Category: Self-Defense

El Cheapo Prepping 101, by Christopher S.

In today’s economy you maybe having a hard time keeping up with the bills let alone preparing for the next Armageddon. Are you sitting in your cheap Wal-Mart chair staring at your computer screen wishing you had a Kifaru pack. Are you wishing you had the money to go to the range even once a year? Let me get out the chalk board and you get your pencil ready. I am about to school you on prepping that will take you to the next level without skimping on the good stuff. First off I would like to explain I am …


Letter Re: No Law Enforcement in TEOTWAWKI

Mr Rawles, I’d like to take a few minutes to comment about Ron W.’s article, No Law Enforcement in TEOTWAWKI. He brings up a good point at how truly unprepared most elected officials and government agencies for any kind of real catastrophe. Three summers ago in the jurisdiction where I am an officer we were hit by the severe winds that came from a Gulf of Mexico hurricane. These winds took out the power to more than 80% of the city and township where I patrol. This included the maintenance and service buildings for the city as well as the …


Letter Re: Cartridge Lead Hygiene

Jim, Any serious firearms enthusiast should know the basic makeup of most ammunition normally includes a lead containing primer and projectile and while this does not present an immediately serious hazard per se, anyone planning on handling ammunition and firearms should be mindful of the risk of prolonged exposure to lead components and both pre- and post-TEOTWAWKI, take precautions to protect themselves. As an Army reservist for eight years (doing the occasional field exercise with blank ammunition and the annual range qualification), we would eat our IMP rations after loading hundreds of magazines without a second thought towards washing our …


Letter Re: Defensive Firearms Options in Canada

Letter Re: Defensive Firearms Options in Canada Hi Jim, This is in response to Roger C.’s letter “Prospects for Canada in a Societal Collapse.” My guess is southern Alberta would be one of the best places in Canada to be in in a TEOTWAWKI scenario. Albertans generally buck the norm when it comes to Canadian values. Even among the conservative Canadian west, we are far more socially and fiscally conservative. This makes Albertans generally more self reliant, charitable, and less dependent upon government handouts than most other Canadians. We have a stigma for “cowboy culture” here for a reason. Other …


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: 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.) …


Letter Re: Australia’s New Nanny State Knife Ban

Dear Jim, Welcome to the newer even bigger Nanny State here in Australia. Here is some information with regards to new national knife laws coming into force soon. ( I believe about six weeks ). For all your readers it will be of interest that the Australian Federal Government is going to ban all imports of the following: multitools, lockback folders such as Old Timer, Schrade etc, Swiss army knives, and Wenger army knives. Never mind the fact that pocket knives and Swiss army knives have been used in Australia for over a century without trouble, but because of the …


Product Review: ATI Gunstocks Adjustable Hunting Stock for Pump Shotguns

ATI Gunstocks Adjustable Hunting Stock for pump shotguns are American made, well-thought out and offer a lifetime guarantee. This stock fits all three major American brands—Winchester, Remington and Mossberg pumps. It comes with stock and fore end and a bag of adapters. I first tried it on a Remington 870. For installation, you will need a #2 Phillips screwdriver and a 1/2” socket wrench. Installation is reasonably straightforward, and the instructions are quite clear with good photos that cover disassembly of the original as well. The stock easily adjusts for 13-14.5 Length Of Pull in four stops, which is good …


A Woman’s Perspective on Personal Self Defense, by Roxanne L. Griswold

Imagine this frightening scenario and try to envision yourself here: You’re strolling through an empty parking lot at dusk thinking about the events of the day when suddenly your arm is clasped from behind and pulled forcefully downward. Your head crashes against the unforgiving concrete. Blood gushes from your nose. Before you have a moment to process anything, your attacker is now on top of you, beating your face with open fists. Gasping for air from fear and excruciating pain, you scream and slap him in an aimless attempt to shield yourself, by which time he has secured your flailing …


Letter Re: Advice on Pre-1899 Guns and Ammunition Availability

Dear Sir: I recently read your FAQ regarding the laws involved in purchasing pre-1899 firearms. It was dated 2004. Have any of the protocols significantly changed in the past several years? I am also curious to know which pre-1899 revolvers function best with current production ammunition. Any info would be of assistance. Thanks. – Louis P. JWR Replies: My advice on buying pre-1899 guns is essentially unchanged. Prices for pre-1899 antique cartridge guns are continuing to advance much more quickly than inflation. (Just as I had predicted.) In recent years, Smith &Wesson revolvers have started to catch up in price …


My Family Preparing for TEOTWAWKI, by Peter B.

Five years ago I really started watching the economy and the way the whole world was going. I started preparing then. I recently purchased two of JWR’s books. Both are great resources for those who have no idea of how to do things in a back to basic scenario. Being a former Eagle Scout, military man and a current Law Enforcement Officer (LEO), I already have skills to rely on. I never thought that being high tech was good, so I have centered on a low tech plan. “KISS” (keep it simple, stupid) is my motto. The easier the better …


Letter Re: Why We Chose the Springfield Armory XD .45 Pistol

Mr. Rawles, May I first say that my firearms experience is extensive, but not conclusive. I have owned many firearms, and have simply found what works the best for myself and probably our group, considering current budgetary constraints. We have adopted the Springfield Armory XD45 as our group standard sidearm. While a personal firearm choice can vary much like boots to an individual, the “Extreme Duty” (XD) line of pistols has overwhelming pros and minimal cons. To begin with, I would like to say that when it first came out I scoffed at it and blew it off as a …


Product Review: Choate Machine and Tool AR-15 Hook Stock

The Choate Machine and Tool AR-15 Hook Stock (see photo) is another well-designed piece of hardware from Choate. The hook at the bottom works very well for supported fire, and isn’t in the way otherwise. The internal compartment is large enough for a full cleaning kit, spare bolt and some other sundries. The length is the same as the A2 stock, with a slight cant forward at the bottom. For tall shooters, this makes for a very comfortable stance, especially when prone. I would rather the bottom was cut for a mil spec sling mount, rather than having a standard …


The Case for the Baker’s Dozen Infantry Squad, by Imperial Grunt

“The Infantry’s primary role is close combat, which may occur in any type of mission, in any theater, or environment. Characterized by extreme violence and physiological shock, close combat is callous and unforgiving. Its dimensions are measured in minutes and meters, and its consequences are final. Close combat stresses every aspect of the physical, mental, and spiritual features of the human dimension. To this end, Infantrymen are specially selected, trained and led.” – US Army FM 3-21.8 (7-8) The foregoing excerpt provides the best initial explanation involving realistic concerns and expectations during active ground combat. God’s providence, good training and personal …


Budgeting for Family Preparedness, by Allen C.

Having been a wilderness survival and firearms instructor for many years, I never considered the need for a survival retreat until I got married and moved from the country to a small city of about 30,000.  My minimalist lifestyle had allowed me a certain level of financial freedom.  Driving used cars and fixing up a home that had been previously condemned meant I had not made a car payment or house payment in years.  I spent summers running a high adventure camp for the Boy Scouts of America and worked for city the rest of the year as a firefighter …