The USA: The Ultimate Survival Arm

In the never-ending journey for the ultimate survival arm, a quest buried deep in the DNA of everyone concerned with preparedness, yet another giant leap in the evolution of survival arm capability just spread it wings across the USA (via gun stores, UPS and FedEx). The Magpul X-22 Backpacker Stock for the Ruger 10/22 Takedown is finally available!

By Doc Montana, a Contributing Author to SHTFBlog and SurvivalCache.com

It took almost 50 years for Ruger to take the 10/22 from a one-piece 37” wooden stocked masterpiece to a two-piece 37” plastic stocked vision of the future.  Then a scant five years later, Magpul teased us with it’s X-22 Backpacker at SHOT Show 2017. Magpul took the essence of the Takedown to it’s rightful destiny creating a dynamic, integrated, self-contained survival rifle that is just at home in a home, active in the field, or packed away discreetly in a the bug out bag.

For the moment, and likely for many more moments into the future, a Magpul X-22 Backpacker stock filled with Ruger 10/22 and upgrades is the best, yes the best option for such a compact bullet-throwing machine. Add in the shear depth of importance of such an item when the SHTF making every decision and purchase and rifle build just that much more critical. So for this build, I addressed three particular survival gun tangents that are critical to preparedness and performance. The three tangents are 1) Mobility and Concealment, 2) Operational Accountability, and 3) Overall Durability.

Magpul Magic

On the Mobility and Concealment side of things, the stock and a daypack sum up the magic of this tangent. SBRs or Short Barreled Rifles are advantageous, not in long range shooting, but dexterity and speed. Uncle Sam needs at least 16 full inches of barrel to avoid the SBR label, and this U.S.A. build delivers on that four-squared promise, but when separated into pieces, all bets are off. No matter the law, you have the right, without tax or paperwork (in my neck of these here USA woods anyway) to carry a short rifle as long as it takes time to assemble it into a viable weapon from pieces as long as the pipe is 16 inches chamber to muzzle.

Also Read: Ruger 10-22 Takedown Review

Operational Accountability is both a critical step and demand. As much as I would like firearms to flow from factories with the utmost of perfection there is an unfortunately large number of almosts, nearlys, and close-enoughs. And those are just the ones that work out of the box. In the case of the 10/22, there are some maddening aspects of the gun that Ruger really need apply some attention. Look, I get that Bill Ruger, had specific intents for the 10/22 back before we ever went to the moon, but today, more than five decades later, we have greater expectations that need addressing. Lucky Ruger has plenty of help namely from TandemKross, Volquartsen, and now Magpul.

So to turn up the volume on Operational Accountability, it means that those elements you see fit to enhance on the 10/22 platform are all fair game and likely even some aftermarket competition in that particular space.

Durability is found in both design and materials. The for a semi-automatic, the 10/22 is remarkably durable, but it does have its wear points and limits. Essentially, the 10/22 is an aluminum receiver shell holding steel parts and pins connected to a blued or stainless barrel. The trigger group has some non-ferrous parts, and of the few spring, only one is actually needed to get the rifle to fire. Two if you want the trigger to reset. Three if you want the bolt to cycle. Four if you want the case to eject, and five and six if you want the magazine to stay inserted and actually feed. With a little help and low expectations, it’s often surprising just how few parts are required to make a bang. All the rest of the parts and cost are only essential for making subsequent bangs.

Taking Stock in Stock

The origin of this Ultimate Survival Arm build centers on Magpul’s new X-22 Backpacker stock for the Ruger 10/22 Takedown rifle. Magpul has been in the stock business since shortly after it’s start in 1999. Magpul eased into the residential gun market using the Remington 700 bolt action as the transitional bridge between military pattern accessories to hunting and target shooting upgrades. It seems everything Magpul’s polymer finger touches turns to gold. And the Ruger 10/22 is no exception. Currently Magpul makes three stocks for the Ruger 10/22 rifle. The X-22 Hunter for non-takedown 10/22s, the X-22 Hunter Takedown, and now the X-22 Backpacker Takedown. And it is this latter and latest stock that is catching the attention of just about everyone with more than a passing interest in the Ruger 10/22 Takedown. In fact a few folks I’ve talked to are interested in getting a 10/22 takedown just to take advantage of this new Magpul X-22 Backpacker stock.

The magic of the Magpul X-22 Backpacker stock is that when in two pieces, the foregrip portion of the pair snaps into a receiving mechanism in the main stock locking together the two halves of the 10/22 Takedown rifle. The single unit now can be packed, carried, and mounted numerous ways without concern of separation all while the chamber-end of the barrel is protected inside the receiving hole of the buttstock. The barrel is attached with the top pointed away from the stock meaning that the two halves will mate perfectly regardless of optics or top-rail mounted accessories.

Related: EOTech vs Aimpoint

The Magpul X-22 Backpacker stock has two storage compartments, one on the stock’s comb under a swinging door that also provides an adjustable cheek weld platform.  A suggested use for this particular compartment is to store extra Ruger 10-round rotary magazines. The space will easily hold three mags, or one mag and a box of shells. The aft end of the compartment dips down about three inches allowing some creative options for storing cleaning supplies or survival gear.

The second storage closet is a lightly watertight O-ring sealed compartment inside the grip similar to those found on AR-15 pistol grips. It is less convenient to access and of interesting shape, but a great long-term storage that leans towards those items you may or may not need anytime soon.

Takedown Lowdown

The rifle choice for the Magpul X-22 Backpacker stock is limited to the Ruger 10/22 Takedown. However, there are many options when it comes to off-the-gun-shelf Takedown variations and almost every part has an aftermarket option. For this U.S.A. build, I kept everything Made in America, and about the only true Ruger parts were found in the receiver, and the mags. Alway use Ruger’s mags. Well, at least until Magpul addresses that. Of the two larger pieces I swapped out, the Magpul X-22 Backpacker stock was the obvious starting point. After that was the pipe. So for the barrel, I chose the Volquartsen carbon fiber bull barrel for its lightweight yet durability composite design, improved accuracy, and thread muzzle. The optic mounting platform on Volquartsen’s barrel is a bolted-on five inch rail that rides above the barrel. The rail is reversible so to minimize the overall length of the folded X-22 Backpacker, the rail was reversed. The downside is that optics are moved further down the barrel and away from the eye. Running a red dot sight on this platform, however, is not significantly affected. And speaking of red dots…

A Dot of Red

For this project, I selected the American made Leupold Deltapoint Pro red dot sight. It is a fine sight that plants a rock solid crystal clear red dot on the target. It mounts securely on a standard rail, and is operated by a center push-button just behind the glass display window. Running on the common battery that is changeable without removing the sight from its base such as is required with the Trijicon RMR sights that I used on my Katrina Pistol project.

The Leupold Deltapoint Pro mount attaches with a simple twist of a 3/32” Allen wrench. And that’s the same 3/32” wrench that will separate the DeltaPoint Pro from the Cross Slot Mount, or retighten it to the rail. Additionally, Leupold thoughtfully provided a removable rubber housing that completely covers the DeltaPoint Pro when not in use.

Red dot sights are an incredible invention that gives superpowers to new shooters and simplifies the aiming process when any number of events intervenes with aligning the muzzle and target. In fact, the parallax-free wonderment of spec-ops grade red dot optics leaves little to the imagination: Dot = hit. Well, more or less.

But Wait, There’s More…

A couple other things I built into my build before taking it to the field include Magpul QD ports, a sling, a few receiver action upgrades, and some magazine enhancements. The Magpul X-22 Backpacker stock contains two double-sided round ports for accessory Quick Detach (QD) plugs. I added QD ports fore and aft, which then begged for a sling. The Magpul MS1 Sling with QD points to be exact.

There are four receiver action upgrades I feel are essential for every one of my 10/22s. So when I started this U.S.A. Ultimate Survival Arm build, I immediately headed to the TANDEMKROSS website. The four essentials include 1) a better extractor, 2) a bolt buffer, 3) a bolt release plate, and 4) a Takedown Knob that allows you to free the receiver from the stock without tools. While this last upgrade may not be critical for occasional firing operation of the 10/22, but for those of us who launch lead with the 10/22 on a regular basis, taking the system apart is a common practice. So imagine when things go south and you don’t have a nice gun cradle and cleaning supplies, you will thank me and TandemKross for a simple solution to unplug your Ruger receiver from the stock. At that point, you can knock out any necessary pins and work on your gun with reckless abandon.

Related: The Katrina Pistol

The bolt-release plate makes up for Ruger’s insistence that one fiddle with an oddly behaving piece of sheet metal in order to close the bolt. For a few bucks and a few minutes, you can install TandemKross’s Guardian Bolt Release. And then your 10/22 bolt behaves just like a good bolt should.

As a semi-auto, ejection of a spent case is just as important as feeding a live round. And the key to a good ejection is a good ejector. The stock 10/22 ejector is nothing special, likely make of the same stamped steel as other receiver parts. However, the hooked end on this tiny piece of metal is where all the important stuff happens. If the hook doesn’t grab the case firmly and instantly during its one shot at it, a failure will occur. By using hardened tool steel and a stronger spring, TandemKross’s Eagle’s Talon extractor is an essential upgrade even if the end of the world is not in your plans.

The final essential, so to speak, is a non-metal bolt stop. At the back of the 10/22 receiver is a pin that the bolt crashes into when the gun is fired. While rare, with enough collisions bad things can happen. But the simple remedy is to replace the bolt stop with a bolt buffer. The buffer is a softer polymer material that the bolt can slam into all day long without complaining. Plus it’s quieter, produces a softer vibration, and won’t fall out into the mud should you need to remove your receiver from the stock while outdoors.

Move Out

One of the great things about the QD attachment points is they are at the polar opposites of the stock side of of this stock. With a total length of 19.5 inches, the buttstock of this stock is surprisingly short. That means a small footprint on your back, in your daypack, backpack, car, truck or Bug Out Bag. And it is this last area where I think my Magpul X-22 Backpacker will shine. But for more on that, you will have to wait for part 2 of this story.

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from SurvivalCache http://survivalcache.com/the-usa-the-ultimate-survival-arm-gun-rifle-magpul-22lr/

Bureau of Land Management planning to Remove 6,737 wild horses from Land in Nevada

The federal government is yet again targeting the vestiges of the Wild West, as the Bureau of Land Management plans to remove one of the most iconic symbols of the American West from land in Nevada. [...]

The post Bureau of Land Management planning to Remove 6,737 wild horses from Land in Nevada appeared first on Off Grid Survival - Wilderness & Urban Survival Skills.

from Off Grid Survival – Wilderness & Urban Survival Skills https://offgridsurvival.com/bureau-of-land-management-wild-horses-nevada/

11 Uncommon Uses For Aluminum Foil

In a crisis, you make the most out of everything you have. This means that you might need to get a little creative. Now things like paracord and duct tape have some fairly obvious “other than intended” uses… but other items may require a little more critical thinking….But the more you know now, the better off you’ll be in the future.  Today let’s take a look at one of the most common items you have in your kitchen, Aluminium foil: (Contrary to popular belief…we don’t keep tinfoil around to make cute hats…)

Aluminum Foil For Survival?

It’s not just for keeping leftovers covered! When it comes to multi-purpose survival tools… this common kitchen item has no equal.

In this article, I’ll go over just a few of its many uses such as:

• Boiling water
• Signaling For Help
• Make Fishing Lures
• Water Bottle Repair
• Sharpening Scissors
• How To Fix Loose Batteries
• Keeping Your Matches Dry
• Scrubbing Your Pots And Pans
• Blocking The Wind Around Your Fire
• Collecting Rainwater
• Removing Rust

Let’s get started!

1. Boiling Water

In any survival situation, it is important to stay hydrated. However, water acquired from any “untrusted” source needs to be made safe for consumption. Boiling water is the best way to purify the water and kill all germs and parasites it may contain.

No pots or pans? No problem!  That aluminum foil can be folded to create a makeshift bowl!

Bring your water to a rolling boil and keep it at a rolling boil for a minimum of one minute. This will make your water safe to drink.

2. Signal For Help

Since aluminum foil is reflective, it is great for signaling purposes! Place along on branches and/or any other areas where it will be well seen from the air and/or a road close by.

You can also use aluminum foil to make a makeshift mirror which is great for signaling for help as well.

3. Make Fishing Lures

Fish love shiny lures! If you do not have bait, wrap aluminum foil around the hook, which will act as bait.

4. Water Bottle Repair

Pine sap and aluminum foil will act as a temporary patching solution for cracks in water bottles or small piercings in hydration packs. It will not hold up to a lot of water pressure but, will help with drips and small seeps temporarily.

5. Sharpen Dull Scissors

I keep a multi-tool on me at all times. The scissors are my most used tool so, they can dull up from time to time. To sharpen scissors using aluminum foil, fold the foil over two or three times and cut the foil with your scissors. This will help sharpen the scissor blades.

6. Fix Loose Batteries

If batteries become loose, the most common reason is that the springs inside of the battery compartment have lost some of their tension over time. Loose batteries can cause glitching. To remedy this problem with aluminum foil, fold a small piece just big enough to fill in the gap and you’re good to go.

7. Keep Your Matches Dry

Wrapping your matches with aluminum foil will keep them dry as long as you don’t go underwater!

8. Scrub Dirty Pots And Pans

Do you have dirty pots and pans but forgot to pack the scrub pads? Not to worry. Crumble up a piece of aluminum foil and scrub your dirty pots and pans and rinse.

Remember, it is important to keep the smell of food away from your shelter area and/or campsite. Having clean pots and pans will help to prevent predators (such as bears) from snooping around at night.

9. Create A Quick Windbreak Around Your Campfire

Building a wall out of aluminum foil around your campfire will help protect it from the wind. This will also help reflect heat to help you stay warm at night.

10. Collect Rainwater

Remember the makeshift bowl you made to boil water? Make it about 3 or 4 times that size (or just make several of them) to collect rainwater.

11. Remove Rust

Crumple up a piece of aluminum foil like you would a piece of paper. Use the crumbled foil to remove rust from metal objects.

SensiblePrepper shows 20+ SHTF uses for aluminum foil that you can learn about:

Do have a survival use for aluminum foil that you would like to share with us? Share with us in the comment section below.

Check out these other great articles on everyday items that have multiple uses!

34 Ways to Use Duct Tape for Survival

Multipurpose Survival Items to Use in a Pinch

30 Uses For Trash Bags In Your Bug Out Bag

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from SurvivalLife https://survivallife.com/aluminum-foil-survival-uses/

How To Protect The Most Often “Overlooked” Survival Gear You’ll Ever Have

As survivalists, we try our best to stay in shape and to live a healthy lifestyle. We exercise and eat healthily. Meanwhile, in the back of our minds, we are hoping that the next generation is paying attention as we teach them all we know about surviving. Let’s face it, our world is changing daily. Down the road, we all hope that our good health and physical endurance will get us through the SHTF days. However, even when we’re completely focused on prepping our bodies, we forget about one of our most important resources: our eyes. Eye health will be especially important when we have to rely purely on our survival skills and instincts.

Your Secret for Survival: Maintain Great Eye Health

Even I’m guilty of not paying enough attention to eye health. My eyesight isn’t what it used to be. I do, however, realize that needs to change. Starting today!

In this article, I will cover things we can all do to take proper care of our eyes. You’d be amazed how much can contribute to poor eye health. Anything from prolonged use of the computer to a poor diet can cause eye health degeneration.

*I need to be clear that I am not a doctor and none of these are surefire methods for helping your eyesight, these are just good habits to start that could help maintain a healthy body, mind, and eyes.

If you notice any major issues with your eyes, please see a doctor immediately. It’s better to address these issues and find a solution now before a crisis happens.

Eat Healthy

Healthy eyes start with a healthy diet. Vitamins C and E, along with nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, and lutein are a great place to start! These vitamins and nutrients will help fight against age-related vision issues later in life, such as cataracts and macular degeneration.

Consider adding these foods to your diet. They’re loaded with the vitamins and nutrients I listed above:

• Salmon
• Oysters
• Tuna
• Pork
• Eggs
• Beans
• Nuts
• Citrus fruits
• Leafy vegetables such as: collard greens, spinach, and kale

These foods will also help you maintain a healthy weight, which will lower the risk of diseases such as type 2 diabetes. The leading cause of adult blindness is caused by type 2 diabetes.

Take Breaks From The Computer- Often!

Prolonged periods of staring at a computer and/or phone screen can cause the following:

• Eye strain
• Inability to focus
• Dry eyes
• Blurred vision
• Headaches

If you’re at a computer for long periods of time, here are some things you can do to keep your eyes protected:

• Make sure your eyeglasses or contact lens prescription is current. Consider asking your optometrist about computer glasses.
• Having glares on your screen from other light sources, such as windows or lamps, can cause eye strain. Move your screen accordingly to avoid glares. Also, consider getting a screen that is anti-glare.
• If your eyes become dry, make a conscious effort to blink more.
• If you can, try to rest your eyes about every half hour. A good exercise for resting your eyes is to look away from the screen for 20 seconds while staring at an object about 15-20 feet away.
• A 15 minute break every two hours will also prevent eye strain.

Quit Smoking

Smoking cigarettes can cause severe damage to your eyes. Smoking can lead to such extremes as macular degeneration, cataracts, and optic nerve damage.

If you’ve had a difficult time with quitting in the past, speak with your primary care physician for help.

Protect Your Eyes With Sunglasses

Prolonged UV exposure can be so damaging to your eyes and can greatly increase your chances of getting cataracts and macular degeneration.

How to choose the right sunglasses:

• Be sure to pick sunglasses that block 99-100% of UVB and UVA rays.
• Consider wrap-around lenses, as they will offer protection to the side of your eyes.
• Consider eye contacts that have UV protection. To add more protection, you should still wear sunglasses with your UV contacts.

Protect Your Eyes With Safety Eye Gear

Wearing safety eye gear in an environment with airborne and/or hazardous materials is a must! Certain airborne and hazardous materials can cause severe and permanent damage to your eyes.

Certain sports also can cause eye injury. Wear eye goggles with polycarbonate lenses or a helmet that has a protective face mask to prevent eye injury.

Get Regular Eye Exams

People of all ages need a yearly eye exam. Getting a yearly exam is necessary to keep your eyesight at its very best. Also, by getting an exam once a year, the doctor can detect any possible eye conditions or diseases, like glaucoma. If a possible eye condition or disease is caught early, they are easier to treat.

Why It’s Important

As any good survivalist will admit, being prepared for when TSHTF is as much about caring foryour body as it is about what you know. Maintaining good eye health is an often overlooked, but still vital, part of that necessary physical fitness plan. Implement these tips into your life, and you’ll be sure to spot trouble and its solutions a mile away.

 

Do you have some advice regarding keeping your eyes healthy and at their best? Share with us in the comments below.

Checkout these other articles to keep your eyes looking and feeling their absolute best!

How To Get Rid Of Bags Under Your Eyes Naturally

How to Make an Eye Mask Out of Rice

And check out our friends at Homemade Recipes to jumpstart your healthy diet!

If you’re looking for useful survival gear that you can’t make at home, check out the Survival Life Store!

from SurvivalLife https://survivallife.com/eye-health-maintenance/

4 survival tips to get through the summer with some sanity

The kids just got out of school, and all of the craziness begins. Schedule changes, kids going off to camp necessitating a myriad of new items, old summer clothing is too small, little ones don’t have any agenda, and the panic seems overwhelming. I have put together a list of 10 survival tips to get through the summer with some sanity.

1. Less is More. In those weeks between school and camp when everyone is home, we often go crazy trying to be Super Mom. Suddenly we must travel far and wide providing our children with the most amazing day trips to show them and our friends we are beyond regular humanoid mothering species.

I am guilty of this. I spent a few years creating a camp experience for my children at home, Camp Kutliroff, providing a schedule of trips, projects, and activities that left me exhausted but proud of my accomplishments. It was by far my kid’s best memory. I don’t regret a moment. But, as they get older I have noticed that often my children are just as happy with the small trips. Walks to 7-11 followed by a nice stroll through the library. A sprinkler on a hot summer day. Sidewalk chalk and bubbles. A drop off for the older ones at the mall never gets old. Planting flowers in our garden out back. We often overwhelm ourselves with guilt that we don’t ‘do enough’ and it’s just not necessary to make them happy.

2. When in doubt, Scavenger. One of my kid’s favorite go-to busy project was and still is, the scavenger hunt. Provided for children at any age passing one of these well-planned babies will provide at least an hour of ‘Me Time’ as they go off in search of items. You can incorporate cameras for the older kids with a drop off at the mall, list in tow. For younger ones a coloring page of items that need to be colored in or stickered off as they locate them in the yard or at a park is all they need.

3. Online shopping has never looked better. If you are one of the crazed moms trying to gather the hundreds of sleepaway items on the camp list, this is for you. STOP, DROP and TYPE. No more is it necessary to run with your child to the myriad of stores and try on hundreds of items, gather it all together and still run around again. I still see moms at Target or the mall trying to get it all done. There are so many online retailers that carry even more items than they do in the store, it’s just not necessary anymore. The shipping costs, if there are any, pay for the time saved in gas and frustration. If you have teens, this is seriously the only way to shop. I put the list of the items my 16-year-old needs in an email and tell him to gather the links together. I give him a budget, and he has to stick to it. It cuts shopping time down to nothing, and I know he’ll like all of the selections. Bonus, he’s learning to budget his spending!

4. Child Swap. No, I am not suggesting you swap out your kid for ten weeks of summer. But, for exhausted moms, it could be an excellent arrangement to watch a friend’s child one set day a week for a few hours while she watches yours on another day. No money needs to be spent, and play dates allow both kids and moms the desired break. I have done this in the past, and my youngest has counted down the days until she went to her friend’s. It became a great expected routine for everyone.

The post 4 survival tips to get through the summer with some sanity appeared first on Savvy About Survival.

from Savvy About Survival http://www.savvyaboutsurvival.com/2017/07/28/4-survival-tips-get-summer-sanity/

Survival Food | How To Catch, Cook, & Eat Snakes For Survival

What constitutes survival food?

In a survival situation, you’ll eat just about anything when you’re starving…including creatures (or parts of creatures) we otherwise actively try to avoid. It’s important to remember that some of the foods we consider “extreme” or weird are common edibles and even delicacies in other countries.  Things like ants, spiders, scorpions, rats, and yes even snakes are as common to them as a hamburger is to us. Like I said, if you’re hungry enough, damn near anything becomes palatable.  But it’s best to know how to catch, kill, and cook these strange survival foods before you need them to survive.  Let’s open up our culinary horizons and take a look at snakes as a survival food:

Survival Food | How To Catch, Cook, & Eat Snakes For Survival

It’s incredibly important that you treat any and all snakes as though they were venomous.  I can’t stress enough how important this is.  The last thing you want is to end up with a snake bite in a survival situation … Check out this quick and easy method for trapping snakes that will keep you out of harm’s way ( this works whether you want to catch them for food, or just keep them out of your chicken coop).

Identifying Venomous Snakes

In North America, there are four known species of venomous snakes: the rattlesnake, copperhead, cottonmouth, and coral snake. Each of these species has recognizable markings, habitat, and distinctive behavior. It’s also important to know that each of these snakes has a non-venomous look a like that might be a little safe to catch (if you know how to tell the difference)

Catching A Snake

If you’re a homesteader that keeps chickens or other farm fouls, you should have no issues finding snakes… in fact, they’ll come to you.  However, if you have to go out and hunt them, it can get a little more tricky. On cool days and evenings, you can often find them sunning themselves on rocks or warm pavement.  They’ll be a little slower on cold days, but don’t let that make you any less cautious when dealing with them.  During the heat of the day, they’ll often hide in grass, brush, or piles of leaves. To catch a snake, use a net or stick with a Y in it to pin its head down. Do not approach the snake to make the kill until you’re sure the head is secure.  Once the snake is secure, dispatch it as quickly as possible. Sever the spinal column as quickly as possible to avoid making the animal suffer.  Make sure that you bury the head to avoid a reactionary bite ( yes dead snakes can still bite and inject venom).

How To Cook A Snake

Once you’ve safely caught and killed your meal, it’s time to prepare it for cooking.

Once you’ve removed the head, you can now peel the skin off, slit it down the middle and pull the guts out. Make a light cut to avoid rupturing the insides and tainting your meat. Rinse the meat well then cook it how you see fit.   I’ve included a few recipes below that could help make it a bit more palatable:

Snake Recipes- How To Turn A Snake Into Survival Food:

1. Skewered Snake

Ingredients:

• 1 snake, cut into small portions
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 red onion, diced
• Steak or barbecue sauce

Time For A Little Snake Satay:

• Put alternately the snake meat, bell pepper, and red onion onto a skewer
• Apply the steak or barbecue sauce to the snake meat
• Position your skewers over your campfire
• Cook for about 20 minutes while rotating the skewers halfway every 3 to 5 minutes
• Serve and enjoy

2. Barbecued Snake

Ingredients:

• 1 snake, cut into steaks about 2 to 3 inches
• 1/2 cup barbecue or teriyaki sauce
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1 tbsp ground ginger

How To Get That Char Grilled Goodness:

• Mix the barbecue or teriyaki sauce with the 1/2 cup honey and 1 tbsp ground ginger
• Pour the mixture into a large ziplock bag then add the snake meat
• Marinate it for about 2 to 3 hours
• Grill the meat until it’s cooked

3. Poached Snake Steak

Ingredients:

• 1 kg of snake steak
• 5 pcs. of shallots, sliced
• 1 tbsp turmeric powder
• 5 cloves of garlic, ground
• 1 tbsp ground ginger
• 10 stems lemon grass, peeled while tender parts are finely chopped and pounded
• 2 tbsp paprika
• 2 tbsp white rice wine
• 2 tbsp peanut oil
• 2 quarts spring water

How To Get The Perfect Poach:

• Boil the snake steaks then poach it with the lemon grass peel and chopped and pounded lemon stems
• Add the shallots, ground ginger, and ground garlic in a one-quart of water
• Once the meat is soft, take out the snake steaks and let it cool
• Saute shallots on low heat until it gets light brown
• Add the spices such as ginger, garlic, paprika, peanut oil, and turmeric powder
• Turn up the heat until you smell the toasted aroma from your cooking pot
• Add the snake meat, rice wine, and the remaining spring water
• Reduce heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes
• You can pair this with hot steamed rice

 

Looking for more recipes for survival food? Check out these “Desert Delights.”

So, the next time you’re stuck in the wild with a short food supply, you ready to prey on snakes for survival food.

Have you tried eating a snake before? Share your survival stories in the comments section below!

Up Next: Survive Snake Bites with This Helpful Infographic

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from SurvivalLife https://survivallife.com/survival-food-snakes/

Survival Gear Review: Remington TAC 14 Shotgun

Shotgun manufacturers have been long overdue for a handy smoothbore gun for a Bug Out defense from a vehicle or other modes.  Remington has really stepped up to the plate with this one.  The new Tac-14 is a prepper dream based on the time honored reliable model 870 pump action 12-gauge shotgun.  First out of the chute is to understand this shotgun has a 14-in barrel.  So, why does it not have to be an NFA registered short gun?

By Dr. John J. Woods, a contributing author to SHTFBlog & Survival Cache

Because, Remington purposed this design to defeat those NFA rules by making the Tac-14 with a 26.2-inch overall length.  These dimensions comply with all NFA compliance rules.  Hoorah, a legal “short” shotgun.

Tac-14 Specs

This shotgun version of the 870 platform is indeed true to form in features and functions.  It works exactly like a standard 870 of any other configuration including loading, unloading, pump cycling, the push button safety, and take down procedures, cleaning and maintenance.  The receiver is the same with its durability, and steel construction.

The obvious differences other than the size of the shotgun, first, is its pronounced grip handle which is a Shockwave Raptor Pistol Grip.  The forend hardware comes from Magpul with M-Lock slots, so you know that is good stuff.  Everything is finished in black and all the metal on the gun is set in a black oxide finish.  It is designed for stealth work, unobtrusive, and covert.

The plain Jane barrel has a cylinder bore choke or open choke as some know it.  There are no screw in Rem-Chokes on this shotgun.  The front barrel “sight” is a brass-like bead set up on a platform so it stands out from the contour of the barrel.  The receiver top is flat and matte for a clean sighting plane.  This is a basic point and shoot smoothbore gun.

Related: Survival Shotgun: 6 Reasons Why You Need One

The factory spec sheet does not mention an official weight for this shotgun, but it tips the not-so-accurate bathroom scales at between 4-5 pounds.  It feels heavier, but upon handling it and carrying it around the house for a trial run, it is easy to move into action, swings up naturally for a point-shoot mode.

The Tac-14’s shotgun shell capacity is one in the chamber and 4 up the magazine tube.  This works for either 2 ¾ or 3-inch shells.  I would suggest trying some of the shorter shells first before stepping up to the 3-inch stuff to see how the shooting recoil control goes for the individual shooter.  For self-defense you are likely going to want a heavy load like buckshot, so be prepared to experiment to see which loads pattern the best for close range self-defense.   I am not for certain yet, but I am guessing the Tac-14 is a 30 yard gun, maybe 40 max.  After all, it is a defensive intent shotgun, not a duck gun.

The only initial issue I have with the Tac-14 so far is how slick handling the pistol grip knob is going to be in every day practical use.  If operating the Tac-14 in wet weather, snow or icing conditions, I could see this gun slipping out of the user’s grasp.  I would recommend using a gripper type shooting glove(s).  I intend to wrap this grip with a couple strips of two-sided sticky tape like that used on a carpenter’s hammer or big mechanics wrench.
But What For?

Also Read: 1887 Model T Shotgun Review

For sure this is a unique shotgun and a timely introduction for both preppers and survivalists or just home owners looking for some personal security.  I could envision using this shorty shotgun for a wide variety of applications.  Primarily its main suitability is as a personal self-defense shotgun.  It could be used at a Bug In location to protect against short order threats in the drive way, yard, up the sidewalk or even at an entry doorway.  I suspect 4-5 shots from this rig would disperse just about any crazed zombie.  Be sure to keep extra ammo close at hand though.

This gun is equally as important and adaptable for an escape mission to avoid a coming SHTF or to head out to an alternative Bug Out location.  So, it can find a good use for carry in a vehicle where it can be placed beside the driver’s seat, or just across the center console or floor hump.  If driving solo, it could be placed in the opposite seat.  Someone riding “shotgun” in the back seat could deploy this gun that way, too.

Stuff That Works: Remington Model 870 Shotgun

In these manners with practice and training, the user can deploy the Tac-14 out an open window or with the vehicle door open.  This takes practice.  This gun can also be carried rather discreetly by the grip just behind the hip, letting it hang down to the knee.  You have to work at carrying the gun this way, then wielding it into action in a second nature second.  Again, these motions and use modes takes some practice to be proficient.  Plan for that.

At a Bug In, the Tac-14 can not only provide short range security, but it could be used to collect small game meat for the pot.  By stalking within short ranges, this gun should be able to take squirrels, rabbits, game birds and other food animals with the proper game loads.  It’s an easy shotgun to tote about camp or on patrol ready to take advantage of any edible targets of opportunity.  Any active prepper or survivalist knows these situations well and how to act upon any chance to provide food.  The Tac-14 can do this work well enough.

Final Afterthoughts

Preppers and survivalists both for a lock down hunkered Bug In or an escape Bug Out scenario will find great use for the Remington 870 Tac-14 shotgun.  It’s not a conventional shotgun by any means without a standard buttstock to steady shots.  A shotgun using various choke tubes has more hunting options.  This gun has to be hand gripped with the bore muzzle thrust forward into the shot as the fore end is held up for aiming.  You have to be prepared to manhandle this one.

Accessories could be added, but personally I would probably avoid any barrel attached items for this gun like a light.  It might be worth trying so long as it does not throw off the balance of the gun, one of its most positive attributes.  There are plenty of other modes to provide illumination not to have a light attached directly to the gun, especially short barreled shotgun like the Tac-14.

Related: Cut Shotgun Shells For Survival

Though the Tac-14 has a Magpul fore end with M-Lok slots, my own personal preference is not to lock something onto a pump shotgun fore end that has to be pulled back and forth to eject spent shotshells and to load fresh ones.  Such action is not only critical to the function of the pump action gun, but doing so could constantly loosen up whatever is attached.  Again, it might be worthy of a trial, so each user has to assess their own judgments on such things.  My only suggestion is to keep this short shotgun as unencumbered and handy as possible.

A shoulder strap carry can be applied by replacing the factory magazine cap with one that has a swivel stud feature to accept a standard screw lock sling attachment loop.  The rear trigger assembly pin can be slowly tapped out to install a GG&G or GrovTec replacement pin that has a push button sling attachment receptacle built on.

Other users may find other accessories to adapt to the Tac-14.  Another item to consider would be a 5 or 6 round shotshell saddle attached to the side of the receiver.  This may not work with the sling rig detailed above.  These are choices the user has to make depending upon their own personal priorities of use for such a weapon.

Related: Survival Shotgun Selection

The Tac-14 is a grip full, but it is not overwhelming especially with 2 ¾ inch game or defense loads.  With some judicious practice, I think most users will get to the point of being able to handle the heavier 3-inch shells.  There are a lot of shotshell load choices that can be used for a variety of purposes when deploying this shotgun.  Try trial, error, and experience.

One more thing for this shotgun.  Get a discreet nylon shotgun carry sleeve that are so popular now to house this gun.  These heavy duty sleeve cases have a shoulder strap, a lash down strap to hold the gun in the sleeve as well as Molle strap attachment points should you want to add other items.  With such a case the gun can be secured and protected in a vehicle, on a UTV or ATV or over the shoulder for field carry.

That about sums up the Remington 870 Tac-14.  These are new to the market and could be hard to find at dealers right now.  Retail pricing should be under $450.  I saw two at a recent gun show for well under that amount.  If you see one, grab it quick.  I think these short barreled shotguns are going to be very popular in short order.

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Wilderness Survival Skills | 7 Unique Ways To Find Water In The Wild

The POW Virus – What You Need To Know

A warm spring and more wet weather than we’re used to having could be leading us to big trouble from a little pest!

I’m talking about ticks… and it’s not just Lyme you need to worry about…

If you’re not careful, these little blood suckers can pack a real POW, especially if you live in certain areas of the country (see below to discover which area has the greatest risk and what you can do to stay out of harm’s way).

I’m sure some of you, by now have noticed the increased tick population. I know I have! What has caused such an increase since last year? Warmer yearly temperatures across the United States, accompanied by more rainfall than usual, plays a huge role in the increase of the tick population. Ticks love warm and damp environments! Unfortunately, in addition to the usual tick inconvenience, it’s important to learn about the POW Virus and its implications.

What You Need To Know About The POW Virus

It’s no secret that ticks can transmit diseases to humans and their canine/feline companions. According to the CDC, there are numerous diseases that are contracted each year through tick bites. Click HERE to see the full list of tick related diseases in the United States.

Protection against ticks is more crucial than ever as there is an increased concern regarding the POW virus, otherwise known as ‘Powassan disease’. It was first reported in 1958, in Ontario, when a young boy died from inflammation of the brain. At the time of his death, the cause of the inflammation was unknown. Since that time, through years of medical research, the little boy’s cause of death now has a name – Powassan disease. This serious virus, as we know it today, is caused by a bite from a black-legged tick known as the deer tick.

To elaborate further on the POW virus, according to the CDC (The Center for Disease Control), this what is currently known about this virus.

“Powassan (POW) virus is transmitted to humans by infected ticks. Approximately 75 cases of POW virus disease were reported in the United States over the past 10 years. Most cases have occurred in the Northeast and Great Lakes region. Signs and symptoms of infection can include fever, headache, vomiting, weakness, confusion, seizures, and memory loss. Long-term neurologic problems may occur. There is no specific treatment, but people with severe POW virus illnesses often need to be hospitalized to receive respiratory support, intravenous fluids, or medications to reduce swelling in the brain.” (source) **this information was last updated on 2/14/2017

Click HERE for the CDC’s statistics and map information for the POW virus.

Further Research Uncovers An Awful Truth

My research continued to uncover even more information about the sudden re emerging concern of the POW virus. I came across an article that further explains this rising concern. According to portions of an article posted by Cleveland 19 News on 5/2/2017:

“Powassan Virus, which is rarer and more deadly than the bacteria that causes Lyme, is now carried by the deer tick, which has a broad range and often bites humans. Until recently, the disease was borne only by a tick that does not bite humans, and the risk was all but non-existent.

There Is No Vaccine

There is no vaccine or specific treatment other than providing comfort, keeping patients hydrated and in the worst cases providing supportive therapy that will allow the immune system to resolve the illness before the patient dies.

The cause for concern is the recent proof that the deer tick now carries the virus. Discovered in the 1950s in Powassan, Ontario, until three decades ago, it was only carried by a tick that didn’t bite humans.

But with the jump to the deer tick, the spread may be inevitable. Studies of wildlife, who also can become infected, show Powassan increasing in New England and parts of the upper Midwest.”

Read their full article HERE.

Prevention Is Key

To protect yourself from being bitten, protection is key! In my article, 5 Natural Tick Repellents to Get Rid of Ticks NOW, I list 5 effective all natural tick repellent recipes for you, your dog, and your cat.

Tick related viruses can be prevented by applying effective tick repellent. The POW virus is not the only threat we face with tick bites.

There are other steps you can take to protect yourself. Here are some great tips (also from my article) to help keep yourself safe while exploring the outdoors:

• Wear panty hose under pants (yes, even guys!)
• Don’t walk in high grassy areas
• Keep your grass cut
• Don’t sit on logs – If you sit on a log for only five minutes, you raise your chance of getting bitten by 30%
• Wear hats when walking in the woods
• For Long Hair use tight (not loose) braids, pony tails or buns
• Wear clothing that covers the skin and has elastic on the wrist and ankles
• Wear boots or shoes that can be tightened at the ankles
• Tuck your pants into your socks
• Always walk in the center of trails when taking nature walks
• Shower within two hours of coming indoors
• Inspect your clothes and body, especially: under the arms, around the ears, inside the belly button, back of knees, and in your hair

In closing, I want to make one thing clear. I am not sharing this information to induce panic. I am sharing this knowledge to keep our loyal readers of Survival Life safe from ALL tick related viruses. Keeping you informed to ensure your safety is what we do here at Survival Life.

As always, enjoy the outdoors! Stay safe and always prepared!

Up Next: Weird Trick To Effectively And Efficiently Conserve Water In A Crisis

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from SurvivalLife https://survivallife.com/pow-virus/

Why Smart Guns are a Bad Idea: The Left’s attempt to push Gun Control through Smart Gun Technology

At the Defcon hacker conference later this week, a hacker plans to present his findings on how he easily hacked one of the most popular smart guns, the Armatix IP1 [...]

The post Why Smart Guns are a Bad Idea: The Left’s attempt to push Gun Control through Smart Gun Technology appeared first on Off Grid Survival - Wilderness & Urban Survival Skills.

from Off Grid Survival – Wilderness & Urban Survival Skills https://offgridsurvival.com/smart-guns-bad-idea/