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, or “Is it wrong for a vegetarian to eat animal crackers?” – whatever.
Go ahead – “make my day.”
JR
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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.
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.
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.
The U11 accepts the unique but powerful rechargeable 18650 battery or two CR123 batteries.
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.
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.
Performance Pictures
ABOVE: At night on the side of my house
BELOW: FULL POWER
ABOVE: House across the streets approx 150 yards away
BELOW: FULL POWER
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
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, or “What happens when you get scared half to death twice?” – whatever.
Go ahead – “make my day.”
JR
If you have enjoyed this article and would like to receive email notifications when new posts are published – feel free to subscribe for email updates. No SPAM will be sent to you.
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From the Supply Depot: RECOMMENDED SUPPLIES
UTG Medium Height Sight Riser – perfect for small red dots
RTIC Tumbler – about half the price of a Yeti and works just as well
WindyNation 100 watt Solar Panel Kit – I own this system
Rachael Ray Grain Free Dry Dog Food – yup. Dog food. This is what I feed my three dogs. Available often on Amazon cheaper than I can buy it at the grocery store and free shipping.
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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.
From food storage products to camping supplies Emergency Essentials carries it all.
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Recommended reading for every Patriot?
I have been working on the latest incarnation of my electronic survival library. Using a Kindle Fire 7″ tablet I’ve loaded it with many books, magazines, manuals, guides,PDF’s – and even movies and TV shows. The goal of the project is to put together an electronic information system easily charged via solar and can be used for both reference and entertainment.
So far I’m really pleased with the Kindle. It is full color and handles all the media I have thrown at it. I can load it with a multiple of video files as well as PDF’s. A big advantage over similar devices is its ability to take mini-SD cards. These small storage devices can holds thousands of books and such. The one I am using now is a 32 gb version though I will likely upgrade to a 64 or 128 gb model.
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If interested in the concept right now is the perfect time. Amazon has the same Kindle Fire I am using – and others – on sale. Their Fire 7″ model is only $39.99. What a bargain. At this price it would be worth getting two.
A more detailed description of what I have done and how will be coming in the future.
JR
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
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
This week was I spent a lot of time trialing my Sawyer Bucket Kit and enjoyed the success. Most important thing in putting the kit together is screwing the Sawyer on TIGHT. If not strong enough per instructions use a pair of pliers or channel locks.
Spent some time testing an 80% lower. I am very happy to report that it worked great. I installed a complete lower parts kit and stock/buffer tube. No extended testing but it shot great. The lower came from 80-lower.com.
Here are a few pictures:
……and a picture of me while on the range testing the 80% lower.
So – what have you done this past week?
JR
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.
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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
3 – HX Outdoors Survival Knife – Special Price: $37.99 with Coupon: HXDJ
4 – Fenix UC01 45 Lumen Nichia LED Keychain Light
5 – Boruit LT-069 5000 Lumen CREE T6 Bicycle LED Headlamp Pack
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
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:
Go ahead – “make my day.”
JR
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:
Here’s something to get you thinking:
So – what have you done this past week?
JR
UPDATE: THIS SPECIAL DEAL IS STILL ACTIVE AND WILL BE SO UNTIL MAY 31st.
After publishing my review of the HX Outdoors Survival Knife I was contacted by GearBest.com. They created a special coupon code that will reduce the HX from $45.32 down to $37.99.
Remember – there is still Free Shipping even with the discounted price.
As with all orders from GearBest this is shipping directly from China so a wait time of 2-3 weeks is necessary. No big deal to me especially if money is being saved.
If interested click HERE and use the coupon code “HXDJ”. I’m not sure how long the code is good for.
Take care all –
Rourke
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?
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Hope everyone is doing well.
This week has been extremely busy – kids, work, etc. I managed to get a few things worked on in the realm of preparedness.
“Ambitious college student, Daniel Walker, has his world turned upside down when he begins having prophetic dreams about the judgment coming upon America. Through one of his dreams, Daniel learns of an imminent threat of an EMP attack which will wipe out America’s electric grid and all computerized devices, sending the country into a technological dark age. Living in a nation where all life-sustaining systems of support are completely dependent on electricity and computers, the odds for survival are dismal. Municipal water services, retail food distribution, police, fire, EMS and all emergency services will come to a screeching halt. If he wants to live through the most catastrophic period in American history, Daniel will have to race against time to get prepared, before the lights go out. Buy your copy of Behold Darkness and Sorrow and jump into this post-apocalyptic, prepper-fiction thriller, today!”
So – what have you done this past week?
JR
A few people have inquired for updates on the podcast I co-host with Prepper Ralph. It has been slow going and a few technical difficulties have limited how much I wanted to promote it. For the most part issues have been fixed.
Visit ThePatriotPodcast.com to listen to episodes. We cover topics suggest as the state of the country – and the world, preparedness, and all stuff related to guns.
Visit our page on Facebook and Like and Share our post. Pretty good stuff!
If there are any specific things you would be interested in hearing about please leave a comment here or over at the site.
Episode 6 is my favorite s far. We talk a bit about our “weapons of choice” for the zombie apocalypse. We also cover a controversial video recently uploaded by SouthernPrepper1. While recording we received some surprising news and it created an interruption. Lastly – the bathroom policy at Target is brought up.
It would be very helpful if you feel so inclined to share the website, the episodes and the facebook page via email and/or social media.
Right now we are posting about once per week. No set day just depends on when we can get to it.
Take care all –
JR
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.
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
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Here are a few recommended preparedness supplies and items:
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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.
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.
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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 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 Tactical & Personal Defense
Thank you!!
All last week I looked forward to camping on Friday – and attending a firearm class on Saturday. Friday night I set up my new Eno doublenest hammock for the first time using the Helios suspension system. The Enos is a great hammock but what really shined was the Helios. It makes the hammock setup and adjustment incredibly easy.
While setting up had a fellow group member go over a few things including finding fatwood, identifying some of those horrible 3 leaf plants such as poison ivy, and we found some edible local plants.
After the sleep system was put in place Prepper Ralph(partner over at The Patriot Podcast) and I did some night shooting using my M&P15-22 with attached light. It was a great experience. We did a lot of shooting with the M&P and I think Ralph was pretty impressed. It continues to impress me with its accuracy and reliability.
The temperature dropped overnight down to 43 degrees. The black bag from my MSS(Military Sleep System) kept me very comfortable.
Saturday morning I woke up just prior to 7:00 am and fired up my Coleman propane stove and cooked breakfast. I discovered Prepper Ralph doesn’t like bacon. I am now contemplating that he may be a communist. Who doesn’t like bacon? I mean…..it’s BACON!
Once the whole group arrived we began training. Of course safety was covered first and then we got down to business. It was a good refresher and a lot of fun. I felt good with my performance and also that of my guns. I used my AR pistol and my Canik TP9SA. I ran a Condor Plate Carrier.
It was a great time and look forward to doing it again soon.
So – what have you done this past week?
JR
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:
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
JR: The following post can be seen HERE in its original format over at DoomandBloom.net.
What would you do if you were unarmed and at the scene of an ongoing active shooter/terrorist event? Joe Alton’s latest video examines your options in this situation and the strategies that give you the best chance of getting out of it in one piece. Companion video to a recent article…
To watch, click below:
Wishing you the best of health in good times or bad,
Joe Alton, MD
Amy Alton, ARNP
Check out Nurse Amy’s entire line of medical kits and individual supplies at store.doomandbloom.net .
Sometimes I sit down and think about something to write about and get so swept up every conceivable aspect of the post that takes me forever to just get to started. “Sigh……” Let’s get this started.
Canik TP9SA – This pistol continues to gain popularity for one very good reason: It is a very reliable, high performing semi-auto 9mm for about $200 less than most mainstream models. So far it has proven to be 100% and accurate.
Wilderness Survival – never had much interest but always willing to learn. I’ve had many tell me I’m not a “real survivalist” because I don’t know how to start a fire with sticks or tie certain knots. Whatever. I like technology and I like taking advantage of it – not relying on it. While I’m at it I’ve also been told that that I am no “survival expert”. Sure – I would agree with that. I’ve never professed to be one. I know a little about a lot and am very confident in my ability to figure things out even though I have never been shown.
Going Home – I have been reading the Going Home series by A. American. Excellent. I read Book One years ago when it first came out and am now on Book Two. I am actually listening to it via Audio Books. Fantastic and almost done with it. If you’ve not read the series go grab Going Home.
Guns….guns…..and more guns – I should be attending my first “Guns Anonymous” meeting soon to get over my being a Gun Nut.
Superman vs. Batman – Excellent movie. Plan to go see it again.
Kel-Tec PMR30 – Still loving it.
Episode 2 over at The Patriot Podcast is live. Turned out pretty good with better sound quality than Episode One. Remember folks – Prepper Ralph and I are not professional broadcasters. We are just a couple of guys talking about stuff that interests us.
Gotta go to bed.
Take care all –
JR
I am an admitted flashlight junkie. Ever since I was a kid I loved flashlights. Not sure what is was that created that fascination but it has stuck with me and I know I’m not alone. A couple of weeks ago Gearbest.com offered to send me a flashlight I was not familiar with – the MecArmy SGN3 G2 Keychain Light. Think I’m going to turn that offer down? Nope!
There are plenty of keychain lights out there and I have had several. Generally they throw out a low-level of illumination which is fine for seeing a key when opening a door. Battery life has been an issue in my experience as they have not last but a few months. This is where the MecArmy separates itself from the pack and makes this review so easy – 160 lumens. That’s right – the MecArmy throws out 160 lumens. This is unheard of in such a small light especially one that easily fits on my keychain.
The light pattern is flood covering a very large area. Pictures will follow that show how this tiny keychain light will light up a huge area in front of my house. Pictures really just don’t do it just. I would love to see this thing with a weapons mount to make a very small but bright light on one of my AR’s.
The MecArmy SGN3 G2 is rechargeable. No more throwing it away when the battery dies and having to buy another light. Simply plug it in every week or so and it will be there when needed.
There are several light modes which I suppose can be useful. I am one that likes a flashlight to turn ON – and OFF. That’s it. No multiple levels of brightness and strobe options. I want OFF and BURN THE HOUSE DOWN. Maybe I’m exaggerating a I think you get what I mean. Well – the MecArmy has numerous levels of brightness as well as different colors and even a red flashing mode that someone might like. It is pretty cool and I suppose the red light would be good for reading at night.
Here are a few specifications:
Below are several pictures I took with accompanying descriptions. This is not a long-winded review. This thing is solid and works.
Brief summary follows the pictures:
Above: The MecArmy SGN3 G2 is about the size of a standard USB thumb drive.
Below: Simple push button operation turns on the main LED and offers two levels of brightness with multiple presses.
Above: The mini-USB charging port is protected from dust and grime with a tight-fitting rubber cover that inserts into the cavity. It is permanently attached to the light so it does not get lost.
Below: With the rubber cover removed the port can be accessed using any common mini-USB charging cable. Super easy to charge while driving or sitting on a counter.
Above: The MecArmy is extremely bright with the main LED turned on.
Below: The low power bluish light offers what a typical keychain light does – enough light to find a key and open a door.
Above: The red light works well for map reading and reducing the loss of night vision when navigating at night and not wanting to use the main LED.
Above: Outside my house at night. Only illumination is from a street light quite a ways away. To the human eye area is too dark to walk.
Below: The MecArmy flooding the area with 160 lumens of light. Impressive.
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Summary:
It should be obvious I like the flashlight. At around $45.00 with Free Shipping it is certainly more expensive than your typical keychain light. Here is the difference: With the MecArmy if your normal flashlight is not available you have a very suitable flashlight with you as long as you have your keys. In fact – the MecArmy may be brighter than many of the flashlights people out there have in their get home bags and survival kits.
I have given a lot of Pro’s – are there any Con’s? Other than wishing it just had OFF and ON function for the main LED I haven’t found any yet.
Current price is $42.90(on sale) and price may go up at any time. There is also a coupon code for 8% off – GBLED2016. I am not sure how long the coupon code will be good for and it will work on other MecArmy flashlights as well.
If interested in the MecArmy SGN3 G2 LED Keychain Flashlight just follow this link.
JR
Most people know who Bear Grylls is. He is one of those survivalists guys on TV. What many do not know is he spent several years in the British SAS and eventually broke his back in three places in a free-fall parachuting accident. He spent months in military rehabilitation and celebrated his recovery by climbing Mount Everest. He has raised millions of dollars for charity and appears in numerous television shows. He has written numerous books and has led record-breaking expeditions in Antarctica and the Arctic.
He also got busted staying in a hotel while filming one of his survival shows.
Hey – nobody’s perfect.
Bear has worked with Gerber in development of numerous survival tools and knives. Particularly popular is the Bear Grylls Ultimate Survival Knife.
General Information
The Ultimate Survival is a fixed blade knife with a 4.75″ blade partially serrated. The tang is 3/16″ thick. Research on the steel used varies from a type of 440A stainless to a “special Gerber formula”. Regardless – it is Chinese stainless steel. Many consider the tang to be full although it does not come completely to the end if the handle. – but extremely close. The knife has a soft comfortable handle with a flat pommel end for striking and hammering.
The knife comes with a multi-functional sheath containing a fire starter, diamond sharpening stone, emergency whistle, and a small sheet of survival instructions/tips.
Build looks good with smooth lines and finishes. Note: All the pictures below were prior to testing.
Above: Blade came very sharp with fairly aggressive serrations. Holes on either side of the handle contain lashing holes for securing to a pole or stick.
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Below: Coloration is the typical dark grey and orange which represents the Bear Grylls line. I like it. The handle itself feel extremely comfortable and almost supple in the hand.
Above: Early models reportedly had problems with the pommels falling off during batoning and hammering. Gerber made a change in their manufacturing process and fixed the problem.
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Below: The included whistle is small in size and came attached to the knife handle itself.
Above: The sheath contains a ferrocerium fire starter. It is carried in the lower portion of the sheath and rides very securely.
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Below: On the back of the sheath sits a diamond sharpening stone which is well positioned.
Below: The Bear Grylls Ultimate Survival Knife complete with its sheath.
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TESTING & EVALUATION
I have spent the last few weeks testing the knife in a variety of ways. Certainly more time and use will lead to more thorough testing.
Below are a few pictures I took during this time period along with some commentary. A final summary follows.
Above: After a good amount of use the blade definitely needed sharpening. Based on my experience the Chinese stainless is not the best for edge retainment. The diamond sharpener worked well for bringing the edge back to more than usable.
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Below: One shining star of the Ultimate Survival Knife is the fire starter. It works great sending a showering spray of hot sparks with each strike from the blade. There is a small section along the spine of the blade which is used to strike the ferrocerium rod.
Above: I was surprised to find I had great success throwing the knife. Time and time again I had consistant turns and sticks. This is not the knife’s fortey but just a bonus.
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Below: Beyond smashing the knife into trees when I missed my throws I tested the pommel by hitting the flat section on a large rock exactly 50 times. Nothing loosened up or fell apart. I have never understood the need to use a knife as a hammer as I would much rather grab a large rock. For testing purposes I felt the need to go ahead and pound the crap out of it. Seems Gerber did in fact fix their previous issues.
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SUMMARY
Many who dislike Bear Grylls or the commercialized coloring of the Ultimate Survival Knife will never give it a chance. Its origin of manufacture and suspect steel quality will also omit it from numerous survival kits and get home bags. There are many knives out there that are a better choice especially at higher pirces. At the price point of $32.00 it is an excellent deal.
The Bear Grylls Ultimate Survival Knife is one of my favorites. The testing was uneventful – as it should be. Hammering on the back if the spine to split firewood was easy and no damage to the knife occurred. The whistle works – not the best – but works well. The included knife sharpener was easy to use and within a minute or two brought the edge back. The fire starter was great. The sheath itself is well designed and holds the knife securely.
$32.00. Not bad at all. I think I will get another.
One is none and two is one….right?
JR
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
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Here are a few recommended preparedness supplies and items:
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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.
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.
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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 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!!
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.
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
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
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.
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 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!!
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
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.
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?
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
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
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
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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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.
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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.
Great value at around $12 with Free Shipping on orders over $35.
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Today we face a daily torrent of troubling news. The world itself seems to be falling apart as in almost every hemisphere chaos is present. The Middle East continues to be a powder keg of violence and death. Terrorism is spreading across the planet with radical Islam’s touch going so far that teenage girls in modern societies are pledging loyalty. Troubling. Political dismay is running wild throughout Europe as well as the United States with division being a standard operating procedure. Mother nature is wreaking havoc in many areas and economic strife continues to inflict sorrow and struggle on countless millions – worldwide.
I’m not done.
North Korea continues their threats recently detonating a hydrogen bomb. Iran – one of the largest backers of terrorism – receives billions of dollars due to a “deal” headed by the United States. China’s economic struggles have the rest of the world’s stock markets on a roller coaster ride of unpredictability. Russia consistently flexes its military muscles totally disregarding the United States and its demands. The United States – once a valued and respected world superpower – is now looked at as anemic and passive. We have a leader in the White House who disregards the Constitution and bypasses Congress to achieve his personal will.
But wait….there’s more.
The US population continues to stray away from God and the core principles which once guided this country. Our morals are decaying and Islam is now the second largest practicing religion in this country. The “low information voter” continues to support politicians instead of leaders. Citizens are more in touch with what the Kardashians are doing and gossiping about their neighbors than critical issues that will affect generations to come.
That’s about enough.
So yes – it is all falling apart. I sit here in my living room wondering how it will all turn out and exactly what actions I should take in response. I mean…..what is an American Patriot to do? As a gun-toting, God-loving, Conservative believer in the Constitution it can be pretty frustrating.
Here are a few thoughts:
No doubt this is not an all-inclusive list of concerning events nor methods of dealing with them. I don’t proclaim to have all the answers. It is not all gloom and doom and it is possible that everything will work out just fine. I can’t see how but it is possible.
The one thing that I find solace in is to surround myself with good people. People that are like-minded and have similar values as myself. That cannot be purchased with money but is extremely valuable.
Take care all –
JR
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