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 pipe” bore, and a badly gouged stock. In my reply, I mentioned that The Pre-1899 Specialist (one of our advertisers) currently has a small but very nice hand-picked batch of rifles from the same Oberndorf Mauser Turkish contract. These are selling for just $199 each. Less money for a better grade of rifle. That doesn’t require a lot of deliberation! I suggest that T.C. either return that “beater” for a refund, or set it aside as a source of spare parts. He should buy one or more of the nice hand picked ones from The Pre-1899 Specialist, while they still have some left.

   o o o

Cheaper Than Dirt! has decided to cease its Affiliated Sales Program, effective June 9th. If you’ve been dawdling on placing an order, you now have less than a week to get your order in and still have a commission on the sale credited to SurvivalBlog.

      o o o

The recent dip in silver to under $12 an ounce makes it a bargain. Buy on these dips. A year from now, today’s price will seem very low.