Day: June 3, 2006

Note from JWR:

I recently did some inventory/archaeology down in Jim’s Amazing Secret Bunker of Redundant Redundancy (the notorious “JASBORR”), and I discovered some downright doubly-redundant items. These include: some military manuals, several Bianchi UM84 holsters (some with thumb breaks and thigh tie-downs) that fit both Model 1911s and Beretta M92s, as well as some Bianchi double and quad Model 1911 (single stack) magazine pouches, a few extra copies of The Encyclopedia of Country Living, a scarce original pre-1955 Heiser revolver shoulder holster, plus a couple of M1911 concealment holsters. I’ve just added them my mail order catalog.


Letter Re: Nando Parrado on Survival

Sir: Did anybody read Piers Paul Read’s book “Alive“, or see the movie? In 1972 a small airliner with 46 people crashed in the Andes Mountains between Chile and Argentina. The 16 who survived both the crash and a later avalanche ate the bodies of the dead. Nando’s sister died after 10 days in his arms. Eventually Nando and his friend Roberto Canessa hiked out 10 days through unbelievably treacherous terrain, and after 72 days the group was rescued. It is an incredible book, I’ve read it several times. Nando finally wrote his own book, “Miracle in the Andes“. It …


Letter Re: Keeping Extra Guns for Barter?

Dear Mr Rawles: I was wondering how you felt about having a few trade guns on hand? Over the years of horse trading and estate sales et cetera, I have picked up a couple of [M1] Carbines, Mini-14s, old Model 1911 pistols, and so forth. Should I dump them now or hang on to them to barter with in bad times? Or even give out to friends and family when needed? Thank you and please keep up the good work. I’m an every day reader.- J.H. JWR Replies: I highly recommend that unless you are severely short on key logistics …


Letter From Vic at Safecastle Re: SurvivalBlog Group Buy on Folding Paratrooper Bikes

James: I just listed the ultimate prepper bike in my store–the Montague Paratrooper–developed in conjunction with DARPA for the military, and only recently made available in the civilian marketplace. See my eBay store item listing. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) is is $695. The minimum advertised price (MAP) is $645. Our special SurvivalBlog-only price is much lower for a very limited time. Our limited-time, group-buy discounted price cannot be advertised. (Due to a MAP contractual agreement.) Anyone interested should e-mail me and I’ll provide the special price: jcrefuge@safecastle.net. The bike comes in either an 18 inch or 20 inch …


Odds ‘n Sods:

The high bid in the SurvivalBlog benefit auction (for a fully stocked M-17 Advanced Medical Bag/Rucksack) is already up to $180. Special thanks to the folks at Ready Made Resources, who donated the kit. Please submit your bids via e-mail.    o o o I heard from SurvivalBlog reader T.C. that he was disappointed by the “beater” Turkish contract Model 1893 Mauser rifle that he recently purchased from Sportsman’s Guide for $299. (He saw it advertised in a shooting magazine with nationwide circulation.) He reported that the rifle he received had less than 10% bluing remaining, a very dark “sewer …