SHTF: Firearms, guns, etc

Guns are a hot topic right now in the prepper and survival world. We have a new administration about to take office whose members and supporters, have a track record of gun control laws, support and proposals.

For those who own, shoot and like guns, this is no surprise. We knew this day could and would come.

The result has been a mini economic boom in sales of guns, ammunition and accessories like magazines. The media only reports the increase in sales, not the economic effect (which has obviously been in the billions of dollars of sales judging by what I have read).

The drawbacks are obvious; there is hardly any .223 or .308 ammunition available any where. Check out Impact for instance and look for ammo - there is none and won't be for months.

Magazines are near impossible to get and when available are as expensive as the gun they were designed for.

And the rifles themselves are hard to find and substantially more expensive than they were just 30 days ago.

Gun shows used to be a great place to scour for deals - not any more. All gun shows across the country are reporting record crowds and smaller inventories than ever before.

The problem is supply (limited) and demand (no urgency to buy after 8 years of a pro-gun ownership administration [see the expiration of the Assault Weapons Ban and Second Amendment rulings by the current Supreme Court and former Attorney General John Ashcroft]).

Now consumers, some who have never owned any sort of firearm, are worried they will not get their hands on a AR15 or AK and want one NOW.

And they want "bullets" to shoot out of their toy and want those NOW as well.

Oh, and some of those "high cap clips" as well. Yes, they want those NOW too.

Which brings us back to this blog and tips to survive the end of the world. What are the firearms options for you if you want to prepare but have neither the funds or patience to locate the proper tools for the job?

At this point, I am going to stray into a world heavy on opinion and most likely to offend some of my readers - not my goal, but it happens all the same.

Here's the deal, if you prep, you have to learn to adapt.

And if you prep, the goal which supersedes all others is to fly below the radar and out of sight of those who would take the supplies you obtained for your family and friends.

So here we go..

There are a lot of rifles and magazines being purchased right now. Don't suppose for a moment that some in the government (and those about to be) are making sure they have a careful eye open for WHO is making those purchases and WHAT they are purchaing. I am not a paranoid into NWO or black heliocopters - just a realist.

And if a law is passed in February or March regarding certain rifles and magazines and ammunition and their future private legal ownership again, don't be surprised.

Which if that does happen, where will it leave you?

Next, my first concern and the one I have nightmares about does not involve blue helmeted UN goons packing me and mine off to a camp somewhere.

No, my worries center around Katrina type situations on a national level (high possibility), terrorists activity which shuts down most of the U.S. (has happened already), and economic collapse also resulting in shutdown of most government functions i.e. law enforcement (highly likely these days).

And if any of these activities happen, having any type of firearm is going to become highly desired and advantageous.

And that being the case, I am going to suggest some easy to obtain (available and affordable) firearms solutions to those particular and possible situations.

Number one - The Shotgun

The Shotgun is the single most effective self defense weapon in the world. Nobody should buy a rifle of any sort until they own at least one shotgun.

For our purposes, you want a pump shotgun in either a 12 (mandatory) or 20 guage (distant second runner up).

There are three handy choices for purchase at any big box retailer:

Remington 870 (Home Defense Model)


Mossberg Persuader


Mossberg Maverick


The Maverick is the cheapest of them all priced under 200.00 at my Academy store whereas the Remington is the most expensive coming in at 325.00 and change.

Shells are cheap as well. On a trip to Walmart the day before Thanksgiving, Number One Son and I saw no .223 or .308 available (and none coming said the man) but lots of 12 guage shells available.

We want at least 250 each of buckshot, rifled slugs and 04 shot on hand at all times. I recommend picking up a box of each every time you step into WallyWorld, Academy, Big 5 or Dicks - like once a week.

Rifle -

Start with the basic most dependable and cheapest to own rifle in the universe. The .22. Kim du Toit said the .22 should be everyone's home, should be as common as a piece of furniture and makes a fine wedding gift for the young couple, or something like that.

There is only worth having in my opinion - the Ruger 10/22.



The price is under 200.00 for this fine rifle. High capacity magazines are available online but are going up in price and hard to get. You want 25 round mags if possible, but pick up 4 or 5 extra 10 round rotary mags. Why? because they are quick to change out and will not draw attention to your rifle like a long curved "evil" magazine will.

Rounds for the .22 will set you back next to nothing. A brick (550 rounds) runs about 15.00 anywhere. WallyWorld had closeouts at 10.00 for a brick of Remington last week. You are wrong to buy less than 2000 rounds and maintain such a stock from now on.

Center fire rifle -

You want a larger caliber rifle with range and stopping power. This rifle will be for hitting targets beyond 100-200 yards or hard to stop targets like vehicles.

My best bet would be a Remington 700, but they are pricey - The model number is the base price - around 700.00. Mossberg makes a lower priced rifle too. There is a Remington 700 SPS rifle just under 500.00 which makes it worth checking out.




As for caliber, there is only one real choice right now and that is 30-06. It is a powerful cartridge and widely available. Yes, a .308 would be nice, but the cartridges are simply not available.

Center fire rifle - multi/rapid fire

For reliability and since semi auto rifles are not available, consider a lever action rifle chambered in 30-30.



A 30-30 is easily accurate out to 125- 150 yards and can carry a decent capacity of ammunition. 30-30 ammunition is also readily available too. You are going to want at least a few hundred rounds each of 30-30 and 30-06 on hand at all times.

Others -

If hunting is on your plate, consider picking up a decent pellet gun. A pellet gun can pick off squirrels and birds and cost very little for the work. A good Crossman is available for less than 80.00 at the big boxes.

Handguns -

I have two differing opinions here which cause me a bit of consternation.

I have always been a wheel gun man. I like the simplicity and durability of a good revolver.

But I realize the need for quick rapid fire of a semi auto. Heck, a pistol is necessary to provide cover fire while I go for my rifle!

For pistols, I always recommend a .357 revolver (can also fire .38) which has stopping power and features ammo which is readily available anywhere.

For semi, I like 9mm over any other caliber. The rounds have little recoil which make the caliber ideal for almost anyone. And the ammo is everywhere.



Pricing on the semi is better than the revolver. Academy had a nice Taurus on sale for less than 230.00 Black Friday. It came with two spare magazines. Throw in 200 rounds and you have a good start which is better than nothing the day after.

In closing, I know I might have opened up the holy war of gun conversations, but there are a few things to take away.

1) Any gun is better than no gun the day after. Don't wait for an AR15 to fall into your lap if you do not have a good shotgun, .22 and pistol today.

2) All these guns flying off the shelves are either a great investment (post-ban) or will result in a glut next year when the economy tanks and no pending legislation regarding their ownership or purchase surfaces. If that happens, expect some great deals on some slightly used rifles next summer.

3) Low profile guns will be more desirable in the short term. Government officials and the media have already demonized these legal tools with extreme prejudice. It might be wise to not give them reason to pause when goons are prowling your neighborhood and there you are with a Colt or Bushmaster on the front porch.

4) Finally any rifle is worthless without ammo. There is very little .223, .308 or 7.62 x 39 around. Consider filling your firearms with readily available ammunition.

Be careful, be ready and good luck.

SHTF: Real Last Minute End Of The World Grocery List

The SHTF.. Zombies are running in the streets.. Nuclear weapons have exploded..

So you have one last chance to hit the grocery stores and add to your stocks at home.

Hopefully, you already have a multi-month supply of food on hand. There is no way one trip to Kroger or Safeway, (along with everyone else) is going to leave you with enough to survive the coming months and years.

Here are some things to grab while the getting is good and everyone else is grabbing beer, cigarettes, candy and liquor.

Food preservation -
Canning jars
Canning rings and lids
Canning salt
Salt, kosher, regular, rock and sea salt
Vinegar

Paper products -
Paper towels
Paper napkins
Paper plates
Toilet paper
Feminine products

Cleaning supplies -
Bleach
Lysol (spray)
Mr. Clean, Pine sol or similar type product
Sponges
Mop heads
Tub and tile cleaner
Ammonia

Cooking oil and lard -
Vegetable oil
Crisco or similar type product
Olive oil (often overlooked in the ethnic food sections)
Pam or other cooking spray

Food packaging -
Zip lock bags
Aluminum foil
Plastic wrap
Plastic bags
Food saver bags

Medical -
Aspirin
Vitamins
OTC cold remedies
Stomach and digestion medicine
Herbal supplements
Bandages, first aid supplies
Sunblock
Insect repellent
Rubbing alcohol
Hydrogen peroxide

House and home -
Mouse and rat traps
Borax
Insect spray
WD-40
Liquid plumber

Fuel and lighting -
Matches and lighters
Camp fuel (if available)
Charcoal (use first, does not last long).
Lamp oil (citronella for instance)
Batteries (will be going fast and first, check the check out aisles).
Flashlights (same as batteries but necessary).

Fresh Fruit and Vegetables -
Potatoes, onions, carrots, shallots, turnips, beets and any other root vegetable lasts a very long time - take what is left.
Apples and oranges if available

Cooking supplies -
Yeast
Baking powder
Baking soda (also a cleaner)
Flour (who is going to loot flour?)
Sugar
Salt
Dehydrated egg whites
Powdered milk
Baking mixes including corn bread, bisquick and pancake mix

Miscellaneous -
Protein powder
Protein bars
Weight loss drinks (full of protein)
Bullion cubes
Energy drinks
Tea bags
Coco

Most of the items on this list are "boring" to the average panicked looter. Remember, they will be grabbing comfort foods (soda, sweets), canned goods and expensive vices (liquor, beer, cigarettes, cigars, ice (of all things!) and chocolate.

Take what is available and keep in mind non-traditional outlets for food like convenience stores, dollar stores and truck stops.

Stay safe and don't bring children or elderly along during these forays.

Good luck and get ready!

Remember to comment and click below! I want your feedback!

SHTF: Other survivalists

Post SHTF, there will other communities with whom you will share common defenses, trade, education and exchange. Some you will argue with, others you may fight with.

In the pre-SHTF world, keep your friends close and your enemies unaware.

There are lots of good sites out there and like minded friends. Though we have never met in person, we share a similar outlook on life - being prepared for the worse of times and what may come afterward.

Check out the links on the right and visit some of these other sites if your questions have not been answered yet. You came to Prepare: Tips to survive the end of the world because you were looking for information on junk silver, precious metals, emergency survival kits, and emergency supply lists or whatever.

If it is not here, the answer may be at one of these other websites. So check em out!

In the meantime, there is still time. Not much, but you still have time.

I made my Costco run this morning. Remember, the warehouse store is attractive to first time preppers because of its size and the sizes of some of the products.

But big, is not always bigger.

Toilet paper is actually a better deal at your local grocery store I have found.

Same for towel paper and meat.

However, you will hard pressed to find a grocers with a 50lb bag of bread flour or sugar on the shelves.

Same for those 15 gallon jugs of cooking oil.

Get your shopping done now.

Notice the Christmas decorations are not moving as fast this year.

Notice how guns and ammo are selling faster than hotcakes - and for good reason.

Hang on. 2009 is shaping up to be a "make it or break it year".

Yikes.

Get ready.

SHTF: Junk Silver on Squidoo

Check out this Lens on Squidoo about Junk Silver.

What is junk silver?

Junk silver are U.S. common coins, dimes, quarters and halves which were minted in 1964 and before.

Junk silver has a silver content of 90%, thus making it an affordable and accessible means for those of us who are, ahem, financially challenged in our investment liquidity.

The lens on Squidoo has some great information about junk silver, where to get it and the value of certain coins.

There is sales information from Ebay which is up to the minute and features auctions on junk silver coins of different denominations and quantity. That alone make this site a neat place to visit!

There is also news information about junk silver including a neat story about junk silver coins showing up in retail establishments. You won't be surprised at the reason why! So check it out!

I have been playing with Squidoo lenses myself and have one in the works on preparedness which I think will be of great interest and will hopefully spread the word about our cause to the "DGI" of the world.

Check out the Junk Silver lens here.

And a reminder, if you have a subject you are interested in like junk silver, preparedness, long term storage foods, emergency supplies, survival kits or whatever, you might want to think about building your own lens. It is pretty fun and easy to do. Try Squidoo and let me know what you think.

Speaking of which, please let me know what you think of these posts. Like my wife says, "I won't make it again if you don't tell me you like it!".

Leave a comment or click below!

Be safe, be ready and be careful!

SHTF: My survival backpack

I have been taking several trips lately by car and finally decided to have a designated bag I could keep in the closet for the truck. Over the past week I have traveled about 1500 miles by car. Three business trips within the state, one camping trip and one family drive.

I chose a backpack because I can load it at home, throw it in the backseat and wear it on my back if forced to walk.

The survival backpack I chose was actually my son's old school backpack (digital camera is not available or I would take pictures!) which is camoflage and looks survivalish, if that is a word.

The contents..

Water - 4 .5L bottles
Food - 4 packs Ramen noodles, 4 trail mix bars, 4 tea bags, 2 packs instant coco
Supplies - two contractor trash bags, one flashlight, one caribiner type flashlight, two gallon ziplock bags, two 2.5 gallon ziplock bags, one water filter, one swiss army knife, one pair surgical gloves, one pocket first aid kit, one N95 mask.
Clothes - one folding rain poncho

That's it.

Water, food and basic supplies to build a shelter, collect water and perform basic tasks.

When I leave the house, I throw in the bag one pair jeans, two pair socks, one pair shoes (old sneakers), one shirt or sweater depending upon season.

I plan on adding more things to my survival backpack after the sale at Harbor Freight this month.

I cannot stress the need for each of you to include some sort of survival bag in your car, especially if you drive as much as I do.

Even if your driving is limited to a ten mile radius around your home.. like driving the kids to school, or to the store or office.

I ask myself frequently, "What would I do if I had to walk from here to home?"

So find a bag or backpack around the house and put together your own survival backpack.

So, what do you think?

Leave a comment or click below!

Thanks and be ready!

SHTF: Run on gold coins!

While everyone else is obsessed with the latest bailout or newest fodder from Hollywood, I found this little gem in the news today..

Government Can't Handle Run on Gold Coins

Even the Motley Fool investment advice site has a story on it..

So why the sudden facination with gold coins?

I think there are number of reasons why this is happening.

One plausible explanation is 2009 is shaping up to look a lot like 1978-1979. Consider the state of our economy, manufacturing giants (GM), government, potential inflation and devaluation of our money. During the late 70's, gold shot up to $1000.00 an ounce.

Right now, gold is trading in the mid-700's the last time I looked; down from a high of 900 and change just this year.

Also, consider this.. The availability of gold coins is the problem here. Several nations, (Chile, Iran and China) are all moving some of their foreign reserves to gold. Coins may the fastest or only way for them to move quickly into this asset. Just a thought..

Now, what can you do?

If you have your other preps in place and you have the funds available, consider checking ebay, your local jewelry or coin store and see what they have available in gold coins.

The price is still better than it was a few months ago.

Avoid those "gold commemoratives" advertised on late night TV. Most are 'clad' in gold or silver.

Even the TV ads for the silver or gold coins are overpriced (especially with shipping).

No, head to the coin shop, jewelry store or Gold and Silver Exchange type store in your neck of the woods.

But do it soon..

I am guessing that after January, after the new government takes its seat and after the rabid followers realize no magic will make the economy get all "1990's better", the rush will be on.

By then, it will be too late.

So you have been warned.

Besides gold coins and junk silver.. The same goes for firearms, ammunition, magazines..

For bulk foods, especially long term storage foods like Mountain House.. Emergency Essentials..

For gasoline but more so camp fuel, butane and propane for the grill and camp stove, and generators.

Besides gold coins the same can be said for toilet paper, cleaning products, feminine products, paper towels, bleach.

Besides gold coins, expect shortages at some time on power for your home as rolling black outs, brought about by cutbacks in fuel supplies and generation plants. Do you have any solar panels and batteries? How about batteries for the flashlight and lantern?

I hate sounding "Kurt Saxon" here, I have always been an optimistic prepper. In fact I think most of us are. But when I see a run on gold coins I believe we are about to turn the corner.

So continue getting ready, remain hopeful, happy and helpful. Don't let gold coins get you down.

Rather, gold coins may help with your preparations for the coming days!

Be safe, be ready and be careful!

As always.. Tell me what you think!

Leave a comment and click below!

SHTF: Food Riots

A long time ago, I wrote a post which basically laughed at concept of "food riots". For the most part, I stick by what I said which is "food riots" are unlikely in our present situation.

BUT and that's a big but, there are some situations which would lead quickly to rioting over food.

Here are some real scenarios which might lead to food riots.

Long term trucking strike - Teamsters (and truckers in general), emboldened by a new Democratic political leadership and inspired by repeated bailouts and favors for other strained industries demand lower fuel costs, increased wages, lower taxes on their rigs and better working conditions.

When Congress and private business is unable to meet their demands, truckers begin a sudden and rapid shutdown of trucking across the country. At first average drivers notice less traffic on the freeways and enjoy their shorter commutes. But as gasoline deliveries cease, and businesses start closing for lack of deliveries, the country begins to worry.

The president considers issuing an emergency order temporarily nationalizing critical parts of the trucking industry which further exacerbates the problem. Consumers start to make runs on banks, grocers and retailers to stock up so they ride out the crisis.

Grocery stores run out of critical products in the first day and within three days are nearly out of stock of most items. The President orders National Guard troops to start transporting food stocks from distribution warehouses, but the allocation becomes a political nightmare as various members of Congress, state governors and well connected city mayors get preferential deliveries to their constituents over other, less well connected leaders.

As the accusations start to fly, people begin to panic. Convenience stores, vending machines and restaurants are stripped of anything edible by roving mobs caught up in the situation. Criminals begin targeting homes for food stocks rather than cash or jewelry. Grocery store managers and owners are targeted for violence and kidnapping.

As some deliveries make their way into the cities, mobs overrun the trucks and distribution points leading to shootings and gun battles with police. Several cities go under curfew and the Guard is called out.

Hospitals, day care centers, schools and other institutions are either out of food or on short rations leaving the most vulnerable to starvation and illness. The situation spirals out of control as the President comes on television to announce to a hungry nation he is ordering national martial law and nationalization of the entire food production chain in the U.S. for the duration...


A distant war
A sudden flash fire war breaks out as Israel drops conventional bombs on Iran which escalates to a small scale nuclear conflict in the region. As a result, all oil exports cease suddenly leaving the Western world, dependent upon 70% of its fuel from oil products, without little fuel.

Naturally, the government steps in and declares immediate rationing and curtailment on fuel usage. Farmers need fuel for their machinery, truckers and trains need diesel to run and homeowners need fuel oil for their heaters and winter is setting in. Mathmatically, there is not enough fuel to go around and to make matters worse, Mexico and Canada are stopping all exports to supply their own country's needs.

The Strategic Petroleum Reserve, designed to tide the U.S. through these types of crises, has only a 90 day supply of crude and most of that is of a grade unusable by U.S. refineries. The situation worsens.

What started as an inconvenience for the American worker and consumer has become a life and death struggle as grocery stores are emptied by panicking mobs. Police and ambulances, running on rationed fuel, are unable to respond to emergencies and the problem explodes.

Mobs fight over food from stores, restaurants and each others homes. As soft politicians used to polls and backroom deals are unable to confront the crisis, new strong men spring up and quickly demonize farmers who are "obviously hoarding vast quantities of fresh produce, meat, eggs and other foods" from those who need it more than they. Impromptu allocation forces (raiders) begin the task of spreading out from urban areas to "inventory and request" (loot) any agricultural operation within traveling distance.

The situation deteriorates as the violence leads to civil war within the U.S....

Food riots can occur in certain situations. Hopefully they won't..

Best to get ready anyway...

SHTF: Raiders

The house was well off the beaten path, but with things being the way they were, it was only a matter of time until the vermin fleeing the cities found their way here. There were 7 of them and only one was injured from their last raid. That was another remote farm a few miles away. When the food ran out, the raiders moved on. The raiders spread out and moved in quietly. The evolution of their occupation taught them hard lessons and they adapted quickly. The family dog was first to go. Then the front door kicked in while other attackers moved in simultaneously against the back door and through two windows. A man, the father no doubt, barely had time to lift his shotgun before he was gunned down. A boy no more than 12 went for a .22. rifle on the wall, but he was overpowered before it could be put to use. The mother and a teen aged daughter clung to each other in the corner. Benefits of the job thought the raiders as they closed in...

In the post-SHTF world, raiders will be as common as roaches in many place. They will prowl the torn cities, patrol the highways and roads and sweep through small communities and farm towns in their quest for food, supplies, weapons and victims.

Authorities will be non-existent, only found in certain locations or for hire as mercenaries. I would not be surprised to see some authority groups break down into raiders themselves justifying their actions as necessary.

The post SHTF raider
Early raiders will evolve from a few demographics.

- City dwellers while escaping starvation in their former urban homes see the country side, suburbs and small towns as refuges and supply stations while they move from one location to another. Groups will form, break up and reform as authority figures establish themselves over others.

- Convicts, criminals, and gangs which continue their activities unabated.

- As noted above, authorities cut off from a central command or realizing the futility of their original mission will raid and establish territories to "protect" the local populations. Also, some governments, local and otherwise, may find their raids as "resource allocation and procurement".

Emergency Preparedness and Ambushes
The only defense is to wipe them out before they do the same to you and yours. A good defense is the first priority.

Location is everything

Don't give raiders a chance to attack you if they cannot find you first.
You can hide almost anywhere, but remote and rural is the best bet. Your retreat should be hidden from main roads with nothing (a big gate with Barnes Ranch on top is not advised) alerting passerby's to its identity. A dirt road can be made to look unused and less traveled.
Keep vehicles hidden and off the roads. When traveling from and returning to the retreat, take roundabout ways and alter them frequently.
Keep trees and brush heavy nearest the road to your retreat. Don't let them see a cozy house on top of a bare hillside 100 yards from the road.

Use natural landmarks to your advantage


A nearby hill should be modified with a hidden and camouflaged observation post with views 360 degrees available. The best and most able marksmen should occupy this spot with emergency communications equipment 24/7.
Rocks and trees should be marked around the retreat with ranges and setup as defensive positions. Remember, a raider will be using defensive positions facing the retreat - don't allow them any assistance.
Movement outside of the defensive parameter should be done through below ground or ground level paths (tunnels or ditches) and travelers should be in full camouflage or "gilly" suits.
Distances from the retreat in all directions should be measured and appropriate weapons assigned to the measurements. A shotgun is useless on a target at 400 yards.

Home preparation

The home should have stout doors with cross bars.
All windows should have shutters (metal preferred) and bars.
There should be at least three means of leaving and entering the home.
An escape route (a tunnel is best) for retreat should be in place with a meet up place nearby assigned.
Bug out bags should be maintained in the event some or all of the retreat residents have to escape.
Caches of supplies should be stored off site as well.
Call signals will be in effect for all communications even for the youngest members of the retreat.
Firearms will be worn by all adults and responsible teens at all times. The worse situation is to have guns locked up or in a central location. Needless to say, firearm training is mandatory and ongoing for all.
Have a 6 inch painted PVC pipe running along the ridge of the roof. Put 1 inch holes spaced a few inches apart in the pipe and connect a hose to each end. In the event of firebombs, the water can be run through the pipe to water the roof. Keep extinguishers, sand and buckets handy inside for the same purpose.
Obviously keep plenty of water and food inside the home in the event of a siege.

Attackers will use distance and stealth

Attack doctrine calls for one or two long distance shooters to "pin the defenders down" while others move in close.
Spread out your defenders using your Observation Post and hidden travel paths to work behind the attackers. Attack them and put their plans off.
Be prepared to use less than orthodox means to repel an attack. Historically defenders have used mines, booby traps, chemicals, fumes, flames and liquids against attackers successfully.
Have an early warning system in place of the observation post, communications with other nearby residents, trip wires and noise alarms.

Safety in numbers

Our scenario above might have been different if the family had joined up with two or three other families and shared resources and defense. Raiders are like any other predator; they look for weak and lone victims to attack. Give them a target which is more than they can chew off.

Tell me what you think!

Leave a comment or click below!

SHTF: Harbor Freight

If you read a bunch of preparedeness and survivial forums, posters will frequently alert other readers to a big sale at "Aldis" or "Fred Meyer" on canned beef or Wylers drink powders.

Unfortunately, most readers are nowhere near the retail outlets identified (think the closest one is 1600 miles away). The well meaning forget the internet is global and readership is reflective.

However, I carefully study the maps which show where visitors to this blog come from. And when I combined that with a circular which came to my house yesterday I had to put this notice out.

Harbor Freight is a discount hardware store found in most states. The day after Thanksgiving they are holding a huge sale (like most retailers that day).

The prices were unbelievable and HF makes a great place to pick up some survival equipment deals..

A gasoline siphon - 3.99
7 function pocket knives (great trade item) - .99 each.
Survival knife - 7.99
Electric hair clipper set (post SHTF income stream!) - 5.99
Headlamp with swivel - 2.99
6 pairs of knit work gloves - 1.99
5 pack of particle masks - .59 (add these two items to your JIC or BOB bag).
and lots more.

HF is on the web at http://www.harborfreight.com/ and worth checking out. Wait for the sale though for extra savings!

SHTF: Caffeine

While sitting at my computer I am drinking a cup of coffee. I usually limit myself to one cup a day, unlike in my IT days when drinking four or five was not unheard of.

Drinking this coffee led me to thinking. Hey that almost rhymes! What would we do without that elixir of the waking, caffeine?

Lots of you get yours from Diet Cokes, Starbucks, iced tea, or plain ol' Folgers. But nearly everyone I know just plain functions on some sort of legal stimulant. Here is a warning: You probably do not have enough on hand.

Caffeine is a stimulant. It is also a diuretic. It is also addictive. Failure to ingest your body's expected level will result in annoying side effects.

So, what types of caffeinated beverages are there and which is best to store?

Coffee -
While consumption is down from a record 16 cups a day in 1960 (or something like that), we still gulp loads of this stuff.

Fortunately, coffee still comes in cans which store for a long time. Also, coffee comes in an instant, though not so tasty, variety, which is handy for the BOB.

The bad is that almost all coffee is imported from someplace far away and usually quite hostile. Thus, at some future date, after a prolonged period of chaos and anarchy, there will be no more coffee available.

The good news is there is a huge supply in the U.S. even after the poop has hit the fan. See the bottom of this article for those suggestions.

Tea -
Iced is fine, but hot tea aka tea bags are the preppers best friend. They last forever, are portable and only need hot water and a cup. (Coffee still needs a filter to keep out the grounds unless its instant - yuk).

Tea bags are individual which means a 100 count box can be broken up and restored in Ziploc bags for transport and storage.

Ask Jerry D Young, in a post-TSHT fan world, being a "tea man" is quite handy.

Tea can also be harvested in many places and teas can be made from almost any edible herb or plant. Keep that in mind.

Soda -
One of the more common ways we get caffeine today. Bad news though, Cokes, Pepsis, etc do not store long or well. Often they will go flat after a few months.

I am going to keep some Diet Coke on hand as I know too many addicts of the stuff. Their demand will lead to some good trades for me down the road!

Now, where can one pick up coffee, tea and sodas after the SHTF? (besides the grocery store of course).

Be sure to add these locations to your scavenging and trade runs. Offices (check the break rooms and conference rooms. Also the secretaries' desk and any closets or storage areas near the front of the office or administrative areas).
Restaurants, don't forget fast food places too. Also almost any business has a coffee maker on the premises for both employees and visitors. Most businesses will be considered worthless by looters and scavengers as they focus on grocery stores and homes for plunder.

Finally, caffeine keeps one awake during those dangerous times. Late night guard duty, tending to the sick and injured, and on all night drives after curfew. You will need it more often than you think!



Please tell me what you think!

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SHTF: Post Election 2008

Thankfully, the longest U.S. presidential campaign in history has finally ended (nearly two years!).

I don't care who you voted for or who's fault it is that (Obama Chuck McCain Barr Paul) is or is not president elect; we deal in realities here.

In January, a new man will be sworn in along with a different Congress. Laws will be changing in short order. I predict a couple of immediate presidential executive orders as well. Might as well get ready.

With any change in government, there will be a transition. With the continued economic mess and challenges in the world of 2008, there will be pain for all Americans.

It is going to be a tough winter and spring. If the economy goes further down, there will be layoffs, cutbacks and credit shortages. Already, the jobless rate is the highest is has been in 14 years and it will be growing.

You do not want to be a burden to your family, friends or community. By building some self reliance, you will not strain private and public resources when the hard times come.

Who knows? You may be able to help others.

Don't be a hindrance, refugee or end up homeless.

It is too late to pay off your home, but try and minimize expenses and stop adding debt.

Scale back Christmas plans now.

Focus on tangibles.

Continue stocking long term emergency food.
Stock up on basics now that food prices are going down.
Flour, sugar, salt, powdered milk, cooling oil, spices.

Purchase additional canned goods. Not a few cans, but a case or two as possible.

Purchase plenty of "fillers" - rice, pasta, grain, beans.

Continue stocking seeds and gardening supplies.
Lay out your spring garden now.
Grow some winter vegetables and herbs.
Google cold frame.
Build a greenhouse.

Go on Amazon and buy a dehydrator. Go to the grocery store and buy plenty of in season fruit and dry them. Store in Ziploc bags.

Go on Amazon and buy a home canning system.

Go to the grocery and buy plenty of Ball jars - they are on sale now that the fall is here. Get lots of lids and rings.

Start canning tomatoes, cucumbers and corn.

Continue storing water. Buy some larger water containers, but get plenty of five gallon water containers as they are portable.

Get plenty of bleach and coffee filters.

Get a portable water filtration system like a Katadyn.

You already know the drill - firearm prices and ammunition scarcity are rising already everywhere.


Like it or not, guns, in the hands of responsible citizens, stop crime. It is proven every day. An armed population scares a brutal dictator, jealous invader and overbearing government.

Buy as much .22 and 12 guage ammo as possible. Buy plenty of any other caliber you own, use and depend upon whether it be for hunting or protection.

If you do not have a defensive rifle and money is tight, consider an AK or SKS variant. There are plenty of .223 knockoffs out there. Research online and buy what you can afford. .223 is the standard among military and police.

Get plenty of magazines. Factory is best, but get what you can get and afford.

Consider purchasing a few boxes in calibers you do not own, (9mm, 38 Special, 45, 357, 30-06, 243, 270, etc). Buy no name or cheapo brands if money is tight. Your friends and neighbors will show up with a fine rifle but only ten rounds to feed it. Ammo makes a fine investment and trade item - but only with people you know and trust!.

Stock up on batteries, propane, canned camp fuel. Get a camp stove if you do not have one - camping season is over.

If possible, get a wood stove for the house. Get plenty of firewood for this winter.

I cannot stress this next section enough - hygiene and medical preparedness.

Winter means cold and flu season. If you lose your health insurance.. if the local hospital goes bankrupt and closes in February.. if a pandemic borne overseas makes its way to our shores through unmitigated migration..

Stock plenty of aspirin (generic is fine), cold remedies, and other over the counter medicines.

Get plenty of vitamins.

Stock liquids for sickness, Gatorade and Tang powdered drinks.

Stock plenty of Lysol, bleach, laundry detergent, cleaning supplies - keep your home virus and germ free!

Get a flu shot now.

Get a full physical and fitness check up.

Restock all prescriptions and eyeglasses, contacts.

Start a strength training regime now. Weights, running, walking, biking..

Eat correctly for strength, health and stamina. Keep your internals running smoothly.

Stop smoking, excessive alcohol, cut out sodas, fast food and junk food. You will save money and develop the habits needed for the world of 2009.

Drink plenty of clean water!

Invest in precious metals once food and other tangibles are taken care of first. That means junk silver (pre-1965 silver U.S. coins) and gold coins. Small denominations will be preferable for day to day transactions.

Look, I don't know what will happen in January or February of 2009. As a preparer, I am an optimist and seldom leave my fate and future to others, no matter how well meaning.

However, as stated, any transition is precarious, especially in these times.

Get ready, be ready, stay ready.

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