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GSX 3.0 – Advanced Ear Pro From AXIL

There are few things as crucial as hearing protection when shooting. The long-term effects of gunfire will diminish your hearing later in life. While there are countless options in the ear pro arena, I am personally a fan of in-ear or earbud-style protection. These still provide hearing protection but don’t interfere with the cheek weld on our long guns. There are some great options in this category as well, but AXIL consistently has the performance edge. Today, they have added a new set to their lineup. The GSX 3.0 – Advanced Ear Pro From AXIL

The AXIL GSX 3.0.

GSX 3.0 – Total Hearing Control

GSX 3.0 isn’t just hearing protection — it’s hearing control. The advanced electronic system automatically compresses harmful sounds above 85 dB, instantly protecting your ears from gunfire, engines, and power tools. At the same time, it amplifies safe sounds up to 5×, giving you full awareness of voices, movement, and your environment without removing your protection.

Choose your comfort and protection level with multiple tip options:

  • Max Protect Foam: 26 dB SNR / 21 dB NRR
  • General Foam: 26 dB SNR / 21 dB NRR
  • Silicone Tips: 24 dB SNR / 17 dB NRR

With a proper foam seal, GSX 3.0 delivers up to 26 dB SNR, keeping you safe from impact noise while letting the world around you stay clear, sharp, and real.

The GSX 3.0 are compact.

All in One System

The GSX 3.0 takes AXIL’s best-selling all-in-one hearing protection and enhancement system to the next level. Designed for shooters, hunters, workers, and anyone exposed to high-decibel environments, it gives you advanced situational awareness without sacrificing protection. At its core is SonicShieldX technology, a new filter-on-microphone system that instantly suppresses impact sounds while letting natural voices and ambient audio come through with lifelike clarity. You stay protected from blasts and machinery while staying connected to everything happening around you.

The GSX 3.0 are a complete hearing system.

Bluetooth

Built with the latest Bluetooth 5.3, the GSX 3.0 seamlessly blends hearing enhancement with crystal-clear audio streaming and phone calls. Its SmartSound Balance feature automatically manages sound levels between your environment and your media, keeping your hearing safe without dulling your awareness. When hearing enhancement is on, Bluetooth audio is safely volume-limited — when it’s off, you can enjoy full, powerful sound. And with Tap & Go controls, switching modes or adjusting your hearing boost is quick, intuitive, and distraction-free.

The GSX 3.0 have Bluetooth.

GSX 3.0

Every detail of the GSX 3.0 is engineered for real-world performance. The Lock-n-Loaded fit system combines multiple concha locks, foam and silicone tips, and flexible earhooks for a custom, secure seal in any condition. Its IP65 rating keeps it safe from sweat, dust, and rain, while an upgraded Battery Boost system delivers up to 15 hours of combined use. Whether you’re on the range, on the job, or outdoors all day, GSX 3.0 gives you total hearing control — smarter, stronger, and clearer than ever before.

For more information, visit AXIL.

GSX 3.0 Features

Modes Bluetooth 5.3
Hearing Enhancement (5 adjustable levels)
Hearing Protection
Noise Reduction Max Protect Foam: 26 dB SNR / 21 dB NRR
General Foam: 26 dB SNR / 21 dB NRR
Silicone Tips: 24 dB SNR / 17 dB NRR
Compression at 85 dB
Battery & Charging Hearing Enhancement: up to 40 hrs
Bluetooth Only: up to 20 hrs
Combined (BT + HE): up to 15 hrs
Charge Time: 2 hours (5V 1A)
Rechargeable via USB-C cable (non-replaceable battery)
Connectivity Bluetooth 5.3 with 40+ meter / 120+ ft range
Voice confirmation of connection
Durability Dust Resistant: IP64
Water & Sweat Resistant: IP65
Controls Touch controls for Hearing Enhancement + Protection
Button controls for Bluetooth

WHY OUR ARTICLES/REVIEWS DO NOT HAVE AFFILIATE LINKS

Affiliate links create a financial incentive for writers to promote certain products, which can lead to biased recommendations. This blurs the line between genuine advice and marketing, reducing trust in the content.

The post GSX 3.0 – Advanced Ear Pro From AXIL appeared first on Athlon Outdoors Exclusive Firearm Updates, Reviews & News.

TESTED: Two C&H Precision Pistol Optics Run Hard on the Range

C&H Precision Pistol Optics: Putting Two Models to the Test.

Richmond Hill, Georgia’s C&H Precision is a respected leader in quality pistol optic adapter plates. But did you know that the company also offers a nice line of pistol optics, too? I recently acquired two of C&H Precision’s pistol optics, the closed-emitter Duty-XL and the open-emitter EDC, and put them to the test.

C&H Precision Pistol Optics

I first noticed C&H Precision optics when an old friend began working there a few months ago. That awareness came front and center when I looked into getting an optic-ready slide for my Walther PPQ. It has long been among my favorite handguns.

A quick search took me to the Walther website, where I learned that they had partnered with C&H Precision to mill PPQ and PPS slides, upgrading them for optics.

Walther partnered with C&H Precision to mill PPQ and PPS pistol slides, upgrading them for optics.

So, I called my friend and arranged to send my PPQ and PPS slides in for the work. He knows what I do for a living. So, he also suggested that I let them mount a couple of C&H Precision optics for testing and evaluation. I happily agreed and shipped my slides out the next day.

They returned a few weeks later, with the Duty-XL mounted on the PPQ and the EDC on the PPS. I’ll cover each individually, beginning with the Duty-XL.

C&H Precision Duty-XL Red Dot

The Duty-XL represents a growing trend toward larger, more reliable closed emitter handgun optics. Quality closed-emitter red dots aren’t susceptible to debris, dust, or water that can affect the performance of open-emitter optics.

The Duty-XL has proven to be a quality product. Machined from a block of aircraft-grade aluminum, the optic is sealed and IPX7 waterproof-rated. As a result, it can be submerged in one meter of water for up to 30 minutes without issue. It’s also attached with C&H Precision’s sturdy double-bar mount.

You can access the included CR-2032 battery via a side-mounted screw cap. So, you won’t have to dismount the optic to change it.

The glass is very nice and clear as day, and the reticle is bright and well-defined. The multi-reticle gives the shooter the choice between a 3 MOA dot, a 30 MOA circle, or the dot within the circle. Reference marks are at each cardinal direction of the circle. My reticle is red, but green will be available soon.

The Duty-XL has user-enabled motion activation, which should be standard on all modern handgun optics at this point. I really like that it automatically turns itself off after 225 seconds of inactivity. I have some optics that stay on for hours and hours before shutting down. That just wastes battery life, so I like the 225-second feature.

The optic’s control buttons are large, tactile, and easily visible on the left side. Correspondingly, the reticle has 10 brightness settings, two of which are night vision compatible. The windage and elevation dials require a small screwdriver or the tool provided with the optic. The clicks are tactile and audible if you’re in a quiet environment.

You can access the included CR-2032 battery via a side-mounted screw cap. So, you won’t have to dismount the optic to change it.

The Duty-XL represents a growing trend toward larger, more reliable closed emitter handgun optics.

The Duty-XL has the Aimpoint ACRO footprint. It requires a C&H Precision adapter plate that is compatible with their double-bar clamp.

C&H Precision EDC Red Dot

A closed-emitter optic is great for my PPQ, but my subcompact Walther PPS needs something smaller. The open-emitter C&H Precision EDC red dot is perfect, especially with the direct mount for which C&H milled the slide. The EDC is also milled from a block of aircraft-grade aluminum, with the same IPX7 waterproof rating.

Again, the glass is very clear, and the 3 MOA dot reticle is clean. A multi-reticle model is also available. Like its larger counterpart, the EDC has 10 brightness settings, with two being night vision compatible. It also features the user-enabled motion activation with the 225-second automatic shut-off.

The open-emitter C&H Precision EDC red dot optic is perfect, especially with the direct mount for which C&H milled the pistol slide.

The side-mounted control buttons are smaller because the optic has less surface area, yet they remain tactile and responsive. Similar to the Duty-XL, the windage and elevation dials perform equally well and require the same tool. The included CR-1632 battery is accessed via a side-mounted tray. So, there is no need to remove the optic to change it.

The EDC has the Shield RMSc footprint.

C&H Precision Optics at the Range

I’ve been very pleased with both of these optics. The EDC is so light, at 0.6 ounces, that I barely know it’s there. And the direct mount makes it low profile, like I want on a gun like my PPS. The Duty-XL is, of course, bulkier, but I don’t mind.

This is, admittedly, the first closed-emitter red dot I’ve run extensively on a handgun. So, I was just a little skeptical because of the size. But I really like it. The extra size doesn’t inhibit anything I do, and it even fits my Safariland 537 GLS holster that I already use.

The reticles are bright and distinct, and I found them easy to acquire. Each features a rear notch for co-witnessing iron sights. My direct-mount EDC means I can use the factory PPS sights, just barely. However, C&H installed their taller iron sights on my PPQ since the factory sights were too short.

This is, admittedly, the first closed-emitter red dot I’ve run extensively on a handgun. So, I was just a little skeptical because of the size. But I really like it.

Each of these optics has a couple of range trips under its belt. During those trips, I fired some 500 rounds of 9mm, generously provided by my friends at Ammo-to-Go. They are both as solid as they were the day I received them. There’s no wobbling, and both have retained zero throughout.

I also tested the mount strength by dropping each pistol (unloaded and with no magazine) from chest height onto the gravel floor of my pistol range. I did that three times each, directly onto the optic. It didn’t faze them at all and didn’t even scratch the finish.

These optics and their mounts are solid. C&H says they are 100 percent shockproof. I believe them. Each is also rated for +P and +P+ ammo.

A Word About the Milling

C&H Precision optics are compatible with multiple firearms. However, they also offer milling services in partnership with Walther Arms. I wanted to make my PPQ optics-compatible, and was surprised and pleased to find that Walther specifically endorsed a company to do it for me.

C&H Precision optics are compatible with multiple pistols.

C&H offers milling for the Walther PPQ, PPS, Q4, and Q5 pistols. They also upgrade PDP 1.0 optic cuts to the 2.0 version. They have several options, and you choose what you want. My slides were done so well that I’d swear they were milled at the factory, if I didn’t know better.

Final Thoughts

The mounting and milling on these two C&H Precision pistol optics are impressive. The workmanship, quality, and performance match anything I’ve ever run. My aging eyes forced me to reluctantly accept pistol red dots, but I’m starting to really appreciate them. Especially since I shoot better after making the change.

C&H Precision, through its products and services, has also impressed me. These two optics will stay on my PPQ and PPS. However, I would bet that I’ll be running more of their optics in the near future.

The mounting and milling on these two C&H Precision pistol optics are impressive.

The post TESTED: Two C&H Precision Pistol Optics Run Hard on the Range appeared first on Athlon Outdoors Exclusive Firearm Updates, Reviews & News.

How to Survive a Car Crash: A Survival Life 3-Phase Checklist

This guide shows you how to survive a car crash and protect yourself in such times through a three-phase checklist: before, during, and after impact. Using guidance from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the American Red Cross (2024), you’ll learn actionable steps that can reduce injury risk in under 5 minutes of review. No advanced skills required, only awareness and preparation.

TL;DR: You can survive a car crash by following three quick phases:

  • Before — wear your seat belt properly, secure loose items, and stay alert.
  • During — face forward, brace properly, and keep eyes open.
  • After — turn off the car, call 911, and stay put if it’s unsafe to exit. Stay calm, stay aware, and act fast.

    What Do You Need Before You Drive?

    Aside from keeping your car fully functional for your trips, you also need to prepare for the worst-case scenarios, with car crashes being among the top concerns. Before you drive, make sure you have:

    • A properly adjusted seat belt (lap low across hips, shoulder strap across chest)
    • Headrest positioned level with the top of your ears
    • Emergency kit: first-aid supplies, flashlight, phone charger, and reflective triangles
    • Access to emergency contact and insurance info
    • Knowledge of your airbag zones and blind spots

    Preparation is the key in times of dire situations. By doing so, you can further increase your chances (and your passengers’) of survival when disaster strikes on the road.

    Phase 1: Pre-Crash Actions 

    image 2

    You can’t always prevent a collision, but preparation determines survivability.

    1. Wear your seat belt correctly. According to NHTSA (2024), seat belts reduce fatal injury risk by 45% in cars and 60% in SUVs.
    2. Secure loose objects. Even a 1-kg item becomes a 30-kg projectile in a 30 mph crash.
    3. Adjust seating distance. Keep at least 10 inches between your chest and the steering wheel to avoid airbag injuries.
    4. Drive defensively. Maintain a 3-second following distance and scan mirrors every 5–8 seconds.
    5. Plan an escape route. On multi-lane roads, identify shoulders or open lanes ahead of time.

    Takeaway: A calm, alert, and properly positioned driver has the best odds of walking away from a crash.

    Phase 2: During the Crash

    A man in the driver seat showing how to survive a car crash

    When impact is unavoidable, immediate body control reduces trauma.

    1. Stay centered and face forward. Do not lean or twist; the airbag is designed to meet a centered posture.
    2. Brace properly. Press your head against the headrest, grip the steering wheel at 9 and 3 o’clock, and keep elbows slightly bent.
    3. Feet flat on the floor. Avoid slamming the brake or stretching your legs, which can cause ankle or knee fractures.
    4. For passengers: Cross arms across chest and press back into the seat.
    5. Keep eyes open. Being conscious through impact improves immediate reaction after stopping.

    Takeaway: Controlled posture and awareness during impact protect your head, neck, and spine: the three most injury-prone areas.

    Phase 3: Post-Crash Response

    image 3

    After the vehicle stops, your goal is to avoid secondary harm.

    1. Check for immediate danger. Turn off the ignition; look for smoke, leaking fluids, or traffic hazards.
    2. Assess injuries calmly. Check yourself first, then passengers.
    3. Call emergency services (911 in the U.S.). Provide location, number of people, and visible injuries.
    4. Exit only if it’s safe. If you’re on a highway, remain inside with seat belt fastened and hazard lights on until help arrives.
    5. Apply basic first aid. Stop visible bleeding with pressure; avoid moving anyone with suspected neck or back injuries.
    6. Document and report. Exchange information, take photos, and notify insurance once emergency response is complete.

    Takeaway: Staying alert and following a clear sequence prevents compounding injuries and speeds professional assistance.

    What are Common Mistakes to Avoid in Car Crashes?

    image 1

    Even well-prepared drivers make grave errors in the moments before and after a crash. Recognizing these mistakes can be the difference between a safe outcome and serious injury.

    • Removing your seat belt too early. Airbags may deploy seconds after a collision.
    • Standing in the roadway to assess damage.
    • Forgetting to check for fuel leaks or smoke before using electronics.
    • Skipping a medical evaluation even if you “feel fine.” Internal injuries can appear hours later.

    Next Steps

    To further increase survival readiness, take on the following tasks:

    • Take a defensive-driving course (AAA or NHTSA-approved).
    • Keep a vehicle-specific first-aid kit and window-breaking tool in reach.
    • Review this checklist every six months with family members or co-drivers.
    • For deeper safety guidance, visit nhtsa.gov and redcross.org.

    Quick Reference Checklist on How to Survive a Car Crash

    Phase Key Action Why It Matters
    Pre-Crash Seat belt & headrest aligned Reduces head and spinal injuries
    Pre-Crash Secure loose items Prevents cabin projectiles
    Crash Stay centered & brace Aligns body for airbag deployment
    Crash Keep eyes open Enables quicker recovery
    Post-Crash Turn off ignition, call 911 Prevents fire and ensures help
    Post-Crash Stay inside if unsafe outside Avoids secondary collisions

    Turn Awareness Into Survival

    Car crash survival calls for your alertness and awareness. With the crash checklist we shared earlier, you can train yourself to protect everyone in your car when seconds count. Review these actions regularly and share them with family for better preparation.

    Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical or legal advice.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What should I do first after a car crash?

    Check for danger, stay calm, and call emergency services immediately. Turn off the ignition and assess injuries before moving anyone or leaving the vehicle.

    Should I move my car after a minor accident?

    If there are no injuries and it’s safe to do so, move the vehicle out of traffic to a safe location.

    Is it safer to brace for impact or stay relaxed?

    It’s safer to brace properly by sitting upright, leaning your head against the headrest, then placing your hands at 9 and 3 o’clock on the wheel.

    Manual Wood Splitter: Best Options & How to Use Them

    A Complete Guide On Finding The Best Manual Wood Splitter For YOU

    Splitting firewood by hand is a time-honored tradition—great for staying warm, building muscle, and working up a proper appreciation for modern tools.

    But swinging an axe all day? That’s a fast track to a sore back and a bad attitude.

    That’s where manual firewood splitters come in—giving you a smarter, safer, and more efficient way to split logs without the fuel costs or noise of gas-powered machines.

    If you’re ready to upgrade from brute force to brainpower, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about manual firewood splitters, including:

    ✅ The best manual firewood splitters on the market
    Key features to look for when buying one
    How to use a manual firewood splitter (so you don’t wreck your hands or dignity)
    Who should get one (and who should stick to an axe or hydraulic splitter)

    Let’s dive in (but first)…

    Grid Doctor With EMP Intercept Technology

    Manual Firewood Splitters

    Not all manual splitters are created equal. Some are great for big, tough logs, while others are better suited for kindling and small jobs. Here are the top-rated manual firewood splitters:

    1. Kindling Cracker

    ???? Best for: Splitting small logs and making kindling
    ???? Why it’s great: Stationary wedge design—just hit the log with a mallet
    ???? Max log size: 6.5-inch diameter logs
    ???? Why you’ll love it: Zero maintenance and safe for all ages. Perfect for campers, cabin owners, and anyone who loves a good bonfire.

    Check it out here

    Kindling Cracker – Firewood Splitter Review

    2. Kindling Cracker XL

    ???? Best for: Splitting medium logs and making kindling
    ???? Why it’s great: Stationary wedge design—just hit the log with a mallet
    ???? Max log size: 9-inch diameter logs
    ???? Why you’ll love it: Same as the previous one, just a big larger/heavy to accommodate larger log sizes.

    Check it out here

    Kindling Cracker XL – First Try

    Note: These are the only 2 I recommend. Everything else has too many compromises to be considered a top option.

    Key Features to Look for in a Manual Firewood Splitter

    A good manual firewood splitter should be strong, stable, and safe. Here’s what you should consider before buying:

    ???? Splitting Mechanism – Hydraulic pump? Slide hammer? Wedge-and-mallet design? Pick one based on your strength and log size needs.

    ???? Max Log Size – Some splitters handle only small logs for kindling, while others can split thicker, tougher pieces of firewood.

    ???? Portability – If you need something lightweight for camping or off-grid use, avoid bulky hydraulic models.

    ???? Durability – Cast iron and hardened steel blades last longer than cheap aluminum or plastic parts.

    ???? Ease of Use – If your goal is less effort, go for hydraulic splitters or wedge-based designs that don’t require brute force.

    How to Use a Manual Firewood Splitter (Without Wrecking Yourself)

    Using a manual firewood splitter the right way will keep you safe and make the job much easier. Here’s the step-by-step process:

    1. Prep Your Work Area

    ✔️ Set up on solid, level ground (concrete or packed dirt works best)
    ✔️ Wear safety gear – gloves, boots, and eye protection (flying wood chips are no joke)
    ✔️ Stack logs nearby so you don’t have to stop and reload every few minutes

    2. Position the Log

    ✔️ Place the log upright and centered on the splitter
    ✔️ If using a wedge-style splitter, align it straight over the grain for a clean break

    3. Apply Force

    ✔️ For hydraulic splitters – Pump the handle until the log splits
    ✔️ For slide hammer splitters – Lift the hammer and slam it down onto the wedge
    ✔️ For wedge-style splitters – Strike the log with a heavy mallet until it cracks

    4. Remove & Repeat

    ✔️ Clear the split logs away before placing another one
    ✔️ If a log doesn’t split completely, rotate it and try again

    Pro Tip: Don’t rush. Splitting firewood is about technique, not just strength.

    Let the tool do the work!

    Prepper Checklist eBook Cover - with gas mask on a SHTF scenery background

    Want a free 78 item preppers checklist?

    Enter your email below to instantly download this Complete Checklist PDF. No purchase necessary. 👇 👇

    Who Should Get a Manual Firewood Splitter?

    A manual firewood splitter isn’t for everyone—but it might be perfect for you if:

    You want a safer alternative to an axe – If you’re tired of swinging a maul (or just worried about missing your target), a splitter gives you more control and less risk.

    You don’t want to deal with gas-powered machines – Hydraulic and electric splitters are great, but they require maintenance, fuel, or electricity. Manual splitters work anywhere.

    You need something portable – If you’re heading to a cabin or off-grid property, a small manual wood splitter is easier to transport than a heavy-duty hydraulic model.

    You want to save money – Manual splitters cost a fraction of electric or gas-powered splitters. If you’re only splitting firewood for personal use, a $100–$300 splitter will get the job done without breaking the bank.

    ❌ However…If you need to split massive logs all winter long, you might want to invest in a powered splitter instead. Manual splitters are fantastic for smaller jobs, but they’ll wear you out if you need to process cords of wood regularly.

    Final Thoughts: Should You Get a Manual Firewood Splitter?

    So if you love the idea of splitting firewood without gas, electricity, or unnecessary effort, a manual firewood splitter is a smart buy. It’s safer than an axe, cheaper than a power splitter. And far more efficient than splitting logs the old-fashioned way.

    ???? For small logs and kindling? Go for a wedge-based splitter like the Kindling Cracker.
    ???? For medium-sized logs? A slide hammer splitter gives you controlled power.
    ???? For big logs? A hydraulic manual splitter is your best bet.

    At the end of the day, the right tool makes all the difference. If you want faster, easier, and safer firewood splitting, a manual wood splitter belongs in your shed.

    Now, go forth and split wood like a pro. ????????

    Prepare, Adapt & Overcome,

    P.s. – I just found out 2 out of 3 Americans don’t feel prepared for a 3 day disaster!!!

    I guess this goes to show how modern society continues to embrace ‘living a fragile life.’ What’s crazy is… it’s so easy to fix.

    To make sure YOU have the basics, watch our FREE training on “10 Simple Steps To Basic Preparedness” that shows you HOW.

    Nothing crazy here… this isn’t doomsday prepping… just the basics every responsible adult should have before a disaster strikes.

    Why You Can Trust Skilled Survival…

    Go here now to review a full breakdown of:

    • Who We Are
    • Our Credentials
    • Our Mission
    • & Product Recommendations…

    Here are a few highlights of our teams credentials & certifications:

    • Certified Member of a Mountain Search & Rescue Organization
    • Plant Emergency & Safety Leader for a Major Food Manufacturer
    • Member of the 10TH Mountain Division Hut Association
    • Certifications: Avalanche 1, WFR, CPR
    • Official Gear Tester for Numerous Outdoor Gear Companies
    • Countless Multiday Backpacking trips into Remote Wilderness
    • Bachelor’s Degree In Mechanical Engineering 
    • Bachelor’s Degree In Civil Engineering
    • Bachelor’s Degree In Biomedical Engineering

    “It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it.” – Warren Buffett

    We’re fully aware that trust is NOT something you GET but is EARNED.

    And we’ll continue to earn YOUR trust through our forthright and honest approach with each new Blog Post, Guide & Product we create…

    P.s – I just took this FREE 60-second ‘Readiness Score Quiz’????


    <img decoding="async" class="container" style="width: 775px; margin: 0 auto;" src="https://www.skilledsurvival.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/RSQuiz-Sample-Image-No-Border-1.jpg" alt="Readiness Score Quiz"


    AND… I’ve still got a few gaps in my preps…????

    But at least, I’m not part of ‘The Fragile Masses’. ????

    Find out where YOU stand by answering a few questions…

    The post Manual Wood Splitter: Best Options & How to Use Them appeared first on Skilled Survival.

    How to Break Into a Car During an Emergency

    How to Break Into a Car: Key Takeaways

    • If a person or pet is in immediate danger inside a locked vehicle, don’t break into a car just yet. Calling 911 is the first step.
    • If help is unavailable and life is threatened, use the least destructive method that will safely gain access: try phone-based manufacturer unlocking or roadside assistance first, then non-destructive tools such as a shoelace or long-reach.
    • Only break a window as a last resort.

    Legal and Ethical Checklist: When Emergency Entry is Justified

    Before learning how or attempting to break into a car, refer to the checklist below to see if your emergency counts:

    • Is a human or animal in immediate life-threatening danger such as heatstroke, unconsciousness, or drowning? Yes is required.
    • Have you called 911 and reported the situation? Always call before breaking or entering if possible.
    • Is professional help delayed or unreachable? Proceed only if delay risks death or severe harm.
    • Are you documenting your actions such as call log, witnesses, photos to justify good-faith aid? Yes.

    Why this matters: Good Samaritan protections exist in many jurisdictions for reasonable, good-faith rescue attempts, but laws differ by state. Document everything before you actually break into a car for whatever reason.

    What to Try First: Fast, Low-risk Options

    1. Call 911: give location, vehicle description, and condition such as unconscious, hot, trapped. Emergency responders can force entry legally and safely.
    2. Use manufacturer or roadside app: If you or the owner can unlock remotely via Toyota Remote Connect, FordPass, OnStar, or Tesla app, that is the safest option.
    3. Roadside assistance or locksmith: AAA, insurer programs, or a locksmith can usually reach you quickly. Always call these before forcing entry.

    Step-By-Step Methods on How to Break Into a Car For Life-Threatening Single-Person Rescues

    Order of preference when you decide to break into a car: try remote unlock, seek professional help, apply non-destructive improvised methods, use a professional slim jim only if trained, and breaking a window as a last resort.

    1. Shoelace (Post-Lock): Best For Breaking Into Older Cars With Visible Post Locks

    how to get into a locked car shoelace
    Screenshot

    When to use: Older vehicles with vertical lock posts, commonly pre-2000.

    Tools: strong shoelace

    Steps:

    • Remove one lace and tie a slip knot.
    • Work lace into the top corner between the door and frame.
    • Maneuver knot around lock post and pull tight to lift.

    Why: Minimal damage risk if done carefully. Stop if you encounter excessive resistance.

    Damage risk: torn weather stripping. Practice how to break into your own older car first.

    2. Coat-Hanger Or Improvised Long-Reach Tool: Low-Tech Reach

    When to use: Older vehicles or when you can wedge a small gap.

    Tools: straightened wire hanger with small hook, wedge such as inflatable or plastic to open gap.

    Steps: create a small access gap, slide tool, feel for unlock button or lever, hook and pull.

    Caution: modern vehicles have narrower gaps and sensors. Exercise extreme care.

    Evidence: Widely used in older vehicles. Success declines with electronic locks.

    3. Slim Jim Or Professional Long-Reach (Advanced, Professional Only)

    how-to-break-into-a-car-during-ermegencies-slim-jim

    Critical Professional Disclaimer: Slim jim usage requires specialized knowledge on how to break into a car. This method also carries significant risks, as improper technique can cause thousands of dollars in damage to electrical systems, airbags, window mechanisms, and door linkages. This information is provided solely for emergency preparedness education.

    Understanding Slim Jim Mechanics

    A slim jim is a thin, flat metal tool designed to manipulate vehicle door mechanisms through the gap between the window and door frame. According to locksmith industry standards, these tools work by accessing the internal linkage rods that connect door handles to locking mechanisms.

    How Slim Jim Emergency Car Access Works:

    • Slides between window glass and weather stripping
    • Locates internal connecting rods or cables
    • Manipulates unlock mechanism through precise movements
    • Bypasses external lock cylinder entirely

    Vehicle Compatibility and Limitations

    When to use a slim jim to break into a car: Only when life is at immediate risk, you know exactly where the internal rods are, and you accept damage risk. ALOA and locksmith organizations advise that slim jims are professional tools, and civilian use risks severe damage.

    Key steps, high level: wedge to open gap, insert slim jim at rear edge, feel for rods, hook or push the unlock rod gently, listen for engagement. If you are not trained, stop.

    Damage to avoid: snagging wiring, breaking window motors, tripping airbags that can be costly and dangerous.

    4. Breaking A Window: Last Resort When A Life Is Threatened

    how-to-break-into-a-car-during-an-emegrency

    When to use: Immediate danger such as unconscious child or animal in hot car or submerged vehicle, and no other option to break into a car.

    Best target: Side tempered window in the corner, not the windshield which is laminated.

    Tools: dedicated emergency window breaker, spring-loaded or carbide tip, or the ceramic part of a spark plug.

    Technique: Cover yourself and the child from shards, strike lower corner of the side window at an angle, push glass outward and clear debris before reaching in. Protect the person from glass. Wear gloves if possible.

    Document: photograph, record 911 call time, get witnesses.

    Damage Risks and How to Document for Police or Insurance

    • Airbag system damage: Side airbags can be triggered or damaged. Repairs often range from $2,000 to $5,000. Avoid door panels if possible.
    • Window motor and tracks: Slim jim misuse can jam motors. Replacement often costs $300 to $800.
    • Weatherstrip damage: Usually inexpensive but can cause leaks and noise.

    Document everything: time-stamped 911 call, photos before and after, witness contact info, notes explaining your good-faith belief of imminent peril. This supports Good Samaritan defense and insurance claims.

    Tools For Your Emergency Kit: Recommended

    how to into a locked car during emergencies tools 1
    • Emergency window breaker with seatbelt cutter such as spring-loaded and compact: primary for last-resort rescues.
    • Inflatable door wedge: creates a gap without damage.
    • Long-reach tool professional grade: only if you are trained.
    • Spare key or fob in secure lockbox: prevention beats repair.
    • Phone with roadside apps set up such as owner’s maker app, AAA app.

    Prevention and Preparedness: Avoid Emergency Entry

    • Leave the spare key with a trusted person or in a secure lockbox.
    • Set up the vehicle remote unlock app and test it periodically.
    • Keep an emergency window-breaker in the glovebox or center console.
    • Create routine checks for children and pets such as the ACT method: Avoid, Create reminders, Take action.

    State Law and Good Samaritan Quick Guide

    Not all attempts to break into a car can end positively. If your reason to do so is not an actual emergency, stop and rethink your options. Good Samaritan protections vary by state and country, so even if you act in good faith to prevent serious harm and contact emergency services first, you may not be protected from liability. If possible, call 911 before acting and record the call. For specific guidance on how to break into a car safel and legally, check your state statutes and local police guidance.

    Manual Wood Splitter: Best Options & How to Use Them

    A Complete Guide On Finding The Best Manual Wood Splitter For YOU

    Splitting firewood by hand is a time-honored tradition—great for staying warm, building muscle, and working up a proper appreciation for modern tools.

    But swinging an axe all day? That’s a fast track to a sore back and a bad attitude.

    That’s where manual firewood splitters come in—giving you a smarter, safer, and more efficient way to split logs without the fuel costs or noise of gas-powered machines.

    If you’re ready to upgrade from brute force to brainpower, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about manual firewood splitters, including:

    ✅ The best manual firewood splitters on the market
    Key features to look for when buying one
    How to use a manual firewood splitter (so you don’t wreck your hands or dignity)
    Who should get one (and who should stick to an axe or hydraulic splitter)

    Let’s dive in (but first)…

    Grid Doctor With EMP Intercept Technology

    Manual Firewood Splitters

    Not all manual splitters are created equal. Some are great for big, tough logs, while others are better suited for kindling and small jobs. Here are the top-rated manual firewood splitters:

    1. Kindling Cracker

    ???? Best for: Splitting small logs and making kindling
    ???? Why it’s great: Stationary wedge design—just hit the log with a mallet
    ???? Max log size: 6.5-inch diameter logs
    ???? Why you’ll love it: Zero maintenance and safe for all ages. Perfect for campers, cabin owners, and anyone who loves a good bonfire.

    Check it out here

    Kindling Cracker – Firewood Splitter Review

    2. Kindling Cracker XL

    ???? Best for: Splitting medium logs and making kindling
    ???? Why it’s great: Stationary wedge design—just hit the log with a mallet
    ???? Max log size: 9-inch diameter logs
    ???? Why you’ll love it: Same as the previous one, just a big larger/heavy to accommodate larger log sizes.

    Check it out here

    Kindling Cracker XL – First Try

    Note: These are the only 2 I recommend. Everything else has too many compromises to be considered a top option.

    Key Features to Look for in a Manual Firewood Splitter

    A good manual firewood splitter should be strong, stable, and safe. Here’s what you should consider before buying:

    ???? Splitting Mechanism – Hydraulic pump? Slide hammer? Wedge-and-mallet design? Pick one based on your strength and log size needs.

    ???? Max Log Size – Some splitters handle only small logs for kindling, while others can split thicker, tougher pieces of firewood.

    ???? Portability – If you need something lightweight for camping or off-grid use, avoid bulky hydraulic models.

    ???? Durability – Cast iron and hardened steel blades last longer than cheap aluminum or plastic parts.

    ???? Ease of Use – If your goal is less effort, go for hydraulic splitters or wedge-based designs that don’t require brute force.

    How to Use a Manual Firewood Splitter (Without Wrecking Yourself)

    Using a manual firewood splitter the right way will keep you safe and make the job much easier. Here’s the step-by-step process:

    1. Prep Your Work Area

    ✔️ Set up on solid, level ground (concrete or packed dirt works best)
    ✔️ Wear safety gear – gloves, boots, and eye protection (flying wood chips are no joke)
    ✔️ Stack logs nearby so you don’t have to stop and reload every few minutes

    2. Position the Log

    ✔️ Place the log upright and centered on the splitter
    ✔️ If using a wedge-style splitter, align it straight over the grain for a clean break

    3. Apply Force

    ✔️ For hydraulic splitters – Pump the handle until the log splits
    ✔️ For slide hammer splitters – Lift the hammer and slam it down onto the wedge
    ✔️ For wedge-style splitters – Strike the log with a heavy mallet until it cracks

    4. Remove & Repeat

    ✔️ Clear the split logs away before placing another one
    ✔️ If a log doesn’t split completely, rotate it and try again

    Pro Tip: Don’t rush. Splitting firewood is about technique, not just strength.

    Let the tool do the work!

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    Who Should Get a Manual Firewood Splitter?

    A manual firewood splitter isn’t for everyone—but it might be perfect for you if:

    You want a safer alternative to an axe – If you’re tired of swinging a maul (or just worried about missing your target), a splitter gives you more control and less risk.

    You don’t want to deal with gas-powered machines – Hydraulic and electric splitters are great, but they require maintenance, fuel, or electricity. Manual splitters work anywhere.

    You need something portable – If you’re heading to a cabin or off-grid property, a small manual wood splitter is easier to transport than a heavy-duty hydraulic model.

    You want to save money – Manual splitters cost a fraction of electric or gas-powered splitters. If you’re only splitting firewood for personal use, a $100–$300 splitter will get the job done without breaking the bank.

    ❌ However…If you need to split massive logs all winter long, you might want to invest in a powered splitter instead. Manual splitters are fantastic for smaller jobs, but they’ll wear you out if you need to process cords of wood regularly.

    Final Thoughts: Should You Get a Manual Firewood Splitter?

    So if you love the idea of splitting firewood without gas, electricity, or unnecessary effort, a manual firewood splitter is a smart buy. It’s safer than an axe, cheaper than a power splitter. And far more efficient than splitting logs the old-fashioned way.

    ???? For small logs and kindling? Go for a wedge-based splitter like the Kindling Cracker.
    ???? For medium-sized logs? A slide hammer splitter gives you controlled power.
    ???? For big logs? A hydraulic manual splitter is your best bet.

    At the end of the day, the right tool makes all the difference. If you want faster, easier, and safer firewood splitting, a manual wood splitter belongs in your shed.

    Now, go forth and split wood like a pro. ????????

    Prepare, Adapt & Overcome,

    P.s. – I just found out 2 out of 3 Americans don’t feel prepared for a 3 day disaster!!!

    I guess this goes to show how modern society continues to embrace ‘living a fragile life.’ What’s crazy is… it’s so easy to fix.

    To make sure YOU have the basics, watch our FREE training on “10 Simple Steps To Basic Preparedness” that shows you HOW.

    Nothing crazy here… this isn’t doomsday prepping… just the basics every responsible adult should have before a disaster strikes.

    Why You Can Trust Skilled Survival…

    Go here now to review a full breakdown of:

    • Who We Are
    • Our Credentials
    • Our Mission
    • & Product Recommendations…

    Here are a few highlights of our teams credentials & certifications:

    • Certified Member of a Mountain Search & Rescue Organization
    • Plant Emergency & Safety Leader for a Major Food Manufacturer
    • Member of the 10TH Mountain Division Hut Association
    • Certifications: Avalanche 1, WFR, CPR
    • Official Gear Tester for Numerous Outdoor Gear Companies
    • Countless Multiday Backpacking trips into Remote Wilderness
    • Bachelor’s Degree In Mechanical Engineering 
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    “It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it.” – Warren Buffett

    We’re fully aware that trust is NOT something you GET but is EARNED.

    And we’ll continue to earn YOUR trust through our forthright and honest approach with each new Blog Post, Guide & Product we create…

    P.s – I just took this FREE 60-second ‘Readiness Score Quiz’????


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    AND… I’ve still got a few gaps in my preps…????

    But at least, I’m not part of ‘The Fragile Masses’. ????

    Find out where YOU stand by answering a few questions…

    The post Manual Wood Splitter: Best Options & How to Use Them appeared first on Skilled Survival.

    Starlink or LTE : Which is Better When The Grid Goes Down?

    TL;DR

    • This article is for off-grid builders planning to integrate wide-area communications into a code-aware electrical system
    • Starlink is viable as a primary link if you can supply about 1.7–1.8 kWh per day or run on a scheduled work window, maintain a clear sky dome, and add automatic LTE failover
    • Your site powers the terminal; traffic exits through ground gateways. Inter-satellite laser links can route to distant powered gateways during a regional outage, but extreme, wide-area events can still degrade service until backhaul is restored
    • Plan about 70–75 watts continuous for terminal plus router; require unobstructed sky above roughly 25–30 degrees elevation for stable real-time calls
    • 24/7 operation generally begins around 600–1,000 watts of PV and 4–6 kWh of LiFePO₄; an eight-hour work window often works with 200–400 watts of PV and 1–2 kWh of LiFePO₄
    • Use Starlink as primary only when power, sky view, and LTE failover are solved; otherwise choose a directional LTE path first

    Grid-down connectivity should remain an operational requirement for many homesteads and not a mere slogan. Starlink is a satellite internet system that uses a self-aiming dish and low-earth-orbit satellites to deliver broadband where trenchable fiber or reliable fixed wireless do not exist. If you run client work, remote instruction, or site monitoring, a sustained outage is lost revenue and diminished awareness. This assessment treats Starlink as a designed subsystem that you power from your own solar, battery, or generator. Traffic moves through satellites and exits via ground gateways on terrestrial backhaul, which means the link can route around some local failures but still depends on powered infrastructure somewhere on the ground.

    The question is not whether the technology is impressive; the question is whether it is the right primary pipe for your site conditions, energy budget, and risk posture.

    Starlink delivers broadband-class throughput and latency that support conferencing and cloud workflows. It is independent of your local utility drop because you provide the power, which can allow continued service when neighborhood cable or fiber is dark. It is not independent of ground infrastructure in absolute terms, because user links still traverse gateways tied to terrestrial networks. That mixed dependency is what you design around: enough energy on site to run the terminal when you need it and a second transport path to absorb policy shifts, congestion, or gateway issues.

    Power Budget And System Sizing

    Continuous draw is the governing constraint. A conservative design value for the terminal and router is about 70–75 watts, which is roughly 1.7–1.8 kWh in a full day. If you intend to operate only during office hours, the daily energy drops to about 0.6 kWh and the storage and array requirements change accordingly. Higher DC bus voltages such as twenty-four or forty-eight volts reduce conductor size and conversion losses and simplify integration with a quality inverter or a DC-DC supply sized for steady load plus margin.

    Site Conditions And Link Stability

    Low-earth-orbit tracking requires a clean sky dome. Brief obstruction from trees, a chimney line, or nearby terrain introduces short interruptions that a browser can mask but a live call cannot. Before you buy, run the obstruction tool at the exact mast location and confirm a clear arc above roughly twenty-five to thirty degrees elevation. If you cannot achieve that without pruning or a taller structure, model LTE as your primary path.

    Starlink Decision Framework For Grid-Down Use

    starlink-main-image
    Screenshot

    This framework replaces guesswork with three pass-fail checkpoints. If any fail, it’s best to treat LTE as a more ideal primary and revisit later.

    You begin with sky clearance. Use the Starlink obstruction check at the proposed mount point at three different times of day and look for a clean report with minimal predicted events and a clear arc above the stated elevation. You then size the power system against your duty cycle rather than an abstract “always-on” assumption. Plan about 1.8 kWh per day for continuous operation, which typically implies several kilowatt-hours of usable storage and a mid-sized PV array, or plan roughly one third of that if you will schedule the terminal to run only during work hours.

    Finally, require automatic LTE failover if your homestead depends on conferencing, voice over IP, or remote access, because policy changes and congestion are a certainty over a multi-year horizon.

    For readers who want numbers in one place after that reasoning, here is the compact version. This list is not a substitute for the steps above; it mirrors them for quick reference after you have done the checks.

    • Approve Starlink as Primary when the obstruction survey is clean, the power system can meet the calculated kWh with at least three days of autonomy, and a dual-WAN router with LTE failover is part of the design
    • Approve LTE as Primary when the site cannot meet the sky or energy requirements, or when measured LTE with a directional antenna meets work needs with far lower draw

    Installation That Respects Code And Roof Warranties

    A reliable link starts with correct mechanical and electrical practice rather than exotic hardware. Choose a flashed, lag-bolted mount into rafters on a pitched roof or an engineered ballast mount on a flat roof after you verify exposure category, setbacks, and structure.

    Then, bond the mast to the building grounding electrode system with short, straight conductors. Add surge protection on the power-over-Ethernet run at the entry point and at the rack. Use outdoor-rated cable with compression fittings and sealed penetrations with drip loops. Place a dual-WAN router upstream of your switches and access points so Starlink and the LTE modem occupy separate WAN ports and health checks govern failover. This approach allows local services such as storage and cameras to remain useful on the LAN even when both WAN links are down.

    Operating Strategy For Energy And Workload

    Operations policy has as much impact on energy cost as hardware selection. If you do not need overnight connectivity, schedule the terminal to power during working hours and shut down outside that window to avoid idle consumption and heater cycles in cold weather. Use wired Ethernet to the workstation for meetings and schedule large transfers during solar-positive hours. If you use a generator, keep the rack on a small line-interactive UPS so the link rides through transfer events without rebooting.

    Cost And ROI

    starlink-LTE
    Screenshot

    Starlink service in the United States runs about one hundred twenty dollars per month for residential plans, which is roughly one thousand four hundred forty dollars per year, with occasional promotions that change kit pricing. The capital outlay that matters to an off-grid site is the incremental energy system required to run the terminal when you need it. A round-the-clock profile typically implies several kilowatt-hours of LiFePO₄ storage and a mid-sized PV array; a work-hours-only profile often functions with roughly one third of that.

    The economic test is simple: compare one day of lost income to the annualized cost of service plus the incremental battery and array capacity the terminal requires. If a single lost day has a value above a few hundred dollars, a scheduled-runtime configuration usually pays for itself; if your workload is light and your cellular signal is strong, an LTE-first design remains the lower-cost primary with Starlink added later as redundant capacity.

    Starlink During Solar Storms

    Space weather affects both satellites and the radio path that connects your dish to the constellation, so the correct question is not whether Starlink is immune, but how it behaves under real disturbances and what that means for a homestead. During the severe geomagnetic storms of May 10–12, 2024, SpaceX acknowledged “degraded service,” and independent measurements reported increased latency and pockets of packet loss rather than a complete network collapse. NOAA categorized that period as a G5-class event, the most intense level and the strongest since 2003, and invited impact reports from communications operators because multiple technologies saw effects.

    In practical terms, users with clear sky and healthy power experienced slower and less stable links but often remained connected; users on marginal sites or with obstructions saw more pronounced issues.

    A separate risk appears during launches and at very low orbital altitudes, where geomagnetic storms thicken the upper atmosphere and increase drag. In February 2022, a moderate storm caused about forty newly launched, low-altitude Starlink satellites to reenter prematurely. That event did not reflect the behavior of the operational network at nominal altitudes, but it does illustrate that solar activity can force operational adjustments and, in extreme cases, accelerate the retirement of aging units.

    For an end user, the operational takeaway is straightforward: even with inter-satellite laser routing that can reach distant powered gateways, the user-to-satellite radio link still crosses the ionosphere and can degrade during severe storms, so you plan for temporary performance hits and you keep LTE failover ready.

    When To Choose Starlink, When To Walk Away

    Starlink is the correct primary path when the obstruction survey is clean, the power system can meet the calculated kWh with margin, and automatic LTE failover is part of the design. LTE or fixed wireless should come first when the site sits under heavy canopy or complex terrain that you cannot fix with a practical mast, when winter heater draw cannot be supported even with scheduling, or when measured cellular performance already meets your workload at a fraction of the power. The goal is not to own a specific device; the goal is to maintain a usable, testable pipe on ordinary days and during grid-down events.

    Up Next:

    Survival Life’s Ultimate Guide to SHTF Preparedness Plan

    Survival Tech: Accessing Crucial Information When The Grid Goes Down

     

    If you’re looking for useful survival gear that you can’t make at home, check out the Survival Life Store! What do you think of this post on the 10 Must Have Items You Need When Hiking With Your Dog? Let us know in the comment section below.

    How To Setup A Defensive Shotgun

    A shotgun is one of the oldest firearm designs still in regular use, and for good reason. Put simply, a shotgun is brutally effective at close ranges where most home defense scenarios occur. Still, owning a defensive shotgun for the house is not the same as being ready to use it safely and effectively. Training is the foundation, but equipment matters a great deal too. Thoughtful, simple gear choices make the gun easier to use under stress. Too many accessories, or the wrong ones, create problems you will fight with when you need the tool to work.

    A Proven Platform — The Defensive Shotgun

    Build from a reliable base. For this setup I began with a Mossberg 590, the seven-shot tube version. The 590 is a defensive classic for a reason: rugged, familiar controls, and a long history of proven performance. When you choose your platform, think reliability first. Accessories come later and they should only be added if they solve a real problem for your mission.

    Sling & Ergo

    A sling is mandatory. It keeps the gun on your person, frees your hands without setting the shotgun down, and creates a degree of control so unauthorized users cannot easily grab it. For this build I used a Magpul sling and QD studs mounted to a FAB Defense stock. The Magpul sling is simple, robust, and fast to manipulate. Quick detach mounting gives you options without locking you into a single configuration, the QD studs also allow you to exit the sling from either end.

    Ergonomics are about feel, texture, and repeatability. Fab Defense’s handguard in this setup offers plenty of M-LOK real estate for accessories, with added texture that helps when conditions are wet or when adrenaline has taken your fine motor skills. The rear stock in this case includes a shock buffer system. It looks like a standard buffer tube on the outside, but inside there is a spring and shock mechanism that soaks up recoil. I was skeptical when I first saw it, but after running hot defensive loads it genuinely soaks up felt recoil and reduces shooter fatigue. That means you can practice longer, cycle faster between shots, and remain more accurate when using stout loads.

    Sights

    Sighting choices should favor fast target acquisition and redundancy. On the 590 I mounted a Meprolight MPO DF. It is an RMR footprint red dot running on a CR1623 battery with a stated runtime of 15,000 hours. The DF’s purpose-built baseplate allowed an almost co-witness setup with the front bead, giving an optical fast-aiming solution while keeping a visible backup.

    I also installed an XS Sights front bead night sight replacement. The XS front bead is a sensible backup because it is visible in extremely low light and costs far less than an optic. If your dot ever fails, the big white bead gives you a clear, quick index point and works well with a light.

    An optic plus bead is the pairing I prefer. The optic gives instant aiming in dim conditions, and the bead is a zero-tech fallback. Practice both ways so you can transition fluidly if one solution fails.

    More Than Lumens

    A light is not optional. You cannot index a threat you cannot see. If you don’t have one on the gun itself you need to have some ambient light in your house and on the property itself. Out front, this 590 uses a Nextorch WL50B IR head unit with a momentary switch. Nextorch is known for building reliable weapon lights. The WL50B operates on CR123A cells or its rechargeable proprietary battery and capable lumen output is listed at 1000 lumens on high. It also produces IR output in its configuration, which may be useful in some setups and unnecessary in others. If you do not intend to use IR, select the white-light only option to avoid complexity.

    Important detail: mounting and switching matter as much as raw lumen numbers. If your light’s switch is awkward, you will not be able to manipulate it under stress. Likewise, a light that moves around under recoil will fail you. Test the placement, and if necessary reposition the switch and secure the mount with thread locker where appropriate. This gun needed just that. I built what I thought would work, it sucked and needed to be moved.

    Ammunition: Pattern & Distance

    Ammunition selection is one of the most consequential decisions you will make. People often say, “get good ammo,” and that is true, but you need to define what “good” means for your house. The practical way to select a defensive load is to measure the maximum line-of-sight distance inside your home from the likely breach points to the positions where you expect the threat to present. That means walking the perimeter, imagining an intruder’s possible path, and using the farthest reasonable engagement distance as your test.

    Buy three different loads and pattern them at that distance. Pattern testing shows you how the shot distributes and whether it is likely to keep the pellets inside the intended target. Shotguns remain ballistically powerful at home defense ranges, so you want the pellets to do their job on-target and not continue past where they can cause unintended harm.

    In this build I tested Remington 00 Buck, which the data in this example reported as a nine-pellet packet at 1325 fps. Treat manufacturer and test data critically and test it on your own. I also tested Remington Rifled Slugger slugs through this 590. The gun is not fitted with a choke and is intended to run buck and ball. A rifled slug placed carefully from a smoothbore barrel shot a 1oz slug that averaged 1,416.1 fps over five shots in my testing. The Slugger easily hit a 9 in steel plate out to 50 yards, which demonstrates why slugs have utility when you need reach. Conversely, light birdshot like Nitro 27 is not ideal for defensive work; it has minimal recoil and cycles actions nicely for testing, but its wound potential and penetration patterns are designed for sport, not stopping threats.

    The rule of thumb is this: choose a load you can place where you want it and that patterns acceptably at the distances you might actually need it. Only load that trusted defensive round in your defensive gun when it is actively being used for protection.

    Recoil Management

    Recoil is not only about shooter comfort. It affects follow-up shots, endurance during extended training, and the shooter’s willingness to use the gun. The Fab Defense shock-buffer stock in this build materially reduced felt recoil and allowed me to run heavier defensive loads without significant fatigue. That makes it possible to train with real loads more often and to maintain consistent performance.

    Reliability is non-negotiable. Any accessory you add increases the chance of failure if it is not compatible or properly secured. In my build I had to reposition the light and its switch after an initial test, and I used Loctite on key fasteners where movement could have created failures. Run the gun hard, clear it, shoot a number of full-magazine strings, then re-check fasteners and mounts.

    The Elephant 

    Shotguns are “always empty” their power factor is high and capacity is low compared to handguns. There is no one right way to solve that problem; there are several perfectly valid approaches and a lot of personal preference and tradeoffs. Some shooters like a stock- or receiver-mounted caddy that holds a handful of extra shells in easy reach. Others prefer a side-saddle or Velcro shotgun cards that carry a tube-full of shells along the receiver for fast reloads. 

    What matters more than which method you choose is that the extra ammo is on the gun itself.Whatever system you adopt, practice reloading with it until the motion is second nature under time pressure.

    Pitfalls & Simple Rules

    There are three simple rules that will keep your setup usable. First, keep it simple. If an accessory makes the gun harder to manipulate, remove it. Second, test everything. If you do not test the entire system… gun, mounts, sights, light, sling, and ammunition; assume something will fail when you need it. Third, train with exactly what you will use for defense. That means the same sling, stock, magazine pattern, light, switch placement, and loads.

    Gimmicks sell well on review videos, but many fail under recoil or in a damp, chaotic environment. Smart buyers pick proven components, mount them correctly, and then practice until the system and the shooter behave as one.

    Final Thoughts

    A defensive shotgun is a high-power factor, low-capacity firearm. That reality frames everything that follows. You will spend more time managing the tube than you will firing rounds, so think about how you will carry extra ammo and how fast you can get it into the gun when needed. I didn’t give you a recommendation here, not because it’s unimportant but you have to commit to it yourself. 

    A defensive shotgun is an honest tool: simple in concept, but precise in execution. Choose a reliable chassis, prioritize controls you can operate without fine motor skills, fit a dependable optic and a simple backup, mount a usable light, and pick and pattern your defensive load at real world distances found in your house. Add a sling and a practical method to carry spare rounds so the low capacity of the platform does not become a liability.

    Above all, test and train. A well-built shotgun that has not been run, refined, and rehearsed will betray you when you need it. Build thoughtfully, practice deliberately, and keep the gear earned from experience, not impulse.

    Affiliate links create a financial incentive for writers to promote certain products, which can lead to biased recommendations. This blurs the line between genuine advice and marketing, reducing trust in the content.

    The post How To Setup A Defensive Shotgun appeared first on Athlon Outdoors Exclusive Firearm Updates, Reviews & News.

    Super Creepy ‘The World Ahead 2026’ Magazine Cover Published By The Economist Shows They Expect War, Pestilence And Financial Collapse Next Year

    There is one magazine that represents the interests of the global elite more than any other.  It is known as “The Economist”, and each year it puts out an issue that is dedicated to what is coming in the year ahead.  As we have seen so many times before, these issues tend to be alarmingly accurate.  The reason why they are so accurate is because the ultra-wealthy elite have an enormous amount of influence over the course of human events.  If they are absolutely determined to make something happen, there is a good chance that it is going to happen.  Ominously, it appears that they are anticipating a great deal of global chaos in 2026.

    The Economist has been around since 1843, but it has never had a very large readership among the general population.

    Ultimately, it is a publication by the elite and for the elite.

    According to Wikipedia, it has editorial offices all over the planet but it is primarily based in the city of London…

    The Economist is a British news and current affairs journal published in a weekly print magazine format and daily on digital platforms. Variously referred to as a magazine and a newspaper,[6][7] it publishes stories on topics that include economics, business, geopolitics, technology and culture. Mostly written and edited in London,[8] it has other editorial offices in the United States and in major cities in continental Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.[9][8] The publication prominently features data journalism, and has a focus on interpretive analysis over original reporting, to both criticism and acclaim.

    Many of the wealthiest families in Europe are among the shareholders of the company, and Sir Evelyn Robert de Rothschild was actually the chairman from the early 1970s to the late 1980s

    Aside from the Agnelli family, smaller shareholders in the company include Cadbury, Rothschild (21%), Schroder, Layton and other family interests as well as a number of staff and former staff shareholders.[37][43] A board of trustees formally appoints the editor, who cannot be removed without its permission. The Economist Newspaper Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Economist Group. Sir Evelyn Robert de Rothschild was chairman of the company from 1972 to 1989.

    If you want to know what the global elite are thinking, this is the publication that you need to be reading.

    And the cover for “The World Ahead 2026” issue is perhaps the most ominous that they have ever published…

    When you look at that cover, what stands out to you?

    To me, the fact that there are so many symbols relating to war really got my attention.

    There is a huge red tank on one side of the cover, and another huge red tank on the other side of the cover.

    At the top there are several large missiles that look like they are ready to be launched, and at the bottom there are more large missiles.

    Also, right in the middle we see two enormous swords that are crossed.

    That is clearly meant to symbolize war.

    Obviously they believe that war will continue to be a major theme in 2026, and that is something that I have been consistently warning about.

    And they also seem to think that certain individuals will continue to be major players in world affairs during the coming year.

    Volodymyr Zelensky is clearly visible in the upper right hand portion of the cover.

    Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin and Benjamin Netanyahu appear to be depicted on the left hand portion of the cover.

    And just like last year, Donald Trump is right in the middle.

    On Monday, Trump refused to rule out the possibility of sending U.S. ground troops into Venezuela

    Asked if he would rule out US troops on the ground in Venezuela, Trump replied: “No I don’t rule out that, I don’t rule out anything.

    “We just have to take care of Venezuela,” he added. “They dumped hundreds of thousands of people into our country from prisons.”

    Personally, I think that this is a trap.

    If we go to war with Venezuela, a large portion of our military forces will be tied up and our relations with the rest of the world will greatly suffer.

    And Trump is also suggesting that military strikes in Mexico and Colombia could be coming

    President Trump hinted at being open to sending military strikes to Mexico and Colombia in order to stop drugs on Monday, sending chills across the region.

    The president made the comments during a press conference on Monday as he hosted a meeting with FIFA President Gianni Infantino and the White House task force on the 2026 World Cup at the Oval Office.

    “Would I launch strikes on Mexico to stop drugs? It’s OK with me. Whatever we have to do to stop drugs. Mexico is…look I looked at Mexico City over the weekend. There’s some big problems over there. If we had to would we do there what we’ve done to the waterways? You know there is almost no drugs coming through our waterways anymore. Isn’t it down like 85%?” the president said.

    On the other side of the globe, I expect the conflict between Israel and Iran to erupt again, I expect the war in Ukraine to continue to escalate, and I will be watching China very, very closely.

    Getting back to the magazine cover, I also noticed that there is a chart that seems to depict some sort of a financial crash right under the crossed swords.

    And not too far below that chart, there is a red image of a broken dollar sign.

    In addition, throughout the bottom half of the graphic it looks like paper currency is falling everywhere.

    Wow.

    Obviously they are trying to communicate something about the global economy, and it certainly isn’t good.

    Will 2026 be a year of financial collapse?

    We won’t have to wait too long to find out.

    I also noticed two gigantic syringes near the bottom of the cover.

    And throughout the cover there are lots of “pills” floating around.

    I started to count them, but there are just too many.

    So what does this mean?

    Are they suggesting that another global pandemic is on the way?

    Will 2026 be a year when people are taking shots and pills to try to protect themselves from a major pestilence that has broken out?

    Interestingly, an outbreak of the Marburg virus has just been confirmed in Ethiopia

    Ethiopia has confirmed an outbreak of the deadly Marburg virus in the south of the country, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) said on Saturday.

    The Marburg virus is one of the deadliest known pathogens. Like Ebola, it causes severe bleeding, fever, vomiting and diarrhea and has a 21-day incubation period.

    Also like Ebola, it is transmitted via contact with bodily fluids and has a fatality rate of between 25 and 80 per cent.

    The head of the World Health Organization, Ethiopia’s Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, confirmed on Friday that at least nine cases had been detected in southern Ethiopia, two days after Africa CDC was alerted to a suspected haemorrhagic virus in the region.

    Personally, I am convinced that pestilence will be a major theme in 2026.

    I hope that all of you have been getting ready for that.

    Lastly, I wanted to mention the giant raised fist near the top of the cover.

    A raised fist has been the primary symbol of resistance to the Trump administration.

    And I don’t think that it is an accident that the giant raised fist has been placed right on top of the American flag in this graphic.

    Are the global elite planning civil unrest in major U.S. cities in 2026?

    We know that they have been lavishly funding far left protest groups in this country.

    Will 2026 be a year when mass protests against Trump go to the next level?

    I think that is their plan.

    I think that they fully intend to unleash chaos, and that fits perfectly with what I am expecting too.

    Unfortunately for the elite, I do not believe that they will be able to control the chaos that is coming.

    We really are right on the brink of a global nightmare, and once it starts nobody is going to be able to wake up from it.

    Michael’s new book entitled “10 Prophetic Events That Are Coming Next” is available in paperback and for the Kindle on Amazon.com, and you can subscribe to his Substack newsletter at michaeltsnyder.substack.com.

    About the Author: Michael Snyder’s new book entitled “10 Prophetic Events That Are Coming Next” is available in paperback and for the Kindle on Amazon.com. He has also written nine other books that are available on Amazon.com including “Chaos”“End Times”“7 Year Apocalypse”“Lost Prophecies Of The Future Of America”“The Beginning Of The End”, and “Living A Life That Really Matters”.  When you purchase any of Michael’s books you help to support the work that he is doing.  You can also get his articles by email as soon as he publishes them by subscribing to his Substack newsletter.  Michael has published thousands of articles on The Economic Collapse BlogEnd Of The American Dream and The Most Important News, and he always freely and happily allows others to republish those articles on their own websites.  These are such troubled times, and people need hope.  John 3:16 tells us about the hope that God has given us through Jesus Christ: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”  If you have not already done so, we strongly urge you to invite Jesus Christ to be your Lord and Savior today.

    The post Super Creepy ‘The World Ahead 2026’ Magazine Cover Published By The Economist Shows They Expect War, Pestilence And Financial Collapse Next Year appeared first on End Of The American Dream.

    The Feds Are Using Dystopian AI Surveillance Tools To Monitor Where We Drive And What We Do On Social Media

    For decades, an insidious Big Brother control grid has been growing and evolving all around us, and now artificial intelligence is allowing authorities to do things that they have never been able to do before.  Shockingly, that includes monitoring where we drive so that those with “suspicious” travel patterns can be detained.  There are many that are arguing that this kind of surveillance is unconstitutional, and it is certainly morally wrong.  How can we possibly be free if the federal government is literally watching us wherever we go?

    I don’t want to live in a “Minority Report society” where the government is arresting people simply because an algorithm has flagged their travel patterns.

    But that is precisely what the Border Patrol’s “predictive intelligence program” is doing…

    The U.S. Border Patrol is monitoring millions of American drivers nationwide in a secretive program to identify and detain people whose travel patterns it deems suspicious, The Associated Press has found.

    The Border Patrol’s predictive intelligence program has resulted in people being stopped, searched and in some cases arrested. A network of cameras scans and records vehicle license plate information, and an algorithm flags vehicles deemed suspicious based on where they came from, where they were going and which route they took. Federal agents in turn may then flag local law enforcement.

    Suddenly, drivers find themselves pulled over – often for reasons cited such as speeding, no turn signals or even a dangling air freshener blocking the view. They are then aggressively questioned and searched, with no inkling that the roads they drove put them on law enforcement’s radar.

    This is so wrong.

    The AP spoke to eight former officials that have direct knowledge of this program.

    All of them confirmed that this is happening.

    You may think that you are safe is you do not live near the border, but when asked about the scope of this program the CBP explained that it can legally operate “anywhere in the United States”

    CBP defended its use of license plate readers, stating that the program is “governed by a stringent, multi-layered policy framework, as well as federal law and constitutional protections, to ensure the technology is applied responsibly and for clearly defined security purposes.” The agency added: “For national security reasons, we do not detail the specific operational applications.” According to CBP, while the U.S. Border Patrol primarily operates within 100 miles of the border, it is legally permitted “to operate anywhere in the United States”.

    Reading that should send a chill up your spine.

    Apparently this program began “about a decade ago”, and they have been going to great lengths to keep it secret…

    Once limited to policing the nation’s boundaries, the Border Patrol’s surveillance system stretches into the country’s interior and monitors ordinary Americans’ daily actions and connections for anomalies instead of simply targeting wanted suspects. Started about a decade ago to fight illegal border-related activities and the trafficking of both drugs and people, it has expanded over the past five years.

    Border Patrol has for years hidden details of its license plate reader program, trying to keep any mention of the program out of court documents and police reports, according to two people familiar with the program. Readers are often disguised along highways in traffic safety equipment like drums and barrels.

    If the government is trying to keep a domestic surveillance program secret, that is a major red flag right there.

    Obviously they know that they are doing something that the general population would not like.

    So why are they doing it?

    We are also being told that the government is “ramping up its social media surveillance” with new AI-driven tools…

    Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is acquiring powerful new surveillance tools to identify and monitor people.

    They include apps that let federal agents point a cell phone at someone’s face to potentially identify them and determine their immigration status in the field, and another that can scan irises. Newly licensed software can give “access to vast amounts of location-based data,” according to an archive of the website of the company that developed it, and ICE recently revived a previously frozen contract with a company that makes spyware that can hack into cell phones.

    The federal agency is also ramping up its social media surveillance, with new AI-driven software contracts, and is considering hiring 24/7 teams of contractors assigned to scouring various databases and platforms like Facebook and TikTok and creating dossiers on users.

    When most of us post stuff on social media, we never even imagine that the feds might be spying on us.

    But that is exactly what is taking place.

    According to Politico, the Department of Homeland Security has contracts with several social media monitoring companies…

    It’s not clear what tools the government is using to collect and analyze social media posts, and DHS didn’t respond to a direct request about how it is surveilling online platforms.

    To get a picture of what kinds of tools they might be using, DFD reviewed active federal contracts from public government records, and found four DHS contracts with social media monitoring companies.

    One of the entities that the Department of Homeland Security is working with is known as Zignal Labs.

    Apparently Zignal Labs is able to monitor and analyze “8 billion social media posts per day”

    An informational pamphlet marked confidential but publicly available online advertises that Zignal Labs “leverages artificial intelligence and machine learning” to analyze over 8 billion social media posts per day, providing “curated detection feeds” for its clients. The information, the company says, allows law enforcement to “detect and respond to threats with greater clarity and speed.”

    Essentially, Zignal Labs is using artificial intelligence to watch everything that we do on social media.

    If you post this article on social media, they will see that too.

    Big Brother is watching, and if something you post gets flagged, you could potentially get into trouble.

    If we do not stand up and object now, they will just keep pushing the envelope even farther.

    Eventually, we could end up just like China

    To get a sense of the capabilities of AI law enforcement, look to present-day China. Analysts estimate that over half of the world’s surveillance cameras are in China, and many of those cameras use AI facial recognition. AI algorithms identify people and track their movements, allowing the government to monitor their activities and their meetings with others. Iris scans act as a visual fingerprint of people, even those wearing masks. Spy drones fly above China’s cities, recording activities in ever-sharper detail. AI analytics can spot unlawful or anomalous actions, even littering. In recent years, Chinese authorities have installed facial recognition cameras inside residential buildings, hotels, and even karaoke bars. The goal of installing these systems is, according to a Fujian province police department, “controlling and managing people.”

    Increasingly, AI is used not just for surveillance but also for policing. Semi-autonomous AI police robots operate without human input a majority of the time. In China, these police robots patrol public places and use facial recognition to scan for people wanted by law enforcement. When such a person is detected, the robot begins following them until the police arrive. Other robots knock suspects over or fire a “net gun” to immobilize them.

    In China, there is nowhere to run and nowhere to hide.

    The Chinese government uses artificial intelligence to monitor everyone and everything, and even the smallest infringement can affect your social credit score.

    What the Chinese have created is the exact opposite of a free society.

    And that is where we are heading too if we continue to go down the road that we are on now.

    Michael’s new book entitled “10 Prophetic Events That Are Coming Next” is available in paperback and for the Kindle on Amazon.com, and you can subscribe to his Substack newsletter at michaeltsnyder.substack.com.

    About the Author: Michael Snyder’s new book entitled “10 Prophetic Events That Are Coming Next” is available in paperback and for the Kindle on Amazon.com. He has also written nine other books that are available on Amazon.com including “Chaos”“End Times”“7 Year Apocalypse”“Lost Prophecies Of The Future Of America”“The Beginning Of The End”, and “Living A Life That Really Matters”.  When you purchase any of Michael’s books you help to support the work that he is doing.  You can also get his articles by email as soon as he publishes them by subscribing to his Substack newsletter.  Michael has published thousands of articles on The Economic Collapse BlogEnd Of The American Dream and The Most Important News, and he always freely and happily allows others to republish those articles on their own websites.  These are such troubled times, and people need hope.  John 3:16 tells us about the hope that God has given us through Jesus Christ: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”  If you have not already done so, we strongly urge you to invite Jesus Christ to be your Lord and Savior today.

    The post The Feds Are Using Dystopian AI Surveillance Tools To Monitor Where We Drive And What We Do On Social Media appeared first on End Of The American Dream.