Preparedness Notes for Friday — December 11, 2020

Happy birthday to actress Teri Garr (born 1944.) She was unforgettable for her role in Young Frankenstein.

SurvivalBlog Writing Contest

Today we present another entry for Round 92 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. DRD Tactical is providing a 5.56 NATO QD Billet upper. These have hammer forged, chrome-lined barrels and a hard case, to go with your own AR lower. It will allow any standard AR-type rifle to have a quick change barrel. This can be assembled in less than one minute without the use of any tools. It also provides a compact carry capability in a hard case or in 3-day pack (a $1,100 value),
  5. Two cases of Mountain House freeze-dried assorted entrees in #10 cans, courtesy of Ready Made Resources (a $350 value),
  6. A $250 gift certificate good for any product from Sunflower Ammo,
  7. American Gunsmithing Institute (AGI) is providing a $300 certificate good towards any of their DVD training courses.

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. Naturally Cozy is donating a “Prepper Pack” Menstrual Kit.  This kit contains 18 pads and it comes vacuum-sealed for long term storage or slips easily into a bugout bag.  The value of this kit is $220.
  5. An assortment of products along with a one-hour consultation on health and wellness from Pruitt’s Tree Resin (a $265 value).

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 $150 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!

Round 92 ends on January 31, 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.




20 Comments

  1. Thanks for that anonymous. Have always been a fan of Bracken since I found he was among Americas finest and read the forward in his first book. Have found through the years him to be truthful and factual in all he reports on, as well as his suggestions in all matters. Don’t for a minute believe he would intentionally mislead anyone. And I can’t say that about most I read and hear from or about. The caliber of Mr. Bracken is top notch, much like our host here. There are others in this club, but that’s just a very small sampling.

  2. Another recycled Gab post:

    RELOADING SUPPLIES, BY COYYOTE
    https://www.americanpartisan.org/?mailpoet_router&endpoint=track&action=click&data=WyIyMzc3IiwicjZqOHllMXRvdTgwMGc0YzB3c29vYzBrb3d3Y2dnNGciLCI4OTkiLCIyNjgxZjhjOWYxYzIiLGZhbHNlXQ

    Tunnel Rabbit comment:
    The cartoon of a Griz in this article got a belly laugh out of myself. It is a very funny illustration perhaps because it hits uncomfortably close to home. I live in the highest concentration of Griz CONUS. The place is crawly with Griz. Last year 3 of them were found on the tracks as they mysteriously got hit by the train. Anything less than .30-06 with a hot 180 grain bullet is not enough gun for Griz. I have heard that a local took a Griz in his chicken coop with a .410 loaded with bird shot. A golden BB when up the nose and into the brain. My shots are never ‘golden’. Fortunately I’ve never had to risk shooting one and just pissing it off.

    If you need an inexpensive hunting rig, I suggest an SKS, and this ammunition that is comparable to .30-30 after 100 yards. Out of a 20” barrel of an SKS,
    I would not be surprised to see 2,650 fps. This is nearly as fast as Remington’s Managed Recoil ammunition in .30-06 that advertises a 125 soft point grain bullet at 2,660fps out of a 24 inch barrel. It reportedly kills deer DRT (dead right there). 200 pound deer are easy to kill, but they are hard to track if they run. Use a good soft point bullet, and hit the vitals.

    The Wolf ammunition linked below uses such a bullet, and is only .45 cents a round. That is bargain given it’s terminal ballistics. It may also run in your AK, and kill deer just as well. After being shot with this, few deer could return fire. I would much rather get hit with 5.56, than this bullet that would cause much more damage than FMJ. My AK with a 21 inch barrel, spits out a 154 grain soft point at almost 2,550 fps. Because it is soft point ammunition, I have argued that it would do more damage than M80 ball that is 7.62 Nato (similar to .308 Winchester). This is essentially a semi auto .30-30., or a poor man’s 7.62 NATO rifle. This means I can conserve my ammunition by taking well aim shots rather than blow off 5.56 in 2 or 3 round bursts.

    The Army recommends at least 2 rounds of M193 to make sure enemy combatants stay down. Let’s do the math. A 28 round mag divided by 2 equals 14. I always load my AK with 30 rounds of soft point ammunition. This means I could get 30 deer if I can make it count. Shot placement is the number one factor for success, and the soft point ammunition provides a margin for error. However, you must test fire any semi-auto rifle with soft point ammunition, and all the magazines that are used in that particular rifle, before it can be considered reliable. This kind of testing in this day of pricey ammo is expensive, but you need the range time anyway, and any FTF (failure to feed) will be an opportunity to clear the jam. Skills are perishable, and wane significantly after only 28 days.

    This ammunition is available at http://SGAmmo.com Out of a standard 16 inch barreled AK, these would run close to 2,450fps. This is hot stuff, and expands in gelatin inside of 25 yards, almost immediately at that velocity. It would be a dead deer inside of 200 yards, no problem. We do not want deer to shoot back. They might get lucky. Now I gotta go and jar up more deer…. Deer don’t get lucky around here.

    https://www.sgammo.com/product/wolf-ammo-sale/100-round-lot-762×39-125-grain-soft-point-mil-spec-ammo-lacquer-and-sealant-w

  3. Yet another recycled Gab post. (improved exclusively for survivalblog.com)

    Tunnel Rabbit said:

    Watt does a Boafeng handheld have in common with a 25 watt Marine band mobile transceiver?

    The Boafeng can be programmed to function exactly as does a Marine Band hand held transceiver. But watt if you rather not use chirp, or dedicated the entire radio to the Marine band, but would also have the Ham bands, MURS, and FRS/GMRS and other frequencies? Or perhaps you’d just need one or two channels manually programming into your Boafengs. A primary and an alternative frequency is about all most people can use anyway. And perhaps you already have one of these VHF mobile Marine band radios in your boat, and you’d like to go boating using your Boafengs. Below is a list of Marine band radio simplex frequencies that can be simply entered into the VFO (the orange button). Just plug one of the frequencies in, and then you will be able to talk to this 25 watt mobile in your boats on the channel that is associated with the frequency listed. For example, if the mobile radio is set on channel 6, it will be transmitting and receiving on 156.300 mhz. Enter that frequency into a Boafeng and you can communicate on channel 6.

    It is, of course, illegal to use these frequencies when outside of water ways, yet if the need for emergency communication arises, it is unlikely we would be interfering with traffic on any water way, unless of course one lives near a large and popular lake, or an ocean. Be advised that in such areas, federal authorities would be scanning and recording all such traffic near or around water ways. If I did not live in such an area, or when in a WROL situation, the use of a 25 watt mobile is an essential part of a commo plan needed to effect reliable communication within an AO. I might not have better, or other alternative equipment to fill that role. As this is high VHF equipment, the propagation would be similar to the 2 meter Ham band.
    Anyone who is not a licensed Amateur Radio Operator, or wishes NOT to use the call sign that identifies yourself and listed address, this would be a more secure band that necessity forces us to use.

    Uniden UM385BK 25 Watt Fixed Mount Marine Vhf Radio, Waterproof

    https://www.amazon.com/Uniden-UM385BK-Fixed-Mount-VHF/dp/B076DHZQ42/ref=sr_1_13?crid=1P3YFU518S081&dchild=1&keywords=marine+radio&qid=1607668987&sprefix=marine+rad%2Caps%2C252&sr=8-13

    Use this antenna if you happen to have an amphibious craft.
    The Tram 1181 with a magnetic mount.
    https://www.amazon.com/Amateur-Dual-Band-Antenna-140-170-Centimeters/dp/B018EUB8DU/ref=pd_rhf_se_p_img_4?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=Z1CQ1R7J7K39R42CBYDD

    INTERNATIONAL VHF MARINE RADIO SIMPLEX FREQUENCIES

    6 156.300 MHz 156.300 MHz Safety and Intership Communications
    8 156.400 MHz 156.400 MHz Northern Region Coastguard
    Waihi Beach Coastguard
    Nelspecs
    9 156.450 MHz 156.450 MHz Port Operations & Ship Movements
    10 156.500 MHz 156.500 MHz Port Operations & Ship Movements
    11 156.550 MHz 156.550 MHz Port Operations & Ship Movements
    Northport
    12 156.600 MHz 156.600 MHz Port Operations & Ship Movements
    13 156.650 MHz 156.650 MHz Intership Navigation Safety
    14 156.700 MHz 156.700 MHz Port Operations & Ship Movements
    15 156.750 MHz 156.750 MHz Environmental
    16 156.800 MHz 156.800 MHz International Distress, Safety & Calling
    17 156.850 MHz 156.850 MHz Special Purpose

    67 156.375 MHz 156.375 MHz Maritime Radio
    68 156.425 MHz 156.425 MHz Maritime Radio
    69 156.475 MHz 156.475 MHz Maritime Radio
    70 156.525 MHz 156.525 MHz DSC for Distress, Urgency, Safety
    71 156.575 MHz 156.575 MHz Maritime Radio
    72 156.625 MHz 156.625 MHz Intership
    73 156.675 MHz 156.675 MHz Intership, Port Operations
    74 156.725 MHz 156.725 MHz Port Operations & Ship Movements
    75 156.775 MHz 156.775 MHz Intership
    76 156.825 MHz 156.825 MHz Intership
    77 156.875 MHz 156.875 MHz Intership, Port Operations

    87 157.375 MHz 157.375 MHz Port Operations & Ship Movements
    88 157.425 MHz 157.425 MHz Port Operations & Ship MovementsW

    1. More on Marine radio, and getting the most out of your low powered equipment by using high gain antennas.

      (Admission: This is just an excuse to take a break from working outside in the cold installing a heat blower in my truck to add and clarify.)

      Use this adapter, https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B011AYJGLS/ref=ox_sc_act_title_14?smid=A2TIPJ9H9BSQKY&psc=1, to connect a Baofeng to this antenna that is designed to be mounted on the sheet metal roof of a vehicle to double or triple the range from 1 to 3 miles with the stock antenna, to up to 3 to 6 miles in higher terrain with a unobstructed line of sight. Unlike most quarter wave antenna, this antenna has an exceptional broad range for the price and does not require the user to tune it, or verify the SWR if used with in the advertised range.

      The Tram 1181 with a magnetic mount.
      https://www.amazon.com/Amateur-Dual-Band-Antenna-140-170-Centimeters/dp/B018EUB8DU/ref=pd_rhf_se_p_img_4?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=Z1CQ1R7J7K39R42CBYDD

      Used in combination with a 25 watt VHF base station transceiver with a base station quality antenna that is a quarter wave antenna mounted between 15, and ideally 50 feet high, the range would be the best that can be achieved with this equipment. Range could be improved with the use of a directional antenna on either or both ends, or with the use of high gain omin-directional antenna on one or both transceivers.

      The maximum range of this combination might be 15 or more miles at a maximum, should the base station be located at 1,500 feet above surrounding hill tops. I would expect in most conditions that is less than ideal, or in undulating terrain covered with trees, that this communications circuit would be reliable out to a maximum of 5 to 10 miles. This means we could have reliable communication within an AO that is approximately 10 to 20 miles in diameter. Of course a survey of the area should be performed to define the actual, or extreme limits, and identify dead zones where there is not a good circuit within the AO. To improve the maximum distance, a high gain VHF antenna such as a j-pole, or my preferred slim jim of copper pipe could be use. These are of rugged construction, and require no ground plane, therefore this type of antenna is easier to install. My home-brew j-poles are typically dual banded and work on the UHF side fairly well, and within 1 mile, well enough to be useful to talk to hand helds. Repeaters within 10 miles are easy for this dual band J pole. I prefer the Slim Jim as the use of an ‘air choke’ to achieve a low SWR is not necessary, and the antenna has a broad enough bandwidth to accommodate both the 2 Meter Ham band and the Public Service/Emergency Service bands, or 144 to 155mhz. A costumed tuned Slim Jim of copper construction can be ordered for the Marine band, and if tuned correctly could cover 150 mhz to 161 mhz. Request that the builder design the antenna with a center frequency of 154 mhz, or use this link to order as is. https://www.jpole-antenna.com/shop/vhf-public-safety-murs-marine-scanner-slim-jim-antenna/

      If ordering the less expensive J-pole, the bandwidth will be reduced, and the antenna would not be as versatile. Also be sure to use an air choke and verify the SWR before transmitting. The gain of these antenna is debated, however I believe it is safe to assume a gain of approximately 1.5 dbd is possible. This amount of gain would magnify the signal from a 4 watt output up to 6 watts ERP, if line loss is negligible. A 25 watt base station might attain a relative 50 percent increase in output over a quarter wave antenna, or have approximately 37 watts instead of 25. Again these figures are for comparative purposes. Regardless, it is a 50 percent increase in radiated power over a the typical or common quarter wave antenna.

      The other important advantage of this type of high gain antenna is it’s ability to hear 50 percent better, and with a reduced signal to noise ratio. In an experiment using good test equipment that I cannot afford, and a Ham on the other end, my homebrew UHF slim jim antenna, using a 4 watt Baofeng, was able to hit the Blue Mountain repeater in Libby Montana, 70 miles away, and receive a signal with full quieting. My Ham friend was so impressed, he purchased a copy. Of course this repeater is located at nearly 6,500 feet. I’ve performed a more impressive feat by hitting the Kellogg repeater in Idaho with a VHF version and a 4 watt Baofeng. This repeater is located almost 150 miles away. These are exceptional examples, but it just goes to show ya, that despite the disputed claims about the gain of this antenna that claimed to be as high a 3db, that Slim Jim antennas are good antennas. I can also hit Cranbrook Canada with a Baofeng when my arm is up to it (lol…?)

      Although repeaters are wonderful, I know that most the the repeaters in my area do not have long term back up power, nor would I wish for COMSEC sake, to use such repeaters, or the Ham bands, unless of course there was no better alternatives.
      I believe it is best to think more like a military radio operator should the country be at war with itself, rather than an Amateur Radio Operator. Typically, during times of was, Amateur licenses are revoked. This also in this country during WW2.

      Antennas can make or break your commo plan and increase the versatility of any commo plan. Being versatile in an uncertain world could be and usually is a huge advantage. Antennas that can be purchased at Arrow Antenna, including yagi made to order, could be just watt you need indeed. I would have at least one 5 element yagi, or better yet, learn to make your own. I prefer 6 element OWA yagi antennas, because they are very broad banded and direct connect, and easy to make. Moxons are also easy to make and broad banded, yet their foot print broad as well or that is comparable to a 2 or 3 element yagi. The narrower the foot print, the harder it is to DF your signal. But they do have an excellent front to back ratio and a null that assists if used for direction finding that gives one at least a rough bearing.

      I am a totally self taught radio head who began on this hobbie over a decade ago before these topics were widely discussed, if at all. If I can, you can. I did not have Brushbeater.com to get me started, but you can take advantage of the excellent information there, and get up to speed faster than if it were not available.

    1. Mike Adams reported that he confirmed that they will hear the case as their web site indicate that they will. They should rule that Nov. 3 is election day, and that any votes on and after Nov. 4 are not valid. In Mike Adam’s opinion, SCOTUS will not wish to responsible for the ‘social’ implications of such a ruling and will avoid this risk by kicking it to the states to ‘vote’, and send it to Congress to certify. According to Adam’s Trump and his few loyalists are setting the stage for him to be able to carry our the Insurrection Act, and pieces of this plan are coming together. If we can envision or imagine what could be occurring, it is possible, yet not necessarily probable. Although a good analogue would be a chess game, the gears and levers of government are not chess pieces.

      Adams offers a lengthy analysis that is interesting to say the least. It is well worth the time as it opens one’s imagination to the possible twists and turns ahead. There are too many details to summarize adequately, yet if forced to put it all into a nutshell and risk oversimplification, Adam’s believe Trump will remain in power, and take justified action against the ‘swamp’. He believes that Trump would likely declare the Insurrection act on Jan. 5, 2020.

      Adams does entertain the possibility that even if Trump remains in power, all hell could break loose anyway, as the situation could play into the Globalist’s hands by angering their ‘commie-rats’ into action. IMHO, there is simply no way to predict the future here, as there are too many moving parts, and unconfirmed assumptions. I’ve also heard that Trump said he would step down should the states not provide a majority vote in his favor. And some Constitutional lawyers might have a different opinion about how individual state electoral votes should be handled as the 12th Amendment is in their opinion not clearly written, or literal enough that all Originalist’s might agree. I would pray SCOTUS rules that vote counted after midnight Nov 3, 2020 are not valid. This is what the Texas suit asks for. They would have a ruling in the next two days.

      1. Thank you, Tunnel Rabbit.

        I agree that
        “IMHO, there is simply no way to predict the future here, as there are too many moving parts, and unconfirmed assumptions.”
        DEFINITELY a lot going on for sure. Anyone else feel like you’re living a bit part in a Clancy novel?
        We’ll keep praying for a peaceful solution if possible, whatever that may be…

  4. I would suggest everyone watch the movie “The Patriot” tonight. There will be no “sitting on the fence”, “My principles do not allow”.

    We have been betrayed by the highest court of the land! I am on the verge of tears, sick to my stomach!

    I’m not just saying that because I am in Texas! So many things were right there, in our faces, but no one would contest it!

    Folks, we are in ‘end of the USA as we know it”. The question is right now, what happens now?

    1. Lisa in TX… what took place today with the USSC ruling is disheartening to say the least… I can only continue to keep II Chronicles 7:14 and Psalms 118:8-9 in my thoughts… I ask myself … are we on the cusp of God’s mercy or judgment ???

      1. Yes, it is totally disheartening. I have been praying without ceasing that the Lord grant us 4 more years to prepare. Apparently it is His plan that this befall our Nation.

        Considering all the things “we” as a nation have allowed, I am not surprised this is His judgement.

          1. Krissy… So well said. Lisa’s prayers, and the prayers of all Christian Believers and Patriots, bless us — each and every one. We must continue to pray. God hears our voices. He is answering, and He will continue to answer — even when we do not understand the bigger picture unfolding before us. We must remember that God sees the big picture across all time and eternity. As mere mortals, we glimpse just brief moments in this bigger picture.

            God has prepared us, and He continues to prepare us for whatever is coming. He will be calling on us to live out our courage and conviction. Let your voices be heard across the country, and around the world. Do not sit silently. The voices of patriots must roar so loudly that these voices can be heard around the globe. Remember that while this conflict is unfolding here in the United States, the underlying issues we face affect people far and wide. The few who seek to control us through tyrrany cannot be victorious if those of us who seek the freedoms and liberties of the Constitutional Republic with which we are blessed rise up to challenge them.

      2. Those are great verses. We had “Heal This Land” by Maire Brennan as well as “God Is In Control” by Twila Paris repeatedly blasting on surround sound for awhile tonight. It helped.

    2. Hold steady. This is not over… It’s not over by a long stretch. The battles may just be beginning. The Trump team filed with the Georgia Supreme Court this evening. There are likely to be more filings coming. …and the courts are only one avenue.

      The darkness of evil will always try to discourage and dishearten us. …and while, as real human beings with real human emotions, we will feel the sting, we must re-steel ourselves. We must fight on. …and we will. We must persevere for the sake of the Republic.

      We may yet see the President declare an insurrection. Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes suggests that the data should be seized, declassified, and exposed. I am giving this direction a tremendous amount of thought, and it may turn out to be necessary on the part of the President. General Flynn has also suggested that the President may have to take a much bolder action than what is accessible through the courts.

      More news will be coming over the weekend and into the coming week. Continue to pray in earnest for God’s guidance and mercy.

      1. Thank you, Telesilla. I was working in the kitchen when my husband first mentioned seeing the headline and I wished right away to have discussion with the patriot community here to hear everyone’s thoughts. I knew whatever else happened, there you would be, encouraging us all to HOLD STEADY!

        1. Bear!
          It’s good for us to gather. We are patriots, and we are many. Do not allow anyone to believe that we are few. This is a deception. We are many. We must let our voices be heard. We must rise up, and in so doing, know that we are facing a great battle at hand — but that we must fight the criminal corruption that has lived among us too comfortably for too long and without challenge. We can do this, and we can — we must — prevail.

          There was some good news. The Wisconsin Supreme Court has agreed to hear an important and very relevant case. Oral arguments begin this Saturday morning.

          https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2020/12/wisconsin-supreme-court-takes-trump-case-today-circuit-court-judge-dismissed/

          Sidney Powell has also filed an emergency petition with the SCOTUS.

          The Trump legal team filed with the Georgia Supreme Court, and we are watching for word from them.

          State legislatures may be becoming more active. Each and every one of us should be contacting — and recontacting — the offices of our state Representative and Senators. This is serious. Don’t put it off or wait for someone else to speak up. We must all speak up.

          Members of Congress are also preparing to challenge electors should we get to that point.

          …and I continue to believe that we may face the declaration of an Insurrection.

    3. I hear you, Lisa. It was rather hard to eat dinner tonight. It’s been years since I saw “The Patriot” but iirc it was pretty good. As for what now…I am not sure of the details of our earthly country’s fate, but I do know one thing: God is still sovereign!

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