Preparedness Notes for Friday — June 20, 2025

On June 20th, 1627, Ottoman pirates (“corsairs”) began raids on Icelandic villages. They eventually captured more than 400 people to sell into slavery.

Today marks the Summer solstice. We will have less than four hours of total darkness, at the latitude of the Rawles Ranch.

June 20th is the birthday of Audie L. Murphy. He was born in 1925. He died in a plane crash on May 28, 1971.

A fan of SurvivalBlog is one of the organizers of a real estate raffle for a 32-acre parcel of waterfront land in northwest Montana that looks quite retreat-worthy.  I generally shy away from raffles and any sort of games of chance.  But because this raffle will benefit a good cause (an animal shelter in that area), and because the property would be quite suitable for building a retreat, I’ve decided to give this fundraiser some publicity in SurvivalBlog. The raffle ends on July 31, 2025. For details, see: DreamPropertyRaffle.org.

SurvivalBlog Writing Contest

Today we present another entry for Round 119 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The prizes for this round include:

First Prize:

  1. The photovoltaic power specialists at Quantum Harvest LLC  are providing a store-wide 10% off coupon. Depending on the model chosen, this could be worth more than $2,000.
  2. A Gunsite Academy Three Day Course Certificate. This can be used for any of their one, two, or three-day course (a $1,095 value),
  3. A Peak Refuel “Wasatch Pack” variety of 60 servings of premium freeze-dried breakfasts and dinners in individual meal pouches — a whopping 21,970 calories, all made and packaged in the USA — courtesy of Ready Made Resources (a $350 value),
  4. American Gunsmithing Institute (AGI) is providing a $300 certificate good towards any of their DVD training courses. Their course catalog now includes their latest Survival Gunsmithing course.
  5. HSM Ammunition in Montana is providing a $350 gift certificate. The certificate can be used for any of their products.

Second Prize:

  1. A SIRT STIC AR-15/M4 Laser Training Package, courtesy of Next Level Training, that has a combined retail value of $679
  2. A $269 retail value survival-ready power package from Solar Power Lifestyle. This includes two Solar Power Lifestyle 25W Portable Solar Panels, plus a $150 gift card to use for any purchase at solarpowerlifestyle.com.
  3. Two 1,000-foot spools of full mil-spec U.S.-made 750 paracord (in-stock colors only) from TOUGHGRID.com (a $287 value).
  4. A transferable $150 FRN purchase credit from Elk Creek Company, toward the purchase of any pre-1899 antique gun. There is no paperwork required for delivery of pre-1899 guns into most states, making them the last bastion of gun purchasing privacy!

Third Prize:

  1. A Berkey Light water filter, courtesy of USA Berkey Filters (a $305 value),
  2. Two sets of The Civil Defense Manual, (in two volumes) — a $193 value — kindly donated by the author, Jack Lawson.
  3. A $200 credit from Military Surplus LLC that can be applied to purchase and/or shipping costs for any of their in-stock merchandise, including full mil-spec ammo cans, Rothco clothing and field gear, backpacks, optics, compact solar panels, first aid kits, and more.
  4. A transferable $150 FRN purchase credit from Elk Creek Company, toward the purchase of any pre-1899 antique gun.

More than $960,000 worth of prizes have been awarded since we started running this contest.  Round 119 ends on July 31st, so get busy writing and e-mail us your entry. Remember that there is a 1,500-word minimum, and that articles on practical “how-to” skills for survival have an advantage in the judging. In 2023, we polled blog readers, asking for suggested article topics. Please refer to that poll if you haven’t yet chosen an article topic.



A Primer on Backup Power – Part 3, by R.H.

(Continued from Part 2. This concludes the article.)

6th Backup Option: A Permanent Mid-Size Solar System

This system is advertised as an auto-transfer battery/inverter system that is designed for modular build, which provides the ability to add additional batteries and inverters as your system needs grow. It is a way to start with a solar backup and grow to a full power system in the future.

[JWR Adds:  If you plan to eventually expand your system then choose modular, expandable components.  For example, select modular stacking inverters.]

As with most systems, these systems are basically composed of a power generation method, a storage capability, an inverter that takes the energy from the storage and makes it available for use, a means to charge the energy storage system, and a variety of wiring systems and accessories that tie it into the user’s system. Usually it is a modular system that uses one or more battery modules, one or two inverter modules and multiple solar panels. Proper initial layout will allow the addition of modules in the future.Continue reading“A Primer on Backup Power – Part 3, by R.H.”



Economics & Investing For Preppers

Here are the latest news items and commentary on current economics news, market trends, stocks, investing opportunities, and the precious metals markets. In this column, JWR also covers hedges, derivatives, and various obscura. This column emphasizes JWR’s “tangibles heavy” investing strategy and contrarian perspective. Today, we look at weakening demand and softening prices for new guns. (See the Commodities section.)

Precious Metals:

At Currency Thoughts: Singapore Gold Takes Direct Aim at Comex, LBMA.

o  o  o

Jesse Columbo, at Gold-Eagle.com: A Report on the Bullish Case for Platinum.

o  o  o

Video: Andrew Maguire – “You’re About to Miss Silver’s 10x Moment’ (It’s Starting This June).

Economy & Finance:

G7 leaders gather in Canada for summit overshadowed by trade wars and Israel-Iran crisis.

o  o  o

In The Daily  Mail: Ford forced to shutter factories amid worrying parts shortages: ‘Hand-to-mouth right now’ .

o  o  o

From CNBC: Retail sales fell 0.9% in May, worse than expected, as consumers pulled back.

o  o

Senate Version Of ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ Sets Up Showdown With House Over Taxes, Medicaid And SALT.

Continue reading“Economics & Investing For Preppers”



The Editors’ Quote of the Day:

“There has been one rebellion. That comes to one rebellion in a century and a half for each state. What country before ever existed a century and a half without a rebellion? And what country can preserve its liberties if their rulers are not warned from time to time that their people preserve the spirit of resistance? Let them take arms.” – Thomas Jefferson, Letter to William Smith, Paris, November 13, 1787



Preparedness Notes for Thursday — June 19, 2025

On June 19, 1306, the Earl of Pembroke’s army defeated Robert the Bruce‘s Scottish army at the Battle of Methven.

On June 19, 1991, Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar surrendered to police.

June 19, 1778: Continental Army troops finally left their winter encampment at Valley Forge.

June 19, 1834 was the birthday of Charles Haddon (C.H.) Spurgeon, who died on 31 January, 1892. He was a British Particular Baptist preacher.

On June 19, 1914, the Hillcrest Mine Disaster: An explosion at Hillcrest mine, Alberta, killed 189 men in Canada’s worst mining disaster.

On June 19, 1917, the British Royal Family, which had strong German ties since George I, renounced its German names and titles and adopted the name of Windsor.

On Jun 19, 1964, the Civil Rights Act of 1964 passed 73-27, overcoming largely Democrat opposition. This followed a famous 74-day filibuster that was led by the Southern Democrats. (See the roll call.)  Barry Goldwater opposed the bill because it would expand the size of the government.

SurvivalBlog Writing Contest

Today we present another entry for Round 119 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The prizes for this round include:

First Prize:

  1. The photovoltaic power specialists at Quantum Harvest LLC  are providing a store-wide 10% off coupon. Depending on the model chosen, this could be worth more than $2,000.
  2. A Gunsite Academy Three Day Course Certificate. This can be used for any of their one, two, or three-day course (a $1,095 value),
  3. A Peak Refuel “Wasatch Pack” variety of 60 servings of premium freeze-dried breakfasts and dinners in individual meal pouches — a whopping 21,970 calories, all made and packaged in the USA — courtesy of Ready Made Resources (a $350 value),
  4. American Gunsmithing Institute (AGI) is providing a $300 certificate good towards any of their DVD training courses. Their course catalog now includes their latest Survival Gunsmithing course.
  5. HSM Ammunition in Montana is providing a $350 gift certificate. The certificate can be used for any of their products.

Second Prize:

  1. A SIRT STIC AR-15/M4 Laser Training Package, courtesy of Next Level Training, that has a combined retail value of $679
  2. A $269 retail value survival-ready power package from Solar Power Lifestyle. This includes two Solar Power Lifestyle 25W Portable Solar Panels, plus a $150 gift card to use for any purchase at solarpowerlifestyle.com.
  3. Two 1,000-foot spools of full mil-spec U.S.-made 750 paracord (in-stock colors only) from TOUGHGRID.com (a $287 value).
  4. A transferable $150 FRN purchase credit from Elk Creek Company, toward the purchase of any pre-1899 antique gun. There is no paperwork required for delivery of pre-1899 guns into most states, making them the last bastion of gun purchasing privacy!

Third Prize:

  1. A Berkey Light water filter, courtesy of USA Berkey Filters (a $305 value),
  2. Two sets of The Civil Defense Manual, (in two volumes) — a $193 value — kindly donated by the author, Jack Lawson.
  3. A $200 credit from Military Surplus LLC that can be applied to purchase and/or shipping costs for any of their in-stock merchandise, including full mil-spec ammo cans, Rothco clothing and field gear, backpacks, optics, compact solar panels, first aid kits, and more.
  4. A transferable $150 FRN purchase credit from Elk Creek Company, toward the purchase of any pre-1899 antique gun.

More than $960,000 worth of prizes have been awarded since we started running this contest.  Round 119 ends on July 31st, so get busy writing and e-mail us your entry. Remember that there is a 1,500-word minimum, and that articles on practical “how-to” skills for survival have an advantage in the judging. In 2023, we polled blog readers, asking for suggested article topics. Please refer to that poll if you haven’t yet chosen an article topic.



A Primer on Backup Power – Part 2, by R.H.

(Continued from Part 1.)

1st Backup Option: The Portable Engine-driven Generator

The portable engine-driven generator is the most common tool for power blackouts. It comes in a range of sizes and features with an accompanying range of prices. Often used on job sites where electric power is absent, these can be bought almost everywhere. It will make a very accessible backup for your fridge and freezer, even on a minimal budget. As is demonstrated by the news stories of generators being sold out, and of their theft during weather-related disasters, you’ll also need to think in terms of security for your generator.  If it is not kept in a locking vented enclosure, then you need to at least chain and lock your generator to something immovable.

Owning a generator is a good first (and fast) way to have a power backup. With the addition of good quality heavy gauge electric extension cords and fuel storage it allows you to provide your basic needs. Don’t forget to include a plan of where you will place the running generator and how you will run the cords to the devices that you need to power.Continue reading“A Primer on Backup Power – Part 2, by R.H.”



The Survivalist’s Odds ‘n Sods

SurvivalBlog presents another edition of The Survivalist’s Odds ‘n Sods. This column is a collection of news bits and pieces that are relevant to the modern survivalist and prepper from JWR. Our goal is to educate our readers, to help them to recognize emerging threats, and to be better prepared for both disasters and negative societal trends. You can’t mitigate a risk if you haven’t first identified a risk. In today’s column, we look at the increasing risks of a full-scale conflict: World War 3.

Russian General Declares: ‘WW3 Has Already Started’

Over at the UK Express: Putin’s general calls for massive mobilisation as he declares ‘WW3 has already started’. The article begins:

“A Vladimir Putin general claimed today that World War 3 has already started following Israel’s strikes on Iranian soil on Thursday night. Maj-Gen Apti Alaudinov, 51, urged the Kremlin to carry out mass mobilisation of up to one million fresh troops.

In a message published on the social media platform Telegram on Friday, the deputy chief of the Russian armed forces’ main military-political directorate wrote: “We need to declare mobilisation.” Alaudinov, who is a prominent propagandist and the commander of the Chechnya-based Akhmat special forces, added: “We need to prepare at least half a million people in advance. But realistically one million people. We need to call them up and start preparing them for the fact that the war has already begun, which we already know is happening – World War 3. But it has already taken on a new turn and a new momentum.”

‘Tehran Will Burn’ Warning as WW3 Fears Explode

Israel-Iran Live: Chilling ‘Tehran will burn’ warning as WW3 fears explode.

Are We Heading for World War Three?

Over at The Week: Are we heading for World War Three? A pericope:

China, North Korea and Iran are all supporting Russia, either with military hardware or actual troops on the ground. The worry is that the current, mostly geographically contained “hot war” is “threatening to engulf the entire European continent”, said the Daily Mail.

Continue reading“The Survivalist’s Odds ‘n Sods”



The Editors’ Quote of the Day:

“Conquering kings their titles take
From the foes they captive make:
Jesu, by a nobler deed,
From the thousands He hath freed.” – John Chandler (1806-1876), from ‘Hymns Ancient and Modern’ (translated from Latin)



Preparedness Notes for Wednesday — June 18, 2025

The Battle of Waterloo was fought on June 18, 1815. The army of Napoleon Bonaparte and France was defeated by British forces under the Duke of Wellington and Prussian troops under Field Marshall von Blücher.

June 18, 1178: Five monks at Canterbury reported seeing something exploding on the moon shortly after sunset/ This was the only known observation.

June 18, 1812: The War of 1812 began as the United States declared war against Britain.

June 18th is birthday of Pastor Douglas Wilson. Born in 1953, he is the pastor at Christ Church in Moscow, Idaho and a prodigious author of books and articles on Reformed theology.

SurvivalBlog Writing Contest

Today we present another entry for Round 119 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The prizes for this round include:

First Prize:

  1. The photovoltaic power specialists at Quantum Harvest LLC  are providing a store-wide 10% off coupon. Depending on the model chosen, this could be worth more than $2,000.
  2. A Gunsite Academy Three Day Course Certificate. This can be used for any of their one, two, or three-day course (a $1,095 value),
  3. A Peak Refuel “Wasatch Pack” variety of 60 servings of premium freeze-dried breakfasts and dinners in individual meal pouches — a whopping 21,970 calories, all made and packaged in the USA — courtesy of Ready Made Resources (a $350 value),
  4. American Gunsmithing Institute (AGI) is providing a $300 certificate good towards any of their DVD training courses. Their course catalog now includes their latest Survival Gunsmithing course.
  5. HSM Ammunition in Montana is providing a $350 gift certificate. The certificate can be used for any of their products.

Second Prize:

  1. A SIRT STIC AR-15/M4 Laser Training Package, courtesy of Next Level Training, that has a combined retail value of $679
  2. A $269 retail value survival-ready power package from Solar Power Lifestyle. This includes two Solar Power Lifestyle 25W Portable Solar Panels, plus a $150 gift card to use for any purchase at solarpowerlifestyle.com.
  3. Two 1,000-foot spools of full mil-spec U.S.-made 750 paracord (in-stock colors only) from TOUGHGRID.com (a $287 value).
  4. A transferable $150 FRN purchase credit from Elk Creek Company, toward the purchase of any pre-1899 antique gun. There is no paperwork required for delivery of pre-1899 guns into most states, making them the last bastion of gun purchasing privacy!

Third Prize:

  1. A Berkey Light water filter, courtesy of USA Berkey Filters (a $305 value),
  2. Two sets of The Civil Defense Manual, (in two volumes) — a $193 value — kindly donated by the author, Jack Lawson.
  3. A $200 credit from Military Surplus LLC that can be applied to purchase and/or shipping costs for any of their in-stock merchandise, including full mil-spec ammo cans, Rothco clothing and field gear, backpacks, optics, compact solar panels, first aid kits, and more.
  4. A transferable $150 FRN purchase credit from Elk Creek Company, toward the purchase of any pre-1899 antique gun.

 



A Primer on Backup Power – Part 1, by R.H.

Introduction

Our modern world has been built on the copious use of inexpensive energy. Along with motor vehicles, electricity is the major foundation of modern civilization. Because of electricity, our lives are easier and safer. We do things and live in ways that would amaze our ancestors. My father had told me stories of growing up on the farm without electricity, but it took my own experience to make it click and understand how crucial it is to have a stable source of electric power.

It was in 1998, and the power had gone out, again. While our local grid service consistently went out for several hours every quarter or so, this time it didn’t come back that day, or the next, or the next. Driving to get water to cook and flush the toilets became a real pain. Luckily, it was the summer, so we didn’t need the furnace. While relatively minor, this four-day-long event made it finally sink in that being without backup to the grid is a serious issue that affects me and my family. I needed to do something, and it started my road to backup power. And I am not the only one: it affects the vast majority of people in our world. The devastating hurricanes we saw in the last year in the Carolinas reinforced the terrible problems that can occur when grid power fails.

Reasons for backup – What can happen?

There are many problems that can cause loss of grid power. At some point most people face short term power losses due to trees falling on the power lines. We know it’s not unusual for major storms, tornados, and hurricanes to take the power down for days, weeks, or even months. We are facing possible next steps in danger from EMP, terrorist strikes, or cyber attacks on the energy industry. And even without natural or human attacks, we face gradual reduction of available power from phasing out of existing generating facilities without replacement of their capacity, increased demand for things such as EV car charging, electric heat pumps, cryptomining, data centers, AI farms, and growth in population. All this demand may result in the need for more than utilities can supply. That probably means brownouts and blackouts in the future.

Given the importance of electricity in our lives, the need to support devices (such as sump pumps and furnaces) when we are away, and the potential for destruction of parts with year-plus replacement lead times, (lead time for electrical substation transformers is getting even worse), having your own power backup is a necessary part of preparation. “Two is one and one is none” is very crucial when considering your power needs.

Disclaimer

This article is just a primer and is intended to provide guidance for your move to backup power. I am experienced with electricity, both by education and experience, but I am not an electrician nor licensed to design your system. This article lists the things that I have studied and things that I did to make my family less dependent on grid power. Do your own study and take advantage of the available experts in your area to ensure that your system fits your needs and complies with local laws and regulations.

Power System Basics

Electrical power systems have these basic components:

  • Generation
  • Distribution
  • Loads (Usage) by homes and businesses
  • Safety & Monitoring systems

These components are part of every system, from small to large. A modern utility power AC grid uses large generation plants, very high voltage distribution lines, local substations, local area distribution lines at mid-range voltages, and local transformers to provide the power to your home or business. Multiple safety devices and systems are included. And, of course, the local electrical company will handle the billing. These grid systems provide low-cost AC power, but the many components and growth over the last 150 years have added many potential points of failure.

Cost/Budget

Consider the costs, when budgeting for your backup power system:

  • For Initial construction
  • For Production (fuel, for generators)
  • For Maintenance (like battery replacement)

Cost is a key consideration.  If your home’s power loads exceed your budget for purchasing and installing a backup system, then you will have to install a smaller system and therefore you will have to curtail your power use.

A significant part of the cost and potential for problems comes from the transmission needs of the grid. For efficiency, power is converted multiple times from one voltage level to another, requiring many transformers. Transmission lines, high, medium and low voltage, suspended on poles/towers or buried, are a well-known source of problems. Behind the scenes are some critical pieces of the grid. These are the monitoring and control systems. These use supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) software that is susceptible to EMP, solar flares, as well as Internet communications loss, or variety of computer errors.

A small, single-family system will need the same functionality and components as a grid power supplier, but without the complexity that is needed to transmit power over long distances.

Items to Consider When Looking at Backup Power

If you decide to add an electric power system, either as a primary source for an off-grid application or as a backup to your grid provider, you need to consider a multitude of items. Among those are what is available, what your electrical needs are, what type fits your situation, what type of local expertise and parts are available, the costs in your area, and what you can afford to install.

Another critical item to pay attention to is safety. You need to provide for your personal safety and the safety of the power crews working on the grid. First, always be aware of the power that you are producing, how and where any electric wires and/or cords are running, and the environment your system is running in. Electricity can kill you, so be careful.

Secondly, and critically, never feed power back into the grid without a properly built system with a transfer switch. If you backfeed power, then you could kill a power lineman. A properly designed AC backup power generation system must include a transfer switch that automatically disconnects your system from the grid. These should only be installed by a properly trained and licensed electrician.  The only safe backfeeding is via a net-metered system that sells your excess power to your utility company.

Common Types of Power and backup

There are a variety of technologies available to provide power to your home power system and your needs. Here are some of the most common ways available to provide personal power.

  • Grid supply (Generated from Coal, Natural Gas, Hydroelectric, Nuclear, Solar, Wind, etc.)
  • Engine-driven Generator (using diesel, gasoline, LP, and/or Natural Gas. (Note that some generators are multi-fuel)
  • Photovoltaic (PV) Panel Systems
  • Small Hydroelectric generation (“Microhydro”)
  • Wind turbines

Note that there is growth in size, features, and options, depending on your power needs and your budget.

Choosing a backup System

You need to determine which type of power system you will use for backup. Unfortunately, that decision is not automatic; it depends on your situation. Making the decision on what system, (or systems), to install requires some skull sweat on your part.

First, figure out how you will use the power. Common basic needs for a grid-tied system are your water supply, heating system, food preservation, cooking, and lighting. Electricity is used by most modern systems for at least part of each of these. List your loads for each need and determine how much and what kind of electricity is needed for each.

The basics are Direct Current (DC) versus Alternating Current (AC), and what voltage is required. DC is commonly used at a low voltage (USB) level, 12 or 24 Volts, with 48 Volts sometimes used industrially, or for charging golf carts. Even higher voltage DC is used for forklifts.  AC is commonly 120 Volts but typically well pumps and arc welders require 240 Volts. (Note: If an appliance doesn’t use electricity — for example, a propane refrigerator or stove — then do a similar calculation for the propane needs of those appliances.)

Given the importance of electricity in contemporary society, the usage list grows well beyond the basics. Electric appliances, medical devices such as oxygen concentrators, Internet access, computers, phone charging, power tools, air conditioning, and a myriad other items add to the list. Decide what you must have for the short term, both continuously and intermittently, and what you need to consider if grid power is gone for a longer period.

A good tool to determine your home’s power load is the Kill-A-Watt meter. This device allows you to measure the power used for each light or appliance. You can use that data to extrapolate your total load needs for the period you are looking to back up.

You’ll also need to consider the Peak Load versus Continuous Load current draw. Most electric motor (or motor-driven compressor) equipment draws up to twice the Continuous Load Current during its brief startup. And if more than one motor starts at the same time, then they can draw more current than your system can provide. That will often result in circuit breakers tripping and/or equipment not starting properly. Starting at slightly different times will minimize this issue. Usually, the startup load is listed as twice the Continuous Load, in the equipment documentation.

Summary: Develop a list of what devices you need to back up and for how long. Then determine the power requirements for those needs: voltage level used, peak and continuous amperage, and the power requirements for a length of time. Determine which need to run at the same time and whether it is practical to alternate when the various devices run. That will give you the information to evaluate the different options for backup power.

(To be continued tomorrow, in Part 2.)



SurvivalBlog Readers’ & Editors’ Snippets

Our weekly Snippets column is a collection of short items: responses to posted articles, practical self-sufficiency items, how-tos, lessons learned, tips and tricks, and news items — both from readers and from SurvivalBlog’s editors. Note that we may select some long e-mails for posting as separate letters.

Reported on June 9th: Whole Foods’ shelves could get bare as supplier shuts down deliveries after cyberattack. Here is an excerpt:

“A major supplier to Whole Foods said it has shut down deliveries after it was hacked – leading to fears of empty store shelves.

United Natural Foods, a $31 billion distributor of natural and organic products, said in a regulatory filing on Monday that it “identified unauthorized activity in our systems” and has notified law enforcement while it conducts an investigation.

The Rhode Island-based company, also known as UNFI, discovered the issue last week and took ‘some systems offline while we investigate,’ according to the filing.

‘We are assessing the unauthorized activity and working to restore our systems to safely bring them back online.'”

o  o  o

At the oh-so-trendy Essential Home interior design website: The Most Stunning Billionaire Bunkers To Survive The End Of The World. JWR’s Comment:  This article is heavy on style, and light on engineering and logistics details.

o  o  o

In The Wall Street Journal: Canada Is Gathering Global Leaders in a Province That Wants Out of the Country.

Continue reading“SurvivalBlog Readers’ & Editors’ Snippets”



The Editors’ Quote of the Day:

“When bad men combine, the good must associate; else they will fall, one by one, an unpitied sacrifice in a contemptible struggle.” – Edmund Burke, from ‘Thoughts on the Cause of the Present Discontents’ (1770) p. 71



Preparedness Notes for Tuesday — June 17, 2025

June 17, 1877: Battle of White Bird Canyon: Using terrain to their advantage, the Nez Perce defeated the US Cavalry at White Bird Canyon in the Idaho Territory.  Pictured is their leader, Chief Joseph.

June 17th is the birthday of the late Dean Ing. (June 17, 1931 – July 21, 2020)

On June 17, 1775, the Battle of Bunker Hill began.

June 17th is the birthday of Libertarian economist Harry Browne. (June 17, 1933 – March 1, 2006.)

Some great news:  Both Section 3 of the Hearing Protection Act (HPA) and the SHORT Act were just added to the budget reconciliation bill, in the U.S. Senate. Please keep the pressure on your state’s two U.S. Senators with at least two phone calls and an e-mail each week, insisting that they vote in favor of the Continuing Resolution budget bill with both the Hearing Protection Act (HPA) and the SHORT Act intact.  Please phone the Capitol Switchboard: (202) 224-3121. The HPA bill  will remove suppressors from the National Firearms Act. The SHORT Act will remove the SBR and SBS categories from the National Firearms Act. Please keep calling and e-mailing your state’s U.S. Senators!  Please mark your calendar with reminders to make those calls. Thanks! – JWR

SurvivalBlog Writing Contest

Today we present another entry for Round 119 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The prizes for this round include:

First Prize:

  1. The photovoltaic power specialists at Quantum Harvest LLC  are providing a store-wide 10% off coupon. Depending on the model chosen, this could be worth more than $2,000.
  2. A Gunsite Academy Three Day Course Certificate. This can be used for any of their one, two, or three-day course (a $1,095 value),
  3. A Peak Refuel “Wasatch Pack” variety of 60 servings of premium freeze-dried breakfasts and dinners in individual meal pouches — a whopping 21,970 calories, all made and packaged in the USA — courtesy of Ready Made Resources (a $350 value),
  4. American Gunsmithing Institute (AGI) is providing a $300 certificate good towards any of their DVD training courses. Their course catalog now includes their latest Survival Gunsmithing course.
  5. HSM Ammunition in Montana is providing a $350 gift certificate. The certificate can be used for any of their products.

Second Prize:

  1. A SIRT STIC AR-15/M4 Laser Training Package, courtesy of Next Level Training, that has a combined retail value of $679
  2. A $269 retail value survival-ready power package from Solar Power Lifestyle. This includes two Solar Power Lifestyle 25W Portable Solar Panels, plus a $150 gift card to use for any purchase at solarpowerlifestyle.com.
  3. Two 1,000-foot spools of full mil-spec U.S.-made 750 paracord (in-stock colors only) from TOUGHGRID.com (a $287 value).
  4. A transferable $150 FRN purchase credit from Elk Creek Company, toward the purchase of any pre-1899 antique gun. There is no paperwork required for delivery of pre-1899 guns into most states, making them the last bastion of gun purchasing privacy!

Third Prize:

  1. A Berkey Light water filter, courtesy of USA Berkey Filters (a $305 value),
  2. Two sets of The Civil Defense Manual, (in two volumes) — a $193 value — kindly donated by the author, Jack Lawson.
  3. A $200 credit from Military Surplus LLC that can be applied to purchase and/or shipping costs for any of their in-stock merchandise, including full mil-spec ammo cans, Rothco clothing and field gear, backpacks, optics, compact solar panels, first aid kits, and more.
  4. A transferable $150 FRN purchase credit from Elk Creek Company, toward the purchase of any pre-1899 antique gun.

More than $960,000 worth of prizes have been awarded since we started running this contest.  Round 119 ends on July 31st, so get busy writing and e-mail us your entry. Remember that there is a 1,500-word minimum, and that articles on practical “how-to” skills for survival have an advantage in the judging. In 2023, we polled blog readers, asking for suggested article topics. Please refer to that poll if you haven’t yet chosen an article topic.

 



Giving New Life to an Old Rifle Case, by Iowa Dave

Author’s Note: I have been a daily SurvivalBlog reader since 2005, but this is my first article submission. I sincerely appreciate the knowledge and wisdom provided by JWR and all of the other contributors over the years.

I’ll start by stating that don’t know anyone associated with Magpul and I have not been compensated by the company in any way. I am simply a long-time customer who appreciates their consistent innovation in the firearms world. In reflecting while writing this article I was amazed by how many of their products I own and how satisfied I have been with those products. PMAGs were my first Magpul product, and I suspect that most SurvivalBlog readers own some. Magpul’s introduction of the AR-10 PMAG a few years ago cinched my decision to reposition my .308 rifles from M1As to AR-10s. The company developed the M-LOK interface that is now the de facto standard for attaching accessories to the forearms of firearms. MBUS backup sights adorn several of my rifles. Sling attachment gear and slings from Magpul are on several of my firearms, not to mention stocks and grips. I’ve given Magpul bipods as Christmas gifts to family members. I’m probably missing mentioning a few other Magpul products that I own.

A couple of years ago, my brother gave me a Hardigg rifle case that he didn’t have storage room for after he upgraded to a Pelican. In researching this article, I learned that Pelican actually acquired Hardigg in 2009 and still manufactures cases under that brand name. Hardigg cases are made using a technique called roto molding, which is less expensive than the injection molding that is used for Pelican cases. Injection molding is more expensive but creates a lighter product. Roto-molded products are heavier but excel in impact resistance. Continue reading“Giving New Life to an Old Rifle Case, by Iowa Dave”



SurvivalBlog’s News From The American Redoubt

This weekly column features news stories and event announcements from around the American Redoubt region. (Idaho, Montana, eastern Oregon, eastern Washington, and Wyoming.) Much of the region is also more commonly known as The Inland Northwest. We also mention companies located in the American Redoubt region that are of interest to preppers and survivalists. Today, news about upcoming summer events in the American Redoubt region.

Idaho

The Snake River Stampede starts today and runs until June 21st.

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The Modern Homesteading Conference is scheduled for June 27-28 at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds (4056 N Government Way, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83815.) There will be more than 40 guest speakers.

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Sun Valley, Idaho Summer Events.

Continue reading“SurvivalBlog’s News From The American Redoubt”