Gun & Prepping News #79

 Some links that may be of interest:

•  "You Want To Be A Modern Minuteman"--Security & Cigars. The author offers some general advice on (1) getting a quality handgun, some training, and practice; (2) the importance of physical fitness and recommendations of certain exercises/activities; and (3) learning first aid including for traumatic wounds.
• "Terrifying doorbell cam captures knife-wielding maniac stalking Sacramento neighborhood"--New York Post.  My point in referencing this article isn't just that some kook was ringing the doorbell cameras and then making stabbing motions with a knife before running away, but this:

Sacramento County Sheriff’s Lt. Amar Gandhi said multiple frantic residents reported the armed prowler as deputies rushed to the scene within minutes.

But by the time they arrived, the suspect was gone. But if the suspect had concentrated on one home instead of going door-to-door, he would have had enough time to kick down a door, kill someone, and then flee. This isn't to fault the deputies, but as a reminder that you are your own first responder.

• "Enhance Your Shooting Skills: The Power of Dry Fire Training"--Close Quarter Combat. The author begins:

 In the realm of firearms proficiency, consistent practice is the cornerstone of mastery. Yet, not all practice requires live ammunition and a firing range. Enter dry fire training – a method often overlooked but immensely powerful in refining shooting skills. In this blog, we'll delve into the benefits and techniques of dry-fire training and how it can transform you into a more adept shooter.

• "Quick Tips on Setting up a General Purpose Carbine"--Green Ops. Some advice on setting the right length of pull (LOP) on an adjustable stock, as well as advice on mounting optics and why you need a sling.
• "Concealed Carry Corner: Best Cover Garments for Concealment"--The Firearm Blog. The author considers some garments for concealing a firearm in the summer: a leather biker vest, suit jackets/blazers, fishing vests (or a photographer's vest). On the latter options--the fishing vest--make sure you have one long enough to cover the weapon if wearing an outside the waistband (OWB) holster; many seem cut pretty short. 
• "Fudd Friday: Parker Hale Classic Hunting Rifles"--The Firearm Blog. Parker-Hale was a British company probably best remembered for their sniper rifle, their sporterizing military rifles after WWII for commercial sales, and their relatively inexpensive hunting rifles based on Mauser actions but with their own hammer-forged barrels. Outside of gun forums, however, it is hard to find much information about them anymore. 
• "Is Aero Precision Going Out of Business? Here’s What We Actually Know"--The Truth About Guns. The firm is obviously having problems, but they haven't filed for bankruptcy. And their associated business--Ballistics Advantage--doesn't seem to be having the problems that you see with Aero Precision. It is too bad because they made very good AR receivers and other parts. 
• "6mm ARC Basics – What you Need to Know to Get Started"--AR Build Junkies.  Some history, what the cartridge does well, best twist rates, common barrel lengths, etc.
• "Barnes 6mm ARC Ammo Review: 1,000-Yard Test"--The Truth About Guns. A test of Barnes' VOR-TX 90 grain TAC-TX and the Harvest 100 grain GameKing loads. Conclusion:

Both loads shot sub-MOA out of my Howa 1500 mini action, and the GameKing proved capable of consistent hits on steel out to 1,000 yards. For hunters and shooters looking for accurate factory ammunition that doesn’t require handloading or extensive load development, Barnes has delivered two solid options that punch well above their weight class.

• "Bear Guns: 300 Win Mag VS 7mm Mag"--Bear Hunting Magazine.  I had recently linked to an article about the 7mm Rem. Mag. and a reader commented that it was good for bear. This article bears him out. Short take:

When using quality bullets and with good shot placement, both the 7mm Rem Mag and .300 Win Mag are excellent for hunting black, brown, and grizzly bear at all practical hunting ranges. However, since they are such flat shooting and hard hitting cartridges, the 7mm Mag and .300 Win Mag really shine in situations where hunters need to take shots out past 200-300 yards. 

• "Spin Difference: The Impact of Barrel Twist Rates on Terminal Performance" by Richard Mann, American Rifleman. An excerpt:

    Legacy American self-defense pistol cartridges like the .45 ACP (1905), .380 ACP (1908) and .38 Super (1929) all use a rifling-twist rate of 1:16-inch. A number of more modern American pistol cartridges like the 10 mm (1983), .40 S&W (1990) and .357 SIG (1994) have the same slow twist rate, and the .38 Spl. and .357 Mag. have an even slower twist rate of 1:18.75-inch. But, the 9 mm has a rifling twist rate of 1:10-inch, and that can give the cartridge an advantage. 

[snip]

    As ballisticians began to work to develop better bullets—bullets that would perform better in the FBI’s testing protocol—the faster rotational velocity of the 1:10-inch-twist 9 mm cartridge began to show its worth and made it easier to make bullets work better. For example, a 124-grain 9 mm bullet has a rotational velocity that is 73 percent faster than a 165-grain bullet fired from a .40 S&W. By leveraging this additional rotational energy, 9 mm bullets could be designed to perform better over wider velocity ranges, and in some cases rival and even exceed the terminal performance of bullets fired from larger-caliber cartridges. The slow twist rates and rotational velocities of other handgun cartridges—especially the .38 Spl.—are why you commonly see special short-barrel loads for them. The projectiles need to be made differently to work at slower linear and rotational velocities. 

• Sometimes firearm accessories are just for fun: "Ripley Rail - 'cause it'll be dark soon, and they mostly come at night"--The Firearm Blog. A handguard and rail attachment for the AR that mimics the look of the M41A Pulse Rifle from the movie, Aliens.
• "The strange reason why wildlife agencies want Americans to buy more guns"--Vox.  The reason is the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act, commonly known as the Pittman-Robertson Act, which imposes an excise tax on firearms, ammunition, and certain other outdoor gear and equipment and channels that money to state wildlife agencies. The tax is 11% for rifles and 10% for handguns and ammunition. 

Over the last decade, the law has channeled close to $1 billion a year into state wildlife agencies across the country, amounting to a substantial share of their budgets. One recent analysis found that Pittman-Robertson made up about 18 percent of state agency budgets, on average, in 2019. (License fees for fishing and hunting, along with a hodgepodge of other revenue streams, including a similar tax on fishing gear, make up the rest.) And revenue from Pittman-Robertson has been increasing, roughly doubling in the past two decades — in no small part because gun sales have surged. 

So just remember, as a gun owner, you have probably done more to preserve the environment than have most liberals who claim they care for the environment. And the anti-hunters? They are actually trying to harm the animals they pretend to care about. 

• "Choosing the Right First Aid Kit for your Needs"--Alpha Survivalist. Because you are going to need a boo-boo kit more than a trauma kit. The article covers issues of what are your requirements, whether to assemble one yourself or buy a pre-made kit, what to look for in a pre-made kit, the top brands, and some other tips. 
• "How To Use an Israeli Bandage To Stop Severe Bleeding"--Modern Survival Blog.  The author explains:

An Israeli Bandage, also called an Emergency Bandage, is a compact pressure dressing used to help control serious external bleeding. It combines a sterile wound pad, elastic wrap, built-in pressure applicator, and closure bar in one bandage. The basic idea is simple: place the pad over the wound, wrap the elastic bandage around the injury, use the pressure bar to increase direct pressure, then secure the closure bar so the bandage stays tight. 

The article goes on to discuss why you want to include one in your kit, a discussion of the 4" versus 6" sizes, a couple brands available on Amazon that he recommends, step-by-step instruction on applying one, a link to an instructional video, when to use an Israeli bandage versus a tourniquet, and some additional information. 

• "Bleach, Hand Sanitizer, or Natural Cleaning Products? What to Use When"--Organic Prepper.  The author points out:

    Staying clean is a critical part of staying healthy. We have a wide array of disinfectants and cleaning products to stock up on. This guide takes the most common disinfectants, breaks down their pros and cons, and sorts out how and when to use each item.

    Staying clean becomes even more important when access to medical care is not guaranteed, such as during or post-disaster. Therefore, we need to know to know how to remove pathogens from surfaces and fabrics. 

The rest of the article discusses why cleaning is not optional, cleaning versus disinfecting, and then goes over cleaning and disinfecting products: bleach, ammonia, hydrogen peroxide, alcohol, vinegar, and herbal washes, as well as when and how to use each. 

• On a related note: "How to get rid of common stains: the science behind your top tips"--Which? Magazine.  How to get rid of stains from blood, red wine, grass, bolognese and tomato sauce, and sun screen creams. As a quick note, several of the tips mention using "washing-up liquid" which apparently is the British term for liquid dish soap, like Dawn. 
• "Boot Care: How to properly care for your boots."--Joint Force Tactical. Good advice for anyone who uses leather boots for work or play.  Covers cleaning, waterproofing, and storage.
•  "Quick Breads"--Blue Collar Prepping. The author explains:

Quick breads usually operate without yeast, often substituting a chemical leavening agent such as baking powder and/or baking soda to generate a similar result. Chemical leaveners require an acid to activate, which is why quick bread recipes will include sour cream, yogurt, buttermilk, or even vinegar.

The author includes recipes for a flat bread, soda bread, and basic scones.

•  "Yard Carts & Wagons for Homesteads, Gardens, and Preparedness"--Modern Survival Blog. If you don't know what these are, think of a child's wagon except with a beefed up frame, pneumatic tires, and the ability to lift the bed to dump out materials. They do a lot of things that the wheel barrow does, but are more stable and can be easier for some people to use. I have both because the wheel barrow is oft times faster to move around, but for going over irregular ground nothing beats the yard cart. And if you have a bunch of potted plants that you want to transport around your yard, the yard cart is less likely to jostle and overturn the pots. 
• "‘God of chaos’ asteroid will be once-in-a-lifetime event visible to the naked eye — and closer than many satellites: NASA"--New York Post. On Friday, April 13, 2029--yes, Friday the 13th--the asteroid Apophis will pass "approximately 20,000 miles from the Earth’s surface, closer than many satellites floating in space — nearly 12 times closer than the moon’s average distance from Earth." It is believed to be 1,230 feet in diameter. Given its size and how close it will pass, it should be visible to the naked eye. It is supposed to return again in 2036.