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 often 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. 

Gun & Prepping News #75

 Just some gun and prepping related links that I thought interesting or useful:

• "Why Good Guys With Guns Don’t Aways Come to the Rescue"--The Truth About Guns. In response to the question of why "good guys with guns" don't intervene more to stop crimes, the author of this November 2023 article gives this example:

    A few days ago in New York City, a homeless man mugged a woman at a subway station. Hearing his threats and her screaming, a bystander came to her rescue. He pulled a handgun out, fired several warning shots (note: TTAG’s writers generally do NOT recommend firing warning shots), and frightened the homeless attacker away from his victim.

    What happened next was entirely predictable. The homeless man was charged with a crime, but so was the hero of the story. The charges agains [sic] the Good Samaritan? Criminal possession of a weapon, reckless endangerment, criminal possession of a firearm, and menacing. 

And it wasn't just the prosecutor who was opposed to the general public carrying firearms. The woman that was rescued stated: "Yes, I do think he is a hero, but I don’t know, I would likely think him a bigger hero if he tried to help me without the gun. In my eyes, the gun is a little extreme." The author continues:

    Even in a pro-gun state, a person who’s carrying lawfully and uses force against a reasonable threat of death or serious bodily harm can still have their lives destroyed. All it take is one short-sighted (or politically ambitious) blue city prosecutor to put a good person through an arrest and criminal trial. That can mean losing their job, their home, and even if prison is avoided, facing years of ruinous civil lawsuits.

    With all of that in mind, you wonder why any good guys with guns decide to defend strangers. The stranger, even if they’re an ungrateful, anti-gun Karen, suffers no consequences in the aftermath, but the gun owner risks their freedom, their livelihood, and everything they own. That’s a pretty big ask. 

• Related post:  "The Dangers of White Knighting." Something to read if you think it would have been better for the rescuer, in the story above, to try to resolve the situation without a firearm. 

• I don't know where the Iran war will take us, but this article is probably worth revisiting: "Preparation for Future 'Days of Jihad'"--Active Response Training.  The article was in response to Hamas calling for a day of Jihad a few years ago, but the advice is still good should Iranian backed terrorists in the U.S. decide to take some action. Greg's belief at that time was that if anything happened, it would probably be more in the nature of lone-wolf attacks, probably with knives or firearms or vehicles. He recommended:

1. Commit to being more aware in public locations and carrying your firearm wherever you are legally able to do so. 
2. Understand what terrorist knife attacks look like and how to best counter them. 
3. Understand how to identify and respond to terrorist vehicle run-down attacks.  
4. Have a plan to defeat restraint and abduction attempts.
5. Decide in advance how you will act if you are targeted by such a terrorist attack or you happen to observe an attack on others. 

He has links to multiple articles for each of the above points to educate you on the attacks and options for responding, so read the whole thing.  

• "Marlin Model 60 - Classic Classy Rimfire"--The Firearm Blog. The Model 60 began production in 1960 and ended in 2020 with approximately 11 million sold. The author writes about it:

The Marlin generally had a better reputation for accuracy than the Ruger 10/22, historically speaking, and if you just wanted a gun to hunt with and not a gun to tinker with, the Marlin was the ticket. Read Sam’s write-ups on the rifle here and here to get an idea of what made them popular, and how they were used, and how to keep them operating well today, years after they were made. Luke also had some thoughts on the Marlin Model 60, calling it one of the three most underrated rimfires you could buy.

And, discussing why it worked so well:

 For starters, the Model 60 was a good-looking rifle, with well-balanced visual lines and handling that matched. While detachable mags rule the market today, the Model 60’s tube magazine couldn’t be lost or forgotten, and it still held a lot of rounds. The sights were pretty good. The gun didn’t have a reputation for jamming, and you could get it cheap. ...    

I doubt that Ruger--which now owns the Marlin name--will bring back the Model 60, though, because it would undercut the sale of the 10/22.  

• "Is There Such a Thing as Stopping Power?" by Craig Boddington, Rifle Shooter Magazine. The author discusses kinetic energy, momentum, and John Taylor's "Knockout Values", and the quest to find some numeric way of expressing the effectiveness of a particular cartridge. He discusses bullet shape, weight, shot placement, and all the other factors brought into play by hunters. But as to the question raised in the title:

 “100 grains in the right place are as good as ten million,” wrote WDM “Karamoja” Bell, in Wanderings of an Elephant Hunter (1923). Bell was an outspoken smallbore guy. He is credited with 1,011 elephants, almost all bulls. He didn’t kill them all with his .275 Rigby—also known as the 7x57—although that was his favorite. Prior to World War I he also used the 6.5x54 Mannlicher-Schoenauer, .303 British and .318 Westley Richards.

He remained a smallbore advocate, but in 1913 he ordered a pair of .416 Rigby rifles. He took one of them when he returned to Africa after World War I, along with a .400 Jeffery double. His bullet weights ranged from 160 grains in the 6.5x54 to 410 grains in the .416, and respective energies ranged from about 1,740 ft.-lbs. to 5,100.

In the same paragraph from his book I just referenced, he also wrote, “It seems to me that you cannot hope to kill an elephant weighing six tons by ‘shock’ unless you hit him with a field gun”—as in artillery.

But after his discussion of what drops an animal and various rules of thumb on energy and so forth, Boddington adds the following anecdote:

 One time, professional hunter Mike Payne, hunter Chad Allen and I crossed a dry sand river in the Zambezi Valley—with them and the tracker in front. Across the river there were three tall palm trees. As we approached, a lone buffalo bull rose from the shade, shook his head once, and launched into a full-out charge from 25 yards.

Our unarmed tracker dove out of the way, opening up a shot. Coolly and calmly, Payne said, “Chad, take him. Take him now,” as the buffalo closed on the pair. They were carrying .470 double rifles. Chad shot, Mike shot, then they both shot again, pairs of shots almost simultaneous. The first two turned the bull; the next two stopped him and dropped him.

Weighing maybe 1,500 pounds, that buffalo received 20,000 ft.-lbs. of energy in two seconds. All shots were chest/shoulder. Forward progress was arrested, and the buffalo was down eight yards in front of us. That’s “stopping power,” but it was the equivalent of Walter Bell’s field gun. That much energy cannot be harnessed in a single shot from a shoulder-fired rifle.

• "Skills Check: Rifle Standard Gold"--American Rifleman. 

The Rifle Standard Gold or Mini-Navy Qual is a short, but demanding test of rifle control, reload discipline and marksmanship fundamentals under time constraints. It’s a modification to the highly popular Modified Navy Qual shot at 50 yards. This version pushes shooters to balance accuracy with pace, rewarding smooth mechanics over rushed reactions at closer ranges. Every action—from mounting the rifle to breaking the final shot—matters. 

• "Hybrid IWB Holsters Explained: Where Comfort Meets Retention"--The Firearm Blog.  The author relates how initially when starting to conceal, one of his favorite holsters was a hybrid holster. But:

Like most concealed carriers, I moved away from strong-side carry and embraced appendix carry as that came into vogue. But after several years of carrying appendix, I found myself spending my days almost entirely at a desk. The life of an office-dweller is short on hazards, but discomfort from a gun worn on the front of the waistband while sitting down is one of them. This took me back to strong-side carry.

And that has brought him full circle back to an IWB hybrid holster. He reviews a particular model offered by Falco, but has some pointers on what to look for in a quality hybrid holster. I haven't actually ever used a hybrid--I guess I saw too many articles discussing out the backing can fail--but I have ordered one and hope to put it to the test soon.

• Speaking of holsters: "Is the Obscura Sling Bag the Best CCW Pack of 2026?"--The Truth About Guns.  The author, Kenzie Fitzpatrick, seems to think so. I found the three security modes to be interesting: apparently there is a clip that can be attached in such a way to allow easy access to a firearm but which is disabled when the clip is detached; and a third option making it even more onerous to access the firearm. It also is supposed to be fully ambidextrous. There is no MSRP mentioned in the article, but it appears that Scheels has it for about $90. 
• And in a similar vein: "A Few of our Favorite Soft Rifle Cases for the Range and Field"--Guns & Ammo. 
• "The 'Dreaded Dry-Fire' Training Talk"--American Rifleman. 

    The uncomfortable truth is impossible to ignore. Talk to the best shooters in the world—Grand Masters, national champions, professional instructors—and you will hear the same story: the majority of their skill development did not happen on the range with ammunition. It happened in living rooms, garages, basements and hotel rooms. 

 [snip]

    The reason elite shooters rely so heavily on dry fire has nothing to do with how good it feels. It has everything to do with developing efficiency and control. Dry fire builds skill. Live fire tests that skill.

• "Spur Of The Moment" by Dave Workman, Guns Magazine. Workman discusses the hammer spur on revolvers, including some reasons you want them: for learning to shoot revolvers; and better accuracy for longer range targets. In fact, he notes, Elmer Keith recommended cocking the hammer and shooting single-action even in law enforcement situations when engaging more distant targets. 
• "Best 5.56 Suppressor: What to Buy and Why"--The Firearm Blog. Some recommendations on suppressors for 5.56 rifles for different features and barrel lengths.  I will note that except for the budget option, the ones listed probably cost as much or more than your rifle. 
• "Things That Don’t Suck: Otis Pro+ AR-15 Lock Block Upper Receiver Vise Block"--The Truth About Guns. It fits into the barrel extension instead of over the aluminum upper receiver--supposed to be more secure and prevent marring of the receiver's finish. 
• "5 Ways to Level a Riflescope"--Rifle Shooter Magazine.  Tips and a brief review/explanation of some tools to use. 
• "Casting Hollow-Point Slugs with MP Molds"--Guns Magazine. Someday I'm going to try casting my own bullets. 
• "Troubled Times" (Part 1) (Part 2) by Sheriff Jim Wilson, Shooting Illustrated. These articles are from a few years back, but have some good advice for dealing with trouble. Part 1 has some random tips for organizing and staying out of trouble. For instance, this bit of advice from Part 1:

Finally, I would not go out with a thought to helping law enforcement unless law enforcement specifically asked me to. It is simply too easy to become part of the problem instead of the solution. Often times, the best help that we can give law enforcement is to just be a good witness or simply stay out of their way. It is far easier to tell the good guys from the bad guys when the good guys just aren’t there.     

Part II has some thoughts for preps beyond just guns and ammo.  

• "Run Your Generator Several Times a Year – How Long – Tips"--Modern Survival Blog.  The author explains:

Generator maintenance at a minimum, involves simply running your generator from time to time. Why?

•     To keep its internal parts lubricated with oil
•     Charge the battery (if it has a battery)
•     To be sure the carburetor isn’t gummed up
•     Put it under load to verify output
•     To make sure that the generator actually works (before you ever need it for an emergency)

He recommends running your generator for about 20 minutes every three months, but at a minimum at least twice per year. He has other tips so be sure to reach the whole thing.

• "How Much Pool Shock to Make Household Bleach Strength?"--Modern Survival Blog. The author points out that "[h]ousehold bleach is usually 5% to 9% sodium hypochlorite, while pool shock is calcium hypochlorite. But as a practical preparedness method, this gives you a bleach-strength chlorine solution that can serve as a practical bleach-strength substitute for preparedness use when needed." The mixture to use with ~ 68% to 70% calcium hypochlorite is:

•  Small batch: 3 level teaspoons in 1-1/2 cups of water
• 1 gallon batch: 11 tablespoons per gallon of water

The author has a lot more about pool shock, including storage, how he calculated the recipes, the particular type of pool shock to use, and so on, so be sure to check out the full article if this is something that interests you.

• "Emergency Rations Test #1: The Survival Tabs"--Blue Collar Prepping. The author notes that The Survival Tabs (TST) were originally developed for NASA; contain 100% of the recommended daily allowance of 15 vitamins and minerals, with an emphasis on the B vitamins; and have a shelf-life of 25 years. Amazon sells them in various quantities. Looking at the quantities and the number of days they are supposed to provide, it appears that you would need to eat 12 tabs per day. The article mentions that "[t]he instructions were to 'eat' one tab every hour for 12 hours to get what you need for a day." It looks like they are available in a few different flavors: vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry, but the article also mentions a butterscotch flavor. Here is the important part:

As you can see, a day's worth of TST (12 tabs) only provides 240 calories. That's great if you're trying to lose weight, but nowhere near enough to sustain an active adult. They claim a person could live for a month or more on nothing but their tabs... which isn't saying a whole lot, since you can survive about three weeks without any food at all. This was the first indication that these were a poor choice. 

The author also notes that these are "milk solids" that generally overwhelm the flavor (he said the strawberry was the only flavor he could taste) and stick to dental work and leave a residue in the mouth that must be at least followed by water to wash down. The author concludes that "for the everyday prepper they're almost worthless," and recommends a good quality multivitamin if you are worried about vitamins. I would see them as something to throw in a "get home" bag or a bug-out bag where you would be relying them for a few days. They would probably be useful for a fall out shelter for the two-weeks you have to stay inside as you wouldn't need to be moving around much and would want to minimize dealing with solid wastes--exactly the same reasons NASA sought them for use with the space program. 

Gun & Prepping News #71

 Just some gun and prepping related links that I thought interesting or useful:

• "Essential Pieces of Gear to Bring to the Range"--Guns & Ammo.  An excerpt:

If you have a giant range bag, then it’s going to get filled. I learned quickly that it’s not nearly as efficient to keep every piece of range gear I like in one bag. My range time goes smoother when I bring a small bag with exactly what I need. With a huge bag, I waste time looking for and reorganizing gear. Most of what I carry fits within a Storm Range Bag I sourced from Full Forge Gear. It doesn’t have more pockets than I need, and the pockets it does have are rarely used. Large bags hold a lot more, but contents get jumbled in the middle due to the soft base. The best feature of the Storm Range Bag is the hard bottom shell, preventing the bag from sagging in the middle. There may be no wrong answer when deciding on a useful range bag, but a hard base makes a difference. Full Forge Gear’s Storm Range Bag supports my needs to test firearms, including several pounds of ammo. The bottom has yet to collapse from the weight.  

• "Kit and Gear Selection Part 1: Choosing the Right Tool for the Job"--The Firearm Blog. Advice on selecting gear for a mission. For instance: 

    ... The infantry standard across most modern militaries has come out to 7 mags. In my time conducting direct action or hostage rescue missions (training or real), I can say I never needed that much ammunition for direct action. In most CQB (close quarters battle), I would rarely go past 2 AR15 magazines. Part of the reason for this is training to have first-round hits, shooting only at a perceived target (this requires discipline and experience); there is no endless supply of bad guys, and speed is security at this point.

    In the realm of short-duration missions, what can a civilian or LEO expect? For a police officer, you will have civil unrest with riots, active shooter(s), and warrants. The historical data with all three is limited to timeframes, and most of the individuals are not a direct threat, so kinetic engagements are highly limited. For the civilian, it's going to primarily be home defense. You may hear something in the early AM, maybe you are defending property, or patrolling your homestead and farm. Regardless, both will likely have limited engagements. In countless cases, when rounds are exchanged on the two-way range, engagements are short-duration and historical data shows the threat normally retreats. 

• "What Is the Best Suppressor for 45 ACP?"--The Truth About Guns.  The article begins with a discussion of why the .45 ACP is so easy to suppress, with the author noting that:

At subsonic velocities right out of the box, .45 ACP is one of the most naturally suppressor-friendly handgun cartridges ever developed. You don’t need special ammo. You don’t need to worry about breaking the sound barrier. You just thread on a can, press the trigger, and enjoy the kind of quiet shooting most calibers can only dream about.   

  

The article then discusses some specific suppressors. 

• "Off-Body Carry for Women"--The Truth About Guns. Rather than discuss the concept generally, the author focuses on some specific products she has used: the 5.11 Tactical LVC6 Waist Pack;  Gun Tote’n Mamas Crossbody Mail Pouch Concealed Carry Bag; Phoenix Ukoala Bag; Zendira The Friday Concealed Carry Crossbody; and the Vertx Everyday Fanny Pack 2.0.
• "The Role of the Pocket Pistol"--American Rifleman.  Jeff Gonzales begins:

 I’ve carried a pocket pistol for years, but rarely as my primary defensive tool. For me, it’s always been more of a backup—the kind of firearm that lives quietly in the margins of a daily carry system, present but never the centerpiece. It’s there for when the fight is closer than comfort, when my strong hand is tied up or when my primary handgun is no longer an option.

He then goes on to set out his own pointers and advice for selecting a pocket pistol and addresses some downsides or complications with shooting and carrying a pocket pistol. 

    I would add a few caveats to the article. First, although the photographs accompanying the article show someone drawing from the strong side front pocket, the author's experience mostly relates to carrying a pocket pistol in the back pocket--something that is probably pretty rare among those who pocket carry. 

    Second, the author states that "Even in the best-case scenario, a pocket draw will almost always be slower than a strong-side IWB holster draw." That is true if you are running a BUG match. But one of the advantages of pocket carry is that if find yourself in sketchy situation you can unobtrusively put your hand in your pocket and get ready to draw the handgun. In that case, the pocket draw can be faster than many other methods of carry. 

     Third, the whole point of pocket carry is to have a weapon small and light enough to carry in the pocket. The author recommends a pistol in 9mm, but because of the pressures involved and the size of the cartridge, 9mm pistols are tend to be larger and heavier than .380 pistols. Thus, even the smallest 9mm pistols tend to be on the margin of being too large for pocket carry and may be too large for your needs. For instance, I often see the Sig P365 and Glock 43X described as pocket pistols, but they are not unless you have some truly capacious pockets. 

• "3 Drills With The Glock 43x"--Primer Peak. The three drills are: (i) the Vickers Test; (ii) the Low-High Reload; and (iii) the Bill Drill. The author describes the drills so you can do them yourself (as well as describing his results) and includes a link to a PDF of the B8 target that you will use in the Vickers Test.
• "We Tested Six Hunting Rifles From 100 Years Ago"--Guns & Ammo. Notwithstanding the title, this is more of a review of firearms developments in the early 20th Century and an overview of rifles and cartridges representative of what would have been popular in the mid-1920s for deer hunting. I suspect that the "testing" part was probably omitted from this online article but could be found in the print edition. 
• And on the topic of old firearm designs: "Cimarron Model 3 American Top Break Reviewed"--Guns America. This is Cimarron's take on the Smith & Wesson Model 3 American top-break revolver, with the author also including some history on the particular firearm. Being top-break makes it far faster to unload than a Colt SAA and quit a bit faster to reload. 

The Cimarron version is produced by Uberti to Cimarron’s specs and is a very close replica of the original, except for a few new elements. New to the Cimarron American is the ability to fire .45 Long Colt. Originals were cambered in .44 Henry Rimfire, .44-40, .32-44, .38-44, and .45 Schofield, all shorter cartridges. The modernized Cimarron version also incorporates a hammer block safety. Pull the hammer back until you hear the first click, and a steel insert moves between the hammer and the frame to prevent the gun from accidentally firing if dropped. 

•  "Gun Disarms: It’s Not Over Just Because You Said Its Over"-- Schafer's Self-Defense Corner. An excerpt:

       I was training with another instructor years back and he wanted to show me his favorite disarming technique (the one where you slap the gun and his wrist to make the gun fly across the room).  I held the gun out for him several times while he demonstrated and then he asked me to try to shoot him before he moved and sure enough he was so fast he disarmed me every time.  I then asked him if we could go a turn where I acted like a real criminal; after he said he was ready I stepped in between his legs, grabbed him by the throat with my left hand, pressed the gun into his left temple, drove him backwards and screamed “GIVE ME YOUR…(you can probably guess)!” 

         Needless to say not only was he not able to do the technique but he nearly defecated himself.  Static training where you just stand there is all fine and dandy but a criminal just doesn’t appear out of thin air ready to shoot you if you breathe wrong; something always leads up to it and happens after it.  It also doesn’t teach you to deal with what I call the “Oh Shit Factor” where your brain suddenly falls out your butt when surprised with sudden violence.  

         Sure, the criminal may be standing there just holding out the gun and not moving, it happens all the time; but he also might be pushing, punching, choking, or grabbing you with his free hand while he screams and the gun could be held back, shoved right in your eyes, or who knows what else.  The point is after you have the technique down you should simulate a real robbery while you have to do your disarming technique in that fast and dynamic situation.     

• "Best Backpacking Gun?"--Active Response Training.  Ellifritz states that he uses an 8-shot Smith and Wesson model 317 .22 revolver. His choice is based on the fact that the area he backpacks lacks large predators, is remote enough not to worry about human predators, the revolver is lightweight and reliable, and he can use it to signal for help or take out snakes or small game ... and, if necessary, it is accurate enough for him to put all 8 rounds into an attacker's head. 

The gun holds eight shots, is essentially immune to cold or wet weather, and weighs 12 ounces when loaded.  Carrying three spare Quick Strips loaded with 10 rounds each of CCI’s excellent Velocitor ammunition gives me 38 rounds of ammunition in a package that weighs about a pound.  It’s ideal for my backpacking needs.

He has two methods of carrying:  the Wilderness Products Safepacker holster which he describes as "a quick access padded belt holster that looks like an unassuming pouch." But he also a clip draw (a metal clip that attaches to the frame) for when he is not wearing his pack. 

    I also have a 317 that I load up with Federal Punch in .22LR. But after trying a belt holster which I didn't like very well, I switched to pocket carry. The issue is finding a holster that works as my pocket holster for a snubby .38 was not quite deep enough the 317 which has a 3-inch barrel. I wound up purchasing a Barsony Woodland Green Pocket Holster ($19 on Amazon) which comes in a variety of sizes, including for 3" S&W J-frame revolvers. The holster is not as good as a DeSantis Nemesis pocket holster--the fabric is a little thin and the hammer catches a bit--but it works and with practice I was able to get around the issue with the hammer catching. I went with it because I could not find a DeSantis holster of the correct size. 

• "Land Navigation Skills and Techniques" (Part 1) (Part 2)--Badlands Fieldcraft. Part 1 goes over both major and some minor terrain features, and for each showing a photograph of how it appears to the eye and showing a corresponding look at how it is presented on a topographic map. Part 2 discusses some techniques on how to plot routes and know where you once you are in the field, plus a method for determining the location of a structure or feature not show on a map so you can relay the coordinates to someone. 
• More: "Junk On The Bunk: Land Navigation Kit"--Badlands Fieldcraft. 
• "Pimp your Bic for survival use"--Survival Common Sense. Some simple modifications to make your Bic (or similar disposable butane lighter) more useful for survival or camping. 
• "How To Grow A Survival Garden FAST"--Urban Survival Site.

There are many methods in which to grow a garden, such as traditional use of the available land, hydroponics, aquaponics, raised beds, and container gardening. All of these options are fine but for the purpose of this article, we are going to be focusing on raised beds and container gardening. This is because they provide the best overall benefit for beginners wanting to start a garden quickly. 

•  "Death and Burial" (Part 1) (Part 2)--Blue Collar Prepping. In a serious SHTF even, it is possible that no everyone is going to make it and you might have to dispose of a body (or bodies) yourself for reasons of health and hygiene. Part 1 discusses the physical disposal of the body. As the author writes:

     If it appears that “normal” life will resume within a week, your main concern will be how to store the deceased until you can get them to a morgue, mortuary, or coroner's office. If the weather is cold, below freezing, a body can be stored in an unheated building or vehicle until the temperature gets above freezing. If the weather is above freezing you have a limited amount of time before the body starts to decompose, temporary burial may be an option. The amount of time varies roughly with the temperature, along with the condition of the corpse and how they died. If it is warm or hot outside and the person died of a bacterial infection, the body can start to putrefy in as little as twelve hours. More on this in Part 2.

    If your situation is likely to last more than several days, you're going to need to consider how to dispose of the body. Embalming is probably not going to be an option- it requires some pretty nasty chemicals and dedicated facilities - so we're going to want to look into the funeral practices of more primitive times and places. Without freezing or embalming, corpses need to be dealt with rapidly to prevent the spread of diseases and to keep predators and vermin away from where you live. The options boil down to cremation, burial, or entombment. 

Part 2 discusses how to tell if someone is dead, how long they have been dead, and how to handle a dead body. As an aside, I would note that Cody Lundin's book When All Hell Breaks Loose also discusses the topic of storage and disposal of dead bodies, including some of the steps you may need to take to protect yourself legally when law and order return. 

• "Improvised First Aid Techniques for When You’re Caught Short"--My First Aid Course. It is pretty bare bones, but it has ideas for managing cuts and abrasions with improvised bandages; treating burns with cool water and plastic wraps; splinting with improvised materials; using a triangular bandage (or torn sheet); and some improvised transport techniques. 
• "Chemical Toilets for the Home – When the SHTF Good Sanitation is Vital!"--Alpha Survivalist. A quick overview of several portable toilets and then discussion how chemical toilets work and how to safely dispose of waste. 
• "Video: Survival lessons from the 1845 Meek’s Cutoff Wagon Trail through the Oregon desert"--Survival Common Sense.  An illustration of the well known maxim that a short cut is the longest distance between two points (and, in this case, the deadliest). 

Not As Sexy As Guns But Just As Important

If you are a student of history, you are likely aware that until fairly recently, most wartime casualties were caused by dysentery due to poor hygiene and waste management. The same issues will show up after a major disaster if infrastructure is not timely restored. The recent sewage spill in D.C. is just an example of what could happen if infrastructure were destroyed due to a disaster or war. The D.C. area was fortunate that this occurred during an extreme cold snap because the ice on the Potomac River slowed the spread of the spill. It would have been a much different situation in summer.

    In "Sanitation: The Often Overlooked Necessity" from The Prepper Journal, the author explains:

    ... Without proper sanitation, a person who has food, water and a secure shelter can still perish.

    There are a number of aspects for proper sanitation that any prepper needs to consider. The simplest items for something like a Bug Out Bag can include hand sanitizing liquid, bleach wipes, water purification pills and an instant use purifier like a LifeStraw.

    Benzalconium wipes that aren’t expired are guaranteed to kill many severe viruses that average household disinfectants can’t touch, so having a supply of those for cuts is going to give you an edge that alcohol swabs can’t provide. A roll of toilet paper is also a must and for ladies, a supply of feminine hygiene products, in case that time coincides with the end times. 

But the article goes beyond bugging out:

    A simple bucket can become your best friend in a survival scenario. Using a toilet without being able to flush can lead to serious health concerns, especially if multiple people are using it. As it fills, the amount of germs becoming airborne increases. This is not safe at all. Having a plan can change that.

    Using a bucket gives you the opportunity to throw your waste in an area outside of your shelter. Rather than using the bucket itself, it is far better to keep a box of garbage bags available to line the bucket. It will make disposal easier and prevent accidental spills. A bucket filled with garbage bags, soap and toilet paper rolls is easy to tuck away in a closet and it will make a drastic difference in your ability to maintain sanitary conditions.

There's more, so be sure to read the whole thing.

Gun & Prepping News #49

 Just some gun and prepping related links that I thought interesting or useful:  

• Jon Low has posted a new Defensive Pistolcraft newsletter.  One story in particular stood out to me: a man that was robbed while taking a briefcase of important documents to his lawyer. He noticed two men in car following him as he left a bank for the building where his lawyer's office was located, but they didn't follow him into the parking lot. 

      As it turned out, they waited out of sight until I got out of my car, locked it and pocketed the keys.  At that moment, the pursuing car drove into the lot, and a huge man jumped out and tried to trap my briefcase.  

     Being a Shotokan black belt in my younger years, I instinctively drove my elbow into his sternum and didn’t let go of the case.  He tried again, and again, and I reacted.  At that moment, the car’s driver jumped out and hit me behind my knees, throwing me to the ground.  He then forcefully straddled me and began punching my face.  He hit me about 30 times, breaking four of my ribs, my occipital cavities and my nose.  He split my lips, then grabbed me by the hair and started smashing my head against the pavement.  

     Not one of the people around bothered to yell or call 911.  The building guard was in the back smoking and talking to his girlfriend on his cell phone.  The whole encounter was videotaped by the building’s security cameras.  

     After I managed to get up and make it to my lawyer’s office, all bloodied up, he called 911.  I wasn’t armed at that time, nor did I have a license to carry.  When the police came later, they took my statement, and I gave a complete description of the perpetrators.  They didn’t bother to check out the surveillance cameras, and their only words were, ”You’re lucky to be alive.  In nine out of ten similar incidents, we find the victim dead.”  Very comforting!  

     That was the end of the police involvement.  They never even bothered to track the car or the perpetrators.  I was taken by ambulance and spent two days in the hospital in extreme pain.  

The two lessons from this were: (1) the man relating the encounter acknowledged that it happened so fast that even if he had been carrying a firearm he probably wouldn't have had time to access it--in other words, know some hand-to-hand skills; and (2) "As Tim Larkin says, your hand-to-hand combat techniques must cause immediate incapacitation. That's not something you're going to learn in a Karate dojo." 

• Greg Ellifritz has posted a new Weekend Knowledge Dump. Lots of good stuff, as always, but here are few articles to which Greg has linked:
• "Concealed Carry in the Era of Terror Revisited" in which the author observes "Carrying a concealed pistol to protect against garden variety thugs is a vastly different proposition than confronting terrorists bent on committing murder and mayhem. Here are some planning considerations for this dire eventuality." One topic the author addresses is that there is a completely different mindset when dealing with terrorists versus your typical street thug:

So, with that in mind, the rules change. Back shoot them without hesitation or warning. The cheaper the shot, the better. To ensure there’s not a threat from behind as you move past their bodies, “anchor” shoot them through the brain and from a position of advantage.  While these methods of engagement are illegal and inappropriate for a criminal encounter and would likely see you charged with murder in that context, I suspect a citizen acting this way against a terrorist threat will be given a pass. (Differentiating between the two at that time could be difficult. Choose wisely.)  This will essentially be participating in no notice infantry combat in your hometown. 

 Well, I doubt that you would get a pass in a jurisdiction controlled by Democrats. But because of mass immigration and the resurgence of violent leftist groups, we should expect more terrorist attacks in the United States. 

• "Why you should NEVER rechamber the same AR-15 round twice." Although looking at the AR platform specifically, the issues raised--bullet setback and floating firing pins repeatedly bumping against primers--can occur in other firearms. 
• And a link to the October Rangemaster Newsletter, plus a lot more. 

• "October 2025 Drill of the Month — 25 Round Version, 'Dot Torture'"--Tactical Wire. Tom Givens writes:

Most of us are familiar with Dot Torture, an excellent practice/assessment drill originally devised by David Blinder, then popularized by the late Todd Green. Here is an abbreviated 25 round version, that takes less time and ammo. We will shoot it at 5 yards.  

The article also links to a PDF of the appropriate target so you can print your own and provides the course of fire.  

• "Which Buffer Weight Should You Run in Your AR-15?"--Ammo Land.  This is a very good summary of key points and information on buffers, what they do, the different weights, and recommendations for different length gas systems. The author writes:

     Your AR-15’s buffer assembly is made up of three components: the buffer, buffer spring, and buffer tube. Together, they control how the bolt carrier group (BCG) travels rearward, absorbs recoil, and returns to battery after each shot.

    Choosing the right buffer weight affects: 

•     Bolt Speed & Cycling – Too light, and your BCG moves too fast, causing premature wear. Too heavy, and it may not cycle reliably.
•     Recoil Impulse – A heavier buffer slows the BCG, spreads the recoil impulse over more time, and makes follow-up shots easier.
•     Parts Longevity – Matching buffer weight to your gas system reduces battering on the receiver extension and bolt lugs.
•     Reliability – A properly tuned buffer system extracts and ejects consistently and chambers the next round with authority.

If this topic interests you, check out my post on "Short Stroke or Buffer? Trouble Shooting An AR". 

• "The Case For Pocket Carry"--Shooting Illustrated. The author relates:

    I worked in the gun world before I ever had to wear a suit professionally. As such, I regularly advocated that everyone should carry the most capable, user-friendly carry pistol they could, such as some flavor of Glock G19 sized semi-automatic.

    When my career path veered into the corporate sector, I was confronted with the harsh reality that concealing a duty-size, double-stack pistol wasn't nearly as easy as when I just untucked my too-big gun shop polo and pulled it over my IWB holster.

    I soon found myself in another literal white-collar, suit-and-tie job that had me in very close proximity with customers on a daily basis. It was in a relatively low-risk industry (no high value inventory or large amounts of cash), so I didn't have to worry about experiencing my own personal Nakatomi Christmas Party.

    That said, I still wanted to remain armed. After all, using Tom Givens’ alumni stats as the example, the only negative outcomes his students have suffered have been “forfeits”: showing up to your defensive gun usage without a gun. 

He discusses why he decided on pocket carry and his selection for a pocket carry gun: the KelTec P32. 

• On a related note: "The Case for Mouse Guns"--Shooting Illustrated. Like me, the author grew up "in a time when everyone 'knew' 9mm was weak and the only serious choice for self-defense was a .45 ACP" and "stopping power" was all the rage. But now we understand that "effectiveness has more to do with shot placement and penetration than bullet diameter." Thus, carrying a smaller handgun is no longer viewed as tantamount to suicide. Money quote: "A pistol is always a compromise weapon. It is carried because it’s convenient, not because it’s powerful. That mindset shift allows us to stop chasing ever-larger cartridges and start focusing on what truly matters: accuracy, reliability, and penetration in an accessible firearm." 
• "Move and Shoot or Shoot and then Move?"--Ammo Land.  The author discusses the pros and cons of each (although he seems to mean "move and shoot" rather than move then shoot). I'm not a fan of standing still waiting for someone to take a shot, so I guess I lean toward getting to cover before taking a shot. 
• "How Run and Gun Events Changed How I Shoot and Train"--Shooting Sports USA.  The author explains:

Unlike The Tactical Games, which have a strong CrossFit focus, or Three-Gun where the focus is on marksmanship, the Run and Gun format tries to balance general fitness in the guise of moving over longer distances with marksmanship ability. Courses are typically designed so an excellent runner who is a poor marksman will finish in the middle of the pack, just as an exceptional shooter who can’t run will be equally “mid,” as my teenager would say. 

• "The Importance of Safely Placing Your Finger on a Handgun"--Handguns Magazine. Where to place your trigger finger when you've drawn your weapon but are not yet ready to shoot. The author prefers a high index position that aligns the finger above the trigger guard and along the slide or frame. This, he explains, allows you to index the gun (i.e., align the gun with a target by using your trigger finger to point at the target) but keeping the finger safely away from the trigger. The author also discusses the surprise trigger break:

     Surprise trigger break refers to applying rearward pressure on the trigger gradually to keep the muzzle from moving as the shot is fired. That’s important because even the slightest muzzle movement when firing could result in a miss.

    The “surprise” refers to not anticipating when the shot will break, which often leads to a miss. It doesn’t mean you should be surprised you fired the pistol. Firing your pistol should always be a conscious decision.

•  "Carrying and Using the LDK Knife"--Greg Ellifritz. Greg was involved in the design of the LDK (last ditch knife). He "designed it primarily as a knife that could easily be missed on a cursory search if one was taken hostage." He intended it to be small enough it could be carried in a wallet, but the sheath for it has "multiple holes in it so that it can be laced in a boot or safety-pinned inside a piece of clothing," although Greg indicates that he originally carried it safety pinned inside and below the rear waistband of his pants when he traveled in third world countries. But, he adds:

I have since modified the carry mechanism slightly by attaching a small keyring.  I loop the keyring around my rear pants belt loop at the small of my back and tuck the knife down inside my waistband.  I have also attached a small handcuff key and handcuff shim from OscarDelta to the same keyring.  Now, no matter how I may be restrained, I have a reliable option for escape. 

•  "Review: Military Armament Corporation MAC-5"--Shooting Illustrated. Their semi-auto pistol version of the HK MP5, made by a plant in Turkey that is still licensed by HK. MSRP is listed as being $1,100. 
• "Was There Ever An M15 Rifle?"--American Rifleman. Yes, there was. It appears to have been a beefed up M14 designed to serve the same role as the Browning BAR as a squad automatic weapon. But it wasn't adopted because the Army believed that a few changes to the M14 would allow it to serve in the same role. They were wrong, of course. 
• "Court Rules Against Post Office Carry Ban"--The Truth About Guns. So if you live in the Northern District of Texas, your ability to carry a concealed weapon has slightly expanded. 
• Some articles from Blue Collar Prepping on water preps:
• "Prudent Prepping: Water Jugs"--the author explains why his favorite water jug for water storage is the  Reliance Products Jumbo-Tainer 7 Gallon Jerry Can.
• "Drinking Distilled Water"--downsides to drinking distilled water, including that it lacks any taste because there are no minerals in it; and because of that, it also can strip minerals from the body.
•  "Bleach for Water Purification"--this article was prompted by the failures in the water system in Telodo, Ohio, resulting in contamination of the water with microcystin toxin from algae.  Unfortunately, in that situation, filtering was of little use because while the filer would remove the algae, it didn't remove the toxin; and boiling the water would make the situation worse because the boiling would concentrate the toxin. Fortunately, bleach will remove the toxin because it reacts with the toxin producing a benign chemical. The article explains how to use bleach to purify the water, including figuring out how much bleach to use.
• "Purifying Water with Bleach, part 2"--this article provides some charts so you don't have to rely on the math needed in the earlier article.
• And on the topic of water: "Best Way to Fill Your Bathtub with Rainwater For Emergencies"--Modern Survival Online. This isn't about filling your tub when a disaster first strikes, but using the bathtub to store water collected from other sources--in this example, from rainwater--during an extended disaster. Thus, he discusses everything from using buckets, to using a diverter and hoses, to using hand pumps. He also recommends using a bathtub reservoir bag to make sure the water stays clean.  
• "Is Urban Survival Even Possible?"--Modern Survival Online. I think we all understand that long term survival in a city--particularly the large, dense, urban cores of our major cities--is going to be difficult simply because the number of people exceeds the carrying capacity of the land--cities all require a fairly constant supply of food, water and other supplies flowing into them. The author of this article delves into this topic in greater detail and why survival may be possible over a short term, but not over the long term. 
• On this same topic: "How Does an Emergency Crisis Affect a City"--Alpha Survivalist. The author reminds us that cities cannot feed themselves, and looks at the main risks in the event of a disaster: collapse collapse of social order; failure of water treatment and delivery systems; food shortages; and loss of electricity. The author also has some recommendations as storage of water, food and supplies should you decide to try and ride things out in the city. 
• "Sanitation in the City: How to Make a Kitty Litter Toilet When You Can’t Flush"--Organic Prepper. This isn't intended as a long term solution, but for short term emergencies where the power (and, thus, water) may be out. The basic idea is that you suspend a bag in a bucket or even in your toilet with a base layer of litter and then as you use it, spread a layer of fresh litter on top to cover the smell. The author warns that you will need to be careful about the amount of weight as human amounts of waste could quickly be heavy enough to rip the bag. 
• "Free Survival eBooks: Downloadable Straight from Amazon"--More Than Just Surviving. What is free on Amazon changes frequently.  So rather than providing a list of books that are currently free (but might not be in a few days) the author provides links to different categories of survival and prepping related books that list them according to price so you can find what is free at whatever time you are looking.

Gun & Prepping News #43

 Just some gun and prepping related links that I thought interesting or useful:  

• "'Time is Always on Your Side' — The Lie That Can Get People Killed"--Calibre Press.  The author warns:

    ... There’s a dangerous myth floating through briefing rooms, locker rooms, and field training manuals across the country—”Time is always on your side.”

    It’s a comforting thought. It implies that patience, control, and de-escalation will always win. In certain scenarios—like true barricaded suspects or stable hostage negotiations—taking time may be an asset. But in adversarial situations, where opponents are maneuvering against us, that phrase isn’t just false. It can be lethal. 

And:

    In a non-adversarial setting—say, talking a mentally ill person down from a ledge—taking time may be fine. But when someone intends to do harm, they have a OODA loop too. They’re processing, planning, adapting. This is where tactical cunning comes into play—recognizing that your adversary is not static but actively maneuvering against you. Tactical cunning requires not only understanding your options but anticipating theirs, staying one step ahead in both thought and action. You make reasonable inferences to do so.

    Every second you hesitate isn’t “time on your side”—it’s time in their hands. In an adversarial setting, time is fuel for maneuver. 

• "Cover vs. Concealment: Don’t Let Cover Become Your Coffin"--ITS Tactical. Two main concepts here. First, the author reminds the reader that true cover that can stop bullets may not be that easy to find, and your returning fire may be the best cover you can find. Second:

Sometimes folks get sucked into cover and it becomes what we call the “vertical fetal position.” You get right up on the corner with no room to do much of anything. The way you need to look at it is that cover is always temporary, I don’t care if you’re buried deep in some presidential bunker, it’s only temporary. Movement is life. If you don’t have a plan for what you’re going to do once you’re behind cover, then it’s only a matter of time before someone decides to take the fight to you. Add quick peeks and it’s just a major recipe for disaster. If you have reason to believe danger is around the corner, don’t do a quick peek. Ever. 

• "How to Use Cover, Tactics for Self-Defense"--Ammo Land. The author begins with the difference between cover and concealment (what is sometimes referred to as hard cover versus soft cover). He then warns against cozying up to your cover, but allowing yourself some room; but also keep as much of your body behind cover as you can. And more tips and advice. So read the whole thing. 
• "Types Of Holsters, Explained"--The Firearm Blog.  For someone just getting into concealed carry, this article has basic information as to locations/methods of carry. It doesn't really get into holster materials or styles other a short comment about why the author thinks Kydex holsters are better than leather (he warns of leather holsters softening over time and potentially pushing or catching on he trigger of a pistol, although it shouldn't be an issue with a good quality leather holster). The author also discusses a couple of models of holsters that he likes. 
• "MAC MEUSOC Pistol"--Shooting Wire. An excerpt:

    Now, I found the SDS Arms/Military Armament Corporation MEUSOC replica.

    For those not into initialism, that’s Marine Expeditionary Unit-Special Operations Capable. It’s supposed to copy “the finest close quarters battle weapon,” to quote a mentor.

    This just-over-37 ounce 45 Auto has the QPQ finish (think “Tenifer”), vertical slide serrations, target-crowned barrel, and “enhanced GI style sights” (more like high fixed Micro rear with the corners rounded – a nice touch) with a ramp front sight.

    The MEUSOC modified GI 1911 pistols of that era (1985) had Pachmayr rubber wrap-around stocks. This gun has period-correct Pachs – and they are thick as I remember them, with no thinned channel to the mag catch. 

• "Urban Rifle Setup for Low-Profile Operations"--The Truth About Guns. A look at something that could be stowed and carried in something like a day pack. Contrary to the title, though, the author suggests a .300 BLK pistol. He also mentions some "support gear" to carry. 
• "The Ultimate .22 Revolver for Hard-Working Outdoorsmen (and Why Semi-Autos Aren’t Up to the Job)"--Field & Stream. An ode to the S&W 63 J-frame kit guns. This is the stainless steel version and not the aluminum version that seems favored by backpackers. But why this particle firearm? The author explains:

    ... But lots of us who spend the majority of our time outside need working guns—ones that stay on hips or in packs year-around, on fishing trips, on the tractor, scouting for elk, or running a trapline. And for all of that, it needs to be a revolver, because the hard truth is, semi-auto .22s are too finicky for the job.

    Rimfire semi-autos run best with quality ammunition, and they need to be kept clean—something that’s not always easy to do when you’re planting food plots or trapping coyotes. Quality revolvers, on the other hand, will shoot through whatever bargain brick of ammo you have available, and stainless-steel models can be subjected to shameful neglect without much consequence. So, the ideal working gun ought to be stainless and should wear adjustable sights, and yet be handy enough to drop into a coat pocket and rarely left behind.   

He also explains why the Ruger Single-Six, Ruger Bearcat, Ruger SP101 (in .22) and the larger S&W 617 don't make the cut. He also likes that the Model 63 is more shootable than the aluminum Model 317 kit gun because the greater weight makes it easier to shoot in double action without pulling the weapon off target.

• "TFB Review: Savage MARK II FV-SR - Cheap Fun"--The Firearm Blog. I have one of these and they are, indeed, fun. They are also lightweight and easily packed along. My one complaint is that the comb on the stock is designed for shooting with iron sights although the rifle does not have iron sights but is only set up to mount an optic. Thus, you need to get some sort of a cheek riser. 
• "Revisiting an Old Concept: A Common-Cartridge Long Gun and Revolver"--Revolver Guy. Clay Spencer begins his piece (footnotes omitted):

     Chambering a long gun and handgun for the same metallic centerfire cartridge is not a new inspiration. In fact, the concept took root roughly 150 years ago.

    The initial stage was set by Winchester with the introduction of its Model 1873 rifle in a centerfire cartridge it brought out that same year, the .44-40. By 1877, Colt, nervous about Winchester’s threat to manufacture their own .44-40 revolver, adapted its Single Action Army revolver for that cartridge.

    It was thus that many folks on the late 19th-century American frontier–especially lawmen like the Texas Rangers—-had the option of carrying a rifle and revolver using the same round.

     Likely to help boost the sales of their Model 1873 rifle, Winchester offered .44-40 reloading tools so people in the isolated areas of the Far West could “roll their own” and not have to rely on scarce, expensive factory ammo. In any event, the shared cartridge concept proved to be a popular design that makes good sense today for many gun owners who don’t need or want the power of a hunting or military-style rifle.

Spencer's combo, however, is a stainless steel .44 Magnum, 5½-inch barrel Ruger Bisley Vaquero handgun and a stainless, short-barrel Model 1894 SBL Marlin lever action also in .44 Magnum (this being one of the newer models produced by Ruger). As to the rifle, he comments:

 The SBL appears to be almost identical to Ruger’s 1894 Trapper model except it has a picatinny rail, allowing one to mount a scope or other optic, though for me the iron sights are all that are needed for a woods gun. With its 16.1-inch barrel the rifle is noticeably shorter than a Remington 870 riot shotgun. Sporting a bright tritium front sight and large rear peep sight, the rifle is easy to aim in poor light conditions and quickly line up targets.

I wish the author has discussed the advantages to such an arrangement for someone today. One of the comments to the article noted that it made sense to have common cartridges when carrying on horseback. I could see the combination being useful for the prepper who wants to minimize his or her ammunition logistics. But it also means that you are having to give up range and power in a rifle or carbine on one hand, but are using a more powerful handgun round than you might otherwise choose.

• "The VTAC 1-5 Drill | Dynamic Rifle Shooting"--Ammo Land.  This drill was designed by Kyle Lamb. It uses three targets and a timer. It teaches target transitions and accurate shooting under the stress of time. It also teaches longer strings of fire since the number of shots increases to 4 and 5 round strings. 
• "Silencer Saturday #393: Deep Dive Into The SAAMI Silencer Standard"--The Firearm Blog.  To take some of the guess work out of comparing between different silencers, SAAMI has developed standards for testing silencers. This article explains what those are.
• "Armed Self-Defense: ‘Father of 20’ Committed His Last Armed Robbery Outside the Atlanta Bus Station"--Shooting News Weekly. Idiocracy in action. The dead robber, 44 year old D’Anthony Reaves, fathered 12 biological children and also had eight stepchildren. But his luck ran out when he tried armed robbery on an armed bus passenger and was shot twice in the face. 
• "This Is the Future of Home Defense…"--Guns America. The author argues that the near future will probably see domestic drones specifically manufactured and sold for home defense to augment a home security system (although he envisions that such drones could eventually be equipped with some non-lethal weapon. Of course, such drones would only be affordable to those with higher incomes, which are more likely to be targeted by better prepared thieves. I have to admit that in reading this, I was reminded of Jon Low's recent warnings about criminals using jammers.
• "Which Canned Chicken Is Best? Swanson, Kirkland, Wellsley Farms Compared"--Modern Survival Blog. Canned chicken is a relatively inexpensive way to store a high protein food, and something that you can use in everyday dishes. The author gives nutritional information for each as well as a summary of reviews, presumably from Amazon, before providing his own thoughts. But if you want the short take, the author concludes that the Kirkland Signature Premium Chunk Chicken Breast is the best for the prepper "due to its lower cost per ounce, higher protein content (13g vs. 10g per serving), more calories (80 vs. 53 per 2 oz serving), and strong customer reviews praising its flavor and versatility." 
• "15 Toilet Paper Alternatives to Stay Clean Post-Collapse"--Modern Survival Online.  The issue I see with this and many other similar articles is that they don't seem to distinguish between shortages like we saw under the Covid lockdowns and an actual collapse where manufactured products of any and all sorts will be in short supply. For instance, some of the alternatives listed, such as using coffee filters or Kleenex or even newspaper, assume that there is still some source of those products (or perhaps you are robbing one part of your stores to use for a different purpose). The author mentions a few alternatives that would apply to a pre-industrial/post collapse setting, including leaves, corn cobs and a stone, but those really need their own separate treatment. 
• A couple of water filter reviews from Alpha Survivalist:
• "Sawyer Mini Water Filter Review (updated 2024)"
• "LifeStraw Review (updated 2024)"

These serve slightly different purposes. The LifeStraw is a survival filter that is really only intended for filtering water that you are drinking because you have to suck the water through the filter. It is small and stupid simple to use, though. On the other hand, the author explains:

 The Sawyer Mini Water Filter is suitable for a number of uses and it is this adaptability that makes it amazingly versatile. For instance, you can attach it to a straw or a bottle as you drink water. You could also fill the squeeze bag it comes with to get clean water. Or, alternatively, you could add it to your hydration bag.

One thing of note, however, is that both of these filters only filter out debris, bacteria, and parasites, but not viruses. Thus, the author indicates, they should only be relied upon in the first world countries. Each article has much more information on the respective filters, so be sure to read both. 

• "10 First Aid Kit Ad-on Items – Best Tweezers, Better Scissors…"--Modern Survival Blog. Even if your kit has scissors or tweezers, they may not be the best quality. He gives some recommendations for what he looks for in tweezers and better scissors or EMT sheers. He also recommends adding Steri strips to close wounds, a clotting sponge, a SAM splint, tourniquet, stretch wrap to hold a gauze bandage in place, Telfa non-stick pads, Micropore paper tape, and antibiotic ointment. 

•  "13 Things to Expect When The Economy Collapses"--Urban Survival Site. If I were to sum this up, it would be to expect that the crime will increase and public/social services will decline in quantity and quality. Basically, the country will become more like a third world country. 

Gun & Prepping News #24

 Some more linkage from around the Internet: 

• First up, Active Response Training has a new Weekend Knowledge Dump including some great articles on:
• Concealed carry inside a vehicle: problems or issues that can arise, as well as a quick pro v. cons of different methods of carry. Greg Ellifritz notes that his favorite method for carrying when driving long distances is using a fanny pack.
• Lockpicking as a skill for preppers.
• An author that has switched to carrying a J-frame snub nosed revolver discusses some basic tenets of self-defense particularly applicable to the J-frame, but frankly should be applied no matter what type of defensive pistol you use.
• Michael Seeklander argues that lack of trigger control is not what is making you miss--he contends, instead, that "if you are gripping the gun hard and increasing the pressure in the controlling fingers while you pull the trigger, you will be moving the gun. Switch that to gripping and THEN pulling (while maintaining the pressure) and you will fix your issue. The main reason is that you would not have much movement left in the control hand fingers if they are already clamped down on the grip."
• Some advice for surviving a panicked crowd.
• Testing contact shots on ballistic gel. The author's conclusion is that if you are using contact shots thinking it will dramatically increase damage, you may be disappointed. Of course, then there are people like me who thought contact shots were to make sure you didn't miss your target.
• Some philosophy on the conflict in us between our lived lives and our unlived lives (essentially, our unrealized potential). This is significant to modern men, since most men want some form of adventure and daring do which isn't met by working 8, 9, 10 or more hours per day in a cubical farm or office. 

• "Firearms Vs. Shotguns"--Shooting Illustrated. The author tests the difference in recoil control (by measuring the time between shots) and patterning between a Mossberg Shockwave "firearm" and a standard Mossberg 590 shotgun. Recovery after a shot took about 1.5 seconds longer with the Shockwave. The shot patterns were very different, but that was because he was shooting 8 pellet FliteControl 00 from the shotgun and a low recoil round from the Shockwave. When he tried the FliteControl rounds from the Shockwave, "it delivered very similar results at that distance to the full-sized shotgun." He also discusses what he finds useful about the Shockwave: that it provides discrete shotgun-like capabilities outside the home.
• Related: "Mossberg Shockwave 590S"--Guns Magazine. This is the model designed to shoot the shorty shotgun shells.
• Related: "Gimmick To Game-Changer: Cheek Shooting with the Mossberg Shockwave"--David Faubion, Firearm News. Discussing the techniques developed by Rhett Neumayer of Demonstrated Concepts to turn the Shockwave into a serious fighting firearm. It will also take a couple pieces of gear to make it work: a strap to go on the Raptor grip (which Neumayer sells) and a red-dot sight.
  
• "Federal Feud! HST vs Punch Ammo"--Ammo-to-Go.  These are not just two different packaging of the same bullet, but two different bullet designs. Boiling down the article (and several videos I've seen on the topic), the HST is intended for law enforcement and to pass all elements of the FBI standards for handgun ammunition including penetration of hard barriers and windshield glass. The Punch is intended for the civilian defender, so it emphasizes expansion and penetration against softer targets over hard barrier penetration. I would note that the article is from 2023 and, apparently, both rounds featured nickel plated brass at that time; but the Punch now ships with just plain brass cases--at least in the 9mm version I find locally. 
• "Reproduction M1 Carbines: We Test Auto-Ordnance and Inland Manufacturing Models"--Gun Tests. Given the price of genuine M1 Carbines from the WWII and Korean War era, someone wanting one for actual shooting may end up opting for one of the reproduction models. Which is where this article comes in.
  
• "The Glock 17: The Gun That Started It All"--The Mag Life. A bit of history and an overview of this perennial favorite. 
• "The Modern Allure of the .32 ACP"--The Truth About Guns. The author begins:

 Now that we live in a post-handgun-stopping power world, I’ve opened my eyes to a variety of cartridges that have fallen out of favor or never been taken seriously for self-defense. A handgun projectile does one type of damage, direct contact with flesh, and admittedly, a larger bullet can create more damage, but it isn’t needed to win the fight. I don’t want to completely rehash any caliber debates. I want to share my findings and information that I feel is valuable. Today’s cartridge of choice is the .32 ACP. 

I wouldn't say that we live in a "post-handgun-stopping power world" but that we have a better understanding of ballistics and (generally) better bullet designs that can allow us to do with smaller calibers what used to require a caliber that starts with 4. Nevertheless, better bullet designs can only go so far, and apparently they are still a bridge too far for the .32 ACP, at least in a pocket pistol. The author recommends hot loads like Fiocchi 73 grain FMJs unless you are carrying  the Beretta 3032, as the pressure exceeds the manufacturers recommendations and could crack the frame.

• Related: "Powering Down"--Massad Ayoob. The author presents his arguments against going too small: i.e., .22, .32 or .380.
• Related: "Straight Talk: Snub Not the Snub-Nose"--Sheriff Jim Wilson. Key part: "I think it is still one of the most practical defensive handguns, especially for deep concealment." And:

In the past, I have called the modern snub-nose revolver an “Always Gun” because it is virtually always on me and properly concealed. I have an older Colt Detective Special as well as a smaller Model 442 Smith & Wesson. Each take turns with such duties, both in .38 Spl. When loaded with standard-velocity loads, they do all that I expect from the small revolvers and both are about as reliable as any man-made object. They are my always guns.

• Related: "Pocket Pistols: The Case For Pocket Poppers"--Tamara Keel. Some reasons why you may need to use a pocket pistol.
• Related: "Best .380 Pistol Options For Deep Carry [Tested]"--Gun Digest. 
• Related: "Bersa’s Thunder Plus .380 – “Everyman’s” PPK?"--The Truth About Guns. The author notes a certain similarity between the Bersa and the PPK, but that is probably because back in the 1980s, Bersa's pistols were pretty much copies of the PPK/S. The Bersa Thunder is a somewhat larger handgun with a magazine capacity of 15-rounds which puts into the same category as the Beretta 84 or 80X pistols--what I think of as full sized for a .380 round.

• Some firearm history: "Remington Six-Guns" (Part 1) (Part 2) by John Taffin. Part 1 covers the percussion cap era--basically through 1863 models. Part 2 covers the post Civil War cartridge conversion models. It seems there should have been a part 3 covering the 1875 model, but I could not locate one.
• "Handguns: Fully Charged Battery"--Shooting Illustrated. "Battery" is one of those words that has been around so long, it has collected a multitude of meanings. But the ones that concern us are "any large group or series of related things" and "a group or series of similar articles, machines, parts, etc." In this regard, the author notes that a person may build up and use a variety of handguns for different situations and threat levels. For instance, for most of his limited errands and walking about in his neighborhood, a snubby revolver or pocket pistol work fine. But back when people were getting keyed up before the election, he opted to carry a compact 9mm because it offered more firepower. But he also keeps a larger pistol with red-dot sight and weapon light for home defense or if he is planning on going to a large, crowded venue with dim lighting. And he keeps a lightweight revolver for carrying in coat pockets in the winter. 

So, there’s the difference between a rotation and a battery of specialized and appropriate tools. In the former, you’re changing your carry gun at random to match your mood or your socks or whatever. While it’s a free country and you can do that if you want, it’s not a thing I’d advise.

Of course you can go overboard on the whole "battery of firearms" thing, which I discussed a long time ago in a short piece "Some Thoughts on a "Battery" of Survival Arms--Part I".

• A reminder why you might want a weapon with 20 or 30+ round magazines: "Dozens of vicious bike-riding teens gang up and beat LA driver ‘in broad daylight’: video"--New York Post. 

The assault, consisting of “20 to 30 bicyclists” between the ages of 16 and 18, started after the victim got out of his car to confront some of them after they “struck and kicked” his vehicle on Saturday in central LA, the Los Angeles Police Department shared in a press release Monday.

• Drone defense: "Russians Erect Mesh Net ‘Tunnel’ Over A Mile Long To Counter Ukrainian FPV Drones"--The War Zone.
• "The Cheapskate Contrarian’s Guide to Prepping – Fitness"--Jerking The Trigger. This appears to be the first of a series (fingers crossed) of posts from the author on prepping. As the title suggests, the author has tips on getting fit (including building strength) without spending money on expensive equipment.
• "How to Knife Throw: An Essential Guide to a Very Cool Skill"--Field & Stream. It's fun. It could be useful. 

    Skeeter crawled from the timber as far as he dared and stood, hoping he would not be spotted. The sentry’s back was still toward him. Skeeter threw the knife with a high trajectory, aiming about three feet above the sentry’s head. The knife turned silently over and over in its long, downhill pinwheel flight. The sentry dropped without a peep face down in the snow.

    Considering the distance thrown—later measured at 87 feet—it was probably the longest successful throw in battle in the annals of knife throwing.

• "What Ancient Romans Used Instead of Toilet Paper"--Nautilus. 

In the same way that we use an American-style toilet, a Roman user would sit down, take care of business, and watch number two float blissfully away down the sewer system. But instead of reaching for a roll of toilet paper, an ancient Roman would often grab a tersorium (or, in my technical terms, a “toilet brush for your butt”). A tersorium is an ingenious little device made by attaching a natural sponge (from the Mediterranean Sea, of course) to the end of a stick. Our ancient Roman would simply wipe him- or herself, rinse the tersorium in whatever was available (running water and/or a bucket of vinegar or salt water), and leave it for the next person to use. That’s right, it was a shared butt cleaner. (And of course, there were other means of wiping as well, such as the use of abrasive ceramic discs called pessoi.)

• "How to Stop a Runny Nose Fast, According to Doctors"--Self Magazine. A look at what causes a runny nose and how to stop it. An excerpt:

To get immediate relief for a runny nose, Dr. Ren suggests first blowing your nose gently to clear excess mucus. Then apply a warm compress to the outside of your nose to help loosen mucus. Finally, use an over-the-counter (OTC) nasal spray or oral medication that’s meant for relieving congestion—we’ve got some specific recommendations for those below.

The medication recommendations vary according to whether the runny nose is the result of a viral infection or allergies. For those not wanting to use medicines, the article also suggests a saline nasal spray, nasal irrigation system, or simply increasing the humidity to help.