Blackbeard
Member
Can opener. It gets messy opening cans with a .45.
Survival Gun & Kit Discussion
- Thread starter BlindJustice
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Houston Tom
Member
keep a p38 on your key chain cans are no longer a problem
Mannlicher
Member
You might do a search for 'bug out bag', or 'BOB'. There are thousands of pages of thought on this already.
Mandirigma
Member
Bundle up, grab a length of hose, and container and siphon gasoline from my vehicle.
One of the reasons I have a multifuel stove, and a full set of replacement parts (btdt too) I can in a pinch switch to alternate fuels.
http://www.msrcorp.com/stoves/dragonfly.asp is the one I've got, it was the best I find when I got it 5 years ago. I know that there are more alternatives in multifuel stoves now
wheelgunslinger
Member
5 or 10 Coffee Filters.
One of the best things you can use to pre-filter water for chunks and non-edible particles. After that, you can use a little bleach in the water bottle and you're good for water.
A 1 liter lexan water bottle.
Easy to carry, refill, and drink from.
One of the best things you can use to pre-filter water for chunks and non-edible particles. After that, you can use a little bleach in the water bottle and you're good for water.
A 1 liter lexan water bottle.
Easy to carry, refill, and drink from.
fletcher
Member
A magnifying sheet (rigid, ~$8 from office supply store) is a GREAT firestarter as long as you have sunlight. It will set nearly anything on fire in <3 seconds.
I've also found the following to be handy:
- Plastic sheet, like a painter's dropcloth (can be used for shelter/rain diversion)
- Roll of twine/cord
- Wrapping duct tape around a coffee can which functions as a container for other stuff (so your container is also a roll of duct tape)
I've also found the following to be handy:
- Plastic sheet, like a painter's dropcloth (can be used for shelter/rain diversion)
- Roll of twine/cord
- Wrapping duct tape around a coffee can which functions as a container for other stuff (so your container is also a roll of duct tape)
ArfinGreebly
Moderator Emeritus
Gasoline
I've seen the word "gasoline" a couple of times so far, so I thought I'd bring this up.
Stabilizer.
You know, like STA-BIL or Ez-Store.
They haven't been putting stabilizer in gasoline for decades.
If you store several cans of gas and don't rotate them frequently, you can wind up with several cans of stuff that your car will hate.
When you store a small motor (mower, genny, whatever) for a season, if it has any fuel in its tanks, make sure it also has stabilizer.
All the other usual rules apply: store in cool place, use metal containers, store away from main structures where possible.
Oh, and BTW, some of the newer cans have these strange nozzles with the "air return" tube on them, rather than a pressure relief cap on the back. If you get one of these, actually check it against the opening in your vehicle's tank.
I got a rude shock when I found that a 5-gallon can I'd just bought wouldn't fill my Jeep, 'cuz the little "air return" tube made the nozzle just a little too large for the opening. Glad I tested it before I needed it.
Keep gloves of some kind near the gas cans. Driving for hours with your hands smelling like fuel isn't any fun.
I've seen the word "gasoline" a couple of times so far, so I thought I'd bring this up.
Stabilizer.
You know, like STA-BIL or Ez-Store.
They haven't been putting stabilizer in gasoline for decades.
If you store several cans of gas and don't rotate them frequently, you can wind up with several cans of stuff that your car will hate.
When you store a small motor (mower, genny, whatever) for a season, if it has any fuel in its tanks, make sure it also has stabilizer.
All the other usual rules apply: store in cool place, use metal containers, store away from main structures where possible.
Oh, and BTW, some of the newer cans have these strange nozzles with the "air return" tube on them, rather than a pressure relief cap on the back. If you get one of these, actually check it against the opening in your vehicle's tank.
I got a rude shock when I found that a 5-gallon can I'd just bought wouldn't fill my Jeep, 'cuz the little "air return" tube made the nozzle just a little too large for the opening. Glad I tested it before I needed it.
Keep gloves of some kind near the gas cans. Driving for hours with your hands smelling like fuel isn't any fun.
OrvilleYertleson
Member.
- Joined
- Nov 20, 2003
- Messages
- 398
Compass
Hand Saw and Hatchet...makes it possible, though not easy, to clear blocked roads.
Water...And a refillable container to keep it in...purification tabs don't help if you can't store the water.
A real first aid kit...one that is appropriate for serious trauma.
Money
Passport and/or alternate ID for you and the family
Maps
Pre-Paid Cell Phone...You may have cell coverage go down, but since you are evacuating, presumably you will end up somewhere where the infrastructure (and cell towers) are still intact. There will probably be long lines for public phones.
Hand Saw and Hatchet...makes it possible, though not easy, to clear blocked roads.
Water...And a refillable container to keep it in...purification tabs don't help if you can't store the water.
A real first aid kit...one that is appropriate for serious trauma.
Money
Passport and/or alternate ID for you and the family
Maps
Pre-Paid Cell Phone...You may have cell coverage go down, but since you are evacuating, presumably you will end up somewhere where the infrastructure (and cell towers) are still intact. There will probably be long lines for public phones.
george29
Member
- Joined
- Sep 23, 2006
- Messages
- 1,670
Neo-Luddite
Member
(----)
Neo-Luddite
Member
keep a p38 on your key chain cans are no longer a problem
Pal, I've had the same p-38 on the same keys for 15 years.
After that long, the zinc is worn off and an un-mistakable black patina develops. The man with a natural black p-38 on the chain or dog tags--might have it together.
The greatest single-use tool ever made by man that can be used over and over and even sharpened. It even bests the safety-razor blade for utility in the single use does multiple use department..
When the mini-ravioli is opened, you shall know the joy.
Pal, I've had the same p-38 on the same keys for 15 years.
After that long, the zinc is worn off and an un-mistakable black patina develops. The man with a natural black p-38 on the chain or dog tags--might have it together.
The greatest single-use tool ever made by man that can be used over and over and even sharpened. It even bests the safety-razor blade for utility in the single use does multiple use department..
When the mini-ravioli is opened, you shall know the joy.
Limeyfellow
Member
Can't go wrong with the P-38. I have one on each set of keys. One for me and one for the wife. Both turned black along time ago but they make camping and so on so much easier and weigh basically nothing..
Luckly we have a chimney in the house. When the big icestorm hit NC back in 2002 we lost electricity for over two weeks so its make a fire and cook on the embers. Gives the food a really nice taste. We also could use the outside grill and so on but its far more comfortable to cook inside when it was that wet and cold.
Luckly we have a chimney in the house. When the big icestorm hit NC back in 2002 we lost electricity for over two weeks so its make a fire and cook on the embers. Gives the food a really nice taste. We also could use the outside grill and so on but its far more comfortable to cook inside when it was that wet and cold.
lesjones
Member
Colt117: nothing wrong with a water purifiier, but iodine pills are cheaper, more reliable and take less effort. If you have a water purifier you'll need the iodine pills as a backup. One nice thing about a water purifier is that they can filter muddy water (though you'll have to backwash them a lot).
I agree that having a gun - any gun - is more important than what gun you have. Handguns are preferable in my mind just because you can conceal them and be inconspicuous.
For SHTF (or backpacking, which is where I actually have a lot of experience) concentrate on areas instead of individual items:
Water treatment and storage - You won't last long without water. Iodine pills work great and are small, cheap, and light. A water purifier is another option, but I'd buy a lot of other stuff first. You'll need some bottles or bladders to carry the water.
Clothing/warmth/dryness - Critical in cool weather for comfort and survival. This can be as simple as a sturdy poncho, hat and gloves. A breathable rain coat and a thin synthetic fleece sweater are the next steps. A space blanket just turns aside the wind and rain. To stay warm you'll want a synthetic blanket or sleeping bag. You can improvise a shelter by tying a rope between two trees and hanging a sheet of plastic over it to form a pup tent. Tie strings around the corners with a sheet bend knot and stake down with a few cheap metal tent stakes.
Light - Because it's dark half the day. Flashlight or headlamp and plenty of batteries. Don't get seduced by ridiculously powerful lights with short battery life. LED lights are nice because of their amazing battery life.
Food/cookware/stoves - Food is up to you. I started out buying freeze dried food when I went backpacking, but eventually switched to grocery store items. Basic cookware (a cup, pot, fork and spoon) will get you by. Cooking over an open fire is doable, though every backpacker I ever met carried a stove, since it works even when all the firewood is wet.
Medical/sanitation - Unless you have advanced first aid training, stick to a small, basic kit for scrapes and such. Many of the large kits have a zillion band-aids, but not much that's useful. What I wind up using most on backpacking trips is medicine cabinet items - aspirin/Tylenol/etc., anti-diarrheal medicine (a lifesaver - I use Immodium AD), antihistimine (Benadryl) for allergies and bee stings and a mild sleeping pill, and hydrocortisone cream for heat rash. Dr. Scholl's Moleskin is a must for blistered feet. Pack some soap and wash your hands after using the bathroom and before cooking. A toothbrush and deodorant don't weigh much but sure feel good. Earplugs are nice when sleeping around a bunch of people.
Communication - Some type or radio is good for getting news. You can go the crank radio route for groups, or get a little personal radio for individual use. We've found that local TV stations have the best info during thunderstorms that knock out power. My wife has some tiny Sonys she bought for the gym that pick up AM, FM, Weatherband, and UHF TV. Cost was about $15 and they run on a single AA battery for a long time with headphones. Also think about a CB or ham radio for two-way communication, and personal two-way radios (like Motorola Walkabouts) for communicating with your group when you have to separate.
I agree that having a gun - any gun - is more important than what gun you have. Handguns are preferable in my mind just because you can conceal them and be inconspicuous.
For SHTF (or backpacking, which is where I actually have a lot of experience) concentrate on areas instead of individual items:
Water treatment and storage - You won't last long without water. Iodine pills work great and are small, cheap, and light. A water purifier is another option, but I'd buy a lot of other stuff first. You'll need some bottles or bladders to carry the water.
Clothing/warmth/dryness - Critical in cool weather for comfort and survival. This can be as simple as a sturdy poncho, hat and gloves. A breathable rain coat and a thin synthetic fleece sweater are the next steps. A space blanket just turns aside the wind and rain. To stay warm you'll want a synthetic blanket or sleeping bag. You can improvise a shelter by tying a rope between two trees and hanging a sheet of plastic over it to form a pup tent. Tie strings around the corners with a sheet bend knot and stake down with a few cheap metal tent stakes.
Light - Because it's dark half the day. Flashlight or headlamp and plenty of batteries. Don't get seduced by ridiculously powerful lights with short battery life. LED lights are nice because of their amazing battery life.
Food/cookware/stoves - Food is up to you. I started out buying freeze dried food when I went backpacking, but eventually switched to grocery store items. Basic cookware (a cup, pot, fork and spoon) will get you by. Cooking over an open fire is doable, though every backpacker I ever met carried a stove, since it works even when all the firewood is wet.
Medical/sanitation - Unless you have advanced first aid training, stick to a small, basic kit for scrapes and such. Many of the large kits have a zillion band-aids, but not much that's useful. What I wind up using most on backpacking trips is medicine cabinet items - aspirin/Tylenol/etc., anti-diarrheal medicine (a lifesaver - I use Immodium AD), antihistimine (Benadryl) for allergies and bee stings and a mild sleeping pill, and hydrocortisone cream for heat rash. Dr. Scholl's Moleskin is a must for blistered feet. Pack some soap and wash your hands after using the bathroom and before cooking. A toothbrush and deodorant don't weigh much but sure feel good. Earplugs are nice when sleeping around a bunch of people.
Communication - Some type or radio is good for getting news. You can go the crank radio route for groups, or get a little personal radio for individual use. We've found that local TV stations have the best info during thunderstorms that knock out power. My wife has some tiny Sonys she bought for the gym that pick up AM, FM, Weatherband, and UHF TV. Cost was about $15 and they run on a single AA battery for a long time with headphones. Also think about a CB or ham radio for two-way communication, and personal two-way radios (like Motorola Walkabouts) for communicating with your group when you have to separate.
Neo-Luddite
Member
You know, I might get trounced for saying so--but ever since reading Cormac McCarthy's latest distopian novel, "The Road", I've become convinced that a solid (and legally acquired) shopping cart may make quite a stout evac tool for hardball road use if vehicle use is out of the question. And spare me the sorry comparisons to a certain person's famous 'wheelbarrow'(!). This is an above-board, very practical idea for garage-level preparedness and utility that is much better than the Radio Flyer for carrying load. In fact, I would say that it might serve as a solid utility cart for moving firewood and garden materials.
And yes, a well-tempered p-38 thonged to the handle is essential!
And yes, a well-tempered p-38 thonged to the handle is essential!
After the pipeline burst in NYC a few weeks ago I started thinking about some kind of resperator... Gas Mask, N95 mask is needed in your kit. Obviously if pipes burst or bridges / buildings collapse, you can expose yourself to harmful stuff in the air if you do not have one.
So get some.
So I went out a purchased a box of N95 resperators and keep some in the car, at the office and at home. Don't really need them at home... Far more likely that you could run into a scenario were you would need those than where you would need to fight zombies...
So get some.
So I went out a purchased a box of N95 resperators and keep some in the car, at the office and at home. Don't really need them at home... Far more likely that you could run into a scenario were you would need those than where you would need to fight zombies...
Houston Tom
Member
Neo and Limey,
I have had my p38 for years, MY wife can not understand, but at least she does not ask why anymore
I have had my p38 for years, MY wife can not understand, but at least she does not ask why anymore
leadcounsel
member
Stock up and BUG IN unless a tank of gas will get you to safety. Hence, you need a generator and lots of gasoline.
Be realistic about your ability to bug out on foot.
I'm 33, in the Army, and in very good physical condition (maximum or near maximum Army APFTs) recent Airborne school gradutate, run long distances regularly, work out regularly, PT regularly, etc. I recently inventoried what I think the minimum survival gear 'on foot' would be. It was around 50-70 lbs. I don't think it's realistic to think you'll make it far on foot even with that amount of survival gear. To give an example, last week I completed a 12 mile ruck march with a 30lb rucksack in just under 3 hours. I consumed about a gallon of water and a protein bar on this ruck and it left me completely exhausted for the day and sore for days to come. And that is with a weigth about 1/2 of what I think would be necessary for basic survival.
Considering many Soldiers have difficulty with this ruckmarch, I think the average population would have difficulty with 1/2 of that weight and/or distance.
My advice, unless you can safely make it to someplace safe on a tank of gas (considering the choatic situation of looting, highway problems traffic jams, robbery, etc.), I would just bug in and wait it out in your castle.
Stock up on clean water, gas, and essentials to ride out a few weeks. Figure a couple gallons of water per person per day and purification measures for extended periods.
Be realistic about your ability to bug out on foot.
I'm 33, in the Army, and in very good physical condition (maximum or near maximum Army APFTs) recent Airborne school gradutate, run long distances regularly, work out regularly, PT regularly, etc. I recently inventoried what I think the minimum survival gear 'on foot' would be. It was around 50-70 lbs. I don't think it's realistic to think you'll make it far on foot even with that amount of survival gear. To give an example, last week I completed a 12 mile ruck march with a 30lb rucksack in just under 3 hours. I consumed about a gallon of water and a protein bar on this ruck and it left me completely exhausted for the day and sore for days to come. And that is with a weigth about 1/2 of what I think would be necessary for basic survival.
Considering many Soldiers have difficulty with this ruckmarch, I think the average population would have difficulty with 1/2 of that weight and/or distance.
My advice, unless you can safely make it to someplace safe on a tank of gas (considering the choatic situation of looting, highway problems traffic jams, robbery, etc.), I would just bug in and wait it out in your castle.
Stock up on clean water, gas, and essentials to ride out a few weeks. Figure a couple gallons of water per person per day and purification measures for extended periods.
Exmasonite
Member
- Joined
- Sep 4, 2006
- Messages
- 561
+1 to colt's idea on a water purifier.
I have an MSR sweetwater filter that's very compact, effective and durable.
also, MSR makes a sweet small stove called the pocket rocket (no jokes). great little stove, slightly larger than a multi tool.
here are my thoughts:
- fire (lighters, waterproof matches, firestarter)
- light (multiple flashlights + extra batteries)
- blade (folder always on me, add in good multi tool and fixed blade)
- firearm (to each his own, way over discussed. i just say have multiple mags, not just ammo. reloading auto mags ain't quick)
- rope (some good paracord and a roll or two of twine or mason line)
- comms (i have a pair of cobra walkie talkies, 12+ mile range)
- power (don't have generator yet but have cheap plug in inverter for car to recharge cell, walkie talkies, battery charger, etc)
- first aid (to each their own but as former EMT and veterinarian in training with lots of animals to care for, i have pretty extensive stuff around)
- packs (think modular... i have a larger internal frame backpack that will fit my maxpedition pygmy falcon (which will fit my maxpedition jumbo) inside of it so you can go down to "ultralight" (not "battle" b/c it should never come to that) ruck if i need to move fast or don't need extra stuff from bigger bag)
- paper, pencil, digital cam for recording things/leaving notes
- maps of local area + routes/maps of escape routes/destinations
that's all for now.
I have an MSR sweetwater filter that's very compact, effective and durable.
also, MSR makes a sweet small stove called the pocket rocket (no jokes). great little stove, slightly larger than a multi tool.
here are my thoughts:
- fire (lighters, waterproof matches, firestarter)
- light (multiple flashlights + extra batteries)
- blade (folder always on me, add in good multi tool and fixed blade)
- firearm (to each his own, way over discussed. i just say have multiple mags, not just ammo. reloading auto mags ain't quick)
- rope (some good paracord and a roll or two of twine or mason line)
- comms (i have a pair of cobra walkie talkies, 12+ mile range)
- power (don't have generator yet but have cheap plug in inverter for car to recharge cell, walkie talkies, battery charger, etc)
- first aid (to each their own but as former EMT and veterinarian in training with lots of animals to care for, i have pretty extensive stuff around)
- packs (think modular... i have a larger internal frame backpack that will fit my maxpedition pygmy falcon (which will fit my maxpedition jumbo) inside of it so you can go down to "ultralight" (not "battle" b/c it should never come to that) ruck if i need to move fast or don't need extra stuff from bigger bag)
- paper, pencil, digital cam for recording things/leaving notes
- maps of local area + routes/maps of escape routes/destinations
that's all for now.
Houston Tom
Member
lead, I hear a rumor that they did away with the gig pit at Benning say it isn't so.
So.........
What caliber for a hurricane?
(it had to be said)Guys, come on. This has been done to death. I'm amazed it's still open. There are some very good stories from real Katrina survivors which, I believe, are stickied. Read and learn.
Meanwhile, unless your house is underwater or has been blown to smithereens by a tornado, why on EARTH are you going to go anywhere? And do you honestly think you're going to pack all the stuff you're thinking you'll need and walk very far with it? Guns, ammo, food, important papers, water, clothing are not weightless, and I doubt most of us are in the physical condition it would take to walk very far toting all that stuff. Bug in.
If you live in the areas south of Houston (or in any area) that will be evacuated, then get your behind OUT in time. Don't dawdle and slow things down for everybody. Gas up your car and go. You can come back later. If you do that, you don't need a bug out bag, you need a suitcase full of your clothes, all your important papers (do NOT forget birth certificates and passports!!!!), your critters, and other portable stuff. You will not need water, chlorine tabs, or Imodium AD, unless your aunt Tillie up in Austin or the Holiday Inn where you end up gives you food poisoning.
If you stay, you need a lot of stuff, but it's different stuff. Read what the guys who've done it have to say. It's a good read.
Springmom
JamisJockey
member
Most aren't going for a landspeed record.
Just trying to get out of dodge. I daresay that more than 12 miles in a day is doable for someone who maintains a fitness routine that includes cycling walking or running.
Katrina proved that bugging in doesn't always work. I wouldn't have stayed put with 10' of water in my main floor.
I see alot of people planning way too much. First aid, water, water purification, some essentials for shelter and clothing. Easily a 50lb pack.
But you did touch on a good point. Any armchair warrior can talk big talk, but if the most PT they've had this week is lifting the bag of cheetos, and going to take a piss tires you out, then even humping out with no pack is going to kill 'em. And after the last gun show I attended, I noticed there were plenty of portly gentlemen hovering around the survival gear.....
Exercise, people!
Your body and mind are the first tools in your toolkit.
AStone
Member
I've been reading this since it begain,
watchin' for any body in the hallway carrying a pad lock
so I can get my bob and get out before I hear a "snap" ...
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