Ideal basic firearms set.

Life has been busy lately as my lack of posting has shown, but I have several posts that are being worked on that will be posted within the week.

For now, I'll answer a question I've seen asked in many places. The question basically comes out to "What is a basic list of guns I need to cover all the bases I might come across?"

Well, here goes the best I can do. I'll list them off and then give a reason why the list covers 99% of what you'll come across.

Note: This list of firearm is not the basic survival load for someone who is just trying to be ready for most likely occurrence. I made that post back on November of 2013.

- Long range, scoped, bolt action rifle

- MBR (Main Battle Rifle)

- Rimfire rifle

- Centerfire handgun

- Rimfire handgun

- 12 gauge shotgun

The bolt action rifle will allow you to accurately engage any target at long distance, whether that target is a hunting target or a threat. The battle rifle has it's obvious uses at intermediate and short ranges. That includes target shooting, self defense and hunting. The rimfire rifle has a multitude of survival uses and in my post from November 2013, I go over it in detail. I also went over the survival uses of the centerfire handguns and the 12 gauge shotgun. The rimfire handgun can be useful in pest control and target practice. It's also great for training new shooters. These handguns can carry large amounts of ammunition and are great for carrying around while working on large acreage in case you come across any venomous snakes and you have no other choice but to fire.

These types of firearms should allow you to handle almost any situation that comes your way. I'll finish with some recommendations. I'm not being paid by these companies and these recommendations certainly are far from a complete list of quality weapons. There are many well made examples and I'd be sitting here typing for too long if I was to list them all.

Bolt action rifle - Remington Model 700, Ruger American, Mosin Nagant 91/30.

Battle rifle - Colt LE6920, M1A, Zastava AK-47 variant.

Rimfire rifle - Ruger 10/22, Savage Arms.

Centerfire handgun - Glock handguns, S&W Shield, Colt 1911, Beretta PX4 Storm.

Rimfire handgun - Walther P22, Ruger rimfire revolvers.

12 gauge shotgun - Mossberg 500, Remington 870, Benelli M4.

Social stimuli and the punishment for reacting incorrectly.

In today's politically correct society, the sheep mentality is a pervasive one that attempts to dictate how we behave and think. In the presence of certain social stimuli, behaving in any manner that does not mirror the mindless drones around you will earn you one of the many hateful labels that we are suppose to fear like the Black Death itself. The labels themselves are also a kind of social stimuli, and that stimuli also has a certain behavior pattern that is supposed to follow. Reacting differently to the abhorrent scarlet letter you are given will only solidify in the mind of the sheep just how ugly and dangerous to society you are.

Anytime the media trots out another daily edition of whatever typical social stimuli we are supposed to digest this time, our duty as citizens is apparently to observe it and behave appropriately. A recent example would be a local news story where a young girl wrote a letter to the executives at Dick's Sporting Goods with the complaint that their catalog featured no female models. The writer of the letter made sure to drop in the compulsory tag words. Words like "equality" for example. The writer actually pontificated about herself for over half of the letter and then went on a meaningless tangent for about a quarter of it, but those things don't matter. The purpose and quality was adequate for use by the media to serve as our daily dose of propaganda and training.

The sheep immediately began reacting the way their masters hoped, even using the expected "you go girl!" cliches. Lots of support was shown for the rude and sarcastic attitude of the letter and no one seemed to take issue with the writer asserting that because no females were in the catalog, that Dick's doesn't support women following their dreams. Also, no one mentioned the absurdity of the writer claiming that women would have an easier time breaking into women's sports if Dick's had featured women in their catalog.

My reaction to the news story was not similar to the reaction of the mindless drones in the comment section. As expected, this caused some people to regurgitate that ready-made label in a few different varieties. "Sexist". "Woman hater". The usual suspects. It was as predictable as anything can possibly be.

I'll just say that I actually don't dislike these people who attempted to control my behavior with their hateful labels. I don't have any negative feelings toward them personally because I know that they were reacting with absolutely no thought required. They were simply following the training their masters have given them. It was mental muscle memory for them. When one encounters a certain type of social stimuli, such as this letter I talked about or a gay marriage news story or an article about how evil guns and their owners are, you are required to pull from yourself a purely emotional, thoughtless, rigid response. Failing to do so, or rather, succeeding in doing anything but, will place you in a category that used to be reserved for people like Adolf Hitler and Osama Bin Laden. They'll tell you that you're as dangerous to society as any terrorist and in the more extreme cases, they'll give you that label as well.

These labels are completely meaningless. Sexist used to mean thinking that one sex is inherently inferior to the other. Racist used to mean the same thing in regard to race. Homophobic is a fairly new word, and had it been in use for longer, it would have meant the same thing in regard to sexual orientation. But those labels don't mean those things anymore. In fact, they mean only one thing. They simply mean that you didn't react correctly to the social stimuli of the moment. The sheep will sometimes use the blanket label of "bigot" in cases where they've determined that your transgression either doesn't fit into the neat box of racism or sexism, or when you've reacted incorrectly in such a way that they're confident that you're equally as dangerous on the full range of social issues. Outing yourself as a Christian can easily get you labeled a bigot, for example. Especially by atheists.

The thing to remember about all this political correctness is that it is essentially an "end-around" to avoid 1st Amendment constraints. The Marxists who are working hard to transform America into a communist-socialist utopia can not technically control what we think and say. So in place of taking office in Congress and passing laws against the 1st Amendment, the powerful have trained and conditioned the masses to ostracize members of society who do not react correctly to the distributed stimuli. It has the same desired effect, which is to silence dissent toward a collectivist society, but it's much harder for the masses to notice.

Florida Concealed Weapons License and Stages of Awarness

I recently applied for a concealed weapons license in Florida. The process of applying is very simple, especially if you use the "fast track" process. Below, you'll see the site that has all of the information you'll need to obtain a Florida CWL.

http://www.freshfromflorida.com/Divisions-Offices/Licensing/Concealed-Weapon-License

Carrying a concealed weapon gives you an edge in any violent encounter you may come across. Just be sure to always observe laws in your area, and use some version of the "deadly force continuum". There is no need to pull a weapon for a verbal altercation, for instance. Doing so can and probably will get you arrested.

When carrying (or even when not carrying) a useful mental tool is the Cooper color code system. The colors and what they stand for are as follows:

White - Oblivious to surroundings, unaware.
Yellow - Attentive, but relaxed.
Orange - Directed focus on potential threat situation.
Red - Direct focus on specific, active threat.

Keep in mind that you still need to be aware of surroundings even while your focus is narrowing in on a potential or direct threat.

Black is sometimes added to this scale. Some experts will use black to mean that you have frozen or blacked out, having become unable to respond effectively to the threat. Others will use black to represent when you actually engage or otherwise respond to the threat effectively. Regardless of what black means to you, or if you even add it to the code, understand that training and alertness will help you respond appropriately to any threat presented to you. Do your best to keep yourself "at yellow".

List of Lists - Personal

The personal section of the list is there for you and your group to list any items that you all know you will need on a personal level. Instead of giving examples, I'll show a few items, and it will become immediately apparent what kind of items belong here. This part of the list will largely depend on you and what you need.


Replacement glasses & repair kits
Medications & birth control
Necessary personal medical equipment



CPAP machines, Oxygen tanks and anti-arthritis joint wraps are just a few examples of medical items individuals may need for personal use. Do a thorough check of the items you use on a daily or weekly basis when tailoring this list for your use.

List of Lists - General Security

General security is a very basic part of the list. It's not long because most of the items you'd expect to be on this list have been placed on the "tactical living" section (coming soon).

General security will allow you to place barriers between yourself and thieves, looters, rioters or marauders.


Empty sandbags
Padlocks
Road flares
Emergency whistles
Warning triangles or road cones
Concertina wire


Empty sandbags can help to create a bulletproof barrier to hide behind or keep flood waters out. The list of things you can do with a sand bag is limitless. Padlocks are obviously useful for keeping robbers out of your storage facilities. Emergency whistles can be used as a makeshift alarm system.

Concertina wire and road signals such as flares can be used to create a roadblock or checkpoint. Any vehicle that attempts to run through "C-Wire" will sustain heavy damage to the wheels, axles and undercarriage. It's also extremely difficult for a person to maneuver through without getting stuck or sustaining bodily injury. Roadblocks can be very effective for blocking access to roads that lead to your property. Be sure not to commit any crimes by blocking roads during times of stability. Only during a time without rule of law (WROL) would it be alright to block roads. Use your own judgment, and remember that no one is responsible for the actions you take besides you!

List of Lists - Hygiene

In a post SHTF scenario, hygiene becomes one of the most important factors to survival. Infection control is paramount in an environment where antibiotics are not readily accessible. Keeping yourself and your clothing clean becomes much more important. Clean clothing breathes better than dirty clothing during warm seasons, and it insulates body heat better during colder seasons.


Toilet paper
Baby wipes
Sanitary napkins
Hand soap, dish soap, laundry soap
Toothpaste (or baking soda)
Dental floss
Deodorants and antiperspirants
Shampoos and baby shampoos
Sunscreen
Insect repellant
Condoms
Foot powder
Tinactin
Nail clippers
Hand sanitizer
Disinfectants


Dental care is also extremely important. Infection and dental disease can turn deadly if left untreated for long enough. It can be very painful and debilitating. Even when there is no toothpaste, baking soda works well. Without baking soda, even simply using a brush and water is much better than nothing. Dental floss with help keep gums healthy. Obviously, string or thread can be used as a substitute, but be careful not to injure the gum.

List of Lists - Hunting, Fishing & Trapping

It's been a long time since my last posting on the list of lists. I've made many of those major life changes I've been alluding to and now it's time to get back to the list.

The entry today will be based around finding food. Hunting, fishing and trapping is a great way to supplement your food stores. Think of it this way; Every time you hunt, fish or trap a day's worth of food, that's another day your stores will last you.


Compound bow w/arrows & hunting arrowheads
Fishing poles & tackle
Cast net
Gill nets
Fish spear
Snare wire
Fishing yoyo
Trot lines
Body grip traps
Crab baskets
Commercial traps and snares up to deer size


One good tip is to try to make the work on your part as easy as possible. If you can set some snares or yoyos and come back a few hours or even a day later, that's minimal work. Less energy used means more energy for other critical tasks.

One excellent technique for fishing in a small stream or creek is to get a net and set it across the body of water. It will start to collect any fish that come through and as long as you're careful, you could end up with a nice haul of fish. Fish are easy to clean and cook, just watch out for the bones.

If you live near an area where you can crab fish, use a bit of meat (raw chicken works well) in a crab basket to attract them.

Major changes.

Some major life changes have taken place (still are taking place) and I have relocated myself and my family to the Southeastern US. Adjusting to the new life will take a bit of time but I'm excited to finally get into a more permanent setting. This isn't the homestead we plan to have in the future, but it's a good base from which to plan and work toward that goal. We hope to get started on obtaining acreage and building a house on it within the next 3-5 years.

Until then, it's time to really get the prepping into high gear. The world is on fire and it doesn't seem like there is a light at the end of the tunnel yet.

Russia has officially moved Russian troops (instead of just funding and arming "separatists") and equipment in Eastern Ukraine and Ukrainian leaders have sought assistance from NATO, claiming that they are unable to fend off the Russian military.

A new threat calling itself the "Islamic State" (IS) claims to have set up a "caliphate" in Syria and most of Iraq. This terrorist army has been killing and destroying everything in it's path. IS is the most destructive terrorist force on earth today and probably of modern times as well. Al Qaeda is a picnic compared to this army. Experts estimate it's numbers to be anywhere from 10,000 fighters to 80,000 fighters. The army has income flowing in daily from the sale of oil on the black market to the tune of $3M per day. The group has threatened the US, Great Britian and now Russia directly. The intelligence community believes IS members are operating in or around Ciudad Juarez, Mexico and are looking to infiltrate the US at the porous Southern border.

President 0bama seems to be asleep at the wheel. He has recently publicly stated that his administration does not have a strategy for dealing with the imminent threat from IS.

Recently, an 18 year old, unarmed black man was shot and killed by a police officer in Ferguson, Missouri. The small town near St. Louis erupted in riots despite the fact that the details of what really happened had not come out. Those details are still not fully known. The New Black Panther Party (NBBP), Malik Zulu Shabazz, Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton went to Ferguson and stirred emotions in the crowds. Attorney General Eric Holder and President 0bama both made statements that did nothing to calm the situation. Stores were looted and burned to the ground and riot police were brought in. The National Guard was called in as well, but they didn't stand on the line nor did they participate in crowd control. Events like this can happen in any town in America.

I look forward to making more frequent posts as things around here start to settle down.

Major developments in Ukraine and Israel.

As most of you will already know, a civilian airliner was shot down several days ago over Ukraine by Russian supported Ukrainian separatists using a Russian made "Buk" anti-aircraft system firing the powerful SA-11 missile. All 298 people on board were killed, including at least one American citizen. It's my professional opinion that the separatists using this system were trained by Russian GRU agents. Vladimir Putin is fighting a proxy war, very similar to the small proxy wars fought during the Cold War. The difference between what's happening now and what happened during the Cold War is that the US now has a President that has no idea what he is doing when it comes to foreign policy.

The conflict in Ukraine continues to deepen while the US and the UN sit back and ask for a cease-fire. Former SECSTATE Clinton says it's time for "tough rhetoric". Current SECSTATE Kerry says he is "warning" Putin for the last time. President Obama is saying very little. He is obviously reluctant to place the blame for what's happening squarely on Vladimir Putin.

The destruction of a civilian airliner is probably one of the worst things that could happen to Putin's cause, but only if the leaders of the US can be aggressive in their actions against Putin. As of right now, nothing significant has been done by anyone against Russia, and the conflict rages on.


In the Middle East, the conflict between Hamas and Israel has kicked off again. Several weeks ago, Hamas began firing Iranian made rockets into Israel from Gaza. These rockets have become more advanced and are now capable of reaching Tel Aviv. Israel responded with artillery and airstrikes on Hamas targets, resulting in some Palestinian "civilians" being killed. This is not surprising, since Hamas stores it's weapons and houses it's fighters in civilian homes and neighborhoods. Israel has been broadcasting in advance the locations they plan to strike in order to allow civilians time to evacuate. Strategically speaking, that is insane, but Israel is attempting to minimize the success of Hamas efforts to make Israelis appear to be targeting civilians. Unfortunately, many in the mainstream media are all too happy to fall for the tricks of Hamas.

A few days ago, Israel launched a large ground invasion of Gaza. After at least one cease-fire attempt by Israel was ignored by Hamas, and after many attempts at invasion of Israel by Hamas via amphibious landings and underground tunnels, Israeli infantry, armored personnel carriers and tanks rolled into Gaza. Dozens of Israeli soldiers and dozens more Hamas terrorists have been killed in the fighting.

What is the response of the White House? Ambivalence. They continue to make statements calling for a cease-fire and restraint by Israel. Every statement condemning Hamas attacks is tempered by an immediately caveat implying that Israel should exercise restraint. What they should be doing is throwing their full support behind Israel in destroying the Hamas terrorist organization. Unfortunately, firm foreign policy stances are not something that the administration is capable of.

For now, the conflict moves forward with Israel seeking out and destroying Hamas strongpoints. Meanwhile, Obama continues with his fundraising parties.

List of Lists - Home

It's been a month or so since I last posted, so I think I'm long overdue for another addition to the list of lists postings. Today I'll go over the general home based items. These items can easily get overlooked because they're often taken for granted in our everyday lives. Either that, or they can be forgotten when they're not commonly used. Since I;ve delayed enough as it is with my posting, I'll get right to it.


Gasoline powered generator
Duct tape
Rubber bands
Clothespins
Safety pins
Matches
Lighters
Magnesium fire starter
Black garbage bags
Plastic bags
Blankets & space blankets
Towels
Twine
Wire in various gauges
Scissors
Mirrors
Steel wool
Hand sewing supplies
Crochet & knitting supplies
Yarns & threads
Galvanized steel washtub
Washboard
Clean rags
Zip ties
Oil lamps
Bleach
Ammonia
Lye
Clean bathroom plunger
Paraffin
Lamp wicks
Ziploc bags
Propane or white gas lanterns w/ canisters
Flashlights
Petroleum jelly
Candles
Super glue
Batteries & extras for each item
5 gallon buckets & lids
Solar yard lights
Halogen spotlight
Bees wax
Wrist watches
Playing cards, books, toys & games


Obviously there are many items associated with cleanliness on this list. Keeping clothing, items and areas clean is key to improving morale in a post-SHTF situation and can increase the functionality and life of equipment. The hygiene list will go more in depth with, well, hygiene items.