1776PatriotUSA.com

Tag: project

  • Project Update: Survival Seed Bank

    Project Update: Survival Seed Bank

    Last year I made the video below showing a survival seed bank I was putting together. At the time I was living full-time in a camper and had no land for planting a garden. Fast forward a year or so and here we are in the woods of Maine on 5 acres and I just completed the planting of our garden. Many of the seeds I used came from the seed bank featured in the video.

    I’ve used flower and vegetable seeds that were 3 years old and had no major issues. The germination rate at the 3-year mark was around 75%. Not too bad. Moving forward I’ll rotate the seeds in my seed banks every year or two at the max. For true long-term seed storage check out FrostySeed.com. They offer freeze-dried seeds which can be stored away for many years. I consider those my “last resort seeds” as they have the longest shelf life. What a fantastic prep!!

    “A lot of weeding needs to be done. Strawberries and tomatoes planted.”

     

    “Several raised beds added. This one has lettuce and broccoli.”

    …..more to come!

    Well – here’s the video. Would appreciate it if you smash that Like button and share it with like-minded folks. I’ll be making a “video tour” of the cabin soon and showing some progress in the garden.

    Take care all –

    Rourke

    [ecwid_product id=”539843836″ display=”picture title price options addtobag” version=”2″ show_border=”1″ show_price_on_button=”1″ center_align=”0″][ecwid_product id=”552887642″ display=”picture title price options addtobag” version=”2″ show_border=”1″ show_price_on_button=”1″ center_align=”0″]

  • Project: Survival Seed Bank

    Project: Survival Seed Bank

    Here’s a quick video in which I am showing a recent project – a survival seed bank. This is one of a few I am putting together. I currently do not have any land which to plant a garden, however, I know that if things went south that would change reasonably quickly.

    I also recently purchased some freeze-dried seeds from FrostySeed.com. I consider those my “last resort seeds” as they have the longest shelf life. What a fantastic prep!!

    Well – here’s the video. Would appreciate it if you smash that Like button.

    Take care all –

    Rourke

     

    [ecwid_product id=”261374102″ display=”picture title price options addtobag” version=”2″ show_border=”1″ show_price_on_button=”1″ center_align=”0″][ecwid_product id=”450867883″ display=”picture title price options addtobag” version=”2″ show_border=”1″ show_price_on_button=”1″ center_align=”0″][ecwid_product id=”242168723″ display=”picture title price options addtobag” version=”2″ show_border=”1″ show_price_on_button=”1″ center_align=”0″][ecwid_product id=”381953032″ display=”picture title price options addtobag” version=”2″ show_border=”1″ show_price_on_button=”1″ center_align=”0″]

     

  • Patriot II AR-Build. Considering the Possibilities

    Patriot II AR-Build. Considering the Possibilities

    I’m in the process of planning a new AR build – The Patriot II Rifle Build Project. This will be a sequel to the original Patriot Rifle build. With the AR platform, the possibilities are endless. This build will be different in that the entire firearm will be built around the trigger system – the ECHO AR-II Drop-in Binary Trigger.

    AR build, project, Patriot, trigger, ECHO trigger, prepper, preparedness

    Here’s a bit of info in case you are unfamiliar with the Echo trigger.

    • Echo trigger system – an ATF-approved rifle trigger built specifically for AR 15 platform weapons. These rifle triggers feature an innovative drop-in design for easy installation and deliver crisp, light pulls while in semi-auto mode. Overall, the Fostech Echo Trigger has 3 different modes: safe (firearm will not fire), semi-auto (gun fires when the trigger is pulled), and echo (weapon fires when the trigger is pulled and released). 


     

     

     

     

    The video above seems to have the sound messed up but you get the idea.

     

    AR build, AR-15, upper, budget, Patriot, carbine, prepper, preparedness, SHTF, AR upper, project

    For the upper, I’ll likely use the Radical Firearms upper I picked up on a Black Friday sale. I have it already so why not? Radical has had some questionable quality in the past. Recent reviews are good so we’ll see.

    Radical Firearms 5.56 SOCOM AR-15 Barreled Upper with BMD – 16″

    Radical Arms, AR-15, build, SHTF, prepper, survival, preparedness

    Summary: This AR-15 upper assembly features the Radical Firearms generation 3 handguard has a new mounting system that ensures the handguard stays tight against the barrel nut and receiver. It is a free-float design, meaning it does not contact the barrel which could result in inconsistent accuracy like standard M4 delta ring handguards. It has M-LOK slots along the sides and bottom for mounting any tactical accessories that you want. The full-length picatinny top rail offers a solid mounting point for scopes, red dots, or iron sights to increase the effectiveness of your rifle.

    Features:

    • 16” 4140 Chromoly barrel with melonite coating
    • 5.56 SOCOM profile
    • M4 feed ramps
    • 1:7 twist rate
    • BMD muzzle brake that reduces felt recoil and muzzle rise
    • 1/2×28 thread pitch
    • Low profile gas block
    • Mid-length gas system
    • Radical Firearms forged MIL-STD upper receiver
    • MIL-STD upper parts kit
    • Radical Firearms forward assist
    • Radical Firearms 15″ M-LOK rail with Gen 3 mounting system
    • Integrated M-LOK attachment points on the sides and bottom

     

    I have a few Anderson and PSA standard lowers. I’ll likely select one of them for this build. Historically I’ve had absolutely zero issues and seen no difference between using inexpensive lowers and the more expensive billet variants.

    PSA lower, Patriot rifle, AR build, prepper, AR build

     

    line

    That’s what I’ve got so far. Decisions will be made on optics, buffer system, stock, and a few other misc parts. For a lower, I’ll likely use a standard PSA or Anderson. I’ve been using anti-rotation pins in my last few builds. I just like the way they look and after all – when in the midst of battling hoards of zombies how you look is most important, right?

    Any suggestions, thoughts?

    Rourke

  • The “Patriot” Rifle AR Build

    The “Patriot” Rifle AR Build

     

    My latest AR is the result of the “Katrina” rifle concept. Katrina rifle you ask? The term came about after Hurricane Katrina devasted the Gulf and left many residents in a state of WROL(Without Rule of Law). Widespread looting, lawlessness, and general civil unrest provide a very dangerous environment.  Add to this the absence of law enforcement the need for a Katrina rifle is evident. This single weapon – like in New Orleans – may be used at 25 yards or 250 yards. Yeah – there are a lot of AR’s and other firearms that will fit the bill. A firearm similar to this should be part of every preparedness system. This is merely one example.

    Components List:

    80% AR low from 80-Lower.com ($60)

    Anderson Lower Parts Kit – LINK ($50)

    Magpul AR grip ($20)

    Strike Industries Charging Handle w/Extended Latch ($40)

    PSA Full Auto Bolt Premium Carrier Group – LINK ($70 – SALE)

    Standard M4 Stock/Buffer Tube

    16″ Mid State Firearms Specter .223 Wylde AR Upper w/12″ Gen3 Slim Rail – LINK ($279)

    Vortex Crossfire II 1-4X24mm Rifle Scope w/Mount – LINK ($210)

    TruGlo Micro Laser – LINK ($70)

    2-Point Sling – still yet to purchase

     

    Lower: The 80% lower started this project. No particular reason I used an 80% other than it was sitting on my shelf. The fact that there is zero traceable paperwork connected to it is just the icing on the cake. While many may fear to attempt an 80% build jigs and instructions provide an avenue for the manufacture of the lower with minimal equipment.

    Mine came from 80-Lower.com and the finish is fantastic and I have zero fit/function issues.

     

    Upper: The 16″ Mid State Firearms Specter .223 Wylde upper is amazing. The slim configuration along with available picaninny attachment rails offer tremendous comfort as well as real estate for attachment of accessories. This is my second Mid State Firearms upper and couldn’t be happier. Free float barrel and a 1:8″ twist rate provide a high level of accuracy with a variety of bullet weights. I shoot 55-grain almost always with 62-grain making an appearance periodically. Accuracy? I readily admit that I am not the best shot and every gun I own will shoot better than me. So far 3 shot groups at 100 yards under 2″ is repeatable with XM193 ammunition. I plan to work with some premium rounds and reduce to 1″ or under.

     

    Charging Handle: Historically a standard AR charging handle has always worked fine for me. With this project, I decided to look and see what was available for a little more than the cost of a standard one. Once I saw the Strike Industries I bit. While a normal charging handle still works fine on some of my other guns the Strike Industries definitely provides a secure grip especially in lieu of the Vortex optic. A standard handle would be more difficult to reach. For an extra $10 or so it was so worth it.

     

    Magpul Grip: I have several AR’s with Magpul MOE grip or a slight variant of it. It simply works and provides not only comfort but a more secure grip than an A2 grip.

     

    Stock: I had a standard M4 stock with buffer tube sitting on the shelf so I used it. Nothing special and it works just fine. I have considered moving on to the Magpul but so far just cannot justify the cost.

     

    Flash Hider: The Mid State upper came with the Specter Flash Hider. I had wanted a flash hider that was more “tactical” than a standard A2 cage. Hopefully “poking” someone is not in the future for the Patriot but if the need arises I like the sharper edges of the Specter. Night time shooting? It’s on par with a standard A2 flash hider which by the way is way better than many aftermarket models costing a lot more.

     

    Optic: The Vortex Crossfire II 1-4X24mm Rifle Scope w/Mount is precisely the kind of optic I was looking for. When set at 1X it is very close to true 1X allowing operation with both eyes open similar to a red dot. For CQC this is great. For longer ranges the power can be twisted up to 4X bringing things closer for more precise shooting. The Vortex is very clear.

     

    Summary:

    I’m in the process of selecting a sling. I want something simple and a 2-point rather than my normal single point.  I mounted a TruGlo Micro Laser for use at night as being able to see black crosshairs would be problematic at best. Not a huge fan of throwing a bunch of attachments on a gun but the Micro Laser is tiny and super lightweight. I’ve run into a roadblock as about 10 minutes after mounting and during the sight-in process it stopped working. Strange. I am sending it back for replacement and am confident I’ll have a new one mounted soon.

    A flashlight has yet to be added though I am considering an Inforce 200-lumen model. We’ll see.

    I have the standard trigger in the lower that came with the lower parts kit. It feels very good however an upgrade is likely in the near future. I’ve been using D&H aluminum magazines as well as PMAG’s – no issues.

    Reliability has been 100%. At a little over $800 invested I am loving the “Patriot” AR and glad it is part of my battery.

    Oh – the small American flag perfectly located on the right side of the lower? Amazon.

    Rourke

     

  • Rourke’s new AR Build

    Rourke’s new AR Build

     

    As a certified gun nut and a true believer than “too many guns” is something that should never be uttered – I am putting together another AR-15. Figured I would discuss what I am doing and discuss a few options I am looking at. Feel free to chime in….

    LOWER:

    I already have the lower. It was originally an 80% lower that I and only I and absolutely no one else machined to 100% completion. The lower came from 80-lower.com. I finished it out with an Anderson lower parts kit and a PSA M4 stock kit with buffer tube.

    80-lower

    TRIGGER:

    I am looking at several different triggers right now. One is the Hypertouch EDT which I have in my AR pistol. Great trigger breaking at around 5-5.5 pounds and for the money is excellent. Another I am considering is the Rise Armament RA-140. With a trigger pull of 3.5 pounds it is on the light side however as this will be a magnified optic mounted weapon that could prove beneficial.

    ra-140-sst-2-web-angled-651x282

     UPPER:

    I have done business with Mid State Firearms and so far have been extremely happy. Looking at all they have to offer I decided on a 16″ free-float barrel with an 1:8″ twist rate. I chose 1:8″ as it provides a good twist rate for a multitude of loads and as I shoot only 55 and 62 grain rounds it works. The slim rail is fantastic and inclusion of picatinny rails provide attachment points. At $279.99 it’s a bargain.

    Note: I am not a fan of attaching a bunch of accessories to a rifle. About the only thing I might attach via picatinny is a weapons light or an angled foregrip.

    20161114_120757

    SIGHTS/OPTICS:

    I am planning to install standard Magpul Rear and Front back up sights. These fold down out of the way for use with an optic. In addition to open sights I want to add an optic with magnification.

    One possibility is a Vortex Strikefire II paired with a flip mount 3X magnifier. I have used a similar setup and while it works well I am leaning towards a 1-4X scope such as the Vortex Crossfire II.

    rfl_cf2-30_s_1-4x24_moa_bl-t

    STOCK/GRIP:

    While the standard A2 grip works I would like something that fills my hand a bit better. I’m looking at the Hogue AR grip. The Hogue feels great. As far as the stock the standard adjustable M4 works just fine however I am looking at Magpul CTR or Hogue stock. I played with the notion of investing in an expensive sliding rail stock such as this, or this – but have decided against it.

    66303

    FLASHLIGHT:

    I am going to mount a flashlight on one of the front rails. Currently looking at the InForce 200 Lumen Weapons Mounted Light. There are more powerful lights however I’m concerned with being blinded if my beam hits a wall or object nearby. 200 lumens is plenty bright.

    MAGAZINE:

    Most likely I will continue to use standard PMAG’s or aluminum mags with this firearm. I am looking at picking up a Magpul D-60 but they are ridiculously expensive.

    d-60

    BOLT CARRIER GROUP:

    Will likely order a standard BCG from Mid State or PSA. I am not of the belief that special coatings add anything to the performance of the firearm – just cost. Bolts will last more rounds than I will ever shoot out of the gun.

    kpc_5478_1

    OTHER: 

    Single point sling adapters, charging handles, etc. – I’ve not really looked into these a whole lot. I like things simple and I have seen some charging handles out there with metal sticking out all over the place. Guess that makes it easier to grab  – or get caught on something.

    Feel free to give your opinions and thoughts. I’ll update as the project moves along.

    Keep your powder dry –

    Rourke