Project: Preparedness has been running a little behind. I am trying to play catch up so here are weeks 10 & 11.
Week 10
1—AM/FM Radio, small
1—extra batteries for radio
****Small hand-held radio’s can often be bought for $5 – $8.00 at stores like Dollar General, Big Lot’s, and Family Dollar
Week 11
1—Fruit Juice, can
1—Ramen Noodles, bx
1—Water, 24 pk bottles
Click here for a full list of all Project: Preparedness weeks. The new download also includes a master list on page 2 with a total summary of all items through Week 11.
As I have mentioned many times before – I love the Ruger 10/22. When it is all said and done – I will probably end up with several. They are so versitile – so easily customized – and fairly inexpensive. In part 1 of Project: Ruger 10/22 I discussed my plans to buy another 10/22 and I was trying to decide how to customize it.
This is what I have come up with so far- a standard Ruger 10/22, an older Ram-Line Folding stock (older version can be found on Gunbroker.com every so often), and a BSA red-dot sight. I have few Ram-Line magazines as well as quite a few Eagle magazines (pictured).
Overall this is a very compact and lightweight package.
This Ram-Line stock opens and closely very securely with little wiggle. I like keeping the butt-stock in the down position – but it can be folded up as you can see in the picture below.
The BSA red-dot sight is great for this application. Many different brightness adjustments – and was easy to sight in. After firing a few hundred rounds – it has kept its zero. Honestly – shooting aluminum cans at 15-20 yards became boring it was so easy.
Here it is leaning up against my BOV.
This project is far from over – here are some additional plans that I have in mind:
Tactical Innovations 30-rd Magazines – These are supposed to be very reliable and have adjustable feed lips
Extended Magazine Release – I actually installed one right after these pictures were taken – what a difference in being able to change magazines quickly
Flash Hider – Really a total waste of money – just like the looks and can help protect crown of barrel
Sling – Useful for carrying in the field and freeing up hands
My goal here is to make a very reliable, lightweight and accurate semi-auto .22LR . Maybe in a few weeks I will post a video of “Ram” shooting. By the way – “Ram” is my new pet name for this gun.
Hey – if anyone has any opinions on the best Ruger 10/22 aftermarket mags – please let me know.
If you have a blog – write a post about it. If your a member of a forum – start a thread about it. Have a website? Make an announcement. You just need to write a summary of the contest – stating the name of the contest (ModernSurvivalOnline’s Cansolidator Giveaway), place a link to this site – ModernSurvivalOnline.com as well as to Shelf Reliance -http://www.shelfreliance.com/modern ).
Anyone can enter the contest – the only requirement is that you post as stated above and then email me the details of your posting to emergencycd@gmail.com. Make sure you include the URL in your email so I can verify your information.
I want to give an extra special thanks to Shelf Reliance for making this contest possible.
I will draw the winner on September 15th, 2010. Shipping in the USA only.
On a recent episode of Dual Survival, one of the guys was very happy to have some military 550 paracord as part of the supplies they are left with.
Paracord is made up of an outer sheath with 7 inner strands. Opinions of the strength of the components of the cord vary. Some say each individual strand having a strength of 50 pounds, while the outer shell is rated at 200 pounds. Others say the paracord sheath is rated at about 300-pounds, the 14 inner strings (2 each combined into a strand) – each of which have a rating of about 17.5 pounds and the 7 strands made up on two strings each for a rating of 35 pounds. Either way – add these up – about 550 pounds – thus 550 paracord.
550 paracord is something I have had around the house for years and used for numerous things. Doing a little research and creative thinking turned up some uses that I had never really thought about.
Here are a few:
Shoelaces
Building shelter – connecting things like branches, tree limbs, etc.
Connecting knife to the end of a stick/pole/branch
Internal strings used for bow string on a bow (and arrow)
Key chain
Improvised belt
Internal strings as dental floss
Clothes line
Sunglasses keeper – tied to each end of sunglasses
Room divider – connect both ends and hang a sheet
Expedient sling for rifle/carbine
Internal strings used for fishing line
Dog leash
Hang pots and pans at camp
Raise gear off ground to keep away from bears/critters
Tarp tie-down
Lift rifles and bow’s up to a tree stand – or lower them
Suture a wound….ouch!!
Tourniquet
What have I used it for? I just tie stuff together – so far. No doubt there are many more uses out there.
Due to the versatility of this unique rope/cord – it deserves to be in everyone’s survival supplies.
I recently received a Shelf Reliance “Cansolidator”. The Cansolidator Pantry – the specific model that I received - is a plastic food storage tool for storing cans of food.
Here is a picture:
Direct from Shelf Reliance’s website:
Featuring SmarTrac technology, the Cansolidator Pantry is a front loading system that automatically rotates up to 40 cans. This adjustable, expandable, stackable system takes the hassle out of can rotation and allows you to organize cans the way YOU want. The Cansolidator is easy to assemble and guarantees a more organized pantry in minutes. Sturdy, compact, and reliable, the Cansolidator Pantry is the perfect stand-alone solution for any pantry.
The Cansolidatorarrived and required assembly. The instructions were very helpful and I had it together in about 10 minutes. I have installed 3 sets of shelves in my computer room in an effort to expand food storage. I placed the newly assembled Cansolidator on one of those shelves. Honestly – I thought it looked pretty cool.
I went into the kitchen and retrieved some canned goods and started filling the chambers placing the oldest cans in first – so they would be the first to come out. They all rolled easily into place.
Here is a picture after I filled it partially:
As you can see it holds cans well and the top becomes an instant additional shelf. I plan to add additional units beside this one for more canned goods. Of note – the chambers for the cans can be customized for just about any size can as well as some jars. I store a lot of spaghetti and much of it is in cans – so that is one of the items that I will be filling the next Cansolidator with.
I work in the polymer industry – and whenever I run across something plastic I look at its structure and build. This has been built to be durable and sturdy. I see these lasting for years.
In summary – the Cansolidator does an excellent job of cleanly organizing canned food for easy access and proper rotation.
I highly recommend it. It is available at Shelf Reliance directly as well as many Costco’s.
I have this unique red dot sight that I am looking to sell.
From the research I have done – it is called a Cobra or Kobra (depending upon source – Made in Russia, used by Russian Special Forces) - here are the specs:
Features - Waterproof
- Design for fast aiming – with both eyes open
- Traditional feel windage and elevation turrets; aiming marks intensity adjustment allows it to be used in the widest range of conditions – from dull indoor ranges to blazing outdoors (16 brightness levels)
- Four different types of reticules can be selected by pressing a button on the side of the scope
Specifications
- Visible magnification, ratio 1
- Mount style Weaver
- Number of aiming mark types 4 (please, look the picture aside)
- Field of vision unlimited
- Angular size of the ‘dot’ mark 1.8
- Power source – 3V (CR2325)
- Operation time, hours 70
- Operation temperature range from -40oC up to + 50oC
- Overall dimensions, mm 154×46
- Weight, kg 0,41
Here is a YouTube video on this exact sight:
The sight has 4 different selectable reticles via push button:
From everything I was told when I bought it and that I have read – it is a great sight. I have had it on my AR – it sighted in just fine and worked as designed. It mounts securely on the pictanny rail – and the design lends itself to keep zero after removal.
So – why do I want to sell it? Honestly – and this might be dumb – it is just not for me. It might be great for you. Prices new I have seen anywhere from $179 to $450.
Well – I am looking to get $75.00 shipping included for it. If you are interested email me – emergencycd@gmail.com . Paypal preferred – shipping will be via UPS wth tracking number.
Below are a few pictures I took of it today:
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Here is an action where it sold for $299.00 new – set up for an AK mount – http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=179175840
I think First Aid is a topic that is NOT discussed much between survivalists. Looking at several survival & preparedness forums recently, First Aid is just not something that is discussed much – but is very important.
So – I went out and tried to find some good links to First Aid info, tools, and other “special” stuff.
Here we go -
General First Aid
Downloadable PDF First Aid & Medical Guides- emedicinehealth.com
KidsHealth – great information geared towards kids safety and first aid
MayoClinic – Massive first aid database – tons of information
FREE First Aid Stuff
Free First Aid Kit – Bandaid.com – expires 11-30-2010
Real Self Reliance – free 111 page downloadable and printable First Aid Guide
FREE Online Courses/Education
American Heart Assocation Online Courses - free courses
FirstAidWeb, Inc. – free online courses covering CPR and First Aid
No doubt there are tons of websites out there that have first aid info. The links above offer something unique and hopefully helpful.
Don’t forget to check out the First Aid section in the Free Survival Database area.
Compost for gardening is important to help put nutrients back in he soil.
I have 2 working compost bins right now – and about to add a 3rd. Here is one of them below:
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I dump the material out of the bins every few weeks to make sure that air is getting through the material. I also rotate the material – shoveling the newest material to the bottom, and the oldest to the top.
The picture below shows the material recently dumped out of the bin. You can see that most of the compost is turning to that rich black soil that I am wanting. Newest stuff is sitting on top. IT’S WORKING!!!
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I believe an improvement may be able to be made buy placing a large PVC pipe with holes in it down the middle of the “stuff” to allow better air circulation. Also - I could drill small holes on the sides of the bin as well. I think Compost Bin #3 will have these modifications.
If you have any interest in gardening, and have not started a compost pile – start now. It is very easy. You can Google for more info. Hmmmmm…..sounds like an idea for another post.