A couple suggestions on where to go to stock up:

1. Global Ordnance – they are a growing industry leader of firearms and firearms accessories including magazines.
2. Palmetto State Armory – watch their incredible sales for great prices on package deals.
3. Your local gun shop.

Stack it to the rafters!!

Rourke

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A recent addition to the camper is the Stevens Model 320 below. This is a 12 gauge shotgun.

I had Fred Choate from Choate, Machine and Tool send me a magazine extension for it which I need to install. If you are not familiar with Choate – a great company! Fred Choate is an avid shooter, Patriot, and prepper as well.

[Read more about our life living in a camper….follow this link]

With the difficulty of obtaining ammunition, many new gun buyers are going to shotguns. With that said shotgun ammunition is also in short supply.

I keep my eye out whenever I venture into any business that carries ammunition and I’ve grabbed some 00-Buck and slugs recently.

Stack it high and stack it deep!

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

Several weeks ago visited a buddy up in Maine. Over a year ago we got together and I helped him build his first AR-15. It was put together from Palmetto State Armory parts – mostly. At the time the total cost was around $500. Lower priced, budget-friendly parts were used throughout. Since then he’s added a Bushnell TRS-25 optic. The TRS-25 is one of my favorite red dots. It has proven itself extremely reliable and rugged at a fantastic price of around $100 when set up for the AR platform.

We went to the range and sighted in the TRS. Over the last year, he’s shot several hundred rounds of mixed steel and brass through the budget build. No failures of any kind.  I was not surprised to hear this as my own experience has been the same.

He’s added several magazines to his stash and built up a decent ammo supply along the way.

This gun can be built today, although it’s going to be a little more expensive.

I’m looking forward to my new build…..the RECCE rifle. I’m collecting all the components and then I need to find the time to get it done. Once started I’ll document it here.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Rourke

Picked up a Sig P365 just a bit ago. I’ve heard so much about this pistol I wanted to see for myself what all the hype was about.

I’ve had two range sessions with the P365 so far. From an initial impression perspective, the ergonomics are fantastic. Very small grip(I don’t have large hands) with a 12 round capacity for the 9mm is impressive. By far this is the smallest compact 9mm pistol with this capacity in existence. Other manufacturers are scurrying to not just beat it but at least match it. The gun just feels fantastic in the hand.

Accuracy is nothing spectacular and pretty much what was expected from a short sight radius pistol. Very much acceptable. My initial range sessions have me shooting low at 10-15 yards. As this is a new gun in my arsenal it may very well be me – not the gun. Every gun I own will shoot more accurately than me.

Trigger is good. Not great. Better than most, not as good as others. While trigger pull can be dissected in many ways to show one gun superior to another – I feel trigger pull “quality” is subjective and over-emphasized when it comes to self-defense.  Bottomline – trigger pull is more than acceptable.

The reason the Sig P365 is so popular and why I bought it is the capacity. It’s the size of many .380’s and even smaller – with a larger capacity. Hat’s off to Sig!!! I have 10, 12, and 15 round mags. The versatility is a huge plus.

I picked up a small belt-mounted pouch to carry the P365. Why this over a holster? Comfort and no one knows what’s in the pouch.

I’ll update as more experience is gained with the Sig.

Rourke

Hundreds of thousands…maybe even millions of people are “waking up” and acknowledging circumstances are such that being armed seems like a good idea. Regardless of the reasons firearms are under high demand and prices hover right around suggested retail. This means great deals are rare.

There is hope!

If you do not have a firearm and want to get one I have a few suggestions.

1. Order a gun

For most, the option of what kind of gun to get will end with the selection of a pistol. Reasons are numerous and there are pros and cons. Whatever. For someone who finds themselves gunless and looking to get something – a pistol it is(at least for this article).

Example:

AREX Delta Gen 2 Semi-Auto 9mm pistol from Global Ordnance

Price: $515

Comes with 1 x 15rd magazine, 1 x 17rd magazine

2. Order Ammunition

It’s a tough market right now, especially for someone who has absolutely no ammunition. Visiting local gun shops(LGS)  and grabbing their limit will usually be the best bet to get decent prices – but not always. Most common calibers right now are running around $1 a round. If you find it cheaper count yourself lucky.

The most reliable manner to obtain ammunition is online. Pricing is all over the place. For this article – and for the AREX 9mm pistol above I have two online suggestions for 9mm ammunition:

Palmetto State Armory & Global Ordnance

If found out of stock keep checking back.

3. Order Magazines

Whatever firearm you chose extra magazines are needed. For a pistol, a total of 5-6 magazines is the minimum.

Example:

AREX Delta Gen 2 Semi-Auto 9mm pistol from Global Ordnance  – – $515

500 rds 9mm ammunition – 10 bxs of 50 @ $34.99 = $349.90

3 17-rd Delta magazins @ $29.99 = $89.97

TOTAL: $954.87

This gives us the Delta 9mm pistol, 5 magazines in total, and 500 rounds of 9mm ammo.

It’s a start. A good start.

Summary: 

Regardless if it’s a rifle, shotgun, or pistol that’s chosen now is the time to start the journey into gun ownership.

The last and possibly most important step involves training. Learning how to use your firearm safely and proficiently is critically important. Paying a hundred bucks or so to get some firearms training is well worth it. Make it happen.

Take care folks. Crazy times we are living in. Might get crazier.

Rourke

Fight like a girl….with a gun.

It would be a perfect world if all bad guys or girls with a gun could be stopped by nonlethal means, be rehabilitated, and then go on to lead a wonderful life. Unfortunately, it is not a perfect world and bad people with guns exist. That is why I decided I needed a gun.

My personal story about how I came to become a gun owner started when I got divorced back in 2017. We had been separated for a year and both my kids had gone away to college about 2 hours away.  Oh, what a time! I was living in a big beautiful house in the middle of nowhere, Maine. I felt relatively safe however, the fact that I was alone made things a little scarier. I am not sure how I would have been more protected with my 18 and 19-year-olds or the ex-husband for that matter, but simply being around someone else can give you a false sense of security. Never having been around guns I was completely oblivious as to what to get.  I contacted a friend who is a law enforcement officer (LEO) and he recommended a revolver. I immediately said Okay!  I felt better knowing I had at least started the process.  As soon as I got my brand new shiny .38 Special my LEO friend showed me the basics, helped me shoot at targets, and educated me on what type of ammunition I would need. Carrying it home that day made me feel safer, stronger, and more independent than ever.

Fast forward a couple of years when I met my (insert term for boyfriend at the ripe age of 44 here) and he showed me a plethora of guns. He has been wonderful in teaching me about different types and what they are used for. After trying many of his at the local range, I quickly realized that racking the slide was difficult. Hand strength reaches its peak between the age of 30-40 and despite me being in great shape my hand strength was not there. I think some of it had to do with it being a new movement for my hands, however, it was evident that it was a difficult task. Enter the Smith and Wesson M&P .380 Shield EZ. Let me just say that this gun is awesome. I found it fun to shoot and easy to rack the slide. Everyone who has shot it has purchased one. 

Although I loved my .380 EZ I wanted something smaller to carry in my purse. I am not a girly girl and am not a fan of big purses. My daily purse is a small crossbody so I wanted something that might fit in that. Enter the Ruger LCP .380. This gun is small and fierce. It has more kickback when I shoot it due to its smaller size but I definitely feel more comfortable carrying it. My next purchase will be a concealed carry purse that has a holster sewn in. I have seen a few but the price tag has had me leaving the store empty-handed.

Other things to consider when looking to buy your firearm are the laws in the state in which you are in. I got my concealed carry license in Georgia. It is for five years and several other states observe it. Other states like Maine do not require a license. Just always be responsible and keep your firearm in a safe and secure place at all times. Always tell any law enforcement officer that you have a firearm in the car if you get pulled over. 

Presently, you should consider what kind of ammunition is available before purchasing a gun. Many stores have a low inventory and limit how many boxes you can purchase if they even have some.

Talk to friends you can trust and ask lots of questions. Good luck!

Maine Prepper Girl

Over the years there have been many guns I planned to get and it just never happened. I could name off 30-40 guns which I added to a list or two and are no longer available. Incredibly many of them were fairly inexpensive at the time and are now selling – if you can find them – for much more than brand new back in the day.

The Ruger P345 was one of the guns I wanted the most.

I checked a few out at local gun shops. A full-sized 45ACP running around $379 with Ruger ruggedness and reliability made it attractive. Loved the two-tone color scheme. Unfortunately, sales did not make Ruger happy and they ended the model and moved on to the SR45 and other follow-ups.

RUGER P345 SPECS:

• Caliber: .45 Auto (ACP)
• Action: recoil operated semi-automatic
• Length: 7.625 in
• Width: 1.2 in (with slide lever)
• Height: 5.75 in
• Magazine Capacity: 8 rounds
• Barrel Length: 4.25 in
• Rifling: 6-grooves, 1:16 in RH twist
• Trigger: double-action
• Sights: White 3-dot, fixed front, drift adjustable rear
• Weight without magazine: 26.8 oz
• Weight with empty magazine: 29.4 oz
• Weight loaded (1+8 rd magazine): 35.7 oz

I’m always on the lookout for the P345 – as well as several others. Gunbroker has them selling at around $600. Yeah, I don’t think so.

What’s on your gun wish list from the past?

Rourke

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Hope to see you there!!!