The Survivalist’s Odds ‘n Sods

SurvivalBlog presents another edition of The Survivalist’s Odds ‘n Sods. This column is a collection of news bits and pieces that are relevant to the modern survivalist and prepper from JWR. Our goal is to educate our readers, to help them to recognize emerging threats, and to be better prepared for both disasters and negative societal trends. You can’t mitigate a risk if you haven’t first identified a risk. In today’s column, some updates on gun confiscation schemes. ATF Changes Their Mind On Pistol Braces Again A video report from Mrgunsngear: Breaking: ATF Changes Their Mind On Pistol Braces Again. …



Preparedness Notes for Wednesday — May 24, 2023

On May 24th, 1775, John Hancock was elected president of the Second Continental Congress. He is best known for his large signature on the Declaration of Independence, which he jested the British king could read “without his spectacles.” — SurvivalBlog Writing Contest Today we present another entry for Round 106 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The prizes for this round include: First Prize: The photovoltaic power specialists at Quantum Harvest LLC  are providing a store-wide 10% off coupon. Depending on the model chosen, this could be worth more than $2000. A Gunsite Academy Three Day Course Certificate. This can …


SurvivalBlog Readers’ & Editors’ Snippets

This 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. — A Matt Christiansen video that reiterates some key points of the now fully-documented “Russian Collusion” Lie: Durham Report Details FBI Corruption in Trump-Russia Investigation — They Were With Her. JWR’s Comments: It is now abundantly clear that we cannot trust the grossly politicized and weaponized FBI, ATF, and other Federal law enforcement …



Preparedness Notes for Tuesday — May 23, 2023

On this day in 1934, the outlaws Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow were killed by a pair of deputized former Texas Rangers and assorted local police, near Gibbsland, Louisiana. This ambush was dramatized in the 2019 movie The Highwaymen, starring Kevin Costner and Woody Harrelson. — May 23rd is also the birthday of George Lars Kellgren (born 1943 in Borås, Sweden), the founder and chief engineer of Kel-Tec. According to LeftistAgendaPedia: He designed many firearms earlier for Husqvarna and Swedish Interdynamics AB in Sweden. He moved to the US in 1979 and his original US designs were for Intratec and …


Invisibility: Increasing OPSEC – Part 1, by St. Funogas

I recently read an article on advances which have been made using ear recognition as one more way to track us and violate our privacy. Since facial recognition systems are sometimes inadequate due to factors such as faces hidden by hair or covid masks, additional recognition technology using our ears is being developed. I don’t need to mention all the other ways modern technology is being used to violate our privacy or that our rights are being eroded by the day. The article brought to mind a book I read while looking for a place to set up my homestead: …


SurvivalBlog’s News From The American Redoubt

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, some reporting on recent widespread thunderstorms. Idaho Flood evacuation ordered for Ketchum community. o  o  o Idahoans answer the call to help fight escalating fires in Canada. o  o  o Juror speaks out about decision to convict Lori Vallow-Daybell. A quote: “Prosecutors say Lori and …



Preparedness Notes for Monday — May 22, 2023

On May 22, 1960, the Valdivia earthquake–one of the largest earthquakes on record–struck the southern coast of Chile, killing about 5,700 people and creating seismic sea waves that caused death and destruction in distant Pacific coastal areas, notably Japan and Hawaii. — Iron Edison (one of our biggest advertisers) has announced a sale on their 5kWH wall-mount batteries. These batteries are normally $3,395 each, but they are offering them at $600 off, for a price of just $2,795.00. The discount code for this deal is SALE2023.  The special pricing end on June 16th, so order yours, soon. Iron Edison offers …


Recipe of the Week: Classic Oatmeal Cookies

The following recipe for Classic Oatmeal Cookies is from SurvivalBlog reader O.H.. These are yummy! Ingredients 1 large egg 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick), very soft 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed 1/4 cup granulated sugar 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned whole rolled oats (don’t use instant or quick oats) 3/4 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (or substitute raisins or walnuts) Directions Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees F, line a baking sheet with a Silpat or spray with cooking spray; set aside. To …


Economics & Investing For Preppers

Here are the latest news items and commentary on current economics news, market trends, stocks, investing opportunities, and the precious metals markets. In this column, JWR also covers hedges, derivatives, and various obscura. Most of these items are from JWR’s “tangibles heavy” contrarian perspective. Today, we look at investing in discontinued P71 Crown Victoria Police Interceptor cars. (See the Tangibles Investing section.) Precious Metals: Gold/Silver: How to trade a U.S. default. o  o  o At Gold-Eagle.com: Gold Price Suppression, Or Unbroken Confidence By The Herd? Economy & Finance: US Deposit Outflows Accelerated Last Week, Led By Small Banks. JWR’s Comments: …



Preparedness Notes for Sunday — May 21, 2023

May 21st is the birthday of weapons designer John Douglas Pedersen. (Born 1881, died 1951.) His name is almost synonymous with the short-lived Pedersen Device (pictured) — a conversion kit that turned a Model 1903 Springfield bolt action rifle into a semi-automatic trench-clearing gun. — SurvivalBlog Writing Contest Today we present another entry for Round 106 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The prizes for this round include: First Prize: The photovoltaic power specialists at Quantum Harvest LLC  are providing a store-wide 10% off coupon. Depending on the model chosen, this could be worth more than $2000. A Gunsite Academy …