A Scanner for TEOTWAWKI – Part 3, by Tunnel Rabbit

(Continued from Part 2. This concludes the article.)

External Antennas, Detecting Potential threats at greater distances

When using a scanner to sweep the band, or scan a list of frequencies, the scanner is much more sensitive and hears weak signals as well as strong signals. When using the Close Call feature that also sweeps the band, only strong signals that are very nearby (within 100 to 200 yards), might be detected. Some brands of scanners other than Uniden, may also have a similar Close Call feature, and might have more a sensitive receiver Sofware Defined Radio (SDR) frequency counter or a better antenna so they could intercept traffic further away.

To greatly increase the possible range of detection of our Close Call feature, and that of the standard scanner, it should be connected to an exterior antenna that is mounted above the roofline and otherwise, as high above the ground as reasonably feasible. Watch out for power lines, and mount it preferably, at least 15 feet above the ground for the best reception at the lowest height. Remember that in the radio world, height is might. Cable loss will be higher with longer runs, but the height attained can more than offset that line loss. Those interested in the weakest signals could go all out and use LMR400 cable. Folks like myself can use cable TV antenna coax. There are coax connector adapters from ‘F’ type to BNC so that one can easily utilize this cable. Use one antenna per scanner, unless the proper splitter is used, and those splitters should not be the simple cable TV type.

Any antenna that is approximately 18 to 19.5 inches in length will work much better than the attached antenna, and it does not have to be tuned. But if it has a magnetic mount used for vehicles, then attach it to a large metal can, or best yet, a pizza pan, or other sheet metal of similar large size. This kind of antenna needs such a ground plane to operate at it’s best. A high gain dual banded UHF/VHF ground plane antenna can be purchased with an attached ground plane and the correct mounting hardware for building installations, will work even better.

My favorite homemade antenna is the Slim Jim, or lower-cost J-pole. These are ruggedly built and have a gain of about 2.1Dbi. Use one tuned for UHF with a center frequency of 465.000MHz to listen to both UHF and VHF, if only one antenna can be purchase. Use a second one with a center frequency of 149MHz to listen to the VHF band. These make good all-around antennas with a low signal-to-noise ratio.

If an external antenna is needed for a transmitter for 2 Meter, MURS, or GMRS, the scanner can be removed and a transceiver connected to the appropriate antenna. These can be purchased on the Internet from KB9VBR. The frequencies of most interest for preppers are in the UHF/VHF bands good all around, all band antenna made for scanners is the discone type, such as the Tram 1141.

Any external antenna is a game-changer. The Close Call feature, depending on the terrain and foliage, might now pick up 5 watt transmissions from a handheld up to a mile away, instead of only a few hundred feet. It would pick up traffic further away if the signal might be from a mobile transceiver on its highest power setting. That would typically be from 25 to 70 watts depending on the model. The Close Call feature requires a strong signal that exceeds its threshold before it will record the transmission. Putting it on an external antenna on it, greatly increases what the scanner, or any receiver can ‘hear’.

Uniden scanner’s Close Call feature, does provide an advantage, yet I would not rely upon it to hear the very low powered FRS/GMRS radios that transmit at a maximum of 1/4 watt. The Close Call feature could prove to be a lifesaver, however, as with most things, we should understand its limitations. Uniden scanners with the Close Call feature, can be programmed to cover only one, or the other band: either UHF, or VHF, but not both simultaneously. If possible, it would be good to have at least two Uniden scanners that have the Close Call feature, one for VHF, and one for UHF, each on their respective antennas for their band. If I could only have one, then it would be set to VHF frequencies, and I would use a standard scanner to scan a list that includes FRS/GMRS frequencies.Continue reading“A Scanner for TEOTWAWKI – Part 3, by Tunnel Rabbit”

The Survivalist’s Odds ‘n Sods

SurvivalBlog presents another edition of The Survivalist’s Odds ‘n Sods— a collection of news bits and pieces that are relevant to the modern survivalist and prepper from “JWR”. Our goal is to educate our readers, to help them to recognize emerging threats, and to be better prepared for both disasters and negative societal trends. You can’t mitigate a risk if you haven’t first identified a risk. Today, we look at the threat of a Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Ukrainian Web Designer Learns Anti-Tank Tactics

Tim J. found this at Yahoo News, of all places: In east Ukraine, a web designer learns how to ambush a tank.  The article begins:

“Mykola Kholtobin never expected to volunteer to fight for Ukraine, but this week he found himself crouching in a fox hole and lobbing a mock grenade into a tank as part of a training exercise to prepare for a Russian invasion.

The 32-year-old web designer joined dozens of camouflage-clad reservists in the city of Kharkiv, about 25 km (15 miles) from the Russian border, to rehearse for what might happen in the event of an attack.

Kholtobin was just a baby when the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991 and was brought up speaking Russian as his first language, like millions of others in the east of then-newly-independent Ukraine.

He consciously switched to Ukrainian in 2014 when Russia seized Ukraine’s Crimea region and Russian-backed separatists launched a war with government forces in eastern Ukraine that continues to this day.”

The Great California Egress

Reader C.B. sent this: Rate at which people stopped moving to California surprised researchers: ‘Statewide phenomenon’. JWR’s Comment: People have been voting with their feet for many centuries.

NYC to Restrict Some New Natural Gas Hookups

H.L. flagged this news article: New York will restrict gas for cooking and heating, paving the way for more cities to follow.  Here is an excerpt:

“The New York City Council passed a bill, which Mayor Bill de Blasio is expected to sign into law, that prohibits the combustion of fossil fuels, namely gas, for cooking and heating in select new buildings. The ban will apply to new structures under seven stories tall starting in 2024 and to larger buildings in 2027.

New York is not alone. Berkeley, Calif., became the first city in the U.S. to ban gas hookups in new construction in 2019, and now at least 42 cities in California, including San Francisco and San Jose, have acted to limit gas in new buildings.”

Continue reading“The Survivalist’s Odds ‘n Sods”

Preparedness Notes for Wednesday — December 22, 2021

December 22nd is the anniversary of the death of SP4 James T. Davis, the first uniformed American combat casualty of the Vietnam War, in 1961. This ASA soldier (of the 3rd Radio Research Unit) was killed in a Viet Cong ambush on a road outside Saigon.

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The folks at Palmetto State Armory (one of our affiliate advertisers) are wrapping up their AR-15 Days of Christmas sale. One of the featured items in their sale: SIG-Sauer Complete Fire Control Unit (FCU) for SIG P320 Pistols for just $349.99 each, with free shipping.  An FFL is required. At their site, paste this SKU number in their search box: 5655104083.  Stack them deep!

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SurvivalBlog Writing Contest

Today we present another entry for Round 98 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The prizes for this round include:

First Prize:

  1. The photovoltaic power specialists at Quantum Harvest LLC  are providing a store-wide 10% off coupon. Depending on the model chosen, this could be worth more than $2000.
  2. A Gunsite Academy Three Day Course Certificate. This can be used for any of their one, two, or three-day course (a $1,095 value),
  3. A course certificate from onPoint Tactical for the prize winner’s choice of three-day civilian courses, excluding those restricted for military or government teams. Three-day onPoint courses normally cost $795,
  4. Two cases of Mountain House freeze-dried assorted entrees in #10 cans, courtesy of Ready Made Resources (a $350 value),
  5. A $250 gift certificate good for any product from Sunflower Ammo,
  6. American Gunsmithing Institute (AGI) is providing a $300 certificate good towards any of their DVD training courses.
  7. Two sets of The Civil Defense Manual, (in two volumes) — a $193 value — kindly donated by the author, Jack Lawson.

Second Prize:

  1. A Front Sight Lifetime Diamond Membership, providing lifetime free training at any Front Sight Nevada course, with no limit on repeating classes. This prize is courtesy of a SurvivalBlog reader who prefers to be anonymous.
  2. A Glock form factor SIRT laser training pistol and a SIRT AR-15/M4 Laser Training Bolt, courtesy of Next Level Training, that have a combined retail value of $589,
  3. Two 1,000-foot spools of full mil-spec U.S.-made 750 paracord (in-stock colors only) from www.TOUGHGRID.com (a $240 value).
  4. A transferable $150 FRN purchase credit from Elk Creek Company, toward the purchase of any pre-1899 antique gun. There is no paperwork required for delivery of pre-1899 guns into most states, making them the last bastion of firearms purchasing privacy!

Third Prize:

  1. Three sets each of made-in-USA regular and wide-mouth reusable canning lids. (This is a total of 300 lids and 600 gaskets.) This prize is courtesy of Harvest Guard (a $270 value)
  2. A Royal Berkey water filter, courtesy of Directive 21 (a $275 value),
  3. Two Super Survival Pack seed collections, a $150 value, courtesy of Seed for Security, LLC,
  4. A transferable $100 FRN purchase credit from Elk Creek Company, toward the purchase of any pre-1899 antique gun.

—

More than $725,000 worth of prizes have been awarded since we started running this contest. Round 98 ends on January 31st, so get busy writing and e-mail us your entry. Remember that there is a 1,500-word minimum, and that articles on practical “how-to” skills for survival have an advantage in the judging.

A Scanner for TEOTWAWKI – Part 2, by Tunnel Rabbit

(Continued from Part 1.)

‘Sweeping’ a Band

If one can afford to buy several scanners, then that would be optimal. We should have at least three, given the old adage: “3 is 2, and 2 is 1, and 1 is none.” We can keep one spare scanner in a Faraday cage, and store it elsewhere. Then use the other two scanners: One to scan from a list, and the other to sweep the band, or particular parts of a band. Each scanner will have an operator’s manual to help. If I could only sweep one band, then it would be the 2 Meter Ham band, or sweep all the way from 144 Mhz to 162 Mhz as that is where most of the analog radio traffic will occur.

Advanced Methods of Scanning

Because my Area of Operations (AO) is remote, and where digital is seldom encountered, I put my meager resources into a bank of seven used analog scanners that each are utilized, together and separately, to intercept the most likely frequencies that might have traffic.

Scanners can perform in two different ways. They can be set up to ‘scan’, scrolling through hundreds of specific frequencies that have been programmed in, and to ‘sweep’ a band. Using a scanner to sweep a band, the scanner scrolls through all of the usable frequencies by bandwidth steps within a user-determined preference, that can be limited or expanded by the operator. If we are sweeping the entire VHF band, the time need to complete the sweep is extended to 3 to 4 seconds. If we limit the sweep, the time to complete a sweep is greatly shortened to one or two seconds.

Using several scanners to sweep different portions of the VHF band ensures coverage of that portion of the spectrum, and greatly increases the odds of interception. The technique pretty much eliminates the need for a frequency counter that is marketed as Uniden’s Close Call feature, and the range at which interception can occur is much greater than the Close Call feature allows. And we have the advantage of capturing the frequency even if the dispatcher attendant is distracted, or not present. If we used a digital recorder’s VOX function, we can also capture the traffic, and the frequency as it can remain displayed until the user resets the scanner.Continue reading“A Scanner for TEOTWAWKI – Part 2, by Tunnel Rabbit”

SurvivalBlog Readers’ & Editors’ Snippets

This weekly column is a collection of short snippets: responses to posted articles, practical self-sufficiency items, how-tos, lessons learned, tips and tricks, and news items — both from readers and from SurvivalBlog’s editors. We may select some long e-mails for posting as separate letters.

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F.J. wrote to mention a Kentucky family that survived the catastrophic December 10 storms and tornadoes by taking refuge in a prefabricated underground storm shelter.

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For those looking for American-made products, reader H.L. recommended this site: Mammoth Nation.

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Speaking of American-made, a couple that reads SurvivalBlog runs a small business making some very nice furniture from used oak wine barrels. Most of the chairs and tables components are reclaimed barn wood and barrel parts: oak barrel staves, steel barrel bands, and oak barrel ends. Very clever, and a great way to repurpose American-made products. David and Aimee do business under the name Reclaimed in the USA.  They are looking for customers that want sturdy, attractive, American-made furniture. They are also looking for investors or business partners, with the goal of a larger manufacturing operation in the American Redoubt, most likely in North Idaho. They already have a business presence in Richland, Washington. Hiring local workers in the Redoubt will be a “win-win”. See their Facebook page, for contact information.

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POLICE STATE: Australians Mass Protest After Churches Raided, Moms Arrested, Citizen Snitches.

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SaraSue suggested this:

“I couldn’t believe the price of wood/manufactured wood/metal buildings!  I wanted to build a large chicken house. (With help).  I ended up purchasing two more coop kits that are large, heavy, and sturdy, from Tractor Supply.  It’s actually less expensive to have several of those than to build a chicken house.  My water heater died a few days before Thanksgiving, but I was able to find a local plumber willing to do the job.  Yay! 

In other news, my family in Middle Tennessee survived the massive 6-state weather system that spun up multiple tornadoes and did a lot of damage.  Prayers for those terribly affected in neighboring states.”

o  o  o

The latest from Michael Yon: Space Famine.

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A video from Norwegian prepper and pundit Bjorn Andreas Bull-Hansen: Find your people. Build your tribe.

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Those clever Swiss, again: Surprisingly, It’s Not Americans Who Hid a Gun Inside a Secret Pickup Truck Storage Compartment. (Thanks to James C., for the link.)

Continue reading“SurvivalBlog Readers’ & Editors’ Snippets”

Preparedness Notes for Tuesday — December 21, 2021

On December 21, 1620, William Bradford and the Mayflower Pilgrims landed on what is now known as Plymouth Rock in Plymouth, Massachusetts.

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Today, on the Winter Solstice, I reflected a bit on the trauma of the past two years. Our lives, livelihoods, and our liberties suffered some. I’m hopeful that 2022 will be a much better year.  Tomorrow, the days will start getting longer again. Already, we are making some spring gardening plans and looking forward to lambing and calving season. We will trust in the Lord, and his providence.

—

SurvivalBlog Writing Contest

Today we present another entry for Round 98 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The prizes for this round include:

First Prize:

  1. The photovoltaic power specialists at Quantum Harvest LLC  are providing a store-wide 10% off coupon. Depending on the model chosen, this could be worth more than $2000.
  2. A Gunsite Academy Three Day Course Certificate. This can be used for any of their one, two, or three-day course (a $1,095 value),
  3. A course certificate from onPoint Tactical for the prize winner’s choice of three-day civilian courses, excluding those restricted for military or government teams. Three-day onPoint courses normally cost $795,
  4. Two cases of Mountain House freeze-dried assorted entrees in #10 cans, courtesy of Ready Made Resources (a $350 value),
  5. A $250 gift certificate good for any product from Sunflower Ammo,
  6. American Gunsmithing Institute (AGI) is providing a $300 certificate good towards any of their DVD training courses.
  7. Two sets of The Civil Defense Manual, (in two volumes) — a $193 value — kindly donated by the author, Jack Lawson.

Second Prize:

  1. A Front Sight Lifetime Diamond Membership, providing lifetime free training at any Front Sight Nevada course, with no limit on repeating classes. This prize is courtesy of a SurvivalBlog reader who prefers to be anonymous.
  2. A Glock form factor SIRT laser training pistol and a SIRT AR-15/M4 Laser Training Bolt, courtesy of Next Level Training, that have a combined retail value of $589,
  3. Two 1,000-foot spools of full mil-spec U.S.-made 750 paracord (in-stock colors only) from www.TOUGHGRID.com (a $240 value).
  4. A transferable $150 FRN purchase credit from Elk Creek Company, toward the purchase of any pre-1899 antique gun. There is no paperwork required for delivery of pre-1899 guns into most states, making them the last bastion of firearms purchasing privacy!

Third Prize:

  1. Three sets each of made-in-USA regular and wide-mouth reusable canning lids. (This is a total of 300 lids and 600 gaskets.) This prize is courtesy of Harvest Guard (a $270 value)
  2. A Royal Berkey water filter, courtesy of Directive 21 (a $275 value),
  3. Two Super Survival Pack seed collections, a $150 value, courtesy of Seed for Security, LLC,
  4. A transferable $100 FRN purchase credit from Elk Creek Company, toward the purchase of any pre-1899 antique gun.

—

More than $725,000 worth of prizes have been awarded since we started running this contest. Round 98 ends on January 31st, so get busy writing and e-mail us your entry. Remember that there is a 1,500-word minimum, and that articles on practical “how-to” skills for survival have an advantage in the judging.

A Scanner for TEOTWAWKI – Part 1, by Tunnel Rabbit

Introduction: Why Should We Use A Scanner?

To most people, scanners could not be any more sublimely unimportant, and boring, and completely irrelevant pursuit of yesteryear. Especially as we have aged, and because the age of digital radio is here. Apparently, our old dusty scanner is obsolete. So why bother? Because security will be job #1.

Scanning provides a golden opportunity to improve our situational awareness. We must do all that can be done to remove the element of surprise at a survival retreat. A simple scanner is one of those low-cost options that is a significant force multiplier. It is the lowest hanging fruit for a basic security operation. It is of even more importance, if we lack the manpower to conduct patrols. Listening to radio traffic will prove to be twice as important as talking on a radio. If all one can afford and manage, is a couple of inexpensive bubblepack FRS radios and one scanner, then you will be ahead of those who can talk near and far, even on a sophisticated Ham radio. It is better to be radio silent and listening, rather than blathering about, providing intelligence to the enemy. They will be listening, and so should we.

In any type of defense, situational awareness is the absolute key. We can define it better, by defining what it is not. What can be a very useful, yet a secondary purpose, should enough manpower be available and there will likely not be, is to record radio traffic that is in itself, information heard, by jotting down a few details that can be used to develop intelligence over time. While material, developing intelligence is not as important as first maintaining a high level of situational awareness. Situational awareness is critical, and a scanner can go a long way to assist that, if it is properly used. During TEOTWAWKI, I would presume that all telephone services will no longer be operational, and those who have a radio of any kind will attempt to use it.

By using a scanner, those heard talking become a part of our security operation as they can serve at distances well beyond our first layer of defense, as our unwitting eyes and ears. If there were not enough transceivers within my Area of Operations (AO), I would provide one to key persons in particular locations that might have a view, or that is exposed, even if I could not converse with them, or if they did not know who I was or where I was located. With a transceiver, they become an asset to the community, and my extended eyes and ears. With a scanner, one can listen to a variety of transceivers near and far to gauge a situation within an AO, and far beyond the AO. This will help us gauge a threat situation.Continue reading“A Scanner for TEOTWAWKI – Part 1, by Tunnel Rabbit”

SurvivalBlog’s News From The American Redoubt

This weekly column features news stories and event announcements from around the American Redoubt region. (Idaho, Montana, eastern Oregon, eastern Washington, and Wyoming.) Much of the region is also more commonly known as The Inland Northwest. We also mention companies of interest to preppers and survivalists that are located in the American Redoubt region. Today, we focus on RINO Congresswoman Liz Cheney. (See the Wyoming section.)

Region-Wide

I just picked up a copy of an advertising-supported tabloid that I hadn’t seen before, called Out There Outdoors. It is an outdoor recreation paper that is published in Spokane. It gets fairly wide free circulation (30,000 copies) in the Inland Northwest. The publishers mention that they “…produce six print magazines a year and host two of the largest outdoor festivals in the Northwest: Spokatopia and the Spokane Great Outdoors and Bike Expo. Don’t consider my mention of this publication an endorsement. It is just a mention. The editors of this tabloid seem to live in an alternate universe Inland Northwest where mountain biking is more popular than hunting and horseback riding. Out There Outdoors is a publication that seems aimed at outdoorsy liberal city folk. Their mantra is “Just Get Out There!” (In a non-binary, non-polluting, social justice way, of course.)

o  o  o

From a 2015 conference, but I’m told that much of it was repeated in a recent Liberty Fellowship message: Pastor Chuck Baldwin – “The American Redoubt”.

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On Radio Free Redoubt: Parallel Economic Groups and Freedom-Minded Employers Offering Jobs.

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An update on the Greater Idaho project, from a recent press release:

“The number of valid signatures submitted by the Greater Idaho movement is enough to earn a position on the May 2022 ballot, according to Klamath County Clerk Rochelle Long. She assigned the county measure the number 18-121 for the May 2022 election. By her count, the movement collected 2371 valid signatures, 140% of the required number.

The excess signatures indicate enthusiasm in the county for the idea of moving the Oregon/Idaho border so that southern and eastern Oregon will be governed as a part of Idaho instead of Oregon.  The county feels that state officials failed to defend its interests in dealing with the federal government on how Klamath River water was distributed during the drought this year. Local volunteers such as Maria Bradbury and Allen Headley collected hundreds of signatures at rodeos, gun shows, the county fair, and at Casey’s restaurant, which remained open during the lock down, according to the movement’s website greateridaho.org.

The ballot measure, if approved by voters, would create a county board to evaluate benefits to the county of moving the state border.

The movement is waiting for the Douglas County Clerk to announce his count of their signatures for a their measure for the Douglas County ballot.

The movement expects three or four counties to vote on its initiatives this May. So far, eight counties have voted for ballot measures submitted by the movement: two in November 2020, five in May 2021, and one in a special election last month.

Oregon and Idaho state legislators have said they will introduce legislation in the next session of each state legislature. Mike McCarter, the leader of the Greater Idaho movement, claims both states stand to gain financially from the border shift, as rural Oregon’s resource-based economy is better suited to Idaho law than Oregon law. Eastern and southern Oregon are like Idaho in the percentage of their vote they give to each political party, he said.”

Idaho

N. Idaho man attacked by bull moose.

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Some news that I find difficult to believe: N. Idaho man charged with sexual abuse of a child, rape.  Yes, that is Alex Barron — former candidate for State Representative and member of a Republican Central Committee — that they are talking about.  The “adult woman” mentioned in the article was apparently Barron’s wife.

o  o  o

Idaho Tribe Accepts Massive Battery Made With Chinese Lithium While Protesting U.S. Mining.

o  o  o

Bingham County commissioners condemn ‘drunk Indians’ remark from sheriff. And now, even deeper trouble: Idaho sheriff charged after pulling gun on youth group leaving thank you notes.

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

The Editors’ Quote of the Day:

“The Jacksonians were libertarians, plain and simple. Their program and ideology were libertarian; they strongly favored free enterprise and free markets, but they just as strongly opposed special subsidies and monopoly privileges conveyed by government to business or to any other group.” – Murray Rothbard

Preparedness Notes for Monday — December 20, 2021

On December 20th, 1606, the Virginia Company loaded three ships with settlers and set sail to establish Jamestown, Virginia, the first permanent English settlement in the Americas.

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I heard that Ready Made Resources (one of our most loyal advertisers ) is running a special on Photonis Echo Spec AN/PVS-14 Unfimed white phosphor night vision monocular/weapon sights. Get one at the sale price.

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Don’t forget that Palmetto State Armory (PSA) will be ending their AR-15 Days of Christmas Sale soon. This is their biggest sale of the year, with some amazing prices on complete AR uppers, other AR build parts, various magazines, ammunition, and their new PSA Dagger pistol — a very well-made clone of the Glock 19 that is priced just under $300!  They also have an $8.99 sale price on D&H brand black Teflon coated 5.56 30-round alloy AR magazines, with free shipping if you buy 5 or more. I’m tempted to buy a case of 100, and just tuck them away, as an investment. Note that PSA is one of our affiliate advertisers, and placing an order with them using our link will earn us a little piece of the action.

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Today, another review by our Field Gear Editor, Pat Cascio.

 

 

Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Plus 9mm, by Pat Cascio

Smith & Wesson has come out with yet another version of their popular Shield 9mm handgun. My first impression, when I read the press release, was a lack of enthusiasm. I thought to myself: “Just another variation.” So, I wasn’t all that fast to jump on this handgun, as I’ve already owned the original, the improved 2.0 version, and the Custom Shop version. Hands down, the S&W Custom Shop version was the absolute best out of the three models. Somehow, at some point, it got away from me. Then again, I’m a habitual gun trader because I don’t have the funds to purchase all the guns I’d like to have. So, when I read about the new and improved “Plus” model, So I thought about it – for a good long time, before getting one. But I now regret the wait!

The new “Plus” version looks very much like the original versions, that is, until you pick it up, and one of the first things you’ll notice is that the stippling on the grip is more aggressive – and I like it a lot. On the original versions, I added some grip tape for a better purchase on the gun. It made a huge difference in the way the gun felt. The “Plus” version is a 10+1 or 13+1 magazine version. Yep, you read that right, this one comes with two magazines, and one holds 10+1 rounds and the second magazine is extended just a little bit, to hold 13+1 rounds. The grip is only slightly larger than that on the original versions. I’m not sure how S&W pulled this off, but it sure works for me. And that extended portion feels a whole lot better in the hands, with the slightly larger circumference.

I believe that S&W sold well over a million of the original 9mm Shield handguns in their first year – that says a lot, and you rarely find any on the used gun market – buyers love them – and they are an outstanding concealed carry piece, to be sure. However, why not carry a handgun that holds more rounds and feels better, than the original versions?

Let’s look at some of the specs on the “Plus” version. First thing I find as an improvement is the flat-faced trigger, after the more aggressive stippling. I’ve come to really appreciate flat-faced triggers on many firearms these days, makes for a more consistent finger placement, and helps with accuracy. The original trigger pulls on the were very gritty and when you released the trigger after firing a shot, you really couldn’t tell if the trigger reset. Well, on this new version, there is a tactile and audible reset. We also have the perfect 18-degree grip angle, and this allows the gun to point naturally when you bring it up to fire. The finish on the slide is Armornite, and it is extremely durable and rust-resistant – something important in a concealed carry handgun.Continue reading“Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Plus 9mm, by Pat Cascio”

Recipe of the Week: Mel’s Mexican Casserole

Mel kindly sent us the following recipe: Mel’s Mexican Casserole. (Or some of his friends call it, Mexican Lasagna.)

Mel describes the recipe:

“My wife says it is one her favorite meals, I make when I have time to cook. She will ask for it every couple of weeks. I modify it back and forth and to taste and heat, and I have tried it with ground chicken; it is very adaptable. I also try to use low sodium products for my ingredients — your choice.”

 

Ingredients
  • 1 lb Ground Beef or other meat
  • 1 pkg of Taco Seasoning or make your own ground chili, cumin, cayenne, et cetera, to taste
  • 1 can Rotel tomato/green chilis (I like the one with lime and cilantro, but use mostly the low sodium one when I can find them
  • 1 can Whole Kernel Corn undrained
  • 1 can 6 oz Tomato Paste or larger can of sauce
  • 1 box of Corn Taco Shells
  • 2 cans of Refried Beans, stir them before you use them
  • 1 pkg (2-3 cups) of Shredded Cheddar Cheese,
  • 2 to 3 boxes of Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix (plus the required eggs and milk to complete the mix.)
Directions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

Brown ground beef, drain if you needed and mix in package of taco seasoning. Pour in the can of Rotel, corn, tomato paste (I usually rinse the paste can with hot water and pour in pot). Let simmer.

I have used a Dutch oven, large casserole dish; however, you want to do it. I have settled on a large glass casserole dish approx. 12” X 16”.

Break up just a couple of your shells, place in bottom of the dish, and add a layer of the meat sauce. Layer on top with corn shells that you break to lay flat (the bigger the better). I try to cover all because it is easier to keep the layers separate. I use two large spoons to lay a layer of the refried beans and then a layer of shredded cheese.

Again, another layer of the meat sauce, taco shells, refried beans, and cheese. Because I use a low but long casserole pan, I usually only do two. If you use a Dutch oven, you can usually do three or four.

After the last layer of cheese, pour a layer of the mixed up Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix (1 egg and 1/3 cup milk per box used). I use to use on my large pan, 2 boxes, but wife likes the topping so now I use 3 boxes. However if I have time, I make my cornbread mix by scratch.

Bake in the center of the oven until golden brown or until the cornbread topping is done. Test with a toothpick or similar (I use a oversize that they put lemon on for your drinks) — No egg/mix on a toothpick in center when you test it, but you will get some cheese, so you will have to decide when ready.

Separate the edge and let it rest for a little while to cool before cutting helps keep the layers from merging.

Top with salsa and sour cream or I like to pour on some New Mexico Red Chili over the top. Enjoy!

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Do you have a favorite recipe that would be of interest to SurvivalBlog readers? In this weekly recipe column, we place emphasis on recipes that use long term storage foods, recipes for wild game, dutch oven and slow cooker recipes, and any that use home garden produce. If you have any favorite recipes, then please send them via e-mail. Thanks!

Economics & Investing For Preppers

Here are the latest news items and commentary on current economics news, market trends, stocks, investing opportunities, and the precious metals markets. We also cover hedges, derivatives, and obscura. Most of these items are from the “tangibles heavy” contrarian perspective of SurvivalBlog’s Founder and Senior Editor, JWR. Today, we look at a potential crisis in Eurozone Credit Derivatives. (See the Derivatives section.)

Precious Metals:

‘The Collapse Is Coming…Buy Physical Gold’ – Robert Kiyosaki

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At MarketScreener: Gold price 2022: what analysts expect.

Economy & Finance:

At Zero Hedge: Fed Doubles Pace Of Taper, Now Expects Three Rate Hikes In 2022. JWR’s Comments:  Bty keeping rates artificially low for far too long, the Federal Reserve has backed itself into a corner.  Instead of letting the normal market cycle (and credit cycle) operate, they now cannot raise rates without killing the economy. Buckle up, folks.

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CEOs of Big Box Stores Affected by Mass Looting Beg Congress to Crackdown on Internet Sellers. JWR’s Comments: I sympathize with the plight of storeowners, but it begs the question: Why do urban dwellers believe that they can get away with mass looting? Obviously, it is because minor looting (daily shoplifting) goes unpunished in cities with liberal district attorneys who decline to prosecute cases. And stifling the free commerce of online competitors is not a solution. It is just a stopgap or workaround. When faced with a walk-in clientele that includes a few animals, the retailers should probably adopt the Third World approach:  Put their goods behind bars or in locked plexiglass cabinets.

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Federal Debt Equals About $287,859 Per Income-Tax-Paying Household.

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Goldman Rings The Alarm On Collapsing Market Breadth: 51% Of All Market Gains Since April Are From Just 5 Stocks.

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