1776PatriotUSA.com

Tag: SHTF

  • Marking Your Magazines

    Marking Your Magazines

    I’ve recently started marking all my gun magazines. I’m doing this for a couple different reasons.

    First – if I have any type of firearm performance issue I will be able to differentiate the suspect magazine from other mags for the same gun. This will help narrow down if the performance issue is related to a specific magazine or possibly ammunition or a gun problem.

    Second – ownership is a consideration. Numerous times I have been shooting with friends and having common armament has led to confusion on who owns which magazine. Marking them solves that dilemma.

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    For rifle magazines I use a stencil with numbers/letters. As can be seen above the first few I had some overspray. I took the plastic front cover off a 3-ring binder and cut a square to place the stencil. This stopped the overspray issue. 

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    I am using large characters on the AR magazines for easy recognition. A small number on the floor plate would work but I want maximum visibility.

    For pistol magazines a simple Sharpie does the trick.

    Some shooters I know only mark magazines they have problems with and then chuck ’em if the problem repeats. That’s fine just not my preference. I’ve seen in forums that some people put their initials and even their address on them. Gotta pass on those two choices.

    One last use of magazine markings is to identify the type of ammunition used in the magazine. It may be advantageous to know that Magazine #4 is loaded with 28 rounds of XM855 while the others have standard XM183’s.

    Rourke

     

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    From the Supply Depot: RECOMMENDED SUPPLIES

    PRI-G Fuel Stabilizer/Storage Additive

    Maxpedition Mini Organizer

    OD Musette Bag

    Tremors 5: Bloodlines DVD

    Stanley Adventure Camp Set

    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *

    Looking for Preparedness Supplies? Check out the Fantastic Monthly Sale at Emergency Essentials.

    Emergency Essentials has been an industry leader for over 25 years. Excellent service and prices have kept them leader of the pack.

    728x90june2016 (1)

    From food storage products to camping supplies Emergency Essentials carries it all.

    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *

    Recommended reading for every Patriot? 

    Untitled design (8)


     

     

  • Top 100 Items to Disappear First After the SHTF

    Top 100 Items to Disappear First After the SHTF

    This list has been around for a long time with a few slightly different versions out there. Take a look. Are there items that should be on the list?

    Rourke

     

    100 Items That Disappear First in A Disaster

    1. Generators
    (Good ones cost dearly. Gas storage, risky. Noisy…target of thieves; maintenance, etc.)

    2. Water Filters/Purifiers

    3. Portable Toilets (Increasing in price every two months.)

    4. Seasoned Firewood
    (About $100 per cord; wood takes 6 – 12 mos. to become dried, for home uses.)

    5. Lamp Oil, Wicks, Lamps
    (First choice: Buy CLEAR oil. If scarce, stockpile ANY!)

    6. Coleman Fuel
    (URGENT $2.69-$3.99/gal. Impossible to stockpile too much.)

    7. Guns, Ammunition, Pepper Spray, Knives, Clubs, Bats and Slingshots

    8. Hand-Can openers and hand egg beaters, whisks (Life savers!)

    9. Honey/Syrups/white, brown sugars

    10. Rice – Beans – Wheat
    (White rice is now $14.95 – 50# bag. Sam’s Club, stock depleted often.)

    11. Vegetable oil (for cooking)
    (Without it food burns/must be boiled, etc.)

    12. Charcoal and Lighter fluid (Will become scarce suddenly.)

    13. Water containers
    (Urgent Item to obtain. Any size. Small: HARD CLEAR PLASTIC ONLY)

    14. Mini Heater head (Propane) (Without this item, propane won’t heat a room.)

    15. Grain Grinder (Non-electric)

    16. Propane Cylinders

    17. Michael Hyatt’s Y2K Survival Guide
    (BEST single y2k handbook for sound advice/tips.)

    18. Mantles: Aladdin, Coleman, etc.
    (Without this item, longer-term lighting is difficult.)

    19. Baby Supplies: Diapers/formula/ointments/aspirin, etc

    20. Washboards, Mop Bucket w/wringer (for Laundry)

    21. Cookstoves
    (Propane, Coleman and Kerosene)

    22. Vitamins
    (Critical, due 10 Y2K-forced daily canned food diets.)

    23. Propane Cylinder Handle-Holder
    (Urgent: Small canister use is dangerous without this item.)

    24. Feminine Hygiene/Haircare/Skin products

    25. Thermal underwear
    (Tops and bottoms)

    26. Bow saws, axes and hatchets and Wedges (also, honing oil)

    27. Aluminum foil Reg. and Heavy. Duty
    (Great Cooking and Barter item)

    28. Gasoline containers
    (Plastic or Metal)

    29. Garbage bags
    (Impossible to have too many.)

    30. Toilet Paper, Kleenex, paper towel

    31. Milk – Powdered and Condensed
    (Shake liquid every 3 to 4 months.)

    32. Garden seeds (Non-hybrid) (A MUST)

    33. Clothes pins/line/hangers (A MUST)

    34. Coleman’s Pump Repair Kit: 1(800) 835-3278

    35. Tuna Fish (in oil)

    36. Fire extinguishers
    (or.. large box of Baking soda in every room…)

    37. First aid kits

    38. Batteries (all sizes…buy furthest-out for Expiration Dates)

    39. Garlic, spices and vinegar, baking supplies

    40. BIG DOGS (and plenty of dog food)

    41. Flour, yeast and salt

    42. Matches
    (“Strike Anywhere” preferred. Boxed, wooden matches will go first.)

    43. Writing paper/pads/pencils/solar calculators

    44. Insulated ice chests
    (good for keeping items from freezing in Wintertime)

    45. Work boots, belts, Levis and durable shirts

    46. Flashlights/Light Sticks and torches, “No.76 Dietz” Lanterns

    47. Journals, Diaries and Scrapbooks
    (Jot down ideas, feelings, experiences: Historic times!)

    48. Garbage cans Plastic
    (great for storage, water, transporting – if with wheels)

    49. Men’s Hygiene: Shampoo, Toothbrush/paste, Mouthwash/floss, nail clippers, etc

    50. Cast iron cookware (sturdy, efficient)

    51. Fishing supplies/tools

    52. Mosquito coils/repellent sprays/creams

    53. Duct tape

    54. Tarps/stakes/twine/nails/rope/spikes

    55. Candles

    56. Laundry detergent (Liquid)

    57. Backpacks and Duffle bags

    58. Garden tools and supplies

    59. Scissors, fabrics and sewing supplies

    60. Canned Fruits, Veggies, Soups, stews, etc.

    61. Bleach
    (plain, NOT scented: 4 to 6% sodium hypochlorite)

    62. Canning supplies (Jars/lids/wax)

    63. Knives and Sharpening tools: files, stones, steel

    64. Bicycles…Tires/tubes/pumps/chains, etc.

    65. Sleeping bags and blankets/pillows/mats

    66. Carbon Monoxide Alarm (battery powered)

    67. Board Games Cards, Dice

    68. d-Con Rat poison, MOUSE PRUFE II, Roach Killer

    69. Mousetraps, Ant traps and cockroach magnets

    70. Paper plates/cups/utensils (stock up, folks…)

    71. Baby Wipes, oils, waterless and Anti-bacterial soap
    (saves a lot of water)

    72. Rain gear, rubberized boots, etc.

    73. Shaving supplies
    (razors and creams, talc, after shave)

    74. Hand pumps and siphons
    (for water and for fuels)

    75. Soy sauce, vinegar, bouillons/gravy/soup base

    76. Reading glasses

    77. Chocolate/Cocoa/Tang/Punch (water enhancers)

    78. “Survival-in-a-Can”

    79. Woolen clothing, scarves/ear-muffs/mittens

    80. BSA – New 1998 – Boy Scout Handbook
    (also, Leader’s Catalog)

    81. Roll-on Window Insulation Kit (MANCO)

    82. Graham crackers, saltines, pretzels, Trail mix/Jerky

    83. Popcorn, Peanut Butter, Nuts

    84. Socks, Underwear, T-shirts, etc. (extras)

    85. Lumber (all types)

    86. Wagons and carts
    (for transport to and from open Flea markets)

    87. Cots and Inflatable Mattresses (for extra guests)

    88. Gloves: Work/warming/gardening, etc.

    89. Lantern Hangers

    90. Screen Patches, glue, nails, screws, nuts and bolts

    91. Teas

    92. Coffee

    93. Cigarettes

    94. Wine/Liquors (for bribes, medicinal, etc.)

    95. Paraffin wax

    96. Glue, nails, nuts, bolts, screws, etc.

    97. Chewing gum/candies

    98. Atomizers (for cooling/bathing)

    99. Hats and cotton neckerchiefs

    100. Goats/chickens

     

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    From the Supply Depot: RECOMMENDED MOVIES

    Jeremiah Season 1 – very unique apocalyptic TV show

    Revolution Season 1

    The Last Ship Season 1

    Falling Skies Season 1

    The Strain Season 1

    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *

    Looking for Preparedness Supplies? Check out the Fantastic Monthly Sale at Emergency Essentials.

    Emergency Essentials has been an industry leader for over 25 years. Excellent service and prices have kept them leader of the pack.

    728x90june2016 (1)

    From food storage products to camping supplies Emergency Essentials carries it all.

    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *

    Need clean water? 

    SAWYER MINI WATER FILTER (1)
     

     

  • Review: Manker U11 1050 Lumen LED Flashlight

    Review: Manker U11 1050 Lumen LED Flashlight

     Over the last few weeks I have been testing the Manker U11 LED flashlight. I was sent this flashlight free of charge from GearBest.com for my honest review.

    The Manker is advertised as being a reliable and high quality flashlight throwing upwards of 1050 lumens of bright light. A light with this level of illumination is perfect for searching around properties as well as inside a building(any night vision will be lost).  The Manker would also do well on a mountain bike for lighting up dark trails or streets. 

    Initial impressions had this light as being well made. Caps threaded with no issues and anodizing was excellent. No machine marks were visible and surfaces were smooth. Impressed.

    I consider the Manker U11 small to medium size as it is a little over 4 inches long. Not really a weapons light but fits great in a pants pocket. An included belt clip works well but prefer it off. There is also an included lanyard.

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    I prefer my lights to come on with full brightness – and shut off. That’s it. The Manker U11 has 7 modes including turbo, low, medium, high, midnight, strobe, and SOS. Like I said I use High and OFF and when on high – this thing rocks. The lower levels are good for battery conservation. 

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    The light is operated with a single push button pad located on the side of the case. All modes are operated via rapid clicks or slow and momentary presses. It is actually pretty easy once you get the hang of it. The switch looks and feels high quality and long lasting.

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    The U11 accepts the unique but powerful rechargeable 18650 battery or two CR123 batteries. 

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    If a rechargeable battery is being used a mini-USB charging port is available allowing simple hookup. A rubber pull-away cover provides some water resistance and protection from dust. One thing I like about the mini-USB port is easy charging within a vehicle or using a solar panel.  When charging there is a deep blue indicator glowing from the power button.

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    There is an illustration for assisting correct battery installation. Ridged channels are cut into the aluminum body for heat dispersion. Embossing on much of the body provides for secure grip.

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    Performance Pictures

     

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    ABOVE: At night on the side of my house

    BELOW: FULL POWER

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    ABOVE: House across the streets approx 150 yards away

    BELOW: FULL POWER

    20160614_222710

    SUMMARY: I continue to be amazed at the technology that is available today. I still remember my first LED light that burned at 6 lumens. I was amazed at how long the battery lasted. Today these lights last just as long at tremendous levels of illumination.

    The Manker U11 will not disappoint. It is lightweight, well made and incredibly powerful.

    Right now through June 30th GearBest is offering 1776PatriotUSA readers a very special price. Visit their website – add the Manker to your shopping cart – and then use coupon code “PatriotU11” for the special discount.

    Rourke

  • What Did You Do To Prep This Week?

    What Did You Do To Prep This Week?

    This last week has been interesting. With gun control being a hot topic and many in Congress agreeing that some measure of gun control legislation is needed gun shops of busy. Call it unneeded panic buying or being prudent I put back more ammunition. My emphasis was on .223/5.56 and 9mm.

    I also bought 3 additional Magpul PMAG’s.

    I ordered a few items but will talk about them once they come in.

    Oh – I am pretty disappointed with the Academy chain of sporting good stores. They have moved all the “tactical” long guns to the back. They are still selling AR’s and such but you have to ask for them. Ridiculous. I’m not sure they will ever get another penny from me again.

    So – what have you done this past week?

    JR

     

    cheap ammo
     

  • Why 1776PatriotUSA?

    Why 1776PatriotUSA?

    Confused by the title? That’s OK. Couldn’t figure out what to call this post so I guess I am a bit too.

    Why did I call this website 1776PatriotUSA.com? Previous endeavor was solely preparedness-based. Plain and simple. With the direction this country is taking I meant to make this a place of relevant information for an adapting populace. This “populace” includes you, me, and every other like-minded Patriot we can find and convince that deliberate steps must be taken to secure our future.

    This isn’t conspiracy. This isn’t crazy talk. This country is threatened from forces both inside AND out. All it takes to see it is someone to open their mind, pay attention – and think for themselves. Oh – and a belief in the Constitution and what the Founders established would be beneficial as well.

    The last decade or two have generated societal change so significant that there is actually a debate going on within government as to what bathroom someone should use. Seriously. Government is spending valuable time on this subject. Imagine what Washington, Jefferson, Adams, and Franklin would think. Society has degraded to such a point that the majority of Americans believe that capital punishment is wrong but abortion is OK.

    Society has fallen so far that in 2008 a man who said he wanted to fundamentally change the greatest country in the world and sat in a church whose pastors beliefs included “…not God bless America, God damn America…” was actually elected President.

    Even after four years in office and well on his way of fundamental change President Obama was re-elected in 2012.

    America continues to be fundamentally changed. Changed from a solid foundation of principles and beliefs that if you are a visitor at this website you more than likely believe in. Capitalism has provided an avenue for the United States to grow into an economic superpower providing countless millions with jobs and opportunity. Today there is a growing segment of the population that believes capitalism is evil.

    President Obama provided insight into this anti-capitalistic belief system in 2012 when he stated your success is not due to your hard work rather it falls on the backs of others.

    Senator Elizabeth Warren continued Obama’s anti-capitalist thoughts in a rant where she continued to proclaim that there is an “underlying social contract” that successful people owe everyone else.


    These are leaders in our government.

    Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders continue to push the “it’s us against them” rhetoric demonizing successful business people and placing barriers between them and the lower and middle class. Bernie Sanders has tremendous support and is an admitted socialist. Growing up I looked at the United States as a force for freedom against socialism and he we sit with a socialist so close to the White House.

    Hillary Clinton is corrupt, dishonest and I am not at all hesitant to use the word evil. The evidence is massive. This women is actually calling the relatives of those killed in Benghazi liars. Unbelievable – yet she receives millions of votes and will very likely be our next President.

    Trump? Love or hate him I would prefer him well over Hillary or Bernie any day. He  – like every other candidate – is far from perfect. He has professed his love for this country for decades and while his beliefs may have wavered and changed(like many citizens) his platform is solid. Not perfect – solid.

    Back to why I created 1776PatriotUSA.com.

    Consider the name. 1776 is significant as it is the year of the Declaration of Independence. The original 13 colonies severed ties with Great Britain and set a path for greatness.  Patriot is what I am and patriotism is what we need more of. Patriotism for me is an emotional thing and difficult to explain. It is a belief in an incredible idea revolving around freedom and liberty – and a moral determination of what is right.  USA is pretty self explanatory.

    The future is uncertain and I believe it will be riddled with trouble. I hope to keep 1776PatriotUSA as a portal for navigating the coming storms.  Patriots may find themselves targeted. They may find themselves being victims of prejudice. They may find themselves fighting to take their country back.

    As I wrap this up I could have brought up Obama’s celebrations of Islam and suppression of Christianity. I could have brought up the immigrants protesting in the streets, waving another country’s flag – and burning ours. I could have brought up the country’s outcry over the death of a celebrity but near silence over illegals continuing to cross our southern border. No need to. I’m sure you are already well aware.

    Thoughts? What do you see coming?

    Rourke

     

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    From the Supply Depot: RECOMMENDED SUPPLIES

    Condor Plate Carrier

    Nebo 190 Lumen Weapons Light

    Streamlight CR123 Batteries/12-Pack

    Angel Soft Toilet Paper/48 ct.  – often available for less than $22.00 free shipping

    Mechanix Gloves – Tactical model

    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *

    Looking for Preparedness Supplies? Check out the Fantastic Monthly Sale at Emergency Essentials.

    Emergency Essentials has been an industry leader for over 25 years. Excellent service and prices have kept them leader of the pack.

    728x90june2016 (1)

    From food storage products to camping supplies Emergency Essentials carries it all.

    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *

    Recommended reading for every Patriot? 

    Untitled design (8)


     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Panhandle Rancher……Travel Kit

    Panhandle Rancher……Travel Kit

     

    Rourke: The Panhandle Rancher sent this in recently. Thanks PR!!
    Readers might be interested in the amount of equipment the wife and I travel with. Depending on how far/where we travel, the M4/M1A is traded out so that we just travel with one long rifle. My EDC includes a 1911 platform, Surefire Chroma, Emerson folder, 4″fixed blade, fire materials, and compass. I’ve laminated the attached list and stored in the safe so that if someone steals the truck, I at least have a list of serial numbers for law enforcement and a list of overall contents for my claim to USAA.
    When leaving the country, we always add a case of bottled water and a dozen cans or so of our favorite soups and the like against the off chance of getting stranded somewhere. Our backpacks, of course, contain a number of freeze-dried foods and re-packaged lifesavers (a comfort food).
    The metal box is a top end commercial box with two sets of chains bolted to the inside of the lid and sides so that the lid can be further secured apart from the factory lock with two internal padlocks through the chains. The big risk with any truck mounted metal box is someone dropping a chain around the box and yanking it from the bed using their vehicle and then making off with the whole box. My metal box was ordered to fit and is snug against the sides of the bed. The top is also 2″ below the bedsides, again making it hard for the yank it off artist. Of course, I used carriage bolts and large washers so there is no bolt head under the truck bed for a wrench.
    Hope this helps someone.

     

    Contents of metal storage container bolted to truck bed

    Green Blackhawk rifle case containing:

    Bushmaster 5.56x45NATO Model XM15E2S s/n xxx with

    Trijicon ACOG 4×32, Tenebraex kill flash, flip lens caps, NV rail adapter

    LaserLyte LED sight (flat, rail mount)

    Note: rifle has Picatinny rail top, no iron sights, recoil tube single point

    sling adapter, single point green sling

    30 rd magazines x3, 20 rd magazine, eyeglasses,

    100 rd .45acp, M4 bayonet, and sheath, flex cleaning kit in black zip round bag

     

    Ruger takedown 10-22 rifle black rifle case containing:

    Bushmaster Carbon 15 pistol 5.56x45NATO s/n xxx

    Picatinny rail with ‘iron’ sights, LaserDevices IR light s/n xxx

    xxx reflex sight, Tapco single point sling adapter and sling

    30 rd magazines x5, 20 rd magazine

    Leica Ultravid HD binoculars 8×32, s/n xxx

    Gerber AA red led light with sling

     

    Springfield M1A SOCOM black fiberglass stock with 12” rail s/n xxx

    Plate Carrier with 20 round M14 magazines x6; 1911 magazines x2, IFAK, dump bag

    .50 US ammo can marked M1A/M14 travel kit, containing:

    20 rd M14 magazines x8

    cleaning supplies and spares

    MICH US combat helmets x2 with flip up NVG monocular adapter

     

    Long US military ammunition can containing:

    Blackhawk tactical pistol holster with .45acp magazines x4 and tac web belt

    Brunton magnetic compass (surveyor grade) s/n xxx

    Leica Geovid binoculars 10×42 s/n xxx

    1 bag of batteries, CR 123, N, AA, AAA, 2032, A23

    Voodoo tactical notebook

    NVD-PVS-14+P pinnacle autogated military NVG monocular

    cage 36ZQ7 s/n xxx

    Picatinny rail adapter for NVD

    Face camo x3

    foam earplugs

    2 LED light, clip on

    Surefire Millennium Combat Light with

    white diffuser adapter and red lens adapter

    Surefire SF IR illuminator with rail adapter

    Surefire light spares containers x2 with CR123s and bulbs

     

    Hoppe’s gun cleaning tubes and bag of patches

    EI Zeta pistol light/laser combo with rail mount s/n xxx

    Cylume IR chemlights x3

    Celox blood clotting compound

    Yaesu VX-6R VHF/UHF H/T in yellow pelican box s/n xxx

    Antenna, adapters, power chargers

    Baofeng UV5RA VHF/UFH H/T in yellow pelican box s/n xxx

    Antenna, adapters, power chargers

    Garmin 530 FRS/GMRS H/T with GPS s/n xxx, LiOn battery, AA adapter

    Garmin 530 FRS/GMRS H/T with GPS s/n xxx, LiOn battery, AA adapter

    Version 2

    12 VDC truck battery jumper cables

    50’ Lariat

    48” Bolt Cutters

    Badlands Summit backpack with mountaineering tent, sleeping bag, qt canteensx4, men’s Filson clothing including oilskin coat with wool liner, Katadyn pocket water filter, titanium cookware and cups, gill net, take down fishing pole and reel, misc. fishing supplies, Silva compass, WAC aviation charts, road maps, topo charts, camp ax, 6” blade knife, misc. camping equipment.

    Backpack with women’s clothing and black zip flex weapon cleaning kit

    Danner boots, men, size 13

    Browning kangaroo leather women’s boots size 5 ½

    Irwin combination tool set 3/8 and ¼” drive socket set

     

    Bag, black with miscellaneous tools including hydraulic jack

    Cloth-backed woven ripstop nylon mat 8×10’, greenish brown with green liner

    200 rounds .45acp in plastic boxes

    Beta magazine for M4/Carbon15 (100 rounds 5.56×45, rotary)

    Chest rig containing 30 round M4 magazines x 6, IFAK, Dump bag

    Gerber folding shovels x2

    Surgical kit, Celox bandages, Israeli tourniquet, x2

    3/8” nylon climbing rope, carabineers, wedges, etc.

    Hearing protectors, muff style x2 (unused, new)

    36” handle single bit Plumb ax

    Gerber machete

    Flexicuffs

     

  • Win with GearBest and 1776PatriotUSA.com

    Win with GearBest and 1776PatriotUSA.com

    I am pleased to offer up a great giveaway sponsored by GearBest.com.

    There are 5 items listed. You can choose which item you think would make the best gift for the coming Father’s Day or you can pick up other items in the Make Summer Perfect with GearBest.

     

       *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *      *

    1 – Nextorch UL360 Handy LED Camping Light – Special Price: $20.89 with Coupon: NULGB

     

     

    2 – Manker E14 1400 Lumen Nichia 219B Mini EDC LED Flashlight – Special Price: $42.99 with Coupon: ME14GB

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    3 – HX Outdoors Survival Knife – Special Price: $37.99 with Coupon: HXDJ

    hx

     

    4 – Fenix UC01 45 Lumen Nichia LED Keychain Light

    1463596563978430994

     

    5 – Boruit LT-069 5000 Lumen CREE T6 Bicycle LED Headlamp Pack

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    How to Enter: Write a comment below with the item (number) you want.

    One winner will be picked via random number generator on June 2nd.  The prize will be the item win most votes (under $60).

     

    Good luck!!!

    JR

     

     

     

  • Q & A Day…..gardening, Reagan, magazines, recipes, and Tom Selleck

    Q & A Day…..gardening, Reagan, magazines, recipes, and Tom Selleck

    Alright folks – another installment of “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, and “At the movie theater which armrest is yours?” – whatever.

    Looking through last week’s questions thought I would mention a couple things here:

    • goingray58 asked about snares. Click HERE for a free downloadable book on the subject. Looks decent.
    • goingray58 was on a roll and asked about a bivvy bag. I have a MSS(Military Sleep System) and love it. The individual components can be purchased separately including the outer waterproof bivvy.

    Go ahead – “make my day.”

    JR

     

    mylar bags, survival, food storage, preparedness
     

  • Prepper Ralph on Bug Out Bags

    Prepper Ralph on Bug Out Bags

    Rourke: This post was originally published over at ThePatriotPodcast and written by my co-host Prepper Ralph.

     

    By Prepper Ralph

    So to begin with… Bug Out Bags(BOBs) are meant to let you leave on a moment’s notice with no questions asked and escape to a safe place or at least one less dangerous. Hopefully you’ll have a Bug Out Location(BOL) picked and you may even have considered hiding some supplies or a weapon w/ ammunition there. BOBs are meant to be lightweight, efficient in what their purpose is, and have as much equipment as is needed to see you through an initial SHTF/Unrest period. The Federal Gov’t through FEMA and also Red Cross states that 3 days of supplies should be enough to see you through whatever disaster there is until you can receive help. That help will typically be some sort of gov’t assistance(handout) and in the case of Katrina, took sometimes weeks or months to get to you. I personally recommend 1 week’s worth of supply, or the ability to procure it. So here is my list of the top things you would need in a BOB to keep you ready to go.

    1) The bag… do not go cheap. As you know, I use the Spec-Ops Brand UAP(Ultimate Assault Pack) for mine. I highly recommend either you get one of these, or a similar bag of similar quality. Maxpedition makes a good one, Condor has brought out a “Pro” line of gear, and there are many more. If nothing else, go surplus and get a US Marine’s ILBE pack.

    Spec Ops Ultimate Assault Pack

    2) A Full tang knife between 5-7 inches long in the blade. I like Ka-Bar, Ontario makes great ones, Benchmade… the list goes on and on. Do not go cheap on this as this will in many cases be your primary tool. Make sure it is a good quality steel that is at a minimum High Carbon Steel

    3) 7 strand mil-spec paracord. I suggest anywhere from 100-200 feet of it in a dark or earth tone color. Other’s like bankline, and that would work great as well, but consider this… With 1 foot of paracord, you get a total of 7 feet worth of 50# tensile strength cordage. It simply makes sense.

    4) Shelter options. G0 light weight with this. I prefer a tarp set up and keep 2 ready to go in the trunk of my car. There are literally hundreds of ways to use them, and several uses outside of shelter as well. Either way, it needs to be lightweight. I’d suggest a 6×8 minimum and no larger than 10×8. You could also use a hammock setup as well.

    5) Your cooking setup needs to be durable, but lightweight as well. I use a simple stainless steel pot and cup with a lid that fits both. My cookset cost less than $20 and is capable of being used directly in a fire.

    6) Fire making is pretty simple and a no brainer. Buy Bic lighters and buy a lot of em. I keep several in my pack, my car, and all over the place at home. Survival is all about making life easier on your trek, not just living through it. An instant flame is just common sense. Carry also a good quality medium sized ferrocerium rod, and matches as well. I would use the Bic until it died, then the ferro rod. The matches would be my last hope.

    7) Finally self defense. We are talking about survival, not a camping trip. Have yourself a good quality handgun in your pack or on your person, 2 extra mags at least, as well as another 100 rounds to replenish. I would suggest you have available at least 4 extra mags, other than the one in your weapon. Don’t use FMJ’s in your weapon since they provide the least amount of damage and transfer of injury. Use a quality HP round that you can test and insure that it work in your weapon. Remington, Federal, and Hornady are good ones, with Independence and some other’s being cheaper. A compact folding rifle in .22LR or 9mm would also be ideal, but it adds a lot more weight to your pack.

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    8) Water… Have a few water bottles full, but don’t worry about toting water as it weighs about 8# per gallon. With everything in your BOB and on your person, you can filter or sanitize water easily. You could also try a Sawyer Mini filter, Lifestraw, or the water tablets to purify it. Either way, this is going to be lightweight and minimal.

    9) Food is pretty easy. Something dehydrated so that all you have to do is add hot water. Mountain House, Patriot Pantry, Thrive, Wise and several others make great food. Even something as simple as a flavored rice pack would be perfect. Have enough to last a week so 14 meals/servings will be perfect. Knowing what to forage along your route, as well as hunting/fishing can help you but food isn’t a main priority here – getting to your location is.

    10) Cash should be kept and I would recommend $100 in smalls. 1’s, 5’s and 10’s only. No silver and no gold.

    11) Pics of your family/loved ones. You may be able to provide a pic to the police or first responders if you can’t find your family.

    12) A secure, encrypted flash drive with your personal information on it. Photo copied ID cards, SS Card, Medical info, insurance info etc. goes on this.

    13) An extra phone charger… Duh! Add in an external battery power pack as well and you should be good. I would HIGHLY suggest you start using a smart phone. Android is the most popular system to use followed by the various Iphone models. If you have a new android, it can be encrypted and you can save hours of music, videos, GPS maps, pictures, and all the info on your flashdrive as well. It’s what I do. Plus you have internet, phone, text and voice messaging you can use, and in most cases a flashlight is built in.

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    14) A compass with a quality and up to date street level map. I keep a book of the entire state, as well as a folding map of the region I live in.

    15) A good quality flashlight that is lightweight but very bright. Make it a simple one with off/on only. No need in a strobe effect. Streamlight, Olight, and many more would be perfect. Carry a pack of extra batteries as well.

    16) 3 pairs of socks, 3 pairs of underwear, and 1 package of sanitary wet wipes.

    17) Finally your medkit. It has dozens of uses and can be a whole other subject on it’s own. Should care for things from Major trauma, to boo boos and pain. If you want a good suggestion on what I carry, look up my posting on my personal IFAK.

    All in all, this pack and it’s contents together should weigh less than 30#. Hope this helps and if you need advice on what to get, let me know via commenting below.

    Thanks – Ralph

    Hey! Check out my new YouTube Channel….

     

     

  • Adapting a Sawyer Mini Water Filter for Bucket Use

    Adapting a Sawyer Mini Water Filter for Bucket Use

    Appreciate the interest that has been shown regarding the Sawyer Mini Water Filter Bucket Kit. I have enjoyed using the Sawyer. It is simple to operate, reliable, and is a great value. The biggest drawback of the Sawyer is using it with multiple people. It can be done but you’re either all sucking on the same straw or using a lot of time and energy filling small bags or bottles with dirty water and squeezing through the filter. I figured there had to be a better way to use this great filter.

    Enter: the Sawyer Bucket Kit.

    This simple kit adapts the Sawyer for bucket use. Once a hole is drilled in the supply bucket the components are assembled(instructions included) – and then the Sawyer is attached. That’s it.

    Currently, the needed drill bit is not included as I didn’t want to add the expense for something that people may have already. Regardless – any local Harbor Freight, Home Depot or Lowe’s carries the bit and of course Amazon.

    Here is one of my most recent trials with the Sawyer Bucket Kit.

     

    #1: Started with a bucket and threw in a bunch of dirt and added a couple gallons of water.

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    #2: Used a towel as a pre-filter to remove the larger particles.

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    #3: Towel caught a lot of crap. A finer pre-filter for capturing more of the larger particles would be suggested(coffee filters good for this).

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    #4: Below is the water ready to go through the Sawyer.

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    #5: Filtering operation in progress.

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    #6: Close up of the stream of filtered water exiting the filter.

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    #7:  This is what the non-filtered water looked like sitting in the bucket.

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    #8: Filtered water is crystal clear.

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    I was pretty happy with the results. I was interested in seeing how well the water flowed from the bucket through the Sawyer as well as what the water would look like afterward. I was not surprised that the water looked crystal clear after all that is what is supposed to happen. Flow rate was excellent at around 5-6 gallons an hour.

    I drank the entire glass of filtered water and found it had no off-taste and tasted like….well…..water. Granted this test was dealing really with only sediment and suspended particles in water. I have no way of knowing about potential pathogens or bacteria but I am still alive so I consider the test a success.

    Currently, the kit is priced at $10.99 with free shipping. This is an introductory rate and will likely go up to $12.00 which I think is still a bargain. A 2-pack is only $16.99. Add the Sawyer Mini Water Filter for less than $22 and a high volume filtration system can be put together for around $30. Not bad.

    You can visit the 1776PatriotUSA Survival & Preparedness Store to order.

    Thanks

    Rourke

  • What Did You Do To Prep This Week?

    What Did You Do To Prep This Week?

    Spent a good amount of time researching what is happening in Venezuela. They are experiencing an economic collapse and it would be a very good idea to watch what happens there and learn from it. Interesting how I am hearing very little about Venezuela and the collapse in the main steam media. What a great example as to why socialism does not work.

    Currently there are massive waits in line for basic essentials such as food, medicine, and toilet paper. Inflation is around 700%. Crime is spreading across the country with people having little to defend themselves with due to strict gun control. Infant mortality is way up due to lack of medical care and essential medicines.

    Could it happen here?

    Over this past week:

    • Caught up on some YouTube video’s.
    • Signed up to take a Carbine-Pistol Tactical Response class in June. Can’t wait.
    • Picked up 3 Home Depot buckets with lids for food storage.

     

    Here’s something to get you thinking:

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    So – what have you done this past week?

    JR

     

     

  • REMINDER: Emergency Essentials May 2016 Sale

    REMINDER: Emergency Essentials May 2016 Sale

    May’s awesome Emergency Essentials monthly sale is almost over with some products discounted over 50%. This is truly an opportune time to stock up if finances will provide.

    Most hear “Emergency Essentials” and think food storage. While they are an industry leader in food storage solutions they are much more. They carry a variety of preparedness products including solar and alternative energy, water filtration, and all kinds of other survival great items. They even offer monthly food storage plans with an auto-ship feature.

    Here are a few examples from the Emergency Essentials April sale:

    Aged Wisconsin Mac and Cheese 2 Gallon Bucket – Reg. $69.99 / SALE: $34.99

    Peanut Butter Powder Large Can – Reg. $24.00 / SALE: $16.95

    Freeze Dried White Chicken – Reg. $54.99  / SALE: $29.99

    Freeze Dried Tomato Chunks – Reg. $49.99  / SALE: $24.95

    Freeze Dried Fruit Paradis Combo Deal – $205.20 / SALE: $119.99

    FAVORITE!! #10 Can EE Granola – $17.99 / SALE: $14.99

    Goal Zero Nomad 7 Plus Portable Solar Panel – SALE: $99.95

    Canned Heirloom Garden Seed Plant – SALE: $39.95

    Teton Scout 3400 Internal Frame Backpack – SALE: $59.99

    Look – there are a ton of companies out there trying to get you to spend your money with them. Emergency Essentials is a proven company offering potentially lifesaving products at great prices. ‘Nuff said.

    Take care all –

    JR

     

    Live Well!
     

  • VIDEO: American Blackout 2013 Full Movie

    VIDEO: American Blackout 2013 Full Movie

     

    I’ve watched this apocalyptic/SHTF movie several times and have enjoyed it. Overall seemed to be a pretty realistic depiction of what could transpire during a similar event. When discussed on other websites and on forums I often see a lot of criticism of it being unrealistic and pointing out all the mistakes people make. That is what makes it more genuine as most people will not be prepared and will make mistakes.

    Thanks to BiblesNBarbells for posting it. Not sure how long it will stay up so watch when you can.

    Judge for yourself:

     

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    -The Beast!!- (2)

     

  • REVIEW: HX Outdoors Survival Knife

    REVIEW: HX Outdoors Survival Knife

    Full disclosure – Gearbest.com sent me the HX Outdoors Survival Knife for free with the acknowledgement I would conduct an honest review.

    The HX Outdoors Survival Knife is one of many knives in the “all-in-one” category. When carrying the HX not only do you have the knife itself but included in the sheath is a firestarter and sharpener. Often these types of knives are looked down upon and looked at as a gimmick. So, is the HX Outdoors Survival Knife any good?

       *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *

    The photo slideshow below pictures the HX in new condition prior to testing.

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    The HX Survival Knife is 8.6″ inches overall in length.  Blade length is 3.5″ inches. This is not a large knife and most of it is handle. In the hand this thing feels rock solid and very controllable. For a knife this size it is rather heavy but for good reason. It is built form one solid block of steel – from tip to end.

    The HX is made from “D2” steel. D2 steel is often used in applications such as shears, planners, and industrial cutting. Although not technically stainless it is very resistant to rust.

    The handles are made from an extremely durable material called “G10” – which is very similar to Micarta. They are held in place by screws having Torx heads. I did throw the knife numerous times and was able to get it to stick consistently once distance and rotations were determined. In the process the knife hit the tree many times on its side and the handles never loosened up and no damage incurred other than scuff marks.

    20160515_105005

    The blade came out of the box extremely sharp. In fact this was one of the sharpest knives I have ever had new. Coated with a flat black coating they call “vacuum plating black titanium”. Whatever it is so far it has held up well. The 3.5″ blade combined with large handle lends itself well to fine detailed carving and cutting. This is not a batoning knife.

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    The handle has two lashing holes and there is a third hole(lanyard) in the pommel. I did not try to attach the knife to a stick but it should be fairly easy. I like the size of the holes which seem sized perfectly for paracord.

    20160423_092626

    The butt-end is solid and has numerous raised points to help it stay on task when pounding on nails – or trying to break a window. Remember – this knife is all from a solid piece of steel thus there is no concern of the butt-end coming off. I pounded the pommel on a large rock 50 times with nothing happening but some scuffs on the knife and creating some dust on the rock. It is solid.

    The sheath is Kydex and the knife slides in easily then locks in place with an audible “snap”. Retainment is excellent. There is a slight wobble once in the sheath. No issues and it works well.

    20160515_101605

    The built in fire starter works better than I do. I tried to start a fire a couple days after some torrential downpours and had little success. Strikes on the fire starter threw large sparks easily. Finding the right tinder was unsuccessful. While making my attempt one of my husky’s ran by and I reached out and grabbed a handful of fur(they are throwing their undercoat now). Placed the fur down and struck the ferrocerium rod and the fur lit right up. I tossed a Wetfire Tinder cube in and a fire was started.

    The T-handle fire starter snaps into place on the sheath securely.

    20160423_092617

    The sharpener is embedded along the spine of the sheath and feels rather rough. For putting an edge on a dulling blade to get it back into action it works well. Want a razor sharp edge? Look elsewhere as that is not its intended purpose.

    The HX Outdoors Survival Knife is an excellent value. It is an extremely rugged knife with an excellent sheath and the side benefit of having a built-in fire starter and sharpener. It is machined from a solid block of steel and feels fantastic in the hand.

    Cost is around $45.00 with Free Shipping.

    Recommended.

  • What did you do to prep this past week?

    What did you do to prep this past week?

    This past week had me thinking a lot about preparedness and goals to reach over the next 18 months. Feel pretty good where I’m at and where I need to go.

    Over this past week:

    51zcy3D+bQL._SX311_BO1,204,203,200_

     

    • I managed to assemble the parts to attach a Sawyer Mini Water Filter to a bucket. This allows several gallons of water to be filtered at one time with the Sawyer. Works great! It was not easy to locate the necessary parts.

    bucket

    •  Received notice that my Polymer80 Glock 80% Lower has shipped. I pre-ordered this a few months ago kinda on an impulse. It will make an interesting project gun.

     

    • Planted a few more things in the garden which is doing well. A few days of rain really helped the corn burst into the sky.

     

    • Delivered the bug out trailer to local fabrication shop to add an enclosed tailgate. Hope it will be done this week. Next up is building a wooden top hinged on one end.

     

    • Put back 3 pounds of salt and 2 jars of peanut butter(freezer).  Completed seed banks for all group members. Filled 2 propane tanks and one 5 gallon gas can.

     

    So – what have you done this past week?

    JR

  • What is going on?

    What is going on?

    This past week has been very stressful and frustrating. This happens to me every so often when I try to comprehend the state of this country and the actions of some people. I fully realize that it is an effort in futility but nevertheless try to I do. To get back my sanity I have to tune out the news and spend time out in God’s creation.

    A few things that are simply blowing my mind:

    • Actor James Woods recently stated……

    “The world is fighting Islamic terrorism, starvation, and disease, but Democrats are fighting for men to pee in the ladies’ room. Insanity.”

    Mr. Woods is correct. It is insane with the severity of issues at hand that the Federal government is not only filing a lawsuit against the State of North Carolina but also withholding Federal money in an effort to pressure NC into compliance.

    Bathroom Debate

    All this because some sexual pervert in Charlotte managed to get a city ordinance passed to force businesses to allow men and women to use the bathroom of their choice. I can’t believe I just typed that.

    For the record – transgenders are not normal and should not be treated as such. Period. Why should my rights be affected because a tiny minority of the population decides to play multiple-choice with their sexual organs and gender identity? What do you tell a little girl who goes into a Planet Fitness women’s locker room and sees “franks and beans”?  Transgenders have been using the bathroom of their choice for years now with no issue. There was no need for a bathroom equality law to begin with and was put into place to justify the existence of certain politicians and special interest groups. The laws created the problem allowing sexual perverts to gain legal access to the bathroom of their choice.

    Priorities. They are absent in government.

     

    • There is a movement for the Federal government to raise the minimum wage to $15.00 an hour –

    My brother recently mentioned he thinks the minimum wage should be raised. His reasoning is that today’s economy is not what it used to be. Good paying manufacturing jobs are a rarity and more and more people are in fact living  – yes living – on minimum wage jobs or close. While I agree wages are stagnant and opportunities have slimmed the Federal government really should have no say so whatsoever on what wage people earn.

    Consider the effect on businesses across the United States if suddenly everyone had to be paid $15/hr. First of all it would not only be those making $7.25/hr that would get a raise. What about those companies that start their manufacturing employees out at $14.33? Now in order to remain competitive and attract the nest workers they may need to start their new employees out at around $18.00 per hour. This will have a domino effect on costs of products which will be passed on to the consumer. Of course companies will search for every opportunity to keep costs down including getting rid of headcount. Thus – unemployment will increase.

    The free market and the States themselves should decide on what wage someone should earn – not the Federal government.

     

    • Illegal immigration is ILLEGAL!

    Comes to America and holds the flag of the country they ran away from and demands that the new country they ran to turns into the country that they ran away from…..and nobody sees a problem here?

    mexico

    Ok – some of us see the problem.

    This isn’t illegal immigration. It is an invasion.

     

    • The country is divided.

    Democrats versus Republicans.  Black versus White. Conservatists versus Socialists. Republicans versus Republicans. Democrats versus Democrats. Illegal immigrants versus Constitutionalists. States versus Federal Government. Transgenders versus Men. Transgenders versus women. Homosexuals versus Christians. Atheists versus Christians. Government versus Christians.  Muslims versus Christians. Muslims versus Atheists. Muslims versus Jews. Muslims versus…..well…..everybody.

    846939b9f8e15995dbda3f68b959d171

    Everyone has an opinion and feels the need to FORCE it down everyone else’s throat. Hey – I don’t mind a debate or hearing someone else’s thoughts on a subject but in today’s world people freak out when you don’t agree. I have been called every name in the book and heard all kinds of things mentioned about my……genitalia….just because I  disagree with someone on a topic. My wife has been called names and and I have been told that I should put a bullet in my own head. There is a certain vile tone to people today that goes beyond disagreeing.

    It is called hate.

     

    • Age of the entitlement.

    Growing up I looked at America as a land of opportunity…..for those that went out and earned it. I looked at America as a land full of AMERICANS who were capable of extraordinary feats of courage and incredible ingenuity. America was a shining beacon of freedom to the world. Now? It is crumbling under the weight of entitlement.

     

    There is a growing populace that believe that they are owed an existence which they have not earned. This growing mindset whereby people believe that just their sheer existence entitles them to money, food, medical care, shelter – and even cell phones.

     

    • An admitted socialist is receiving millions of votes for President of the United States.

    The support Bernie Sanders is receiving is incredibly discouraging. Someone who represents quite the opposite of those principles which this country was founded is being supported by a huge portion of the population. I think back to the generations that fought against communism, socialism, and oppression and here we are with Bernie Sanders.

    berniememe

    Just another piece of the puzzle to the crumbling of America.

     

    • The Mainstream Media is totally lacking any investigative reporting.

     The amount of corruption and anti-American activity that has been going on in government has been unreported and covered up by most of the mainstream networks. They fail to report information responsibly so that their viewers  hear the truth. One example of this is when a politician stands up and says that they have cut the deficit by $200 billion dollars – but the reality is they simply reduced the amount they are going to increase the budget the next year by $200 billion. Most people listening think that they actually are spending less money.

    truth

     

    • Over 300,000 children are killed every year via abortion but America freaks out when a lion in Africa is killed.

    The perspective of society as a whole is seriously misdirected. The Liberal left will protest against capital punishment but then support abortion. Liberals are Pro-Homosexual and Pro-Muslim at the same time.  Yet Islam often has a death sentence for homosexual activity. Liberals will often go out of their way to support religion as long as it’s not Christianity. Liberals say they are Pro-Education yet they do not support school choice. Hmmmm……..

    lion

    Liberals say they are for equality and against racism yet they continue to divide the population into segments. Race should be blind. Affirmative action is inherently racist. Continuing to point out and support programs for certain races does nothing but divide.

     

    • America continues to run away from God.

    Do the research – America’s founding was deeply rooted in Christianity. Even many of the oldest colleges across the country have inscriptions carved into walls and buildings all over the campus about God. Decades of anti-religious indoctrination has his Christianity’s presence in the origin of this country.

    image

    Christianity has provided a moral foundation for millions for hundreds of years. Today? It still occurs but to a much lesser extent. The decaying morality of its population is being led by a decreasing relevance of God.

     

    This is but a minor sample. Nearly $20 trillion in Federal debt. Millions on food stamps. A growing segment of the population who is anti-law enforcement and pro-thug. Flag burning is becoming more acceptable.

    Gee……I don’t feel any better.

    You?

    JR

     

      *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *

    Supplies for the Zombie Apocalypse..... (4)

    Here are a few recommended preparedness supplies and items:

       *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *

    Check out the Emergency Essentials Monthly Sale!

    Emergency Essentials has been a leader in the preparedness industry for well over 20 years. Monthly featured sales offer huge discounts on many preparedness products including freeze dried foods.

    728x90feb20161

    Emergency Essentials carries Mountain House as well as their own house-brand of freeze dried foods. Great prices and inexpensive shipping provides a great way to increase food stores and save money in the process.

    Visit the Emergency Essentials website for more information.

     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *

    Want to help support what we do here at 1776PatriotUSA.com? Follow any link from this website to Amazon, make a purchase, and we receive a small commision at no additional cost to you. Zero. Nada.

    Amazon-Logo-schwarz

    Amazon carries a huge amount of preparedness supplies. I use Amazon all the time as they offer fantastic prices and free shipping on most orders over $35. Here are a few things  you might be interested in…..

       
     

       
     

       

    Thank you!!

  • Trajectory of the .223/5.56 round in a Carbine

    Trajectory of the .223/5.56 round in a Carbine

    With the popularity of the AR platform and the .223/5.56 round I thought it would be a good idea to review the trajectory of the round and common sighting ranges. Being a high velocity round the trajectory is relatively flat within a few hundred yards – past 400 the drop-off is significant.

    eotech

    There are several philosophies on sighting in the AR and what range in best. Here are a few examples:

    50 Yard Zero – Sighting in the AR to be on the money at 50 yards is extremely popular and typically what I do. Why? Because at 100 yards I will be hitting about 1.5″ inches high and at 200-225 I will be back on the money. This provides excellent accuracy from 0 out to past 250 yards with little if any compensation especially if we are talking about shooting man sized targets.

    This is by far the most popular method used for sighting in an AR.

     

    100 Yard Zero – Not a bad option at all. With a zero of 100 yards the .223/5.56 round will impact approx 3/4″ low at 50 yards and around 2.25″ low at 200 yards.

     

    25 Yard Zero – I don’t care at all for sighting in at 25 yards. When zeroed at 25 yards the round will also be zeroed at 300 yards. This strategy does not provide much of an advantage unless longer range shooting is planned. The problem is between 25 and 300 yards where either the rear sight has to be adjusted for elevation while shooting or english used.

    All these numbers are relative and depend on specific barrel lengths, loads, and barrel rifling.

    I recommend the 50 yard zero.

    JR

     

      *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *

    Supplies for the Zombie Apocalypse..... (4)

    Here are a few recommended preparedness supplies and items:

       *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *

    Check out the Emergency Essentials Monthly Sale!

    Emergency Essentials has been a leader in the preparedness industry for well over 20 years. Monthly featured sales offer huge discounts on many preparedness products including freeze dried foods.

    728x90feb20161

    Emergency Essentials carries Mountain House as well as their own house-brand of freeze dried foods. Great prices and inexpensive shipping provides a great way to increase food stores and save money in the process.

    Visit the Emergency Essentials website for more information.

     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *

    Want to help support what we do here at 1776PatriotUSA.com? Follow any link from this website to Amazon, make a purchase, and we receive a small commision at no additional cost to you. Zero. Nada.

    Amazon-Logo-schwarz

    Amazon has a little known feature called “Best Selling” lists. Basically they rank the most popular products purchased within certain categories.  Here are a few Best Selling lists you might be interested in…..

    Best Selling Camping & Hiking Products

    Best Selling Hunting & Fishing

    Best Selling Flashlights & Lanterns

    Best Selling Tents & Shelters

    Best Selling Tactical & Personal Defense

    Thank you!!

  • The argument FOR uncommon calibers

    The argument FOR uncommon calibers

    It is often professed that a weapons stockpile should consist of firearms in common calibers for one very important reason: Resupply. Due to the sheer volume of rounds with calibers such as 9mm, 45ACP, .223, .308, and .22LR if things get bad these calibers will always be readily available.

    Well, maybe not.

    Remember the months and months that followed Sandy Hook? It was extremely difficult to find ANY common calibers unless one was willing to pay some extremely inflated prices. I would visit my local gun shop, Academy, Wal-Mart, and DICK’s and there was no 9mm, no .223/5.56, no .22LR. Those were the calibers at the time I was searching for. There was also no 45ACP, no .308, and no .380.  I also could not find any .30 Carbine. I did see 10mm sitting on the shelves. There sitting lonely covered with dust were other calibers such as .270, .300 Winchester Magnum, and even .30-06 occasionally. Back then even the .22 Magnum was readily available for quite some time.

    Over the last few months since the pandemic ramped up ammo firearm and ammo sales have gone through the roof. A very similar situation has occurred although ammunition is in better supply and prices are more favorable than after Sandy Hook.

    I totally understand the theory that the chances of coming across common ammunition such as 9mm and .223 anywhere in the United States are much greater than finding .41 Magnum. Absolutely I agree. With that in mind there are some advantages to the less-popular calibers.

    I remember after Sandy Hook two things:

    1.  I wish I had stocked up on more ammunition when I had the chance.
    2.  I wish I had owned a couple of guns such a .22 Magnum and 10mm.

    Lessons learned. Next time – and there will be a next time – be stocked up on what you need BEFORE a shortage happens.

    Take care all –

    JR

  • What To Do With $1000 Right Now

    What To Do With $1000 Right Now

    budget, prepared, preparedness, SHTF, supplies, top,

    Tax season is well underway and as a result, many receive refunds of varying amounts and provide an opportunity to better positions on preps. In 2019 the average tax refund was well over $2500. If one is lucky enough to receive even half that amount and a decision is made to put it towards preps – what could the money be spent on?

    Everyone’s list will be different due to numerous reasons such as geography, level of current preparations, and the targeted event preparing for. Taking advantage of these “extra” funds could mean adding to an area that is truly lacking such as pandemic supplies. Maybe there’s a backpack you’ve picked out for a GHB or you need to add a few magazines to the stash.

    ****Note: This post was revised in March of 2020. Many items have an elevated demand at this time so please double check pricing before ordering.

    Here are a few suggested preparedness ideas:

    Food Storage:

    20 Lbs Rice –  $10 at Walmart(grab 5)

    Tools:

    Helko Werk 4.5 Lb. Felling Axe –  $169  Beautiful, gorgeous axe

    Gerber Suspension Multi-Pliers – $26  Useful tool to keep in a get home bag or BOB

     

    NyQuil Cold and Flu Medicine – $10  Highly recommended to help with the symptoms of flu

    Renogy 100 watt Solar Panel Starter Kit – $195  Great kit to get started!!

    Nikon BDC .223 3-9X40 AR Scope – $195   Calibrated for the .223/5.56. Nikon quality.

    3V Paratus 3 Day Backpack – $75   Well made, respected, and budget-friendly

    NiteCore Battery Charger – $20   Nitecore has excellent quality and does a fantastic job.

    Natures Way Black Elderberry Gummies – $12   Supports immune system

     

    So – what would you get?

    JR

     

     

     

  • VIDEO SERIES: The Modern Minuteman – SouthernPrepper1

    VIDEO SERIES: The Modern Minuteman – SouthernPrepper1

    What follows is a video series from SouthernPrepper1. SP1 has a great Youtube channel offering up tons of valuable information. He is ex-military and shares a lot of information to help those of us who never served. I took particular interest in his Minuteman series as I believe this country needs as many Minutemen as possible.

    It is unfortunate that I foresee the need for Minutemen in the future – possibly a repeat of their role back in the late 1700’s.

    SouthernPrepper1 also co-wrote a book with author Mark Goodwin – Retreat Security and Small Unit Tactics.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • The Sheepdog Concept

    The Sheepdog Concept

     

    January 13th, 1982: Air Florida Flight 90 crashed into the Potomac River. Only six of the 74 passengers survived the crash and ended up in the icy water. While a helicopter was able to come in and snatch four of the 6 passengers one disappeared under the water while another – Priscilla Tirado – helplessly struggled in the 33 degree water.  Unable to hold on to the rope lowered by the helicopter she began to drown. A bystander who witnessed the crash while he was walking home could not take it any longer. He could not stand there and watch this woman drown. He removed his coat and jumped in the water. He swam over to her as she laid just under the water, grabbed her – and pulled her to the bank.

    He saved her life.

    This is the epitome of the Sheepdog.

    Sheep-Dog-D-Grossman

    Not everyone can jump into action and put themselves into harm’s way. Not everyone can be a Sheepdog. Can it be learned or developed? Probably. People are just wired in different ways.

    I have had several situations where things were happening nearby and I could not just sit back and not get involved. Sometimes it was preventing someone from getting hurt. Sometimes it was standing up for someone. Sometimes it was helping someone who was already hurt. Risk evaluation has to be done but sometimes there just isn’t any time.

    Saturday evening I was walking through Uptown Charlotte, NC with a friend. Walking down the sidewalk along the busy street I came towards a metal bench. I wasn’t looking at it rather just walking with my friend talking. In an instant, I saw a child run around from the front of the bench to the back of it and then straight towards the car filled street. I didn’t think about it I just moved. I ran and grabbed the kid – about 2 years old – just inches from the street. Did I save the kids life? I don’t know. The father noticed the kid as well and put his hand out in front of the child right at the same time I got to him.

    My heart was pounding in my chest. My buddy said he didn’t see anything and just saw me take off. Some big, muscular guy said his heart was racing because he thought the kid was going to get hit. I almost said it but didn’t – “Why did you just stand there?”

    The answer to that question is not everyone reacts the same nor has the capability to react the same.

    As for me – I will continue to mind my own business until it’s time NOT to mind my own business.

    JR.

  • Operational Cache Part 2: Reasons for Creating a Cache

    Operational Cache Part 2: Reasons for Creating a Cache

    After publishing Operational Cache Part 1: Quality of Selected Equipment, I received a few emails questioning why a cache would be needed in the first place. Although in years past I felt the need for a cache really wasn’t there times are changing.

    Here are a few reasons to have a cache(or several):

    Property Destruction – If there is  some type of destruction to your property having a cache located somewhere would at a minimum provide some supplies.  In this case a cache located at someone’s house or at a storage facility may be best.

    Gun Confiscation – In the book series Days of Noah the main character Noah Parker is charged with a crime – teaching Christian beliefs in a public school. This in turn creates a tidal wave of governmental intrusion in his and his family’s life. DSS comes into the home to investigate that Noah’s children there are in no danger. After all – dad was charged with a crime(never mind innocent until proven guilty).  Part of the standard practice of the investigation is to REMOVE ALL FIREARMS FROM THE HOME. Noah’s wife had buried a cache under the corner of their shed containing a pistol “just in case.”

    This is not very far fetched in the real world where the Constitution seems to become more and more irrelevant to governmental agencies with each passing day. A cache containing firearms at a minimum will help protect your ability to protect yourself and family.

    SHTF/WROL – Probably not the most talked about reason for having a cache. The SHTF happens and you’re on the way to your bug out location. Along the way and in the area around your retreat area supply caches are buried/located. These can be accessed for resupply or supplying others. There are many scenario’s around this one.

    Robbery – If your home is robbed and all weapons are taken a cache could provide an avenue to gain a method of self protection quickly. In this case weapons are the main area of concern. It is doubtful anyone will come steal all your freeze dried scrambled eggs and bacon.

    Bugging In – This is not just staying at home it is getting home. Let’s say you are at work and something happens. Having supplies buried/located along the route could mean the difference between life and death. Distance from home and geographical factors play a big part in whether a cache would be truly beneficial. I work 20 miles from home. If I wasn’t able to drive home I have what I need in my Jeep. No cache is necessary. If I was 40 miles? That might be different.

    There would certainly be a peace of mind knowing that those supplies are there…waiting….in case they are needed.

    Part 3 coming soon.

    JR

     

      *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *

    Supplies for the Zombie Apocalypse..... (4)

    Here are a few recommended preparedness supplies and items:

       *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *

    Check out the Emergency Essentials Monthly Sale!

    Emergency Essentials has been a leader in the preparedness industry for well over 20 years. Monthly featured sales offer huge discounts on many preparedness products including freeze dried foods.

    728x90march2016

    Emergency Essentials carries Mountain House as well as their own house-brand of freeze dried foods. Great prices and inexpensive shipping provides a great way to increase food stores and save money in the process.

    Visit the Emergency Essentials website for more information.

     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *

    Want to help support what we do here at 1776PatriotUSA.com? Follow any link from this website to Amazon, make a purchase, and we receive a small commision at no additional cost to you. Zero. Nada.

    Amazon-Logo-schwarz

    Amazon carries a huge amount of preparedness supplies. I use Amazon all the time as they offer fantastic prices and free shipping on most orders over $35. Here are a few things  you might be interested in…..

     

    Thank you!!

     

  • Operational Cache Part 1: Quality of Selected Equipment

    Operational Cache Part 1: Quality of Selected Equipment

    This is the first installment of a multi-part series on Operational Caches.

    An Operational Cache is a resupply of critical items often accessed while on the go. These caches are often – but not always – buried to hide from others. Major components often placed in an Operational Cache are defensive supplies.

    I am putting together an operational cache right now to be placed at a friend’s house. For a container I am using a large Rubbermaid ActionPacker. Beyond the specific supplies to be placed in the ActionPacker what about the quality and cost of those materials?

    The most popular theory on cached supplies is to place secondary – or “B” grade items in storage. You may have a really nice high quality Smith & Wesson AR as part of your kit. For the operational cache a $350 Hi-Point 9mm carbine is stashed along with extra magazines and ammunition. Another example would be having a Benchmade Nimravus Tanto as an SHTF-EDC knife while placing a Cold Steel GI Tanto in the cache for long term storage.

    hi-point
    Hi-Point 9mm Carbine

    Another proposed theory is almost the opposite. If you are having to access your operational cache then things must be extremely dire. Now more than ever “A” grade equipment is needed.

    I understand both perspectives and agree the absolute best equipment should be cached. The deal here is the absolute best equipment THAT CAN BE AFFORDED. It is certainly better to have a Hi-Point cached than nothing at all. If a duplicate Smith & Wesson AR can be cached that is all the better.

    There are lots of budget-friendly AND high quality supplies out there so that a cache is not full of junk. Specific equipment selections are certainly dictated by environmental and situational conditions. That will be covered in a future installment of this series.

    Take care all –

    JR

     

      *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *

    Supplies for the Zombie Apocalypse..... (4)

    Here are a few recommended preparedness supplies and items:

       *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *

    Check out the Emergency Essentials Monthly Sale!

    Emergency Essentials has been a leader in the preparedness industry for well over 20 years. Monthly featured sales offer huge discounts on many preparedness products including freeze dried foods.

    728x90feb20161

    Emergency Essentials carries Mountain House as well as their own house-brand of freeze dried foods. Great prices and inexpensive shipping provides a great way to increase food stores and save money in the process.

    Visit the Emergency Essentials website for more information.

     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *

    Want to help support what we do here at 1776PatriotUSA.com? Follow any link from this website to Amazon, make a purchase, and we receive a small commision at no additional cost to you. Zero. Nada.

    Amazon-Logo-schwarz

    Amazon carries a huge amount of preparedness supplies. I use Amazon all the time as they offer fantastic prices and free shipping on most orders over $35. Here are a few things  you might be interested in…..

       
     

       
     

       

    Thank you!!

  • What did you do to prep this past week?

    What did you do to prep this past week?

    If you have been reading this weekly series you may have noticed a trend – guns & ammo.

    I have made some strides over the past few months especially in food storage. My latest order from Emergency Essentials should be arriving this week. Still need to put back some more rice, beans, salt, sugar, etc. Freeze dried food is my main priority now for food stockpiling.

    Here’s what I have done prepping this past week:

    • I sold off 4,000 rounds of CCI Mini-Mag .22LR and funded the purchase of a used Ruger SR9 9mm pistol. A few days later I traded it plus $200 for an AR-15. The AR only had a total of 30 rounds shot through it. I know the history and build as a friend of mine built it. I’ll post a picture soon.

    ……and yes, another gun.

    • Local Cabela’s is having a huge 2nd Amendment sale. Went in to check things out and found an unadvertised special – Century Arms RAS47.

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    I love the AK-47 and its variants. Drawback is this is another caliber and magazine type I need to stock. That’s fine. I have been needing to increase my long gun count so this helps(in addition to the AR already mentioned).

    • 280 rounds of Tula 122 grain 7.62 x 39mm rounds for the aforementioned RAS47. Paid $4.96 for each box of 20, Best price I have seen in years.
    •  Added 2 jars of peanut butter to the freezer. Totals up to 10 I believe.
    • Went to the local Dollar Tree and bought men’s deodorant, 2 women’s, and 5 tubes of triple antibiotic.
    • Happy Valentines Day everyone.

    Your turn!

    JR

     

     

     

     

     

  • What did you do to prep this past week?

    What did you do to prep this past week?

    This past week has been interesting.

    Facebook announced they were banning all groups which provide for private sales of firearms. Many on Facebook that have utilized these groups as a way to trade and sell guns are very upset. I am one of them. I have made many deals with local people and it has been a great way to network and connect. There are other methods of course but none which were as easy and effective as Facebook groups.

    In know many are not a fan of Facebook and that includes me. I am constantly evaluating whether to stay on the site or not. I wish there was an alternative.

    I placed an order with Emergency Essentials getting some Mountain House freeze dried food. Also ordered a Mountain House “Just in Case” bucket along with a pack of 12 CR123 lithium-ion batteries on Amazon. I feel real good with my efforts in food storage lately.

    Lastly – I test fired two new firearms I acquired. One was the custom Ruger 10/22 I put together and another a CZ P-09. Article being worked on for the 10/22 and eventually on the CZ after I get more rounds through it. So far – the CZ is phenomenal!!

    Your turn!

    JR

     

  • All About Zika Virus

    All About Zika Virus

    JR: This post originally appeared HERE over at DoomandBloom.net.

    One of the scenarios we write about is the “Pandemic”. Although we have had success curing many illnesses with antibiotics, we are still struggling with outbreaks of viral diseases. In 2014, thousands died in West Africa during the Ebola epidemic. In 2015, Chikungunya virus crossed the Atlantic into the Western Hemisphere and infected a million people. This year, Zika virus is the latest pandemic, and the first to generate travel warnings specifically for women that are pregnant or of childbearing age.
    A little-known virus of equatorial Africa and Asia, the Zika virus has “jumped the pond” and is wreaking havoc in South America, especially among pregnant women and their newborns. Like its predecessors, it’s a mosquito-borne virus. Citizens of the Americas have little immunity against it.
    Most people experience mild flu-like symptoms, but an infected during a pregnancy can yield a newborn with brain damage. In late 2015, it was mainly a Brazilian problem. A congenital abnormality (once called a “birth defect”) called microcephaly started appearing among newborns.Microcephaly presents as an abnormally small head and is associated with mental handicaps; if severe, it may be incompatible with life.
    Brazil is a large country with a youthful population; in an average year, it sees about 150 cases of microcephaly. Since the arrival of Zika virus in May 2015, there have been 3,500. Now, cases of the virus are being reported in the United States from Virginia to Arkansas to Hawaii (mostly in returning travelers from South America). In total, 25 countries so far are reporting evidence of the virus.

    spanish-flu-ward

    EPIDEMICS VS. PANDEMICS
    Infectious disease can be endemic, epidemic, or pandemic:

    –An Epidemic infectious disease is a community-wide outbreak of an illness that is not always present in an area. Influenza, EnterovirusD68, and Ebola are examples.
    –An Endemic infectious disease is one that is normally found and expected in a certain area. Malaria is endemic in many tropical countries.
    –A Pandemic occurs when an infectious disease crosses various borders and runs rampant throughout a large region, or even the whole world. The Spanish Flu of 1918 is the classic example. Zika has had outbreaks in Africa, Asia, and now, South America. Cases have been reported in Denmark and Sweden as well.
    WHAT IS ZIKA VIRUS?

    shutterstock_93431647

    Zika virus is a member of the Flavivirus family, which contains a number of well-known diseases such as yellow fever, chikungunya, and West Nile virus. Like the others, Zika virus is carried by Aedes mosquitoes, which are the main agent of transmission (human to human transmission can also occur); unlike the others, the virus affects the unborn.

    Symptoms of the virus include headache, rash, fever, and conjunctivitis(pink eye). The grand majority of infected people have no signs of the infection whatsoever. This is ominous for a pregnancy, as the mother doesn’t even know she was at risk.
    TREATMENT AND PREVENTION OF ZIKA VIRUS

    viruslarge
    There is no vaccine or treatment available that is effective against Zika virus. Prevention, however, is simple: Don’t travel to the countries where widespread outbreaks are occurring. If you have to go, use sunscreen, long pants and sleeves, plus mosquito repellant or netting. Standing water near your location in affected areas should be drained.
    Mosquito control efforts are underway in Brazil and other countries at risk. Besides the usual sprays with pesticides, you might be surprised to know that GMOs (genetically modified organisms) are playing a part.
    A male “Franken-mosquito” called OX513A has a gene that kills his offspring. Female mosquitoes only mate once during their lives, so this might have a significant effect. Brazil claims more than a 90% decrease in the population after release. OX513A was also used in the Florida Keys in 2012 (over protests) to combat an outbreak of another Flavivirus, Dengue Fever.

     

    Joe Alton, MD

     

    The Survival Medicine Handbook

  • The Top 5 Best Apocalyptic Movies

    The Top 5 Best Apocalyptic Movies

    Over the last week I have watched a couple of newer movies with distinct apocalyptic themes. This got me thinking of my favorites and the ones I felt were the best.  One of the reason I enjoy watching these kinds of movies is they get me thinking. I mean – putting myself in the situations involved gives me ideas on how to handle them. It is a good thing to envision and visualize situations and conditions.

    Here are my top 5 best apocalyptic movies.

    1. Red Dawn

    2. I Am Legend

    3. The Book of Eli

    4. The Day After Tomorrow

    5. Contagion

    Ask me next week and the list will likely be totally different. These movies entertain and provoke thought. The actions of the characters are certainly not a guide of what to do in various circumstances.

    Now go grab the popcorn!!!

    What are your favorite?

    JR

     

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  • 2016 Market Meltdown: We Have Never Seen A Year Start Quite Like This

    2016 Market Meltdown: We Have Never Seen A Year Start Quite Like This

     

    By Michael Snyder – posted originally at The Economic Collapse Blog

    We are about three weeks into 2016, and we are witnessing things that we have never seen before.  There were two emergency market shutdowns in China within the first four trading days of this year, the Dow Jones Industrial Average has never lost this many points within the first three weeks, and just yesterday we learned that global stocks had officially entered bear market territory.  Overall, more than 15 trillion dollars of global stock market wealth has been wiped out since last June.  And of course the markets are simply playing catch up with global economic reality.  The Baltic Dry Index just hit another new all-time record low today, Wal-Mart has announced that they are shutting down 269 stores, and initial jobless claims in the U.S. just surged to their highest level in six months.  So if things are this bad already, what will the rest of 2016 bring?

    The Dow was up just a little bit on Thursday thankfully, but even with that gain we are still in unprecedented territory.  According to CNBC, we have never seen a tougher start to the year for the Dow than we have in 2016…

    The Dow Jones industrial average, which was created in 1896, has never begun a year with 12 worse trading days. Through Wednesday’s close, the Dow has fallen 9.5 percent. Even including the 1.3 percent gains as of noon Thursday, the Dow is still down nearly 8 percent in 2016.

    But even with the carnage that we have seen so far, stocks are still wildly overpriced compared to historical averages.  In order for stocks to no longer be in a “bubble”, they will still need to decline by about another one-third.  The following comes from MarketWatch…

    Data from the U.S. Federal Reserve, meanwhile, say U.S. nonfinancial corporate stocks are now valued at about 90% of the replacement cost of company assets, a metric known as “Tobin’s Q.” But the historic average, going back a century, is in the region of 60% of replacement costs. By this measure, stocks could fall by another third, taking the Dow all the way down toward 10,000. (On Wednesday it closed at 15,767.) Similar calculations could be reached by comparing share prices to average per-share earnings, a measure known as the cyclically adjusted price-to-earnings ratio, commonly known as CAPE, after Yale finance professor Robert Shiller, who made it famous.

    Of course the mainstream media doesn’t seem to understand any of this.  They seem to be under the impression that the bubble should have lasted forever, and this latest meltdown has taken them totally by surprise.

    Ultimately, what is happening should not be a surprise to any of us.  The financial markets always catch up with economic reality eventually, and right now evidence continues to mount that economic activity is significantly slowing down.  Here is some analysis from Brandon Smith…

    Trucking freight in the U.S. is in steep decline, with freight companies pointing to a “glut in inventories” and a fall in demand as the culprit.

    Morgan Stanley’s freight transportation update indicates a collapse in freight demand worse than that seen during 2009.

    The Baltic Dry Index, a measure of global freight rates and thus a measure of global demand for shipping of raw materials, has collapsed to even more dismal historic lows. Hucksters in the mainstream continue to push the lie that the fall in the BDI is due to an “overabundance of new ships.” However, the CEO of A.P. Moeller-Maersk, the world’s largest shipping line, put that nonsense to rest when he admitted in November that “global growth is slowing down” and “[t]rade is currently significantly weaker than it normally would be under the growth forecasts we see.”

    In addition, another very troubling sign is the fact that initial jobless claims are starting to surge once again…

    The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits in mid-January reached seven-month highs, perhaps a sign that the rate of layoffs in the U.S. has risen slightly from record lows.

    Initial jobless claims climbed a seasonally adjusted 10,000 to 293,000 in the seven days stretching from Jan. 10 to Jan 16, the government said Thursday. That’s the highest level since last July.

    Since the last recession, the primary engine for the creation of good jobs in this country has been the energy industry.

    Unfortunately, the “oil boomtowns” are now going bust, and workers are being laid off in droves.  As I mentioned the other day, 42 North American oil companies have filed for bankruptcy and 130,000 good paying energy jobs have been lost in this country since the start of 2015.  And as long as the price of oil stays in this neighborhood, the worse things are going to get.

    A lot of people out there still seem to think that this is just going to be a temporary downturn.  Many are convinced that we will just go through another tough recession and then we will come out okay on the other side.  What they don’t realize is that a number of long-term trends are now reaching a crescendo.

    For decades, we have been living wildly beyond our means.  The federal government, state and local governments, corporations and consumers have all been going into debt far faster than our economy has been growing.  Of course this was never going to be sustainable in the long run, but we had been doing it for so long that many of us had come to believe that our exceedingly reckless debt-fueled prosperity was somehow “normal”.

    Unfortunately, the truth is that you can’t consume far more than you produce forever.  Eventually reality catches up with you.  This is a point that Simon Black made extremely well in one of his recent articles…

    Economics isn’t complicated. The Universal Law of Prosperity is very simple: produce more than you consume.

    Governments, corporations, and individuals all have to abide by it. Those who do will thrive. Those who don’t will fail, sooner or later.

    When the entire financial system ignores this fundamental rule, it puts us all at risk.

    And if you can understand that, you can take simple, sensible steps to prevent the consequences.

    Sadly, the time for avoiding the consequences of our actions is now past.

    We are now starting to pay the price for decades of incredibly bone-headed decisions, and anyone that is looking to Barack Obama, the Federal Reserve or anyone else in Washington D.C. to be our savior is going to be bitterly disappointed.

    And as bad as things have been so far, just wait until you see what happens next.

    2016 is the year when everything changes.

     

      *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *

    Recommended Products & Supplies:

        

    Item Spotlight:

    KMASHI Portable Power Battery Bank – I have been using one of these for the past several weeks and it works great. Enough capacity to charge my cell phone at least twice – it is great for when a power cord or outlet just isn’t available. Works for pretty much any device that will charge via a USB port.

    powerbank

    Great value at around $12 with Free Shipping on orders over $35.

      *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *

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  • What did you do to prep this past week?

    What did you do to prep this past week?

     

    Planning on making this a regular Sunday feature. So – What did you do to prep this past week?

    Here’s my list:

    Bought a Ruger SR22 pistol along with 3 extra magazines(private sale)

    Picked up 2 extra 18-rd. magazines for my Canik TP9SA

    CRKT Chogan T-Hawk arrived in my mailbox

    300 rounds CCI 22LR AR Mini-Mags

    Ordered components to put together a complete Battle Belt(stay tuned!)

    Your turn!

    JR