Hunting Rifle Selection for Big Game: Plain and Simple Basics, by SplitHoof

Recently I have been asked by a number of friends and associates for specific recommendations on the selection of suitable rifles for hunting big game (including feral hogs, deer, problematic black bears, etc.). Rather than spending considerable time conversing with everyone on an individual basis through a whole bunch of e-mail messages, I will offer some of my own brief personal observations as a starting point, and then will be glad to answer any additional questions for those who may be so inclined to ask.  I must make it perfectly clear from the start that I do not consider myself …


Letter Re: Family Preparedness: How to Protect Your Infant Child

Good morning Mr. Rawles, In regards to the “Family Preparedness: How to Protect Your Infant Child“, I just wanted to comment that wool diaper covers need to be washed less often, do not smell at all and two is all you need. Plus, they are just more comfortable for infants than plastic, no matter how cute or functional. They also breathe better and keep baby warm even when wet, which is important if you are changing less often than usual. Mother-Ease diapers are handy – no folding, no velcro, and they are one-size fits all. You can also buy doublers …


Letter Re: Amish Populations Bugging Out

JWR- Regarding this recently posted link: Amish populations bugging out, gradually heading west, Southwestern Idaho and Eastern Oregon have been under “invasion” for a number of years, mainly by Amish Mennonites – an offshoot of the Old Order Amish. Unlike the other invaders from California and other urban high populations who bring with them all their problems, attitudes and sometimes rudeness, these are good quality people who bring with them many fine qualities, morals and values. They are respectful and genuine. Most are skilled carpenters or have similar “hands-on” skills. While they tend to keep to themselves as far as …


Economics and Investing:

Susan H. sent this: U.S. Dollar Now Ripe For Catastrophic Devaluation. Here is quote that might have a familiar ring: “The inflation vs. deflation debate has been raging for nearly three years, but I suspect that when all is said and done, we will find that both sides in a sense were correct. The people who consistently miss the mark on what is truly going on in the economy are those who blindly insist that this is an either/or situation. The fact is, we are seeing symptoms of BOTH deflation and inflation simultaneously. Deflation in jobs, stocks, real estate, and …


Odds ‘n Sods:

When the subject of widespread EMP comes up, some folks blithely say: “We can just go back to vacuum tube technology”. But consider all the underlying technologies and metallurgy represented in this video produced by an electronics hobbyist in France: Hand Making Vacuum Tubes. (Thanks to Gaston for the link.)    o o o Bob G. mentioned this book excerpt: Books of The Times: ‘The Coming Famine’ by Julian Cribb    o o o L.H. spotted this: What NASA says you should keep on hand, for disasters. It all fits in a trash can. L.H. had this comment: “Not a …



Note from JWR:

Today we present another entry for Round 30 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 between $500 and $600, 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 500 round case of …


Long-Term Preparedness and the Eight Mechanical Arts, by J.D.

It’s one thing to prepare for an unexpected event that you can ride out in the course of a week or two; secure, defensible shelter that functions without the grid, a store of food and water, and stockpiles of essentials such as ammo and medical supplies may be more than enough to last until the disaster passes and social order is restored. But what about long-term survival in the face of TEOTWAWKI?  I’ve always found it instructive to study how we lived before 20th-century innovations such as electricity and refrigeration and potable water piped right into the kitchen. It wasn’t …


Letter Re: Prospects for Canada in a Societal Collapse?

Hi Jim, I just finished your book, “Patriots”, (had trouble putting it down…), and am wondering if you could further expand your thoughts on what would happen in Canada under the same circumstances. There are only a couple of references made to Canada in your book – global socialist country (I believe it was), and Mary mentioning that they had “liberated Canada” at the end. Obviously I live up here (Southern Alberta), and am currently prepping for TEOTWAWKI. Based your books, what should I be doing different? Or should be aware of? (Other than the outrageous gun controls we have.) …


Economics and Investing:

V.L.D. sent us this from the NIA: Americans Enjoying Final Days of Artificial Economy Charlie Munger on US Economy: Pain Not Over. (Thanks to G.G. for the link.) K. in Montana suggested this piece by Victor Davis Hanson: Obama’s Washington Animal Farm M.M. flagged this: Job losses cut wide swath in California Frost damages Canadian crops, wheat a problem. (Thanks to Steven H. for the link.) Items from The Economatrix: Basel III: Tightening The Noose On Credit Will Silver Take The Lead? Shock Fall In UK Retail Sales Adds To Fears Of Double-Dip Recession The LEAP think-tank bon hommes latest …


Odds ‘n Sods:

Don’t miss this post over at Paratus Familia: Quarantine: A Preparedness Essential    o o o F.G. noted this article with map: Amish populations bugging out, gradually heading west.    o o o Thomas C. sent this: CDC Grand Rounds: Radiological and Nuclear Preparedness. Tom’s comments: “I found it interesting that one of the initial examples they give is from August 2004 in New York City. They conclude with the statement “The public’s maximal risk for exposure was less than that received from a single chest radiograph because of their distance from the radiation source.” Yet it took them 24 …



Note from JWR:

The preparedness movement is increasingly becoming a mainstream phenomenon. The latest evidence can be seen a recent post by Patrice Lewis at WorldNetDaily: Preparedness 101. Lewis is also the author of a regular blog that primarily covers self-sufficiency topics: Rural Revolution.      


Seeking Subject Matter Experts for the Second Patriots Sequel

The manuscript for the first sequel to my novel “Patriots” is now at Simon & Schuster, and should be published in around 13 months. (Deo Volente.) My sincere thanks to the SurvivalBlog readers that shared their expertise. I’m now working on the second sequel. To give this upcoming novel the same authenticity as my first two, I would like to correspond via e-mail with: Anyone that has been stationed at Fort Knox, Kentucky in the past five years. Anyone that has lived in or near Bradfordsville, Kentucky. Anyone that has lived in or near Muddy Pond, Tennessee. Anyone that has …


Shifting to Tangibles in an Age of Inflation

I’m often asked by my consulting clients why I put so much emphasis investing in tangibles rather than in traditional investments that are denominated in United States dollars. The problem with dollar-denominated investments is that they are vulnerable to inflation of the currency unit itself. The U.S. governments over-spending and deep indebtedness is bound to catch up with it someday. And when it does, inflation and economic ruin will be the result. But there is protection from inflation. If the majority of you assets are in tangibles and they are in your immediate possession, then you will be insulated from …