Preparedness Notes for Wednesday — May 20, 2026

On May  20, 1875 the International Bureau of Weights & Measures was formed by the signing of the Metre Convention treaty by 17 nations, in Paris. The prototypes of the meter and the kilogram were selected.

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May 20, 1916: Codell, Kansas was hit by a tornado. (Quite oddly, it was hit again on the same day in 1917 and then again in 1918.)

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May 20th is also the birthday of my lifelong friend Brad C.  I wish him a happy 65th birthday! – JWR

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Take Note: Our editorial calendar is now filled for May. Any articles received will be considered guest articles and not eligible as contest entries.

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Today we are starting a big sale on all of our blackpowder rifles, all of our pre-1899 cartridge sporter rifles, and selected Mauser rifles at Elk Creek Company. Most of the blackpowder rifles are .50 caliber. There are some very deep discounts, so take a look! This sale will end on Tuesday, June 2nd. Order soon!

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SurvivalBlog Writing Contest

Today we present another entry for Round 124 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. This is the final round of the contest. There will not be a “Round 125”! The prizes for this round include:

First Prize:

  1. A Gunsite Academy Three-Day Course Certificate. This can be used for any of their one, two, or three-day course (a $1,095 value).
  2. American Gunsmithing Institute (AGI) is providing a $300 certificate good towards any of their DVD training courses. Their course catalog now includes their latest Survival Gunsmithing course.
  3. HSM Ammunition in Montana is providing a $350 gift certificate. The certificate can be used for any of their products.
  4. Heaven’s Harvest is providing one of their Original Heirloom Seed Kits (a $139 value.)
  5. Harvest Guard is providing a 200-Piece Bulk Mix Pack of their Regular and Wide-Mouth Reusable Canning Jar Lids & Gaskets. This is a $161 + shipping value.

Second Prize:

  1. A SIRT STIC AR-15/M4 Laser Training Package, courtesy of Next Level Training, that has a combined retail value of $679
  2. Two 1,000-foot spools of full mil-spec U.S.-made 750 paracord (in-stock colors only) from TOUGHGRID.com (a $287 value).
  3. Preparedness author Jennifer Rader is providing a $200 purchase credit for any of her eight published food storage and medical preparedness books, including the Good Eats at the TEOTWAWKI Café series, the Armageddon Pharmacy series, and the Medicine Surrounds Us series.
  4. A transferable $150 FRN purchase credit from Elk Creek Company, toward the purchase of any pre-1899 antique gun. There is no paperwork required for delivery of pre-1899 guns into most states, making them the last bastion of gun purchasing privacy!

Third Prize:

  1. A Berkey Light water filter, courtesy of USA Berkey Filters (a $305 value),
  2. Two sets of The Civil Defense Manual, (in two volumes) — a $193 value — kindly donated by the author, Jack Lawson.
  3. A $200 credit from Military Surplus LLC that can be applied to purchase and/or shipping costs for any of their in-stock merchandise, including full mil-spec ammo cans, Rothco clothing and field gear, backpacks, optics, compact solar panels, first aid kits, and more.
  4. A transferable $150 FRN purchase credit from Elk Creek Company, toward the purchase of any pre-1899 antique gun.

 

The Prepared Homeowner’s Workshop, by Richard T.

A lot of mundane people have workshops, and a lot of preparedness-minded people have workshops, but not all of those preppers have a workshop that is properly prepared for many of the scenarios that they are concerned about. Perhaps this is because they do not see the role a workshop plays in preparedness. What distinguishes the prepared workshop from others is that the owner has:

  1. Learned key skills
  2. Acquired apropos tools, and has,
  3. Stocked hardware on a “just in case” footing.

This approach differs from the ordinary workshop that is inadequately prepared and hopefully will never going to be needed for anything out of the ordinary. The prepared workshop warehouses tools, hardware and supplies, which is not to be confused with hoarding anymore than what a hardware store does. This logistical base is planned to be able to deal with most foreseeable repairs, maintenance tasks, or calamity that may occur without any outside help; no service call, no trip to the hardware store, no Internet. As if it were an island.Continue reading“The Prepared Homeowner’s Workshop, by Richard T.”

SurvivalBlog Readers’ & Editors’ Snippets

Our weekly Snippets column is a collection of short items: responses to posted articles, practical self-sufficiency items, how-tos, lessons learned, tips and tricks, and news items — both from readers and from SurvivalBlog’s editors. Note that we may select some long e-mails for posting as separate letters.

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Chris in Kentucky was the first of several blog readers to send us the link to this anti-gun slanted reporting: Muskets like those from 1776 are mostly exempt from today’s gun laws.  I’m fairly certain if that hoplophobic journalist saw the pre-1899 guns that I sell with no paperwork at Elk Creek Company, he’d have apoplexy.  Speaking of which, refer to the photo above. That is a sporterized Chilean contract Mauser Model 1895. Other than improved bullet designs and the use of non-corrosive primers, the specifications and ballistics of the 7x57mm Mauser cartridge haven’t changed since 1895. – JWR

o  o  o

In The Washington Post: AI license plate cameras tore this town apart and led to a state of emergency.

o  o  o

Tom Christianson provided the link to this piece from the left-biased USA Today: More Christian leaders are welcoming guns in church.

o  o  o

Continue reading“SurvivalBlog Readers’ & Editors’ Snippets”

Editors’ Quote:

“I never could believe that Providence had sent a few men into the world, ready booted and
spurred to ride, and millions ready saddled and bridled to be ridden.” – Richard Rumbold (c.1622-85). On the scaffold, as quoted in T. B. Macauley’s ‘Histories of England’ Volume 1 (1849) Chapter 1

Preparedness Notes for Tuesday — May 19, 2026

On May 19, 1828 U.S. President John Quincy Adams signed the Tariff of 1828 into law to protect industry in the North. The bill was vehemently denounced in the South and escalated to a threat of civil war in the nullification crisis of 1832–33. The tariff was replaced in 1833, and the crisis ended. The Tariff of 1828 was called the “Tariff of Abominations” by most Southerners because of its drag on the Southern economy. It set a 38% tax on some imported goods and a 45% tax on certain imported raw materials. The South was also harmed indirectly because curtailing British income on goods sold to the U.S would have made it hard for the British to pay for Southern cotton exports.

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And on the night of May 19, 1893, heavy rain washed “quick clay” (a.k.a. Leda clay or glacial clay) into the deep valley town of Verdal, Norway, killing 111 people.

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SurvivalBlog Writing Contest

Today we present another entry for Round 124 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. This is the final round of the contest. By our latest count, we now have room for only three or four more articles that can be posted before the 31st.  So please don’t dawdle. The prizes for this round include:

First Prize:

  1. A Gunsite Academy Three-Day Course Certificate. This can be used for any of their one, two, or three-day course (a $1,095 value).
  2. American Gunsmithing Institute (AGI) is providing a $300 certificate good towards any of their DVD training courses. Their course catalog now includes their latest Survival Gunsmithing course.
  3. HSM Ammunition in Montana is providing a $350 gift certificate. The certificate can be used for any of their products.
  4. Heaven’s Harvest is providing one of their Original Heirloom Seed Kits (a $139 value.)
  5. Harvest Guard is providing a 200-Piece Bulk Mix Pack of their Regular and Wide-Mouth Reusable Canning Jar Lids & Gaskets. This is a $161 + shipping value.

Second Prize:

  1. A SIRT STIC AR-15/M4 Laser Training Package, courtesy of Next Level Training, that has a combined retail value of $679
  2. Two 1,000-foot spools of full mil-spec U.S.-made 750 paracord (in-stock colors only) from TOUGHGRID.com (a $287 value).
  3. Preparedness author Jennifer Rader is providing a $200 purchase credit for any of her eight published food storage and medical preparedness books, including the Good Eats at the TEOTWAWKI Café series, the Armageddon Pharmacy series, and the Medicine Surrounds Us series.
  4. A transferable $150 FRN purchase credit from Elk Creek Company, toward the purchase of any pre-1899 antique gun. There is no paperwork required for delivery of pre-1899 guns into most states, making them the last bastion of gun purchasing privacy!

Third Prize:

  1. A Berkey Light water filter, courtesy of USA Berkey Filters (a $305 value),
  2. Two sets of The Civil Defense Manual, (in two volumes) — a $193 value — kindly donated by the author, Jack Lawson.
  3. A $200 credit from Military Surplus LLC that can be applied to purchase and/or shipping costs for any of their in-stock merchandise, including full mil-spec ammo cans, Rothco clothing and field gear, backpacks, optics, compact solar panels, first aid kits, and more.
  4. A transferable $150 FRN purchase credit from Elk Creek Company, toward the purchase of any pre-1899 antique gun.

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More than $984,000 worth of prizes have been awarded since we started running this contest.  Round 124 ends on May 31st, so get busy writing and e-mail us your entry. Take Note: Any article received after our editorial calendar is filled for May will be considered guest articles are not eligible as contest entries.  At last count, we only have room for about six more articles! Remember that there is a 1,500-word minimum, and that articles on practical “how-to” skills for survival have an advantage in the judging.

Staying Home For TEOTWAWKI, by Jason H.

Opening caveat: A lot of what I describe below is highly illegal in normal times. It might even be frowned upon during semi-normal times. Only you, as a logical and thinking adult, can make a decision to take actions that could result in potential prison time.

But this article is for those bad times, a true WWOTROL (World Without The Rule Of Law) scenario.

Like many here, I’m an older gentleman, having retired almost 20 years ago after a 25 year law enforcement career. I’ve also been a faithful Survival Blog reader from almost the beginning.

And like many here, the days of grabbing my Go Bag and heading for the hills have come and gone; for the last couple of decades I’ve made extensive preparations to hunker down at home when the time comes.Continue reading“Staying Home For TEOTWAWKI, by Jason H.”

SurvivalBlog’s American Redoubt Media of the Week

This weekly column features media 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.

Redoubt News Links

Send Your Media Links

Please send your links to media from the American Redoubt region to JWR. Any photos that are posted or re-posted must be uncopyrighted. You can do so either via e-mail or via our Contact form.

Editors’ Quote:

“If you believe in equal rights, then what do “women’s rights,” “gay rights,” etc., mean? Either they are redundant or they are violations of the principle of equal rights for all.” – Thomas Sowell

Preparedness Notes for Monday — May 18, 2026

On My 18, 1804, Napoléon Bonaparte was proclaimed Emperor of France by the French Senate.

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May 18th, 1825 was the birthday of Daniel Baird Wesson (of Smith and Wesson fame).

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On May 18th, 1980, Mount St. Helens in Washington erupted, causing a massive avalanche and killing 57 people. Ash from the volcanic eruption fell as far away as Minnesota.

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Take note that we will be switching to weekly postings, on June 2nd. Thenceforth, you can look for SurvivalBlog “Fresh Every Tuesday.”

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The last day! We have been running a two-week-long sale in all of our percussion revolvers at Elk Creek Company, with deep discounts. This sale will end at midnight Pacific Time tonight — Monday, May 18th, 2026. Please note that there are cartridge conversion cylinders available for many of these guns — particularly the Ruger Old Army revolvers and the Pietta and Uberti brand clones of the Remington Model 1858. This provides a great opportunity to acquire un-papered handguns in many otherwise restrictive “Blue” states.  (Be sure to consult your state and local laws before ordering.)  If you want to pay in pre-1965 silver coinage, we are now accepting it at 60 times face value!

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We are pleased to welcome our newest advertiser, SignalNomad.net. Their very long range Wi-Fi HaLow Field Unit extenders are perfect for rural retreats and ranches that are served with Starlink; particularly places that are outside of cellular coverage, or with just a weak signal.   Their system can be powered by a standard USB-C power bank, or hard-wired into a 12-volt DC or 120 volt AC power system. This system was developed for preppers, by a prepper.

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Today’s feature article is a product review by our Field Gear Editor, Tom Christianson.

Saiga 223, by Thomas Christianson

The Saiga 223 is a sporterized AK pattern rifle chambered in 5.56 NATO. The advantage of an AK pattern rifle chambered in 5.56 NATO is that it combines the rugged reliability of the AK platform with the wide availability and selection of ammunition in 5.56mm NATO.

It was called the Saiga 223 rather than the Saiga 556 in order to try to help it slip past the 1994 “Assault Weapons” ban. Although it was chambered in 5.56 NATO, it was thought that an association with the civilian .223 Remington rather than military 5.56 NATO chambering would make it sound more sporting and less scary. For the same reason, the rifle came with a 10 round rather than a 30 round magazine and lacked a pistol grip and flash hider.Continue reading“Saiga 223, by Thomas Christianson”

SurvivalBlog Graphic of the Week

Today’s graphic is a map that shows the white population distribution by percentage throughout the American states and Canadian provinces. (Graphic courtesy of Reddit.) The lower detail map shows the small northeastern states.

The thumbnail images below are click-expandable.

 

 

 

 

 

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Please send your graphic ideas to JWR. (Either via e-mail or via our Contact form.) Any graphics that you send must either be your own creation or uncopyrighted.

Recipe of the Week:

The following recipe for Bakeless Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies is from SurvivalBlog reader E.J..  This recipe requires no baking — just heating a mixture in saucepan.

Ingredients
  • 3 TBSP cocoa powder (unsweetened)
  • 1/2 c milk
  • 2 c sugar
  • 1/2 c butter
  • 3 cups of dry rolled oats
  • 1/2 c peanut butter
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
Directions
  1. Melt the butter, sugar, cocoa powder, and milk in a saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Stir constantly and bring this mixture to a rolling boil and let it cook for just over one minute.
  3. Remove from heat and add the vanilla extract and peanut butter.
  4. Stir until smooth.
  5. Add the oats and stir them in briefly.
  6. Drop portions onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper with a large spoon, to make cookie shapes of the desired size.
  7. Let the cookies cool and set for about 30 minutes at room temperature.

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Do you have a well-tested recipe that would be of interest to SurvivalBlog readers? In this recipe column, we place emphasis on recipes that use long-term storage foods, recipes for wild game, dutch oven recipes, slow cooker recipes, and any recipes that use home garden produce. If you have any favorite recipes, then please send them via e-mail. Thanks!

The Editors’ Quote:

“Hypocrisy is the most difficult and nerve-racking vice that any man can pursue; it needs an
unceasing vigilance and a rare detachment of spirit. It cannot, like adultery or gluttony, be
practised at spare moments; it is a whole-time job.” – W. Somerset Maugham (1874-1965), from ‘Cakes and Ale’ (1930)

Preparedness Notes for Sunday — May 17, 2026

On May 17, 1792, twenty-four merchants formed the New York Stock Exchange at 70 Wall Street.

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May 17, 1877: Edwin T. Holmes installed the first telephone switchboard burglar alarm.

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And on May 17, 1920: First flight by Dutch airline KLM (Koninklijke Luchtvaart Maatschappij), a joint venture with British Aerial Transport. A de Havilland double-decker plane from London landed at Schiphol in Amsterdam.

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Just one day left! We are running a two-week-long sale in all of our percussion revolvers at Elk Creek Company, with deep discounts. This sale will end at midnight on Monday, May 18th, 2026. Please note that there are cartridge conversion cylinders available for many of these guns — particularly the Ruger Old Army revolvers and the Pietta and Uberti brand clones of the Remington Model 1858. This provides a great opportunity to acquire un-papered handguns in many otherwise restrictive “Blue” states.  (Be sure to consult your state and local laws before ordering.)

—

SurvivalBlog Writing Contest

Today we present another entry for Round 124 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. This is the final round of the contest. There will not be a “Round 125”! The prizes for this round include:

First Prize:

  1. A Gunsite Academy Three-Day Course Certificate. This can be used for any of their one, two, or three-day course (a $1,095 value).
  2. American Gunsmithing Institute (AGI) is providing a $300 certificate good towards any of their DVD training courses. Their course catalog now includes their latest Survival Gunsmithing course.
  3. HSM Ammunition in Montana is providing a $350 gift certificate. The certificate can be used for any of their products.
  4. Heaven’s Harvest is providing one of their Original Heirloom Seed Kits (a $139 value.)
  5. Harvest Guard is providing a 200-Piece Bulk Mix Pack of their Regular and Wide-Mouth Reusable Canning Jar Lids & Gaskets. This is a $161 + shipping value.

Second Prize:

  1. A SIRT STIC AR-15/M4 Laser Training Package, courtesy of Next Level Training, that has a combined retail value of $679
  2. Two 1,000-foot spools of full mil-spec U.S.-made 750 paracord (in-stock colors only) from TOUGHGRID.com (a $287 value).
  3. Preparedness author Jennifer Rader is providing a $200 purchase credit for any of her eight published food storage and medical preparedness books, including the Good Eats at the TEOTWAWKI Café series, the Armageddon Pharmacy series, and the Medicine Surrounds Us series.
  4. A transferable $150 FRN purchase credit from Elk Creek Company, toward the purchase of any pre-1899 antique gun. There is no paperwork required for delivery of pre-1899 guns into most states, making them the last bastion of gun purchasing privacy!

Third Prize:

  1. A Berkey Light water filter, courtesy of USA Berkey Filters (a $305 value),
  2. Two sets of The Civil Defense Manual, (in two volumes) — a $193 value — kindly donated by the author, Jack Lawson.
  3. A $200 credit from Military Surplus LLC that can be applied to purchase and/or shipping costs for any of their in-stock merchandise, including full mil-spec ammo cans, Rothco clothing and field gear, backpacks, optics, compact solar panels, first aid kits, and more.
  4. A transferable $150 FRN purchase credit from Elk Creek Company, toward the purchase of any pre-1899 antique gun.

—

More than $984,000 worth of prizes have been awarded since we started running this contest.  Round 124 ends on May 31st, so get busy writing and e-mail us your entry. Take Note: Any article received after our editorial calendar is filled for May will be considered guest articles are not eligible as contest entries. Remember that there is a 1,500-word minimum, and that articles on practical “how-to” skills for survival have an advantage in the judging.

Using Commercial Ammunition in Military Rifles, by Tunnel Rabbit

Author’s Introductory Disclaimer:  While I am a long-time reloading enthusiast, my advice and  insights are not substitutes for the information found in reloading manuals. So do confirm any information herein and draw your own conclusions.

Introduction

I have discovered over the years that many shooters are planning to use incorrect ammunition in their military rifles that with repeated use over time would ruin the rifle’s mechanism, or if the rifle should be used in battlefield conditions, the rifle for many reasons could fail them just when they needed to defend themselves.

Few are acquainted with using their rifles in actual battlefield conditions where the rifle experiences excessive heat and dirty conditions.  Sadly the industry fails to adequately educate civilian riflemen. The difference and the problems that can occur however, do mostly apply to other rifles chambered in military cartridges that also have a commercial variant.While I am not an expert in any field, this opinion is not unsubstantiated.  There is more than adequate technical information available on the internet that can be discovered. As this article is written in haste, it is not possible to reference this material as I have only a few hours to complete this article and no internet access at home that would allow me to provide links to substantiate my opinion.  I am however an enthusiastic reloader of many decades who has an eye for technical details and information that is not often if ever discussed by the general public.Continue reading“Using Commercial Ammunition in Military Rifles, by Tunnel Rabbit”