Note from JWR:

non-fiction writing contest. The prizes for this round will include: First Prize: A.) A course certificate from onPoint Tactical. This certificate will be for the prize winner’s choice of three-day civilian courses. (Excluding those restricted for military or government teams.) Three day onPoint courses normally cost between $500 and $600, and B.) Two cases of Mountain House freeze dried assorted entrees, in #10 cans, courtesy of Ready Made Resources. (A $392 value.) C.) A HAZARiD Decontamination Kit from Safecastle.com. (A $350 value.), and D.) A 500 round case of Federal 5.56mm XM193 55 Grain FMJ ammo, courtesy of Sunflower Ammo. …




Letter Re: Questions on Long Term Gun Storage

Sir, I have a secure retreat with a hidden cache that I visit very infrequently. I plan to keep half of my guns there. What is the best way to long term (3-5+ years between checks) store firearms? Specifically, Glock pistols and Springfield Armory M1A rifles. This system will be shared with others who have some other pieces (M1911s and AR-15s), but, as they are not the agreed upon group [standard] arms, they are less of a concern from a standard preservation system standpoint. Light, humidity, and temperature can probably be regulated to whatever is necessary. JWR Replies: The precautions …




Letter Re: The Westchester Burglaries as a Home Security Lesson

James, I found this article interesting: Professional Gang On Burglary Spree In Westchester. The homeowners spend so much money on their houses (prices start at $600,000) but fail to install any kind of security system. The other thing I thought about while reading this is that there are people who don’t take the threat of gangs seriously during a TEOTWAWKI event. Yet here is a professional gang breaking into affluent homes during ‘peaceful’ times. What do people think these gangs will be like when there’s no electricity? No grocery store? No fuel? The mantra is as always: hope, and pray, …




Economics and Investing:

EMB sent us this: Bank for International Settlements: Brace for Impact Items from The Economatrix: Markets Could Be Derailed Again, Warns Soros New Jobless Claims Unexpectedly Rise By 24,000 Bernanke: US Unemployment Likely to Remain High During “Recovery” Going For Broke In L.A.? SEC Accuses Goldman Sachs of Defrauding Investors Stocks Tumble as Goldman Charged with Civil Fraud Impact of Volcanic Ash Surfacing for US Businesses The Latest Friday Follies: Regulators Shutter 5 Banks; Total for 2010 Now 47 Housing Construction Points to Market Recovery