Letter Re: Best Shotgun Pellet Size for Home Defense?

Sir;
I recently got a Mossberg “Mariner” [12 gauge pump action] shotgun as my main home defense type gun. What size shot should I use for home defense? (The owner of my nearby gun shop said to use #8 bird shot, since buckshot or rifle[d] slugs ‘will go though two houses.” Is that true?) Thx, – Perry Noid in St. Paul, Minnesota

JWR Replies: I’m afraid that your local gun shop owner was spouting some oft-quoted urban folklore. For some genuine, Grade-A, tested truth on this subject, see this Box ‘OTruth article.

For what it’s worth, I am still a big believer in using #4 Buckshot for home defense. To my mind, it strikes the ideal balance between penetration and likelihood of a high number of vital organ pellet hits. The standard factory 12 gauge 2-3/4″ load of #4 buckshot contains 27 pellets of .24″ diameter. That is definitely a home-invasion countermeasure!

Letter Re: The Impact of FDIC Insurance Rate Increases on Small Banks

Mr. Rawles,
We live in mostly rural northeastern Oklahoma. Our local newspaper just printed an informative editorial about FDIC changes which result in huge fee increases for member bank. Here is an excerpt from the editorial Oklahoma banks paying price for bailouts:

“Imagine paying $500 per year for your car insurance and then being told it had gone up to $4,000 even though you have been a perfect driver with no accidents, no moving violations. That’s the magnitude of premium increases local bankers are facing. The local banks I spoke to had no part in the sub-prime loan implosion and did not receive one cent from the bail out. However, they were not expecting large “assessments” in addition to huge premium increases. The first assessment, due September 30th, will likely be 4 times larger than all of the premiums each bank paid in 2008. Another assessment, half that size is anticipated before the end of 2009. To put this in perspective, a bank that paid, for example $250,000 in total for 2008 would pay nearly $500,000 per quarter this year, have an additional $1 million assessment in September, and another half million later in the year for a total of $3.5 million for 2009. So, if your bank fails, the Government takes your bank, if you operate a fiscally responsible bank, the FDIC will now take a big chunk of your bank’s money.” [signed] Bailey Dabney, Publisher, Claremore Daily Progress

– Kevin A.

JWR Replies: A recent news story makes it clear why the FDIC was forced to increases their rates: FDIC’s Bair Says Insurance Fund Could Be Insolvent This Year. (A hat tip to SurvivalBlog reader “Hin” for the link.) After the much-publicized Northern Rock bank run in England, the FDIC felt obliged to double the insurance coverage for depositors. Without that grandstanding move to set people at ease, bank runs might have started in the US. But despite increased insurance and greater scrutiny of member banks, the fundamental flaw of fractional reserve banking remains: Only a small portion of your deposits is available for withdrawal at any given time. If public confidence collapses, there will be large scale withdrawals, precipitating full-scale bank runs. Be ready, folks. If bank failures spiral out of control–and there is now a substantial risk of just that—things could get very nasty, very quickly. The “final guarantor” for the FDIC is of course the American taxpayer. Promises will be kept, even if there are huge bank runs. Helicopter Ben has plenty of paper and ink. It just may take a long time to print that many greenbacks and set things back in order. But in the short term, if there is a banking panic, depositors may have to wait six months or longer, to be reimbursed.

Keep a cash reserve at home. Maintaining up to two month’s wages, mostly in $20 bills, would be prudent–if you can afford it! But don’t just sit on a pile of greenbacks, diversify. You should also keep some liquid tangibles on hand. By tangibles, I mean pre-1965 mint date circulated “junk” 90% silver US dimes, quarters and half dollars, and perhaps a few fractional gold coins. (Buy gold coins only after you have $1,000 face vale in silver for each family member. The silver can act as your barter reserve.) Store your coins in hidden wall and door caches. You might also consider leaving a small “sacrificial” portion of your coins in your home gun vault–just in case you are forced to open your vault at gunpoint, in the unlikely event that you are caught off guard in a home invasion robbery.

DO NOT store your precious metals in a bank safe deposit box! In the event of “bank holiday”, you will not have access to your coins. I wouldn’t be surprised to see all safe deposit boxes sealed, in the event that BHO channels FDR and there is another 1933-style gold confiscation. (Presumably, the box holder’s first access following a banking holiday would only be allowed under the watchful eyes of authorities.) There are just a few private safe deposit companies that are not bank-owned, like this one in Las Vegas, Nevada. Those might be immune from the depredations of grabby politicians, but don’t count on it.

Two Letters Re: Voting With Your Feet–Comparing Economic Freedom in the 50 States

Jim:

When I read that academic study of economic freedom in the various states, and saw the summary map, it was a strong piece of “ah-ha” confirmation for me. It immediately struck me that what a close correlation there is to what you had posted two years ago in your State Rankings on places to move with the best retreat potential. [in 19 western states.] Independently, you nailed those recommendations squarely, sir. Bonus Brownie points for you! Wishing You The Lord’s Blessings, – Ted J.

JWR,
I read through the PDF that you mention in your “Voting with your feet” post . Today’s prisoners could be tomorrow’s Golden Hordes. I recently saw this in the Wall Street Journal. Prison Population of a few states. The report also noted huge discrepancies among the states in regard to the total corrections population — one of every 13 adults in Georgia and one of every 18 in Idaho at one end of the scale, one of every 88 in New Hampshire at the other extreme.” – Jonathan

Economics and Investing:

HPD flagged a sobering article from The Market Ticker: What’s Dead (Short Answer: All Of It) It is amazing seeing something like this coming from a relatively mainstream blogger like Karl Denninger: “Civil unrest will break out before the end of the year. The [active component] Military and [National] Guard will be called up to try to stop it. They won’t be able to. Big cities are at risk of becoming a free-fire death zone. If you live in one, figure out how you can get out and live somewhere else if you detect signs that yours is starting to go “feral”; witness New Orleans after Katrina for how fast, and how bad, it can get.” (It sounds like Karl must have read my novel.)

Hawaiian K. flagged this piece of possibly good news: What Stimulated the Gun and Ammo Market? Prices will fall, if supply catches up to demand. The $64 Dollar question is: Will that happen before a new ban is enacted? That is anybody’s guess…

Mojopie recommended a Wired article by Felix Salmon: Recipe for Disaster: The Formula That Killed Wall Street. Mojopie’s comment: “This articulates very well how and why CDOs and CDS derivatives caused this mess our economy is in.”

Thanks to Steven L. for spotting this: Second Liens Forgiven: Are You Kidding Me? “But I can’t tell you how many homeowners I’ve interviewed who took out home equity lines to put in a pool or buy a fancy car or put an addition on the house that includes a fancy new kitchen with a Viking six-burner. And I’m supposed to pay for all that?”

Items from The Economatrix:

Roubini: US Financial System Effectively Insolvent

Citigroup Shares Tumble Below $1

GM Auditors Raise the Specter of Chapter 11 Bankruptcy

Dow Drops Another 200 on Worries Over Banks, GM

Europe’s Banks Face $2 Trillion Shortage

US Private Sector Cuts 697,000 Jobs in February

JPMorgan, Wells Fargo, BofA Face Ratings Cut

Now as the “Much Greater Depression” Progresses

Bank Woes Drain FDIC Fund

8.3 Million US Mortgages Upside Down

GM Europe: 300,000 Jobs at Risk

More US Consumers, Businesses File for Bankruptcy

As Projects Grind to a Halt, Homesites Turn to Wasteland

Critics See Understaffed, Overwhelmed Treasury

Taxpayers Have Lost Billions on Citigroup Bailout

Top Obama Officials Defend Tax Hikes as Necessary

Gold Halts its Losing Streak

Odds ‘n Sods:

William B. alerted us to an economy story from South Korea that is actually a preparedness story if you read between the lines: Empty Containers Clog South Korea’s Busan Port as Trade Slumps. We can safely conclude that it is just a matter of time before the price of used CONEX containers plummets. As previously noted in SurvivalBlog, CONEXes have potential for aboveground storage, and even conversion into housing. (On the latter, just ask any returning Iraq vet about “CHU” billets.) OBTW, the ones to look for are they type made with Corten (aka “Weathering”) steel. Just don’t make the mistake of burying a CONEX without first doing some serious engineering for load bearing and lateral stresses. They are not designed to withstand the weight of soil on their sides or roofs. (Most of their strength is in their corners, for stacking.).

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The latest essay from Bill Buppert: The Evil That Men Do: Willful Submission To Illegitimate Authority

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Ben M. found this on: ‘No proof’ of bee killer theory.

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Readers have been asking me for more light-hearted news, to counter all the economic gloomage. Well, here you go: The McNugget Emergency

Jim’s Quote of the Day:

"You and I as individuals can, by borrowing, live beyond our means, but only for a limited period of time. Why should we think that collectively, as a nation, we are not bound by that same limitation?" – President Ronald Wilson Reagan

Notes from JWR:

Notes from JWR:

Since SurvivalBlog’s readership is growing so quickly, I’ve been overwhelmed with questions from newbies. To help folks get up to speed quickly, I just created a new static page: SurvivalBlog’s Quick-Start Guide for Preparedness Newbies. It can also be accessed by clicking the “Getting Started” button in our top bar.

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A brief reminder that Safecastle’s “Ratcheting Rewards” 25% off sale on 30-year shelf life Mountain House canned foods is expiring at midnight (Eastern time) on Friday, March 6th. Get your order in soon!

Aids to Mapping Your G.O.O.D. Routes

Mr. Rawles,
I appreciate everything you do to keep everyone working toward preparing. To that end I would like to supplement your notes with a product I have been using for a few weeks now that have greatly improved my Get Out of Dodge (G.O.O.D.) plans.

Along with US Geological maps I have used the excellent Delorme Atlas and Gazetteer to plan my back road escape routes. Recently I found that they now offer ($29.95 plus the cost of the software) an “all you can use” annual subscription to their entire map collection in digital format.

Unfortunately you do need software (Topo USA or XMap) to utilize this product but many hikers use this software so it is not a “one trick” software product. With the software you can trace routes and save them for printing and uploading to the Delorme GPSes. Software is pretty complicated so I recommend setting aside some time to learn it to get the most utilization.

These innovations have significantly improved my escape plans with alternate and fall back routes. Aside from the GPS routes I have printed out high resolution color maps using iGage water proof laser paper.

Once you have timed the routes in various traffic conditions. Put a detailed map copy in each BOV and another in the family BOB. These give us options, as well as providing the all-important putting a plan in writing step.

One Tip: The departure rush from major sporting events [at large sports venues] are not bad for simulating the traffic snarls in an emergency. you can improve your options to lock down agreed upon routes.

Regards, – JNC

Letter Re: Learning Beekeeping is Worthwhile for Self-Sufficiency

Hi Jim –
I am a beekeeper and would recommend your readers look into the option of keeping bees. Honey bees produce food that stores without excessive processing (it has two things to fight spoilage, a natural antibiotic and the sugar concentration is so high it won’t support bacterial growth). I use the conventional Langstroth bee boxes but a person desiring to use the bees for home or farm could benefit by using the inexpensive top bar hive method. The top bar hive produces comb honey and the wax makes great candles. Top bar hives are not migratory in nature so they are best suited for permanent installation. Bees have predators and skunks won’t bother your bees if you get the bee box off the ground and up on a stand. The stand will allow you to work the bees without bending over. When working the bees you must smoke them a little to calm them down and choose a mild day. There is not enough room or time here to get into the details of the hobby of bee keeping but with the Internet and perhaps a local beekeeper for a mentor, you too can enjoy the science and art of beekeeping. Regards, – Uniform Delta

Letter Re: Cloudcroft, New Mexico as a Retreat Locale

Mr. Rawles,
I read your book “Rawles on Retreats and Relocation“, which is a very good resource. In it, you didn’t mention one area that interested me a little bit, and that was the area around the Lincoln National Forest, near Cloudcroft, New Mexico. I’ve driven through there a few times, and it might do well in a depression. Of course, it’s too close to the Mexican border, which might lead to a problem, though I’m not sure which direction the refugees will be heading. You probably heard that the mayor of Juarez has sent his family to El Paso to live. Here in Florida, it seems that many of the immigrants are heading home.

There’s game and some water in these parts, but water is still an issue when the rain is insufficient. The towns of Weed and Mayhill are worth considering. The mountains offer the usual advantages in keeping strangers out or unaware. By the way, I know of people making a living in nearby Orogrande from the gold, as well as the great rock hounding. There’s a moderately large Indian reservation north of this area, which is not necessarily a bad thing, as it’s largely empty. Of course, Alamagordo, New Mexico and El Paso, Texas are too close, but, in a meltdown scenario, the roads could be blocked fairly easily. – Paul in Florida

Four Letters Re: 3-in-1 Home Workshop Machines

JWR,
I agree with you on the machine tool issue. You end up with a lot of tooling and accessories by buying a shop. Things like rotary tables, angle plates and clamping stuff make this approach a bargain. A few grand goes a long way if you dig into [the replacement costs]. Like you say, [in the depth of the recession] there will be a lot of stuff out there. I have a good set of machinist tools but no machines and have been thinking the same thing.

I have millwrighted machines for people from closed machine shops. I used a Ryder rental with a lift gate and rolled the machines on bars (a Johnson Bar is very helpful.) The Egyptian method works! I had to remove the table from the Bridgeport to get it through a doorway. The lathe was easier (longer base, lower center of gravity). Buy capable machines and beware of buying equipment with three phase motors.
Thanks again, Jim. Best Regards, – Mike from Michigan

 

Jim
An incredible place to get used industrial tools and equipment is H.G.R. Industrial Surplus, in Cleveland, Ohio. They have 12 acres of equipment under roof. The quantity and quality and very low cost is remarkable. Just check their web site for a complete list of what they have. It changes daily. I’ve found that it is very well worth a drive through states to go there. – Jim Fry, Curator, Museum of Western Reserve Farms & Equipment, Ohio

 

James,
I bought one of these milling machines sold by Lathemaster.
This is one of those Rong-Fu 45 clones, what they call a bed mill; the table stays at the same height and the head goes up and down. It’s a good machine for the money, but not in the same league as big knee mill. Of course, it doesn’t cost $5,000, either.

Like any other low-cost bed mill, it isn’t rigid enough to take really heavy cuts. If you try, it flexes, and the cut goes sideways a little. But if you work your way up to the intended line taking shallow cuts, it’s fine. I’ve made quite a few things with mine, mostly out of aluminum and titanium.
I’m very happy with it. That said, when I get the space, I’ll get a true CNC machine, probably the Tormach PCNC.

In anticipation of this upgrade, I got Tormach tooling for my Lathemaster mill, which turns out to be a pretty nice thing anyway.
Thanks, – PNG

Jim:
Three follow-up observations:

First, Do not mill in a drill chuck. as one letter said to do. It will cause the drill chuck to fall off of the taper it is attached to, and can also break the jaws.

Second, [If taking the 3-1n-1 approach,] Grizzly.com is at the top of everyone’s list.

Third, Take a technological step back 100 years, and everyone should try and find a shaper! See this Wikipedia page. After all, a mill is only good until the cutters run out! – Tantalum Tom

Economics and Investing:

We’ll start with some relatively good news: Oil producers running out of storage space: Glut caused by world slowdown leaves the world awash in crude. (A hat tip to Charley S.)

Sean M. sent us a link to some charts sum up how bad things are getting, very succinctly:

DD sent this: As markets slump, U.S. tries to halt cycle of fear. (They may say that we have “nothing to fear but fear itself”, but I don’t think it is irrational to fear tens of thousands of unemployed and hungry people that have been kicked out of their foreclosed houses.

Frequent content contributor HPD sent this: TARP Investments Bleed Another $5 Billion: Report

Items from The Economatrix:

Job Forecast For College Seniors: Grimmer than Ever

Stocks Move Higher after Five Days of Heavy Selling

Shares Bounce Back in EU and Asia Despite Treasury Dire Warning

Ukraine on Brink of Bankruptcy

Asia Markets Gyrate on Global Fears

White House Knocks Jim Cramer for Calling Obama Budget “Greatest Wealth Destruction By A President”

Russian Scholar Says US Will Collapse Next Year

Bernanke: Banks May Need Even More Cash

Fed Launches New $200 Billion Consumer Credit Program

Odds ‘n Sods:

Christian homeschooling advocates step up their campaign, in a video appeal to have parents take their kids out of public schools: The Call to Dunkirk

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Reader Jeff B. asked: “Have you addressed ATVs or especially side by side ATVs or even the more recent electric ‘Buggys’ and their pros/cons?” The Bad Boy Buggy is definitely a viable option for short distance hauling at a retreat with a large photovoltaic, wind, or micro-hydro alternative energy system. And an off-road suspension conversions to a used electric golf cart is a good low-cost alternative. Also, don’t miss this article in the SurvivalBlog archives. In that piece, I stressed the need for fuel source versatility. Speaking of which, there are now some Utility ATVs made that burn diesel fuel!

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Sean M. mentioned a do-it-yourself innovation from a gent in Norway: a rechargeable battery in a photovoltaic cell wrapper . Of course over-charging a battery is a concern, but this is clever.

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From Cheryl: Obama Lied to Gun Owners

Quote of the Day:

"To be successful, you must decide exactly what you want to accomplish, then resolve to pay the price to get it." – Nelson Bunker Hunt

Note from JWR:

There have been several new listings added at SurvivalRealty.com in the past few weeks, in Illinois, Nevada, Texas, and even one in Australia. It is rapidly becoming the go-to place for finding survival retreat properties. Some of the property listings make fascinating reading, like the one up in northwestern Montana, near Glacier National Park.