Letter Re: 20 Pound Propane Tanks and Differing Valve Designs in the U.S.

Mr. Rawles; Saw a post concerning propane tanks dumped along roadways. People need to be careful if they go and salvage these propane tanks as the folks who make meth amphetamine ("meth") use the propane tanks to hold anhydrous ammonia to make the meth with. If the tank has been painted some color other than white and the valve on the tank looks bluish green then it has [or has had] anhydrous ammonia in it. The tanks have a tendency to explode as they are not designed for the pressures anhydrous ammonia put on the tank as it expands when …




Jim’s Quote of the Day:

"You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." – Matthew 5:14-16




The Survival Rucksack (Backpack) – Part 2, by FDG

(Continued from the October 6th posting) Let’s talk about each of these priorities individually. Security: Safety and protection from predators, either two legged or four. Safety also from natural disasters such as wildfire, storms, earthquakes, etc. Consider the tools needed for the job. Shelter: Since we are speaking of this in the context of the Survival Rucksack, in my opinion, your shelter needs to be the kind carried on your back. Remember the tortoise? So what to carry? My first choice is the Bivvy Sack. It should be made out of Gore Tex or some other high quality breathable material. …




Odds ‘n Sods:

Yesterday, I visited a coin show in Sacramento, California. With the recent dip in silver and gold bullion prices, there were some eager buyers in attendance. Three different dealers all told me essentially the same thing: They think that we are witnessing perhaps the last big dip before the bull market resumes, to propel gold past $800 per ounce. Buy on the dips!    o o o Michael Z. Williamson mentioned this web page on a flu prevention breakthrough: a modified flu designed to fight the flu.    o o o Federal Reserve chairman Ben Bernanke says: Baby Boomers will …










The Survival Rucksack (Backpack) – Part 1, by FDG

The information contained in these writings represents the opinions of the author. The author assumes no responsibility for the use or misuse of the information contained herein What if tonight you had to get up and walk out of your home for an undetermined period of time with only those items you carried in your hands and on your back?. Before 9/11 it was unlikely, today it is quite probable. This article is dedicated to: Jesus Christ who gave his life for me, My Father who taught me honor, My Mother who gave me life, All of my Children, My …




Odds ‘n Sods:

MSNBC reports on “unschooling”, a variation on home schooling.    o o o Study finds that the climate in the Northeastern U.S. could be considerably warmer by 2100.    o o o Norman in England sent the link to this: Gangs of “yobs” make life miserable in disarmed English cities. A brave few stand up to them. Meanwhile, law enforcement is becoming a joke, with two out of every three ASBOs being breached. I wonder: What life will be like in English cities, post-TEOTWAWKI, when only the gangsters have guns? My advice to UK urbanites has not changed: Take the …







Letter Re: Mossberg Mariner Pistol Grip Shotguns and Underground Cashing

Jim, Just curious – would the Mossberg Mariner [one variant of which is now sold in the special waterproof canister packaging] make a decent tube that I can bury on land? Thanks, – Redclay JWR Replies: Yes, they will work for underground caching since the canisters have an o-ring seal. They should seal well, but it is advisable to add another layer of protection. If nothing else, add a couple of layers of trash bags alternating with cardboard boxes then another trash bag. That way when you dig up the canister, it will have a little protection–and advance warning–when you …




Letter Re: FAL/L1A1 Thumbhole Stock Conversion and Vendor Feedback

Hello Mr Rawles, I wanted to drop you a line and let you know that I recently did some business with the Gun Parts Guy, whom I discovered on your site. The experience was a pleasure. I’m very new to the survival mentality, and even newer to the wonderful world of battle rifles. I read your book, loaned to me by a friend that I’ve had since high school (in the eighties, I’m 36), and it got me, well, motivated. The friend in question, I’m happy to say, has undergone a far more important conversion experience to Christ, and recently …




Letter Re: Advice on Swedish Military Surplus Fallout Survey Meters

Hi Jim – You probably get an e-mail like this 10 times a day, but since reading that the Radetect and Nuk-Alert are worthless, I’m shopping for something to supplement the CD V-700 [Geiger counter] that I have. From what I’ve read the CD V-700 is good for checking if people or objects have become low-level contaminated, a different meter is needed for alerting and monitoring high-level exposure risks. Sportsman’s Guide currently lists three different meters, including a Swedish one that looks interesting. Do you have any intel on these? Thanks For Your Time – Steve M. JWR Replies: To …







Notes From JWR:

Wow! More than 700,000 unique visits in just over a year, from all over the planet. Thanks for making SurvivalBlog such a huge success. Please keep spreading the word. Please remember that SurvivalBlog is supported primarily by our advertisers. (See our right hand scrolling “ad bar.”) Take the time to visit each of the advertiser web sites and check out their products. If and when you do make a purchase, please patronize our paid advertisers first. (We also have a lot of affiliate advertisers, but those ads result in just a few sporadic and small “piece of the action” commissions.) …




Letter Re: Advice on a Combination Self Defense/Hunting Long Gun?

Mr. Rawles: I’m a college student living in Western Washington. My budget is very tight. I am looking to purchase my first–perhaps only–long gun before the proverbial Schumer Hits The Fan. This one gun must be able to provide “sure stopping” self defense and be able to provide food. (Deer, rabbits, and maybe birds.) I presently only have about $300 to spend. What is your advice? – C.&W. JWR Replies: For a tight budget “one gun” solution, given the short ranges that you’ll encounter in western Washington, nothing beats the versatility of a shotgun. If your budget is $300 and …