Year: 2011


Note from JWR:

Today we present another two entries for Round 33 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The prizes for this round 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 …


The Hard Truth About Starting Your Survival Homestead, by Mitch M.

I have noticed a frightening trend being used by many of the “survival seed” companies that have started up in the past several years. The same trend shows up on many “survival/ prepping” web sites. This is pushing the idea that in TEOTWAWKI one merely needs to open the bucket and have an instant survival homestead. That isn’t necessarily so. Does buying the latest fancy rifle with rangefinder, laser pointer, and fancy toilet paper holder make you a marksman? There is a range of preparations and skills necessary for running a successful farm or homestead. That is why our forefathers …


The Ethics and Methodology of Sniping after TEOTWAWKI, by P.A.

Introduction Having served as a scout-sniper section leader in the United States Marine Corps’ Fifth Marine Regiment for two years from 2002-2004, I would like to share my thoughts regarding the application and role of sniping and long-range precision marksmanship (herein defined as shooting beyond 700 yards) in a TEOTWAWKI scenario.  Since the end of my enlistment I have had the opportunity to discuss emergency preparedness scenarios with the well-prepared, the well-grounded, and those that were neither.  Given my background the subject of sniping frequently comes up, and the sum of those conversations have led me to believe that there …


Letter Re: Cold Weather Patrol Tactics and Techniques

Dear JWR: Regarding the recent Cold Weather Patrol Tactics and Techniques article, just one note about condensation prevention from bringing a cold weapon indoors. Packing or leaving a heavy duty garbage or similar bag outside and placing your weapon inside the bag can greatly reduce condensation from the indoor climate. Just place your weapon completely inside the bag. I like to compress the opening in my hand like a balloon opening and instead of blowing into this opening, I suck as much air out as I can with my lungs. If two or more deep inhalations are required to remove …


Three Letters Re: How Your World View and Preparedness Mindset are Influenced by Your Eschatology

James: Regarding the recent piece on eschatology and prepper Christian world views: We must suffer. I’m not sure which is correct; post-trib, pre-trib, mid-trib, post-mil, whatever. But I know this: Some hold to pre-trib rapture simply because of an assumption that God won’t let His children suffer. But that turns a blind eye to the unmentionable suffering of Christians in the world today. The Bible tells us to expect suffering: “Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom.” (Acts 14:22) Peter said, “Do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing …


Economics and Investing:

Avalanche Lily spotted this: Report Card on Obama’s First Two Years. Those commodity inflation numbers look very troubling. What we are now witnessing is not so much commodities going up as it is the U.S. Dollar going down in purchasing power. If you haven’t done so already, then start shifting out of Dollar-denominated investments and into tangibles! Don’t overlook buying long term storage foods as both a hedge on inflation, and as a survival reserve for your family for times of scarcity. Analyst Warns of 2015 Bank Crisis Amid ‘Upbeat’ Davos. “The fundamentals haven’t been addressed at all,” Wilkinson, a …


Inflation Watch:

Companies Stock Up as Commodities Prices Rise. (This sort of hedging can of course start a snowballing effect.) Why Global Food Price Inflation Really Matters   Reader B.B. highlighted this: As World Becomes Zimbabwefied, Cotton Futures Surge 17% In One Month Treasury TIPS: A Looming Disaster for Small Investors Inflation ‘Higher Than Official Statistics Reveal’. (An interview with Marc Faber.) Supermarket surprise: smaller servings, same price. Bond Market Flashes Inflation Warning: Jump in U.S. Treasury yields signals market fear that Fed is behind the curve on prices


Odds ‘n Sods:

F.G. sent a link to some amazing photographs of the largest snow and ice storm to hit the U.S. in decades.    o o o Kayaker, 64, completes marathon paddle across Atlantic. (Thanks to Patrick T. for the link.)    o o o You may have heard of the documentary film “Far Out” that profiles Heimo and Edna Korth’s trapping family who live year-round in the Alaska National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR). The documentary is again available at VBS.tv.    o o o Reader “InyoKern” wrote to recommend the IMCO Windproof Lighter from Austria. These were originally known as the “Trench …


Jim’s Quote of the Day:

“There is a difference between an ‘optimist’ and a fool. An optimist is somebody who looks at bleak facts and decides to make the best of the situation that they can. A fool is somebody who looks at bleak facts and decides to ignore them because they are too upsetting.” – Matt Savinar, Editor of Life After The Oil Crash


Letter Re: Planning for Training

Sir: I noticed the great recent piece by B.D. on the importance of training. Here is a follow-up to that: All too often as Americans we tend to focus first on the material side of things. That is, “I have to have the right gear to train with.” No, not necessarily. Proverbs 1: The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction. Even for the non believers this is the best place to start when it comes to training and learning. A haughty spirit hinders proper learning. Unfortunately you see this all too …


Note from JWR:

Today we present another two entries for Round 33 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The prizes for this round 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 …


Shooting on a Shoestring, by John M.

Finding great self-defense weapons on a tight budget can be a challenge. There are tons of tactical weapons out there, but if you’re like a lot of us, the trick is finding something that you can afford.  If you’re one of those folks – this guide is for you. Finding Your Gear The used market is the place to look – prices are usually lower than retail.  Some states restrict advertising of certain kinds of used guns.  That makes it tougher, but not impossible to find stuff.  Word of mouth and asking around (“know anybody that’s looking to sell something?”) …


How Your World View and Preparedness Mindset are Influenced by Your Eschatology, by B.H. in North Central Idaho

A few weeks back a young reader asked a question about preparedness and the coming tribulation.  I was surprised that you left out a third option in your response.  I tried to write a quick note but soon realized a comprehensive response or article was warranted.  So here it is. Since the Second Great Awakening (a time of spiritual revival and activity) in the 1830s the Christian Church has embraced the theology of Pessimism.  This time of revival saw a clear shift in end times belief or eschatology.  The traditional and historical view of the Church was of Dominion Theology …


Letter Re: Tips on Wild Food Foraging

Jim: I just wanted to add a note to a well-written article. In addition to wild plant collection, I would seriously look to ornamental plants in the landscape as sources of both edible foods and medicinal plants. I currently work at a botanic garden and have been identifying and eating wild plants as well as ornamental ones for more than 20 years. I also teach plant identification. As your article points out, season is everything. I am confident that I could walk into the woods from May through September and probably not starve to death. Late Fall and Winter are …