Note from JWR:

Today we present another entry for Round 32 of the SurvivalBlog 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 $795, and B.) Two cases of Mountain House freeze dried assorted entrees, in #10 cans, courtesy of Ready Made Resources. (A $392 value.) C.) A 9-Tray Excalibur Food Dehydrator from Safecastle.com (a $275 value), D.) A 250 round case of 12 Gauge Hornady …




Choosing Survival Group Partners, by C.G.

What kind of person are you and how does that relate to surviving the end of the world as we know it? I am far from completely prepared for TSHTF scenario but I am working hard on it.  I do a lot of reading and research on the subject and one of my toughest areas has been in finding other like minded individuals of which I would be able to trust in a post-TEOTWAWKI situation!  I never really realized how difficult this could be.  In my close circle of friends there is but one that is even close to being …




Letter Re: Advice on Privacy in Firearms Purchases

Hi Jim,   If I buy a handgun on AuctionArms.com and have it shipped to a FFL will the authorities know it is registered under my name?   Thank you,   – John G. JWR Replies: The following applies only to SurvivalBlog readers in the United States: Well, considering that by law, final delivery of a gun bought out of state means that you must fill out a Form 4473 that will be kept on file permanently with your dealer. Also, an Instant Background Check will be required. So, yes, you will leave a paper trail. (Although it isn’t “registration”, …




Letter Re: Archery Equipment for Those Living in Gun-Deprived Locales

Jim,   I just want to add a few comments on Archery as a means of self defense from someone who is no overwhelming expert on the subject, but has had a hand in Archery since childhood. So I put something together to assist those forced to use a bow in self defense. Bows can be swift, silent, accurate and deadly, and in the right circumstances, may be preferable to a firearm.   Let me state at the very beginning that shooting wooden arrows out of most modern compound bows should not be done and usually will result in the …




Economics and Investing:

Debt Default Fears Will Spread To US and Japan, Warns Citigroup   Deepening Crisis Traps America’s Have-Nots   Prepare for a Greek Default     Brett G. suggested this piece: JPMorgan’s Dimon: More Cities Will Go Bankrupt John R. liked this one: The New Financial World Order Evolves Further Also from John: Here’s That Big Citigroup Report On Why Absolutely No Sovereign Debt Is Safe Items from The Economatrix: How The Government Spins Unemployment (Paul Craig Roberts) Fed Prints Another $600 Billion to Keep US Recovery on Track   Oil Surges on Offshore Drilling Report   Housing Market Slips Into …




Odds ‘n Sods:

G.G. sent this item of interest, from Popular Mechanics: Rise of the Preppers: Survivalists Get a Makeover Can disaster preparedness become a lifestyle without turning into survivalism?    o o o Magnetic Pole Shift May Close Airports    o o o Peter King’s silly gun ban idea. Beyond ludicrous… How can you create an exclusion zone that moves?    o o o Just as predicted: Here They Come For Your Money – Dozens of States Are Raising Taxes in 2011    o o o Sean B. sent us another testament to the protective value of “mass”: Credit Protection: Bouncer’s cards …