Call Me Delusional, by Edgar J. Steele

The following is an e-mail I sent three weeks ago to a small group of exceptionally-forgiving friends of mine, in which I pre-announced my hunch that things have changed fundamentally in the precious metals (PM) markets: There are lots of possible reasons: options expiry last week, new administration coming, new econ[omic] team (same as the Clinton econ team, which ran the [Plunge Protection Team] PPT into overdrive), China going into recession, Motor City going BK, a need to devalue the dollar in the face of global recession, shorter hem length, planetary alignment… Fact is, though, it is just a hunch. …


Letter Re: A Prescribed Burn in North Carolina to Find a Fugitive’s Weapons and Ammo

Howdy James, I thought that this article was interesting in the fact that the US Forest Service is calling for a prescribed burn [in order] to locate weapons, ammo, and explosives (sounds like reloading powder) that a fugitive may have stashed around his camp site. This got me to thinking, how safe are your caches? You will want to make sure any caches you have are buried well if they come looking for your cache and burn the area. Also consider that those landmarks/trees that were there may be gone after a burn, so locating it again may be difficult …


Two Letters Re: Comparing the Big Three Battle Rifle Chamberings in the United States

Jim: The recent article [by Kyrottimus] that stated that at 50 yards a typical 45 ACP and 9mm [Parabellum] will have the same energy is wrong. .45 ACP 230 gr ~390 ft/lbs (528 joules) @ 875 fps (JHP) 9x19mm Luger/Parabellum 115 gr ~385 ft/lbs (521 joules) @ 1,225 fps (JHP) His additional assumption, that bullets will slow equally in an air mass, is also wrong. I noticed that he listed the fps for a 9mm cartridge at 1,225 fps. This is the energy for a 9mm +p+ range cartridge, while comparing it to the 45 ACP ball cartridge, not a …


Odds ‘n Sods:

Eric sent us this: Amish homeowners: Religion trumps building codes    o o o Michael H. flagged this: Fed Refuses to Disclose Recipients of $2 Trillion    o o o I’m overwhelmed! More than 300 SurvivalBlog readers have bought Foodsaver vacuum packers at the special December sale price.This a is a great way to save money and to support SurvivalBlog! (We get a small commission on each sale, if you follow our link.) You can buy a FoodSaver v2830 for $59.99 (originally $169.99) with free Standard Shipping for orders over $100, directly from FoodSaver.com.Use code L8FAV28 at checkout. This offer …



Notes from JWR:

The SurvivalBlog Benefit Auction ends at midnight (eastern time) tonight! The high bid is now at $1,085. The auction is for a large mixed lot that includes: A.) 15 brand new 30 round M16/M4/AR-15 magazines from JWR‘s personal collection. These include four scarce and desirable brand new HK steel “Maritime Finish” magazines, and 11 new USGI alloy magazines made by Center Industries. (Note that most of these were made during the 1994-2004 Federal ban, so most of them have restriction markings, but those became null and void after the ban sunsetted.) Even if you don’t own an AR-15, these magazines …


Comparing the Big Three Battle Rifle Chamberings in the United States, by Kyrottimus

Since there are probably many folks new to firearms in the recent months, it may help to convey a sense of awe and respect for the power which they possess. I intend to use practical examples to give the average person a relative understanding of firearm ballistics; dealing primarily in the overall energy they are capable of unleashing at varying ranges. I will focus on the three most common military-spec cartridge calibers found in semi-automatic battle rifles in the U.S.: 7.62x51mm NATO (.308 Win), 7.62x39mm Soviet/Russian and 5.56x45mm NATO (.223 Rem). I will also address some comparisons with handgun ammunition …


Letter Re: Speeding Coyote Hunters Arrested in Illinois

Mr. Rawles, I came across this today, and thought you’d be interested: Police: WIU students arrested with cache of weapons. The key points are: 1.) They were stopped for speeding and their truck searched 2.) Both men had gun permits 3.) They were arrested for possession of firearms and ones’ home searched 4.) Both are now facing legal battles – [even though] no laws [other than the speed limit] have apparently been broken Blessings & Good Health, – Christine JWR Replies: A few of my observations: Did you notice the box for the FN FS2000? It looks like they had …


Odds ‘n Sods:

Reader Del R. sent word that because of new EPA regulations, this may be your last month to buy large-mouth steel Jerry-type fuel cans.    o o o Rob at MURS Radio (who also does business as Affordable Shortwaves) mentioned this in an e-mail: “For a limited time I am offering a free earbud microphone with the purchase of a Dakota Alert MURS handheld transceiver. The Dakota Alert Motion Alert Transmitters (MATs) are still at the special low price of $89 each (plus shipping).Also, if you plan on purchasing four or more items (you can mix and match), just mention …


Jim’s Quote of the Day:

“We goldbugs will get our wish: the explosive price rise we have all drooled about for nearly a quarter century. The bad news it will be in the context of social anarchy and collapse. I have somewhat sardonically mentioned that I have been investing in lead, as in ammo, the other precious metal. If people think the urban mob members in evidence at the Long Island Wal-Mart on Black Friday were unusual or even particularly decadent in their behavior, they need to get out more. The rot is everywhere now. There is no hiding from it anymore. Nowhere; Nohow. My …


Notes from JWR:

The SurvivalBlog Benefit Auction ends at midnight tomorrow night. (Monday, December 15th.) The high bid is now at $1,085. The auction is for a large mixed lot that includes: A.) 15 brand new 30 round M16/M4/AR-15 magazines from JWR‘s personal collection. These include four scarce and desirable brand new HK steel “Maritime Finish” magazines, and 11 new USGI alloy magazines made by Center Industries. (Note that most of these were made during the 1994-2004 Federal ban, so most of them have restriction markings, but those became null and void after the ban sunsetted.) Even if you don’t own an AR-15, …


Mobile Choices for Survival Retreats by T.D.

Our family lives full time in our camping trailer and have found out there would be many advantages to keeping one in any situation. I am not talking the big 5th wheel or the ones with a motor, just a plain travel trailer [with a traditional vehicle hitch]. Our trailer is 27 feet long and weighs in at 9,500 lbs empty and almost 11,000 lbs full. It is a bunkhouse model and can sleep up to 11 people. It has a 40 gallon fresh water tank, 40 gallon black water tank (waste) and a 40 gallon gray water tank (drain …


Letter Re: The Recent Storm in New England–A Ready and Able Family

Hi Jim. I have been a long time reader of your blog and have spent quite a bit of money with many of your terrific advertisers. I am writing to tell you about the serenity of my day in the midst of the hard hitting ice storm up here in New England. Thanks to the information you present in your blog and the preparation that I have taken over the last few years, all I had to do to prepare for this storm the day before was two things – fill the fire wood box and fill the bath tub …


“Little House” Books–A Great Homeschooling and Preparedness Mindset Resource

Sir, I just found a bunch of excellent books, some of which are found on the classics lists for obvious reasons. The Internet dealer Walnut Grove was the only place I could find online that had the entire Laura Ingalls Wilder “Little House on the Prairie” nine-book series in hard cover. They also have the box set in paperback for a reasonable price. I also received an insert with one of my purchases from them for another book listed there titled “The Prairie Girls’ Guide to Life“ that includes “49 pioneer projects for the modern girl.” This should be a …


Odds ‘n Sods:

Nick at BulletProoofME.com will be running a SurvivalBlog-only special from Dec.15th through Dec. 22nd. The 30%-off special is for the mil-spec Interceptor Outer Tactical Vest. The similar sale that they ran last year for SurvivalBlog readers had an exceedingly large response. This special pricing is only available because of a military contract overrun. Note that they are running low on inventory this time around. (e.g., no size Medium on sale this time.) All items will be first come, first served.    o o o Reader T.H.Y. wrote to ask me: “Why do you bother putting flash hiders on your bolt …