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Archive for January, 2010

Jan
28

What’s in YOUR gun cabinet? part 1

Posted by: Prepper | Comments (9)

 

   I don’t know about anyone else but now that we’ve heard from our commander-in-chief about the state of our union… I feel better! Cancel all your plans for taking care of yourselves, it just won’t be necessary! All systems go, just get out and resume irresponsible spending!
 
  Seriously, I don’t see anything changing soon… Not that this comes as a surprise to me but we can always hope to see a shred of leadership or realistic change in course, sorry – no dice!
 
   So far I have attempted to stay away from the firearms topic as this isn’t my specialty. I do however have some opinions on the subject and since I get various emails asking what I think about this gun or caliber, I decided I would do a post on my personal views of firearms and how they fit into MY personal preparedness plans. I already know there will be folks that disagree with me and that’s just fine. Guns are the sacred totem of our fellowship and I am only offering my opinion, it is not to be held as gospel, merely one mans accumulation of experience.
 
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   Let me start off today saying that I have been interested in firearms for as long as I can remember. I started collecting or accumulating them since before it was legal for me to even own them. This was done without the knowledge of my parents of course. Somehow I was able to get through my teenage years without hurting myself or anyone else. I was a responsible young man but still children and gun use should be supervised!
 
   Over the years I have owned more guns than I could list or count. If you asked me specifically if I had ever owned or used such and such, I’d be able to tell you but beyond that, who can remember! I’m mentioning this only to give background on how I’ve come to the conclusions that I hold now.
 
   As a younger man but legal gun owner, I tended to go for the sexy assault rifles and all of the accoutrements that go along with them. Don’t get me wrong they are cool but now it seems that the status of being able to own a $1000+ dollar AR15 has lost some of its luster for me. Over the last decade, everyone and their brother, brother-in-law, son and son of a gun have been able to acquire an M-forgery.
 
   Now as a National trend, I think this is great as it puts a lot of firepower in the hands of the citizens but as the prices have risen and ownership with them, I have spent some time deciding if these are really the right firearms for my long term goals. High capacity semi-auto rifles do have their place and I am certainly not against anyone owning them! I actually think the more of them that are in the law abiding citizens hands the better! Hopefully this section will pacify the readers that are watching my every move as to see if I’m really a good patriotic American – I am and I sleep better at night knowing I have armed brethren within ear shot of both of my homes!
 
 
   Moving into what I really wanted to discuss today… What are the guns that I feel are needed for or by the “prepper”? Some of us still believe that an armed populous will be required to keep the government in check, I don’t disagree but I no longer think the government is hiding behind every tree waiting to grab our guns. Believe me I use to hold these views and do respect those that hold them. I just have come to the conclusion that the government officials know they aren’t going to get them away from us and will use other tactics to gain the upper-hand they need in controling us. A hungry man is a pliable man and the father of a hungry child is even more so! This brings us back to the systems I advocate all of us be setting up for ourselves to achieve true freedom, a freedom that a gun alone will never provide! 
 
   The prepper firearms battery that I think will be of the most value will not send tingles down anyone spine. It is a very basic set of working guns. Of course these guns could do double duty and provide protection as well but they aren’t primarily designed for this purpose. I’ll give you my short list of guns that I don’t think any prepper should be without…
 
   Lets start with the trusty .22 rifle as a good starter for a working gun battery. Ammunition is still relatively cheap but like everything else is only continuing to rise in cost. Keeping this in mind it won’t break the bank to purchase a good rifle and spent the needed time getting proficient with its use. In the hands of a competent shooter, this little gun will take many small game animals. Rabbits, squirrels and other targets of opportunity will be good additions to the stew pot. Many young or new shooters have been trained on a .22 rifle as well. This single gun will fill a host of needs and with the most inexpensive ammunition, just can’t be over looked for the Prepper.
 
Cost: $250 for a good used gun, $100 for 2500 rounds ammunition.
 
 
   OK, lets talk shotguns! Where do you even start with the capabilities that a decent shotgun can provide. How about taking those birds post SHTF? I know some of you can knock a crow out of the air at 200 yards with your carry piece but for those of us that aren’t confirmed crack-shots, a shotgun might be a good addition. As a small game getter the shotgun will shine as well. Granted the appropriate shell be used so the meat isn’t destroyed. How about the larger animals we might come across, such as deer? Well, they don’t call it buckshot because it sounds good and just rolls of the tongue. It wouldn’t be my first choice for going looking for deer but it is capable of being used in this capacity. What about predators? Mountain lions, black bears, etc. – think a shotgun would leave you under powered? I doubt it!
 
   How’s that for a 2 gun battery that will take care of a good portion of your SHTF food gathering duties? Wait, what about that Mutant Zombie Biker that showed up last Wednesday when you were working in the garden? Yep, the handy dandy shotgun you had leaning against the fence was more than enough gun to answer his questions about your missing welcome mat.
  
   A shotgun from any of the popular manufactures will serve you well for more years than you’ll need it. I suggest the Mossberg 500 as it is widely available as a sporting/defense package. You know the one with a 26″ hunting barrel as well as the 18″ home defence configuration. I’ve owned more than a few of these guns over the years and it is quick and easy to switch barrels. I find the versatility this provides to be a great feature. The guns are also moderately priced. I haven’t priced shotgun shells in quite a while but would guess that they have  risen in price along with everything else. I would be willing to wager that a selection of shot and slug shells could be acquired to handle most any need for under $200 bucks. Granted you won’t be out plinking with this meager stock of ammunition but it would cover your prepper bases for many years.
 
Cost: $250 for a good used gun, $200 for a selection of shot/slug shells
 
 
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   I told you this wasn’t going to blow your skirt up but I think its a realistic view of what can be done with a meager gun battery and under a thousand dollars, so far. I’ll wrap this up tomorrow by rounding out the other firearms that I think are reasonable to keep on hand for our needs.
See ya tomorrow,
 
Prepper
Comments (9)
Jan
27

Reader Questions

Posted by: Prepper | Comments (3)

 

   Thanks to all the folks that have emailed me over the last couple of days in support of the topics I’ve been covering. I appreciate the feedback. I haven’t been able to respond to each email individually yet but I will try to get back to each of you! We are really in this together and I think there is a kindred spirit that we all need to acknowledge.
 
   I’m going to do another “Reader Question” post today as there is one email in particular that I would like to address. This will be a long answer and I will probably only cover this one question today…
 
 
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QUESTION  -     “Why do a lot of my posts seem to be almost un-American or at least less than patriotic? Do I secretly have a problem with my country and plan to use preppernation.com as a pulpit to bash America?”
 
 
   As I have promised, I will not out any of my readers on this website. I do appreciate the fact many people take their OPSEC seriously. However, unlike many emails I get from hecklers, this gentleman did give his name and so I will address his question with the respect it deserves. I believe the spirit of the question is sincere or I wouldn’t give him the satisfaction of a response! So here goes…
 
  The short answer to your question is that my posts may seem unpatriotic because I’m being honest in how I approach what’s happening in our country. It does no one any good to sugar coat the fact that we have issues. We are all living under a system that isn’t being honest with us. We are given a set of rules to play by and or a road map that is suppose to guide us to the destination we desire that is at best deceptive and at worst, fraudulent. 
 
   In the same vein as yesterdays post, we have a gift as preppers that allows us to see the world from a slightly different perspective. I believe we are a little more aware than many of our fellow Americans. Does this make us un-American? Absolutely not! I think it makes us better Americans, the kind that won’t be as easily fooled into what I call “Herd Think”, believing whatever the idiot box tells us.
 
   As preppers, we are prone to asking WHY? Why is this happening? Why do I believe this? Why should I do it that way? I remember with pride learning about the people that came to America or even “The New World”, before it was America. These were hardy folks that I bet had this same question on their lips, even before they arrived on these shores. Why does it have to be the way YOU say? They were unhappy with the status quo and decided to act on this feeling and make a new life for themselves and their families.
 
   These immigrants or settlers, depending on what the historical time frame was, didn’t act outside the law or even go against the grain. This country was full of free thinking individualists. This is the type of person I am and hope all of you are as well. We have the ability to create our own destiny guided by our own goals. If this is contrary to what your beliefs are, I can see why you might suspect me of being anti-American!
 
   Has anything I’ve written suggested I would advocate breaking any law? I don’t think so, as that isn’t something I would encourage. Each of us has to make our own decisions but we have all the room we need to become self- reliant and or self-sufficient, while working inside all the laws I’m aware of!
 
   My goal with this website is to encourage each of us to always push for more freedom. Freedom from the government systems of support. WHY, because we don’t need them and they don’t make us more free, they enslave us. When I was growing up my father had a saying and it only makes more sense as the years go by… He would tell me – “Never let the government do anything for you that you’re capable of doing yourself because if you do, they will no longer allow you to do it for yourself!” These words ring true over and over as I see and hear the non-sense that is BLASTED at us everyday through the mainstream media.
 
   Each day I post an idea or short article to help instigate thought! Definitely not to instigate anti-American sentiment. It is very American to honor freedom and self-reliance. I believe that this current economic situation will be solved, eventually… When we, AMERICA, emerge on the other side we will have had a chance to regain a foundation of what is truly important. Hopefully, McMansions and the ever growing urban sprawl will be replaced with a renewed honor of family. I would like to see our American traditions restored and when that happens I believe we will see a reunited American populous with new energy and national pride.
 
   Freedom is our National Treasure, it needs to be protected. We are all suppose to be free to succeed or fail without the interference of the government. We have a government and I dare say even a large percent of the population that want to have everyone be taken care of cradle to grave… Not me brother, get out of my way and let me do it myself. In this respect I do have a problem with my country, I don’t like the direction its going!
 
  Do I advocate a revolution – yes, but not in the sense that a lot of “Preppers” do! The revolution I seek is a silent, non-violent one! One that all can participate in. It’s a freedom revolution, one that will be waged inside the law. By removing ourselves from the systems, simply opting out of their game, at every opportunity. By doing this we are denying the system what it requires… US, meaning our participation and taxes… Just stop playing, pay what you must but don’t give anything additional. We have legal ways to opt out, as simple as buying second hand over new or via the internet instead of local, avoiding the sales tax where ever it is LEGAL to do so. Every dollar that isn’t inserted into the system, starves the system.
 
   I do hope that this post clarifies my position, I see myself as an American Patriot and I’m proud of what my country really stands for, even if it isn’t being properly represented in todays government. I wouldn’t be surprised if there aren’t others that might have questioned these same things about me and preppernation.com, if there is one person that has misunderstood, there are usually more. I actually want to thank the person that asked this question as it gives me the opportunity to make sure we are all on the same page. So -Thank You! I want to encourage anyone else that has a question, speak up and lets talk about it even if we may disagree…
 
 
Prepper
Comments (3)
Jan
26

Why do we prep?

Posted by: Prepper | Comments (8)

 

   Why are we prepping, in light of how we are seen by society? Often our families think we’re crazy and our friends are either preppers themselves or they avoid certain subjects like the plague… Actually they wouldn’t even mention a “Plague” because then they would have to listen as we explain to them that that is a very real possibility and they should have some things set aside in case a plague were to actually show its head.
 
   Our families love us or at least most of the time they love us, so they will tolerate the strange canned Christmas presents and just shake their heads when we go off on some prepper doom subject! Why do we subject ourselves to this scrutiny? Is it that we love those around us? Do we just have to tell others, so they will do the responsible thing and start prepping too?
 
   I think that its more of a way to vent off some of the frustration I believe we “Preppers” all carry with us. We see the world around us for what it is and where the weak links are. We know that there are some real issues that aren’t even being identified, much less dealt with. By exposing them to those around us, we have a temporary relief from the burden we’re carrying. This is at least one of the explanations that I’ve come up with for myself. Possibly you all have other reasons that you feel you are seeing things in your world that others either don’t see or just dismiss out of ignorance… Ignorance is bliss, right! It would seem to hold true as we watch the people in our communities conducting business as usual, even with the world around them going to hell in a hand-basket.
 
   I’m bringing this up today in response to some emails that have come in lately reminding me of how we are viewed by the public at large and all to often even by the people living in our own homes. Yesterday I brought up the fact that the Department of Homeland Security is even publicly stating that we might be a threat to those around us. It’s true, we scare the pants off all those people that just have to believe all is well and the government has everything under control. We are a threat to our keepers, we see the world around us on a larger screen than most and thus we are doing things that will allow us to be self sufficient and therefore harder for them to control.
 
   We live in a nation that has been truly blessed. We have opportunities that no other individual citizens could even dream of, even today with all the problems that are coming out of the woodwork. As long as we can keep sight of the fact that we are blessed and take advantage of those opportunities to continue moving in a positive direction. I think we will win over more people to our way of thinking… However, even if we don’t get through to them, we have to stay true to who we are, “Preppers”.
 
   I was a real firebrand back in my twenties and did myself more harm than good when it came to sharing my views with friends and family. On more than one occasion I had to later go back and repair relationship damage that I had done by being overzealous… You could either agree with me or you were a fool and would be punished when the planet exploded or Y2K brought life a you knew it to screeching halt… Just wait you’ll see! I don’t know about the rest of you but I’ve seen the light and come to the conclusion that screaming warnings from the roof tops doesn’t help us win friends or influence people.
 
   So, again, why do we prep? We prep because we have been given a gift! That’s right, that feeling of impending doom that many of us are carrying in our guts is a GIFT! You don’t believe me do you? I bet everyone of us has asked ourselves, why can’t I just be content to live my life blissfully blind like my co-workers? Am I wrong? I know  I wished I could get rid of this pesky world view for many years! Who really wants to be different, we all learned what being different gets you back on the playground in elementary school.
 
   We prep because we care about our families, even when they don’t agree with us and give us that look! You know the one they shoot at us when they stub their toe on the case of beans that was sticking out from under the bed… Just kidding about the beans but you know what I mean. Even though we have to fight that feeling of just throwing in the towel and saying they can all starve if the food shortages do show up… We keep prepping!
 
   What I’m really driving at is this. We prep because that’s part of who we are, we have this foresight and wide angle view of the world for a reason. If we don’t prep than we aren’t being true to ourselves. If we don’t prepare than we won’t be able to look ourselves in the mirror when or if something does happen. I receive emails from people that are getting discouraged because their spouse or friends won’t get behind them in what they are feeling is important. Don’t be discouraged, realise that this is what your suppose to do. This is your gift, not theirs. Don’t take the approach that I used to take and end up alienating yourself from those relationships. You married that person for a reason and or have been friends with someone for who they are and their gifts. Use your gifts and let them use theirs. Its that simple, embrace who you are and don’t try to change it and if that other person is truly important to you, then prep for them too!
 
   Nothing will speak louder about your beliefs than you acting on your convictions and stashing supplies for those friends and family that refuse to do it for themselves. Some people will never change their minds and or they will wait until its to late. The fact that you are quietly making preparations will allow you to feel alright and in the end if the preps are needed they’ll be there!
 
   Stay on course and do the things that make your life better today and tomorrow! If you’ve been given the gift of foresight than use it for the powers of good and make the preparations that you seen necessary for your family, friends or just yourself! Be who you are and don’t get discouraged, the best thing that could happen is for all of us “Preppers” to be proven wrong and live out a nice comfortable long life.
 
See ya tomorrow!
 
 
Prepper
Categories : Commentary
Comments (8)
Jan
25

What do I think of…?

Posted by: Prepper | Comments (2)

 

What do I think of… the direction of our nation and how we (preppers) fit in?
 
 
I have received many emails of concern about the things we all are witnessing both locally and nationally. I will share my thoughts on this topic today…
 
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I believe we are living in an exciting time, we have the privilege of witnessing the making of history. Will we witness the greatest nation that the world has ever seen brought to her knees? Will we witness the citizens rise up and wrestle the control of their nation back from the elites that have hijacked the government? I don’t know the answers to these questions but I do know – We’ll have to wait and see but I don’t think it will be a long wait!
 
I heard an interesting thing last week on one of the talk radio stations, I think it was covered on Michael Savage but I can’t recall for sure. What was said is that it’s the “SURVIVALISTS” or right wing extremists that are the real terrorists and who should be profiled as such. Hmm, could that be correct? Not Muslim extremists but right wing extremists???  A few months ago, it was the veterans returning home from the Middle East. The Department of Homeland Security was concerned that they would be recruited by the militia element as they would have valuable combat experience. So, unless I’m mistaken, the government would like to profile its largest demographic, white males and females as the most likely terrorist threat against America?
 
I for one am offended, if the government was doing its job and protecting the interests of ALL of its citizens there would be no militia movement, per say! I for one will admit that I’m about the least militant person that anyone could find and I’m certain that I’d be lumped in with whichever criteria a “SURVIVALIST” would fit into! However, I would be more than happy to have the powers that be lump me in with our most honorable citizens, those that have served their nation and put themselves in harms way to defend all of us at home.
 
It is truly a sad day when we, the law abiding citizens, have to fear our own governments scrutiny and insinuations of terrorism! Our government both RED and BLUE, Republicans and Democrats, have sold our soldiers out and may very well have something to be concerned about for the treatment they are giving our warriors. If anyone cares to listen to the news, we’re hearing regularly of soldiers that are being brought up on charges of this or that and often facing court marshal. The threat of careers being lost and or serious prison time are very real for our soldiers. They can potentially face HUGE legal costs to defend themselves against these flimsy charges. They’re doing a dangerous job to protect all of us and they may receive worse than spit in the face for the effort!
 
Loyalty and Patriotism are to be held in high regard, both are traits I personally value! I have to say though that Loyalty is something that is traditionally earned and Patriotism is given freely by citizens of a country when they are proud of said country. When the citizens begin to lose respect for their leaders and the direction they are taking the country in… Let’s just say the feelings of pride suffer as well. If this condition is allowed to continue long enough, damage to the fabric of the land is certain to occur!
 
We the tax paying citizens are under continued pressure to earn and pay more taxes while we witness corporate and bank bailouts and extended unemployment benefits handed out. The rumors are rampant that our Social Security fund is bankrupt and we will never see a dime, all the while we hear of social security programs for recent immigrants to receive support while they get on their feet, often these benefits go on for years. Health care is doled out at emergency rooms to those with a cold or mild stomach flue for free, while my family waits until the cash is available to see a doctor or dentist?
 
We appear to be at a cross roads in our nation. We are calling wrong, right and right, wrong. Allowing those that immigrate here on their honor to have more rights than those that have a long history of family loyalty and sacrifice to a great nation. History reveals clues as to what will befall a nation that tramples the rights of its citizens and or embraces a corrupt immigration policy.
 
Unfortunately, we are quite far down the path to destruction and I don’t see much of a movement inside the government to turn the course. As preppers we prepare for many potential disasters, natural as well as man-made! The things we are all working on to be more self-reliant are going to benefit us all throughout this life and whatever comes our way. This current political and economic situation is no different. We always need to be watchful of what is going on around us and especially on the national level, as this is where our most dangerous pitfalls might come from.
 
As we see the shenanigans that our leaders are pulling right in the public eye, it becomes even more important that we act honorably.  By following the laws of the land we will make it more difficult for the government or probably more importantly the media to show people like us “SURVIVALISTS” as crazy. It doesn’t take much imagination to know that our leaders love to have a scape goat and they would be perfectly content to use us. Let’s deny them that satisfaction!
 
We are an asset to our country and communities! Our current leaders don’t deserve us but the time may come again where forward thinking individuals will be called on to do extraordinary things. What we are doing today to make the lives of our families more secure could even make a difference on a much greater scale than any of us might suspect. We are this way for a reason and have these inclinations to prepare for a reason as well! Be true to yourselves and keep an eye on the horizon!
 
 
Prepper
Comments (2)
Jan
23

Old School – Bus Conversion

Posted by: Prepper | Comments Comments Off

 

   I was doing a little Youtube surfing and found this bus conversion project and it looked pretty good. I thought I’d share it with you guys for a Saturday Post… I’ve been wanting to do a van convertion for a long as I can remember, I think I’m going to have to sell Mrs. Prepper on the “White Trash RV” thing instead… Look’s like a lot of fun, as far as a project goes!
 
   I don’t claim to be sane, so if you disagree with me, that’s your perogative! I would do things a little different though, its kinda fun to think about how we would do this if it were us… Enjoy!

 

Prepper
 

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