1776PatriotUSA.com

Tag: random thoughts

  • From the Desk of John Rourke – November 21st, 2016

    From the Desk of John Rourke – November 21st, 2016

    NOTE: I am going to start publishing posts in the evening as for some reason some posts are missing their morning scheduled times. This post is an example of a missed one as it was supposed to go live at 7:15AM EST but failed to publish.  Thanks.

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    Right now is a great time to be a prepper. With all these sales going on and with Black Friday coming up there are some great deals out there.

    My local Cabela’s has 9mm ammo in brass cases for $11.99 – plus a $5.00 rebate per box. $6.99 for a box of 50 rounds. Wow! Haven’t seen prices like that in years.

    Click to Enlarge

    Click to Enlarge

    Home Depot and Lowe’s has an assortment of flashlights, grills, and tools at great prices.

    WalMart same with the flashlights but also other outdoor equipment such as binoculars and game cams.

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    As an experienced paintball player I have always wondered why firearms have not gone high tech like paintball guns. I am assuming it involves BATF regulations within the manufacturing process. Trigger pulls are directly linked to accuracy. An electronic trigger could provide a substantial increase in accuracy on some firearms for some shooters.

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    Picture above is very similar to my Invert Mini

    I would imagine 3 shot burst, reactive trigger, and full auto modes may create some unneeded attention. Man – it would be cool though.

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    Started watching the TV series Cheers on Netflix. Wow – been a long time. I remember watching it as a kid and loved it then. Still a great show.

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    Enjoy this video. Watch it all the way through – even watch it twice. Never ceases to amaze me the ignorance that has led this country astray.

  • From the Desk of John Rourke – November 18th, 2016

    From the Desk of John Rourke – November 18th, 2016

    From the “It Never Ceases to Amaze Me File” – Man goes into Starbucks where they write your name on a cup and states “TRUMP”. You guessed it – they refuse and call the cops because he gives them a hard time.

    Unreal.

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    I’ve been on a cooking binge lately – primarily steak and stir fry’s. Just last night I took a large 12 oz. top sirloin and marinated it for 3 hours in KC Masterpiece “Steakhouse” marinade. Pan fried it on both sides until slightly blackened – then placed it in the oven at 375 degrees for I guess 25-30 minutes. Added a coating of Weber Chop & Steak while in the oven……WOW!! A1 Steak Sauce finished it off.

    Seeing some great prices on beef right now.

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    I’ve been off cable and satellite for a few years now and really don’t miss it. Just ordered a new long range HD antenna planning to install in my attic for upstairs TV.

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    I am a big planner and every year around this time I start looking at specific goals I want to accomplish. Like many others many go to the wayside a few months in but I am going to give it a shot anyways.

    I really want 2017 to be a fantastic year.

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    So – my son’s best friend had left home and was staying with friends. He is 17. I took him out to dinner to find out what was going on with him as home with mom and dad is where he should be. Well – this kid has always been smart and very well-mannered and mature. He described a fairly unhealthy home life thus the reason he left. He has filled out college applications all on his own. He has kept his job although he has no license and no car – thus relies on others all the time. He was asked to leave where he was staying(girlfriend). So – now he is here at my place.

    Yeah – fairly uncomfortable and the stress is on the rise. Need to find him somewhere else to go though I feel for him and want to help.

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    Have a great weekend everyone!!!!!

     

     

     

  • From the Desk of John Rourke – November 17th, 2016

    From the Desk of John Rourke – November 17th, 2016

    Using Random.org entry #4 was selected as the winner of the Imalent DN12 1000 Lumen LED flashlight from GearBest.com. Thanks for those that participated and especially to GearBest for offering the flashlight. Please visit GearBest.com to check out all the unique and value-driven items they carry.

    Congrat’s JBernDrApt!!!!

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    Love this painting – called The Forgotten Man.

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    “Against the background of a darkening sky, all of the past Presidents of the United States gather before the White House, as if to commemorate some great event. In the left hand corner of the painting sits a man. That man, with his head bowed appears distraught and hopeless as he contemplates his future. Some of the past Presidents try to console him while looking in the direction of the modern Presidents as if to say, “What have you done?” Many of these modern Presidents, seemingly oblivious to anything other than themselves, appear to be congratulating each other on their great accomplishments. In front of the man, paper trash is blowing in the wind. Crumpled dollar bills, legislative documents, and, like a whisper—the U.S. Constitution beneath the foot of Barack Obama.”

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    Heard of high schoolers I believe in Florida who walked off school grounds in protest over the results of the election.

    Pathetic.

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    With Christmas coming keep in mind that white LED Christmas lights are a great way to light up areas and use very little juice. Perfect to use with an inverter and a battery or two. Even non-LED’s work well.

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    Popular YouTube personality and friend SoutherPrepper1 is under the threat of wildfires here in South Carolina. I would appreciate any prayers offered in his behalf as well as all being threatened.

  • From the Desk of John Rourke – November 16th, 2016

    From the Desk of John Rourke – November 16th, 2016

     

    It’s becoming more and more apparent that “alternative” news sources are the places to get real news. Even websites such as Alex Jones’s InfoWars.com and  ZeroHedge.com are becoming more recognized as accurate purveyors of current events. InfoWars in particular I have avoided due to Alex Jones’s mannerism of over-the-top “every event spells doom for America” narrative. Glenn Beck is another source that I used to be a big fan of until he went #nevertrump.

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    Incase you haven’t heard of the stranded cows in New Zealand……..

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    That would make for a bad day.

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    Just received in some food from MyPatriotSupply.com I ordered last week. I had forgotten all about it until it showed up today. 1776PatriotUSA.com has a partnership with them and I haven’t pushed them much but am really impressed with the company. I have called in orders a couple times and the people I talked to were very professional, friendly – and were not pushy. They suggested some sales they had but when I said “no” it was not a big deal.

    This particular order was for a 72 Hour Food Pack. This pack included a total of 4,560 calories or 1,520 calories per day. Not bad for an emergency food pack. Cost? $9.95 with Free Shipping. I am including no link here as it was a special email offer to those who have ordered before.

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    I’m not a big fan of wine but my wife is. I’ve been thinking of buying her a wine making kit for Christmas. I think she would really like making wine if it turned out to at least taste better than vinegar.

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    Hope everyone has a great week!!

     

     

     

     

  • From the Desk of John Rourke – November 8th, 2016

    From the Desk of John Rourke – November 8th, 2016

    Get out there and VOTE!!! Get your friends and family and get them to the poll to vote for Trump.

    …….and pray.

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    I see silver has slid in price a bit lately. I recommend Montana Rarities, eBay, and APMEX for purchases. I have no interest in any of those and get nothing if you purchase from them. I am a customer of Montana Rarities and am set up on their monthly purchase program. I have used eBay and APMEX as well.

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    Adventure: Been awhile since I have talked any about adventure’s I have gone on. Well – guess it’s been awhile since I have gone on any. Planning a hiking trip during an upcoming weekend. So easy to get caught up in the day-to-day business of life and sometimes we forget to truly LIVE.

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    A lot to think about once the results of the election is determined. Not really sure how I will react if it goes the way of Killary.

     

     

  • From the Desk of John Rourke – November 7th, 2016

    From the Desk of John Rourke – November 7th, 2016

    Pretty much the only thing on my mind is the election. Just cannot comprehend how so many people could be fooled or are so ignorant to such a large extent that we are seriously looking at “President Hillary Clinton”. I shouldn’t be shocked after all Obama was elected twice.

    Back in November of 2012 I predicted this country would never see another Republican President. Hope I was wrong.

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    Testing on the Imalent DN12 LED Flashlight is complete. Review hopefully later this week.

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    So – I finally got around to shooting my Hi Point 9mm Carbine. I hate it. Hey – lots of other people like it and that’s why so many options are available. Guess if you’re used to driving a Cadillac and then have to drive a Pinto you may get there but it will suck along the way.

    I’m not giving up. Going to place the gun in a new chassis – the ATI Hi Point stock. I’ll add a red dot as well and go from there.

    ati-stock

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    So – Obama is now promoting illegals to vote in the election. Nothing shocks me anymore.

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    Looking at how my supplies are stored. Currently I use many 18 gallon plastic totes. Not the most durable containers in the world but they are cheap and work. After a couple of years they tend to get brittle and need replacing. Thinking about investing in gamma lids and start switching to Home Depot buckets for various supplies.
    Curious what everyone else uses to store their supplies.
  • From the Desk of John Rourke – November 4th, 2016

    From the Desk of John Rourke – November 4th, 2016

    Springfield Armory has released their version of the AR-15 – the “Saint”. I got a chance to lay my hands on it in a non-shooting inspection and handling session. I like it. A lot. At the street price of around $869 it is not super inexpensive nor out of reach for most. I have a couple of priorities I MUST take care of first – then I may pick one up.

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    The amount of information flowing regarding the FBI, Hillary Clinton, emails, the Foundation – and the Justice Department is just overwhelming. It appears the evidence is tremendous that Hillary is guilty of…..something. Will she ever be charged or will this be enough to keep her out of the White House? I suspect Obama will provide a blanket pardon when he leaves office. Will she still win? I believe it is almost guaranteed.

    Yeah – I’m being a “Negative Nancy” I know. Call it conspiracy but I think the fix is in. The tens of thousands of people attending rallies. The record setting primary vote. The amount of Trump-Pence signs all over America.  The number of people who never vote but are invigorated to do so due to Trump. Yeah – if Trump loses the fix is in.

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    By the way I voted yesterday. I actually flt extremely proud making my selection. SOmething different this time around.

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    Have a great weekend everyone! Going to be an interesting week upcoming.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • From the Desk of John Rourke – November 2nd, 2016

    From the Desk of John Rourke – November 2nd, 2016

    I caught myself recently telling a friend that I just could not understand why a carbine such as the old Marlin Camp 9 was not made today. I mean – Ruger made a 9mm carbine and others have. Some were ridiculously expensive but I am looking for something like the Camp 9 – reasonably priced.

    Then it hit me – the Hi Point 9mm carbine. Hell – I even have one that I picked up cheap via private sale. Brand new under $300 it certainly is an answer for those asking the right question.

    I still miss my Camp 9.

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    “Give the laziest man the hardest job he’ll find the easiest way to do it.”

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    This day in 1755 – 70,000 people were killed due to an earthquake and resulting tsunami in Lisbon. Also November 2nd, 1765 the first direct tax was levied on the American people. There has been a steady increase in taxes ever since.

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    GearBest.com is having a great sale on specialty batteries shipping from their US warehouse – check it out HERE.

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    “Just because you are paranoid doesn’t mean you’re wrong.”

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    Leaving Magazines Loaded: Often a topic that creates heated arguments is whether to leve magazines loaded or unloaded over the “long term”. There is the key, isn’t it? What is “long term” to one person may not be to another. Here is my bottom line:

    “If they must be loaded leave them loaded for as short of time as possible.”

    If a box of magazines is stuck up on a shelf to sit and gather dust for a few years why load them? If a vest hangs in the corner ready-to-go in a moment’s notice load ’em up but regular practice should allow some rotation.

    If one truly feels the need to load up a hundred magazines and store them away for years to come in ammo boxes real-world evidence shows they SHOULD function fine. Understanding that metal fatigue does occur EVENTUALLY regardless of the spring type I don’t see the reason to take the risk.

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    Question: Does anyone follow Anonymous on YouTube? 

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  • From the Desk of John Rourke – November 1st, 2016

    From the Desk of John Rourke – November 1st, 2016

     

    The situation and tension between Russia and the United States continues to be eventful. Late last week it was reported that on October 17th there was a near miss in Syria where Russian and US military jets had a near collision.  How close? Within a half mile. Might not sound like a big deal but this involves two countries involved on opposite sides of a conflict…..that have massive amounts of nuclear weapons. Any type of direct conflict  – even accidental – would be very dangerous.

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    Enjoying the cooler weather as we head into my favorite part of the year. That time between Thanksgiving and Christmas is so special to me. I wish my parents were still alive so I could tell them about all the memories I have from my childhood during this time. They did a great job making my childhood memorable.

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    I have been off Facebook for a month or so. Found it was not a valuable use of time and find I really do not miss it. I deactivated my account so I can get back on when I feel like it. Will likely jump back on between Thanksgiving and Christmas.

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    Working on a review of the Imalent DN12 1000 Lumen Flashlight. Taking some nighttime pictures right now. One of the most unique flashlights I have ever had. Beyond the powerful 1000 lumen beam the light is dimmable from 1000 lumens all the way down to 1 lumen. I have never seen this before. Pretty cool.

    For $50 it’s a solid piece of equipment.

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    Recently heard that over 15% of Venezuelans get part of their diet from the trash dumpster.

    Folks – go to Sam’s or Costco and buy 100 pounds of rice. Today.

    Don’t forget to vote for this website over at the Top Prepper Sites. Click HERE to vote.

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  • From the Desk of John Rourke – October 31st, 2016

    From the Desk of John Rourke – October 31st, 2016

     

    Happy Halloween!!! Pay extra close attention to the evil clowns lurking in your backyard….and in your closets.

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    Interesting that on this day in 1841 Nevada become a state. Also worth noting that on October 31st in 1941 Mount Rushmore was officially completed and in 1984 Indira Gandhi was assassinated .

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    From the “Like We Need Anything Else To Worry About” Department: Russia has developed a huge ICBM capable of carrying 10 tons of nuclear payload.

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    I am curious. If Hillary wins what will happen with ammunition, magazine, and gun purchases? Month after month sales records are broken. With that said I suspect that most shooters have bought 90% of what they want/need. Most preppers have already stocked up and spent a ton of money. On November 9th if America wakes up and “President Hillary Clinton” is the headline no doubt there will be some boost – but shortages? I doubt it.

    I’ve done well putting back brass and lead as well as a few “boomsticks”. Depending on the results of the election I’ll likely be motivated to do a bit more.

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    I have been watching the TV series “Containment” on Netflix. Not a bad show. Basically a pandemic breaks out in Atlanta and a quarantine is established.

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    HUNTING TRIP PLANNED: Thanksgiving morning.

    A friend of mine is taking my son and I to the hunting club he belongs to. We’ll be in the woods and in a stand well before light – and stuffing our face with turkey by afternoon.

     

     

     

     

  • From the Desk of John Rourke

    From the Desk of John Rourke

    My regular posting schedule has been interrupted this week. Super busy. Will get back on it next week including the regular Jericho posts on Wednesday’s.

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    Alot has been on my mind. I am feeling an overwhelming need to step up my preps as quickly as possible. Paranoia? I hope so. Who knows – maybe 10 years from now I’ll be playing with my grandkids and everything is just fine. Not taking any chances  -I suggest you don’t either.

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    Things progressing well with group preps and hitting new levels of readiness as well as new members. Timing couldn’t be better.  Retreat location is set. Supplies – such as food and fuel – are soon to be pre-staged for several members. Although things are going well multiple backup plans are a must.

    Another area I frequent is in Georgia at my brothers place. This is certainly an alternate bug out location and supplies must be pre-staged there as well.

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    I published Part 2 of my American Reformation series on a Friday recently. Friday being a low traffic day if you missed it check it out HERE.

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    I picked up a Hi-Point 9mm carbine a few months ago. It came in very rough condition as the previous owner screwed a picatinny rails into the stock. I have considered just dumping it off on someone else but I have it and it is off the books. Need some magazines and do some shooting with it.

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    Most recent picture of Jake!!!!

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    To those that recently ordered the Sawyer Bucket Kits I am awaiting an order that should be arriving any day containing one essential part. I will get them shipped out as soon as it come in.

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    Take care everyone – be safe.

     

     

     

  • From the Desk of John Rourke…..

    From the Desk of John Rourke…..

    No more “From the Front Lines….” I decided to go back to the old title of “From the Desk of…”

     

    Looking at some website statistics it looks like only a few people have visited the PROJECTS section since I announced its creation. I’m going to maintain it however I’m going to publish those completed projects as articles as well just to get them out there.

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    I swear I can smell Fall in the air. Maybe it’s the local waste treatment plant not sure but I am looking forward to the cooler weather. Some property project are suffering as I have been enjoying air conditioning too much. I need to jump on my gardening improvements pronto.

    bright-autumn-road-popular-trees

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    Being involved with a few forums and a declining number of Facebook groups(I am about done with social media) here is my answer to the 9mm vs. 40S&W vs. 45ACP question: Get one.

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    Recently watched a video where a #blacklivesmatter protester stepped out on a busy road and got hit by a car. A horrific event that was totally preventable. It’s also an example of something called accountability. I feel bad for the driver. Incredibly the protesters who had been hating on law enforcement suddenly found themselves screaming for their help.

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    The email service I have been using to notify subscribers of new posts has been deactivated. Those who recently signed up via my new service will now receive only one announcement.

    If you have not signed up yet you can do so below:

    [jetpack_subscription_form]

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    Hope everyone has a great weekend. Be safe!

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • From the Front Lines: New Sponsor, 80% Lowers, Gardening

    From the Front Lines: New Sponsor, 80% Lowers, Gardening

    Here is another installment of “From the Front Lines”. Basically a collection of random thoughts related to preparedness, current events, and whatever else that’s on my mind.

    • Getting ready to experiment with 80% aluminum lowers. I will report the results.
    • I also purchased an 80% pistol lower that is a Glock-compatible. I ordered it on an impulse a few months ago while the company still had them in development. I just received notice that shipments will ensue. Hopefully I can get it milled out correctly and get an opportunity to eventually complete it.
    • Part 4 of the Operational Cache series should be complete this weekend and published next week.
    • Here’s something for those that have had the unfortunate experience:

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    • The 2016 Presidential “whatever” is a complete disappointment. I will write more on it later.  Maybe disappointing to many but I am not impressed with any of the candidates and regardless of who wins the GOP nomination I will struggle to pull the lever for them – though I will also find it difficult to sit at home knowing that if enough if us do just that Hillary will be the next President. I am still predicting that Hillary Clinton will be the next President. I said it many, many months ago and still believe it. I also hope that I am very wrong.
    • If you have any opportunity to start a garden this Spring jump on it. Extremely rewarding.

     

    Take care all –

    JR