Special Note: Obviously, an entire book could be written on this subject, which is a task beyond the scope of this article. The purpose of the following piece is to give those with financial difficulty a foothold on prepping without added pain. It is meant to be a starting point, not a compendium.
A friend of mine took note recently that a large portion of activists involved in the Liberty Movement had hit extremely hard times, or had been struggling financially even before the general economic collapse began to take hold. He asked me my theory on why it was that so many of us are always so broke. I could only relate that it is almost always the working class poor in any society that first sees the effects of a corrupt government and a faulty economic system. Those who legitimately hold to the principles of self sustainment, and fair play, are usually the first to be stabbed in the back by the establishment, and so, they are the first to become politically active against it. That is to say, sometimes we have to lose almost everything before we are able to see the bigger picture.
While I consider this fact a source of solace in these extraordinarily hard times, it still does little to put food on the table, or survival gear in the bug-out-bag.
The overall consensus within the prepper community is that survival planning is expensive, and yes, it certainly can be. Another consensus is that you “get what you pay for”; also true...to a point. My belief is that while no prepping model is free of expense or of quality concerns, perhaps there is a middle road that activists with thin wallets can take which will provide solid gear for less money, and that will serve most of the functions of high-end gear that is ten times as expensive. Let’s examine a foundation list of those items that can help get you started now….
Backpack (Bug Out Bag)
You can literally spend hundreds of dollars on many top-of-the-line framed backpacks, and some may even be worth it, but it is not necessary to spend that kind of cash to purchase a decent bug-out-bag. In fact, surplus ALICE packs with frames can be had online for as little as $30-$60, sometimes even less if they are a bit worn. The ALICE system provides adequate back support for your needs, for a low price, and the quality of the design is military proven.
Camouflage Clothing
Camouflage clothing and gear runs a wide spectrum in price, and it’s hard sometimes to find the colors you want at a discount. One trick is to buy any camo you find on the cheap, and then lightly dye it to match the colors you want. For instance, one could gauge the dye levels with small samples, find the right strength, and then dye light camo like Digital ACU a darker green. Eventually, you may be able to make your own camo with any clothing you come across. It sounds like a pain, but it’s actually quite easy, and could save you considerable amounts of money.
Extreme Weather Protection
Gortex is outrageously expensive, unless you get lucky and find it used or discounted. While it is difficult to beat the quality (or the warrantee) on most Gortex cold weather gear, there are cheaper alternatives that get the job done almost as well. A great extreme cold weather coat is the N-2B Flight Jacket designed to mil spec and resistant to most wet weather conditions. The jacket was meant specifically to deflect freezing temperatures and it can be had for around $120 or less.
Purchasing several packages of polypropylene thermal underwear could also save your life in extreme weather situations. They are lightweight, can be easily layered, can be packed into a tiny corner of your B.O.B., and will retain much of your body heat. Even if you don’t have a lot of winter gear with you, absolutely do not forget to bring the poly-wear! $30-$50 for a shirt and pants together is well worth it.
Finally, buy wool socks. Buy plenty. Look for deals, but do not cut them out of your budget. Any weather below 20 Degrees Fahrenheit and you’ll want to double up. Cold feet, on a march, on patrol, on guard duty, sucks. They can be damaged permanently if you are not careful.
Combat Boots
Top quality combat boots traditionally run anywhere from $100 to $300 depending on the brand. One rule that you cannot break regardless of the circumstances; always treat your feet right. They hold up your entire body. Surplus boots are a good place to start when looking to cut costs, but usually you won’t be saving much. To be honest, there are plenty of knockoff combat boots found in sporting goods stores, usually in the hiking section, that are just as durable as the expensive models but for much less. You can go far in a pair of $60 boots. Be sure, though, to thoroughly check for poor sewing on the seams, crap laces, and light construction. If they feel heavy, they are probably made well enough.
Camp Heater
Unless you have your own oil well, or a line on a hidden vein of coal (some preppers I have met actually do), then your best bet for efficient heat during the winter weather in a tent, a makeshift shelter, or a house, is a wood burning stove. Timber fuel sources are everywhere. A couple cords of wood are enough to heat most homes and shelters through the colder months.
Gasoline and propane storage is possible, but the likelihood of shortage is high, and arranging a practical supply lasting a year or more is incredibly expensive. Solar power systems and battery banks are recommended, but again, this is another option that requires moderate to substantial investment when it comes to heating a house. A very affordable alternative for your heating needs would be the M-1941 Military Tent Stove. The cylindrical stove is portable, burns quite hot, and can be had usually for $100 or less.
Survival Knife
Some knives deserve the amount of attention and the high price tag they have garnered, but many are just….well….regular knives with a fancy name engraved in the blade. You are buying a knife for its functionality, not its sex appeal. Gerber, SOG, and Kershaw make plenty of knives which work just as well for $80 or less than any $400 cord wrapped Strider knife. Again, pay for the tool, not the name or the artificial commercial mystic.
Communications
Good HAM radios, base stations to handheld models, can be had for around $200-$300, but even this amount is sometimes too high for a limited prepper budget. Unless you plan to coordinate operations over longer distances using repeaters, or set up a HAM alert system with multiple members of your community, regular two-way radios costing around $40 to $60 like those produced by Midland should suffice for communications. Consumer models often advertize an effective range of 20 to 30 miles, but this is in totally flat terrain. If you can get five miles out of them in rough terrain, you are doing well. This range is adequate to handle most tasks required during a survival situation.
Electricity
Gas powered generators are unnecessary in long term survival situations, primarily because the amount of fuel they use is impractical and the noise many of them produce could make having electricity a daily temptation of fate. Solar is really the best way to go. Unfortunately, many people assume solar power solutions to be too technical and overwhelming. In fact, setting up a solar power system is so straight forward it makes all the prepper uneasiness a bit laughable.
A simple and comparably affordable set-up would include one 180 Watt solar panel (which can quickly charge your battery bank during the day), one deep cycle battery, a charge controller, and an inverter. This kit can be had for $600 to $1000, is compact enough to fit in a medium Rubbermaid storage bin, and will power almost every appliance and charge every electronic device that would make life easier during a collapse. Remember also that every Watt of power you produce by the sun reduces your on-grid electric bill, saving you even more money.
At the very least, a portable solar powered battery charger is a must have item. Doing without gear like radios and flashlights is simply not an option. Going caveman is the most ill conceived method for living through the worst of all possible situations.
Survival Tin
Pre-made mini survival kits are a rip off. Most of the items they contain (matches, fishing line, compass, small knife, firestarter, wire saw, water purification tablets, etc.) can be easily purchased separately for half the cost. Making your own mini-kit is also a good exercise in efficiency. Being able to prioritize gear and understand what is truly useful versus what is a waste of space is as important a skill as being able to shoot or navigate a map. It does not take a lot of money to build a solid base kit for emergencies….unless you buy one that somebody made for you.
Emergency Medical Kit
Again, all items within most pre-made medical kits can be bought individually for much less. Celox blood stopper, silk sutures, surgical tools, transfusion bags, and other goods should be added in with the staples, raising the cost slightly, but rounding out your kit and allowing for more critical injuries to be cared for. Bulk over the counter medications, especially for stomach ailments, would be highly valuable post collapse, and can be bought wholesale. Medicinal teas, at least the organic brands, work very well! These can be bought for reasonable prices and will boost your immune system, preventing illness before it ever occurs.
Food Production
If you have enough land to keep them, a half dozen chickens, a half dozen breeding rabbits, and a goat, will produce milk, meat, and eggs daily, providing valuable sustenance, reducing the amount of stored foods you need to use in a day, and reducing the amount of time you have to spend hunting for food in a dangerous collapse environment. Chickens and goats practically feed themselves with whatever is available on your land. Rabbit feed is easy to store, and can also be made at home. These animals are indeed worth their weight in gold.
Seeds are, of course, a currency in and of themselves. Non-GMO seed and strong gardening knowledge will save you and your family. Gardening is not as easy as it seems, however. Extensive practice, trial and error, and an understanding of regional climates will improve your crop yields dramatically.
If you are looking to survive on the cheap and avoid paying thousands of dollars for years worth of freeze dried goods, sustainable food production is the only way to go. Foraging and scavenging is NOT a reliable alternative.
Security Systems
Trip wires and tin cans are certainly cheaper than thermal security cameras, and a few well trained guard dogs can put your mind at ease, but sometimes more silent or less obvious methods are in order. I would recommend the MURS radio and infrared alert system for perimeter defense. As far as force multipliers go, MURS is relatively inexpensive. MURS motion detectors are wireless, weather proof, have a beam range of around 100 ft, and can be placed up to 4 miles away from your radio base station. Intruders crossing the infrared beam will set off an alert on your base station and all MURS handheld radios. Some MURS systems even have underground probes designed to detect the movement of vehicles. Up to four motion sensors can be linked to one base station and each can be designated for a sector, telling you exactly where on your property the intrusion is occurring. A full MURS system with multiple motion detectors can be had for $300 or less. Other comparable outdoor security systems often cost $500 or more.
Night Vision
The price range of night vision devices is truly staggering. Some can run as little as a few hundred dollars, others climb into the thousands. For the prepper with low cash flow who feels the need for night time security, a couple models offer good quality at a lower price.
For typical surveillance and overwatch, the Bushnell 2.5 by 42 night vision monocular creates a strong image with quality construction for around $200.
For combat, the Yukon Nvmt Night Vision Scope offers many of the advantages of high end systems for only $350 or less.
Night vision may seem like an unnecessary expense, even at these prices, but any edge one can get in survival is a good thing. Being at a disadvantage monetarily does not mean you have to be at a disadvantage tactically.
Self Defense
Yes. Guns. Big-scary-guns. Guns and survival go hand in hand, especially during an economic or social collapse. To bring up guns in a prepping article almost always draws criticism of militancy and extremism from suburban basted over-privileged adolescent hippies who have read “Into The Wild” way too many times and think survival is about “communing with nature”. Sorry kids, but as much as I love nature, as soon as you turn your back on it, you end up a pre-digested meal spread like almond butter across 30 acres of grizzly valley. On the other side of the coin, firearms analysis always draws endless opinions and puffy chested “expertise” from armchair generals and “invincible special-ops superheroes”.
Frankly, after years of survival writing, you stop caring what other people think. That said, for those of us with limited resources (of which I would include myself), firearms purchases are much less about technical proficiency and more about affordability.
I won’t be delving into sidearms here. Instead we’ll focus on what you cannot conceivably live without. Purchasing a primary battle rifle should always be the prepper’s first concern as far as firearms go, whether he is rich or poor. Semi-automatic, accurate, reliable, hard to damage, fires a common military caliber (.223, 7.62 by 39, .308). There’s your list. Finding cheap rifles that meet that list is another matter, but here are a few that come pretty close:
SAIGA 
The Saiga is a high capacity AK variant that comes in all common military calibers as well as a 12 gauge shotgun model (I’m amazed it’s still legal). Works great, shoots straight, built tough, runs between $450 to $650. For the price, you can’t go wrong.
CETME
A Spanish made .308 semi automatic rifle with a similar design to the HK G3. Many in circulation have been pieced together with surplus parts, and it is wise to get yours checked out by a trusted gunsmith. A little tuning may be required. Otherwise, a pretty solid 300 yard gun running at $450 to $600.
FN FAL
The FAL is a Belgium made semi auto .308 rifle. Accurate and well made. Effective range of around 700 yards. Can be found for $600 to $800.
AK 47
Will you look like a terrorist holding this gun? Yes. But beyond that, the AK is synonymous with dependability, and affordability. Though gun prices the past few years have skyrocketed in ridiculous fashion, the AK 47, a 7.62 by 39 caliber rifle, can still be found for around $300 to $600 depending on the make, the age, and the honesty of your dealer. This is not a very accurate gun beyond 100 yards. Can you hit a man sized target beyond 100 yards with an AK? Yes. Can you do it accurately and consistently? No. You want pinpoint sniper accuracy from a Russian made weapon? Get a Dragunov. You want a close quarters weapon that you can clean with a dish rag and motor oil and still have it fire? Get an AK.
SKS
The SKS used to be a good deal. Four years ago you couldn’t spit without hitting one priced at around $200. Nowadays, many gunshops are fishing for $400 to $500. Do not pay this for any SKS. It is not a $500 gun. It is a $200 to $300 gun. Period. Deals can still be found if you are patient. The 7.62 by 39 rifle is relatively accurate and solidly built. The bayonet is a bit of a pain, but removing it is apparently an ATF no no. Technically you are required to remove the bayonet mounting lug and the grenade launcher attachment along with the blade for the gun to be legal (I’m not going to go into the absurdity of ATF assault rifle guidelines). Honestly, if you don’t like the bayonet, just take it off, and don’t let any of your ATF buddies shoot it at the range.
RUGAR MINI-14
Another rifle that used to be a good deal, now ruined by overenthusiastic gun shop owners. Private sale at a gun show is the only way lately to find this rifle at its traditionally suitable price of $350 to $450. Gun shops today will ask $600 to $800. The .223 rifle, designed after the M1 Garand, is light, easy to wield, and pretty accurate out to 300 yards. Lighter ammo means more rounds can be carried at a time.
Long Range Sniper Systems
For long range at an affordable price, you just can’t go wrong with Savage Arms. The company has maintained the great quality of its products, kept their prices low despite the Obama gun boom, and most of their rifles compete equally with guns twice as expensive. One issue to keep in mind, though, is optics, which can sometimes cost as much as the gun itself if you are not careful. Long range shooting platforms are essential for a small force defending against a larger or better supplied enemy. The more you can increase your standoff distance when at a disadvantage, the better chance you have of survival. One or two long range experts can wreak havoc on a seemingly unstoppable foe, making the cost of operations so high the enemy begins to question the practicality of moving forward. In collapse environments, snipers, amateur to professional, always come out of the woodwork to dominate the landscape. Preppers have the ability to counter this threat, and with very inexpensive firearms.
SAVAGE MODEL 10
This is a .308 sniper system commonly found with a precision stock and a heavy barrel. Range of around 800 yards. Can be found for $600 to $700. Modified systems come more expensive, but the standard model is all you need.
SAVAGE 111
A highly accurate rifle utilizing the effective 300 Win Mag cartridge. Range exceeding 1000 yards. Can usually be found for around $700.
SAVAGE 111 BA
The “long range hunter” model of the Savage 111 in .338 Lapua costing less than $1000. The .338 is an incredible cartridge with an effective range of about 1 mile. The Savage has been found comparable to sniper systems three times as expensive. The only problem with the .338 is the price of the ammo, which usually runs around $60 to $70 for a box of 20 rounds, almost twice as expensive as 300 Win Mag. Man, does that sting! This rifle should be considered a poor man’s substitute for the .50 Cal, a rifle that will always be undeniably expensive, considering one round usually sets you back $4 to $5. If you want the capability of a .50 Cal but not a quite so outrageous ammo price, the Savage is your best bet.
Procrastination Is Something We Cannot Afford
Preparation is not limited to the realm of the rich. Ultimately, survivalists with limited incomes must pursue their prepping MORE vigorously than those with expendable cash exactly because they are at a greater disadvantage. Being poor is no excuse for procrastination. Great gear can be had for little money, as long as purchases are approached intelligently. Budgeting for survival is not an enterprise for some future date in which we imagine ourselves to be better off than we are now. It should be a part of our daily life, even when times are tough.
Self discipline gets things done. Making a plan and then sticking to that plan despite our inner weaknesses and apprehensions gives greater returns in the long run. This method not only earns the respect we hold for ourselves, but also the respect others hold for us. The flaky and indecisive cannot be relied upon. The gravity of the socio-political situation we face in the near term demands that we shake off our fears and our apathy, step out of our baby cradle comfort zone, and MAKE THINGS HAPPEN. Backing out is not an option. Otherwise, we simply defeat ourselves, and we let each other down.
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written by survivaleer , December 15, 2011
Thanks for the great summary--nice
written by DJay , December 15, 2011
Don't forget the mosin nagant rifle! These things are everywhere and dirt cheap. Great intermediate to long distance rifle, high powered round (7.62x54r).
Try to get ones with hexagonal recievers. Also, the Finnish re-worked rifles are the best out of all the varieties. They are a little more expensive but well worth it.
written by robcam817 , December 15, 2011
Also highly recommend the Remington 700, (.308) in the long range bolt gun category for about the same money.
written by collon88 , December 15, 2011
I shoot 6 inch groups at 100 yards with off the shelf ammo. For long range accuracy I want to get a Browning BAR with the BOSS. I have read of 1 inch groups or better at 100 yards with standard ammo.
written by Brandon Smith , December 15, 2011
@zh reader
I have seen Mini 14's hit consistently out to 200-300 yards, but I have been told that the older models have some serious issues. This may be a factor in the difference of attitudes towards that particular riifle.
written by yankee papa , December 15, 2011
AR-15 snobs hated the Mini-14 from day one. They could not tolerate the existence of another 5.56 semi. They started and perpetuated the myth that the Mini is inaccurate. I had the first model that came out, the 180 series. Bought it in San Diego in 1977. That thing was a tack driver right out of the box. One to two inch groups at 100 yards with the factory sights. Hundreds of desert jack rabbits fell to that gun.
written by Chaos , December 15, 2011
Im not knocking the Mini-14, I contemplated picking one up before my final decision of my AR. The mags for the mini are ridiculously expensive and extra mags is not something you want to skimp on. Plus worst case scenario something breaks on your rifle, I bet finding parts for my AR will be much easier. (in a SHTF scenario)
written by Seadragonconquerer , December 15, 2011
If I were an impovershed prepper, I'd put getting a handgun priority over the long gun. Early days of System Collapse are going to be marked by anarchic, hostile close encounters - marauding urbanites and the like - and for this a .357 would probably be better than an AR or sniper rifle. Later on, after people have chosen up sides and things settle into protracted conflict, longer barrels and heavier stuff will come more into play. I made the mistake of buying a lever-action Winchester clone first - good gun, but won't drop enough hostiles w/in a 50-yard rush - and still haven't been able to scrape together the $$ for a hand weapon. Best to have the long gun in hand, and a pistol strapped on.
written by CM , December 15, 2011
I find it amusing that nearly every comment is about firearms....but than you said it Brandon "On the other side of the coin, firearms analysis always draws endless opinions"...
Great article that briefly summarizes what is really a huge topic.
The MURS system is intriguing...Im gonna check that out.
Also, I have been looking for a simple and compact wood burning heat source. Think the M-1941 could be just the ticket. Now figure out a way to attach a small boiler and run a steam powered battery charger....
written by Cerebrate , December 15, 2011
You guys live in the States
Up here in Canada the control level on guns makes acquiring one seriously difficult. I had to finally settle for a compound bow instead. While the range is extremely limited the bolts are silent and lethal and you can reuse your ammunition.
Again not on par with a gun obviously but one does what one can.
written by Stuart UK , December 15, 2011
Try getting a gun in the UK. Lucky to get an air rifle...X-Bow/Long Bow iand Catapult with ball bearing's is our lot. Unless your a criminal of course or have some Russian Mafia buddies.
written by Pathman , December 15, 2011
If you are a Survival Podcast member you get a 5% discount on MURS products. (www.survivalpodcast.com)
written by Nessie , December 15, 2011
Hardware is important but you also need a good devoted well trained guard dog. If you are home or on the run if the fabric of society melts down you need to have man's best friend already raised and trained. Chickens, goats, rabbits, and a great watch dog! They are a great alarm system plus they are a great protector is you choose the correct breed and take good care of them. They are not cheap though, but well worth every penny.
written by Howard , December 15, 2011
Does anyone know where a trailer can be gotten like the one pictured above , in the section on solar electricity. I had one 40 years ago, and let it get away. They are FANTASTIC. Small, easily towed by almost any vehicle. Mine would comfortably sleep two six footers, and had an icebox, fold out table, and little gas stove in the hatchback chuckwagon feature on back. Also hasd a 12 volt battery, and an am/fm radio inside out of a car, and antenna also. Mine was painted a type of camo green, and would have been pretty hard to spot. All this on a 4 X 8 plywood base!
written by Victory Minded , December 15, 2011
A Mini 14 is a fine rifle, I shoot 2 inch groups @ 200 yards without trying. In the above mentioned meltdown conditions, I would be using an Ruger AR-15 and a .45 high capacity sidearm. All this talk about whats a good gun or better is all waste of breath. Bottom line.. JUST GET ONE.. ANY ONE AND KNOW HOW TO USE IT!! Not knowing how to use your gear is the kiss of death. Lets all pray we are spared such an experience.
Blessings to all....
written by Om , December 15, 2011
I'm a survivalist at heart and have looked into many ways to gear up, and this article has real good advise on how to get prepared on a low budget.Good common sense is always a good start, keep it simple.
written by Brandon Smith , December 15, 2011
@Howard
I believe its an Airstream Teardrop Camper. Although, a lot of independent companies make similar trailers now, Airstream was the first.
written by StevenKY , December 15, 2011
My brother once told me about an outfit that has plans for a teardrop trailer. Got a set of their plans and they are very easy to follow. Web site is http://www.kuffelcreek.com and I consider it worth checking out. The plans are for skinning it with aluminum but one can be creative and use fiberglass or other covering. Insulated too which is a plus once the cold weather hits.
written by Family Man , December 15, 2011
Everyone should have a minimum of 10,000 rounds of pistol and rifle ammo of the caliber of your go to handgun and rifle. 20,000 rounds total minimum. You must store enough food to feed your family for at least one year. You should have all this now and rotate your food on a weekly basis. You must train every family member for every rifle in the house. My 5 year old can shoot squirrels all day long. Protect your home, have a perimeter and ensure you sight your rifles at a distance you will shoot at from your house windows. You should be practicing this everyday, week, month, year, and re-evauluate your supply as often.
written by getcs , December 16, 2011
And force multiplication is obviously desirable. Does my 13 year old daughter get to fire my weapons, all of them? I think you know she does if I am even posting here. Would she be an integaral part of our family security in the SHTF scenario? I expect I would be counting on her to the inth degree from a defensive posture. I don't know when she should be aware of that at this time though. Right now it's all I can do to counter what she is "taught" in the public screwall system.
written by brianw , December 16, 2011
My idea since im a minimum wage chump who cant afford any of these cool guns altho i do have a 5 shot taurus revolver is trust in god with it and if i have to use it i will scavenge the enemys weapons maybe they will have 2 thousand dollar guns. i'll post what i get once the apocalypse starts lol
But anyways if you have to use a baseball bat or whatever...just remember if someone is coming at you with a gun they probably intent to kill you in this dark future were entering so fight with all you have even a broken bottle....and get their guns from them.
written by Fimbul Winter , December 16, 2011
Here's a few suggestions for a more gentle low cost approach: If you don't like guns, buy body armor. If you don't have guns now, you're probably not qualified to use them, don't buy them.
There're local organizations called "community supported agriculture"(CSA) These are local small farms who sell produce locally to customers who have bought a share. The farmers use the cash paid up front to fund the growing season expenses, then deliver the weekly box of produce in season. Find yours and join now. Visit the farm, get to know them, help and charm them. Volunteer to work with them.
Get in shape physically. Farmers, forced to hire citizens by anti-immigrant legislation, found US citizens physically unable to do the work. Field work is hard. A strong,co-operative person, well known to the farmer, familiar with farm work, will be warmly received in times of trouble.
written by J J , December 16, 2011
Hasn't anybody heard of a shotgun? For patrolling your neighborhood, close up and personal STOPPING power, or for putting plenty of small game on the table consistently, I favor the shotgun, backed up with a semi automatic side arm. If you're going out looking for long range trouble, then of course, you need an accurate rifle you are familiar with.
written by Happy Tom , December 16, 2011
This is a nice, fun little distraction, this article. Found it on the Rense site. I was attracted to it because I believe in the concept of preparedness and self sufficiency. After reading it, I see that there is a bit of a gap in the overall concept.
What are we really preparing for here? Natural disasters, refuge from radiation poisoning, or just the threat of martial law and civil unrest? I think the reality of a major disruption to our status quo is likely to be much more messy and abrupt. So abrupt that the guys with the little trailer and the solar panels and the weapons cache won't have time to 'but out'. And sheltering in place, as the likely option is ok until your neighbors realize that YOU still have some firewood and a couple of chickens. (kinda hard to hide that stuff for long). That's when you're former friends (and less prepared family for that matter) begin to infringe on your stash. After you hand out the extra cases of bottled water, TP and boxes of macaroni, you'll have an extra day or so until they come back.
Will shoot them?
My point here is that we tend to put a high priority on surviving 'an event', but the long term prognosis for survival in a society is not often discussed. What becomes evident is that we must rely on others at some point to continue to live. I don't mind having extra rice and beans in the pantry, but two months after the radioactive bloom has faded, and my Aunt Minnie is scratching at my door, I'm not going to be able to turn her away. Get to know your neighbors, urge them and your family to have emergency stashes 'for storms and power outages', then try to have some fun during the short time we have on the planet, because quite frankly, the future doesn't look real rosy for long term survivability.
written by Don McCoy , December 16, 2011
Bobby Alexander...you can always get a job. Or a second job. That would allow you to earn money. Once you earn money, you can use it to purchase things yourself. This will reduce your level of bitterness and improve your self esteem. You see, none of us wants give our "stash" to a starving family. It's to keep OUR families from starving. You know...we feed our OWN families. You should try it.
written by Brandon Smith , December 16, 2011
@Happy Tom
If you had bothered to examine the rest of this site and its purpose, you would have found that the ENTIRE GOAL of Alt-Market is community building in preparation for disaster, economic or otherwise. Please pay attention. It saves us all valuable time....
written by frites , December 16, 2011
Shotgun is ok for Uk, just apply via post and let them inspect your gun cabinet and your ok.
written by Brandon Smith , December 16, 2011
For those who complain that they are "truly poor", yes, I have been truly poor as well. That didn't stop me from working harder to purchase the supplies that I needed. Stop whining like babies and get the job done. If you think people today are unresponsive to your plight, imagine how they will be tomorrow when the country is in complete shambles...
written by buick , December 16, 2011
if this actually happens those that will fare the best are those that have formed alliances. no man is an island. when the shtf the alphas will be loosed first . if one can survive the first several weeks until they kill each other off you might actually have a chance. being a loner is the death sentence. in a tough scenario if someone knows you or at least knows of you your chances of making it are greatly increased. all the tough guy stuff is just wasted gas as far as im concerned.
the real problem is for those that have wives and daughters to worry about. if youre off fighting whose protecting them from the rapists and all the other scum that will come out of the woodwork. thier a fun bunch in peace time. imagine these folks totally unleashed.
i want my neighbors to know me.and they do. i have radio equipment and generators. if i offer a share in them then they also have a stake in the protection and support of them. that way i dont have to spend all my time firing bullets to keep this stuff. i might even get a nights sleep.
written by Bert Gummer , December 16, 2011
WW2 French Resistance were supplied "Liberator" pistols, single-shot .45ACP. Shoot a German solider, take his weapon & ammo, then group up and take the supply depots. The most dangerous weapon is that gray stuff that sits between your ears. Don't use it; you'll loose it.
written by Bill Derberg10 , December 16, 2011
In the 1880's they invented smokeless gun powder. This advancement led the way to guns as we know them today. In the Civil War, or so it is called, they used a big, low-velocity bullet that if it hit you, would cause infection. So you would lose an arm or a leg if hit because of the poor medical conditions. When they invented smokeless gun powder, this made a high velocity bullet when shot, would instantly cauterize and sterilize the wound.Going 120 years forward nothing has changed really. During the Russian Invasion of Afghanistan, the Mujahdeen was able to fend off the Russians(using AK-47's) with WW1 British Enfield rifles. How was that possible? Enfield's were long range rifles, out to 700 yards while the AK's were only good to 100 to 200. To confirm with Brandon, a long range rifle beats a short range rifle in a fight. Wonder why American Afghan soldiers prefer an M1 to a M4? The range. "The more that things change, the more they stay the same".
written by AJsolar , December 16, 2011
Once or twice a week I check the local second hand shop on my way home, picked up a nearly new pair of Herman Survivors for $10.00. Have picked up many misc items like water bottles, camo clothing etc over the past year.
written by Alker , December 16, 2011
The banks have screwed you and me and now you need to go back to basics although here we cant have guns,the storm has been brewing years now and no doubt the elite will think he's free(bankers etc),but 1 day food will run out for him and others and his massive cash pile will no longer help him and my friends people who have done the deed to help himself will no doubt be the hunted too as he has livestock.The ammunition will last a while but he will be hunted by many.Have they got elite tickets?(underground bases) who know's but we are gonna see some turbulent times ahead,I'd say tins are the way to go and lots of them,personally I believe all of this is planned 6 bill peeps on the planet is far too many,did you know Telsa had a free energy for all in the late 1800's? Its all about oil isn't it,anyway my thoughts goodluck and God bless all.
written by James Dunne , December 16, 2011
there will be no alliances. The ones that you count upon will either not make it, will bring lots of relatives or be sick/hurt. The reason you want lots of people is you can't hack it alone. The only people worth having with you are the kind who don't need anyone with them! :-) So you can't find/get them as part of your group, most likely.
The guy is in left field, you can't carry both a sniper rifle and a real figthing rifle and a BOB, and you don't DARE not have the fighting rifle. So the sniper rifle money is wasted.
Sending up smoke signals and having flames at night, if shtf, is just flat stupid. Get underground to stay warm and unfindable. Cache a year's supply of jerky, grain, legimes, dried fruit and Crisco (in sealed cans). Put it in buried drums, arranged in a big circle aroiund your dugout shelter.
Come out only at night, and use a paraffin fired "can candle" that you make yourself. 1/2 of a drum full of paraffin will handle all your cooking for a year, and by then, nearly everyone will be dead, making it relatively safe to use "creek bank" stoves and dry wood for cooking.
Druganov's are well proven to only group 2 MOA, that means you can't reliaby hit a man beyond 1/4 mile, which the M4 can match if it's scoped, has a free float tube , drop in trigger job, match ammo and bipod. Unlike those other, big, heavy clunks, the M4, with a snap on SureFire suppressor, is still a handy size and wt.
Only a fool considers fighting/foraging without a suppressor, and without a .22lr of some sort on tap., The .22lr conversion unit for the AR-15 costs $150, weighs 3/4 lbs, fits in the thigh pocket of your cammies, groups 2" or better at 50 yds, and the caliber swap takes only 20 seconds.
written by prepper , December 16, 2011
This is a good post - could definitely be expanded upon, however...
written by Archanegel , December 16, 2011
Saw one post above about the "alphas" running around killing each other in the first weeks......that's my scenario.
I tell my friends to have enough food,water, and ammo to keep their heads down while the "alphas" and the unprepared are running around the first week or two, killing each other over the last twinkie at the grocery store.
There is a hierarchy of needs that allow us to survive, and it's very simple to me.
Air is the first thing you die without.
Then water.
Then food.
Most of the people I talk to locally don't even seem to have considered the need for potable water, nor of waste elimination and disposal.
Food: Bought cases of these:
http://www.amazon.com/Mainstay-3600-Emergency-Food-Rations/dp/B000QZ3CWC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1324086843&sr=8-1
18 pounds, about the size of a loaf of bread. 30 days of survival level rations that do not require water or cooking to consume.
And they are not bad. 5 year shelf life. If you want to rotate them, eat them as meal replacements.
Weapons: I prefer magazine fed long guns. 5.56 or 7.62.
Handguns are ok for backup, but if you have a handgun and I have a rifle, and we are 25 yards apart or greater, you are most likely done for. As for shotguns, I like slugs alternated with buck shot. A slug will finish an opponent quickly, an the hydrostatic shock will stop them instantaneously. You have to be more accurate, but have you ever taken a look at a shotgun slug?
Every one has an opinion. This is mine.
Compact, portable food source.
Water, and filtration device, plus storage for filtered water.
Mid to long range firearm. Accurate to 200m+ and magazine fed. (Handgun for BACKUP). As much ammo as you can haul.
Backpacks....Alice and Molle are good. I lean towards the Bergen, used by the British SAS.
The miscellaneous gear, lights,solar panels,matches....
you can make your own list. :)
My priorities as to physical security are in order:
1. Hide.Don't be seen or perceived.
2. Run if I have to, and I can.
3. Fight only if I have NO other choice.
I don't want anything bad to happen, but if it does, I'm going to keep my head down, and let the "rambos and alphas", and the unprepared fight over the ruins, and pop up like a gopher, lol, and pick up what I can, and protect family and friends.
Just a thought.
As an afterthought, BOTH the AR15 and the Mini14 are both excellent, accurate weapons, IF you take the time to battle sight zero them to about 250 meters. I have fired competition with the M16 and consistently hit man-sized targets at 600m....and I wear glasses.
Can the round kill at that range? Don't know, but I'm pretty sure it still has the energy to punch a hole in someone.
If you read this in the spirit it was offered, thank you.
written by Archanegel , December 16, 2011
Don't forget basic hand tools....McGuyver style....
You can do a lot with TOOLS that you cannot do with your hands. I'm compiling a list of gotta have tools for my BOP...
that's pack, not bag('cause you can't carry enough in a bag...
what you haul ass with, may be ALL you have, until you can scrounge.) I'll be back in a couple of days, with a list of tools I consider necessary.
Don't forget, man is a "tool using animal".
written by Al , December 17, 2011
sounds great to have all the fancy schmancy guns, if a person is in Australia, fat chance of you MAY get a gun , here sadly like the UK , there would be about 1 million guns in a country of 23 plus million people, not a great ratio by any standards, we ( as you know ) where disarmed by a conservative federal government in 1996-7.
Now that's a memory, I used to have firearms, I don't now, the penalties are too risky and onerous, I think though that what some of the others have said is 100 percent correct, the Rambo and Alpha males will be killing each other off with glee and will also be happy to kill anyone else in the way, a wise choice would be to lay low for a long as possible, venture out at night and be evasive, a US dollar collapse will be the single greatest cataclysmic event to happen to man in 10,000 years of recorded history, no single country will not be effected by a dollar collapse, does any person want this ? so many fools do !, I for one do NOT wish this to happen, but I do believe that this is a a past the point of no return event now, the die has been cast, it is just a question of how much time before the event.
Having said that, I will go for a ALICE pack, stocking water and training my family and then finding other gear when the dust settles.
it is said all things come to those who wait, I would add wait patiently and plan and be WISE
written by Ole Wolf , December 17, 2011
Well done! Quick and to the point and putting many of my own discoiveries into one place. I had forgotten all about the M-1941s after using them in the service myself. Good point about "tuning" the CETME. Especially the CAI models. One addition to the Ruger Mini-14 and Savage points. I've owned two Mini-14s and traded off both. It ids a system designed for low-intensity firing. Sustained firing on both I've owned, 20-odd years apart, surffered in accuracy and in the last one - maintenance problems. Aso, I have a Stevens/ Savage 110 in 308 and eneded up buying one for each of my sons. $200 and a little work and I reach out 600yds fairly consistently for an old fart. THANK YOU! Now to find an M-1941 after I go feed the chickens!
written by FellowPrepper , December 17, 2011
5% off everything at http://shop.murs-radio.com including all infrared and probe alert systems.
Use Coupon Code: 5OFFPREP
Good until the end of the year.
written by First Time Reader , December 17, 2011
The mini-14 is not meant to be a sniper rifle. But I can tell you that I can reach out and touch your gold front tooth from 40 yards with no problem at all. But if that is my need I'll take you out with my deer rifle at 900 yards.
I would wager that gunshops would be simultaneously targeted in order to put a sudden choke on citizen defense supplies. You'd better make sure your local gunshop owners can get an alert out if they are raided. Surround perimeters and block all exits. Have outer layer perimeters also guarded and prepared to block. It only takes some abandoned vehicles at key points. Same for all your local farms and co-ops. Remind your sheriff of his duty and offer him backup. If he doesn't "get it", you can remind him of the citizens right to defend and also do the arresting themselves.
written by 2 A , December 17, 2011
A post about guns isn't complete w/out mention of protecting the 2A. Did you read the posts from Canada & England ? Join the NRA-renew ahead of time,donate, sign someone up for a gift. Don't agree w/all of their policies ? Please join anyhow.Without them we would be screwed. Really don't like them ? Join Gun Owners of America or Second Amendment Foundation, CCRKBA &/or...everystate has at least 1 Pro-2-A Org, join/get invovled. Owned guns all your life or plan to, be a Life member of an org (some have payment plans) Over 100 million gun owners, but only 4 mill are members. Something is wrong. Thank you for reading BTW Canada has a couple gun orgs also, I was a member of 2 for a few yrs
written by Old ASA Spook , December 17, 2011
Among all the sexy stuff - get yourself a reliable Water Filtration purification System. Without water you can have all the goodies and guns you can imagine and still die in a matter of days; or drink bad water and die the next week. Potable water is not discretionary. You have it or you die.
The site below is the best I've run up on for Potable Water Systems.
http://www.homespunenvironmental.com/
As far as rifles go - include a good 22 Win Magnum bolt rifle with a decent scope. Squirrels to deer at a much less expensive per round cost. Ammo costs will only go up. 22 Mag is still relatively cheap. Feral dogs and wild pigs can be taken down with a 22 Mag as well. Also a 22 Mag can be serious mankiller at ranges under a 100 yards.
Primary to remember - those who move to a more secure AO or to their prepared Safe Site first will have a huge advantage. Better to move and then come back than not to move and get caught in place - out of any options, except a gunfight.
written by unwdk , December 17, 2011
Will have an whole new meaning
written by Rigged , December 17, 2011
So will human food, but not me & mine
written by mactex , December 18, 2011
A great approach to the whole prep concept....and not a single refrence to a zombie....Well Done!
written by Kobeyashi_Maru , December 18, 2011
For on the go, nothing beats a simple 'Hobo Stove.' For 'home' heating, go with a family sized rocket stove - about the size of a pony keg. Or, look into engineering a 'Gobar gas' system for your rural home. 25% of the world's population can't be wrong...
written by Boneman , December 19, 2011
I used to have one those Army tent heaters. If you get it with all the pieces shown, that grate fits between the top & bottom halves and is designed - and rated - to burn coal. If you live in a colder climate, you may find (as I did in Mass.) that coal is readily available, and is much less work to use - a couple of buckets / day is about all you need. Also that little valve assembly allows you to burn gasoline, tho in a SHTF situation it would be a foolish use of gas unless your family was in danger of expiring from the cold. Might work with, say, filtered, used, ATF. On coal, these things put out more than enough BTUs to heat a 1600 sq ft house, if it's designed so the air can circulate pretty well.
written by law4 dot org , December 22, 2011
You forgot to supply a system that can organize people in a good way. Not only military organization for combat may be needed, but also economic organization and Government organization. These things are apparently so difficult that humanity still hasn't figured them out. In any case I think it is smart to think now about how you want to do these things and put that into your gear as well, rather then when under stress.
If I may suggest ...
Combat: organize as an army with the usual ranking, but appoint the top commanders by a form of democracy. This prevents top infiltration, and a mandate for the top commander(s) whatever their rank might be.
Economics: 1. if you have soil try to give each adult an equal share, with only the power to rent it out to someone. 2. group production (companies) under democratic vote. 3. deny people investment for profit into businesses by law, investing for the common interest (Americans will perhaps find this hard to understand).
Government: organize into groups that select a delegate, the delegates form councils and only the councils have limited power to decide issues in the common interest.
These things are debated at length on www.law4.org. I think you should download the free PDF suggested there and add it to your "kit." (http://www.law4.org/book2/grat...manual.pdf)It may become the one thing that will safe you, of course being the one thing nobody is going to get ... but you had the chance, take it or leave it. The fact that this topic seems to be overlooked (i admit I only skimmed the above article) should be reason for pause. Why is this vital issue overlooked ? Once you see how vital it is, get on it.
By the way, cheap food security through carousel buffering, explained here: http://www.law4.org/plan_joshb...vival.html My site all is free on it, so this is not spam but good things for the common wellbeing.
written by Brandon Smith , December 22, 2011
@Law 4
As I told the last guy that said this, please check out the mission statement of this website! We are one of the first websites truly dedicated to organizing barter and prepper groups. 4 years ago, I pointed out in numerous articles that no one was seriously pursuing this objective. Today, I get posts advising me to talk about it more. Oh man....
written by Mind Farmer , December 24, 2011
I see a lot of guys saying it the way they see it and no one is right and no one is wrong.
One guy might live down town Detroit and another guy in rural Tennessee. Two very different locations with different mission requirements.
Back in the day when I was jumping out of Airplanes and invading other countries living amongst Spartan Warriors I had the ability to use and obtain whatever I deemed necessary to get the job done. Pistols, Carbines, Rifles, Grenade Launchers, Anti-tank and Mortars and many assortments of Grenades, claymores and mines.
What are your SOP's? (Standard Operating Procedures.)
Your TTP? ( Tactics, Techniques and Procedures)
What is your METT-TC? (Mission, Enemy, Terrain, Troops, Time Available and Civilians on the Battlefield?)
How are you going to handle the close, the far, the quick and the drawn out conflicts you may face in the future Mad Max scenarios?
Guys out at 800 meters in a hide site waiting for dudes like you to travel down the path, they pop you at 800 meters with there .338 Lapua Savage 110 Rifles. Your dead, your valuable items pilfered and those with you are dead or slaves now too.
OR...
Guys at 25 meters jump you in a mad rush with clubs, machetes and sawed off shotguns they beat you stab you a blow you head off. Same thing those with you are dead, or slaves to the bandits.
You must be able to meet any threat head on with a cool tactical ability and knowledge to deal with it like you are "Cool Hand Luke" or Audy Murphy.
Close in weapon with a slung long range weapon is ideal. An Uzi, or Car-15 is ideal close in fighting tool, So is a 9mm Glock or 5.7 FN or other 15 to 20 Round
capable sidearm.
I use to scrap my pistol for the capability to carry more M4 mags when jungle fighting. There a pistol is less valuable than having another 150 rounds of 5.56mm.
Yet I always carried a pistol when doing house to house CQB work. A pistol is a better room fighting tool than a rifle hands down.
In open prairie or desert country the LONG GUN is KING!
You just got to know what you are going to do and where you are going to be. If I was in an urban environment I would go for a pistol and 308/5.56 semi-auto sniper rifle.
If in the suburbs I would utilze a Semi-auto rifle and sidearm.
Shotguns have a place, but if you are trying to load out for a one man show, then scrap the scatter gun and grab a M4 (preferably Piston Driven).
Only utilize NATO standard and Local Police calibers. Pistol: 45ACP, 9mm, 40S&W.
>Rifle/Carbine: .308(7.62NATO), .223(5.56mm)and 7.62x39mm and maybe 6.8 if it ever becomes more popular.
Shotgun: 12ga. 3 inch but preferably 3 1/2 inch chambering. Why 3 1/2 inch? Because there is countless millions of duck, goos and deer 12 ga. 3.5 shotgun shells out there. Why limit your 12ga. to 2 3/4
loads if you come across a couple boxes of 3.5 inch shells you will be unable to utilize them unless you have a 3.5 inch 12 gauge.
Long Range Rifle: NO less than .300 Win Mag!!!!! Your .308 has half the capabilities as a 300 Winchester Magnum. A Semi-Auto in .308 is best for close in urban sniping were it can puch right through cinder block and car door to kill a .223/5.56mm not capable of that kind of penetration and killing. YES! in the open out to 600 meters with no cover or barriers the .223/5.56mm is ideal as long as winds are low speed (2-7 MPH).
But the .338 Lapua is king in Afghanistan hill fighting and there is good reason. Ahooting 260 grains to 300 grains of pure solid copper bullets gives terrific killing effects on targets well passed 1200 meters out to 2000 meters. Bucking the wind and the elevation with no problems. ...
I could write in and on. But my main point is Know your enemy know yourself and know your terrain!
written by Mind Farmer , December 26, 2011
I have improved many AK's accuracy. Taking guns that only claimed 6 inch and 4 inch groups at a hundred meters to shooting 1 inch groups and better at 100 meters. Not many AR's can boast that performance. Read on and find out how.
I will mention and endorse certain products I feel are the top of the heap.
Also: BIG ONE! Un load your gun and....
You must know your gun laws. The ATF web site is a good place to start. But your local and state laws may be even stricter and you must knows those too. The Section 922R on the BATFE website lists what and what not you can do to your AK.
In my state I have to add 5 US parts to my AK to allow me to keep it Hi-cap with a folder and pistol grip.
Just beware what I mention here may or may not apply to you based on laws in your area.
If you look at an AK with it's ugly stock and cumbersome controls you might whence and go for the AR-15 just on ergonomics alone.
But the controls on an AK are no more cumbersome than a bolt action rifle most commonly found in the hands of a sniper.
Secondly look at all that garbage hanging on the barrel of an AK. You won't see that on a sniper rifle, Bayonet, uggghh. What for? you gun shoot a guy or die in a bayonet charge?
Let me tell you how to take an AK to the level you want in accuracy.
It will require some time, some money and some tools.
set of files, Freight Harbor/Wal-Mart $5.
Set of punches, Freight Harbor $5
Hammer, Freight Harbor/Wal-Mart $5
Flat and Philips Screw Driver $5
Allen wrenches SAE and Metric $5
Sand paper? Saw? Wood/plastic glue? Wood? These last questionable items may or may not come into play.
#1 select your AK. My suggestion the closer to Moscow or Beijing your AK is made the better.
So my list by proven accuracy out of the box.
(all hi-cap guns)
1. Vepr (Russia)
2. Tula (Russia)
3. Polytech (China)
4. Arsenal (Bulgaria)
5. Norinco (China)
6. Valmet (Finland)
7. SA-58 (Hungry)
8. SAR-1 (Romania)
9. Saiga (Russia)
What barrel length? 16" is adequate for the role of patrol counter sniper. But 20" is typically more accurate.
What caliber, duh? First choice 7.62x39mm (most reliable and the right load accurate out to 500 meters), .308/7.62 NATO (the most accurate and hardest hitting),or 7.62x54 Mosin Nagant( found in Dragunov sniper rifles, very accurate very deadly),.223/5.56mm (not very good performer in the AK, but just as reliable in the AK as in the AR), 5.45x39mm (excellent performer, very accurate and very reliable, but not NATO caliber, COM Block only and in low supplies in the USA)
Notice: Not mentioned by choice was Maddi, Romak, Wasir-10, or American made.
Real import guns with real styer hammer forged barrels are now banned. The chrome technology that goes into these import AK's is second to none and American arms builders could never duplicate it at a reasonable cost. It would make an Ak cost $400 more if it had the barrels been made here. So current US made barrels are non-chrome lined and NOT hammer forged. They are weak and not reliable! Do not follow the logic that chrome is bad. All of knight's Armament rifles and colt rifles fielded for sniper work overseas in the sand box including HK and FN are chrome lined. Good chroming is expensive and cheaper made guns made by US companies propagate a myth that chrome lining decreases accuracy, only true if it is poorly done, but any good military grade barrel will have the higher cost chroming done and foreign made AKs do and that may be why the ATF banned them from all future import!
So now you found one of those rifles I mentioned.
Now strip that barrel of all the junk.
1. loose flash hiders are a main culprit for AK inaccuracy. ( They can be lock tighten or welded or even pinned in place to prevent the ugly effects of wobbling while a bullet travels down the barrel destabilizing it. Lock Tite is the best and cheapest method.)
2. Remove the hand guards and gas tube. If possible replace gas tube with Ultimak gas tube and sight rail for your particular AK. Replace ing the gas tube with the Ultimak will increase accuracy as long as you follow the easy steps of installation correctly.
4. slightly remove any material on the wood or plastic that puts any kind of pressure on the hand guard retainers( that is the part that you loosened to slide away from your hand guard to get it off) and then remount and repeat this procedure until there is some slight play in your hand-guards. Then take high temp blue gasket seal you can buy from any auto parts counter and put a very small bead in side the hand-guard hanger that touches the wood or metal.
This is very similar technique professional shooters and sniper do to Free Float there barrels. Why do this? When your barrel gets hot, it loses it stiffness and is effected by any pressure it receives. Hand guards tight on one side will cause the barrel to move the opposite direction and throw off your shot. That is why all pro shooters free float the barrels so there is NO forearm pressure to effect accuracy. AND ummm.. NO, I mean NO lights or Bi-pods hanging off your barrel, BIG NO NO!
Now take a look at your gas tube, You may need to shave off some of that metal that touches near the gas port. You want it back at least 16th of an inch and even so not to cause any pressure one side or the other.
5. Look at your trigger group and look how it makes contact. Remove your trigger group and polish all contact surfaces and reinstall it. Take a black marker and color all contact points. Pull the trigger a few times setting off the hammer. Notice now what of the black marker was rubbed off. Remove your trigger group and remove any material with a file that is not allowing for a smooth even contact to be made. Remember do not, I say DO NOT remove any real amount of material, this is all real light work, to much material removal can cause serious safety issues or misfires, but just do all of your work on the trigger group with caution and your goal is to smooth out and even up the contact points. With your trigger group out take your main trigger group springs and heat them in the oven at 400 degrees for 45 minutes. This will loosen up the springs metal strength and make your trigger pull lighter. There are plenty of US Made trigger groups out there now if you need to meet the BATFE parts count rules to replace your possibly foreign mad one with.
6. You should of checked your sights when you bought this gun and there should be no cant or misalignment, but what if there is. Remove the front sight. How everything is on YouTube now days. But a proper sight is installed with pins being driven in opposite directions. Improper sights are pinned badly and most likely with pins driven from one side only.
So do you need a front sight? Maybe, but not definitely. Ace LTD. make a clamp on sight that mounts the the Gas block, Modern Russian AK's have the front sight machined into the gas block. I recommend removing the front sight. Going with the ACE LTD. clamp on sight is the fastest and the best. ( as gas block removal is something I can do but requires really good gunsmith knowledge and is not for the first timer, you don't have the right tools anyways.)
7. Lastly you have seen all those fancy sniper stocks that adjust a quadrillion ways, there is a reason for that. That is to give you the correct LOP, Drop and cheek. OR length of pull and eye alignment. So measure your length of pull by measuring the length of you shooting hand forearm by measuring the distance from the inside of your elbow to the first joint of your shooting finger. That is you LOP or length of Pull. Now you need to add or remove material to make your stock to allow that shooting arm to rest that guns butt stock in the crouch of your elbow with your finger last joint notching the trigger. So first try that. If it's to short lengthen or buy a stock that's longer. If to long remove some material.
Have a friend or mirror help you determine your eye alignment. Put the gun up, UN LOADED off course and point at mirror or assistant. Aim at his eye. Let him tell you where your eye sits, (left, right, to high to low over the barrels axis. Your eye must be centered for accurate shooting. This is where you may need to buy a stock or modify the one you have. Building up or sanding it down. This is all up to you. Duct tape and slim flexible foam is cheap and works great to build up a stock especially if you need height for a scope.
A very good stock to use is the Choate Dragunov style stock. It has adjustable cheek pads and stock spacers for length of pull and under $50. Another product is the Tapco T6 M4 style adjustable stock. And ACE ltd. Has an adapter to mount folders and M4 style stocks to but in the $150 range, my opinion the best!
To be continued.............
written by Mind Farmer , December 26, 2011
AMMO SELECTION:
First, if you can hand-load start here to customize and tailor the perfect load for your AK. That is what the best snipers in the world have, specially tailored hand-loaded ammo made specifically for the chamber and pressure allowances. The best results come from a consistent proven velocity for your caliber. The recipes and the data is all done for you in all the load books. The trick Chrono each shoot to find that perfect velocity setting an stick with that.( chron means chronographs the bullets velocity after it leaves your barrel with a $40 device you can buy that measures the bullets speed with light reflection. It can be bought from any vendor dealing in Handlaoding or big Brownalles or Midway catalogs-online too.)
But first follow my steps for accurizing your AK!
NOTE: NOT all guns shoot good and no ammo is guaranteed to perform well your AK. This is the painstaking R&D you need to perform for any gun AK, AR, Rem. 700 Sniper rifle or .50 caliber. All guns will shoot best with the load the closely mimics the tried and true data for ultimate accuracy of bullet and velocity combos.
Second for those who can not. Buy as many different factory loads you can find. Buy boxes of twenty, buy two of each. Then before you start to shoot it for results follow these steps I will outline. After you complete the mods necessary to making your AK klunker and accurate, reliable and mean machine, then do your ammo accuracy testing with the different factory loads you find. Foremost only select those factory loads you can buy in bulk so that after selecting the top performer for your rifle you can buy a thousand.
The right gun, the right fit and finish. Accurazied and customized to you the shooter with the right ammo and now you have improved the performance of this worlds most notably reliable combat assault rifle ever devised.
I believe the best set up for performance is a Vepr with an Ultimak gas tube rail, Ultimak lower handguard tri-rail. Ace Ltd. Clamp on front sight with original front sight removed. Tightly threaded on PWS Muzzle break. Ace Ltd. Folding M4 style Rear stock, Ace Ltd. AR pistol Grip adapter. Aimpoint on cantilever mount reversed to hang over rear sight mounted to the Ultimak gas tube rail.
Remember in the end this will have to pass legal inspection with all applicable local, state and federal laws. There are firearms laws and NFA criteria and the BATFE guidelines and rules that this AK must measure up to. In my state What I described is perfectly legal. I don't know about yours.
I could write an entire 100 page chapter on this and have struggled to condense it down to the most informative and basic list I could. So I hope this helps a few guys out there stay prepped and ready!
written by backtrack , December 31, 2011
You talk about meeting state and local law. LOL if the Shit hits the fan those gun laws aren't going to mean much then.
written by A. , January 01, 2012
Cerebrate,
Just get your FAC, walk into Le Baron or other sport store and get your riffle. The FAC is a nothing to sweat test that if you can't pass, you don't deserve to carry a gun.
It's easier than the UK in Canada for sure. You just can't easily get legal sidearms or full auto riffles, but limited mag capacity and semi auto is a breeze to get.
written by Dennis Wilson , January 04, 2012
@ law4 dot org
It seems to me that government IS the problem. What is needed are ways to live WITHOUT that kind of scourge.
*I* recommend the Covenant of Unanimous Consent written by L Neil Smith in 1986.
http://tinyurl.com/Covenant-of-Unanimous-Consent
As in all things, Your Mileage May Very (YMMV)...:)
written by Jack Kinoff , January 07, 2012
seems like a great deal of these preppers are more into honking their own horns about guns and who is right. People who are into the pissing contest are usually the ones that fall quickly. They like talkin about it and really have no clue.
written by AfterVietnamIHateWar , January 14, 2012
If you want a survival firearm,and are limited on cash,look at the Mosin Nagant.It was the main battle rifle for Russia from 1891 to 1947 when RUSSIA ADOPTED THE AK-47.MOSIN M9130 rifles can be purchased for around $100.00.You can get a sealed tin of 440rds for under $90.00.It fires the 7.62x54r catridge,which is equal to a 30.06.The mosin is the utimate On-A-Budget Survival Rifle
written by Family Man , January 21, 2012
Make sure your wife and kids can shoot that Mosin in the event that you are hurt or injured. Train with the rifle regulary and buy at least 20 of those 440 round tins.
Be sue to have basic sanitary and medical supplies. Plenty of hand sanitizer water may be precious. Ace bandages, band-aids, gauze pads, tourniquet, neosporin, tylenol, asprin, soap. Plan to dispose of human waste, and to keep rodents and flies away. It may be a simple infection that is your demise. Please think of these things as methods of protecting yourself and your family. Your gun won't do you much good if you are to sick to use it.
written by jeff the water guy , January 24, 2012
Get a plot of land or lot in a small town where water is not to deep. drive a hand pump well and live in the city till the collapse comes. these lots in a small villages are inexpensive 1000-5000 some with houses. you will have shelter and a small comunity 50-400 people and right now the persentage of elderly in these towns are 50% or higher. So the threat of attackes are in your favore. I moved to a small village over an aguafer and it is the best. i plan on bying more lots in other towns in the regen. to secure my foot hold, also having the well will get you something better then gold in the coming years as the population grows
written by TDT , January 28, 2012
I haven't seen anybody on here talk about the dire need for a bow?I bought 2 of the recurve crossbows with several strings and more than enough bolts(won't be able to acquire when SHTF) because nobody seems to think the authorities, whomever they may be(military?) will be "tipped off" or "listening" for people with "banned " guns.I know they're in the process of controlling/banning guns as i post this (don't fool yourself).My point is....silent killing of food(animals) or threats(humans) and NOT being detected !!!!Even if it didn't kill threats instantly,they would die of a nasty infection from the poo dipped tips.Yeah...thats what you call "BUDGET" bolts...poo dipped!!!I hope we don't have to go through this but i think its inevitable.Best of luck to everyone!
written by m3 , January 30, 2012
... we all will be given a 100 new $ (or whatever they'll call it) for the start and everything will be going as usual from there on ...
written by Bravo Mike , February 03, 2012
Trip wire should be in a bug out bag along with chemicals like clorox for cleaning water and making vapor bombs. I recomend a k bar trident blade knife for close quarter combat with gang bangers and sell out cops. A good sako 7mm for that sniper work is a good weapon to.
written by Otterman , February 08, 2012
I suppose the term is relative but I couldn't afford a quarter of what's listed.
Several things forgotten -
Water filter (PUR hiker - $60)
Fire starters - Magnesium fire starter - $8
Rain Gear - I used mil-spec ponchos which double as shelter halves - $20
Guide to wild edible plants - $20
Set of used electric guitar strings for animal snares - Free
A great and truly inexpensive knife is the Swedish Mora - $12 -20.
I could got on but I think these are the most important points I could raise.
Not a bad article though, some good advice in there.
written by Do you really know how fix stuff, kill, prepare food, read the stars etc? , February 28, 2012
Most of those that have commented here know nothing about preparedness and will be dead within the year, probably because they have shot themselves with their long range snipper rife.
Before you buy a gun buy a book. Survival is initially in your head within 3 months most of you wouldn't even see a dude like me coming while your blasting away at every rustling bush. Good luck anyway.
written by Jay Lowell , March 21, 2012
Location is key, the farther north you are the safer you are.People will travel south to escape the cold and lack of fuel.The population density is less and travel becomes quite difficult in the winter months.Small towns and hamlets will fair better.Nobody is going to walk 20 miles in the snow to steal a can of corn from you.All those tough guys who think they are going to take what they want at the point of a weapon,will end up frozen to the ground and food for the wildlife.So if you decide on a gun there will be plenty laying around in the spring.History is filled with frozen Rambos.Work on organizing at the town level ,Police Emt and firecorps should be ready ahead of time for the what ifs.Canning and food preps are good ideas and a secondary heat source is a good move too.
written by PoorMan , April 04, 2012
I dont think that your list is very practical for an actual poor person. My family has a combined income of around 30k per year. With 3 kids under 10 that means for creative budgeting just to keep the lights on and food on the table. I could hardly afford a thing on this list. Do you know how much those rifles cost? or the solar panels? I don't argue the quality of your list. Its a great list. It is just not practical for an actual poor person . Lucky for me I work as an outdoors guide so i know my wilderness survival skills and practice them every day. survival for me is about knowing how to use the land to stay alive. not the big list of stuff i need. i buy extra bottled water when its on sale and i have a good filter. i keep enough canned food on hand for a month but other than that i just have my guide gear and myself. i dont even own a gun, yet i am confident that i will be living long after many "preppers" are long gone. if you are a poor person worried about what is going to happen please teach yourself how to trap and snare and fish and how to build a log cabin. buy yourself a good axe and a knife and a sturdy backpack and boots and that is all the preperation you need!
written by mmkkpro , April 15, 2012
I have chosen the ak-47, mosin,s&w .40, and jhp.45, russian guns are simple,rugged,dependable,ammo is still relitively cheap and plentiful,as for my jhp,cost 169.00,and is every bit as accurate and dependable as my national match gold cup colt .45 and much,much less expensive,best of luck to all,i fear we all will see very difficult times in near future,keep prepping,all the things we need we need anyway,and nothing wrong with trying to protect our families.
written by Mitch Rapp , April 23, 2012
There is no doubt that the fed has determined that low interest rates will go on to 2014. Thus, people with savings make no interest in banks. These people move money into the mkt or 401 k's only to have the market manipulated by the fed. Many know the fed is buying our bonds. What about our stocks to prop up the economy.
Bet ya did not think of that. And when the fed pulls the plug, stocks drop and mom and pop are now totally broke.
Guns, food, ammo, necessities of any kind beat a worthless dollar hands down and those with materials win in the end. Inflation will see to that. Think Barter.
written by Wolf , April 30, 2012
I know I will catch hell over this, however, if you are looking for a reliable, inexpensive, powerful handgun I would recommend a HI-POINT semi auto .45.
This was the first big bore handgun I could afford and they are still available for under $200.00. I shoot 230 grain hollow points. This is an accurate shoot for up to 25 - 30 yards. I have since purchased a compact 45 for concealed carry, but still have this Hi Point and trust it with my life. I have never had a f2f or f2e.
written by Samantha , May 02, 2012
I used to work at one of the many Merrell outlets in the US, and these can be a great resource for people trying to buy heavy duty gear like gore-tex shoes and jackets. You can find REALLY nice, expensive coats deeply discounted there. Once the spring season hits, the jackets start to be marked down, and come summertime, they are slashed to 60 or 70% off. And there's often plenty left because most people shop at Merrell for the shoes. In my experience, many who wear Merrell products don't even know they have outlets, or sell anything other than shoes. If you don't live near any of the outlets, you can call and ask about their inventory. And if the store doesn't have the size or item you're looking for, they can email all the other outlets in the country to see if anyone does. And then they'll ship it to you for about five dollars. I know this seems like I'm trying to push their products, but it really is a fantastic way to get quality, unused merchandise for a fraction of the price. It's a crying shame more don't know about it... why spend hundreds on a jacket you can buy in the summer for $50?
written by Mike Smith , May 11, 2012
I've got my ar and can shoot it well enough, have about 4 wks worth of food and water, but I am not well and I really do not know if I want to survive what I think is coming anyways.As my mom used to say to pooped to pop. Planting a garden Blah, Blah, Blah, I am a Christian and believe in the original constitution of the U.S. and Yes! things are coming apart quick! But if it is only the strong that survive, I recon I will not make it. But good luck to the rest of ya.
