The Editors’ Quote of the Day:

“First of all, we should know that Islam means ‘submission,’ not peace. This does
not imply mere voluntary submission but includes a forced submission where subjects
will not comply. Historically Islam is not known for its peace movements, but for a
uniquely Arab word we all know as ‘jihad,’ which means an offensive war intended to
lead to the conversion of the infidel to Islam or his annihilation.” – Dr. Thomas Ice

Preparedness Notes for Tuesday — December 24, 2024

On December 24, 1814, the Treaty of Ghent was signed, ending the War of 1812 between the United States, the United Kingdom, and their allies.

—

December 24, 1818: The Christmas carol Stille Nacht (“Silent Night”) composed by Franz Xaver Gruber was first sung at St Nicholas parish church in Oberndorf, Austria.

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And on December 24, 1889, Daniel Stover & William Hance patented a bicycle with a back-pedal brake.

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SurvivalBlog Writing Contest

Today we present another entry for Round 116 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The prizes for this round include:

First Prize:

  1. 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.
  2. 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),
  3. A Peak Refuel “Wasatch Pack” variety of 60 servings of premium freeze-dried breakfasts and dinners in individual meal pouches — a whopping 21,970 calories, all made and packaged in the USA — courtesy of Ready Made Resources (a $350 value),
  4. 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.
  5. HSM Ammunition in Montana is providing a $250 gift certificate. The certificate can be used for any of their products.

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 www.TOUGHGRID.com (a $240 value).
  3. A Laptop EMP Shield and a Smartphone Faraday Bag (a combined value of $200), courtesy of MobileSecSolutions.com.
  4. Two sets of The Civil Defense Manual, (in two volumes) — a $193 value — kindly donated by the author, Jack Lawson.
  5. 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. Three sets each of made-in-USA regular and wide-mouth reusable canning lids. (This is a total of 300 lids and 600 gaskets.) This prize is courtesy of Harvest Guard (a $270 value)
  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 $935,000 worth of prizes have been awarded since we started running this contest. In 2023, we polled blog readers, asking for suggested article topics. Please refer to that poll if you haven’t yet chosen an article topic. Round 116 ends on January 31st, so get busy writing and e-mail us your entry. 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.

 

SurvivalBlog Writing Contest

Today we present another entry for Round 116 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The prizes for this round include:

First Prize:

  1. 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.
  2. 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),
  3. A Peak Refuel “Wasatch Pack” variety of 60 servings of premium freeze-dried breakfasts and dinners in individual meal pouches — a whopping 21,970 calories, all made and packaged in the USA — courtesy of Ready Made Resources (a $350 value),
  4. 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.
  5. HSM Ammunition in Montana is providing a $250 gift certificate. The certificate can be used for any of their products.

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 www.TOUGHGRID.com (a $240 value).
  3. A Laptop EMP Shield and a Smartphone Faraday Bag (a combined value of $200), courtesy of MobileSecSolutions.com.
  4. Two sets of The Civil Defense Manual, (in two volumes) — a $193 value — kindly donated by the author, Jack Lawson.
  5. 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. Three sets each of made-in-USA regular and wide-mouth reusable canning lids. (This is a total of 300 lids and 600 gaskets.) This prize is courtesy of Harvest Guard (a $270 value)
  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 $935,000 worth of prizes have been awarded since we started running this contest. In 2023, we polled blog readers, asking for suggested article topics. Please refer to that poll if you haven’t yet chosen an article topic. Round 116 ends on January 31st, so get busy writing and e-mail us your entry. 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.

 

Prescription Drug Preparedness – Part 1, by Rural Pharmacist

I am a registered pharmacist licensed in both an American Redoubt state and a state in the Ozarks. I own my pharmacy in a small town in a rural area. I have had many discussions with patients about larger than normal supplies, rotating stock, ‘vacation supplies’ and various ways to accumulate a stockpile of prescription medicines. The content in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional medical advice.

Having your personal pharmacist on board with your prepping list of medications, is probably the cheapest way to accumulate a stockpile. I have compared prices at JASE Medical and HoneyBee Pharmacy which both have been mentioned in previous SurvivalBlog articles on stocking up, and both charge more than I would. Your options are limited if your doctor or your pharmacist won’t cooperate. These online firms do give you a choice. If just your doctor won’t cooperate, then check the tele-health doctors via the Internet in your state. After Covid-19 many of these tele-health doctors are still available to consult with and send prescriptions to your pharmacy. I would ask for a year supply, especially on the cheaper generics that you are taking regularly, see if they can be dispensed in the original unopened bottle with the expiration date showing.

Your goals and future dictate what to stock. If you are a health-care professional teaming up with other health-care professionals to provide a mini-clinic after the ‘crunch’, your goals will be different than a family of 4 just trying to secure the basics. In a previous article the author mentions the book “Wilderness Medicine” by Dr. William Forgey but did not elaborate on his suggestions for Over-The-Counter (OTC) and prescription (Rx) medicines to have available. Continue reading“Prescription Drug Preparedness – Part 1, by Rural Pharmacist”

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 located in the American Redoubt region that are of interest to preppers and survivalists. Today, news of more Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) cases.  (See the Montana and Washington sections.)

Idaho

Jury issues decision in defamation trial centered on comments made to East Idaho News.

o  o  o

Avian Influenza confirmed in Treasure Valley, testing being done in CJ Strike area.

o  o  o

Coeur d’Alene Police: Snowman who hugged teenager not a threat to the community.

Continue reading“SurvivalBlog’s News From The American Redoubt”

The Editors’ Quote of the Day:

“Pa did not like a country so old and worn out that the hunting was poor. He wanted to go west. For two years he had wanted to go west and take a homestead, but Ma did not want to leave the settled country.” – Laura Ingalls Wilder

Preparedness Notes for Monday — December 23, 2024

December 23, 1788: Maryland voted to cede a 10 square mile area for the District of Columbia.

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December 23, 1907: The first all-steel passenger railroad coach was completed by the Pullman Company, in Altoona, Pennsylvania.

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Today’s featured article was written by SurvivalBlog staffer Tom Christianson.

—

We are seeking entries for Round 116 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. More than $935,000 worth of prizes have been awarded since we started running this contest. In 2023, we polled blog readers, asking for suggested article topics. Please refer to that poll if you haven’t yet chosen an article topic. Round 116 ends on January 31st, so get busy writing and e-mail us your entry. 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.

Winchester Model 190, by Thomas Christianson

A very popular firearm of half a century ago, the Winchester Model 190 is a tube-fed, semiautomatic, .22 rimfire rifle that is no longer in production. It was manufactured from 1967 to 1980 in New Haven, Connecticut. Altogether 2,171,263 of the rifles were made, including the 290 version which had a Monte Carlo stock. I am not sure if this number includes the models that were sold by Sears as the Ted Williams Model 3T.

The Model 190 has a 20-inch barrel, a cross-bolt safety at the front of the trigger guard, and a two-part beech stock.

The barrel of the rifle that I tested is stamped to indicate that the rifle is chambered for .22L and .22LR. Many owners indicate that the rifle will also reliably cycle .22 Shorts if kept clean enough.

Although generally not quite as accurate as some more modern production rifles, the Model 190 is more than accurate enough for pest control, small game hunting, and similar tasks. It is also great for training, and is fun to shoot.Continue reading“Winchester Model 190, by Thomas Christianson”

Recipe of the Week: Old-Fashioned Sausage Stuffing

The following recipe for Old-Fashioned Sausage Stuffing is from SurvivalBlog reader R.E..

Ingredients
  • 1 pound mild pork sausage
  • 2 cups chopped celery
  • 1 cup chopped onion
  • 1 cup milk
  • 7 cups dry bread cubes, coarse
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt or salt to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Directions
  1. Preheat oven to 350°. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook and crumble sausage until it is no longer pink, 6-7 minutes. Drain sausage, reserving 2 teaspoons drippings; set sausage aside. In same skillet, cook and stir celery and onion in reserved drippings over medium heat until celery is tender-crips and onions are translucent, 3-4 minutes.
  2. Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, heat milk over medium heat until bubbles form around the sides of pan. In a large bowl, combine sausage, celery mixture, milk, bread cubes, eggs, parsley, salt and pepper.
  3. Transfer to a greased 2-qt. baking dish. Cover and bake until lightly browned, about 40 minutes.
SERVING

You can add more parsley as a garnish, just before serving, if you’d like.

—

Do you have a well-tested recipe that would be of interest to SurvivalBlog readers? In this weekly 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!

SurvivalBlog Graphic of the Week

Today’s graphic: Population growth and decline since April, 2020, by state.  (Graphic courtesy of Reddit.)

The thumbnail below is 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.

Preparedness Notes for Sunday — December 22, 2024

December 22, 1790: The supposedly impenetrable Turkish fortress of Izmail was stormed and captured by Suvorov and his Russian armies during the Russo-Turkish War (1787–1792).

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The December 22, 1989 Cold Wave: Recorded temperatures included: -6°F in Tulsa, Oklahoma; -12°F in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; -18°F in Denver, Colorado; -23°F in Kansas City, Missouri; -42°F in Scottsbluff, Nebraska; -47°F in Hardin, Montana; and -60°F in Black Hills, South Dakota.

—

SurvivalBlog Writing Contest

Today we present another entry for Round 116 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The prizes for this round include:

First Prize:

  1. 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.
  2. 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),
  3. A Peak Refuel “Wasatch Pack” variety of 60 servings of premium freeze-dried breakfasts and dinners in individual meal pouches — a whopping 21,970 calories, all made and packaged in the USA — courtesy of Ready Made Resources (a $350 value),
  4. 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.
  5. HSM Ammunition in Montana is providing a $250 gift certificate. The certificate can be used for any of their products.

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 www.TOUGHGRID.com (a $240 value).
  3. A Laptop EMP Shield and a Smartphone Faraday Bag (a combined value of $200), courtesy of MobileSecSolutions.com.
  4. Two sets of The Civil Defense Manual, (in two volumes) — a $193 value — kindly donated by the author, Jack Lawson.
  5. 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. Three sets each of made-in-USA regular and wide-mouth reusable canning lids. (This is a total of 300 lids and 600 gaskets.) This prize is courtesy of Harvest Guard (a $270 value)
  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 $935,000 worth of prizes have been awarded since we started running this contest. In 2023, we polled blog readers, asking for suggested article topics. Please refer to that poll if you haven’t yet chosen an article topic. Round 116 ends on January 31st, so get busy writing and e-mail us your entry. 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.

 

Reloading for the 1891 Argentine Mauser – Part 6, by Tunnel Rabbit

(Continued from Part 5.  This concludes the article.)

The 6.5×55 Performance Standard

A modern heavy for caliber bullet that is soft in construction and has a very high ballistic coefficient is the smarter way to compensate for modest velocities. The 6.5x55mm Swedish Mauser cartridge is emblematic if not iconic for sedate velocities yet flat trajectories and spectacular accuracy at ranges that can exceed 1,400 yards. A high ballistic coefficient allows a bullet to retain its momentum and buck the wind far better than most higher powder cartridges and it does this at pressure suitable for most antique actions.

Beyond 100 yards the very high ballistic coefficient of heavy-for-caliber projectiles for the old Model 1896 6.5×55, namely the 140-grain bullets, will outperform 7.62 NATO at extended ranges in all regards. And this is the reason, its offspring with similar genetics and performance, the 6.5 Creedmore became widely and wildly popular. For us old and long-time admirers of the M96 Swedish rifle and 6.5×55 cartridge, we can gloat and say: “We told you so.” But it can only perform this feat with 24 to 29-inch barrels. We can greatly improve the trajectories of .308 projectiles using both very long 29 inch barrels and with very high ballistic coefficient of either light or heavy-for-caliber bullets. For .308 barrels, the 178 grain Hornady ELD-M or Speer 180grain BTSP is the best choice. For barrels that are less than 24 inches long, the Hornady 155 grain Amax is a better choice.Continue reading“Reloading for the 1891 Argentine Mauser – Part 6, by Tunnel Rabbit”

JWR’s Meme Of The Week:

The latest meme created by JWR:

Meme Text:

The House Continuing Resolution:

“Oh, But You’re Also Getting a Hefty Pay Raise!”

News Links:

Notes From JWR: Do you have a meme idea? Just e-mail me the concept, and I’ll try to assemble it. And if it is posted then I’ll give you credit. Thanks!

Permission to repost memes that I’ve created is granted, provided that credit to SurvivalBlog.com is included.

 

The Editors’ Quote of the Day:

“Let brotherly love continue.

Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.

Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.

Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.

Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.

Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.” – Hebrews 13:1-8 (KJV)

Preparedness Notes for Saturday — December 21, 2024

The Winter Solstice has finally arrived. Those of us who are gardeners can now look forward to longer days and a Spring planting date.  Patience, folks!

—

On December 21, 1784, John Jay became acting US Secretary of State. He served in that office from 1789 to 1790.

—

SurvivalBlog Writing Contest

Today we present another entry for Round 116 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The prizes for this round include:

First Prize:

  1. 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.
  2. 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),
  3. A Peak Refuel “Wasatch Pack” variety of 60 servings of premium freeze-dried breakfasts and dinners in individual meal pouches — a whopping 21,970 calories, all made and packaged in the USA — courtesy of Ready Made Resources (a $350 value),
  4. 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.
  5. HSM Ammunition in Montana is providing a $250 gift certificate. The certificate can be used for any of their products.

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 www.TOUGHGRID.com (a $240 value).
  3. A Laptop EMP Shield and a Smartphone Faraday Bag (a combined value of $200), courtesy of MobileSecSolutions.com.
  4. Two sets of The Civil Defense Manual, (in two volumes) — a $193 value — kindly donated by the author, Jack Lawson.
  5. 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. Three sets each of made-in-USA regular and wide-mouth reusable canning lids. (This is a total of 300 lids and 600 gaskets.) This prize is courtesy of Harvest Guard (a $270 value)
  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 $935,000 worth of prizes have been awarded since we started running this contest. In 2023, we polled blog readers, asking for suggested article topics. Please refer to that poll if you haven’t yet chosen an article topic. Round 116 ends on January 31st, so get busy writing and e-mail us your entry. 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.