Savvy About Survival

Thursday, 9 November 2017

Safety And Security Measures You’re Missing When Outdoors

Wednesday, 8 November 2017

Survival Books You Need To Read

Survival Gear Review: Clickspring Fire Piston

In today’s prepping survival marketplace there are many choices of fire starting tools. Fires can be ignited by using a variety of these available tools by using many different techniques. The bottom line though is to have a reliable fire starting implement that you can count on to get you a blaze started under all kinds of conditions. This tool can do that.

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

Brand new to the market to the point that sales packaging is not yet even complete, the Clickspring Fire Piston actually uses old school technology that has been around for some time. In this new tool fire starting is delivered by a precision machined tool constructed of aluminum and brass.

The Origin of Clickspring

If you want a lot of background information on this new product, your search may leave you with more clickspring_fire_piston_shtf questions than answers, but that does not impact the quality or function of the Clickspring Fire Piston.

The company or founding name Clickspring oddly comes from a home shop project development machine shop whose primary focus is on clock making. The proprietor “Chris” creates the home shop project videos that you can watch on YouTube.

Firing up the Clickspring

You’ll need access to a computer or device that can dial up the YouTube video that shows you how to start a fire using the Clickspring Fire Piston. The package I received for this product review contained no written instructions, no owner’s manual or a parts list. All that is described in the video. I can only assume once the final packaged product hits the market it will contain the necessary written information to learn to use it.

Also Read: DIY Firestarter

Though I could not ever get the sound working on the video thank goodness it came with subtitles, otherwise I would have been lost. It is not an intuitive use tool, primarily because it is a specialty precision engineered device. I had to watch the video several times to get the full orientation on it.

The fire piston uses a forceful thrust of air that is heated by a fast pump on the piston inside the chamber tube or body of the tool. There are seals forward and aft on the end of the piston rod that allows the pressure to rise as the rod is thrust forward down the tube. Apparently this rise in pressure creates the heat that ignites the tiny piece of pre-burned char cloth inserted into the forward end of the piston rod.

Once the piston rod is quickly thrust down the tube this ignites the char cloth which then glows red as an ember. The end of the rod with the ember is then held to the remaining piece of the char cloth to ignite it. Then this glowing char cloth is inserted into a wad of quick fire starting fodder such as a wad of dry grass, leaves or other materials that will start to burn. From there the fire is tended and built up as usual.

Tool Shop Specs

The Clickspring Fire Piston is milled or precision turned from brass and aluminum. Both end caps are brass. The tube is aluminum. The threaded brass end holds a small liquid filled compass which is a handy item. This cap is drilled though to hold a piece of lanyard material that is 700mm in length and a sliding brass keeper to tighten around the wrist or other holding spot. This threaded cap end screws down onto the threated end of the tool body or tube.

The opposite end of the tube is where the brass piston rod with recessed dimple in the end of the rod holds the clickspring_fire_piston_review_survival_tool char cloth fits. This is inserted into the tube and held in place by the pressure created by the seals when the screw on end is in place. Caution here. If the opposite end screw cap is screwed down tightly, then the piston rod will not insert because of the pressure created by the seals on the rod. Once you handle it a few times you will quickly get the hang of how it all goes together and works. Again, watch the play-by-play video.

The overall length of the Clickspring Fire Piston is just 5.35 inches long. The outside diameter of the assembled tube unit is 0.75 inches. It weighs a mere 5.6 ounces. The entire unit is quite compact and easy to store in a Bug Out bag, vehicle glove compartment, backpack or cargo pants pocket. The Clickspring Fire Piston retails for $89 and can be ordered on Amazon.

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from SurvivalCache http://survivalcache.com/survival-gear-review-clickspring-fire-piston/

The Benefits and Hazards of Off-Body Carry

Depending on who you talk to or what articles you read, or videos you see, carrying your gun any other way than on your hip is for losers. This discounts, of course, the half-dozen other ways you can carry concealed safely and effectively. Including appendix carry, ankle, belly band, cross draw (an oldie, to be sure), small of your back, or shoulder rig. The current theory is that you should be able to get your hand on your gun and get it out of your holster (two distinct moves) within three seconds of seeing an armed threat. I don’t disagree. So, if I’m going to do off-body carry, in my fanny pack (aka man bag, belly pack, belly bag, butt pack), I need to be just as fast getting it out of there as I do when I draw from my IWB or ankle holster (my preferred way of carrying, as I addressed in the first blog I ever wrote here).

Off-Body Carry: Benefits And Hazards You Need To Know

A few fine points about my approach to off-body carry; Your Mileage May Vary, especially if you don’t do it all because you think it’s not fast enough, too girly, or whatever reason you need not tell me. I choose to use my little bag with the one big zippered pocket (for my gun) and the little zippered pocket (for my spare mags or speedloaders), depending on my gun choice that day. I don’t ever wear the bag around my waist; I sling it over my non-gun hand shoulder when I get out of my car and walk in the grocery store. When I’m in a restaurant or at the movies, I buckle it around my left thigh. I never leave it behind in a shopping cart or when I go to the bathroom.

Truth told I have left my gun bag in two restaurants over the past ten years. There are few worse feelings in the world than realizing that your firearm is back in your booth as you’re driving away. Both times I raced back and it was still on the seat. Stupid is as stupid does, sir. That would have been an awkward conversation with the waitress, the hostess, or the cops (“Uh. Sorry, officer”) if they had opened my bag. As such, I have created a number of important habits that make that dumb move impossible to recreate again.

For me, the benefits to off-body carry via a gun bag are plenty:

It’s just more comfortable than an IWB holster. Despite all the advancements, foam and felt pads, and other attempts at comfort, even the most strident IWB carrier must admit that the thing cuts into your belly, rubs your hip bone, stabs your side when you climb into your car, and is a general pain in warm weather.
It makes it easy to dress, especially on hot days. Sometimes, I just want to wear shorts, flip flops, and a t-shirt to the store, and not look like I’m shooting a catalog page for 5.11 Tactical gear. I don’t need a shirt and a cover shirt. I don’t need to wear long pants to cover my ankle holster. I don’t have to sweat through my clothes.
Gun bags don’t print. At least they won’t outline your gun if you have the right sized-bag for the right-sized gun. If you try to shove your 1911 Colt into a bag that’s too small and the butt sticks out, that’s just dumb and inviting problems. I’ll admit I wonder if people are smart enough to consider I might have a gun in my bag as I stroll past them. It’s the right size and shape for one, and although I’m not wearing it around my waist, I’m guessing some people know. Then again, a lot of people are either Sheep, or distracted by their own lives, or both, so perhaps my secret is still safe with me.

As with all things in life, there are tradeoffs, and gun bags have their distinct disadvantages as well.

As with all things in life, there are tradeoffs, and gun bags have their distinct disadvantages as well. | The Benefits and Hazards of Off-Body Carry

You must practice getting your gun out fast or you’re dead. Not being able to get to the right pocket and then fumbling with zippers is a recipe for disaster. I have practiced with an empty gun at home (using the same safety habits as if I was dry-firing), until I can get my gun out of the bag and on target quickly. I’ve done the same at the range, moving from the bag strap over my shoulder, to my hand, to the zippered pocket, to the draw and fire, as quick as a bunny. Under the stress of really needing your gun to protect yourself, you must already have that muscle memory in place.
You could get disarmed. We already know bad guys like to snatch women’s purses off their shoulders. We’ve seen these incidents in grocery stores and mall parking lots, as a two-man crew drives up to an unsuspecting woman, and the passenger either leans out the window and grabs her purse or jumps out and jumps back in again with it. Some bad guys are smart enough to recognize someone carrying a fanny pack might have a gun inside it. As such, I’m extra vigilant out in public or near people. Anyone who tries to grab my bag is going to lose the tug of war and get counterpunched until he falls to the ground.

Here’s an episode of Into the Fray by USCCA showing that Off-body carry can work:

You could leave it somewhere (or it could get into the wrong hands). We all get distracted by life, our kids, and the stress of the moment. People leave their cell phones, coffee cups, sodas, lunches, purses, briefcases, and other important things on the roofs of their cars and then drive away. You cannot, must not, will not leave your gun bag anywhere where you are not in complete, always-touching-it control. Lord help you if you’re dumb enough to leave it near your kids, ever. You must focus on the proximity of your gun bag to your hand and your body the moment you choose to carry it that way.

What do you think about the benefits and hazards for off-body carry? Let us know in the comments section below.

Up Next: Go-Bag Guns | Getting Your Guns In Order When SHTF

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Contact Steve Albrecht at DrSteve@DrSteveAlbrecht.com or on Twitter @DrSteveAlbrecht

from SurvivalLife https://survivallife.com/off-body-carry-benefits-hazards/

Tuesday, 7 November 2017

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

Monday, 6 November 2017

Tips On Surviving Federal Prison

Have you ever wondered how inmates make it through their time in federal prison? While it’s highly unlikely you’ll end up in such a place, it would be good to know how to survive it. Just in case you’re caught in the most unfortunate of circumstances.

How to Survive When Doing Time in Federal Prison

The idea of preparing to survive in federal prison doesn’t really apply to most readers — yet being ready for anything is always great. We make it a point to be in control of what comes our way. However, things can sometimes get messy. One bad decision may lead to another and the next thing you know, you’re living out a nightmare. After all, not everyone in prison deserves to be there. While God forbid you ever need the tips below, here are the things to know for your time behind bars:

1. Avoid talking about your case

Avoid talking about your case | Tips On Surviving Federal Prison
It’s not surprising that most inmates suffer from some sort of depression while doing time. However, while you’re processing your emotions and dealing with your own depression, try not to share too many details about your case. Other prisoners can resent those making progress with their cases, especially if you’re getting ready to head out.

One of the main struggles of being homeless is finding a safe place to sleep or rest. https://t.co/ac5kSaKjSN

— Survival Life (@SurvivalLF) October 18, 2017

2. Don’t try to buddy up with people

Don't try to buddy up with people | Tips On Surviving Federal Prison
Making friends is a necessity in every community. It’s very difficult to go through life behind bars without talking to someone. However, getting too attached to a buddy in prison can get you into trouble. The closer you get to someone, the more chances your best-kept secrets get spilled. Plus, you might even make enemies without you knowing just because your buddy has his share of enemies too.

3. Don’t get too involved with prison politics

Don't get too involved with prison politics. | Tips On Surviving Federal Prison
Prison life is a scary thing, especially if you’re not careful about what you’re walking into. Avoid listening to conversations you’re not a part of. In fact, the best thing to do is pretend you didn’t hear anything and act like you don’t know anything. Additionally, you can make it clear sensitive topics don’t interest you. The less you know, the more peaceful your situation will be until your time in prison is up.

Here’s a video by Canadian Prepper about tips for surviving federal prison:

Though these tips may never be useful for you personally, you might still know someone who’s serving time for a reason. Keeping these tips in mind can help you understand what they’re up against. Furthermore, in case you do end up in this sticky situation, now you’ll be better prepared.

What can you say about these tips for surviving life in federal prison? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

UP NEXT: Self-Defense Now Considered “Bizarre Behavior,” and May Land You in Prison?