Odds ‘n Sods:

Several readers sent this: video link to a Fox News story: Over 100 MILLION Guns Sold in US Since Obama Became President of United States

JWR’s Comment: That is a stunning figure. I’d say that is roughly one firearm for every adult in the United States. Thanks Obama, you are the Gun Salesman of the Century!

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“We Just Can’t Seem to Pinpoint the Problem”, says Obama so let’s bring in 180,000 more. Are we crazy?

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This smart car seems to have tattled on its driver While it’s difficult to be upset with how the car’s software interpreted the situation and responded, it is almost scary to think how much information we willingly give to “smart devices” with so little thought on how it can be used.

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SurvivalBlog reader SDS sent in a link to an interesting interactive map showing where the violent gun related crime occurs. (OPSEC Warning: it does require you to enter a location to view the map. However, any location will do, then you can pan and zoom the map to your area.

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Reader T.P. sent in the link to this fascinating 7 minute video showing AK-47 steel mags being built in Bosnia and Herzgovina.

Notes for Tuesday – December 08, 2015

Today, we present another entry for Round 62 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The nearly $12,000 worth of prizes for this round include:

First Prize:

  1. A Tactical Self-Contained 2-Series Solar Power Generator system from Always Empowered. This compact starter power system is packaged in a wheeled O.D. green EMP-shielded Pelican hard case (a $1,700 value),
  2. A Gunsite Academy Three Day Course Certificate that is good for any one, two, or three day course (a $1,195 value),
  3. A course certificate from onPoint Tactical 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 $795,
  4. DRD Tactical is providing a 5.56 NATO QD Billet upper with a hammer forged, chromlined barrel and a hard case to go with your own AR lower. It will allow any standard AR type rifle to have quick change barrel, which can be assembled in less than one minute without the use of any tools and a compact carry capability in a hard case or 3-day pack (an $1,100 value),
  5. Gun Mag Warehouse is providing 20 Magpul pmags 30-rd Magazines (a value of $300) and a Gun Mag Warehouse T-Shirt; (an equivalent prize will be awarded for residents in states with magazine restrictions),
  6. Two cases of Mountain House freeze dried assorted entrees in #10 cans, courtesy of Ready Made Resources (a $350 value),
  7. The Ark Institute is donating a non-GMO, non-hybrid vegetable seed package (enough for two families of four) plus seed storage materials, a CD-ROM of Geri Guidetti’s book “Build Your Ark! How to Prepare for Self Reliance in Uncertain Times”, and two bottles of Potassium Iodate (a $325 retail value),
  8. A $250 gift certificate from Sunflower Ammo,
  9. KellyKettleUSA.com is donating both an AquaBrick water filtration kit and a Stainless Medium Scout Kelly Kettle Complete Kit with a combined retail value of $304, and
  10. Two cases of meals, Ready to Eat (MREs), courtesy of CampingSurvival.com (a $180 value).

Second Prize:

  1. A Glock form factor SIRT laser training pistol and a SIRT AR-15/M4 Laser Training Bolt, courtesy of Next Level Training, which have a combined retail value of $589,
  2. A FloJak EarthStraw “Code Red” 100-foot well pump system (a $500 value), courtesy of FloJak.com,
  3. A transferable certificate for a two-day Ultimate Bug Out Course from Florida Firearms Training (a $400 value),
  4. A Model 175 Series Solar Generator provided by Quantum Harvest LLC (a $439 value),
  5. A Trekker IV™ Four-Person Emergency Kit from Emergency Essentials (a $250 value),
  6. Twenty-five books, of the winners choice, of any books published by PrepperPress.com (a $270 value),
  7. A pre-selected assortment of military surplus gear from CJL Enterprize (a $300 value),
  8. RepackBox is providing a $300 gift certificate to their site, and
  9. Safecastle is providing a package of 10 LifeStraws (a $200 value)

Third Prize:

  1. A Royal Berkey water filter, courtesy of Directive 21 (a $275 value),
  2. A $245 gift certificate from custom knifemaker Jon Kelly Designs, of Eureka, Montana,
  3. A large handmade clothes drying rack, a washboard, and a Homesteading for Beginners DVD, all courtesy of The Homestead Store, with a combined value of $206,
  4. Expanded sets of both washable feminine pads and liners, donated by Naturally Cozy (a $185 retail value),
  5. Two Super Survival Pack seed collections, a $150 value, courtesy of Seed for Security, LLC,
  6. Mayflower Trading is donating a $200 gift certificate for homesteading appliances,
  7. APEX Gun Parts is donating a $250 purchase credit,
  8. Montie Gear is donating a Precision Rest (a $249 value), and
  9. 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).

Round 61 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.

Developing a Communications Plan for Your Group, by N.M.

I’ve been a Ham for almost 20 years and held an Extra class for about the last 15 years. I’ve been involved in public safety communications for over 10 years and developed communications plans for a large number of public safety as well as public service events. I’ve developed numerous emergency response exercises, including exercises specifically designed to test and evaluate communications procedures, plans, and systems. I’ve written prior articles for SurvivalBlog on the different communications systems that are available and how to obtain your Amateur Radio license. This article will step you through developing and exercising a communications plan for your preparedness group.

Trigger Points

First, your group should identify “trigger points”, which are events that will cause you to start moving personnel and equipment to a predetermined location or checking equipment, like generators, topping off rechargeable batteries, et cetera. Most SHTF events will have some warning signs. You should identify levels, such as perhaps a “prepare” level at which time you:

  • begin to assemble any items that may need to be moved to your group’s primary location, making sure your vehicles and any spare cans are full of fuel,
  • pull all the cash you can out of your bank account,
  • test various communications methods, and so forth.

There could be a secondary level before you go into full blown activation. The best way to list/show these is a simple table with three columns, headed with a level name. Underneath each, provide a description of the trigger events and actions that need to be taken. You can add an additional column that would include a code word or phrase to indicate the level. A phrase that could be passed in a normal conversation is much better than a single code word, i.e., “We’re having a cookout at Bill’s tonight” can be part of a conversation and is less likely to be understood as a “secret message” than a code word like “wolverine”.

Assessment

You need to make an assessment of all the communications means available to you. While most people work on the assumption that cell phones and land lines will not be available when SHTF, they may be available in the early stages of an event. Cell phones and land lines should be your first line of communication; you do not want to communicate your preparedness “alert” over a radio. Remember that you cannot legally pass any type of communication over Amateur Radio (Ham) frequencies that is intended to disguise the meaning; so you can’t call each other and say “wolverine”. Land line and cell phones, and particularly text messaging, are a more secure way to pass a code word or phrase. In most emergency/disaster situations, cell towers may be flooded with people trying to make a call, but text messages will usually get through. Your plan should include a method to confirm that the message has been received. An “old” technology but very useful one is a pager, but cost and availability may be an issue.

Phone Tree

Develop a phone tree, where one person calls two people, who then call two more. Develop the tree so there is overlap, so in the event that one person can’t be reached the people who they would normally call are called by someone else. Develop a priority order based on things such as the distance someone might need to travel, so the further away they are the earlier they get called. With texting, it is possible for one person to send a text to multiple people. Again, make sure your plan calls for an acknowledgement that the message was received.

Another “technology” tool is some of the push-to-talk applications for cell phones, such as Zello. You can create a group channel in many of these applications that is password protected, so you only let in members of your group. These applications use the digital channel side of the cell phones so may work even if you cannot make a cell call. This should probably be next in your communications plan (CommsPlan), as it is more secure than Amateur Radio frequencies.

Repeaters

Your next line of communications, once cell service is no longer available, is the radio. Develop a list of frequencies that are available to you, and make sure you consider the limitations of each. Assuming that most members of your group are local, say within 50 miles, you should list all Amateur Repeaters that may be available. One way to do this is create a spreadsheet of repeaters in your area. Use resources such as www.repeaterdirectory.com or www.artscripub.com, and publications such as the ARRL Repeater Directory. Bear in mind that those resources are as only as accurate as people who supply and update the information. Some Amateur Radio frequency coordination groups also maintain a list of repeaters they have coordinated. Also, search for local clubs’ web sites, as they will list any repeaters they maintain. Consider repeaters that have less traffic on them, especially 220mHz repeaters; these tend to have very few Hams on them. Next, determine which ones you can reach with your home radio and external antenna, with your hand held from both home and work, and with your mobile radio from likely places that you might be. Make a column in your spreadsheet for each location and radio (hand held and/or mobile, et cetera). Have each person complete the spreadsheet and then combine the results. While wide-area coverage repeaters and linked repeater systems will allow you to keep in touch, remember that you are allowing a large number of people to possibly hear your plan or activities, and that’s something you don’t want to do especially in the early stages of an event.

If you can locate a copy of any local Amateur Radio Emergency Services (ARES) plan you will be able to determine which repeaters they have identified for emergency events. You should, if possible, avoid using those repeaters.

In addition to Amateur repeaters, you may also have GMRS repeaters in your area. Sometimes they are listed on http://www.mygmrs.com/ and/or www.artscripub.com. However, there are many that are not listed. You can set your scanner or radio up to scan the GMRS repeater frequencies in your area to see if there is any activity. If you have GMRS licenses, you could contact the repeater owner and obtain permission for your group to use the repeater. This might entail a small contribution, but there may be very few people on the repeater, certainly less than on an Amateur repeater. If you have a suitable site and you have the money and expertise, you may consider setting up your own GMRS repeater. Even if you do, remember that it is not secure; anyone can listen in to what you are saying. The rules about disguising your message that apply to the Amateur Radio service also apply to the GMRS service. GMRS rules can be found in Part 95, Subpart A at https://www.fcc.gov/encyclopedia/rules-regulations-title-47

Simplex

You should also identify any simplex frequencies that may reach between various locations. This should include MURS, FRS, and GMRS frequencies. (For a full explanation of these services, see the article https://survivalblog.com/communications-for-when-shtf-by-n-m/ .) Remember that you do need a license to transmit on the GMRS frequencies. (Note: the FCC has reduced the license fee for GMRS to $65 for five years.) Also remember that if you use FRS frequencies the power limit is ½ watt, which will not travel far but are ideal for local, “tactical” comms. However, a lot of people have FRS radios, and there could be a lot of people listening or interference.

Create a spread sheet with your group’s members in the left column, starting in row two. Copy and paste these names into row 1, starting at column B. You should then have a matrix. Create a duplicate matrix for each band and/or frequency that you plan to test. Don’t forget 6-meters and 10-meters FM (a General class license is required for the FM portion of 10-meters), as well as any SSB frequencies you have privileges on (another very good reason to at least get a General class license). Each member then sees who they can contact on the different simplex frequencies, placing an “X” in the appropriate row that corresponds to their name and column of the person they contact. You then collect these sheets and merge the results.

There are now several quad band radios on the market for under $300 that, in addition to amateur 2 meter (VHF) and 70cm (UHF) capabilities, also have 10 meter and 6 meter FM capabilities (such as the mobile TYT TH-9800. The only current hand held with 6 meters is the Yaesu VX-8DR (2 meter, 70cm, 1¼ meter & 6 meter).

This opens up the possibility of using simplex frequencies on these bands, and there is a high degree of probability that there will be very few people on those frequencies. Search for your local Ham frequency coordination group, and they usually publish a list of agreed FM simplex frequencies for their region. Note: Make sure that you are operating within the restrictions of your Ham license; a Technician can use 6-meters but not 10-meter voice. This is another reason why you should encourage everyone in your group to obtain at least a General class license. I will hazard to guess that you find that you would be the only people using 6 meter and certainly 10-meter, FM simplex in your area.

Another band that has very few Hams on is the 1¼ meter (220mHz) band. Even 1¼ meter repeaters have very few users on, especially if it is not linked to a 2 meter or 70cm repeater. There are several radios that are dual or tri-band with 220mHz in. Those are the the tri-band Kenwood TH-F6A with full power on 220mHz, the Yaesu VX-6R and VX-8DR (but only 1 or 1½ watts on 220mHz), and the dual band Baofeng UV-82X (2-meter and 220mHz). Alinco makes the DR-V47T which is single band 220mHz.

There are a couple of considerations, when you are purchasing radios. If you have a lot of repeaters or frequencies you plan to have in your radio, look at the memory capacity of the radios. Many of the entry level radios, such as Baofeng, only have about 128 memories, so other brands, such as Wouxun, have some nice models, such as the UV8D, with 999 memories for a reasonable price. You can quickly fill these with repeaters, FRS, MURS and GMRS frequencies. Ideally you don’t want to have to try and program a repeater or simplex frequency into your radio from the keypad in an emergency situation. The Yaesu FT-60 (http://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/ht/0060.html) has over 1,000 memories and is a very sturdy radio.

Another consideration is mobile versus portable (hand held). I understand that most new Hams buy a hand held as their first radio. However, a mobile is going to give you more power (usually 50 watts) and a better antenna. Most dual band (2m/70cm) mobile radios are going to run you around $300-$350. The TYT TH-9800 referenced above gives you four bands and 800 memory channels. A good site to compare radios and features at is Universal Radio.

Once you combine the results of your tests, you will be able to determine which repeaters will reach most or all members of your groups most of the time. List several repeaters in your plan based on priority. You should list at least four or five as well as any simplex frequencies that will reach between various locations and for tactical comms. List the frequencies as primary, secondary, tertiary, et cetera. If you have the memory space in your radio, you might add all the repeaters and simplex frequencies into your radio.

Create a “cheat sheet” with the frequencies that are programmed in your radio and their memory location for quick selection. You should also create a cheat sheet of any other frequencies, such as FRS/GMRS, et cetera, that you could use. Make these pocket sized, and laminate them.

Your comms plan should include authentication code words as well as identify the frequencies by different designators, such as a name or number. These would only be used when in a SHTF situation. An excellent manual on authentication and some sample formats is the Signals Handbook found at http://citizenmilitem.com/.

Exercise Your Plan

It is important that you practice. Practice adding frequencies from the keypad of your radio; become familiar with your radio(s). Practice talking on your radio!!! Get on repeaters and have regular conversations with not only the people in your group but other Hams too. Get on regular nets, and learn how they operate. Practice with written traffic, find a local traffic net, and practice receiving and sending written messages, this is invaluable if you have to relay messages. Help with public service events. Probably most important is to practice with your group. Have a regular time you get on a simplex, if you can all reach each other, or on a repeater and have an informal net with everyone.

By regularly practicing your plan, you will discover any problems with it, such as a repeater being off the air. Revise your plan as needed so it is always current. A good group practice is to have a primary and secondary person responsible for your comms. These people should be able to provide training to the others in your group; ideally, at least one has an Extra class license but at least General. In the event that SHTF, you should add codewords and an authentication procedure to your plan and change these on a regular basis but at least every 30 days.

References

Beal, Ronald. “Signals Handbook for Small Teams.” 2015. http://citizenmilitem.com/. June 2015.

Culper, Samuel. Security; A Primer for Freedom Fighters. Forward ObserverPress, 2013.

Federal Communications Commission, General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) Rules. https://www.fcc.gov/encyclopedia/general-mobile-radio-service-gmrs. n.d. September 2015.

Hogwood, Charley. The Survival Group Handbook; How To Plan, Organize and Lead People In A Short Or Long Term Survival Situation. Personal Readiness Education Programs, LLC, 2014.

Letter Re: Pat Cascio’s VP-9 review

Pat,

While most of us who have had some experience with the VP9 agree that it is a reliable and affordable pistol we also have found that the trigger guard has a groove in it that will really mess up your finger from friction if you shoot it a lot. One guy I know loves the gun so much he has altered the trigger guard a bit to mitigate this problem. – M.

News From The American Redoubt:

Police ID person of interest in murders of mom, son who found 25-pound gold bar – RBS

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Billings Montana: Avalanche course offered on Thursday – Covers topics like companion recover, travel protocols and trip planning. Requires preregistration at BillingsParks.org.

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Idaho: More than 20 cars crash on Highway 44

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12 states from Wyoming to Michigan are under a winter weather alert this evening. Check your preps and if you have to travel, make sure your preps include your vehicles. Stay safe!

Economics and Investing:

Peter Schiff Warns: “The Whole Economy Has Imploded… Collapse Is Coming” – Link sent in by B.B.

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First GM China-Made Import to U.S. Scheduled to Begin Sale in 2016 – RBS

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Items from Professor Preponomics:

U.S. News

Beleagured Wal-Mart Sues Broke Puerto Rico (Zero Hedge) Article Quote: “It’s always amusing when unforeseen circumstances conspire to bring two previously disparate stories together in one hilarious boondoggle.”

No, “Big Data” Can’t Predict the Future (Mises Institute) Article Quote and a Thought: “In the social sciences we’re dealing with complex phenomena. Action and, especially, its outcome is the result of a complex system of social interaction, psychology, and much more.” …and hence the reason that economics is, at once, so important and so challenging.

GE Terminates Deal with Electrolux After Anti-Trust Hurdles(Market Watch) Notes: Given all the recent news of mergers and acquisitions, we may see a lot more conversation as well about antitrust economics. Reader Resource: Antitrust: The Concise Encyclopedia of Economics (Fred McChesney)

It’s Time for the Federal Reserve to Give Back Taxpayer Dollars (New York Post) Article Quote: “In addition to the Fed’s surplus account, it has been lining the pockets of banks by paying above-market dividends to them each year.”

Fed Made Choices Designed to Keep Employment Low (Washington Examiner) Commentary: An interesting statement by the outgoing president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis. It calls on us to engage more deeply in conversation about the degree to which our economy should be controlled by policymakers (no matter how well-intentioned) rather than by free market capitalism.

International News

Finland Wants to Give All Citizens, Rich or Poor, a Monthly Payment (Christian Science Monitor)

The Middle East’s Two Great Powers are Heading for a Showdown Over Oil Prices (Business Insider) Spoiler Alert: This is a story of economic rivalry, the pursuit of power and oil.

ECB Lowered Stimulus Ambitions After Hitting Opposition Sources Say (Reuters) Article Quote: “Draghi raised expectations too high, on purpose, and attempted to paint the Governing Council into a corner,” the source said.”

Italy’s Economy Slows Making Return to Sustainable Growth Harder (Bloomberg)

Personal Economics and Household Finance

Why the Holidays Make Us Dumb About Spending (Reuters)

FTC: Financial Readiness is as Critical as Fully Charged Batteries (FTC) Suggestions: From a household inventory to a fireproof file box, this resource provides excellent suggestions for ways to prepare and organize financial records in case of emergency.

Odds ‘n Sods:

President BHO gave a speech on December 6th in which he, among other things, urged enactment of controls on civilian-owned battle rifles. He also mentioned expanding the National “No-Fly” List into a “No-Buy” list for firearms purchases. Since the DHS administrative secret persona non grata list has no proper remedy, redress, or recourse under law, and because it is chronically plagued by thousands of “wrongly matched” false positive names that have already cost tremendous undue suffering, this is an exceptionally bad idea. Thusfar, the expected torrent of new Executive Orders implementing BHO’s plans has not yet been unleashed. Perhaps this was because he didn’t want to issue them on Pearl Harbor Day. That might prove embarrassing. – JWR

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This sheriff has the right idea, though the phrase “legally licensed to carry a firearm” is troubling. Perhaps Florida residents should get that pesky “open carry” situation resolved so that phrase can be stricken from conversation. ‘Let There Be No Mistake in What I’m About to Say’: Watch Sheriff’s Blunt Message to Gun Owners Amid Terror Threat

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A translation of a sobering message from an Egyptian woman: A Warning To The West: A Voice From The Heart Of The Islamic World – Sent in by B.B.

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An interesting discovery on disposal of plastics – Mealworms Can Happily And Safely Eat Styrofoam (Chickens love mealworms!)

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Congress Orders IRS To Use Private Debt Collection Companies – Sent in by PLC

Hugh’s Quote of the Day:

“Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.” –Ronald Reagan

Notes for Monday – December 07, 2015

On a Sunday morning, 74 years ago, America was caught sleeping. Then there was that September morning, in 2001. Let’s pray that nothing like those days ever happens again. – JWR

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Ready Made Resources is having a special on the ITT Pinnacle 3rd Gen upgraded PVS-14 Autogated for $3149.00. Included in the package is:

  • Shipping ($50 value)
  • Weapons Mount ($99 value)
  • Shuttered Eye Relief ($40 value)
  • 2 Boxes of infrared chemical lights ($70 value)
  • Surface Trip Flare for the chem lights ($35 value)
  • 10 year warranty

They’ve been in business 20 years and a long time SurvivalBlog advertiser. Get it now because prices will be going up early next year.

Pat Cascio’s Product Review: H&K VP9

I’ve always been a big fan of H&K (Heckler & Koch) firearms, at least most of them. They’ve had a few that weren’t to my liking. One thing that most folks will agree on is that the price point on many H&K Products is very high, VERY high, and that scares away a lot of gun buyers– guys like me who are the average guy! I have to spend my hard-earned money very carefully. The H&K firearms I’ve owned in the past were all used ones. I couldn’t afford new guns from them.

Well, that is changing. H&K is listening to the gun consumer and have come out with some more reasonably priced handguns, without cutting corners. Enter the H&K VP9 – 9mm pistol. This is a striker-fired handgun, the first to come along from H&K in a very long time.

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When I spied the H&K VP9 at my local gun shop, I had to take a double take on the price of $629.00. WOW! I thought for sure it was a used gun, but it wasn’t. It was brand-new in the box. As already mentioned, the VP9 is a 9mm handgun, and they also have one in .40S&W, if that is more to your liking. The VP9 is 7.34 inches in length, 5.41 inches in height, 1.32 inchs wide, and the barrel is 4.09 inches long. The gun weighs 26.4 oz empty with a polymer frame, and it is striker-fired.

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In looking over the gun, I couldn’t help but notice that all the controls are ambidextrous. There’s no changing anything from one side to the other; it’s full-time ambidestrous. The frame has Picatinny rails for mounting lights or lasers, and the barrel is cold hammer forged. The rear of the slide has slight protrusions, or “wings” if you will, for aiding in chambering a round. Your hand won’t slip off the slide. The trigger, oh boy, what a trigger pull the VP9 has. My trigger pull broke at a tad over 4 lbs, and it is a consistent trigger pull. There is no pre-travel, where the trigger pull starts to get heavier. Nope, it is consistent and may just be one of the best trigger pulls on any polymer framed, striker-fired handgun. It is “that” good! The 9mm version comes with two magazines, and they hold 15 rounds each.

Now, as to H&K magazines, they have always been a pain to track down. Even H&K didn’t have any spares; I checked. I finally tracked some down, but they were $44 each. OUCH! However, that’s a given with H&K mags. It’s one of the draw backs; they charge a LOT for their mags.

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Now, one of the best features about the VP9 is the modularity of the gun. It comes with a total of three different sizes of back straps, which are easy to change out. Plus, there are three different sizes of grip panels– three for each side of the grip frame. If there is a more modular handgun on the market, I don’t know where it can be found. With the combination of the different sized back straps and the side panels, you can make the VP9 fit any sized hand, and I played around with this aspect of the gun a lot. I never thought about putting different sized grip panels on it at first. However, during my playtime, I discovered that I could really make the gun fit my hand perfectly by putting one sized grip panel on one side of the gun and a totally different sized grip panel on the opposite side. I was blown away!

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I found that a slightly larger grip panel on the right side of the gun really made it fill my hand, while keeping a slightly thinner grip panel on the left side of the gun. For the back strap, I used the smallest one. It worked perfectly for me, just perfectly! The trigger reach wasn’t a problem at all, and the full-time ambi mag release that you have to press down instead of into the side of the frame worked well by using the trigger finger, instead of the finger on the opposite hand. It takes a little practice to get used to this magazine release set-up, but it is very fast.

You can also see and feel when the striker is cocked; it has a red tip, and it will stick out of the rear of the slide when it is cocked. The extractor is worth mentioning, too. It is massive, just MASSIVE. I don’t see any rounds sticking in the chamber when this hummer takes a bite on it.

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H&K, during their testing, ran more than 90,000 rounds through the octagonal barrel, with no wear to speak of. What’s not to like about this? You aren’t going to wear the barrel out in a lifetime of shooting, if you’re an average shooter. H&K says that they used the same steel in the VP9 barrel as they use on cannons!

Regarding the sights, you can get night sights for a bit more money. The gun retails for $719.99 with the glow in the dark sights that you have to charge with a bright light. However, in my testing, I found that I only needed to charge these sights every couple three or four hours. They really stood out when fully charged, too. If you’re a police officer or in the military, it’s not a big deal to take the gun out of your holster once or twice during a shift to recharge the sights. If you find it a problem, then go with the night sights for a bit more money– about a hundred bucks more.

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The VP9 was very accurate. No groups were larger than three inches, and most groups were down there at about two inches. That is better than match-grade accuracy. I would have been very disappointed with H&K if this gun didn’t really show me some serious accuracy potential.

I fired more than 500 rds through the VP9 with zero malfunctions. I would have been surprised if the gun gave me any problems, because H&K firearms are know for their great reliability. From Buffalo Bore Ammunition, I had their 147-gr JHP Subsonic load, 147-gr Hard Cast FN +P Outdoorsmans load, 115-gr Barnes TAC-XP, all-copper hollow point +P+ fodder, and their 124-gr FMJ FN “Penetrator” +P+ load. From Black Hills Ammunition, I had their 115-gr FMJ load, 115-gr JHP +P, 124-gr JHP +P, and their 115-gr Barnes TAC XP all-copper hollow point +P loading. So, I had a great selection of ammo to run through the VP9. During my testing, I did mix different brands and bullet types in the magazines, which is always a great test as to how reliable a gun will feed. I had no problems at all.

All my firing for accuracy was done, as per my usual testing method, over a rolled-up sleeping bag, over the hood of my pickup truck. I don’t use anything like a Ranson Rest for my accuracy testing. You aren’t likely to have it with you during a gun fight, but you could possibly have a jacket with you that you could use as a rest, once you find some cover to get behind. The Black Hills 124-gr JHP +P load gave me the best groups, which were slightly over two inches at 25 yards, so long as I did my part. I did all my shooting during one day. Towards the end of the day, I was fatigued and getting groups in the 6-7 inch range; it was not the gun and not the ammo. It was me getting tired and careless after long strings of shooting. The Buffalo Bore 147-gr JHP Subsonic load came in a close second to the Black Hills load. I’ve found that many of the 147-gr Subsonic loads are capable of outstanding accuracy. Many police departments are going to JHP Subsonic 9mm loads these days for greater penetration, and the bullets still mushroom at the lower velocities, too. I’m still out on this one. I prefer 115-124 gr 9mm loads for self-defense. It’s just my personal opinion on this.

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I carried the VP9 in a ballistic nylon, 3-slot pancake holster from Blackhawk products for the better part of three weeks. I normally carry a test handgun for at least two weeks, but I loved the way the VP9 rode nice and high and snug against my body. I don’t especially like ballistic nylon holsters for everyday carry for one reason– after you draw your handgun, it is very difficult to reholster it one-handed, and you don’t want to take your eyes off of a potential threat to see if you are getting the gun back into the opening of the holster. I prefer leather or Kydex holster for this reason. Still, the VP9 rode nicely on my right hip.

I did like the “wings” on the rear of the slide. My hand just went to the rear of the slide and stopped when it hit the wings. This may not sound important to many people, but in my handgun classes, which I rarely give any longer, I’ve seen a number of people, when attempting to chamber a round, have their hand slip off the slide. There are also serrations on the sides of the slide for added gripping surface.

As you’ll notice in the pics of the night sights, they are slightly blurred. It is extremely difficult to get pics in low light with glowing sights; however, you can see how brightly they were shinning. They’re very easy to pick up on in low or no light conditions.

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The only “negative” about the VP9 I can mention is the cost of additional spare mags. At least the gun came with two magazines. If you live in one of “those” states, which only allow 10 rounds, you can get your VP9 setup that way. If you live in a state that only allows seven rounds, you are out of luck. There is no VP9 for you.

I was very impressed with the performance of the VP9. It never missed a beat during my testing, and I sure can’t complain about the accuracy. It was there, when I was on my game. The gun feels great in the hand, and if you can’t customize it to fit your hands, no other gun will fit either. Check one out at your local gun shop. I think you’ll be impressed with the fit, finish, and feel of the gun.

– Senior Product Review Editor, Pat Cascio

Recipe of the Week: Venison, Sausage, and Cabbage Soup, by OkieRanchWife

This is a hearty soup for the beginning of the Fall season, and it harkens back to the type of soups that my mother, grandmother, and even great grandmother would make. Grandmother, my Baba, and great grandmother cooked on a coal burning cook stove. I hope you like this as recipe as much as I do.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground venison, beef, bison or turkey
  • 7 oz link of your favorite sausage– smoked or Polish Kielbasa, thinly sliced in rounds
  • ¼ head of green cabbage, thinly sliced
  • 1 Tbsp unsalted butter
  • 4 cups cold water
  • 1 can (14 ozs) tomato sauce
  • 2 tsp whole caraway seeds (omit if you don’t like the taste)
  • 2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 – 3 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tsp smoked Hungarian paprika
  • 1 Tbsp garlic powder
  • Salt and Pepper, to taste

Directions:

  1. In a large, heavy bottom soup pot, brown the ground meat for about 5 minutes or until no longer pink.
  2. Remove from pot and drain the grease.
  3. In the same pot and over medium heat, add butter and allow to melt.
  4. Add sliced cabbage and a pinch of salt.
  5. Sauté cabbage until tender about 10-13 minutes.
  6. Add in the browned ground meat and sliced sausage.
  7. Heat and stir for about 5 minutes.
  8. Add the remaining ingredients.
  9. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
  10. Adjust the taste with more Worcestershire sauce and vinegar. (This should be a slightly sour soup.)
  11. Bring to a boil and reduce to simmer. Simmer for 30 minutes.

Enjoy with a dark brown or Russian Black bread or even a sourdough.

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Do you have a favorite recipe that would be of interest to SurvivalBlog readers? Please send it via e-mail. Thanks!

Letter Re: Captain America Is Coming For You!, by N.E.

HJL,

In his letter, N.E. refers to the fictional “Sons of the Serpents” from Marvel comics as right wing conservatives and puts the term “evil” in quotes as though they are not actually evil. They are clearly written in the comics as white supremacists. Let’s not help the Left blur that line any further. – Z.A.

HJL Responds: Another SurvivalBlog reader sent in a link that actually responds to this statement rather well. While Marvel indoctrinates our children by linking conservatives to hate groups, this article asks some hard hitting questions like these:

  • Where are Captain America’s missions with Joint Special Operations Command?
  • Why isn’t he working with Ranger-run task forces to take down individuals in the Haqqani Network?
  • Why have we never seen Captain America in Kandahar province, Afghanistan?
  • Why have we never seen Cap on a mission in the Sulaiman Mountains?
  • Why have we never seen Steve Rogers perform a HAHO (high-altitude, high-opening) jump into Abbotttabad, Pakistan?

When you produce products targeted for our children, you carry a moral obligation to use that influence for the betterment of society. Regardless of your opinion of war, how does picturing Captain America riding on a float in a Gay Pride Parade inspire moral and ethical behavior in line with God’s commandments?

Interestingly enough, the linked article contains a cross link to Captain America exists — and his name is Kyle Carpenter Now that is an inspiring story! There’s a young man who puts the lives of others before his own. That man is a hero in any sense of the word!

Economics and Investing:

Is OPEC Losing Influence? If one thing from the OPEC meeting becomes clear, it is that OPEC’s respect for a production ceiling does not exist anymore, the question rises whether OPEC is still able to regulate prices at all

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Items from Professor Preponomics:

U.S. News

How Much Does a Boeing 747 Cost? (24/7 WallSt) Notes: An interesting read and a little insight into both the increasing cost of commercial aircraft over time and aviation economics.

Non-Borrower Backed Mortgages? (Zero Hedge) Commentary: Taking into consideration the post-crash mortgage mind-set (and call for larger down payments and stricter lender guidelines), this is a strange turn indeed.

Congress Contemplating Massive Deficit Finance (Washington Examiner) Commentary: It’s curious that creating an environment of greater certainty (and stability) for taxpayers with respect to tax cuts is referred to as a “cost” to government. Perhaps the conversation should be recast such that government spending is referred to as a cost to taxpayers.

Barclays Plans Several Thousand More Job Cuts (Bloomberg)

Chicken of the Sea and Bumble Bee Tuna Abandon Merger Plans (CNS News) Notes: Assistant AG says further consolidation of the market would further reduce competition. This is an interesting development given the number of recent proposals for corporate mergers and acquisitions. Readers interested in this area of economic study might want to seek out more information on the subject of anti-trust economics.

International News

Greek Parliament Approves Austere Budget for 2016 (Reuters)

Venezuela is Spiraling Further Into Crisis Ahead of Elections: Economy May Contract 10% in the Coming Year (Washington Free Beacon) Commentary: Venezuela is confronting very difficult (even devastating) economic and political conditions with significant potential for adverse geo-political consequences.

Personal Economics and Household Finance

Grocery Stores Have Deployed Spy Tech to Get You to Spend More (Business Insider)

12 Ways to Save Money During the Holidays (The Daily Clutch)

6 Things that Help Me Stop Worrying about Money — Almost (Clark Howard) Suggestions: From a debt-free lifestyle and modest tastes to a financial plan with a shock absorber and more, these suggestions are well worth considering as we move through the holiday season and into the New Year.

Odds ‘n Sods:

The long-awaited Ghost Gunner automated milling machine is now in large scale production. These compact machines provide a means of completing “non-gun” 80%-complete aluminum alloy AR-15 receiver blanks into finished receivers, even for people who are not mechanically adept. There are plans to soon provide software that will allow the machines to also finish AR-10 receivers. I have heard that folks who were on the waiting list from 2014 are now receiving shipments of their Ghost Gunners. This venture was launched by Cody Wilson of Defense Distributed– the designer of the much-publicized 3D-Printed AR-15 lower. The cost of a Ghost Gunner is $1,500, starting with a $250 deposit to put yourself in the production queue. Every prepper group in the U.S. should acquire one of these mills! – JWR

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A repost of a relevant article on gun control

“Some have made the argument, bordering on the frivolous, that only those arms in existence in the 18th century are protected by the Second Amendment. We do not interpret constitutional rights that way. Just as the First Amendment protects modern forms of communications, e.g., Reno v. American Civil Liberties Union, 521 U. S. 844, 849 (1997), and the Fourth Amendment applies to modern forms of search, e.g., Kyllo v. United States, 533 U. S. 27, 35–36 (2001), the Second Amendment extends, prima facie, to all instruments that constitute bearable arms, even those that were not in existence at the time of the founding.”

– See more at Mike Williamson’s Blog

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I just heard about a great home-based business: Extreme Edge Custom Kydex. Their “automatic” sheaths for folding knives are amazing. – JWR

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I do not fear terror because I am redeemed, and I have been predestined to this war A different take on the irrelevance of the NYT editorial. As C.S. Lewis would say, the “deeper magic.” – Sent in by H.S.

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Finally, a university president calling it what it is: This is Not a Day Care. It’s a University! – Sent in by PLC