New Preppers With “2020” Vision

Me in August ’86, as a young Survivalist. I’d been preparing for about 5 years at this point.

As many who know me understand, I have been a Survivalist since I was a kid. I received a lot of flack about that while I was growing up, and even more as an adult, but I never let it deter my focus on what was important. So now Survivalists and Preppers aren’t all that foolish, huh? Apparently those of us who have prepare for hard times are not the “Doomers” and “Nuts” that we’ve been made out to be.

To make matters worse, the “Anti Gun” and “No need for a gun” crowds are apparently is getting upset that they can’t buy a pistol or other type of “registerable” firearm, and walk out the door with it (who knew?), in States that require a waiting period for purchase. The same people who are upset about a waiting period now, were either indifferent at best, or vehemently opposed to immediate purchase and carry firearms when the “Waiting Period” regulations were being enacted.

Many of us who have prepared for a long time, understand that we all had that epiphany, concerning preparedness, at one or more points in our lives. Some realized it earlier, some later and some had to re-realize it. As much as you’d like to rub it in to those who gave you a hard time in the past, this is not a moment for that. This is a time that should be used to educate those new to the “game”.

I’ve prepared for myself, my family and select friends. My supplies are for that group only. Except for advice on the “what”, “where” and “how” of preparedness, I am not a charity organization. With that being said, I have had no problem giving advice to friends and acquaintances who made fun of my preparedness in the past, but are now asking for advice because they’ve “seen the light”. Be the bigger person and help them out.

On another note, I’ve heard from a number of people, that all the preparedness supplies have been cleaned out. Well, that’s simply not true, especially if you are going cheap. Canned goods are still available. Bulk items like rice and beans are still available. Fuel items, whether gasoline for your vehicle or generator and propane for stoves or heaters are out there if you look. Supplies of ammo or firearms are definitely in shorter supply, but still available.

Get out and practice some scenarios with your preps.

Granted, in some cases, those who need them will have to do some serious searching to find those supplies. I told a guy the other day, the supplies are out there, but to use an analogy, they are pretty spartan and somewhat like the chances for getting a nice, whitetail deer, buck in my area back in the 60’s, 70’s and early 80’s.

Considering that this situation is about as light as a SHTF situation can be (and still be SHTF), at least for now, this is definitely a good time to learn, without the steep drop at the end of that “bell curve”. You still have things like electricity, water, sewer and working vehicles. For most, we are getting some form of income, whether you are still working or getting an unemployment check. Compared to many of the scenarios that have been envisioned by Survivalists and Preppers over the years, this one is a “lightweight”.

Let’s review what your needs are for a serious scenario? First, supplies for the environmental conditions. This includes your overhead shelter from weather. Heat makers like gas or wood fired stoves if the conditions warrant it. Also, appropriate clothing for the conditions are a necessity.

Clean filtered and purified water is next on the list. Water is followed by food to sustain yourself each day, and the calories needed depend on your own physiology and amount of calories you’re burning daily. Next up would depend on the threat situation. If violence is not typical in your situation, First Aid items are next. If the environment is “Non permissive”, firearms and other defensive items would be number four.

Some basic supplies for a short term SHTF event.

Many things are needed to make you a sustainable lifestyle. There are many resources out there to find out what you need, and for many, all you have is time for the research, right? If you are a Prepper or Survivalist, pat yourself on the back for sticking to your “guns”, staying prepared and practicing with your preps, when it is so much easier to “Eat, Drink and Be Merry”.

If you are new to preparedness, find one of the people you know (almost everyone has that one friend) to ask advice on “The steps” and “The Preps” required to give you some piece of mind in a “less than peaceful environment. I believe this is a lead in for something more severe, whether a “Round 2” of the pandemic, or “Gov overreach” from their “Plandemic”. We shall see, but being truly prepared is a lifestyle, not a hobby.

Keep prepping, but try to relax and enjoy the little things at the same time.

JCD

"Parata Vivere"-Live Prepared.

 

 

 

 

 

“Adapting To Survive”: Firearms-Part 1, The .308 Winchester to .32ACP Cartridge Adapter

As you’ll see in the post, one of the reasons I’ve picked my 11″Para FAL as my “Survival Rifle” is how well it does with the .32ACP adapter used for small game.

I have been fascinated by cartridge adapters since I read an article about the .22LR to .223Rem adapter when I was a kid. The idea that you could have a full powered firearm, and be able to use a less powerful round for taking small game or practice with, just made sense for this aspiring Survivalist.

Fast forward about seven years and I had acquired two Harry Owens .32ACP-.308Win. adapters for my HK91 and used them….A LOT! The main problem with those adapters was that at 25 yards, your hold over was about 6-7 inches. I had a Springfield Armory 6x scope with a BDC reticle, and had to hold at the 700 meter hash mark. The HK91 had a 17.7 inch barrel, and I never checked the velocity of the .32ACP out of that rifle, but I did take plenty of squirrel and grouse with that combo.

Using a scope with a Bullet Drop Compensating (BDC) reticle can be helpful with accurately aiming your weapon while shooting adapter loaded rounds.

Although I’ve had .32ACP adapters from various venders over the years (I gave the Harry Owen’s adapters with the HK to the guy I traded it to), last year, I decided I wanted to try them out of the 11″ FAL I acquired a few years ago. HOLY COW! Not only did those adapters shoot “Point of Aim/Point of Impact” for the /308Win zero, but when I put them on the chrony, they clocked in at 1115fps.

.32ACP in Feet Per Second out of the 11″ DSA FAL (Left), 16″ SAI Socom (Center) and the 2.68″ Keltec P32 (Right).

I had been told normal pistol velocities for a .32ACP (3-4″ barrel) were around 900fps, so this was a big step up in velocity, and at that point, I realized I might be on to something. First I checked the velocity of the .32ACP load (S&B 73gr ball) out of a pistol (Keltec P32) and it measure 695fps. Next, I checked it out of my 16″ Socom and it measured 988fps and shot 6 inches low at 25 meters. Finally, I put together a ballistics chart comparing that 73gr. 1115fps projectile to a common .22LR round out of a rifle. Below are my findings.

Out to 150 yards, the .32ACP load out of the 11″ FAL is dead even with a .22LR out of a rifle.

While the .32ACP shoots accurately out of 16″ and 18″ barrels, it shoots best out of shorter barrels like that of the 11″ FAL. Below shows the 3 shot group of the 16″ Socom. 2 shots were in 3/4″ and the third made the group 1.5″. This was at 25 meters, and it’s still small enough for small game.

The aim point at 25 meters was the top green dot. Group was shot with older adapters bought from Sarco.

With the 11″ FAL, group size with the Sarco adapters was around 1 1/2″. I found a company in Anchorage, Alaska that’s been making adapters for a long time. I contacted Ace Dube at MCA Sports Ace Bullet Company (his Face Book link) and ordered two of his .32ACP-.308Win adapters.

I spoke with him about the adapters I already had, and he had advised that they were what was left of his competition’s stock that was sold off after his death. He said a lot of them had not been spec checked before they were sold and were sold “as is”. I know after using his adapters, they are easier to get the brass out after firing than the ones from Sarco and Sportsman’s Guide are. They also are more accurate, as the pic below shows a three shot into a 1/2″ group.

Here’s the bottom line for me when it comes to something like cartridge adapters. First, they give you the ability to accurately shoot small game with the same weapon you are already carrying. Second, in the case of the .32ACP adapter, it is not only a centerfire, reloadable case, but it can be reloaded with a cast lead bullet you can make yourself. Third is compactness. In the case of these adapters along with my FAL, I can carry two adapters and a few .32ACP rounds in the pistol grip storage compartment.

I plan on doing more in the “Adapting To Survive” series where I will discuss several types of adapters I’ve used over the years.

JCD

"Parata Vivere"-Live Prepared.

 

 

Firearms For Freedom and Forage-Part 3, Hunting Long Guns

A semi-auto centerfire rifle (M1A Socom) left, large capacity, pump action shotgun (Mossberg 590A1) center, and a semi-auto rimfire rifle (Ruger 10/22) is about as versatile as one can get if you’re trying to cover both defensive and hunting needs with a small selection of long guns.

I started hunting when I was 7 years old. Like most, the first firearm I used to hunt with was a .22 Long Rifle chambered bolt gun. Many an “Adventure” I went on with that rifle. First thing I ever killed with it was a poor old mangy fox (did him a favor). Dad and I were sittin’ up in a tree the first day of deer season ( I was not deer hunting yet), and Dad said, “Hey, why don’t you shoot that fox when he goes by.”. I look up ( I was probably daydreamin, thinkin’ about being the sniper in my favorite picture from the Civil War) and see a fox out in a field runnin’ from right to left. I threw my rifle up, pulled the trigger and dropped him.

Yup, that was about what it looked like, I even had the canteen hanging on the branch.

Ended up being one of the best shots I’ve ever made. 70 yards, right through his temple and with peep sights no less. My Dad also gave me the family nickname, that I’ve had for decades, that day. In a worst case scenario, it’s hard to go wrong with a .22LR rifle if you can shoot it accurately. It will take game far larger than many think possible, if you can accurately place a bullet in the animal’s vitals.

Many articles and videos have been done on what makes the best “One” firearms for survival. The first response should always be, “What are you trying to ‘Survive’?” I’ve already given my thoughts on long guns and handguns for defensive “Survival” needs, so now we’ll get into what I’ve found useful in the long gun category for foraging/hunting situations.

The two most useful hunting long guns I have. A Ruger Scout Rifle and a Savage model 24 in .223Rem. over a 20Ga. (3″ chamber) barrel. Pictured above the Scout rifle is a Savage “Four Tenner” .410 insert for the 20 Ga. barrel. BTW, a box of 20Ga shotgun shells fits perfectly into an M16 20 round magazine, 4 mag pouch.

Savage Model 24.

Throughout the last century, Savage/Stevens Arms made a number of combination guns ranging from .22LR over .410bore to 30-30Win over 12Ga., and in various barrel lengths. Many military pilot survival kits had one of these in it back in the 40’s and 50’s (started off being made by Stevens Arms). When I was 14, I bought my first rifle. I chose a Savage 24V Series D. This was the model with the .223 Remington upper barrel superimposed onto a 20 Gauge lower barrel.

“Most versatile rifle I’ve ever had.” is the first phrase to come to mind. “Best minimum chamberings to do most jobs.” is the second. The barrels are 24 inches long, with the .223Rem barrel having a 1-14 twist and the 20Ga is a Modified choke and patterns very well. I have killed pretty much every common game animal in my area with this firearm.

The .223Rem is a little light for deer, but will work if you know where to place the bullet (central nervous system shot). The .223Rem is also one of the most available and popular centerfire cartridges on the market today. The 20 gauge is a great hunting round, and only second to the 12 gauge in popularity. By the way, if you have a 20Ga, but want 12Ga performance, use the 3″ Magnum in it. Same payload in both the 2 3/4″ 12Ga and a 3″ 20Ga.

This long gun’s chamberings fill my “Mandatory Minimums” and “Readiily Available” requirements very well. After starting out with iron sights as a kid, I upgraded a year later with a Bushnell 3-9x scope. Not long ago, I downgraded the magnification to a Leupold 1-4x, because I wanted as low power as I could go for using the shotgun barrel.

Combo guns like this one and the one mentioned below are also good candidates for cartridge converters ( a future post), like my Savage “Four Tenner” .410bore adapter to fire .410 shotgun shells out of the 20Ga barrel. Unfortunately, they no longer make the Savage M24. If you find one on the used market, snatch it up. You won’t be disappointed in the versatility of this long gun.

Remington SPR-94 

Remington SPR-94 12 gauge over .308 Winchester

As you can tell from the above Savage 24 commentary, I’m a big fan of versatile firearms, and Combo Guns in particular. The Remington SPR-94 was their cleaned up version of a Russian Baikal copy of the Valmet 412. Valmet also made this firearms for Savage under the Model 2400 label.

My SPR-94 shoots 2 inches at 100 meters with the .308Win barrel. It has interchangeable chokes and patterns very well out to 40 yards. I like the hammer option better on my 24 than I do the double triggers on the SPR-94, but it works out fine, once you get used to them. The front sight post is the same as an AK post, in case you need to replace it. I’ve put about 300 rounds through the rifle, and approximately 500 rounds through the shotgun barrel. If I’m bear hunting, this has always been the rifle I carry. This is due to being able to choose from a 180gr Remington PSP .308Win bullet or a 3″ Brenneke 12Ga slug at a moments notice. I’m a bigger fan of the .223Rem/20Ga combination of cartridges for a survival gun than I am the .308Win/12Ga. combo. I believe the .223/20Ga is more versatile choice.

Ruger Scout Rifle 

I’ve written a few posts that talked about many of the aspects of the Ruger Scout Rifle I use for large game hunting. It is a solid, “Mauser Style” action. With the 18.7″ barrel, the overall length is approximately 40 inches. Total weight with the PA 4-14x Orion optic and the XS Sights extended scout rail is 9 3/4lbs. (7.3lbs. with nothing extra). With good ammo and the PA optic, it will shoot into an inch at 200 meters. To get more of my impressions of this rifle, check out the other posts already written.

Mossberg 500 pump action Shotgun

Mossberg M500 series 12gauge shotgun shown with an 18.5″ rifle sight, smoothbore barrel-top. A 24″ rifled barrel with scope on a cantilever mount- center and a 28″ vent-rib smoothbore barrel with interchangeable chokes mounted on the action.

One of the most versatile long guns, especially for hunting, is the shotgun. I have used Mossberg shotguns for well over 30 years, and can say they are not only solid and reliable guns, but they are geared towards the budget conscious and the left handed crowds. As you can see above, the shotgun pictured can do not only the “Upland/small game” (28″ barrel) thing, it can double as a long range (200 meter) deer rifle, and a short, handy defensive weapon (18.5″ barrel).

The Mossberg M500 is always the first long gun I recommend to new shooters who want their firearm to be a “Jack of All Trades”. It is easy to shoot, available in all the popular gauges. It has many different barrel options, is basically ambidextrous and finally, is durable and reliable. Not much more needs to be said about the specs and options you look for in a firearm, whether for hunting or defense.

Old School

Left to right, Springfield M22 .22LR, Springfield 1903 .30-06, A Savage/Stevens 311 in 12Ga and one in 20Ga.

I’m a big fan of “Old School” firearms, and have been using them since I first started hunting. My advice on any long gun you get to hunt (not as a collector piece) with is this. Look at the track record of the firearm you are getting. The ones pictured above have been maintenance free (except for cleaning) for decades, and they’ve been use…..A LOT!

Cartridges used by the four long guns from left to right. .22LR, .30-06 Springfield, 12 Gauge, 20 Gauge

Another criteria to look at is the chambering. . 22LR is a no brainer for versatility and popularity. The .30-06Springfield and 30-30 Winchester are two more wildly popular and reliable game getters. Finally, 12 and 20 gauge shotguns are generally the “Go to” gauges when it comes to shotgun selection, and a good old double barrel or pump action will probably do everything you ask of it. The Stevens 311 20Ga. pictured above also has the versatility of having two of the Savage “Four Tenner” .410 bore inserts so it can be a “Starter” shotgun for a youngster or new shooter.

Ruger 10/22

At the top of the post, you’ll see a pic with a Ruger 10/22 on the right side. I’ve had that 10/22 for well over 30 years and it’s never failed to fire and hit what I was shooting at. It’s had in excess of 8,000 rounds through it, and still keeps pluggin’ along. The most recent addition to it was a PA 6x ACSS optic, and like the rifle, it is simple, sturdy and versatile.

As has been said before, the .22LR cartridge is versatile and will get the job done, but, as Clint Eastwood said, “A man’s gotta know his limitations.”. Precise shots and knowing your holdovers are prerequisite for success with a .22LR firearm. Lightweight weapons and being able to carry a lot of ammo are the advantages the .22LR has in a survival scenario.

If you can carry a bigger caliber, and your survival hinges on literally, “Bringin’ home the bacon.”, use a bigger caliber. If you need light weight and are just going for small game, use the .22LR in a 10/22. You don’t need any more than that.

Henry Arms AR-7

I started out with a Charter Arms AR-7 about 30 couple years ago. I bought a Henry Arms version of this rifle about 13 years back. While the Henry didn’t need any tweekin’ after I bought it, the Charter Arms version did. I had to ream out the chamber’s base a little to make the CA model feed reliably. Other than that, they’ve both been reliable and “Minute of Squirrel” accurate since I’ve owned them.

The AR-7 is very spartan as long guns go. It is a semi-auto .22LR takedown rifle that has a 2 aperture rear peep sight (you have a large and small aperture size to choose from), and a plastic (aluminum on the CA), drift adjustable, front sight. It comes with two 8 round mags (1 with the original Armalite and CA versions and apparently now 3 with the new Henry version which also has a built in scope rail). It weighs 3.5lbs. and collapses into a pretty small package. It does the job if you need a lightweight, compact semi-auto for a survival kit, but if you can take the length and weight, go with a 10/22.

That’s it for now, next up in the “Firearms For Freedom and Forage” series will be “Part 4-Hunting Handguns”.

JCD,

"Parata Vivere"-Live Prepared.