Slingshot and archery design genius Joerg Sprave is at it again.

This 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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Slingshot and archery design genius Joerg Sprave is at it again, with a second generation of commercially available repeating crossbows. In this video, he demonstrates a full-auto crossbow prototype, powered by a Makita battery drill motor: Archery Extreme: Ode to Joy. It bears mentioning that Sprave’s video channel now has an astounding 2.94 million subscribers, worldwide.

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Illinois bans semiautomatic weapons, critics vow court test. JWR’s Comment: This unconstitutional law will obviously not withstand a court test, with the strong precedent set by the Supreme Court’s Bruen decision. But sadly, it may take several years for that case to be heard.

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SurvivalBlog Editor-At-Large Michael Z. Williamson sent this link in an e-mail with the droll title: “An answer to a question nobody asked”: Wheelgun Wednesday: Zenk RZMK-357 Bullpup Revolver.

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SaraSue sent these two snippets:

“I am reading through the book of Revelation again.

Too many people are dying. Just this week, in my own circle of family, friends, and acquaintances, there were 3 deaths. Last year, there was just one. All young to mid-life. Every week there’s a news story of an athlete or a young person in public life, who has “died suddenly”. More than 1,100 athletes have died in the past two years, suddenly. I have watched the “Died Suddenly” documentary, but it hits home when it’s people you know. And of course, you can’t ask, “are they vaccinated?” No. You keep your mouth shut and you offer your condolences, and try to figure out how to help their family. Never in my life have so many people near to me, other than from War, died. Something is definitely going on of Biblical proportions. I urge everyone to stay in the Word of God and keep that relationship with Jesus Christ as more prized than anything else.”

and,

“I tamed a large Guernsey cow and trained her to milk – her first time. She’s so much bigger than the Jersey. It’s been a rodeo a few times as she refused to stand for milking, and took off with the milker attached, then bucked it off in the field. LOL. Another time she almost broke down the milking structure. We’re finally in the groove and she’s stopped kicking and rebelling. I pretend that I’m just as big as she is – the Boss Cow. It took a little over 2 weeks to train her. I’m shocked that I haven’t been kicked by a cow yet during my dairy adventure. Her milk is amazing! The chickens have started laying again, and I have a barn cat addition to keep the mice at bay. I’m planning out the gardens, and trying to decide if it’s worth it to sell excess produce, eggs, and milk this year. It sure would help with the Feed bill, but I hate trading my privacy. I won’t be advertising, only word of mouth with trusted family and friends, if I decide to.”

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Reader C.B. sent this S2 Underground instructional video link: Thermal Camouflage Part 1: Setting the Stage.

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Our own Pat Cascio forwarded this, from the now left-wing ABC News: At least 74 Illinois sheriff’s departments vow to defy state assault weapons ban.

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Mike M. had these comments in response to a recent article on Mini-14 rifles:

“There are many different ideas on the end times and what they will encompass. My thoughts are to prepare for the worst-case scenario possible and have the absolute best of everything needed.

I enjoyed the article and his in-depth study of ballistics of the 223. I commend him for a good article.

Now, the bad part or my experience with the Mini-14. I am sure they have perfected this rifle over the past 30 years and it is reliable for self-defense. My one and only “Mini” was bought around 1990. With iron sights shooting 5.56 ammo, it looked like buckshot on a police man-size target at 100 yards. It scattered like a shotgun. I then purchased federal premium 223 and got fantastic results, shooting a 2-4 inch group. So my thoughts were what good is this rifle if I have to buy ammo that costs triple the nato rounds. After all, if you do not have a large stockpile of premium ammo and cannot use 556 ammo left behind by the enemy then what good is a rifle that will not hit the target accurately. I later sold this rifle after I purchased a pre-ban AR.

A plus for AR-15s is the simplicity and availability of parts and accessories. You can have as many uppers that you need and change out for different scenarios. If you are hunting or are in need for long-distance shooting use an 18″ [or longer] barrel upper with a scope of your choice. Home defense or close in situations warrant the use of a 16 in or less (legal) barrel with sights of your choice. It may be that you prefer iron sights, red dots, or perhaps holographic such as EOTech. On night shift, use the upper with a thermal night vision. Everyone that has seen combat or worked in law enforcement knows that the choice of time for crime is at night.

The lower you use will have the same trigger pull, with each upper. If you have a problem with a lower receiver, have a spare lower. Parts availability is another plus for ARs. Magazines for ARs are inexpensive and you will need a lot of them. Mark your mags with colors or whatever you choose for different ammo, ie, FMJ, Hollowpoints/softpoints, armor piercing, 55 gr, 62 gr, etc. There is a wide array of ammo and once you have sighted your upper in with a particular brand and weight ammo you should stockpile that ammo because not all types shoot as accurately as others. Most ammo of this caliber is around 3,200-to-3,250 fps.

If a Mini-24 breaks you are helpless unless you are a gunsmith and have spare parts. Have you priced Mini-14 magazines? Extremely expensive compared to AR mags. Parts kits? None. AR parts are everywhere or just change out the lower or upper. One last comment: how many Minis do you see for sale compared to ARs? Probably one-to-1000 ratio. You seldom see used Mini-14s at gun shows.

I am not against using a Mini-14, as they are good weapons. If you do not foresee having to use the rifle very much then buy what you are comfortable with. I love the feel of a Mini as it reminds me of the GI .30 caliber M1 Carbine. But, as stated, be prepared for the worst-case scenario and stock up.”

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150th Anniversary of the Guns & Ammo of 1873.

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Net Zero Will Lead to the End of Modern Civilisation, Says Top Scientist.

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From blog reader R.J.: More classified documents found in garage at Biden’s Wilmington home, White House says. JWR’s Comments: The double standard on this is astounding. President Biden is being reminded of how he criticized Trump as being “irresponsible” for having top secret documents at Mar-a-Lago. By law, a sitting President can declassify any document, at will. But a Vice President cannot.

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World Economic Forum Behind Sudden Push to Ban Gas Stoves.

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Reader G.S. wrote:

“After almost every serious snowstorm or hurricane, we read articles on the serious problems individuals face when they lose electrical power. I’ve seen several articles that expressed concerns for individuals that use Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines to treat sleep apnea.

There is an alternative to using a CPAP machine and the alternative does not require electricity. These are called Expiratory Positive Airway Pressure (EPAP) devices. EPAPs made by Byrggs are approved by the FDA for the treatment of mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). In contrast to the more well-known Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP), the EPAP system does not require a power source, as the therapeutic back pressure is created by a pair of integrated cartridge valves. This makes the EPAP an ideal solution for times when the power goes out or is unavailable.

Additionally, because EPAP machines do not require electricity, they require significantly less maintenance and cost much less than CPAP machines. The EPAPs are also smaller and much easier to use when traveling.”

JWR Adds: There are several other brands of EPAP devices available, in a wide range of designs and prices.

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Reader C.B. mentioned this video from Armed Scholar: Supreme Court Decision Eliminates Concealed Carry Ban & State Defiance.

Reader Susan F. wrote us:

“I am an 81-year-old urban farmer living with my husband of 59 years in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

My snippet is about clothing—saving time and money:

WEAR A UNIFORM—not an actual uniform but clothing you have found suits you and then wear it in different colors every day. Once you know the brand and size, you can almost always find it used on Ebay . Here is an example of what I do (note, I call them work pants but, as I am an urban farmer, my whole day is work so I wear these all day.)

Summer work pants: Dry on the Fly pants from Duluth Trading Company (navy, olive, tan, grey)
Winter work pants: water repellent brushed lining pants, also from Duluth (only in black)
Summer tops: Long Tail tee from Duluth (lots of colors)
Winter tops: Long Tail turtlenecks from Duluth (lots of colors)
Quarter zip fleeces: North Face (lots of colors)

I just put together my outfit in pleasing combinations each night for the next day.

In addition:

I buy socks new and have extras always stored. Those for summer are white Hanes crews and all for winter are Fox ragg wool. No time is spent sorting and matching.

All underwear is new and is the same style and color from Duluth. I have extra stored.

Pajamas are the same as for work pants and tops—find what you like and buy on Ebay. There are lots of colors and patterns,

I have one all-season outfit for funerals and one really nice outfit for celebrations and parties. Also, a few skirts (all from Back in the Saddle and the same cut and size) which I wear with the tee shirts on summer evenings as they are cooler than shorts.

I have a barn jacket, a rain jacket, a North Face full zip black fleece, a nice winter jacket and a couple of cozy sweatshirts. All po those have lasted for years.

Footwear: work shoes for garden and coop, rain/mud boots, 2 summer sandals (identical but different colors), 2 winter shoes (identical but different colors). When I need new ones, I get the same.

Two winter hats (warm and extra warm), two pair of gloves (warm and extra warm) and a summer hat.

That’s it—my entire wardrobe. I find it has enough variety and I love the simplicity.

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Deere gives farmers long-sought ability to repair their own tractors. (A hat tip to K.B. for the link.)

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And, lastly, this, from H.L.: Hackers Drool As California Rolls Out Trackable Digital License Plates.