“Don’t be into trends. Don’t make fashion own you, but you decide what you are, what you want to express by the way you dress and the way to live.” — Gianni Versace

Don’t get fooled by the quote from one of most well-known fashion icons and haute-couture stylists. In fact, this article is meant to lead you, the prepper woman, into an annotated trip inside the multi-colored (and multi-purpose and multi-priced!) world of bug out clothing for women.

by Kyt Lyn Walken, professional tracker and contributing writer

As a woman who has spent countless hours in forests, plains, and desert environments with nothing but what I have on my back and body, I may have some advice you will find helpful.

Choosing Clothes to Wear for Bugging Out

It is not just a matter of picking different pieces of clothing by chance and stuff them into your bug out bag. Nor are we talking about the business of post-apocalyptic fashion.

Bug out clothes are not meant to be garments just buried somewhere in your wardrobe waiting for the one day you might need to bug out. It doesn’t work that way.

You need to know you can completely rely on the clothes you select because they can make the difference between life and death. This is especially true when temperatures drop below freezing or, on the contrary, in case of blasting heat. For this specific reason, the selection of your clothing “companions” must be well thought out.

Never make clothes shopping decisions – particularly for these purposes – happen in a rush. “You decide what you are, what you want to express by the way you dress and the way to live.” And, let me add, the way to survive.

Bug Out Clothing Requirements

“The two most important requirements for major success are: first, being in the right place at the right time, and second, doing something about it.” – Ray Kroc

In my previous article on bug out bag (BOB) advice for women, I stressed the qualities that a good BOB should possess.

Those include the following attributes:

• Lightweight
• Consistent Performance
• Durability

Suitable garments that couple that bug out bag should follow the same requirements. The sole, mere fact of needing to rely on them them should cause you to pay very close attention before making a purchase.

Therefore, in addition to the above list, you need to add to the following attributes:

• Breathability
• Foldability
• Comfort

In practical terms, these requirements will guide you towards the option for clothes which are:

• light to carry (for example, a fleece weighs less than a sweater made of the finest Alpaca Wool)
• well-layered and produced, far from being some trashy items
• durable to the point of lasting for years if cared for
• with a proper way to allow your skin to breathe
• easy to fold inside compression sacks
• comfortable  to wear

You have to select what appeals to your mind (and wallet) before making this investment. You are not shopping with your eyes for trending clothes, colors, and styles. Think critically and you will be heading in the right direction not only to buy the very best stuff you can afford, but also to save money. Planning ahead and knowing what you want will allow you to take advantage of extraordinary sales.

It can be difficult to articulate the power of substance through words, but experience and frantic tests will surely help you out.

Examine Clothes Closely and Test Through Experience

“Trust but verify.” – Ronald Reagan

Amazon is surely a top platform to rely on when it comes to shopping various items, looking for sales and researching others’ opinions through customer reviews. But your tactile sense stands as an important factor in selecting your clothes. You need to verify, for example, the texture of a fabric you aren’t familiar with. Of course, it always an option to buy, examine, and return if you are unsatisfied.

Technical textiles are at the very cutting edge of clothing products in the last decades. They ride the hectic wave of demand for breathable shirts, shirts, or even trousers.

(See Prepper Shirts for related just-for-fun clothes.)

Some clothes are made of extremely lightweight fabric, but are also prone to being torn through brambles or damaged by proximity of camp fire. I have ruined several shirts in this way. So, don’t remain stuck to your first, positive reaction to a brand new or item.

Get familiar with the product by touching it and analyzing stitching and the details of fabrication. Test clothes through use and in different terrains at different time experience will tell you the rest.

When Practice – and experience – Makes Perfect

“Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better.” – Samuel Beckett

As mentioned above, a good, initial impression can leave you satisfied or totally disappointed once tested in the field. Far away from being a simple matter of comfort, the process of testing ALL the garments you purchase is an unavoidable step in identifying the pros and cons of each item.

My suggestion is to keep a journal or a Excel file on your PC or email (so you can easily access it even from mobile phone) where you can take note of:

• Type of garment (shirts, trousers, and so on)
• Brand
• Location of the purchase (i.e., Eastern Mountain Sports, Black Diamond Apparel, etc.)
• Date
• Expectations
• Annotations after 1^st test, after 2^nd test (and so on)
• Final considerations on Pros and Cons

It may sound stupid, but believe me, doing this will serve you in an amazing way, especially if your tests will take place after a period of time (surely you cannot test a fleece in hot temperatures!). In fact, the cornerstone of being prepared is to count on an organized mind.

Forgetting that we already purchased a certain garment (and maybe reviewed that in a very bad way) can happen more often than you think, especially if you love clothes and buy many.

Personal Selection – Expectation vs Reality

“No expectations are always good protections” – Anonymous

Let me stress again how important accuracy is during the process of determining which garments you need to pack inside your bug out bag. Never underestimate your physical conditions or your body/mind limits. For example, if you are sensitive to the cold, pay extra attention to preparing additional layers that will keep you warm.

Make sure to arrange clothes for all the different kinds of weather conditions and seasons, from heavy winter clothes to lightweight summer apparel. Give special attention to waterproof and insulated jackets, boots, without forgetting quality socks and gloves. The fingers are, in fact, more prone to be highly attacked by hypothermia and chillblains.

My personal selection of bug out clothes includes:

• light and warm socks up to the knee (to help prevent tick bites)
• cotton and mixed wool underwear
• seamless bras (honest suggestion to all the women out there: please avoid any bra with an underwire, as it increases the risk of developing breast cancer!)
• undershirts
• short and long sleeves shirts
• 2 trousers in ripstop (ripstop adds much needed durability)
• 2 leggings
• light sweater
• 2 fleece hoodies
• waterproof jacket
• foldable quilted jacket
• shemag
• balaclava
• a pair of light and a pair of warm gloves
• a pair of light and a pair of heavy boots
• boonie hat
• wool beanie hat

This is obviously meant to be a starting point. Again, you need to update this list up to your necessities and personal observations. No one else can help you figure out what works for you besides you.

Bug Out Clothes You Must Avoid

“The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjusts the sails.” – William Arthur Ward

Stocking your bug out clothes is not exactly a cushy thing to do, I reckon that. But, once again, turning some old items into a selection of garments that you need to wear in a SHTF situation isn’t a brilliant idea. (See How Likely is a SHTF Scenario or Situation?)

For this exact reason, please avoid:

• damaged clothes and boots
• flashy shapes and colors
• any items you never tested before
• off-size apparel

Rely only on your personal experience and always apply common sense!

Bug Out Clothes for Women Conclusion

“When written in Chinese, the word ‘crisis’ is composed of two characters. One represents danger and the other represents opportunity.” – John F. Kennedy

An inquisitive mind is a valuable aid to rely on when it comes to review new items on the market. I know that cutting edge products always represent a real temptation during shopping. Being wise and patient while testing garments will provide the right mentality for quality analysis. Understand in the implications of SHTF situations and you will be better able to understand what you actually need and what makes you feel comfortable.

As a matter of fact, feeling good with what we are wearing provides us with more serenity, which will enhance our ability to take decisions with no rush, but with foresight and accuracy.

Value the opinions of your friends and relatives but reason with your own mind. Calculate risks and make no assumptions, especially in a hurry. Don’t get overly influenced by YouTube videos as well!

If caught up alone, you will need to decide by yourself. Do all of this and you will dress in the most appropriate, comfortable, and consistent way.

Those are my thoughts. What are yours?

The post How to Choose Women’s Bug Out Clothes appeared first on SHTF blog – Modern Survival.

Back in 2012, I penned a piece about the potential accuracy of AR-15s. Although most points are still valid, one change is a shift to longer range shooting. This wave of interest is reflected in manufacturers moving to new rangefinders and optics, including some that interface to provide accurate ballistic solutions.

by Steve Markwith, author of Centerfire Rifles: A Buyer’s and Shooter’s Guide

This post is sponsored in part by Ranier Arms and Palmetto State Armory.

Much interest also centers on new low-drag performers like the 6.5 Creedmore, however, the very low drag (VLD) craze also extends to smaller projectiles. Streamlined heavy-for-caliber .223 Remington loads can better buck the wind for precise placement of projectiles at longer distances. But, none of this really matters without a well-built rifle. Other developments since my old article include piston-driven ARs and suppressors.

These, and additional factors, can produce both positive and negative effects. To help set the stage, here’s a trip through the 2012 Way-back Machine.

AR-15 Comments from 2012

I’ll always have an accurate bolt-action .223, but the capabilities of a well-built AR-15 have changed my thinking – as well as the contents of my gun safe.

From Bolt-Action to Semi-Automatic

At one point I maintained a 26″ heavy-barreled Remington VSSF Model 700, as well as lighter “walking varminter” 20″ Model Seven. Both shot well and the M-700 was a true .5 MOA performer. However, experience with several varmint-type AR-15s confirmed reports of stellar accuracy – a surprising twist considering the supposed inferior accuracy of semi-automatics.

Years ago I owned a Bushmaster V-Match AR-15. It shot below .75 MOA with good .223 ammo. Later, I procured a couple similar Bushmaster 24″ Varminters for over-watch use by my agency. Based on their performance, I picked up a third Varminter for myself. All were flat-tops with free-floated forends, decent triggers, fluted 1×9 barrels, and non-threaded muzzles. They consistently shot right around .65 MOA with .223 Hornady 55-grain TAP.

Bolt-Actions on the Prairie

Soon after, a fellow firearms instructor and I drove 2,100 miles for a prairie dog shoot. We brought lots of .223 ammo and several bolt-actions, including our heavy-barrel M-700s. We also got in a bunch of shooting during a very entertaining three days!

However, when engaging hamster-sized targets at 300+ yards, wind becomes a significant factor. A miss will kick up dust, which helps determine the correct hold for follow-up shots, but relocating these small targets can be tough after running a bolt. It takes time, resulting in lost opportunities. Having already tested precision AR-15 rifles, it didn’t take us long to realize the advantages offered by fast follow-up shots…

Semi-Automatic AR-15s on the Prairie

A few years later we were back for a return engagement. This time I brought my Bushmaster Varminter, and my buddy had a new 24″ Rock River. We each had an ammo can full of 20-round magazines, legal there for anti-gopher operations.

Our plan was to load no more than 5 rounds per magazine in order to maintain cool barrels. This lasted maybe 5 minutes. Brass was flying and sod poodles were break-dancing. The combination of accurate rifles, Leupold Varmint Hunter reticles, and quick follow-up shots noticeably multiplied the carnage quotient.

We stopped for a while on day #2 to uncase our bolt-guns. After less than a box of ammo we were back on the AR-15s, hot barrels and all.

Heavier Barrel and Faster Twist

Later, after watching my sidekick shoot some incredible groups with his heavy-barreled Rock River AR, I sprung for a 24″ upper. It was special ordered with a slower 1×12 twist stainless barrel, cut for a Wylde chamber. This hybrid SAAMI/NATO version fixes much of the slop associated with a looser mil-spec chamber. The rifling, although less popular, better stabilized light 40-grain .223 bullets that corresponded with my ballistic reticle out to 500 yards.

Like my partner, I wasn’t disappointed. The stunning ½ MOA (or better) accuracy of both Rock Rivers easily rivaled our pet HB M-700s.

This begged a question: Why even bother with our bolt-action varmint rigs?

That’s a personal, and sometimes, legality-based decision. Eventually, I condensed my .223 bolt gun inventory to a single in-between, a 20″ M-700 Compact Tactical rifled to 1:9.

Since an AR-15 is the ultimate transformer, it’s easy to switch upper receivers. During winter months I push out two pins and replace the varmint assembly with an 18″ coyote-killing upper. Rifled to 1:8, it also displays excellent accuracy (the familiar Rock River two-stage match trigger probably doesn’t hurt).

The shorter package doubles as a do-all rifle and, between both iterations, I can maximize year-round shooting opportunities. That’s the beauty of this accurate and highly adaptive system.

2020 AR-15 Update

A recent question was asked of me: If I could build the most accurate AR-15, what route I choose?

Actually, I might not “build” one at all. Consider this…

The above referenced 24” Rock River has been dead-nuts reliable and it’s accuracy is superb. Not bad considering the upper unit was really an afterthought dropped onto an existing lower, which mostly by coincidence, was also a Rock River. This happy union began with a stripped lower and was completed using RR’s two-stage match trigger. Since then, the lower has gone through several stock iterations. So at this point, the significant remaining constant is its trigger – but the upper has remained unchanged since the honeymoon began. I think there’s a lesson here.

What is an AR-15’s Expected Level of Accuracy?

Based on 5-shot groups, most mid-level ARs will average 2 MOA or better (roughly 2” at 100 yards). With good ammo, many higher-end defensively oriented versions will shrink that by nearly 50%, putting 5 shots into around 1 ¼ MOA.

Some purpose-built so-called “match-grade” ARs can squeak down to half of that, my above-mentioned 24” Varminter being an example. But another tier of super-accurate AR-15s exists for those willing to spring for the premium components. Careful assembly can yield ½ MOA or better as an expectation.

Top Components Influencing AR-15 Accuracy

The factors influencing accuracy are the rifle’s barrel, chamber, rifling rate, fitting, trigger, optic, ammunition, and a few other factors. Personal skill, of course, goes without saying.

Some AR-15s will reach superior levels of accuracy, and if yours does – congratulations! I lucked out and got one, too. But the odds of top-notch accuracy vastly improves using proven methods and parts. Among them is the heart of the rifle – its barrel.

Barrel

Off-the-record conversations with industry insiders can be revealing. When it comes to pure accuracy the subject soon gravitates to barrels. A trusted AR manufacturing contact filled me in on some crucial details. As many shooters know, G.I. bores (which are usefully accurate), have long been chrome-plated.

However, for match-grade consistency, this firm uses stainless steel (which also extends barrel life). Theirs are premium, air-gauged, and cryogenically stress-relieved. Details that don’t come cheap!

To avoid any minor negative effects from threading, the crowning touch (pun intended) is a bare muzzle, carefully dished with an 11-degree target crown. Safe use of all ammunition is assured through a hybrid Wylde Chamber, which provides enough clearance for use of 5.56 NATO loads while effectively centering .223 rounds (as required for best accuracy). Function-wise, in a semi-auto, the Wylde is also a more reliable bet than a true match chamber.

.223 and 5.56 Chambers

I once discussed the mediocre accuracy of a major manufacturer’s varmint-grade bolt-action .223. The company contact recommended going with another caliber to achieve optimum results. Turned out, as a CYA move, their .223 Remington was cut with a looser 5.56 NATO chamber for safer use of either round. That said, I own one stamped 5.56, which shoots ½ MOA (or better) with the right load. It’s worth noting though that some AR chambers don’t reflect their actual markings.

Rifling Rates

There might be some voodoo involved with twists. As a rule, heavier or longer-for-caliber projectiles require quicker rates. The 5.56/.223 family has seen considerable change as the result of increasingly heavy bullets. The early 1:14s have morphed to more common 1:7s, with many falling in between.

The new ultra-heavy VLD bullets are candidates for the latter. Again, I spec’d 1:12 for the lightest varmint weights (I’d expect bullet-tumbling with the former). If unsure, 1:9 is good compromise. But the proof is in the shooting. My son owned a 1:7 that cut phenomenal groups with good 55-grain .223 ammunition (stamped 5.56 NATO). I just saw a credible accuracy test involving 70-grain .223 VLD match-loads fired from a 1:9 bolt-gun. Accuracy was below .33 MOA! Go figure.

Fitting

Slop between the upper and lower receiver halves is disconcerting, and could affect accuracy. But any slop in the upper receiver/barrel junction will certainly be detrimental to accuracy.

Typically, the barrel’s smooth shank slips into the aluminum receiver until arrested by a shoulder, at which point a threaded collar draws both parts together. Some builders use thread-sealant to eliminate minor slop and/or maintain maximum tension. A better trick involves use of heat to temporarily expand the receiver’s opening for a super-tight shrink-fit.

Close tolerances are necessary to make this work so it’s a signature of high-end builders. Precise bolt engagement also helps.

Triggers

Maybe I lucked out with my $100 Rock River install, but it certainly does the job for me. Most others will cost double that, no doubt for good reasons.

One thing is certain: You won’t achieve consistent match-grade accuracy with a standard military trigger.

Today’s drop-in modular triggers are worth the extra cost and are much safer than kitchen-table trigger jobs.   

Optics

Obviously, good optics are essential. You can’t wring out a rifle’s full potential without a decent scope. For standard bench rest testing at 100 yards, I would want an optic capable of at least 9X magnification. It will also require a solid mounting system that won’t have contact with forend rails.

Ammunition

This whole project is moot without quality fodder, compatible with the barrel’s rifling. The Plain Jane full metal jackets used for plinking or training are fine for defensive-type practice, but they will most likely only produce 1.5  accuracy. A tack-driving AR won’t come cheaply, so the extra expense for a $30 box of ammo just makes sense.

Other Factors Influencing Accuracy

Other factors influencing the rifle’s accuracy include whether it is a piston-drive AR, whether it has a suppressor, its canting, and barrel care.

Piston-Driven AR-15s

Piston-driven ARs caught on awhile back. My agency’s designated marksmen used piston-driven .308 AR-10 derivatives which shot quite well, but our snipers still use .308 bolt-actions.

Both platforms are amenable to suppressors but, in my experience, top-flight .223/AR-15 accuracy is the domain of the original direct-impingement system. Makes sense considering there aren’t any extra moving parts to introduce harmonics.

Suppressors

Suppressors are hugely popular today, so threaded muzzles are a new norm. Although the latter can effect accuracy, when done right, threading is less of a concern. My 18” upper regularly cuts ½ MOA groups with its Phantom QD muzzle-device attached. A suppressor can sometimes improve accuracy, although point-of-impact could shift.

After spinning mine on, the POI change is minimal but group size doubles. Either way, muzzle flash is almost totally eliminated – a huge benefit when engaging coyotes after dark.

Also read Suppressor Alternatives by Steve Markwith

Canting

Canting can introduce windage errors falsely attributable to accuracy, and round free-float forends don’t help. This problem can appear during careful testing off sandbag rests. I deal with it by paying extra attention to level crosshairs, but a bubble-level would be better.

Barrel Care

Lastly, plenty of great barrels have been trashed through sloppy cleaning methods. Two essentials are a good one-piece rod and an AR bore guide. If the quest is maximum accuracy, I’d avoid a used rifle unless its history is trusted.

Break a new barrel in with care. Blasting through large quantities of any ammo-type within a short period of time is bad, since barrel erosion is greatly accelerated through rapid heating. Opinions vary on barrel break-in procedures, so if possible, follow a manufacturer’s protocol.

I’m not a true fanatic, but I do baby the most accurate barrels. The first couple shooting sessions will never exceed 8 rounds between cleanings and most from that point onward will be limited to around 18. Of course, sometimes this principle is violated – like during a prairie dog lead-fest. If so, thorough cleaning becomes at least a daily chore. Worst case, if accuracy does eventually fade, an AR’s upper is easy to re-barrel or even replace.

Should You Buy or Build a Highly Accurate AR-15?

I’ve seen some AR “builds” that shoot surprisingly well. There are some true AR gurus up to this task, but it is not easy and requires a certain skill set. For many (including me), the safest return for the investment is buying an assembled rifle from a reputable manufacturer.

As for its configuration, for maximum AR accuracy, a heavy 20-or 24-inch barrel (similar to my trusty Rock River) makes the short-list. The extra length isn’t essential for peak accuracy, but it does maximize velocity. The downside: it’ll handle like a truck axle, especially with an appropriate scope!

For this reason, mine mostly serves as a spare upper which logs a lot of time in the safe. But when the need arises, by popping the lower’s two receiver pins, it can easily transform the handier carbine into a true varmint rig.

However, for assurance of maximum accuracy, it’s probably best to start with a complete rifle (again, built using high-quality, carefully assembled components). No doubt there are numerous good sources, but I’ll never nail them all.

Playing it safer, the following companies are those I have personal experience with. All offer completed rifles, but separate uppers are also available in various configurations.

Rock River Arms

Rock River is an affordable production-option, and they offer a ¾ MOA guarantee with their Wylde chamber models. It’s probably safe to assume most (like those I’ve used) will do better. You can pick and choose some key features, including twist rates, etc. A switch-top upper is also possible via several calibers.

Windham Weaponry

The Bushmasters mentioned above are from the pre-Remington era. I don’t have any experience with the relocated Big Green versions, but some of the original staff are now building affordable Windham Weaponry rifles at the former site. Having procured dozens of ‘em for my agency, I know they work well, which comes as no surprise having witnessed their stringent QC standards. Their present 1:8 Varmint Model uses a Compass Lake Engineering chamber, a variation of the Wylde. Cost is comparable to the Rock River.

How Much Does it Cost to Buy a Highly Accurate AR-15?

Price is secondary to performance when you are trying to achieve maximum accuracy. Rifle costs could easily exceed $2,000.

Les Baer was on the short-list with their ½ MOA accuracy guarantee, proof an accurate AR is possible. Supposedly, due to the saturated market, this semi-custom builder has dropped their AR line to focus on 1911s. But there are others…

JP Enterprises is now my first stop. Everything they build is extremely well-designed and the eye-candy aspect is dazzling by itself. They have also turned the nuances of receiver/barrel fitting into a real science. The downside? Great risk of poverty.

Wilson Combat is another well-known custom/semi-custom builder with a legacy of top-notch 1911 pistols. Today, they also list a line of intriguing ARs in different calibers. The .223 Wylde Super Sniper is but one example. A spare upper in a larger AR-15 compatible caliber like .300 Ham’r or .350 Legend, etc. will work for deer or hogs.

A more economical approach can be to build off an existing rifle. A high quality AR-15 rifle will start at around $1,200. To achieve higher levels of accuracy, however, the price would increase through add-on features.

Accuracy and AR-15s – Summary

Today, it’s fair to say an AR-15 can rival the accuracy of many top-flite bolt-actions. In milder calibers, like the .223, you can ride the gun during recoil, eliminating the need for a spotter. If necessary, a fast following shot will also be instantly available.

Jurisdictional hurdles could rule out an AR-15 for some, but the main obstacle for most will be cost. And, actually, some production ARs are even narrowing that gap.

What about you? What rifle AR improvements have you made to improve accuracy?

The post Top Components to Achieve Maximum AR-15 Accuracy appeared first on SHTF blog – Modern Survival.

Even though economic conditions were absolutely awful, during the month of June the mainstream media kept insisting that the U.S. economy was “recovering” and the stock market kept surging on every hint of good news.  But now the “economic recovery” narrative is completely dead, because the numbers clearly show that the U.S. economy is rapidly moving in the wrong direction.  On Thursday, the Labor Department announced that another 1.416 million Americans filed new claims for unemployment benefits last week.  Prior to this year, the all-time record for a single week was just 695,000, and so we are talking about a level of unemployment that is absolutely catastrophic.  But what is really alarming many analysts is that the number for last week was quite a bit higher than the number for the week before.  Many states are rolling out new restrictions as the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases continues to surge, and this is having a huge impact on economic activity.  For months I have been warning that fear of COVID-19 would prevent economic activity from returning to normal levels for the foreseeable future, and that is precisely what has happened.

Overall, more than 52 million Americans have filed new claims for unemployment benefits over the past 18 weeks, and that makes this the biggest spike in unemployment in U.S. history by a very wide margin.

In fact, this dwarfs all previous spikes by so much that the others are not even worth mentioning.

Of course it isn’t just the employment numbers that are depressingly bad.  According to Jefferies, in late June 19 percent of all U.S. small businesses were closed, but now that number has risen to 24.5 percent…

As of Sunday, 24.5% of small businesses in the United States were closed, according to Jefferies. That is worse than late June, when only 19% were closed. Jefferies pointed to “particular weakness in COVID hot spots” and noted that small business employment had dropped to levels unseen since the end of May.

Just think about that number for a minute.

Nearly a quarter of all small businesses in the entire country are closed.

And the really bad news is that many of them will never end up reopening.

At the beginning of the pandemic, I received a lot of criticism for stating that many of the small businesses that were shutting down at that time would never open again, but over the long-term the numbers have shown that I was correct.

In fact, Yelp says that a whopping 60 percent of the restaurants that were initially listed as “temporarily closed” on their site are now classified as permanently closed…

It’s tough out there for restaurants and other small businesses.

Yelp’s Economic Average report out Wednesday shows exactly how tough: 60 percent of the 26,160 temporarily closed restaurants on the business review site as of July are now permanently shut. Temporary closures are dropping, and permanent shutdowns are increasing.

Fear of COVID-19 is going to cause a large portion of the population to continue to avoid restaurants for as long as this pandemic persists, and it is becoming clear that it is likely to persist for a long time to come.

We are going to lose so many small and independent places to eat.  Many of the big corporate chains that have very deep pockets will survive, at least for a while, but there is simply no replacing what small and independent restaurants mean to our communities.

Bars and clubs are being hit extremely hard as well.  According to Yelp, 44 percent of the bars and clubs on their site that were initially listed as “temporarily closed” have now been shut down on a permanent basis…

Bars and clubs are also closing forever at high rates: 44 percent (as of July) of 5,454 temporarily shuttered bars and other nightlife establishments are shut for good.

Other sectors of the economy are doing relatively better, but the overall outlook for small businesses in America is exceedingly bleak.

In New York City, it is being projected that one-third of all small businesses will never be able to open again…

As many as 76,000 small businesses in New York City – a third of the 230,000 citywide – may never reopen after forced to close during the COVID-19 lockdown, business leaders have warned.

The Partnership for New York City, a not-for-profit organization that connects business leaders with local government, predicted that 76,000 small businesses will never be able to reopen in a report produced by 14 consulting firms.

I know that number is hard to believe, but this is actually happening.

Our politicians want to encourage people “to go back to work”, but for millions upon millions of Americans the jobs that they once had are gone forever.

Air travel is another industry that is being absolutely devastated by this pandemic.  After a modest bounce in June, the number of air passengers is starting to fall again…

The resurgence of coronavirus infections is derailing the travel industry’s modest recovery. The number of air passengers processed through TSA security lines fell during the week ended July 20, compared with the prior week, according to Bank of America. This metric is down more than 70% from a year ago.

United (UAL) CEO Scott Kirby told CNBC on Wednesday that the airline doesn’t “expect to get anywhere close to normal until there’s a vaccine that’s been widely distributed to a large portion of the population.”

All of the numbers that I have shared in this article tell us that we are in an economic depression.

Many had hoped that this economic downturn would be short-lived and that a “V-shaped recovery” would commence once the coronavirus lockdowns were lifted.

But instead a resurgence of cases has caused new restrictions to be implemented, and economic activity is slowing down again.

The bottom line is that all of us need to get prepared to weather a long-term economic storm that is going to be incredibly painful.

The last recession was bad, but it isn’t even worth comparing to the times that we are entering now.  All of our lives are being turned upside down, and a lot of people are not going to be able to handle what comes next.

About the Author: I am a voice crying out for change in a society that generally seems content to stay asleep. My name is Michael Snyder and I am the publisher of The Economic Collapse Blog, End Of The American Dream and The Most Important News, and the articles that I publish on those sites are republished on dozens of other prominent websites all over the globe. I have written four books that are available on Amazon.com including The Beginning Of The End, Get Prepared Now, and Living A Life That Really Matters. (#CommissionsEarned) By purchasing those books you help to support my work. I always freely and happily allow others to republish my articles on their own websites, but due to government regulations I need those that republish my articles to include this “About the Author” section with each article. In order to comply with those government regulations, I need to tell you that the controversial opinions in this article are mine alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of the websites where my work is republished. The material contained in this article is for general information purposes only, and readers should consult licensed professionals before making any legal, business, financial or health decisions. Those responding to this article by making comments are solely responsible for their viewpoints, and those viewpoints do not necessarily represent the viewpoints of Michael Snyder or the operators of the websites where my work is republished. I encourage you to follow me on social media on Facebook and Twitter, and any way that you can share these articles with others is a great help.  During these very challenging times, people will need hope more than ever before, and it is our goal to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with as many people as we possibly can.

The post The Numbers Tell Us That The ‘Economic Recovery’ Is Dead And Businesses Are Failing At A Staggering Pace appeared first on The Economic Collapse.

Written by Wild Bill on The Prepper Journal.

All of us at The Prepper Journal want to wish you and your families a safe holiday season. Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah.

The post Merry Christmas & Happy Hanukkah appeared first on The Prepper Journal.

Written by Wild Bill on The Prepper Journal.

All of us at The Prepper Journal want to wish you and your families a safe holiday season. Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah.

The post Merry Christmas & Happy Hanukkah appeared first on The Prepper Journal.

It looks like the second round of COVID stimulus is coming from the government. How can you use this wisely? Here are 10 preps you’d want to purchase with that money.

Prep Better with the Upcoming COVID Stimulus

I’m not sure how you feel about that. I can tell you that receiving this money from the government is a very personal situation. It is not a black and white thing.

As preppers, we are going to want to be effective with that money. Now, you could save the money to pay bills later but for how far along is “later”?

How long will that money in your bank account have the value it used to. We are creating electric money in amounts that will crush our currency value, eventually.

In fact, if we couldn’t physically print this amount of money with our current infrastructure. We would need great warehouses, machinery, and new sources of paper to push out TRILLIONS of dollars.

Investing in things like ammo and food secures value because these items will always have value no matter the fate of the U.S dollar.

1. Ammo

Ammo is what it is. We do not want to use our firearms but if the worst-case scenario happens, we need to have the ammo and the training to protect ourselves and the people we love.

Ammo is scarce now, and it is overpriced at the moment. That is unnerving, but I wouldn’t recommend waiting till there is nothing left to buy, and you truly need that ammo.

2. Food

As far as I am concerned, you can never have enough long-term food storage. The difference between someone who is desperate in SHTF and someone who is surviving can be as simple as stored rice and beans.

Trucks will not make deliveries to cities and towns that are a threat to their health and safety. That means no more food is coming in.

3. Backup Power

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by MaxTool (@shopmaxtool) on Jul 21, 2020 at 3:25pm PDT

Whether the lights go out because of a storm or a terrorist attack or even an EMP, we need a solution for getting our devices and appliances back up and running. Namely things like cellphones, refrigerators, and any life-saving hardware that we need.

You should be able to afford a portable gas generator or even a small solar generator for when the power goes out.

4. Heating Solutions

As I write this, there is sweat beading on my brow. It is summer and we are hot. In no time at all, the leaves will be changing and we will be shifting into the cold weather.

Backup heating in the form of firewood, tools to process wood, small space heaters, kerosene heaters, and so on should be part of your preparedness inventory.

It only takes a few long nights without heat to understand how important it will be to heat your home if HVAC systems, electricity or the entire grid is compromised.

5. Security Investments

This is an extremely broad topic. Security investments can be anything from home security deterrents to actual firearms purchases.

You should be carrying a firearm in these polarizing times. If you don’t have a firearm to carry that is a worthy investment.

You might invest in security gear and add lighting to firearms, helmets. Perhaps lighting is something you would like to increase around the home along with cameras. All great options.

Check out this quality clip-on helmet light from Uncle Judds!

6. Backup Light

Light for inside the home is just as important and there are several lanterns or solar lights that can brighten things. Just be sure you have a solution for when the power goes out.

Check out this Hybeam Small Lantern!

7. Water Filtration

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by adambarkerphotography (@adambarkerphotography) on Jan 8, 2020 at 1:42pm PST

A family-style, large scale water filter is important as are smaller water filtration models that can be great on the go. An investment in water harvesting and filtration is one that will literally save your life if taps were to run dry or you were forced out to a bugout location.

8. Evacuation Planning

Preppers invest a lot of money in bugout bags and bugout locations, but we are rarely prepared for a short notice short term bugout.

Having money, documentation, and a hotel on speed dial could make for an amazingly comfortable evacuation. Evacuation planning involves having enough money, at a moment’s notice, to spend about a week at a hotel.

9. DIY Food Storage Supplies

While you can buy your food already bucketed up to stack and store for emergency, you should look into the DIY. It is important that you can duplicate the food storage process and to do that you will need an inventory of 5-gallon buckets, 1-gallon mylar bags, and oxygen absorbers.

10. Fishmox

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Matt Hixson (@matthixsondotcom) on Oct 10, 2017 at 1:22pm PDT

A remarkably interesting prep is having antibiotics on hand. You cannot get a prescription for antibiotics in advance, but you can get your hands-on pet antibiotics.

They are made on the same production lines and if you know how to administer them, they could save lives. Now is the time to procure them. Its not just about illness but its also about cuts and scrapes.

Prepping for SHTF

I know it feels dirty or gross to take money from the government. To understand that, you are going play a small part in the rapidly growing debt is tough on the soul.

However, the COVID stimulus is coming to you, and it’s coming to help you out during hard times. Maybe you aren’t living through hard times now, but you can use that money to prepare for the hard times that are coming.

Trust me, they are coming.

What are your plans for the next COVID stimulus? Share it with us in the comments section!

Up Next:

• How To Buy Raw Land and Avoid Mistakes
• 5 Methods For Preserving Meats For Long Term Food Storage
• Planning A Real Fall Garden | 5 Tips & Tricks

People have been asking me to do an article like this for quite some time.  In all the years that I have been writing, I have never seen so many of my readers so alarmed about our immediate future.  Over and over again, I have been getting emails from people asking for advice about how to prepare for what is ahead, and so many of them are using the word “urgency” to describe what they are feeling.  And I can definitely identify with that, because around the middle of last year that is a word that I started using constantly.  I felt an urgency about 2020 that I had never felt about any other upcoming year, and there were certain things that I knew that I had to get done.  One of those things that I had to get done was my new book, and it is now finished.  The plan is to release it this month, and after reading it there will be no doubt about why I have been feeling such a sense of urgency in recent months.

I want to warn you in advance that the list below is not an exhaustive list.

Instead, it is meant to be a very basic starting guide.  There are many other things that could (and probably should) be added to this list, and I very much encourage readers to leave comments after this article with their own suggestions and recommendations.  We should always be willing to learn from one another, because nobody is an expert on everything.

To me, the four primary priorities for preparing for an emergency scenario are food, water, energy and shelter.  Once you have got those four basic areas covered, you can certainly build on that foundation by addressing other considerations.

In the title of this article I use the phrase “the next 12 months”, but I do not mean to imply that everything will be fine after those 12 months are over.  In fact, I am convinced that our problems are only going to intensify as time rolls along.

And I certainly hope that you will not need everything on this list during the next 12 months.  Hopefully, you will not need to use some of these items for a few years.  But this is definitely a great opportunity to purchase many of these things, because a lot of them are only going to become more expensive and more difficult to acquire the worse conditions get.

In putting this list together, I was envisioning a scenario in which most of you will be sheltering at home rather than “bugging out” to an alternative location.  In a “bugging out” scenario, this list would look quite a bit different.

Also, I didn’t address self-defense in this list, but without a doubt it is very important.  In fact, if you live in or near a major city, it is imperative to have a plan for defending yourself and your family.  For years, I have been encouraging readers to move away from the major cities, but for a lot of people that simply isn’t possible at this moment.  More than 51 million Americans have filed new claims for unemployment so far this year, and so a good stable job is an extremely valuable thing to have at this moment.  If your job is keeping you in a potentially dangerous area right now, you will also want to have a plan for “bugging out” to a more remote location if the need arises.

With all of that being said, the following are 50 things that I am encouraging everyone to stock up on in order to prepare for the chaotic times that are coming…

#1 A Generator

#2 A Berkey Water Filter

#3 A Rainwater Collection System If You Do Not Have A Natural Supply Of Water Near Your Home

#4 An Emergency Medical Kit

#5 Rice

#6 Pasta

#7 Canned Soup

#8 Canned Vegetables

#9 Canned Fruit

#10 Canned Chicken

#11 Jars Of Peanut Butter

#12 Salt

#13 Sugar

#14 Powdered Milk

#15 Bags Of Flour

#16 Yeast

#17 Lots Of Extra Coffee (If You Drink It)

#18 Buckets Of Long-Term Storable Food

#19 Extra Vitamins

#20 Lighters Or Matches

#21 Candles

#22 Flashlights Or Lanterns

#23 Plenty Of Wood To Burn

#24 Extra Blankets

#25 Extra Sleeping Bags

#26 A Sun Oven

#27 An Extra Fan If You Live In A Hot Climate

#28 Hand Sanitizer

#29 Toilet Paper

#30 Extra Soap And Shampoo

#31 Extra Toothpaste

#32 Extra Razors

#33 Bottles Of Bleach

#34 A Battery-Powered Radio

#35 Extra Batteries

#36 Solar Chargers

#37 Trash Bags

#38 Tarps

#39 A Pocket Knife

#40 A Hammer

#41 An Axe

#42 A Shovel

#43 Work Gloves

#44 N95 Masks

#45 Seeds For A Garden

#46 Canning Jars

#47 Extra Supplies For Your Pets

#48 An Emergency Supply Of Cash

#49 Bibles For Every Member Of Your Family

#50 A “Bug Out Bag” For Every Member Of Your Family

Are there certain key items that you would add to this list?  If so, please feel free to leave a comment with your thoughts below.

I understand that there are a lot of people out there that are feeling extreme financial stress during this severe economic downturn, and acquiring all of the items on this list may not be possible.

And that is okay.  Our job is to do the very best that we can with what we have, and we shall trust God with the rest.

I know that a lot of people out there don’t like it when I write such “negative” articles.  But I wouldn’t be doing my duty if I didn’t warn people about what was coming, and I actually believe that articles like this give people a lot of hope.

There is hope in understanding what is coming, there is hope in getting prepared, and there is hope in connecting with others that are also preparing.

Just like we witnessed during the early stages of this COVID-19 pandemic, the people that will be freaking out when things get really crazy will be those that do not understand what is happening and haven’t made any preparations in advance.

Millions upon millions of Americans will not be able to handle the times that are coming, but we prepare because we believe that with God’s help we can make it through all of the storms that are ahead.

If you wish to mock us for being preppers, please feel free to do so, but you also need to be prepared to issue one whopper of an apology when you are forced to turn to one of us for help one day.

About the Author: I am a voice crying out for change in a society that generally seems content to stay asleep. My name is Michael Snyder and I am the publisher of The Economic Collapse Blog, End Of The American Dream and The Most Important News, and the articles that I publish on those sites are republished on dozens of other prominent websites all over the globe. I have written four books that are available on Amazon.com including The Beginning Of The End, Get Prepared Now, and Living A Life That Really Matters. (#CommissionsEarned) By purchasing those books you help to support my work. I always freely and happily allow others to republish my articles on their own websites, but due to government regulations I need those that republish my articles to include this “About the Author” section with each article. In order to comply with those government regulations, I need to tell you that the controversial opinions in this article are mine alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of the websites where my work is republished. The material contained in this article is for general information purposes only, and readers should consult licensed professionals before making any legal, business, financial or health decisions. Those responding to this article by making comments are solely responsible for their viewpoints, and those viewpoints do not necessarily represent the viewpoints of Michael Snyder or the operators of the websites where my work is republished. I encourage you to follow me on social media on Facebook and Twitter, and any way that you can share these articles with others is a great help.  During these very challenging times, people will need hope more than ever before, and it is our goal to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with as many people as we possibly can.

The post A List Of 50 Things You Should Get Right Now To Prepare For The Chaotic Events Of The Next 12 Months appeared first on The Economic Collapse.

If you could own only five guns, what would they be?

I recently asked myself this question and the task proved surprisingly difficult, because there are a lot of different guns that I like — and it’s not easy making sacrifices.

In the end, though, I was able to narrow my selection by first determining the five basic types of guns that I would want to own before choosing the specific models for each of those types.

So what are the five types? They are:

1. 9mm semi-automatic pistol
2. .45 ACP semi-automatic pistol
3. .22 semi-automatic rifle
4. 12-gauge pump action shotgun
5. .308 semi-automatic rifle

I’ll explain my reasons for choosing these categories below, as well as the specific make and model of gun I chose per category.

 

9MM Pistol (Walther PPQ M2)

I believe the pistol is the most important firearm you can own, simply because you can conceal it on your person and travel with it. I also believe that if you could own only one pistol, it should be a 9mm because it’s the most abundant and the cheapest to shoot.

While some may expect me to say the Glock 19 or 17 is my pick for a 9mm pistol, the truth is I would opt for the Walther PPQ M2. The ergonomics on the PPQ are incredible and it melts into my hand seamlessly. The trigger is also a wonder in its own right and is much more light and crisp than any other striker-fired pistol I’ve used. Reliability, of course, is excellent.

 

Be Prepared. Learn The Best Ways To Hide Your Guns.

 

The fairly compact size of the PPQ means I easily can hide it on my person for concealed carry, while the 15+1 capacity (or 17+1 with the extended mag) offers plenty of firepower in a self-defensive situation. For these reasons, I find it to be equally as versatile as it is pleasurable to fire.

Granted, I am fully aware of the PPQ’s shortcomings as a survivalist sidearm. Because it has a short track record, spare parts and accessories are not nearly as available as, say a Glock or a Smith & Wesson M&P.

Nonetheless, the PPQ is one of my favorite handguns and one I have found great use and enjoyment out of over the years.  It would be my personal pick for a 9mm pistol if I could only have one.

 

.45 ACP Pistol – Colt Mark IV Series 70

If I could own five guns, two of them would need to be handguns (at least for me). I was very close to making my second handgun a .357 Magnum revolver (likely a Ruger GP100), as it would be very versatile in that I could shoot both .357s and .38s through it.

Ultimately, though, I decided if anything were to happen to my PPQ as my concealed carry gun, I would want another semi-automatic pistol that I could use as an alternative. I also wanted this pistol to be in .45, so that I would have a slightly greater variety of calibers instead of just 9mm.

Many people will disagree with my choice here, but I pick the 1911 (and specifically the Colt Mark IV Series 70) simply because it’s one of my favorite guns to shoot. There is no other handgun that balances as well for me as the 1911, and it’s the pistol I find myself enjoying the most each time I visit the shooting range.

The Series 70 I own, in particular, has proven to be very reliable, with only one malfunction during the break-in period (as most 1911s require) and none since then. Even though magazine capacity is limited at 7-8 rounds, the trade-off is that the 1911 is slim and easily concealable on my person.

Beyond that, the 1911 is endlessly customizable with no shortage of spare accessories and parts on the market, something that contrasts heavily with the PPQ, where aftermarket options are more limited.

Emergency Relocating” ​To The Absolute Safest Places In The United States”

 

.22 Rifle – Ruger 10/22

No gun collection is complete without a .22 of some kind, so I knew immediately that one of my top 5 guns to own would have to be a .22 semi-automatic rifle. A .22 is perfect for small game hunting, pest control, plinking, and for introducing new people to shooting. The ammunition is also so small that I can carry literally hundreds of rounds on my person without really noticing the weight.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, my pick for a .22 rifle is the Ruger 10/22. The very first gun that I ever owned was a Ruger 10/22, so it’s a weapon with which I have much experience. I have found the 10/22 to be a robust, accurate and dependable weapon. I could easily use it for tactical purposes if needed.

Another reason that makes the 10/22 my choice for a .22 rifle is how spare parts and accessories are literally everywhere. During a disaster scenario, this would be an advantage where I would have a greater chance of finding spare magazines or other parts in the event that anything broke over other .22 rifles.

 

12 Gauge Shotgun – Mossberg 500

I’ve heard many arguments supporting the idea that the pump-action 12-gauge is the most critical gun to own. No one can deny that the 12-gauge shotgun is highly versatile. When loaded with buckshot it’s devastating for home defense. With birdshot you can use it for bird hunting or clay pigeon shooting. And with slugs you easily could use it for big-game hunting.

My preferred shotgun is the Mossberg 500. The controls are convenient for me (more so than the Remington 870) and the fact that this was the only pump shotgun to pass the U.S. military’s brutal Mil-Spec 3443G torture test says a lot about its quality.

The specific 500 that I would choose would be a Mariner model with a 6+1 capacity. The Mariner, coated in Mossberg’s trademark silver Marinecote, has much greater rust and corrosion-resistant capabilities than standard bluing does. I would also pick the 6+1 version so I could alternate between a 28-inch vented rib barrel for hunting and a shorter 18.5-inch barrel for home defense. This option essentially gives me two shotguns in one.

Get Dependable Emergency Backup Power In Any Situation

 

.308 Semi-Auto Rifle – Springfield M1A

Finally, I need a center fire rifle to top off my five favorite guns. It makes perfect sense to choose a .308 semi-automatic in this scenario, as I can use it for both big game hunting and tactical training.

My choice here would be the Springfield M1A, over the AR-10, FAL, and G3/C308. The M1A first entered U.S. service in the 1950s and continues to be used by some marksmen in the military today. There’s good reason why: It is a very well-built, rugged, and accurate rifle that will do everything you ask it to do.

I fully understand the M1A is heavy (and long with the full-length version) and that .308 ammunition is not as cheap as 5.56x45mm NATO. However, a rifle that fires the 5.56 like the AR-15 is simply not as multi-purpose for me, as the 5.56 round is far too light for elk hunting (something I do each fall). Ideally I would own both, but since I have only one gun left to choose in my list of five, I would settle for the M1A or any .308 semi-auto rifle over a rifle that fires a lighter bullet.

What would be in your top five? Let us know in the section below:

 

The post If I Could Own Only 5 Guns … appeared first on Off The Grid News.

The other day a friend handed me a well-used (but not abused) Winchester Model 70 bolt-action rifle, chambered for the immortal .30/06. Because this classic combination dated to the late 1960s, it lacked the luster of more desirable “Pre-64 Winchesters” which were finished to higher standards. Nevertheless, the well-polished steel typical of that era still retained most of its bluing.

by Steve Markwith, author of Survival Guns

The relatively decent condition of the steel on this gun came as a surprise, because it had been abandoned in a barn by a relative until the present owner found it, well-speckled with rust. A light layer can often be removed using WD-40 and judicious use of four-ought steel wool. Although this rifle was rescued before any pitting developed, several iffy spots required a more effective solution.

The fix turned out to be lots of careful rubbing using nothing more than a penny! This was a new one on me, but it obviously worked. Close examination revealed where it occurred, but overall, the one-cent repair came out great. It was also a whole lot cheaper than the cost of a complete re-bluing job, a process I’d seen before.

My Experience with Bluing

Years ago, I worked part-time in a gun shop that offered a full line of services including drilling and tapping, re-bluing, and stock repairs, etc. The gunsmith, Al, had worked for P.O. Ackley (of wildcat cartridge fame) and was a true wealth of knowledge. Not long after starting, as Al was firing up the burners on the hot-blue tank, I mentioned an interest in dabbling with re-bluing.

That evoked a reaction of either contempt or pity, but Al was decent enough to patiently explain how every small part needed to be disassembled and organized. But, that was just to start. The pre-blue polishing process was a skill unto itself (supposedly, some collectors of pre-war Colts and S&Ws can identify a factory polisher based on subtleties in the finish). These realities were driven home while observing the entire process. Occasionally, it also involved a few surprises!

Some parts like front-sight ramps or barrel bands could actually dissolve or cause a hideous case of “greening.” But, Al always took extra care to avoid rounded steel edges or softened lettering common to many other re-bluing jobs. Done right, the transformation can be stunning, BUT even the most professional job can greatly devalue a collectible firearm. I bought an immaculate 1942 German Luger for a song, simply because it was a “reblue.”

Family Guns that Deserve Re-Bluing

Nowadays, full-service gun shops are drying up. Skilled gunsmiths are harder to come by and some jobs – like stock refinishing and re-bluing – are labor intensive. Also, extremely durable alternative coatings have gained deserved popularity with the added advantage of color choices. 

Still, many households have older firearms, handed down from one generation to the next. Although some are inexpensive “hardware store brands” dating to around 1900, others such as Colt revolvers or Winchester lever-action rifles could be worth a small fortune – if in decent, unaltered condition. Collectors will pore over every minute detail for signs of refinishing. So, based strictly on value, they are usually much more desirable if left “as is.”

But, of course, family sentiment holds value of its own. A well-used but not abused firearm could also be in need of help after decades of treasured sporting adventures. Most are better candidates for traditional re-bluing, which can be accomplished several ways.

The Gun Bluing Process

Hot blue is a bluing process that is actually a form of controlled corrosion, produced through exposure to special “bluing salts.” It works well on most carbon steel alloys, but not on stainless steel or aluminum. Once completed, the oxidized surface is more rust-resistant than bare-steel alone and, as noted above, with careful metal preparation, the outcome can be spectacular.

How the Hot Blue Process Works

Here’s how the hot blue process works:

Disassembly As noted above, anything destined for the bluing tank musty be completely disassembled. A slide might sound simpler than an entire pistol, but we can’t just drop it in. Any steel parts (firing pins and extractors) will need to be separated first for degreasing and full exposure to the solution. But some items including springs and non-ferrous parts (sights or plastic plungers) will need to stay entirely clear of the tank.

Metal Polishing Minor dings or surface rust can be cleaned up through light polishing, but pitting requires more aggressive methods involving a buffing wheel and abrasive compounds. Plenty of experience is necessary to avoid unintentional removal of excess steel. A more practical and affordable alternative for working guns is a bead-blasted finish created by pressure-driven abrasives. 

Pre-tank Preparation Any traces of polishing compounds and oil must be removed before the actual bluing process takes place. This step is often performed by immersion of the parts in evaporative solvents like acetone, etc.

Hot Bluing Time for some alchemy! The correct amount of bluing salts is mixed with water in a tank, and heated by burners underneath it. The parts are then immersed for a timed period (minutes instead of hours) so the salts can work their magic.

Post-blue Because the bluing solution is caustic any traces must be immediately flushed away, normally through a separate hot-water bath. Once dried, the various parts receive a warm oil bath to ward off rust.

Reassembly Upon completion, if everything has gone right, there won’t be any extra parts!

One problem is, this process can’t be used on some firearms – like double-barreled shotguns.

The Rust Bluing Process

The barrels and ribs of many double-guns are joined together with silver solder, which won’t survive hot blue solutions. Instead, bluing is accomplished through a special mix of acids. Once applied, the parts are placed in a humid cabinet where the vapors can work their magic. Repeat exposures are required (sometimes over a period of a week or more). In between, dark velvet-like accumulations are “carded off” using fine steel wool. Because most of the other steps (including prep-work and post-bluing) remain similar to the tank process, rust-bluing is more labor intensive and less-often used. However, the resulting finish is durable and can be quite attractive (see pic at top of article).

Heat Bluing/Case Hardening

Controlled exposure of steel to heat can result in a variety of attractive finishes from straw-coloring to the spectacular rainbow effect produced through case hardening. Beyond its beauty, the latter also creates a very hard wear-resistant surface; the reason it’s often seen on hammers.

Recipes can be as guarded as Col. Sanders’ Secret Sauce, involving charred bones, leather, oil and, maybe, a pinch of newt.  For this reason, some of today’s “case-hardening” is actually cosmetic and produced through a chemical process.

In The White

Some steel parts, like double-gun mono-blocks or rifle bolts, are left untreated because blued surfaces would quickly experience wear. Regular applications of protective oil reduces friction, and also prevents rust. To help hold it, engine-turning is sometimes applied. The resulting overlapping circular swirls in a bright steel surface also have visual appeal.

Is Bluing Guns Worth the Effort?

One post-bluing problem can involve the rest of a gun. Well-worn stocks will often swear with pretty new bluing! The cure could involve the expenditure of more funds since proper (and period-correct) wood refinishing requires skill. This leads to a question:

Is bluing worth the effort? Maybe yes. Maybe not.

Easy DIY Bluing Instructions

Small dings or bare spots are an inevitable result of use rather than neglect. More often than not, they can be touched up through quick fixes. Small patches of surface rust can often be removed through the aforementioned careful use of four-ought steel wool and WD-40 (read my post on WD-40 and guns). Minor scratches or thinning blued surfaces can be fixed through DIY touch-up products. One of the most common is the Birchwood Casey Deluxe Perma Blue Tru-Oil Liquid Blue and Stock Finish Kit.

Brownells also offers a slew of gun bluing products – shop them here.

I try to avoid taking the surface completely down to bare steel. The idea is to blend in the finishes and cold-blues often provide an inconspicuous fix for smaller spots.

Cold Bluing

Some cold bluing solutions work better than others, depending on the steel or iron alloy. That said, I always keep a bottle of Brownells Oxpho-Blue nearby for use on minor wear spots. Prior to its application, I’ll degrease the area using quick-drying non-residue cleaner like Brownells TCE, or Birchwood Casey’s Cleaner-Degreaser (a cheap product definitely worth having).

The steel is then warmed up with a hairdryer or heavy duty hot air gun. At that point, the cold-blue solution is dabbed on using a cotton swab. Eventually, the bare steel should begin to darken. When it begins to match the surrounding area, I let the solution sit for several minutes and carefully blot it dry.

Related article: DIY Cold Bluing

The last step is a shot of WD-40, followed by a light wipe. This process may need a few tries for best results. I’ve always reserved cold-blue for touch-ups, but recently, Brownells posted tricks for larger jobs on their website.

Either way, the safest bet is to try some on in inconspicuous spot, just in case a negative reaction develops. Some folks tackle entire guns and one popular project is a muzzle loading kit gun, designed to be finished by the purchaser. The steel usually arrives “in the white” and requires final filing and polishing. Birchwood Casey’s Plum Brown is an often-used product that creates an old-time appearance on replica percussion of flintlock guns. 

Bluing and Aluminum

Peruse a rack full of used guns and you’ll probably note a few with dinged trigger guards. For example, Remington’s hugely popular Model 870 pump shotgun employs a steel receiver but, like many other brands, its trigger guard is aluminum. Bluing won’t work, but Brownells Aluma-Hyde can do a fair job of covering up scrapes, etc. Advertised as a “durable epoxy-based paint”, it’s available in several shades. Just follow the directions and let it fully cure before handling. Birchwood Casey’s Aluminum Black works, too.

How about a Magic Marker?

A small dab can hide a very minor ding on a scope or trigger guard, etc. If necessary, a bore cleaning solvent like Shooter’s Choice will quickly remove it. There is also a Birchwood Casey Aluminum Touch-Up Pen.

Hiring Professionals for Gun Bluing

Just because a gun is old doesn’t necessarily mean it’s gained value, so restorative expenses could easily exceed its worth. The internet can sometimes provide guidance and some gun shops or auctioneers will also due appraisals. Assuming a decision is made to proceed, a qualified professional will be necessary.  Not all so-called “gunsmiths” possess the requisite skills, and even some good ones ship firearms to re-bluing specialists.

Turnbull Restoration Company is a true master of this art. A visit to their website is well worth the time since some educational videos are available. The requisite efforts are reflected by the costs, but the results speak for themselves!

Precision Bluing is another company to consider if you want a professional job.

Final Gun Bluing Thoughts

A cautionary note: Some seemingly good candidates won’t respond to common bluing efforts. For example, Winchester changed the metallurgy of their famous lever-action Model 1894s. As a result, although a magnet will stick to my post-1964 receiver, re-bluing would require a different approach.

That’s also true of stainless steel, although it’s much more weather-resistant. However, even stainless surfaces (and others) have benefitted from recent industrial salt-bath nitriding treatments. These finishes, which are as hard as nails, protect the slides of many popular polymer-framed pistols.

Given the new wave of coatings, the alternatives to bluing are near-endless, and many are much more practical for use in tougher conditions. That said, a deep mirror-blued surface does hold a charm all its own. Ongoing TLC and an occasional spot-fix can help preserve it.

Have you ever tried bluing a gun?

The post Bluing Guns and Bluing Quick Fix Instructions appeared first on SHTF blog – Modern Survival.

It is during moments of great crisis that we find out who we really are, and that is why the governmental response to the COVID-19 pandemic has been so heartbreaking.  Instead of rallying around our founding principles, Democrats and Republicans have both gravitated toward “solutions” that are in the exact opposite direction.  Bigger government programs, more government tyranny and huge socialist transfer payments have all been greatly welcomed by the mainstream media and by large portions of the U.S. population, and at the same time very few voices are warning us that these measures are eroding our fundamental rights, exploding the size of our national debt and setting extremely dangerous precedents for the future.

Once people become accustomed to receiving money directly from the federal government, it is exceedingly difficult to ever cut those payments off.  If you think back through our history, it is difficult to name a single major transfer payment program that was ever rolled back.  Over time, our federal government has just gotten bigger and bigger and bigger, and it is now the biggest government that anyone has ever seen in the history of the entire planet.

Yes, tens of millions of Americans are deeply hurting right now.  Over the past 17 weeks, a total of 51.3 million Americans have filed new claims for unemployment benefits, and that represents the most dramatic spike in unemployment that the U.S. has ever experienced.

And since most Americans were just barely scraping by financially coming into this year, we are facing a future in which millions upon millions of our fellow citizens aren’t going to be able to pay their bills.  In a recent article, USA Today featured the tragic story of a 35-year-old hair stylist named Chelsie Caudle…

The mother of two has run into delays applying for unemployment and food stamps in Portland, Oregon, after Grace Salon, a hair salon that specializes in cutting and coloring, was forced to shutter in March when the coronavirus pandemic hit.

Caudle, who is self-employed, sublet a spot at Grace Salon to run her own business called Benjamin LLC. But with no income coming in for months, bills piled up, making it hard for her to afford groceries for her family, she says.

I think that most of us can identify with what she is going through, because nearly all of us have experienced the same thing at some point in our lives.

In order to relieve the suffering of those that found themselves suddenly unemployed, Congress approved $600 a week unemployment bonuses as part of the 2.2 trillion dollar CARES Act that it passed in March…

The $600 weekly payments from the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation program were put in place as part of the $2.2 trillion CARES Act that Congress passed in late March amid the coronavirus pandemic. Americans who are eligible for unemployment insurance receive an extra $600 on top of what they normally claim under their state’s benefits. Yet this boost is scheduled to end for all states except New York, on Saturday July 25, 2020. New York’s end date is Sunday, July 26, according to the Department of Labor.

For a while, it sounded like the Republicans were actually against extending the extra unemployment benefits, but now it appears that they just hope to reduce them a bit…

On Sunday, The Washington Post reported that in light of the enhanced $600 per week federal unemployment benefits poised to run out in less than a week, the White House and top Senate Republicans are considering measures including extending a smaller-scale weekly federal enhanced unemployment benefit of $200 or $400 per week or means-testing future federal unemployment benefits.

In the end, the Republican socialists in Congress will probably fold like a 20 dollar suit like they always do, and so the Democratic socialists in Congress will likely end up with most (or all) of what they want in this next “stimulus bill”.

And very few people will even talk about the fact that this new “stimulus bill” will steal trillions of more dollars from future generations of Americans.

This is what socialism always does.  It steals money from one group and gives it to another.

In our case, we have been stealing from future generations for so long that we have absolutely obliterated the bright future that they were supposed to have.

Meanwhile, the calls for “a second stimulus check” are becoming louder as well.

In fact, one recent survey found that a lot of Americans want the next “stimulus check” to be even bigger than the last one…

More than two-thirds of Americans say they still need a second stimulus check from the government to help make ends meet, according to recent data from tax preparer Jackson Hewitt. And about a third of that group said the $1,200 checks needed to be more than the previous round. Only about a quarter of them say they wouldn’t need another emergency payment.

When the first round of stimulus checks went out, I warned that this was setting a very dangerous precedent and that people would soon want more checks, and I was precisely correct.

There are a lot of good conservatives out there that felt guilty about taking the first round of stimulus checks because they recognized that the checks represented a giant step toward socialism.

I can definitely understand why people were feeling conflicted, but my advice is to accept whatever checks the government sends to you.

Because at this point what we are facing is a battle for survival.  We are entering a truly nightmarish chapter in American history, and our entire system is going to fail.  If a little bit of extra money can help you and your family get prepared for what is coming, that is a good thing.

However, it is also appropriate to mourn for what has been lost.  At one time, America was a beacon of hope in a world where billions were living under socialist tyranny.  But now we are racing toward full-blown socialism at a pace that is absolutely breathtaking, and nearly all of our politicians have completely abandoned our founding principles.

About the Author: I am a voice crying out for change in a society that generally seems content to stay asleep. My name is Michael Snyder and I am the publisher of The Economic Collapse Blog, End Of The American Dream and The Most Important News, and the articles that I publish on those sites are republished on dozens of other prominent websites all over the globe. I have written four books that are available on Amazon.com including The Beginning Of The End, Get Prepared Now, and Living A Life That Really Matters. (#CommissionsEarned) By purchasing those books you help to support my work. I always freely and happily allow others to republish my articles on their own websites, but due to government regulations I need those that republish my articles to include this “About the Author” section with each article. In order to comply with those government regulations, I need to tell you that the controversial opinions in this article are mine alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of the websites where my work is republished. The material contained in this article is for general information purposes only, and readers should consult licensed professionals before making any legal, business, financial or health decisions. Those responding to this article by making comments are solely responsible for their viewpoints, and those viewpoints do not necessarily represent the viewpoints of Michael Snyder or the operators of the websites where my work is republished. I encourage you to follow me on social media on Facebook and Twitter, and any way that you can share these articles with others is a great help.  During these very challenging times, people will need hope more than ever before, and it is our goal to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with as many people as we possibly can.

The post As America’s Economic Suffering Grows, The Calls For More Socialism Grow Louder appeared first on The Economic Collapse.