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. In this column, JWR also covers hedges, derivatives, and various obscura. This column emphasizes JWR’s “tangibles heavy” investing strategy and contrarian perspective. Today, we look at the American mortgage debt burden. (See the Economy & Finance section.)

Precious Metals:

The bull markets in precious metals is being driven by two factors: 1.) Central bank accumulation of physical metals and 2.) The insatiable demand at all levels in China (and elsewhere in Asia), because of gut-level distrust in The System.  In India, for example, the Reserve Bank of India has doubled their physical gold holdings in just the past 30 months, to nearly 880 metric tons. That was not a decision that came out of the blue.  It is a carefully calculated hedge against debt paper, and it required a quite substantial investment. That level of commitment (seen replicated around the world) tells me that we are at the beginning of a secular bull market in precious metals that will last at least a decade. So, keep stacking folks, especially silver, platinum, and palladium. Those metals are the relative bargains, in today’s market. – JWR

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Ian Salisbury, at Barron’s: that may show up behind a paywall for some readers: Gold Prices Are Crushing Silver. Why That Could Change Soon.

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I’ve never been a chartist, but here is some very interesting chartistry, over at Gold-Eagle.com: Bullish Blueprint: Precious Metals Surge – How Strong is the Trend?

Economy & Finance:

Reader H.L. recommended this article: National Mortgage Debt Tops $12.6 Trillion Amid Rising Rates and Costs.  Here are the article’s opening lines:

“A new WalletHub report indicates that total national mortgage debt is now over $12.6 trillion, with the average American household currently owing $105,000 on their mortgages. The report blames rising interest rates and housing costs for making home ownership more challenging.”

JWR Asks: Cui bono?  Oh, the banksters, again. Funny how that keeps happening, with such regularity.

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The Fed Is Wrong… And It’s Going to Cost Investors a Fortune.

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Reported on Tuesday: S&P 500 closes higher Tuesday, wiping out 2025 loss, as Nvidia surges.

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The Whatfinger.com news aggregation site cross-posted this from Zero Hedge: US Treasury Shocks With Second Biggest Budget Surplus In History.

Continue reading“Economics & Investing For Preppers”

The Editors’ Quote of the Day: 

“When the people contend for their liberty, they seldom get anything by their victory but new
masters.” – George Savile, Marquis of Halifax 1633-1695, from Political, Moral, and Miscellaneous Thoughts and Reflections 

Preparedness Notes for Thursday — May 15, 2025

On May 15th, 1252, Pope Innocent IV issued the papal bull ad exstirpanda, which authorized, but also limited, the torture of heretics in the Medieval Inquisition.  The 1835 painting above, by Francesco Hayez, is titled: Valenza Gradenigo Before the Inquisition.

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May 15, 1841: The first emigrant wagon train to make it to California left Independence, Missouri on a 1,730 mile journey over the Sierra Nevada mountain range.  In Idaho, the group divided and 32 people and nine wagons followed John Bidwell and John Bartleson southwest from the Oregon Trail into uncharted territory that the group hoped would lead to California.  JWR Adds: The Bidwell-Bartleson party was indeed successful. The trail that they blazed became one of the major wagon train routes to California, although it was later supplanted by the more direct California Emigrant Trail. The Bidwell Mansion State Park in Chico, California is well worth visiting, even after the recent fire.

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Today is the birthday of Evelyn Ernest Owen (15 May 1915 – 1 April 1949.) He was an Australian who developed the Owen submachine gun which was used by the Australian Army in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.

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On May 15th, 1942, gasoline rationing began in 17 Eastern states as an attempt to help the American war effort during World War II. The main concern behind the rationing scheme was conserving scarce imported rubber, rather than fuel. By the end of the year, President Franklin D. Roosevelt had ensured that mandatory gasoline rationing was in effect in all 48 states.

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SurvivalBlog Writing Contest

Today we present another entry for Round 118 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 $2,000.
  2. A Gunsite Academy Three Day Course Certificate. This can be used for any of their one, two, or three-day course (a $1,095 value),
  3. A Peak Refuel “Wasatch Pack” variety of 60 servings of premium freeze-dried breakfasts and dinners in individual meal pouches — a whopping 21,970 calories, all made and packaged in the USA — courtesy of Ready Made Resources (a $350 value),
  4. American Gunsmithing Institute (AGI) is providing a $300 certificate good towards any of their DVD training courses. Their course catalog now includes their latest Survival Gunsmithing course.
  5. HSM Ammunition in Montana is providing a $350 gift certificate. The certificate can be used for any of their products.

Second Prize:

  1. A SIRT STIC AR-15/M4 Laser Training Package, courtesy of Next Level Training, that has a combined retail value of $679
  2. Two 1,000-foot spools of full mil-spec U.S.-made 750 paracord (in-stock colors only) from TOUGHGRID.com (a $287 value).
  3. Two sets of The Civil Defense Manual, (in two volumes) — a $193 value — kindly donated by the author, Jack Lawson.
  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 gun purchasing privacy!

Third Prize:

  1. A Berkey Light water filter, courtesy of USA Berkey Filters (a $305 value),
  2. 3Vgear.com is providing an ultimate bug-out bag bundle that includes their 3-day Paratus Bag, a Posse EDC Sling Pack, and a Velox II Tactical Backpack. This prize package has a $289 retail value.
  3. A $200 credit from Military Surplus LLC that can be applied to purchase and/or shipping costs for any of their in-stock merchandise, including full mil-spec ammo cans, Rothco clothing and field gear, backpacks, optics, compact solar panels, first aid kits, and more.
  4. A transferable $150 FRN purchase credit from Elk Creek Company, toward the purchase of any pre-1899 antique gun.

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More than $950,000 worth of prizes have been awarded since we started running this contest.  Round 118 ends on May 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. In 2023, we polled blog readers, asking for suggested article topics. Please refer to that poll if you haven’t yet chosen an article topic.

 

 

 

Communications Options for the Common Man – Part 3, by Tunnel Rabbit

(Continued from Part 2.)

Low-Power Radio, Communications Planning, and SOI

Several radio types that are relatively easy to use can used to complete a commo plan. To start, choose a primary platform such as either FRS, GMRS, MURS, or CB, and then choose an alternative to standardize on. Then select a primary and alternative channel for both your primary and alternative radio services.  Expect to be jammed and be prepared with a set of Signals Operation Instructions (SOI) so that all understand when and how to quietly switch to the alternative channel or radio service.

For longer ranges, GMRS and SSB CB (or standard CB) complement each other. GMRS that can transmit with up to 50 watts requires a license and has only 8 channels, plus a repeater channel. Anyone with a FRS/GMRS could talk to you, or monitor your traffic and over time develop a good understanding of your operation and what resources you may have.

A 23-channel or 40-channel CB requires a large antennas to extend its range out to a practical maximum that might be as much as 12 miles, while a CB with Single Side Band (SSB) puts out a nominal 12 watts of power verses 3.5 watt for standard CB, and therefore will have a much greater range than standard AM or FM CB on whatever antenna is available. Modern handheld CBs are more compact than they once were, but not nearly as compact as an FRS or MURS handheld. FRS radios made after 2016 can have up to 2 watts Effective Radiated Power (ERP) but only on channels 8 through 14 (FRS only).  They were formerly restricted to 500 mW ERP.Continue reading“Communications Options for the Common Man – Part 3, by Tunnel Rabbit”

The Survivalist’s Odds ‘n Sods

SurvivalBlog presents another edition of The Survivalist’s Odds ‘n Sods. This column is 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. In today’s column, we look at Blackout Risks.

X-Class Solar Flare Sparks Worldwide Disruptions

Reported this morning: X-class solar flare sparks worldwide disruptions, with more storms expected as sunspot turns toward Earth.

Interior Secretary Warns U.S. at Risk of Spain-Style Blackouts

Over at Zero Hedge: Interior Secretary Warns U.S. At Risk Of Spain-Style Blackouts.

and,

At Reason: Spain’s Grid Collapsed in 5 Seconds. The U.S. Could Be Next.  Here is a key quote:

“When a power plant trips offline or demand suddenly spikes, the power grid has no cushion; it must respond instantly or it unravels. That’s where inertia comes in. In coal, gas, and nuclear plants, massive turbine rotors spin at thousands of rpm. Even when power is cut, they keep turning, releasing stored energy that slows frequency shifts and buys precious time—seconds to a minute—for backup to kick in. It’s not backup power, it’s breathing room. Like the flywheel on a Peloton, it keeps things steady even when input falters.

Once frequency drops too far, automatic protection kicks in. Plants shut down. Substations isolate. The grid severs its own limbs to survive. If imbalance spreads faster than recovery can respond, the collapse cascades. Entire regions go dark—not for lack of power, but lack of time. Even the right answer, a minute late, is no answer at all.

That’s what happened in Spain. On April 28, solar energy was generating nearly 18 gigawatts of electricity—more than half of the national demand. Within an hour, more than two-thirds of it disappeared due to what authorities called a “technical fluctuation.” Grid frequency plummeted. France tried to send emergency power across the intertie, but the imbalance tripped the connection. In five seconds, the entire Iberian grid collapsed.”

Ice is Rebounding at Both Poles

Trafer H.L. suggested this report in The New York Post: Surprise! Ice is rebounding at both poles — climate is more complex than we know.

The Secretive Government Unit Planning to Dim the Sun

Reported by The Telegraph, in England: The secretive government unit planning to dim the sun.

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

Preparedness Notes for Wednesday — May 14, 2025

On May 14, 1607, English colonists established the first permanent English settlement in America at Jamestown. Unknown to them, they had landed amidst the worst drought in eastern North America in 800 years.

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May 14th, 1686 was the birthday of Daniel Gabriel Fahrenheit, who invented the thermometer.

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May 14, 1853: Land surveyor, newspaper publisher, and inventor Gail Borden patented his process for condensed milk.

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And on May 14th, 1948, in Tel Aviv, Jewish Agency Chairman David Ben-Gurion proclaimed the State of Israel, reestablishing the Jewish state after nearly 2,000 years.

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A special editorial note:  About six months ago, I tried to set a rule for myself, in linking to articles at other websites.  I began noticing that articles were using AI-generated artwork, as article header illos. I dislike that, so I decided to avoid linking to any that featured that sort of artwork.  But now, six months later, that practice has become the norm. So, I’m forced to concede on this one, lest I have hardly anything to link to, in another year.  Sad, but true. But at least take heart in the fact that we won’t use AI-generated artwork in any SurvivalBlog articles, except those specifically about the use of AI, and its impact.  – JWR

SurvivalBlog Writing Contest

Today we present another entry for Round 118 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 $2,000.
  2. A Gunsite Academy Three Day Course Certificate. This can be used for any of their one, two, or three-day course (a $1,095 value),
  3. A Peak Refuel “Wasatch Pack” variety of 60 servings of premium freeze-dried breakfasts and dinners in individual meal pouches — a whopping 21,970 calories, all made and packaged in the USA — courtesy of Ready Made Resources (a $350 value),
  4. American Gunsmithing Institute (AGI) is providing a $300 certificate good towards any of their DVD training courses. Their course catalog now includes their latest Survival Gunsmithing course.
  5. HSM Ammunition in Montana is providing a $350 gift certificate. The certificate can be used for any of their products.

Second Prize:

  1. A SIRT STIC AR-15/M4 Laser Training Package, courtesy of Next Level Training, that has a combined retail value of $679
  2. Two 1,000-foot spools of full mil-spec U.S.-made 750 paracord (in-stock colors only) from TOUGHGRID.com (a $287 value).
  3. Two sets of The Civil Defense Manual, (in two volumes) — a $193 value — kindly donated by the author, Jack Lawson.
  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 gun purchasing privacy!

Third Prize:

  1. A Berkey Light water filter, courtesy of USA Berkey Filters (a $305 value),
  2. 3Vgear.com is providing an ultimate bug-out bag bundle that includes their 3-day Paratus Bag, a Posse EDC Sling Pack, and a Velox II Tactical Backpack. This prize package has a $289 retail value.
  3. A $200 credit from Military Surplus LLC that can be applied to purchase and/or shipping costs for any of their in-stock merchandise, including full mil-spec ammo cans, Rothco clothing and field gear, backpacks, optics, compact solar panels, first aid kits, and more.
  4. A transferable $150 FRN purchase credit from Elk Creek Company, toward the purchase of any pre-1899 antique gun.

—

More than $950,000 worth of prizes have been awarded since we started running this contest.  Round 118 ends on May 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. In 2023, we polled blog readers, asking for suggested article topics. Please refer to that poll if you haven’t yet chosen an article topic.

Communications Options for the Common Man – Part 2, by Tunnel Rabbit

(Continued from Part 1.)

I’ve busted other Ham buddies who were not FCC compliant with an embarrassing phone call.  It is a fun and a useful exercise and practice of a poor man’s version of what is referred to by the military as Signals Intelligence (SIGINT). Intelligence of any kind, from Human Intelligence (HUMINT) to SIGINT is needed, because intelligence gathering in general is essential to our security operation.

Intelligence from all sources should drive our security operations.  I (and others) will be listening for radio traffic as that is the easiest form of intelligence available to the survivalist.  As with a rifle, if you can see it, you can hit it.  Therefore, it is also true that if I can hear it, then the source is potentially dangerous. I would suggest performing some SIGINT before sending out any patrol, if I was capable of doing so.Continue reading“Communications Options for the Common Man – Part 2, by Tunnel Rabbit”

SurvivalBlog Readers’ & Editors’ Snippets

Our weekly Snippets column is a collection of short items: 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. Note that we may select some long e-mails for posting as separate letters.

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SurvivalBlog’s Editor-at-Large Michael Z. Williamson sent us this first-hand evidence of audio keyword snooping by social media, via a persistently listening smartphone:

“I recently drove to Atlanta for a memorial service on aSaturday morning. On the way, I had a phone call with my ex and mentioned a real estate firm, Noble Investments, that a friend works for. I have no connection with Noble.

Then, at the memorial service, I spoke with the founder and leader of the mortgage boot camp I went to in 2005.

Just now, I get a ping from LinkedIn with two posts for me to view. The first, from Noble. The second, from the very mortgage girl whom I spoke with on Saturday.

Oh, just a coincidence. I’m certain of it.”

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SurvivalBlog reader B.G. sent this news: Outrage as Connecticut Father Arrested and Charged for Killing Bear Threatening His Two Children. B.G.’s Comment: “He broke the ‘TRIPLE S’ rule and is now paying the price.”

JWR Adds: For those not familiar with the acronym, SSS stands for: Shoot, shovel, and shut up.

Continue reading“SurvivalBlog Readers’ & Editors’ Snippets”

The Editors’ Quote of the Day:

“You only have power over people as long as you don’t take everything away from them. But when you’ve robbed a man of everything he’s no longer in your power—he’s free again.” – Aleksander Solzhenitsyn, from The First Circle, 1968, Chapter 17

Preparedness Notes for Tuesday — May 13, 2025

On May 13, 1916, the Lafayette Escadrille, an American aviation unit under French command comprised of volunteers to fight for France, saw its first combat at the Battle of Verdun.

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May 13th is also the birthday of firearms engineer Theodor Koch (born 1905, died 1976.) Koch, along with Edmund Heckler and Alex Seidel salvaged tooling from the bombed-out Mauser factory at Oberndorf, and with it founded Heckler und Koch.

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We are pleased to welcome our newest text advertiser, the Stakeholder Prepping Podcast. Fascinating stuff with some expert advice. Listen in! – JWR

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SurvivalBlog Writing Contest

Today we present another entry for Round 118 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 $2,000.
  2. A Gunsite Academy Three Day Course Certificate. This can be used for any of their one, two, or three-day course (a $1,095 value),
  3. A Peak Refuel “Wasatch Pack” variety of 60 servings of premium freeze-dried breakfasts and dinners in individual meal pouches — a whopping 21,970 calories, all made and packaged in the USA — courtesy of Ready Made Resources (a $350 value),
  4. American Gunsmithing Institute (AGI) is providing a $300 certificate good towards any of their DVD training courses. Their course catalog now includes their latest Survival Gunsmithing course.
  5. HSM Ammunition in Montana is providing a $350 gift certificate. The certificate can be used for any of their products.

Second Prize:

  1. A SIRT STIC AR-15/M4 Laser Training Package, courtesy of Next Level Training, that has a combined retail value of $679
  2. Two 1,000-foot spools of full mil-spec U.S.-made 750 paracord (in-stock colors only) from TOUGHGRID.com (a $287 value).
  3. Two sets of The Civil Defense Manual, (in two volumes) — a $193 value — kindly donated by the author, Jack Lawson.
  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 gun purchasing privacy!

Third Prize:

  1. A Berkey Light water filter, courtesy of USA Berkey Filters (a $305 value),
  2. 3Vgear.com is providing an ultimate bug-out bag bundle that includes their 3-day Paratus Bag, a Posse EDC Sling Pack, and a Velox II Tactical Backpack. This prize package has a $289 retail value.
  3. A $200 credit from Military Surplus LLC that can be applied to purchase and/or shipping costs for any of their in-stock merchandise, including full mil-spec ammo cans, Rothco clothing and field gear, backpacks, optics, compact solar panels, first aid kits, and more.
  4. A transferable $150 FRN purchase credit from Elk Creek Company, toward the purchase of any pre-1899 antique gun.

—

More than $950,000 worth of prizes have been awarded since we started running this contest.  Round 118 ends on May 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. In 2023, we polled blog readers, asking for suggested article topics. Please refer to that poll if you haven’t yet chosen an article topic.

 

Communications Options for the Common Man – Part 1, by Tunnel Rabbit

We live in uncertain times where tens of millions of foreign invaders comprised largely of military-aged males have recently and in organized fashion crossed our borders. They were assisted by U.S. government-funded NGOs south of the border. We certainly should wonder about their intent. And there are many other significant threats that we should be concerned with particularly as the world is rapidly becoming unstable, both economically and geopolitically.

At some point in the near future, World War 3 will break out and the economy at home will suffer greatly, causing riots in the streets that would further destabilize this country and foment a communist-styled insurrection.  With tens of millions of foreigners who have not assimilated, and who are mostly supported by our social welfare system, we are sitting on a ticking time bomb. And there are other plausible scenarios as well.  Expect the unexpected, and we will not be disappointed.Continue reading“Communications Options for the Common Man – 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 located in the American Redoubt region that are of interest to preppers and survivalists. Today, news about a bison goring incident at Yellowstone.  (See the Wyoming section.)

Idaho

Idaho Army National Guard’s 116th to transition from armored to mobile combat team.

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Young man arrested with Meridian Police officer’s knee on his neck is found guilty.  JWR’s Comment:  Watching the video, it is apparent that excessive force was used when the officer lost his temper.  He should have been denied Qualified Immunity.

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(Video) Exploring Idaho: A journey beneath the surface.

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‘I refuse to live my life in fear’: Elizabeth Smart addresses recent Wanda Barzee arrest.

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

The Editors’ Quote of the Day:

“If a sovereign oppresses his people to a great degree, they will rise and cut off his head. There
is a remedy in human nature against tyranny, that will keep us safe under every form of
government.” – Samuel Jonson

Preparedness Notes for Monday — May 12, 2025

On May 12, 1215, English barons served an ultimatum on King John.  This eventually led to the creation and signing of the Magna Carta. (Pictured.)

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On May 12, 1921 a lengthy solar storm began, dubbed The Great Geomagnetic Storm of May 1921.

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And on May 12, 1926, the Airship Norge became the first vessel to fly over North Pole, led by Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen and piloted by the craft’s Italian designer Umberto Nobile.

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The Sale Ends Tonight! The special 10-day sale on all the Elk Creek Company percussion gun inventory ends tonight at Midnight, Eastern Time. Most of these are revolvers for which cartridge conversion cylinders are readily available. This includes a group of minty Ruger Old Army revolvers (now just five left) that I’ve not yet photographed. Many of those are “Pre-Warning” vintage.  We also have special pricing on all of our blackpowder hunting rifles. Most of those are .50 caliber rifles in the quite practical Hawken configuration. Take a look at our Percussion category.

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We need a few more entries for Round 118 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. More than $950,000 worth of prizes have been awarded since we started running this contest.  Round 118 ends on May 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. In 2023, we polled blog readers, asking for suggested article topics. Please refer to that poll if you haven’t yet chosen an article topic.