Equipped To Survive Equipped To Survive® Presents
The Survival Forum
Where do you want to go on ETS?

Page 1 of 2 1 2 >
Topic Options
#581 - 04/29/01 12:01 AM Can you survive?
Anonymous
Unregistered


Interesting question isn't it?<br>I will be one of the survivors in any event. A bold statement to make but physcologically prepration is one of the real keys to survival. I read the newspaper, watch TV. and read the posts of several different news websites but what am I missing? There is a lot going on in this world that we do not see. <br><br>Here are my circiumstances: I live in semi-rural Georgia and commute 36 miles(one way) to work. I work in an office with a limited personal zone(7 by 7 cubicle). I drive a Ford Ranger truck with toolbox. I have my own house.<br>My questions for those who have input on survival subjects:<br>1. If you had only $1000 to purchase a rifle, pistol, magazines, ammo, cleaning equipment, slings, scope(s), and other support supplies, what would you have?<br>2. For food, would you have canned, freezedried, or raw materials(flour,rice)? Or maybe a mixture?<br>3. I need suggestions for bugout kits for work, truck, and my car. I already keep 10-15 days worth of food, water, medical kit, blankets, and heating/cooking equip. at work. What should I have in the vehicle? Weapons? Food? <br><br>Peace,<br><br>They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. <br>—Benjamin Franklin<br>Historical Review of Pennsylvania, 1759 <br><br>Every citizen should be a soldier. This was the case with the Greeks and Romans, and must be that of every free state. <br>—Thomas Jefferson <br>

Top
#582 - 04/29/01 03:59 AM Re: Can you survive?
Chris Kavanaugh Offline
Carpal Tunnel

Registered: 02/09/01
Posts: 3824
Lawdy Mizz Scarlett,are the yankees coming?After Y2K you could have bought 30years of MREs,assuming you LIKE veal parmigan.After McViegh the militia folks were shedding cammies faster than an Iraqi conscript.Chicom SKS are a real bargain,what with all the real patriots digging up their mortor tubes under the septic tank after the spy plane incident.Now that I've had my fun I can only make one suggestion.Take the $1000 dollars,determine what threatens Georgia and get involved.It could be habitat for humanity with President Carter,restoring the Georgia Pines or working with youths at risk.It sounds like you allready have more stuff than most of us combined.Aquaint yourself with your neighbors,make peace with a personal enemy.Re- enfranchise yourself.<br><br>

Top
#583 - 04/29/01 04:22 AM Re: Can you survive?
Anonymous
Unregistered


I would start by listing the things I don't have. Do you own a weapon? Is this weapon capable, considering range and tactics needed for escape and evasion? Are you traveling thruogh rural or urban areas? What is the situation regarding naturaly accuring food sources in your area? What food souces could not be obtained from the land in your area? what is your skill level? Now for some suggestions. If you are in an area where threat distances are within 40 or 50 yards, I would suggest a good riot type shotgun and maybe a used revolver. If distances are greater I would suggest a Mak 90 7.62x39 or maybe an old mauser or smle in good shape. The prefered combination in survival weaponry is a shotgun with enter-changable long and short barrel, a rifle capable of quick accurate shots out to 300 yards or better, a reliable handgun, and don't forget to buy a good .22 cal rifle which could be your most valuable weapon of all. A .22 cal has a low sound signature, cheap lightweight ammo, and the rifles are lightweight also. I certainly prefer the Ruger 10/22. The Ruger is very reliable and cost effective.As far as scopes go, Tasco makes a good scope for the money. I have had bad luck with Simmons scopes. I have consentrated on weapons here because they will probably be your single greatest expense.Check out this forum, I think you will find some answers.<br><br>Ranger.<br>The older I get, The better I was.

Top
#584 - 04/29/01 05:24 AM Re: Can you survive?
Anonymous
Unregistered


Thanks Ranger,<br><br>I am guessing that you have spent some time in the Rangers. In my short military career I ended up in the 880th engineers and thanks to almost 10 years in the boy scouts I did learn the old motto " be prepared ". When I went looking for a house, away from the city, I carefully considered the area for military importance, food supplies, population and the makeup of said population, proximity to interstate highways, income levels, crime, and the all important defendability of the property. When it comes to weapons You and I think much alike. I love the Ruger 10/22's and since I give firearms instructions at a local range I have found that a 10/22 put into the hands of a first time shooter brings them right into firearms gently. I also keep a Ruger mark 2 for those who want to try pistols out for the first time. I pretty much have firearms covered but food storage and water storage have been my biggest considerations lately. I bought several 30 and 55 gallon plastic food grade drums that had vinegar or soy sauce in them. It really was a pain in the ass to clean them out but I finally got them clean and the water doesn't stink. My thoughts are to fill these with water but how can I preserve the water for long periods of time? Another major problem is food. I keep a good 15 days(for 2 people) worth of canned goods & soups, water, oatmeal, crackers, drinks, tuna fish, and assorted necessities at work and at home probably 3 times that amount. But I wonder if I am missing anything. I have a good medical kit at work, home, and my vehicles. Speaking of vehicles what about long term storage of gasoline? I have propane stored for cooking and heating and that I know never goes bad. What about converting to propane and eliminating gasoline all together? I guess it probably sounds like I might have it all laid out but I want the input of others because I may be missing something and like they say two(or more) heads are better than one. I am part of a small group here in the north Georgia area that are somewhat organized and we have a planning schedule for our members involving supplies. And we even occasionally train together. Probably not nearly enough but at least we have started to organize a co-op unit. I value the constructive input of other "suvivalists". <br>Thanks Again,<br>Barracuda<br><br>Every citizen should be a soldier. This was the case with the Greeks and Romans, and must be that of every free state. <br>—Thomas Jefferson <br>

Top
#585 - 04/29/01 02:08 PM Survival vs. Survivalism
Anonymous
Unregistered


Welcome Barracuda,<br><br>It sounds like some of your questions are oriented toward survivalism. It is likely that the members of this forum can be quite helpful to you in that area. However, you should note that this site's stated purpose is to duscuss survival issues, which is a little different than survivalism. In addition to your activity here at this forum, you may want to check out some of the numerous survivalist sites and discussion groups on the net. For example, there are probably entire sites that focus on nothing but long-term food and water storage, with diagrams and source lists. I personally found an excellent book at my public library covering that topic exhaustively. I can't remember the title or author, though (sorry). You may be able to get more useful information that way than in the limited space of a discussion group.<br><br>

Top
#586 - 04/29/01 09:47 PM Re: Survival vs. Survivalism
Anonymous
Unregistered


Thanks CastAway,<br><br>You are right about most of my questions leaning toward survivalism. I have a belief that I will survive just about anything that man or nature can throw at me with the exception of an atom bomb going off right over my head. My family and I survived the floods of the Mississippi in 1992, I survived a very bad Taxi ride in Mexico while on vacation in 1995. And I survived a hit and run by two drunk drivers at the same time that they left me for dead upside down in a rain-filled ditch in my old 1988 Ranger. Each of these events have left a mark on my life that will not be forgotten. I have been lucky or at least it was not my time to go. Each event I some how remained calm until the end then after it was all over with then I went kind of crazy. Thanks for the advice about looking up strictly water storage and long term storage of food on the internet. I had not really thought about looking in that manner so maybe I'll find what I am looking for there or here. It really doesn't matter where as long as I find what I am looking for.<br><br>THanks,<br>Barracuda<br><br>Every citizen should be a soldier. This was the case with the Greeks and Romans, and must be that of every free state. <br>—Thomas Jefferson <br>

Top
#587 - 04/29/01 10:08 PM Re: Can you survive?
Anonymous
Unregistered


Chris,<br><br>Now that you have made fun of where I live and the people that happen to be my friends and co-workers let me ask you a question. Why should I get involved with such projects like Habatat for Humanity, the Boys and Girls club, or restoring Georgia pines. Do I not already pay enough taxes? Why should I expose myself to youths at risk? It has been proven that people without scruples or initiative take the easiest road. Why should that road end up leading to my door? I know my neighbors, I have worked with a few of them. That is why I bought my house where I did. I have done missionary work in Mexico before and the last time nearly got my family and I killed. I came to realize some people ARE NOT worth reaching out to. I once had you idealism and beliefs in mankind but no more. I wish you all the success in you outreach to those less fortunate.<br>Barracuda<br><br>Every citizen should be a soldier. This was the case with the Greeks and Romans, and must be that of every free state. <br>—Thomas Jefferson <br>

Top
#588 - 04/30/01 03:06 AM Long-term water storage
Anonymous
Unregistered


Hey CastAway and those reading thru,<br><br>I went looking for water storage sites and found a pretty good one:<br>www.waltonfeed.com/self/water.html<br>they also have quite a bit of dehydrated and whole food info and products for sale. I am glad that there was someone else saying the same thing that I have heard about using these poly drums that I picked up. <br>Hope this helps others.<br><br>Barracuda<br><br>Every citizen should be a soldier. This was the case with the Greeks and Romans, and must be that of every free state. <br>—Thomas Jefferson <br>

Top
#589 - 04/30/01 03:16 AM Re: Can you survive?
Chris Kavanaugh Offline
Carpal Tunnel

Registered: 02/09/01
Posts: 3824
Barracuda,"Angels can fly because they take themselves lightly"Mea Culpa if my humor offended you,but The whole'survivalist'movement is wrapped a might tight.I meet to many angry,disenfranchised people with this bunker mentality(and we know what happens to people in bunkers,ya?).Some of these people seem to look forward anxiously to a Mad Max post apocalyptic scenario.I am merely postulating that preservation is easier than reconstruction;be it a forest,community,nation or individual self confidence.<br><br>

Top
#590 - 04/30/01 05:32 AM Re: Can you survive?
Anonymous
Unregistered


Hey Chris,<br><br>Actually, I am not offended by your comments I just have a different perspective due to personal experience and I like to see how people react. I learned much of my self-reliance from my grandparents whom survived the Great depression as young adult just starting their independent lives. My summers were spent raising and slaughtering pigs and chicken, tending to a 40 acre farm, and all the things associated with living in rural southern Missouri. It did me alot of good and I learned from my grandparents. I have a garden that provides me with enough food to live off of for short periods of time. At my job I usually start bringing in tomatoes and cucumbers by middle of May, peas and green beans before the end of May. I don't sell them I just give away what I have left over from canning or drying. Last year at my old house I ran out of mason jars before the end of July and gave away atleast 200lbs of tomatoes and beans. I could have frozen them or bought more jars but why? I canned enough to last over a year. It took more time moving the canned and dried stores 20 miles than moving anything else. I am still sorting everything out. Anyway, it has been a long night at work and I am going home. May G*d bless your endevors.<br><br>Barracuda <br><br>Every citizen should be a soldier. This was the case with the Greeks and Romans, and must be that of every free state. <br>—Thomas Jefferson <br>

Top
#591 - 04/30/01 03:50 PM Re: Can you survive?
Anonymous
Unregistered


I would suggest you check out Plainsmans Cabin. They discuss survivalism and setting up off-the-grid living. Preparing for problems at work, travel, and home are common topics with lively discussion. No politics, no language, check it out.<br><br>http://pub7.ezboard.com/bplainsmanscabin<br><br><br><br>

Top
#592 - 04/30/01 08:56 PM Re: Survival vs. Survivalism
Chris Kavanaugh Offline
Carpal Tunnel

Registered: 02/09/01
Posts: 3824
Heres the secret to acquiring water drums.First,they must be clearly marked food grade.Some of these drums hold pretty nasty contents that scrubbing will not eliminate! This doesn't eliminate all of them however! Many carwashes use biodegradable soaps and these can be successfully cleaned.So,restaurants and carwashes are a good source.Oftentimes they have so many it's in their interest to give or sell them cheap.Avoid all plastic containers that are colored oily black! these are being produced as trash recepticalls with insecticidal plastic! They will leach poison! Aside from initially purifying your stored water,you will need an oxygenator to prevent Algae.www.MajorSurplusNSurvival.com has a good selection,but shop around! Dealing locally often lets you in on rapid moving bargains and keeps the money in your greater community.You will need a good bung wrench to open them also,and there are manual syphon pumps worth acquiring.One caveat:My barrels held fruit punch syrup and my water still has the faint taste of papaya.It makes an interesting coffee!<br><br>

Top
#593 - 05/02/01 07:42 PM Re: Can you survive?
Anonymous
Unregistered


There is no way i could. I always thought I could but in school we've been reading Lord of the Flies. And our teacher got all these survival tests and I didn't pass one of them. I'd die for sure!<br><br>

Top
#594 - 05/02/01 08:50 PM mahalo katie
Chris Kavanaugh Offline
Carpal Tunnel

Registered: 02/09/01
Posts: 3824
Dear katie,A long time ago people moved out onto the Islands of the Philipines,Southeast Asia and the great Pacific.They did this in open ships,navigating by currents,changes in water temperature,and the stars.they possessed little or no metallurgy,no matches,no cell phones.Then our great western culture "discovered" these lands and the exploitation began.Notice how these "survivor" shows never mention whos home is being used.It isn't Gilligan!I think if you learned about these people and the way they not only survived,but florished;youd have a different perspective.<br><br>

Top
#595 - 05/02/01 10:44 PM Re: Survival vs. Survivalism
Anonymous
Unregistered


Chris,<br><br>I have bought several drums from a fellow near my house and I bought several different sized drums and different flavors. The worst one I have had, and right now are soaking in bleach water, are 55 gallon drums with soy sauce. Yuuuuk!<br>I'll end up using the few that I bought for rainwater collection and storage if I cant get the taste out. I bought two very nice aluminium bung wrenches from K&R Surplus in Athens Georgia along with a cup-per-pump hand pump with extra seals. I thought about buying one of the rotary pumps from Granger but they are expensive. I bought several 30 gallon drums that had apple cider in them and they really cleaned up good. And 30 gallons(220lbs) are a lot easier to move around than a 440lb 55 gallon water barrel. I'll check out the site a little later tonight.<br><br>Talk at ya'll later,<br>Barracuda<br><br>Every citizen should be a soldier. This was the case with the Greeks and Romans, and must be that of every free state. <br>—Thomas Jefferson <br>

Top
#596 - 05/03/01 12:29 AM Re: Can you survive?
Anonymous
Unregistered


We all have to realize what the mind set of the average school is today. For several years now political correctness has been "in" while self determination and self reliance are "out". It is in the selfish interest of many people to keep us reliant upon modern conveniences. If you study for awhile, you to can survive adverse situations. Survival is a mind set. Learn it like I did, buy a book, seek out instructions, practice techniques. Mentally put your self into situations and think about what you would do. Play a game with a friend, have your friend put you in an imaginary predicament. Try to figure out what you would do. After you come up with a plan, check your survival manual to see if you made the right choices.<br><br>Ranger.<br>The older I get, The better I was.

Top
#597 - 05/07/01 04:24 AM Re: Can you survive?
Anonymous
Unregistered


Well heres the deal. Why not get a weapon that your neighbors have or a colt m16 since thats the standard army issue and what not. ask around town ask em all what kinda weapons they own and maybe buy 1 that has interchangable parts with the most common gun that your town has. if not buy 1 that is either 5.56 or 7.62 or what ever the 7 was since that is a wide spread ammunition. maybe a 9mm or 45 cal pistol the 1911 is nice cause its real wide spread. or maybe chose a weapon that is wide spread in countries that may invade us so u can interchange parts with theirs. i prefer the ruger mini 14 since most of the state militas have em. another thing to consider is are u any good with rifles? choose 1 thats is simple not real hard to clean and take apart. or hell go the full 9 yards and get a frickin 40mm semiautomatic grenade launcher and a Tango-51 sniper rifle and a HK mark 1 ????? lol yeah right but hey im only 14 what do i know?<br><br>

Top
#598 - 05/09/01 12:47 PM Thanks to those who responded
Anonymous
Unregistered


To all,<br><br>I want to thank those of you who responded to my many questions. The information and web site suggestions have come in handy in correcting some of my misconceptions on water and food storage. There is much info on the web and it sometimes is overwhelming tring to find info but many of you have had the same questions that I have and your insight has been enlighting to say the least. There were different opinions and different grades of suggestions but all in all I have a better prepared stash of necessities. I have discovered many sites that I think are worth looking into if those who wish to begin preparing or are in the midst of preparing for events unknown. I am no expert but I have learned much and would be glad to answer questions or email some of the sites that I have visited to those who are interested. <br><br>Thanks to all,<br>Barracuda<br><br>Every citizen should be a soldier. This was the case with the Greeks and Romans, and must be that of every free state. <br>—Thomas Jefferson <br>

Top
Page 1 of 2 1 2 >



Moderator:  Alan_Romania, Blast, cliff, Hikin_Jim 
March
Su M Tu W Th F Sa
1 2
3 4 5 6 7 8 9
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
24 25 26 27 28 29 30
31
Who's Online
0 registered (), 456 Guests and 71 Spiders online.
Key: Admin, Global Mod, Mod
Newest Members
GallenR, Jeebo, NicholasMarshall, Yadav, BenFoakes
5367 Registered Users
Newest Posts
What did you do today to prepare?
by dougwalkabout
03/27/24 11:21 PM
Zippo Butane Inserts
by dougwalkabout
03/27/24 11:11 PM
Question about a "Backyard Mutitool"
by Ren
03/17/24 01:00 AM
Problem in my WhatsApp configuration
by Chisel
03/09/24 01:55 PM
New Madrid Seismic Zone
by Jeanette_Isabelle
03/04/24 02:44 PM
EDC Reduction
by EchoingLaugh
03/02/24 04:12 PM
Newest Images
Tiny knife / wrench
Handmade knives
2"x2" Glass Signal Mirror, Retroreflective Mesh
Trade School Tool Kit
My Pocket Kit
Glossary
Test

WARNING & DISCLAIMER: SELECT AND USE OUTDOORS AND SURVIVAL EQUIPMENT, SUPPLIES AND TECHNIQUES AT YOUR OWN RISK. Information posted on this forum is not reviewed for accuracy and may not be reliable, use at your own risk. Please review the full WARNING & DISCLAIMER about information on this site.