Odds ‘n Sods:

Troll culture has reached the border of free Michigan: Labor Day ‘Mackinac Bridge Walk’ will feature warrantless bag searches. (Thanks to F.G. for the link.)

   o o o

The Buzz on a Bumper Crop of Yellow Jackets. [JWR Adds: My readers throughout the Inland Northwest have confirmed my own local observations that this summer has been light on mosquitoes, but heavy on yellow jacket wasps and bald faced hornets. ]

   o o o

News from Nanny State Britannia: A knitting group said it was no longer allowed to meet at a library because its needles are “dangerous” and its members are too noisy. (Thanks to Andre D. for the link.)

   o o o

I see that Walther is still concentrating on what they’ve always done best: pocket pistols.

   o o o

Speaking of pocket rockets, most folks have already heard about the factory recall of Springfield 3.3 XD-S pistols in certain serial number ranges. (Thanks to Nick G. for the link.)

Jim’s Quote of the Day:

"Men cannot give a meaning to history that they themselves lack, nor can they honor a past which indicts them for their present failures." – R. J. Rushdoony (Biblical Philosophy of History, p. 135)

Notes from JWR:

September is the annual Kilted to Kick Cancer Month. That was a wise move guys, not picking January. (Brrrr!) September is of course also National Preparedness Month.

—

Today we present Part 4 of a four-part entry for Round 48 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The prizes for this round include:

First Prize: A.) Gunsite Academy Three Day Course Certificate, good for any one, two, or three course. (A $1,195 value.) B.) 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 $795, and C.) Two cases of Mountain House freeze dried assorted entrees in #10 cans, courtesy of Ready Made Resources. (A $350 value.) D.) a $300 gift certificate from CJL Enterprize, for any of their military surplus gear, E.) A 9-Tray Excalibur Food Dehydrator from Safecastle.com (a $300 value), F.) A $300 Gift Certificate from Freeze Dry Guy. G.) Two BirkSun.com photovoltaic backpacks (one Level, and one Atlas, both black), with a combined value of $275, H.) A $250 gift certificate from Sunflower Ammo. and I.) A roll of $10 face value in pre-1965 U.S. 90% silver quarters, courtesy of GoldAndSilverOnline.com. The current value of this roll is at least $225.

Second Prize: A.) A gift certificate worth $1,000, courtesy of Spec Ops Brand, B.) A Glock form factor SIRT laser training pistol and a SIRT AR-15/M4 Laser Training Bolt, courtesy of Next Level Training. Together, these have a retail value of $589. C.) A FloJak FP-50 stainless steel hand well pump (a $600 value), courtesy of FloJak.com. D.) $300 worth of ammo from Patriot Firearms and Munitions. (They also offer a 10% discount for all SurvivalBlog readers with coupon code SVB10P.), E.) A $250 gift card from Emergency Essentials F.) A full set of all 22 of the books published by PrepperPress.com. This is more than a $200 value, and G.) Two cases of Meals, Ready to Eat (MREs), courtesy of CampingSurvival.com (a $180 value).

Third Prize: A.) A Royal Berkey water filter, courtesy of Directive 21. (This filter system is a $275 value.), B.) 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, C.) Expanded sets of both washable feminine pads and liners, donated by Naturally Cozy. This is a $185 retail value, D.) A Commence Fire! emergency stove with three tinder refill kits. (A $160 value.), E.) Two Super Survival Pack seed collections, a $150 value, courtesy of Seed for Security., E.) A Tactical Trauma Bag #3 from JRH Enterprises (a $200 value).

Round 48 ends on September 30th 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.

Stuff Hitting the Fan: A Position Paper – Part 4, by R.L.




(This is the conclusion to the article series that began on Friday.)

Appendix A

The following is essentially a “wish” list; however the items that are in bold are relatively important.  The tools and medical areas would be for a complement for 1-10 people.  The sundries area covers a family of six.  The food area is for one person for one year, multiply (or divide) as you see fit.  There is extra food included for charitable impulses.  Coordinate purchases among the group if you plan to congregate.  I live in Georgia, so the clothing and supplies are tailored for that area; make modifications to the list to accommodate your particular AO or preferences.  The weapons list really is a bare minimum.  The anvil included in the lists is a clue that I plan on bugging in, rather than bugging out. (Bugging out, while it may become necessary, is just a fancy way of saying “refugee.”)

TOOLS           

Shovel, round point (2)                                     Shovel, square point                                   
spade                                                                                      Hoe (2)
Entrenching tool                                                            Machete                                                
Pick                                                                                    Mattock           
Wheelbarrow                                               
Post hole digger                                                           

Axe, double bit                                                            Axe, single bit
Hatchet, framing                                                            Chainsaw,
16″ bar                                                                   Chainsaw blades
Hard hat/face shield/ear muffs                        Peavey           
Log dogs (4)                                                            Froe
Steel wedges (6)                                                            Splitting maul                                               
Block and Tackle (2)                                                 Crowbar, large
Crowbar, small                                                            Pry bar, small                                   
pinch bar                                                                        Pulleys, large (6)                                   
Pulleys, medium (6)                                                Pulleys, small (6)                                   
Chain hoist                                                                        Chain, 30′                                   
Come-along                                               
           
12 lb sledge hammer                                                8 lb sledge hammer                                   
4 lb engineers hammer                                    4 lb cross peen hammer                       
40 oz ball peen hammer                                                40 oz straight peen hammer                       
40 oz ball peen hammer                                                32 oz cross peen hammer
24 oz framing hammer (2)                                    20 oz bricklayers hammer                       
16 oz nail hammer (4)                                                14 oz Mallet                                   
16 oz ball peen hammer                                    12 oz Warrington hammer                       
Tack hammer                                               

24″ Jointing plane                                                            12″ Jack plane                                               
9″ Smoothing plane                                                4″ block plane                                               
Compass plane                                                            Rabbet Plane                               
Radius plane                                                            Chamfer plane
                                               
Adze, large                                                                        Adze, small                                               
Broad axe                                                                        Draw knife                                               
#80 Scraper holder                                                Spoke shave (2)                                               
Scrapers (3)                                                            Wood chisels, 2″-1/4″                                   
Corner chisel, 1/2″                                                Corner chisel, 1/4″                                   
Framing Chisel, 1″                                                Framing Chisel, 2″                                   
Socket Slick, 2″                                   

10 tooth crosscut saw (2)                                    8 tooth crosscut saw                                   
5 tooth rip saw                                                            Hack saw (2)
Mini-hacksaw                                                            Dovetail saw                                               
Compass saw                                                            Keyhole saw                                               
Coping saw                                                                        Coping saw blades (50)                                   
Back saw                                                                        1-man timber saw                                   
12″ Bow/hack saw                                                12″ blades (20)                                                
30″ bow saw (3)                                                            30″ blades (20)                                               
Bow saw                                                                        Bow saw blades, Asst.
Frame saw            

Brace, large                                                             Brace, med                                               
Brace, corner                                                            Bits, 2″-1/4″                                               
Twist drill (2)                                                            Twist drills,  (2 sets)                                   
Brad point drills                                                            Screw starter bits                                   
                                                                       
Pencils, carpenter (40)                                    Pencils, regular (40)                                   
Chalk line            (2)                                                            Chalk, 1 gal                                               
Marking chisel                                               

Combination square                                                Compass                                               
Dividers                                                                        Framing square                                   
Speed square                                                            Plumb bob, brass (2)                       
25′ tape (3)                                                            100′ tape                                               
Folding rule                                                             4′ level                                               
2′ level                                                                        Torpedo level                                               
Line level (2)                                                            Water level                                               
           
Pipe clamps, 6′ (8)                                                C-clamps, Asst. sizes (20)                       
Wood vise, 12″ (3)                                                Hold downs (7)
Work bench                                                            Shaving Horse                                   

cat’s claw                                                                        nail belt, leather
nail belt, cloth (4)                                                            Wood glue (3 gal)                                   
Wood glue, small bottle                                                glue brushes, 18
Nail sets, 4                                                                        Mason’s trowel                                               
Putty knife (3)                                                            Sandpaper                                               
Sanding block                                                            Peg sizer                                               
Box knife (3)                                                            Straight blades (100)                                   
Hook blades (20)                                                            Saw set                                                           
Bicycle tire pump                                                Traps (Asst.)
Plumbing fittings, valves, pipes, etc           
           
20d nails (100 lbs)                                                16d nails (100 lbs)                                   
8d nails, box (100 lbs)                                                Wood screws (50 lbs)
Fence staples (50 lbs)                                                1-3/4″ Roofing nails (50 lbs)                       
8d finish nails (40 lbs)                                                1 3/4″ lead head roofing nails (30 lbs)           
4d finish nails (20 lbs)                                                Concrete cut nails (20 lbs)           
16d double headed nails (10 lbs)                        Wire brads (3 lb)                                   
                       
Tool box, mechanical                                                1/2″ drive socket set                                   
3/8″ drive socket                                                1/4″ drive socket set                                   
Screwdriver set                                                            Asst. bits for 1/4″ drive handle                       
Extra #2 Phillips                                                            Extra 5/16″ flat screwdriver                       
3/16″-2″ box end wrench set (2)                        4mm-23mm box end wrench set                                   
Pliers, side cutting (3)                                                Pliers, slip joint                                    
Pliers, linesman                                                            Pliers, needle nose (2)
Pliers, electrical                                                            Vise grips, Asst. (6)                                   
Crescent wrench set (3)                                    Water pump pliers (3)                                   
Fence pliers (2)                                                            Scissors (2)                                               
Staple gun                                                                        T-50 staples (3000)                                   
Glass cutter (2)                                                            Sharpening stones, Asst. (6)                       
India ink (1 pt)                                   
                       
Anvil                                                                                    Forge
Stump vise                                                                        Manual powered blower           
12V DC blower                                                            Hardies/mandrels
Mechanics vise, 8″                                                Wire brush (3)                                   
Leather work gloves                                                Leather apron
Coal, 700 lbs                                                            Files, Asst. (20)           
Solder irons (2)                                                            solder, 5 lb
Tongs (7)                                                                        Pipe wrench (2), 14″
Tin snips (3)                                                            Sheet metal flattener
Swage block                                                            Oil, 2 gal                                               
Shears                                                                        Tap and die set
Punches, chisels                                                            Grinding wheel
Hacksaw blades (50)                                                Oxy-acetylene rig
Propane torch                                                            Propane bottles (50)    
                   

TRADING SUPPLIES

           
Clorox                                                                        Disposable lighters
Soap                                                                                    Salt
Pepper                                                                        Candles
Nails, 16d,                                                                        Needles/thread
Fish hooks                                                                        Coffee
Kerosene                                                           

WEAPONS, Long guns (minimum)

 

Centerfire bolt-action rifle (w/ scope)            12 or 20 Ga. pump shotgun, full stock            
.22 rifle                                                                         .177 Pellet rifle
           

WEAPONS, Handguns (minimum)

.357/.38 – 4″ bbl                                                           

Ammunition

 

.Centerfire ammo (200)                                                12 or 20 Ga rifled slugs (50)           
12 or 20 Ga #0 buck (100)                                    12 or 20 Ga #4 (100)                                   
12 or 20 Ga #7-1/2 (100)                                    .22 LR HP high-vel (1,500)
.177 pellets (1,000)                                                .357/.38 HP (200)                                   
  

Other Weapons
          
8″ knife                                                                         Survival knife (1)                                   
Swiss Army Knives (2)                                                Power pliers (1)                                               
                       
Single recurve bow w/ arrows                        Cleaning kit, base                                   
Cleaning kit, field (2)                                                Solvent, 2 pints                                   
Oil, 4 pint                                                                        Grease, 4 med tubes
Eye goggles (2)                                                            Ear protection (5)
                                               
Bow strings (2)                                                            Holster                       
Extra magazines (where required)                        Spare parts, springs, sears, pins, etc.
Spare scope           
           

FISHING GEAR

5′ spinning outfit, med action (2)                        Tackle box, med spinning gear           
Net                                                                                    Trot line hooks, 200                                   


SUNDRIES

           
Cast iron Dutch Oven (2)                                    Cast iron frying pan (3)                       
Pots (4)                                                                        Cast iron griddle                                   
Bread pans (7)                                                            Coffee pot                                               
Meat grinder                                                            Grain grinder (2)                                   
Metal grate for outside oven                        Copper pads                                               
Kitchen knives (7)                                                Asst. utensils                                               
P-38 can openers (7)                                                Asst. dishes                                               
Hand water pump                                                Tripod
Bell                                                                                    20 yds Cotton cloth
Canning Supplies (300 jars w/ lids)            Wool blankets (12)                                   
4″ foam pad, 84″ x 60″ (6)                                    Pillow ticking                                   
Pillow (6)                                                                        Sleeping bag (6)                                   
Pup tent (2)                                                            Cabin tent                                               
           
ALICE pack w/ frame (2)                                    Day pack (4)                                   
Large pack w/ frame                                                Compass (4)                                               
Area map (6)                                                            Binoculars (2)                                   
BIC lighters (24)                                                            Ball bearings, 50                                   
Stick matches, 30 boxes                                               
Survival Kits (6)                                   
            Swiss Army pocketknife                                   
            razor blade
            bic lighter
            magnesium starter
            twine
            hooks
            line
            sinkers
            container
            button compass
            space blanket
            Water purification tabs (100)

LC-2 belt (2)                                                            LC-H suspenders (2)                       
Canteen w/ cup w/ holder (4)                                    Shotgun pouch (4)                       
LC-2 first aid kit (6)                                                LC-2 butt pack (2)                       
Compass pouch (2)                                                G-3 mag pouch (2)                       
           
BAJA waterproof bags (6)                                    LBE rubber bands (20)                                   
Trioxane bars (100)                                                Survival cards (2)                                   
Light sticks (48)                                                            Signal mirror (6)                                               
Sewing kit
            needles, Asst., 100
            thread, Asst., 50 spools
            buttons, Asst., 100
            pins, 500

Watch                                                                        Zip-lock bags
           
Kerosene Lamps (7)                                                Kerosene lantern, (3)
Funnels (3)                                                            Gas lantern
Propane lanterns (2)                                                Propane stove, 2 burner
Propane stove, 1 burner                                    Propane tanks, 5 gal, 3
Adapter kit for lantern/stove                        LP 2 Propane adapter
Candles (70)                                                            Extra wicks/globes/mantles                                                            
LED flashlight (3)                                                Red lenses (3)                                   
D cells, Ni-Cd (12)                                                AA cells, Ni-Cd (21)
12 volt battery, Storage (2)                                    Solar charger(s)                                   
Extra bulbs (6)                                                            Radio, shortwave w/ antenna
Radio, AM/FM                                                            Scanner
CB base station SSB                                                CB handhelds, 3, SSB           
Sound powered phones, 6                                    IR Detectors, 3
Phone cable, 700 ft.                                                Phone jacks
Asst. coaxial adapters                                                Hand powered DC generator
Gas powered DC generator, 12V                         12/3 Copper Romex wire  (500 ft)
Twist connectors (700)                                                16 Ga stranded wire (700 ft)
Jumper cables (3)                                                            Butane operated soldering iron
Butane canisters (7)
                                                           
General purpose electronic repair items
            transistors
            IC’s
            Switches, GP
            resistors
            caps
            fuses
            CB crystals
            solder wick
            solder/flux

Soap bars (300)                                                            Soap, liquid, 3 gals                                   
Toothpaste, tubes (12)                                    Tooth brushes (12)                                   
Floss, dental (20)                                                Towels, hand (7)                                   
Towels, bath (12)                                                TP (300 rolls)           
                       
Boots, hiking (2 pr ea)                                                Boots, Shoe-pacs w/ felt liner (1 pr ea)           
Shoes (2 pr ea)                                                            Socks (20 pr ea)                                               
Poncho w/ liner (1 ea)                                    leather gloves (3 pr ea)                       
Work gloves, (12 pr ea)                                    Mittens (1 pr ea)                                   
Underwear (12 pr ea)                                                Pants,  (4 pr ea)                                   
Shirts, (4 ea)                                                            T-shirt, (6 ea)                                   
T-shirt, (6 ea)                                                            Shorts, (4 ea)                                   
Parka            (1 ea)                                                Jacket            (1 ea)                                               
Travel vest                                                                        Hat, floppy                                               
Belts (2 ea)                                               
           
Paper, 8.5 x 11 (3,000 sheets)                                    Area Maps                       
Manila folders (50)                                                pencils/pens (4 ea) w/ refills                       
Gum erasers                                                            3X5 cards, 200                                               
Books (many)                                                            Bibles (10)                                   
Coffee cups (6)                                                            Guitar                                                           
Strings (3 sets)                                                            case                                                           

Wood burning Stove                                                 Leather sewing needles                                   
Tarp, 12’x16′ (1)                                                            Tarps, 12’x10′ (2)                                   
40 gal tub (2)                                                            Washboard                                               
Broom (2)                                                                        Mop (2)                                                                       
Bucket, metal (7)                                                Bucket, plastic (7)           
Gold pan                                                                        Figure-8 breaker bar

K1 Kerosene, 25  gal                                                Unleaded gas, 55 gal
White gas, 5 gal                                                             Gasoline can, 5 gal (10)
Water cans, 5 gal (3)                                                Sta-Bil gas stabilizer (for 55 gals)
55 gal drums, 4                                                            Gasoline pump, manual
                                                   
Wire mesh                                                                         Baling wire, 1000′
Fencing, 100’x 5′, 6 rolls                                    Chicken wire, 100’x 3′, 6 rolls           
Hardware cloth, 1/4″ (20′)                                    Hardware cloth, 1/2″ (100′)                       
Rope, 3/4″ braided nylon (200′)                        Rope, 1/2″ braided nylon (400′)
Rope, sisal, 1/4″ (1000′)                                    Rope, Parachute cord (700′)                       
Mason’s twine (700′)                                                Heavy-duty Mason’s twine (700′)           
Twine (2000′)                                                            Waxed lacing (1000′)
2″ Nylon strap, 20′                                                Cement, fire clay, (100 lbs)           
Portland Cement, (2100 lbs)                                    Tin roofing, 1000 sq ft
3/4″ Plywood, 3 sheets                                                1″ plastic pipe, 100 ft
Solid drain pipe                                                            Diverter valve for pipe  ???
Burlap bags (100)                                                hose clamps, 25           
Stove pipe, 25′                                                            Stove pipe elbows, caps, terminations,
Sheet metal, 4’x4′ (7 pcs)                                    Asst. nuts, bolts and hardware
Spray bottles, 3                                                            Hydraulic bottle jack, 12T (2)
PVC, 3/4 X 16′, 24 pcs                                                PVC crossovers, 12           
PVC T’s, 12                                                                        3/4″ copper pipe, 100′
1″ copper pipe, 20′                                                Misc copper fittings, 30
30 wt tar paper (10 rolls)                                    Plastic sheet, 10 mil, 3 rolls                       
Screen wire (100 ft roll)                                                Glass panes, 1′ x 1′, 20 pcs                       
Glazing putty, 2 1 pt cans                                    Cheese cloth, 1 roll

Clorox, 30 gal                                                            Ammonia, 1 gal
Lye, 3 gal                                                                        Iodine, 21 oz
Silicon sealant                                                            RIT dye, earth colors (4 pkgs)
Axle grease (3 lb)                                                            Bar oil for chain saw, 5 gal           
10W-40 Motor oil, 24 qt                                                30W Non-detergent Motor oil, 24 qt
Dextron II Automatic Tran fluid, 4 qt            Mineral spirits, 4 qt
Acetone, 4 qt                                                            Oil to mix w/ gas for saw, 2 qt           
WD-40, 2 gal                                                            Locktite
PVC glue, 3 bottles                                                Boric acid, 2 qt           
Sevin dust (100 lbs)                                                Linseed oil (3 gal)           
Turpentine (3 gal)                                                Electrical tape (12 rolls)           
Duct tape (30 rolls)                                                Dichotomous earth, 50 lbs

           

FOOD

Hard Red Wheat, 100 lbs                                    Dent Corn, 100 lbs
Rice, 100 lbs                                                            Spelt, 30 lbs
Barley, 30 lbs                                                            Pinto beans, 60 lbs
Kidney beans, 10 lbs                                                Millet, 10, lbs
Lentils, 10 lbs                                                            Great Northern beans, 10 lbs
Pasta, 70 lbs                                                            Cheese powder, 10 lbs
Cheese, 10 lbs                                                            Flour, 10 lbs
Dried Potatoes, 5 lbs                                                Dried Onions, 10 qts
Dried fruit, 20 qts                                                Dried vegetables, 30 qts

Coffee, 20 lbs                                                            Oil/Crisco, 7 gal
Powdered milk, 30 lbs                                                Beef stock, 7 lbs
Salt, 20 lbs                                                                        Pepper, 2 lbs
Soup, 70 pkgs                                                            Canned tomatoes, 70 cans
Peanut butter, 10 lbs                                                Sugar, 20 lbs
Kool-Aid, 30 pkgs                                                Honey, 3 gal
Corn syrup, 1 gal                                                            Powdered butter, 3 lbs
Cocoa, 3 lbs                                                            Yeast, 3 lb
Baking powder, 3 cans                                    Baking soda, 7 boxes
Vinegar, 1 gal                                                            Chili powder, 3 cans
Garlic powder, 3 cans                                                Soy sauce, 1 bottles
Italian seasoning, 1 cans                                    Vanilla extract, 3 bottles
Maple Syrup, 3 bottles                                                Lemon juice, 1 gal
Ascorbic acid, 2 lbs                                                Molasses, 1 bottle

Additional canned gods can be substituted for grains above

5 gal plastic food buckets, 25                        5 gal lids, 25
1 gal metal food cans, 30           

Seed, non-hybrid
            Corn
            Squash
            Tomato
            Carrot
            Zucchini
            Cabbage
            et al

Vitamins (300)                                                            Coffee filters, 100
Rennet                                                                        Whiskey, 3 gal
MREs, 30    

                                                                   

MEDICAL KIT

           
Bag, main                                                            Bag, surplus
           
Ace bandages (7)                                                Large bandages (21)
Burn dressings, (4)                                                Butterfly sutures (40)                                   
Triangular bandage                                                Band-aids, Asst. sizes, 300                       
Wooden cotton swabs, 100                                    Adhesive tape, 1″ and 2″ (10 rolls)           
Alcohol wipes, 100                                                2×2 gauze pads, 200                                   
4×4 gauze pads, 100                                                Cotton balls                                               
           
BP cuff                                                                        Stethoscope
Otiscope                                                                        Teaspoon
Thermometers, 3                                                Flashlight, AA x 2                                    
Chemical ice pack                                                Measuring cup                                               
Snake bite kit                                                            Rubber gloves (24 pr)                                   
Soap, 3 bars                                                            prescription glasses, 2 pr           
Hypodermics (3)                                                100 proof Grain alcohol (3 qts)                       
Needles                                                                        Lidocaine                                               
Hemostats (7)                                                            Needle holders (2)                                   
Scissors (3)                                                            Scalpels (3)
Lancets                                                                        Wire cutters
Pliers                                                                        Tooth extraction pliers
Dental mirror                                                            Dental pick
Hacksaw blade                                                            Suture materials, Asst. (20 sets)           
Surgical tubing, 20 feet                                    IV sets
Catheters                                                                        Plaster of Paris
Space Blankets (3)                                                Suction device
Urine Test Kits (2)                                                Pregnancy test kits (3)
Magnifier/30X microscope                                    AA Batteries (4)
Magnet                                                                        eye patches (3)
Cotton bats, 7 boxes                                                Safety pins, pkg 100                                   
Tweezers (5)                                                            Toenail clippers                                   
Lighter                       
                       
Zinc oxide                                                                        Alcohol, 2 qt                                               
Iodine, 7 oz                                                            Betadine, 4 qt
Liniment, 1 qt                                                            1% hydrocortisone, 3 tubes                       
Hydrogen peroxide, 2 qt                                    Tylenol, 250                                               
Aspirin, 700                                                            Nyquil, 1 bottle                                   
Baking soda, 7 box                                                Salt, 1 box                                               
Calamine lotion, 1 bottle                                    Activated charcoal, 24 oz                       
Decongestant, 3 bottles                                    Imodium AD, 12 pkg           
Oil of cloves, 7 bottles                                                Benadryl, 3 bottles           
Benadryl cream, 1 tube                                    Alka-seltzer, 300 pkgs                                   
Pepcid AC, 100                                                            Vaseline, 1 sm jar           
Oral-jel, 3 tubes                                                            Dental filling material, 2 tubes
Lice Rx (Permethrin)                                                Rehydrating solution
Ammonia inhalant, 7                                                Epidrine pens, 3
Codeine or Demerol, 100 tabs                        Anti-biotic ointment, 21 tubes           
Anti-biotic, oral, 300 tabs                                    Anti-fungal cream, 3 tubes                       
Moisturizing cream, 3 tube                                               

Bag, personal size (2)
            Ace Bandage                       
            Band-Aids, 12
            Anti-biotic ointment, 1
            Large Bandage, 1
            Butterfly Bandage, 3
            2X2 gauze, 7
            Aspirin, 12
            Whiskey, 1/2 pt           


Letter Re: Some Off-Grid Living Techniques

Mr. Rawles,

Thank you for a great blog site.  I’d like to share some techniques we use every day at our off-grid homestead that would be applicable for grid-down living

With 280 watts of solar panels in the southern plains, a good Xantrex controller, three marine deep-cycle batteries and an inverter we power a 9 cubic foot freezer-turned-refrigerator fitted with an analog temperature controller, a portable dvd player used nightly for movies and documentaries, 1 to 3 small fans in summer, a netbook computer, and a couple of compact fluorescent lights along with charging cell phones and cordless tools and even running a sewing machine on sunny days.

In our experience a homemade composting bucket is the best choice for human waste disposal and if properly constructed and maintained can even be kept and used in the house.  An outhouse works but I have yet to visit one that was particularly pleasant (read – I usually come out blue in the face or gagging.)  Chemical toilets are just plain gross as well.  Separately-collected urine makes a great garden fertilizer. [JWR Adds: Readers are warned that the risks of using composted human feces for garden fertilizing far outweigh the benefits.]

We have used a bio-sand or slow sand filter for water filtration exclusively for several years.  They are used the world over and work well for biological contaminants.  One can be constructed for $100 or less.  Ours is housed in a plastic 55-gallon drum. Plans and information are available on line.  Google “bio-sand filter”

Off-grid clothes washing is much facilitated by pre-soaking clothes for an hour or so up to overnight with 1/2 cup ammonia added to the water (if adequate water supplies are available.)  Ammonia is a great clothes cleaner and really cuts grease plus it takes much less water to rinse out.  Gray water containing ammonia seems to cause no harm to garden plants.  Borax, on the other hand, can kill or damage plants.  The little pressure washers, plungers and other gimmicky laundry aids have been a waste of money for us.  A washboard, a scrub brush (for jeans) and elbow grease will get clothes clean just as easily.  In a long-term grid-down situation lye leached from wood ashes will clean clothes. One thing to remember in considering SHTF clothes washing strategies is that without adequate rinsing clothes both stay dirty and attract even more dirt from the soap trapped in the fibers.  It may be that an ammonia/water or lye water soak and one quick rinse is the best option.  Bedding can be freshened between infrequent washings by hanging it in the sun and the breeze.

Five gallons of water is easily enough for a bath even for a woman who wants to shave, condition hair, etc. For example: wet down a little, wash hair without overdoing the shampoo, wash body, rinse.  Apply conditioner (again, don’t overdo it), shave and scrub feet and nails with the water that’s accumulated in the bottom of the tub, rinse again.  You’re done in 5 gallons and most likely will have a little water left for a final rinse of the rag.  An oval, shallow black poly stock watering tank makes a great bathtub that even a child can move and empty. – Judy B.

News From The American Redoubt:

A great new Ttabs ultralight flying video has been posted, showing some touch-and-gos: Elk River, Idaho.The last gorgeous minute of the video relates the enormity of the forested expanse that lies east of the more agricultural Palouse Hills region.

   o o o

The Couch Bunker (made in Spokane, Washington) attracted some attention down at the Fort Worth, Texas Hunting show. (Thanks to B.B. for the link.)

   o o o

Buck Knives–a company that wisely relocated from California to Post Falls, Idaho, several years ago–is continuing to prosper. They have released many new American-made products in 2013, most of which are made in the American Redoubt: The Clearwater Series Fillet Knives (named after the Clearwater River in north-central Idaho), the Micarta Harvest Series, the Survival/Tactical Knives Buck/Hood Thug (based on the designs of the late Ron Hood), the Reaper, the Intrepid L & XL, the Sentry, the Everyday SpitFire, and Camping/Hiking Stowaway Kit, and the Endeavor. I should mention that Buck is an example of a company that dabbled with offshoring, but decided to move the majority of their production back to the United States. That is commendable.

   o o o

All (libertarian) roads lead to The American Redoubt. The logical development of one man’s relocation thought process is described here: State of Bliss.

   o o o

Some news from Idaho: Tax Commission eyes 12-year-old raspberry seller

Economics and Investing:

Jim Rogers – US & Syria War, Printing Money = Market Collapse. (Thanks to B.B. for the link.)

G.G. sent: Labor Participation Rate Hits 34 Year Low

I noticed that spot silver was solidly over $24 per Troy ounce in London trading on Monday, and gold was bouncing around $1,390 per Troy ounce. If there is war in the Middle East, we can expect to see substantially higher metals prices. This might be a good time to further diversify out of Dollars and into physical silver.

Items from The Economatrix:

Syria Crisis Could Send Oil Toward ’08 Highs: Schoenberger

The War Effect

Peter Schiff – Don’t Bet Against Gold! The Price Will Only Go Up!

Odds ‘n Sods:

F.J. suggested: Make a Reaping Hook

   o o o

Reader Joe S. found a great resource for anyone with an interested in First Generation Cummins 5.9 Liter Six-Cylinder Diesels: 1989 – 1991 Ram Diesel Engine Specs

   o o o

Attention southpaws: I heard that Autrey’s Armory has announced a special for SurvivalBlog readers on Rock River Operator carbines in left hand configuration. They have
8 of these available. Full retail on these is $1,360, but Autrey’s sells these for $1,175.99. But if you send an e-mail and mention that you saw them mentioned in SurvivalBlog, they will knock off a further $100.) They have four flat tops and four Dominator mounts, for EoTech additions.

   o o o

M.E.R. sent us this: Texas Official Preparing for Independence

   o o o

OFA anti-gun protest in Springfield flops. Ten show up.

Jim’s Quote of the Day:

“I have lived, Sir, a long time, and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth, that God governs in the affairs of men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without his aid? We have been assured, Sir, in the Sacred Writings, that ‘except the Lord build the House, they labor in vain that build it.’ I firmly believe this; and I also believe that without His concurring aid we shall succeed in this political building no better, than the Builders of Babel: We shall be divided by our partial local interests; our projects will be confounded, and we ourselves shall become a reproach and byword down to future ages. And what is worse, mankind may hereafter from this unfortunate instance, despair of establishing governments by human wisdom and leave it to chance, war and conquest.

I therefore beg leave to move that henceforth prayers imploring the assistance of Heaven, and its blessings on our deliberations be held in this Assembly every morning before we proceed to business, and that one or more of the clergy of this city be requested to officiate in that service.” – Benjamin Franklin

Note from JWR:

This is the last day of the sale on New Gen 3+ Pinnacle autogated ITT/Exelis PVS-14 night vision monocular/scopes with five year warranty, at JRH Enterprises. In addition to all the standard accessories, JRH is also including for a free weapons mount and and free shuttered eye guard with this unit, all for just $2,595.

Sample Chapter From My Novel Expatriates

 

The following is another sample chapter from my upcoming novel Expatriates: A Novel of the Coming Global Collapse. Please wait until the release day (October 1st, 2013) to place your order.

Introductory Notes: My upcoming novel opens with a prominent disclaimer that includes: “This is a work of fiction.  All of the events described are imaginary, taking place in the future, and do not represent the world as we know it in the present day. It does not reflect the current geopolitical situation, governmental policies, or the strategic posture of any nation. It is not intended to be commentary on the policies, leadership, goals, strategies, or plans of any nation. This novel is not intended to be predictive of the territorial aspirations tactics of any nation or any planned use of terrorist tactics. Again, it takes place in the future, under fictional new leadership. Any resemblance to living people is purely coincidental.

This chapter describes a nighttime encounter between an essentially radar-transparent wooden outrigger Philippine fishing boat (the Tiburon) and an Indonesian fast patrol boat (the Sadarin.)

Chapter 20: E&E

“When it all comes down, the last man standing is going to be standing there in shorts and sneakers [armed] with a ’98 Mauser, and all the ninja-looking guys belly up at his feet – with all their cool gear.” – Louis Awerbuck

On Board Tiburon, The Banda Sea – Late October, The Second Year

The seas were calm and the night was almost pitch dark.  It was overcast, the quarter moon had not yet risen, and the Jeffords could barely distinguish the horizon. They motored on, regularly checking the compass and the GPS.

Tatang sat dozing in the side chair while Peter held the wheel. As he gazed ahead, Peter saw the flare of a cigarette lighter about 400 or 500 yards ahead—someone lighting a cigarette on the deck of a boat of some sort.  Jeffords hesitated for a moment, and then cut the throttle to bring Tiburon to slow maneuvering speed.  He swung the wheel sharply.  The motion roused Tatang. Peter ducked his head toward the old man’s ear and whispered, “Quiet.”  He could hear excited voices in the distance.

A pair of big diesel engines rumbled to life. Just as Peter completed their turn about and the Tiburon’s stern was pointed toward the strange boat a searchlight snapped on and began scanning.  Peter slammed the throttle forward and he said, “Take the wheel!”

Peter stepped away from the helm and snatched up Navarro’s M1 rifle.  Tatang took the wheel and shoved hard on the throttle, but he found that it was already wide open.  The searchlight found them, blindingly bright. Peter’s eyes had been accustomed to the darkness and this change overwhelmed his senses. There were more shouts from the other boat. It was now 500 yards away and had started to turn towards them.  Peter judged that it was a 50-footer, and it had the profile of some sort of pilothouse patrol boat, with pedestal-mounted machineguns, fore and aft. Before it completed its turn, he could make out the boat’s hull number: 855.Tatang muttered, “We’re in a tight spot, aren’t we, Mister J.?”

Across the dark sea, Kapten Assegaf switched on Sadarin’s hailer, emitting a high warble.  Then he keyed his microphone and issued a warning to stop, in Indonesian. He repeated the command in Dutch, and then English: “Hou’ vast! You are ordered to stop, or we will be shooting.” The young, impetuous captain was grinning. He knew that the outrigger boat was no match for his boat, with its pair of MTU diesels. Despite a few patches to its hull that gave her more drag than in her early days, Sadarin was still a very fast patrol boat.

The patrol boat was quickly gaining on Tiburon. Peter crouched behind the stern rail, put the rifle to his right shoulder and clicked its safety bar forward with the front of his trigger finger.  He said aloud,  “Help me get out of this, Lord.”  Then he took aim at the searchlight. The glare was intense.

He fired three times in rapid succession.  The third shot hit the searchlight, extinguishing it.  Tatang then immediately jerked the wheel, turning Tiburon sharply to starboard.  The .50 caliber M2 Browning on the forward deck of the patrol boat sputtered to life, firing blindly in reply, in a deep staccato.

To Peter’s dismay, moments later a second searchlight snapped on and began to scan.  “Kasimanwa ko,” Tatang muttered, which Jeffords recognized as a Tagalog reference to excrement.

Peter fired two shots at the searchlight.  The second one hit the mark, again casting them into darkness.  Immediately after, Tatang wisely swung the wheel again, this time hard to port. The .50 caliber fired again blindly. The muzzle flashes were all they could see.   The first few rounds passed over their heads. Every fifth round was a tracer.  The arc of the tracers increased farther and farther to starboard.   Tatang changed course once more, quartering away from Sadarin.  Between bursts from the machinegun, they could hear excited shouts from the Indonesian crewmen.  Two Indo sailors with Pindad SS2 5.56mm assault rifles joined in, blindly firing in long fully automatic bursts. But like the big Browning, all of their bursts were fired high and wide–nearly all toward their previous heading.

After a minute, they were about 1,000 yards away from the patrol boat.  Peter realized that his rifle was more than half empty, so he fumbled for a minute to unload it and reload it with a full 8-round clip from his pocket.  The Garand, he knew, had the limitation of an “all or nothing” ejecting cartridge clip—there was no way to top off the rifle without changing the clip completely.  He wanted to be ready with a full 8-round clip in case he had to fire again.

Captain Assegaf used his bullhorn again, this time ordering his own crew, “Diam, diam!”  The shooting stopped.  Realizing what was happening, Peter whispered urgently, “Stop, stop! Preno!”

Tatang chopped the throttle and then turned off the engine completely. Moments later, the Indonesian captain shut his engines down, too. It was eerily quiet and still quite dark.  Below deck, two of the Indonesian Air Force radar technicians were wailing and crying, convinced that they were about to die for failing to do their job. 
Hoping to hear the engine of Tiburon, the Indonesians were listening intently. It was so quiet that Jeffords could hear the sound of squeaking footsteps on the deck of the patrol boat.  There was an anxious, questioning voice from below deck and then another shout of “Diam!” from Captain Assegaf, this time without the benefit of the bullhorn.

Peter crept toward the helm chair.  The storm door slowly slid open. Rhiannon’s head popped out.  Peter reached across the door and clamped his hand across her mouth.  He leaned forward and whispered into her ear: “An Indo patrol boat.  I shot out their lights, so now it’s cat and mouse. Keep Sarah and Joseph super quiet.”
Rhiannon gave an exaggerated nod and quietly descended back into the cabin, sliding shut the storm door as gently as possible.

The unnerving quiet continued for two minutes.  Sadarin’s signals officer approached Captain Assegaf to report that there was no radar contact.  Worse yet, the ship’s sonar could only be used as a depth finder. It was not designed to locate other vessels. Assegaf began cursing loudly.  He ordered hand flashlights and a flare gun be brought up from below, but there was some difficulty in finding the waterproof box that held the flare gun and flares.  Instead of its usual location, it was inadvertently hidden under a pile of life vests. This led to even more consternation and shouting.

By the time that they started scanning with the hand flashlights, the two boats had drifted apart and were separated by 1,250 yards. Because the Indonesians’ flashlights lacked sufficient range, the sailors had no luck spotting Tiburon. Captain Assegaf let loose a long string of profanity and slapped his signals officer on the side of his head.  Frustrated, he impetuously fired up the boat’s diesels. He hesitated for a moment, and then took a guess at Tiburon’s last heading, but he guessed wrong.  He turned Sadarin 30 degrees to starboard as he advanced his throttles to 3/4th, pushing the boat up to 25 knots. 

Peter inched up to Tatang and asked in a half-whisper, “Now that they’re started their engines, won’t that mask the sound if we start ours?”

The old man thought for a moment and then answered, “Yeah, but they could stop any time and listen again, and then they’d hear where we are. We’d really be in the kamalasan. Right now, they don’t know if we are pirates, smugglers, or refugees. And even refugees are probably all ‘shoot on sight.’ We are safer just drifting for now, Mister J. It is still six hours to the daylight, and the clouds will stop most of the moonlight.  The moon rise won’t be for about two hours. Just pray hard that they get far enough away that they can’t hear our engine.”

Jeffords did pray, fervently.

The Indonesian patrol boat was more than a mile away when they began launching parachute flares.  But at that distance, they didn’t throw enough light to reveal Tiburon’s position. 

Even worse than the misplaced flare gun kit was the fact that up until fifteen days before, Sadarin had been equipped with a pair of Fulinon Gen 3 light amplification night vision goggles (NVGs).  But the navy had requisitioned the NVGs from every ship less than 25 meters in length for an unspecified “priority tasking.” Assegaf assumed that this meant the Philippines campaign.  He was furious.  If he had the NVGs or at least if he had the flare gun close at hand, then the intruder would not have been able to slip away. 

Rhiannon and Joseph came up on deck.  “Sarah is asleep,” Rhiannon reported in a whisper.

Peter had the binoculars out, trying to gauge the distance between Tiburon and Sadarin. He started to chuckle and said,  “I told you that you have a stealthy boat, Tatang.”

Tatang put on a huge grin that Peter could see even in the very dim light. “Yes, she’s a stealthy old shark, and she just put those Indo bastards on a whatcha-call wild geese chase.”

The two men shared a laugh.

After another half hour, when the Indonesian flares could barely be seen six miles away, Tatang restarted Tiburon’s engine. He turned the bow to the southeast, quartering away from the Indonesian boat.  Speaking at a normal level for the first time since the incident began, Tatang said, “Now, we gotta put a lot a miles between them and us before the daylight. They’ll try to get a patrol plane up to look for us, sure as anything.”  He pushed the throttle forward all the way to its stop and added, “Go, baby, go.”

Joseph said, “Do you know how lucky we are?”

Rhiannon shook her head and said, “Poor choice of words, Joey.  The word isn’t lucky, it is blessed.”

As dawn broke, after a fruitless night of searching, Assegaf had a long talk with his first mate, an old NCO who had seventeen years of service with the navy. They discussed how they would write their report of the incident with the “unidentified fishing boat.”  They agreed that it would be counterproductive to complain about the lack of NVGs and that the misplaced flare gun kit should be blamed on a junior grade sailor and a reprimand issued before they returned to port.

Assegaf’s next conversation was with the senior Air Force radar technician to determine why the radar couldn’t detect the fishing boat.  After a brief lecture on radar fundamentals, the NCO explained that the ship’s radar had a feature called “near field clutter rejection.” Thus, the radar did not display any target less than two kilometers away if was moving at less than twenty kilometers per hour and if it had a radar cross section smaller than that of a small boat or passenger car.

Kapten Assegaf fumed about the fishing boat getting away. More than just the disappointment, it was writing the After Action Report that troubled him.  Given the recent political shifts within the TNI-AL, his report would have to be very carefully worded.

Pat’s Product Review: Springfield Armory EMP 40

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It’s been a few years since Springfield Armory came out with their Enhanced Micro Pistol (EMP) and I decided to take a wait and see attitude – I waited until they actually hit the market. What is unique with the EMP is that, it appears to be a 1911 handgun, with a big change. Springfield Armory redesigned most of the parts, to reduce the overall size of the EMP. It’s not a chopped or cut down full-sized 1911 – far from it. Almost every part was redesigned by Springfield Armory, including the frame, slide, trigger, hammer, backstrap, etc. None of these parts will interchange in a regular 1911.  The EMP is the very first production 1911 made from the ground up to shoot short cartridges like the 9mm and .40 S&W.
 
Let’s take a quick look at some of the features the EMP has to offer. My sample is in .40 S&W, and you can also have it in 9mm…the .40S&W has an all-steel frame, while the 9mm can be had with a light-weight aluminum frame. The .40 EMP sample has a 3-inch barrel, that is made out of stainless steel and is match-grade, with a fully supported ramp for the bull barrel. The recoil system is a dual spring set-up, and the sights are Novak-style, low profile, that are dove-tailed into the slide, front and back and have 3-dot Tritium for night use and ambi safety. The trigger is an aluminum match-grade, and my sample had a super-smooth 4.5-pound pull – no need to adjust or do anything to the trigger pull, it was perfect for me. The slide is made out of forged stainless steel with a satin finish – nice touch. Grips are G10 with angled grooves for a sure grip on the gun under any weather conditions. We also have a beaver-tail grip safety and combat hammer and flat mainspring housing. The all-steel frame is Armory coated for a nice subdued black finish and it’s pretty tough stuff.
 
The EMP 40 weighs in at 33-ounces with the all-steel frame, I’d like to see Springfield come out with one in an aluminum frame, to shave a little more weight from the gun – of course, that would increase felt recoil, and the little EMP 40 does buck, no doubt about that at all. The 9mm version can be had with an aluminum frame and comes in at 27-ounces. The EMP 40 feels heavier than it is – at least in my hand – for some strange reason. However, the little gun balances nicely and is fast-handling, too. The ejection port is lowered and flared, and I had no malfunctions of any type in my testing. The gun is very tightly fitted – you would believe this gun was assembled and fitted by a custom 1911 gunsmith because it is so tightly put together. The EMP 40 also comes with three, 8-round magazines, a nice touch! And, the magazines have slam pads for speed reloads, no worries about getting the meat of you hand caught between the magazine and the magazine well when you slam a reload home.
 
The only thing I’d like to see on the EMP is a checkered front strap. However, I overcame this handicap and installed a Crimson Trace LG-912 laser grip – I removed the outstanding G10 grips that came on the EMP 40, and replaced them with the Crimson Trace LG-912 sample I received had their new Black G10 laser grips. For those not familiar with Crimson Trace, their laser grips are “instinctive” in that, you don’t have to think about them – when you grip your gun properly, and pressure is applied to the grip, there is a front activation switch and it activates the laser – you don’t have to think about it, or press any extra buttons. There is a manual on/off switch, for when the gun isn’t in use. However, I saw no need to turn the Crimson Trace LG-912 off, I left it on. The laser grips are sited-in at the factory for 50-feet, and my sample was dead-on – at that distance. However, I made adjustments – which are easy to do – and zeroed my sample in at 25-yards – just a “me” thing.
 
I had a great selection of .40S&W ammo on-hand for my testing. And, with the great ammo drought we’ve been facing, I’ve cut back to only shooting about 200 rounds in my firearms tests these days. However, the EMP 40 was so much fun to shoot, I burned through more than 500 rounds of ammo in my testing. I shot the EMP for more than three months, and never had any problems. I used Italian Gun Grease to lube the pistol at the onset of my testing and never cleaned or lubed the gun after that. I’ve found, in my humble opinion, that Italian Gun Grease lube is the absolute best there is on the market – bar none. In my testing, I had ammo from Black Hills Ammunition 155-grain JHP, 180-grain JHP and the 140-grain Barnes all-copper TAC-XP hollow point, as well as the 180-grain FMJ reloaded ammo. From Buffalo Bore Ammunition I had their standard pressure 140-grain Barnes all-copper TAC-XP hollow point and the same in 125-grain – both are standard pressure, but still a bit hotter than any other maker’s standard pressure 40 S&W loads. I also had their brand-new 200-grain Hard Cast standard pressure load, that they call their Outdoorsman Load – great if you need some serious penetration on dangerous game, this load will get your attention! I also had 155-grain JHP +P, 180-grain JHP+P and 180-grain FMJ +P load, and this last one will also get your attention – and would be great for carrying in the boonies where you might encounter dangerous game – it will penetrate, like the 200-grain Hard Cast load will.
 
I thought about doing my accuracy testing at 15 yards, considering the short 3-inch barrel on the EMP 40, but after thinking it over, I did my testing at 25 yards, with the gun rested on a sleeping bag, over the hood of my SUV. I will say, the EMP 40 was very consistent in the accuracy department – there honestly wasn’t a clear-cut winner in my humble opinion. Most groups hovered around 3-inches or a bit less. The Buffalo Bore 200-grain Hard Cast load would shoot a bit tighter groups. The Buffalo Bore 155-grain +P load showed a little sign of the empty cases starting to bulge ever so slightly – nothing to worry about, but it was something I noted just the same. The 180-grain +P JHP didn’t show any such signs.
 
The Buffalo Bore 125-grain Barnes TAC-XP all-copper hollow point was going to be my load of choice, for self-defense. However, I found that load was a bit hot – even though it is rated at being standard pressure – it was a bit harder for me to recover rapidly from shot-to-shot with this load. The 140-grain Barnes all-copper hollow point wasn’t as bad. In the end, I decided on the Black Hills 140-grain Barnes TAC-XP all-copper hollow point as my street carry load in the EMP 40 – it was slightly more accurate than the Buffalo Bore load with the same bullet. However, I wouldn’t feel the least bit handicapped with any of the JHP or Barnes TAC-XP loads for self-defense against two-legged predators, and any of the FMJ or Hard Cast loads for carrying out in the boonies. Now, I should mention that, Springfield Armory recommends that you do not fire +P ammo in any of their 1911s with barrels shorter than 5-inches. I’m sure part of this is a legal-eagle thing – liability purposes or concerns. I wouldn’t shoot a steady diet of +P loads through the EMP 40, for the simple fact that it accelerates wear and tear on the gun. And it is a bit hard on the shooter, too.
 
For some reason, and I can’t explain it, I really liked the Buffalo Bore 200-grain hard Cast load in this gun – no explanation for it, it just felt good to shoot – even though it was the heaviest load I tested. The Black Hills 140-grain Barnes TAC-XP all-copper hollow point seemed to cycle the slide smoother than the other loads, too. Maybe just a subjective thing in my book – I really can’t explain it. But if you do a lot of shooting like I do, you pick-up on slight differences in how a gun handles different ammo – some cycle the slides smoother than others do. Some cycle the slides fast, some slower.
 
Springfield Armory also includes a nice large carrying case for the EMP to ride in on your trips to the range. And, if you can legally carry the EMP 40, Springfield includes a nice polymer paddle holster and a double magazine case, too. I don’t know why more gun companies don’t do this – it is always a pain to find a holster to fit new gun designs – other than using generic type Nylon holsters, that don’t fit anything quite right. However, Springfield Armory stepped-up and provides holsters and mag pouches for most of their handguns they sell today. including their XD line. Thanks, Springfield!
 
There is nothing negative to report on the EMP 40, just some “druthers” – I mentioned I’d like to see the front strap checkered, but this can be overcome with some skate board tape – and I apply this to the front strap on a lot of semiauto pistols – its cheap and it lasts a long, long time and is easy enough to replace when it wears out. I’d like to see the EMP 40 offered with an aluminum frame – however I know the felt recoil will be quite a bit more substantial to the all-steel frame version – but still, I’d like to see it offered. And, needless to say, the Crimson Trace LG-912 laser grips were the perfect addition to the EMP 40 – maybe Springfield Armory could offer the EMP with the Crimson Trace laser grips – just another option that consumers could choose from. If you feel you must “hang” anything onto your EMP, the Crimson Trace laser grips are the way to go – and I like the instinctive aspect – nothing to think about, just grip the pistol properly and they turn on – and there is that intimidation factor, when the bad guy sees that laser pointed at them. It just might cause them to give-up the fight, before it begins.
 
I’m always on the look out for the perfect concealed carry handgun – and I’m not sure if I’ll ever find “the” one that is perfect for me, but the EMP 40 comes close, very close – perhaps if they come out with an aluminum framed version, that might be it and my quest will end. However, as it is, the EMP 40 is hard to beat, with the right load, and the Crimson Trace laser grip. II can think of a lot worse set-ups, but it’s hard to think of many that are a much better combination than this.
 
If you’re in the market for a great concealed carry pistol in .40 S&W or in 9mm then take a close look at the EMP line-up. I think you’ll be very pleased, and like most Springfield Armory firearms, they are always in great demand, and a bit hard to find. But it’s worth the effort to seek out an EMP – I think you’ll like it, once you hold one in your hand, and like it even more once you fire it – and prepare to be amazed at how accurate this little pistol can be.

Letter Re: Stuff Hitting the Fan – Part 3: Communications

Dear James,
I need to respond the the letter “Stuff Hitting the Fan – Part 3”, with regards to communications. I am a ham radio operator holding a Amateur Extra Class license, and have a little CB and shortwave experience.  As such, I want to make some corrections R.L.’s letter and offer some advice.

1. An adequate ham transceiver for the HF bands (160m to 10m), will also cover the non-ham bands as receiver. This includes all of the broadcast shortwave bands, and the AM broadcast bands in the United States.

This will not include US broadcast FM, or the police and fire frequencies, which are outside it’s frequency range (you would need a VHF transceiver for those bands). So if you get a HF ham transceiver such as the Yaesu 450D, you can save half your money by not buying a shortwave receiver too.

2. All shortwave broadcasts use the AM mode. None use single side band or CW. 
    
3. Shortwave broadcasts to the western US are pretty rare right now. On the eastern seaboard you can get Europe, but there aren’t many people targeting the US with shortwave because of the prevalence of the Internet. There are, however, some stations you can pick up in Nevada (for example) that are clear even though they are not targeted to the US.

These are: the Australian Broadcasting Company, Radio New Zealand, and China Radio International. Unfortunately, the Brits and the Germans are no longer broadcasting in English to the US. If you speak Spanish, there is a lot of shortwave activity coming out of Latin America. 

4. There is a cheap and legal way to make your CB base stations more effective. Use single side band (either lower or upper), and use a horizontal dipole antenna not far off the ground. This will cause your signal to go nearly straight up to the ionosphere, where will be reflected back down like water out of a shower head.  The advantage here is that your signal will get into places like  between building, gullies, valleys and behind mountains, where it would normally not be able to go. The receiving station should have their antenna set horizontally to receive this well. This sort of antenna usage is called NVIS for Near Vertical Incidence Skywave. -The range for NVIS is typically a radius of 250 to 400 miles. Your actual range will depend on the time of day, the condition of the ionosphere, and the amount of transmit power used.

Thanks for your efforts, – Jeff Bear

JWR Replies: As blog reader “Templar” mentioned, NVIS will not work at CB frequencies unless there are exceptional ionospheric conditions. NVIS is generally limited to the 2-10 MHz range. Higher frequencies usually punch through the ionosphere. (This exaggerated scale illustration from QSL magazine sums up ionospheric skip.) As I mentioned in my novel “Patriots”, the key advantage of NVIS for HF transmission is that it is very difficult to locate via radio direction finding if the intercept outstations are beyond groundwave reception distance.

Recipe of the Week:

Amber’s Granola Bars
 
Here is a great recipe for using your stored oats, honey, nuts, seeds, dried fruits, etc.

Ingredients:

• 6 cups Rolled Oats (not Quick Oats)
• 4 Tablespoons Butter, Melted, Plus More For Greasing
• 1/4 cup Vegetable Or Olive Oil
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1 cup Brown Sugar
• 1/2 cup Honey
• 1/4 cup Apple Juice (I make mine fresh from our juicer)
• 1/4 cup Molasses
• 3 teaspoons Vanilla Extract
• 1-1/2 cup Rice Krispies (can be substituted for Optional Ingredients)
• 1 cup Wheat Germ
• 1/2 cup Finely Chopped Pecans
• 1/4 cup Roughly Chopped Almonds

Optional Ingredients: 
 
       Flax Seed
       Raisins
       Dried Cranberries
       Dried Blueberries
       Shredded Coconut
       Cinnamon

Preparation Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
In a bowl, toss the oats with the canola oil, melted butter and salt. Spread the mixture out on 2 baking sheets and toast in the oven for 15 to 20 minutes, shaking the pan twice and making sure they don’t burn. Remove from the oven and set aside.
Reduce the heat to 325 degrees F.
In a medium saucepan, combine the brown sugar, honey, apple juice and molasses. Heat the mixture slowly, stirring until all combined. Stir in the vanilla.
Toss together the toasted oats, rice cereal, wheat germ, pecans and almonds. Pour in the sugar mixture, stirring as you pour. Toss to combine; it will be sticky!
Press into 1 baking sheet (thoroughly greased with butter, or line pan with foil and grease foil) and bake until golden, about 20-25 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool. Cut pieces with a sharp knife and remove from the pan.
 
These are really easy and fun to make! They last a long time as well. My husband and I are going to make a batch and food saver them to test how long they will stay not only edible, but also how long they will stay fresh tasting. Our guess is several months.

May the Lord bless each of you, and may you enjoy these as much as we do!

Useful Recipe and Cooking Links:

Granola Recipes

Homemade Granola Bars

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