Year: 2020

Preparedness Notes for Wednesday — September 23, 2020

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September 23, 1800 was the birthday of William McGuffey, a college president who is best known for writing the McGuffey Readers, the first widely-used series of textbooks. It is estimated that at least 122 million copies of McGuffey Readers were sold between 1836 and 1960, placing its sales in a category with the Bible and Webster’s Dictionary. — SurvivalBlog Writing Contest Today we present another entry for Round 90 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The prizes for this round include: First Prize: A gift certificate from Quantum Harvest LLC (up to a $2,200 value) good for 12% off the purchase of …


Self-Defense: You Never Know When, by R.

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Editor’s Introductory Note: Today’s feature article is unusual. I have confirmed the veracity of the recounted events. They occurred just a few months ago. This first-hand account from a SurvivalBlog reader illustrates three things:  1.) Why the Second Amendment is so vitally important; 2.)  The importance of always being armed and vigilant; and 3.) The importance of regular training. The way that you train will be the way that you fight. Because you never know when… Please respect the author’s privacy in your comments.  Please do not link to any news articles about it. And do not add any details …


JWR’s Recommendations of the Week:

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Here are JWR’s Recommendations of the Week for various media and tools of interest to SurvivalBlog readers. The focus is usually on emergency communications gear, bug out bag gear, books, and movies–often with a tie-in to disaster preparedness, and links to “how-to” self-sufficiency videos. There are also links to sources for both storage food and storage containers. You will also note an emphasis on history books and historical movies. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This week the focus is on books on homeschooling. (See the Books section.) Books: Blackout: How Black America Can Make Its Second …



Preparedness Notes for Tuesday — September 22, 2020

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September 22nd is the birthday of the late Lieutenant Colonel Ronald Reid-Daly, who founded and commanded the Rhodesian Selous Scouts. He was born 1928, and he died August 9, 2010. His history of the Selous Scouts, titled Pamwe Chete is fascinating to read, but it is a very hard-to-find book. And today is also the birthday of survivalist writer Joel Skousen. (Born, 1946.) Skousen authored the excellent books Strategic Relocation and The High Security Shelter – How to Implement a Multi-Purpose Safe Room in the Home. — SurvivalBlog Writing Contest Today we present another entry for Round 90 of the …


We Have a Major Problem, by Castle Circle

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We Have a major problem, and it isn’t going to just away. As I write this, we have multiple people shot in Kenosha, 80+ days of rioting in Portland, and the large major cities are powderkegs waiting to blow. Lack of leadership from city and state leaders nationwide has exacerbated the problem greatly while blaming everyone but those responsible for those places and people. I look at this from the standpoint of an amateur historian, and I see this getting far worse before or if it gets better, with winter coming, riots, Covid and all its ramifications, things are going …


SurvivalBlog’s News From The American Redoubt

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This weekly column features news stories and event announcements from around the American Redoubt region. (Idaho, Montana, eastern Oregon, eastern Washington, and Wyoming.) Much of the region is also more commonly known as The Inland Northwest. We also mention companies of interest to preppers and survivalists that are located in the American Redoubt region. Today, a link to a CBS News piece about a young Montana CH-47 helicopter pilot. (See the Montana section.) Idaho Idaho death by suicide rate lower than 2018 despite COVID-19 o  o  o Gas prices slipping across Idaho o  o  o Passenger goes missing after rollover …


The Editors’ Quote of the Day:

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“Europe is not free, because freedom begins with speaking the truth. In Europe today it is forbidden to speak the truth. A muzzle is a muzzle – even if it is made of silk. It is forbidden to say that today we are not witnessing the arrival of refugees, but a Europe being threatened by mass migration. It is forbidden to say that tens of millions are ready to set out in our direction. It is forbidden to say that immigration brings crime and terrorism to our countries. It is forbidden to say that the masses of people coming from …


Preparedness Notes for Monday — September 21, 2020

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On this day in 1780, during the American Revolution, American General Benedict Arnold met with British Major John Andre to discuss handing over West Point to the British in return for the promise of a large sum of money and a high position in the British army. The plot was foiled and Arnold, a former American hero, became synonymous with the word “traitor”. — Today we have another product review by our stalwart Field Gear Editor, Pat Cascio. — Be advised that there are just nine days left in Round 90 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. There will be …


Ruger American Compact 9mm LEO, by Pat Cascio

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As I’ve said many times before, Ruger produces firearms to match the budget of blue-collar workers. However, that’s not to say, they aren’t suitable for anyone – they are. Ruger produces some of the most over-built firearms in the world, and that’s a good thing in my feeble mind. I like the fact that, Ruger firearms are not over-priced, not in the least, and you can usually find them for a lot less than retail, if you shop around – again, that’s a good thing. Ruger had a rough start, when they attempted to come out with their first center-fire …


Recipe of the Week: Quick Orange Marmalade, by St. Funogas

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The following recipe for a very Quick Orange Marmalade is from SurvivalBlog reader St. Funogas. Chef’s Notes: If you’re a marmalade fan, you’ll love how quick and easy this recipe is and the fact that there are only three ingredients and no added pectin. Noe, however, that it’s not going to have that nice clear look like Smuckers, but theirs can’t be made in 20 minutes either. This recipe should probably be called Candied Orange Peel Jam, and it’s one of my favorites. After you’ve made it once, you’ll know how to adjust it better to suit your taste as …


Economics & Investing For Preppers

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Here are the latest news items and commentary on current economics news, market trends, stocks, investing opportunities, and the precious metals markets. We also cover hedges, derivatives, and obscura. Most of these items are from the “tangibles heavy” contrarian perspective of SurvivalBlog’s Founder and Senior Editor, JWR. Today, we look at Tesla’s “Battery Day”. It is scheduled for tomorrow: Tuesday, September 22, 2020. (See the Commodities Investing section.) Precious Metals: Monday morning update:  Silver took a big 9% dip this morning, to $24.42 per Troy ounce when I last checked.  So this is a good time to buy! By the …


The Editors’ Quote of the Day:

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“Up to a point a man’s life is shaped by environment, heredity, and movements and changes in the world about him; then there comes a time when it lies within his grasp to shape the clay of his life into the sort of things he wishes to be.  Only the weak blame parents, their race, their times, lack of good fortune, or the quirks of fate.  Everyone has it within his power to say, this I am today, that I shall be tomorrow.  The wish, however, must be implemented by deeds.” – Louis L’Amour The Walking Drum


Preparedness Notes for Sunday — September 20, 2020

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On this day in 1519 Magellan left Europe on his voyage of discovery. On September 20, 1995, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to drop the national 55 MPH speed limit. This allowed the states to again decide their own speed limits, without fear of losing Federal highway funding. — SurvivalBlog Writing Contest Today we present another entry for Round 90 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The prizes for this round include: First Prize: A gift certificate from Quantum Harvest LLC (up to a $2,200 value) good for 12% off the purchase of any of their sun-tracking models, and 10% off …


Finishing an 80% AR Lower Receiver – Part 3, by 2A Advocate

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(Continued from Part 2. This concludes the article.) Results I think my lower receivers turned out great (Photos 15, 16, 17 & 18). The machined edges are straight and sharp. The trigger pocket walls are smooth, almost mirror-like. There are slight tool marks from the end mill, but no touch up or sanding was done until after these photos were taken. Then I touched up the side holes and the opening for the trigger slot with some Aluminum Black by Birchwood Casey. It’s quick and hides the raw aluminum edge.   I didn’t treat the entire inside of the trigger …