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The Switchblade Bulletproof Backpack offers lightning-fast protection when bullets fly!
The world can be a dangerous place. Through no fault of your own, you can find yourself in the path of an enraged shooter who has no regard for human life. Most likely, you would be defenseless and at the mercy of the rampaging killer. However, if you’re wearing the Switchblade Bulletproof Backpack, you stand a great chance of surviving.
This discreet backpack has some incredible life-saving hidden features. With one in hand, I’ll take you through its unique deployment, its ballistic protection, and its everyday usefulness.
The Switchblade Bulletproof Backpack
Out of the Box Impression
Upon opening the box, my first reaction was that this was one brawny backpack. It definitely had some weight to it. However, even before inspecting it, I knew it housed two bulletproof panels, as well as numerous pockets and compartments. It also featured padded straps and a waist belt and buckle (more on this later).
At first, the heaviness felt unnatural, but the more I carried it, the less the weight was noticeable. I would assume that anyone who regularly carries a “normal weight” backpack would be equally surprised by its heft. Overall, the backpack felt solid in my grip, with thick handles, padded straps, and many compartments that I was eager to explore.
Its all-black exterior with subtle red accents exuded professionalism and sophistication. I could very well see myself carrying this to the office or when meeting clients, as well as for urban traveling.
Examining Its Storage Capabilities
Now this category truly amazed me. Upon a quick scan, it appeared there were adequate storage compartments and pouches. But on closer examination, I kept finding more and more places to hold different-sized items.
Its main compartment was large enough to fit several thick books, a laptop or tablet, or multiple folders, pads, or files. From there, what looked only like a raised aesthetic design was actually another zippered compartment. This held the back, protecting a bulletproof panel, as well as a sleeved opening and a zippered compartment.
Like a nesting doll, another zippered panel was stitched on top of the previous compartment and was also zippered. This held two pouches, one zipped, the other freely opened. The sides of the unit also held two storage areas. One featured a mesh bottle holder, the other a zippered pouch, perfect to house a cellphone.
Noting Its Ballistic Protection
Now the claim to fame for this backpack is, without a doubt, its dual bulletproof protection. As mentioned, one panel was stored inside a compartment sleeve, while the other was manually positioned when a shooting danger is present.
Both bulletproof panels offer Level 3A protection and are ten inches by twelve inches in size. Level 3A protects against most handgun rounds, a shotgun blast, and some (varying) protection against knife slashes. It will not, however, stop a rifle round or armor-piercing ammunition.
At Bulletproof Bodyguard, you can choose to upgrade your protection to Level 3A plus steel if you wish.
Overall Feel When Worn
The assumption may be that such a beefy backpack would be cumbersome to wear. However, this wasn’t the case at all. Its padded straps, adjustable waist belt, and breathable backing made it a joy to wear. In fact, it was far more comfortable than most packs I have worn in a long time.
All straps were easily adjustable, and it took only a few minutes to find my perfect fit. Additionally, when I moved about, even with a load inside, very little shifting and off-balancing occurred. Could I feel the combined weight of my load and the pack itself? Yes, but only after several hours of using it, and even then, it was minimal at worst.
I believe that there would be a few scenarios for hours-long carry. Commuting to and from school or college, or carrying your laptop to work, would be more likely scenarios.
Ease of Activating Its Protective Properties
Bulletproof Backpack calls this backpack the Switchblade—and for good reason. It converts into its protection mode in no time flat. You are only limited by your own “activation” speed.
As mentioned, the back bulletproof panel is stationary and always in position. When an active shooter situation arises, all you need to do is grasp the Velcro-attached handles and pull upward and over your head. The attached front bulletproof panel will be lifted up as well and fall into position to cover your chest area. Then just secure the Velcro straps to the waist belt, and you’re good to go. The bulletproof front and back panels will then protect you from a Level 3A threat.
I tried this action multiple times, and each time it got faster than the last. It was both easy stationary and while on the run, with just a few practice attempts.
It’s a No-Brainer in Today’s World
Backpacks are everywhere these days, as are unstable people who target innocents with no regard for human life. Because of this, having this unique item in your possession is a very smart idea. Though the price may initially cause some to take pause, when you weigh what you have to lose without it, the cost is insignificant.
While there are no guarantees in today’s world, wearing the Switchblade Bulletproof Backpack gives you a life-saving edge.
The Streamlight ProTac HP-X – Palm Full of Power
Not only are weapon lights evolving, but tactical lights as a whole are undergoing rapid changes. Streamlight has followed suit, releasing several weapon lights and handheld lights under its X lineup. The ProTac HP-X is one of their latest and comes packing a punch in the candela department while maintaining a fairly compact size and design.
The ProTac HP-X and All The Candela
The ProTac HP-X has three modes. The first and most important is the High mode, which packs 800 lumens backed by 105,000 candela. That’s a lotta light. There is also a medium mode that provides 240 lumens and 34,000 candela, and a low mode that delivers 45 lumens and 6,300 candela.
What’s the point of all that candela? It’s all about range! The 800 lumens of white light are more than enough for a handheld light. The 105,000 candela propels that 800 lumens fairly far. Outside, in the dead of night, I can see 100 yards with ease. You could most certainly spot a threat, establish PID, or track a running animal or threat.
That extra candela also propels light through photonic barriers. Barriers like other lights, fog, rain, smoke, whatever gets between you and whatever you’re looking for. The ProTac HP-X does that for a hair over $100. That’s not a ton of money for an uber-powerful duty-ready light.
The HP-X throws a powerful and focused beam with a clear and designated hot spot. That’s where the majority of the candela focuses. It cuts through the darkness and peeks through crevices, cracks, and more. Around the beam, we have a decent amount of spill to provide a little peripheral vision satisfaction.
Outdoors, it’s a beast. Indoors, it’s blinding, and if necessary, it will buy you a few seconds and expand your reaction gap. In mixed urban environments, the HP-X performs well, offering a good balance of range and a wide beam suitable for close quarters use.
Color me downright impressed by how powerful and versatile a $100, 5.55-inch light can be.
Beyond the Power
The ProTac HP-X is relatively compact at 5.55 inches and weighs just 5.4 ounces. It’s a bit bulbous, but it’s still easy to toss it into your pocket and carry it daily. The HP-X is also small enough to be easy to use when wielded simultaneously with a handgun. I can handle both with a classic Harries Technique or a more modern between-the-finger grip.
The ProTac HP-X works well with a concealed carry handgun and provides you with more power than any compact weapon light. It’s way more potent than any TLR-7 design and doesn’t require me to find a specialized holster. For the modern world, the ProTac HP-X provides a bright and powerful long-range light.
Beyond concealed carry, the HP-X would work well for duty use. It’s compact and light because no one wants even more weight on their belt. The light’s power allows you to see through headlights, tinted windows, and more. The power provides the necessary light for our deputy sheriff friends to work in rural environments.
My main complaint is with the ten tap system. It’s a pain trying to remember how many taps it takes to change the beam power, and then trying to execute those perfectly timed taps correctly.
The Power
The ProTac HP-X is also made from metal. There’s no plastic, or not much. Obviously, the clicky tailcap isn’t metal, but the body’s primary composition is metal. The light can resist dust and water ingress. You can submerge the ProTac HP-X up to two meters, and it’ll keep kicking.
Dropping it or having it bounce around isn’t going to make it stutter or give up the ghost. The ProTac has a two-meter drop rating. It can take abuse. Clearly, Streamlight intended to provide a value proposition with the ProTac HP-X.
We get lots of power in a compact, but durable package for about a hundred dollars. When it comes to duty lights and concealed carry, it’s a light with feet in both worlds. Check it out and embrace the new world of high candela handhelds.
Gear Organization – A Place for Everything
Want to have some fun? Call or text your mechanic buddy and ask them how many 10mm sockets they own. Then ask how many they can put their hands on at the moment. That’s one tool that should be sold in a six-pack, given how many seem to grow legs. However, maybe the problem is a lack of cohesive organization.
Getting your gear and supplies organized and keeping it that way takes time and effort, as well as some degree of cooperation from others in the household. But those investments are worth it in the time saved hunting for something. Let’s face it. If you own it but can’t find it when it’s needed, you might as well not have bought it in the first place.
Organization Schemes for Fast Access
For the purposes of our discussion, we’re going to divide our stuff into two main categories: stationary and mobile.
Stationary Organization
These are things that tend to stay at home or in the shop. They aren’t stationary in the sense that they’re immobile. We just don’t routinely take them out and about with us as we move about our daily lives. Think of things like spare clothes, backpacks, and camp cookware.
Listen, I’m all about saving money, but relying on old cardboard boxes and duct tape for storing your supplies is asking for trouble. One ruptured seam and the whole thing falls apart. Instead, consider investing in plastic totes. They’re designed precisely for storage. They stack nicely, which is always helpful. They aren’t rodent-proof, so don’t store food in them. But other than that, they’re pretty great.
Be sure to label your storage containers in some meaningful way. You don’t need to get fancy about it, unless you want to. Notecards and clear tape work great.
Growing up, my dad was a tool collector. Sure, he used some of them once in a while, but for him, it was more about covering three walls in the garage with pegboard and turning it into a tribute to Craftsman. Pegboard is great for organizing tools, as it’s often very easy to see if something is missing. However, I’ve grown to like large rolling tool chests. They can pack a lot of tools or other items into a compact area. Incidentally, they work great for knife collections.
Mobile Organization
This is where we look at organizing the gear you carry around with you, such as your EDC, Get Home Bag, bug out bag, and the like.
With backpacks, sling bags, messenger bags, and the like, I always want to see pockets and pouches throughout. This is one area where 5.11 Tactical really shines. The built-in organizational capabilities with their packs and bags are hard to beat. Granted, even a cheap duffel bag will help keep your hands free as you move about, and having internal pockets and such in the bag will keep things where you want or need them.
If you’re looking for an inexpensive approach to organizing gear in your pack, Ziploc bags might do the trick. They come in a range of sizes, and the closure is pretty solid. You can use a marker to label each bag, too.
Personally, I gravitate toward Tuff Possum Gear’s Possibles Pouches for this purpose. They come in three sizes, including 6”x8”, 8”x10”, and 10”x12”. They’re well-made and available in a range of colors. Their Fire Plug Zipper Pulls are also a handy addition. I use one pouch for my fire kit, others for first aid, water filtration, and such. It’s easy to just grab the pouch I need, rather than hunt through a messy pile of gear.
When you pack your bag or backpack, think about the frequency or speed with which you might need each item or pouch, and pack it accordingly. For example, your first aid kit shouldn’t be buried at the bottom of the pack. Put it in an outer pocket or at least at the top of the pack so you can get to it quickly if needed.
For gear that you’re keeping in the trunk, here’s a great tip. Stop at your local dollar store and pick up a laundry basket. They work amazingly well for keeping everything in one place in the trunk. Plus, should you need the trunk space for something else temporarily, you can easily move the basket and all of its contents to the back seat.
The takeaway here is simple. Use some sort of organization scheme that makes sense for your situation to keep your gear and supplies where you can find them.
The Pew Pew Koncepts Side Saddle
I’m a strong advocate for utilizing 3D printing technology to enhance the firearm industry. 3D printed guns are helping kill gun control, but 3D printing isn’t just being used to create guns. It’s being used to create accessories. Accessories that are affordable, durable, and different. Stuff like the Pew Pew Koncepts side saddles is proof of that.
Upgrade Your Scattergun with Pew Pew Koncepts
Those plastic side saddles that require you to swap bolts out and are nearly permanently attached to the side saddle are so last week. The modern side saddle is removable and doesn’t need to compromise your reliability. I’ve used all manner of detachable side saddles. I’ve used the basic nylon Esstac cards, the all-metal Aridus industries QD-C, and now I’ve something that sits between the two.
The Pew Pew Koncepts Side Saddle
The Pew Pew Koncepts Side Saddle is a 3D-printed design, and if you’re familiar with 3D printers, you might assume it’s made from PLA, a cheap and somewhat brittle plastic. For the price, I’d expect PLA too, but that’s not the case. Pew Pew Koncepts uses TPU. TPU provides strong, flexible prints that aren’t brittle or fragile.
The side saddles are made from TPU and feature Cordura wraps, providing a weather-resistant finish in all your favorite camouflage colors. The camos cost a hair more, but come in God’s Plaid, M81, multicam, chocolate chip, and many more. If you want plain colors, that’s an option too.
The use of TPU offers several significant benefits. First, it doesn’t wear out like elastic. Elastic cards eventually become too loose. It takes a fair bit, but it does happen. It becomes noticeable not when rounds are slipping out, but when you sprint and all of a sudden you’re missing two rounds. TPU isn’t going to wear out, and retention will remain high.
Additionally, it doesn’t fold or move. A lot of elastic side saddles will eventually start curling inwards. This makes drawing shells difficult. That’s not the case with TPU; it comes flat and stays flat. Pew Pew Koncepts produces seven-round shotgun side saddles and will be releasing an 8-round side saddle soon.
I personally hope they go in the opposite direction and provide four or five-round side saddles. I don’t like all the extra weight of a long side saddle, and it’s unlikely I’ll need all that extra ammo in a realistic scenario.
Running and Gunning
I loaded up the Pew Pew Koncepts side saddle and hit the range, working some tube reloads and port reloads. The TPU carrier holds the rounds incredibly tight. Retention is high, and it takes a real dedicated pull to remove the rounds from the side saddle. I would like them to be a hair looser, but tight is better than loose when it comes to retention.
A little practice makes all the difference. The Pew Pew Koncepts side saddles feature a tab that’s solid for removing the side saddle and conducting side saddle reloads. The tab allows for easy removal and easy retrieval from magazine carriers, bags, and beyond.
The tap works, but I wouldn’t mind seeing it sit horizontally rather than vertically. This would allow me to loop the tab over my finger and reload without throwing it on the gun. It’s a nitpick, but I think it might be worth it for a different variant.
Overall, I’m impressed by the little side saddle that could. For only ten bucks, it’s an impressive design. If you want the special camo versions, that’ll run you $15.50. I gotta mention they also produce a mini-shell variant for mini-shell enthusiasts. I have one of those on order.
Small Businesses – Big Results
I love small businesses in the gun world. They often innovate and do something just a bit different than the big boys. Pew Pew Koncepts has produced a good in-between when it comes to side saddles. It doesn’t have the price of the Aridus, but it doesn’t have the flaws of the elastic cards. Plus, it’s affordable! That’s the right combination for me.
SAK (Swiss Army Knife): The Original Multi-tool
Before Gerber, SOG, and Leatherman made the conventional multi-tools as we know them, there was an original. The Swiss Army Knives or SAK: The Original Multi-tool! People worldwide recognize SAK for its versatility and reliability.
Multi-tool SAK Legend
Victorinox has been sharpening its legacy since 1884, when Karl Elsener fired up a humble cutler’s workshop in Switzerland with a bold mission: equip the Swiss Army with a knife that could do it all. By 1897, he nailed it—patenting the Swiss Officer’s Knife. It was a multitool marvel that packed blades, screwdrivers, and can openers into one sleek package.
Fast-forward through a century of innovation, and the brand fused “Victoria” (Karl’s mother’s name) with “Inox” (stainless steel) to become Victorinox in 1921. Today, that iconic red handle isn’t just a tool—it’s a symbol of Swiss precision, rugged reliability, and timeless design.
SAK Pocket Toolbox Extraordinaire
Back in 1986, NASA snagged the Master Craftsman Swiss Army Knife for its astronauts. That’s when Victorinox kicked off production of the Astronaut model, featuring the same excellent tools. They even sold versions with a cool metal inlaid image of the space shuttle, which led to some folks calling it the Space Shuttle model. Notably, SAK became a favorite among astronauts.
The Victorinox Master Craftsman is a neat 91mm Swiss Army Knife sporting Cellidor (that’s just fancy plastic) scales. It’s compact but packs a punch since it’s one of the few smaller knives that includes both a metal file/hacksaw and a wood saw. The latest versions have five tools tucked away on the back, giving it an impressive tool density for its size.
Fun fact: astronaut Chris Hadfield once used his ‘Master Craftsman’ to break into the Russian space station Mir because the previous crew had sealed the hatch up way too tightly. Sadly, the Master Craftsman is no longer available, but no worries! You might want to check out something like the Huntsman instead. It’s a great option and different from SAK.
And who could forget the reality show ‘Survivorman’? Les Stroud made it look easy using his Victorinox Huntsman knife throughout Season 2, tackling challenging environments and pulling off some wild survival projects. He created shelters, started fires, set traps—pretty much anything you can think of, all with just his Swiss Army Knife!
Oh, and speaking of iconic knives, did you know MacGyver’s go-to was a “Tinker” model from Victorinox? He switched it up a bit over the early episodes, and by “Thief of Budapest,” he hands it off and is rocking a “Traveler” model from Wenger in the next episode. How cool is that?
No Worries Travel with a SAK
I’ve traveled a lot, and I’ve never had an officer bat an eyelash at my Swiss Army Knife. Even in places where knives aren’t allowed in checked luggage, those little red gems always seem to be welcomed because the Swiss Army Knife is seen as an essential tool. In the Philippines, I asked a police officer if my Wenger Traveler was okay, and he casually said, “Of course! It’s not a weapon; it’s a Swiss Army Knife. All travelers have them!”
SAK Original Multi-tool Uses
I will elaborate on how I’ve found Swiss Army Knives to be the ultimate all-purpose tools for woodworking and survival. The super sharp main blade has a thin edge that’s perfect for intricate carving and whittling—it’s helped me start more fires than any other knife! That thin edge creates fantastic fuzz sticks for tinder because it maximizes surface area to catch sparks.
The large bottle opener/flathead screwdriver is incredibly versatile, too. It pops off caps, acts as a light pry bar, and I’ve even used it to split small rounds of wood. Plus, that bottle opener can hook onto hot pots or kettles. I had mine modified for striking a ferrocerium rod—super handy!
The awl on the back of most Victorinox SAKs is a game changer for making holes in leather and wood; it’s essential for crafting utensils and traps. I also use it to drill holes in cans for cooking, making it easy to hang them over a fire.
And let’s not forget the wood saw! It’s small and mighty, perfect for notches and precise cuts. I love making a series of cuts and then splitting wood by hitting it against a rock or stump to expose drier wood inside. The saw teeth are great for fraying tinder as well, and believe it or not, it’s the best striker for a ferrocerium rod, too. Just be careful, as it doesn’t lock. Wearing leather gloves helps, and placing a small stick in your palm adds safety.
Recap
The Swiss Army Knife has shown no sign of slowing down in popularity. The SAK holds a special place in many hearts. There is no reason why one shouldn’t be in everyone’s utility drawer, glove compartment, survival kit, or pocket. Featuring an array of sizes and tool options, there definitely is one for everyone—possibly two or three.
The little red knife that can do almost anything has turned into a global icon with staying power!
The Ounce is Shipping!
It was 2022, and I was combing the dungeon of SHOT Show. The dungeon is the area where smaller companies set up to show their wares. The quality can vary. It’s home to cheap Turkish shotguns in literal piles, and to some of the more interesting and fascinating firearms. Small companies can bring the heat and deliver some of the more interesting and dynamic firearms at SHOT—guns like the Ounce pocket pistol from Third Bay.
The Third Bay Ounce
I’m a guy who gets his hopes up for neat little guns like the Ounce. I often get left disappointed. Clever, neat, and weird guns rarely go very far. A lot of SHOT Show stuff becomes straight vaporware. Does anyone remember the Zenk RZMK-375? They put out flyers and graphics leading up to the show, and at the show, they had a 3D-printed mock-up, and that was it.
I really liked the Ounce. I signed up on their website to be alerted when they were shipping, and I waited. The Ounce kept coming to SHOT, with small updates and improvements. Still, I was waiting, and there wasn’t much information on when it was shipping.
The Ounce – Now Shipping
Imagine the pleasant surprise and smile that drifted across my face as the email alert slid into my inbox. The Ounce was shipping, kind of. Third Bay is now shipping the Ounce, but is doing so to those on the waiting list. Getting on the waiting list didn’t require a deposit, but it does seem like you need to move quickly when you get the email alert.
Third Bay is a small company, and they are directly selling the gun to consumers. Much like Extar, Third Bay is cutting out the middleman. I imagine production is small, and this is a niche firearm. It’s also fairly expensive, at around 900 dollars; the Ounce isn’t for everyone. It’s a deep concealment pistol in .22LR.
As a pocket pistol enthusiast and lover of weird and unique guns, I had to grab one. So I did, and it shipped. I’ll have an Ounce soon, and you fine folks will read all about it sooner or later.
What Exactly Is the Ounce?
The Ounce is all kinds of weird. The Ounce folds in half, and when folded, doesn’t look like a gun. When unfolded, it also doesn’t really look like a gun, except for the trigger. The magazine is a fixed design and sits above the barrel and holds ten rounds of .22LR. It’s weird, and you load it by opening a flap.
When folded, the gun’s trigger is covered, making it safe to carry without a holster. Since it doesn’t look like a gun, you could open carry it and no one would be the wiser. The Ounce is a locked breech firearm, which is rare for rimfire guns. I’m not totally sure, but the Ounce appears to be a recoil-operated firearm.
That means better reliability, less recoil, and a more complex action. It’s interesting to be sure. The Ounce has sights, but just barely. They qualify as sights, but this is more of a close-range get-off-me gun.
Technically, this is a bullpup since the action sits behind the trigger. The Ounce is a truly unique pistol and an interesting design. I can’t wait for mine, and if you’re interested, hop on the Third Bay website and get your name on the waitlist.
Carjacking – Avoid Becoming a Victim
Carjacking involves robbing someone of their vehicle by force. Quite often, other crimes are also involved, such as battery. It’s a violent crime that can be brutal to the victim.
How to Prevent a Carjacking
Carjackings typically occur in urban areas where there is a high number of occupied vehicles, including parking lots, gas stations, and convenience stores. While avoiding such areas is a great first step in avoiding being carjacked, that’s not always feasible.
Fortunately, there are some other approaches you can take.
Head Up, Eyes Open
We talk a lot about situational awareness, and for good reason. It’s one of the best ways to avoid becoming a crime victim. If you keep your eyes off your phone and instead pay attention to the world around you, you’ll be better able to see potential trouble coming and take the appropriate action.
In this case, this means watching for people lingering in the area as you approach your vehicle. Does it seem like anyone is paying close attention to you? Listen to your gut. If anything seems amiss, turn around and go back to the store or duck into another nearby business. Don’t be reluctant to call the police and ask for an officer to come to your location. No, they might not be available to respond immediately, but it doesn’t hurt to ask.
When you get to your vehicle, look in the back seat before you get inside. Make sure nobody is hiding there. If anything looks awry at all, don’t get into the vehicle. Call for assistance and find somewhere safe to hang out until they arrive.
Get Moving
Once you get into your vehicle, don’t spend time adjusting the radio, checking your appearance in the mirror, scrolling through your phone, or doing a half-dozen other things people love to do while sitting behind the wheel. What you might not realize is that you’re giving a carjacker all kinds of time to approach your door and introduce themselves.
Get in the car, buckle up, and leave the area. If need be, you can pull over in a different area of the parking lot for a minute to do all that other stuff.
If It Happens
Despite your best efforts, you could still become a carjacking victim. I know it will be a pain, but it’s truly a good idea to just let them have the vehicle. There’ll be some paperwork to handle, including a police report as well as an insurance claim. But those are far less painful than being shot.
Get your children out of the vehicle first. Older kids can exit on their own. Younger ones might need help. Don’t get out of the vehicle yourself until the kids are out. You want there to be zero chance of the carjacker taking the vehicle with any of your children still inside. Tell the carjacker they can have the car, but you need to get the kids out first.
On the other hand, if the carjacker demands you stay with the vehicle, fight back with everything you have. Your life might depend upon it. Most carjackers just want the vehicle, either to sell to a chop shop, take for a joyride, or use in a different crime. If they want you with the vehicle, that means they have more on their mind than just the car theft. They want to take you to a second crime scene where you will probably be assaulted, raped, and likely murdered.
Drawing and firing a weapon in a confined space like a vehicle can be difficult at best. If you routinely carry a firearm, practice this scenario on a regular basis. Remember that there may be other passengers in the vehicle at the time, and you need to control your fire with that in mind.
NFA-Exempt – How To Get Off The List
Did you know that the ATF has the ability to remove NFA firearms from the NFA? These NFA firearms can be transferred as non-NFA weapons without the need to get the ATF involved. The firearms the ATF exempts from the NFA vary wildly. Most are antiques, lots of pre-1899 firearms, and my favorite, the curio department. Curios are unique weapons that are historically significant or just weird.
NFA-Exempt Firearms
I think most gun owners know that there are a smattering of Hi-Powers and C-96s that can be used with an original stock without being an SBR, but that’s just the beginning. The majority of these firearms tend to be Winchester lever actions with 14- and 15-inch barrels, but amongst the lever actions and Hi-Powers are a number of fascinating NFA-exempt weapons.
Beretta 92SB With 93R Stock
One of the coolest NFA-exempt firearms is a roster of 27 Beretta 92SB handguns produced for the LAPD during the 1984 Summer Olympics. Ever since the Munich massacre, security at the Olympics has tightened up. Why the LAPD needed stocked handguns, and only a few dozen, are lost to the sands of time.
What’s known is that the LAPD didn’t use them because they weren’t ready in time. Beretta sold 25 of the 27 and kept two of them. Those 25 guns have a specific serial number range, and that range is the only exempt models. The stock used by the 92SB is the Beretta 93R’s and folds in half for easy transportation. These are technically SBRs that have been removed due to their status as curios.
The Man From U.N.C.L.E. Gun
This seems to be the only NFA-exempt firearm that comes from a television show. The Man from U.N.C.L.E. was a spy-centric television show from the 1960s. The show was very Bond-like, with numerous fun and futuristic gadgets. The U.N.C.L.E. spies carried specialized Walther P38s. These guns featured scopes, barrel extensions, and stocks.
The production even made a full-auto version, which caught the attention of the Treasury Department, which fined the production 200 dollars for violating the NFA. There is a total of six specialized Walther P38s, but only one is NFA-exempt and is tied to serial number 122283.
OSS Glove Pistol
The OSS Glove Pistol or the Sedgley Mk 2 is a leather work glove mated to a single-shot .38 caliber pistol. The gun was intended to be issued to Marines and Sailors who were clearing brush on their island-hopping campaign. If they uncovered a hidden Japanese soldier, they could react by punching him, and when you punched with this gun, it fired the .38 Special round.
The Glove Pistols never took off, and only 50 to 200 were produced in total. On the NFA, these would be considered AOWs. Not only because they are disguised guns, but because they are smoothbore guns. The good news is they are exempt and ready for clearing your yard of brush and WW2-era Japanese soldiers.
Gyrojet Rocket Guns
The Gyrojet series of rifles and pistols is one of America’s most well-known weird guns. Instead of firing standard ammunition, these semi-automatic firearms fire micro-sized rockets. Technically, they are rocket launchers. These guns launched projectiles fairly slowly at first, but they gained speed quickly.
They were still anemic. The max velocity is coming out to 1,250 feet per second. These models weren’t all that accurate, or powerful, or effective. They didn’t last long and have become extremely rare. The 13mm variants are NFA-exempt but extremely rare, and ammo is even rarer.
S&W Model 40 Light Rifle
In World War 2, the Brits were famously outgunned. They had their famed Lee-Enfields, but no submachine guns, no carbines, and were one of the forces still using revolvers. The Brits wanted a carbine for defending the island, and S&W contracted with the Brits to produce a semi-automatic 9mm carbine.
S&W designed them around the American 9mm round, and the Brits were using a much hotter 9mm. This led to cracked receivers, so S&W reinforced them. They produced anywhere from 950 to 2200 Light Rifles. The majority were scrapped after the war, and a few remain in private hands as collector items. The 9.75-inch barrel makes it an SBR.
U.S. Small Arms Knife Pistol
Knife pistols come and go. They are designated as AOWs since they fall into that disguised weapons category. The U.S. Small Arms Knife Pistol is a simple folding pocket knife with a single-shot .22 firearm built in as another part of the folding design. The fairly standard design gives the impression of a basic pocket knife.
The idea behind the U.S. Small Arms Knife Pistol is simple: it’s designed for hunters and trappers who need a quick and quiet way to dispatch wounded game. It’s not quite devious, and it makes sense to remove this little fella from the AOW list.
Yokosuka Naval Arsenal, Type 4 Naval handgun
I could only find one real short-barreled shotgun, or I guess technically a shotgun-based AOW on the NFA-exempt list. The stockless Type 4 Naval handgun was one of many last-ditch weapons designed as the war ended. The Type 4 Naval handgun acted as both a flare gun and a double-barreled, handheld 12-gauge.
It sounds so flipping cool! Sure, it might break your wrist, or at the very least make it a little painful, but who wouldn’t want to put some mini shells through one of these things? Last-ditch weapons weren’t known for their quality, so I wouldn’t be the guy putting a full-powered 12-gauge load through the gun. Sadly, these are extremely rare and expensive, so it won’t be in my safe anytime soon.
NFA-Exempt – The Joy
All guns should be NFA-exempt. The NFA is such a crapshoot of a law. As you can see, there are SBRs, AOWs, SBSs, and similar platforms. We don’t see any machine guns, sadly, and I don’t think the ATF will ever exempt a machine gun. At least there are some NFA-exempt weapons that fall into my favorite category of guns, weird ones.
Survive Outdoors Longer: Camp Ready Survival Kit
The SOL (Survive Outdoors Longer) Camp Ready Survival Kit is a compact, 29-piece emergency bundle designed for unexpected overnights and backcountry mishaps. Packed into a 4L roll-top dry bag with a clear front panel, it offers quick access to essentials for shelter, fire, navigation, and signaling.
Camp Ready Survival Kit
Outdoor enthusiasts—whether you’re a weekend camper, an overlander, a scout leader, or a bushcrafter—will love this lightweight, grab-and-go Camp Ready Survival Kit. It’s packed with standout gear, including an All-Season Blanket that doubles as a shelter or a cozy wrap. You’ll find 18 fire-starting tools (think mag block and wire saw), a trusty baseplate compass, and an LED headlamp to keep you on the right path. And let’s not forget a slim rescue whistle for those “where are you?” moments.
Need to dig in? Grab the compact camp shovel, get clean with TightPak survival towels, and tackle repairs with 50 feet of 550 paracord. Whether you’re flying solo or gearing up a whole crew, this kit lets you venture into the wild with practical peace of mind—all without weighing you down.
SOL Camp Ready Survival Kit Contents
- 1 4L roll-top dry bag
- 1 Slim Rescue Howler™ Whistle
- 50 ft 550 paracord
- 1 baseplate compass
- 2 TightPak™ survival towels
- 1 fishing/sewing kit
- 4 Fire Lite™ Tinder Quik tinders
- 1 Fire Lite™ Micro Sparker w/ flint roller
- 1 roll of duct tape, 2″x26″
- 1 LED headlamp
- 1 mag block fire starter
- 12 tinder sticks
- 1 plastic hand shovel
- 1 all-season blanket
- 1 wire saw
- Dimensions: 15″x4″x10″
- Weight: 2.8 lbs
- MSRP: $78.99
Standout Survival Kit Pieces
Wire Saw – Many survival kits offer a wire saw. There’s nothing new under the sun. Like most people, they grab the saw by the rings and start sawing on a piece of wood. It works on small branches. However, it’s awkward and unnatural to use the saw in that position for long periods. The best possible outcome is to use a green, flexible branch about thumb thickness and make a bow saw.
It’s easy. Split the two ends of the green branch parallel with the stick and insert the wire saw ends. Make sure the key rings are on the outside of the splits. Adding a notch for them to rest in helps. You should also tie a knot above the split to keep it from splitting out more. Use a constrictor or jam knot to save cordage wasted when using a whipping lash.
Navigate to Safety – “Baseplate liquid-filled map compass gives stable readings in the northern hemisphere,” says the website description. A baseplate compass is for you to use alongside a map. The baseplate compass can give you general direction, but not much more without a map. This is at no fault of SOL; they can’t offer a map or lesson with every purchase. So, this is something to remember when setting out on a trip with your Camp Ready gear.
4L Dry Bag – A dry bag excels at keeping water out, but it’s also fantastic for carrying your hydration—boasting a generous 4 liters of liquid capacity. This rugged roll-top design doesn’t just protect your gear; the transparent front panel lets you spot what you need in a flash. I can’t help but wish SOL had tossed in some water purification tabs with the kit, but there’s plenty of space for me to stash my own.
And the Fire
The SOL Camp Ready Survival Kit offers several fire-starting options. Their Tinder paracord, Fire Lite™ Tinder Quik tinders, duct tape, mag block, and tinder sticks are all fire accelerants. Meanwhile, the Fire Lite™ Micro Sparker and small ferro rod attached to the mag block are the ignition sources. I’m sure you can dry out the TightPak™ survival towels and use them as kindling, too.
The kit, camp-ready and then some, ensures that you won’t be caught off-guard when you need a spark or a flame.
Camp Ready Survival Kit Conclusion
Here’s another winner from SOL for the car camper, overlander, or emergency bin. SOL has consistently offered us survival and prepper gear as long as I can remember. I see this Camp Ready Kit as more of a recreational family camping kit due to the weight and items like a trowel. It has some fun luxuries mixed in with a few “Why didn’t I think of that?” items. It’s definitely worth adding to the toolbox!
Building a Precision 10/22
I’m a tinkerer by nature. I think most gun people are. I can’t buy something and leave it be. Where’s the fun in that? Thankfully, the firearm industry understands this concept, and numerous companies exist solely for this purpose. So, when I look at a new gun or a new gun idea, I think of how I can optimize it for my purposes. Some of these ideas are my own, but many are sparked by something I watch on YouTube, read in a magazine, or even see on Instagram. And that’s where my latest build idea, a precision 10/22, comes from.
My Precision 10/22 Build Start to Finish
Earlier this year, I read an article from Outdoor Life about building a precision 10/22. The author used the MDT Oryx chassis as its base. Having spent a great deal of time behind an MDT chassis, I decided to build something like that too. And that’s where the idea spawned. And over time, it has evolved into what I have before you.
The Concept
So, in complete transparency, this isn’t my first 10/22 build. I built one ages ago using a Tactical Solutions barrel and a Magpul Hunter X-22 stock, and later, I built another using a Victor Company stock and a factory Ruger bull barrel.
So why do I need another? Well, I don’t own the other two anymore. The first build performed, but it was a bit light for what I wanted, and the second one didn’t perform as well as hoped. Do I regret selling either? Maybe the TacSol one, but I had another 10/22 Takedown outfitted with a Magpul Backpacker stock that fit the bill for a lightweight hunting 22.
Suffice it to say, I craved to build a new precision 10/22, but this time, it would be outfitted precisely how I wanted while keeping things within a mindful budget.
The Build List
This is the original build list I set out with. But after use, some things have changed, with one of those things being the trigger. The original plan for this rifle was to build an accurate 10/22 that could perform in NRL22-type competitions. However, there is a fine line between cutting costs and shaving performance. While the Ruger BX Trigger is fine, it’s not what’s needed for precision work.
Before I go into more detail about the new trigger, here is a breakdown of the build with a few thoughts about each product.
- MDT 10/22 Oryx Chassis in ODG: This is an excellent chassis for the 10/22 platform. Compared to the others I’ve used, its ergonomics are superior, and it has modern comforts, such as the addition of an Arca rail, thumb rest, and a barricade stop.
- MDT Oryx Arca Rail: adds increased versatility to an already excellent chassis.
- Ballistic Advantage 10/22 Barrel: I’ve used BA barrels in my ARs for years, and they’ve always performed. Their 10/22-barrel offering is new and, if good, provides incredible value to the home builder.
- Tandemkross Spartan Skeletonized Charging Handle: This is another creature comfort improvement I add to all my 10/22s. The windage adjustment on an optic usually interferes with your ability to operate the charging handle without busting a knuckle.
- Tandemkross Barrel Retaining V-Block: This is a precision-cut version of the factory offering that’s 55% lighter. I’ve also added TK’s V-Block screws as well to complete the upgrade.
- TandemKross Shock Block Bolt Buffer: This is the most affordable upgrade in the entire build, and I strongly recommend it. The buffer, made of high-impact polymer, eliminates the metal-to-metal contact between the bolt and the receiver pin and reduces the vibration caused by that contact, creating a quieter and smoother operating system.
- AREA 419 10/22 Scope Base: This is a needed upgrade from the factory one shipped with 10/22s.
- Vortex Strike Eagle 3-18×44: I find the Strike Eagle line from Vortex to be one of the best optics on the market for rimfire shooters. They are competitively priced and loaded with features, including a parallax adjustment that can be reduced to rimfire ranges.
First Shots with the 10/22 Build
I took the rifle out on its maiden voyage at the Kelbly Rifle Range in North Lawrence, Ohio. Here, they have benches set up and berms at 25, 50, 100, and 200 yards. Sight in was simple, and I was easily engaging targets at the 100-yard line. Everything performed flawlessly, and groups were fine, but there was a bit more I could eek out of it.
I went back a second time to confirm my initial thoughts. And they held up. While groups with various lots of ammo ranged in the 1.2 MOA group—not bad for a 22— I knew I could do better. So I talked to my friends at Tandemkross about their Manticore Trigger assembly for the 10/22.
Upgrading the Trigger
To sum up, Tandemkross’s Manticore Trigger assembly is a high-quality, easy-to-install upgrade for the Ruger 10/22, providing improved control with a CNC-machined aluminum housing. It features an adjustable Ultimate Trigger Kit ranging from 2 to 5 lbs., an extended magazine release, rotary safety, and a larger trigger guard. On my Lyman Digital Trigger Scale, the average over 10 pulls was 2 lbs 1oz.
Pre-installed parts, such as the Fireswitch, Bolt Keeper, and Cornerstone Rotary Safety, are all designed for ambidextrous use and enhanced functionality. The Manticore enhances accuracy, safety, and user-friendliness, making it suitable for both competitive shooters and beginners. It’s also available in anodized black or red—depending on your style.
Next Shots
Again, I went back to Kelbly’s for testing. Unfortunately, the wind was gusting that day, so I limited all my testing to 50 yards instead of 100.
Between firing strings of another rifle, I tried different types of .22 LR ammunition to see what this gun prefers. I tested rounds from Wolf, Eley, and Lapua. Although the first two performed decently, their extreme spreads and standard deviations were too high. The Lapua Midas+ was exceptional by comparison, with an ES around 14 over ten shots and SDs of 4.3. Of course, it’s always the most expensive ammo.
10/22 Build Final Thoughts
Everyone should build a 10/22 rifle. They’re easy to assemble and don’t require specialized tools.
My final setup for this precision 10/22 includes the MDT Oryx chassis, a Ballistic Advantage barrel, and Tandemkross parts. All of it combined delivers impressive performance. Upgrading to a Manticore Trigger greatly improved the rifle’s feel and accuracy, offering a smoother, cleaner break that’s noticeable.
While I’m still searching for the perfect ammunition, Lapua Midas+ has become my top choice so far. Like many enthusiasts, I enjoy not just shooting but also the process of building, experimenting, and customizing the platform. This 10/22 might not be my last, but it’s currently my favorite rimfire—get out and build.
Bloodborne Pathogens – Clean Up After Accidents Safely
One of the many jobs I’ve had over the years while trying to make ends meet was working on a factory assembly line. One of the workers at the line opposite mine would routinely get cut from the sheet metal on the units we were building. This often resulted in drops of blood dripping down the side of the unit. One of the final steps in the line was wiping the blood off with a shop rag. The company wasn’t happy to find out that this wasn’t in any way, shape, or form an appropriate way to handle the mess, due to potential bloodborne pathogens.
What Are Bloodborne Pathogens?
These are disease-carrying organisms that live in the blood. They can cause diseases like malaria, HIV, Hepatitis B and C, and others. Any bodily fluids, including vomit, urine, feces, and mucous from sneezing or coughing, could carry pathogens. For the purposes of our discussion here, we’re concentrating on blood. However, everything here applies across the board when dealing with bodily fluids that may be contaminated by bloodborne pathogens.
Protect Yourself First
If you’re responding to an emergency situation, such as an accident, take a second to protect yourself before you dive in. Check the area to ensure there are no hazards. For example, if it’s a car accident, make sure you aren’t in danger of getting hit by traffic.
Always assume that any blood is contaminated unless you know for certain otherwise. Don personal protective equipment (PPE). Most commonly, this will be nitrile gloves, though masks and even eye protection aren’t necessarily out of line. Put on gloves before you touch anything to avoid contact with bloodborne pathogens. Be observant and careful as you move around, so you don’t get cut or scratched by any sharp debris.
Clean Up Best Practices
If you’re tasked with cleaning up blood, there are a few recommended approaches to keep in mind.
Depending upon the extent of the situation, you might use kitty litter or a similar absorbent material to surround the blood first. This will help prevent it from spreading until you can get it all cleaned up.
Disposable towels should be used to soak up as much blood as possible. Dispose of these in a plastic trash bag. To clean surfaces, use a 1:10 bleach to water ratio solution. One way to make the math easy is 0.5 cup of bleach to 4.5 cups of water. Leave this solution sitting on the surfaces for about ten minutes before rinsing. It’s a good idea to open windows or otherwise ventilate the area to prevent a buildup of bleach fumes.
Any broken glass or similar sharp debris should be put into a paper grocery sack. If you dump the glass into a plastic bag, it’ll likely just cut through.
All used PPE should be placed into the same garbage bag as the rags. Scoop up the kitty litter, if used, and dump it into the bag as well. Carefully close and seal all bags securely.
Wash your face, hands, and any other exposed skin with soap and warm water. If you don’t have those available, use hand sanitizer. However, avoid applying it to your face.
Navigation In Poor Weather
Finding your bearings doesn’t rely on a mythical “sixth sense of direction.” Direction finding in less-than-ideal conditions hinges on keen observation. Navigation in poor weather isn’t easy.
Poor Weather Navigation
Nature has a way of sending out hints that we often overlook, particularly when the weather isn’t cooperating. At first glance, the woods, deserts, or jungles might seem like a big blur of sameness, but with a bit of practice, you’ll start spotting the usual suspects and those quirky oddities that make things interesting.
Instead of trying to commit every little detail from your walk to memory, focus on what really jumps out at you. And when the skies turn gray and you find yourself without a compass, navigating by the stars or leaving a trail of breadcrumbs can be a bit of a challenge!
Shadow-Stick Navigation
Finding direction can be as easy as using the shadow-stick method. Just grab a three to four-foot stick and poke it into the ground in a sunny spot. Sharpen the top if you want a clearer shadow—if it’s rocky, a good whack with a rock does the trick.
After clearing some debris, mark the tip of the shadow with a small rock, wait 15 minutes, then mark it again. Draw a line from the first to the last rock, and voilà! You’ve got your east-west line.
If the sun plays hide-and-seek, you can still navigate using an analog watch. Just point the hour hand at the sun, and halfway to 12:00 shows south (north is behind you). No watch? No problem! Sketch a clock face on paper or even the ground, and follow those same steps.
While camping, we noted our shady spot was on a north-facing slope—cool and mossy. Across the way, the sunny south-facing slope had less moss and plenty of sunshine. It’s all about finding the right materials for shelter, though that’s a different story altogether!
Moss on Trees
When it comes to navigation, let’s rethink the old saying, “moss grows thickest on the north side of a tree.” It’s a common belief in survival books, but it needs a closer look.
Moss and lichens are not the same. Moss thrives in moisture, so find straight, smooth-barked trees in the sunlight. Disregard leaning trees or those in shady spots; they’re misleading.
Focus on a few select trees instead of getting distracted by the abundance of greenery. With some plant knowledge and keen observation, you can navigate the wild without a compass or the sun.
The Rings of Trees
Leonardo da Vinci once noted that tree rings not only show age but also indicate whether the years were wet or dry, and they develop thicker on the north side, making the center closer to the bark on the south.
In a fascinating 1893 exploration, the New York State Forest Commission tested this idea by examining 700 black spruce trees in the Adirondacks. They found that only 42 trees pointed south, west, or southwest—just 6%—while a striking 94%, or 658 trees, pointed north and northeast!
Additionally, the bark on older trees tends to be thicker on the north and northeast sides. Nature sure has its quirks; this is why navigation in poor weather is challenging.
Jungle Navigation In Poor Visibility
After spending time in the jungles of the South Pacific, South America, Mexico, and Southeast Asia, I’ve realized that relying on the sun or stars for navigation is a lost cause. Those thick canopies block out all light! Instead, just follow the water. Smaller rivers will lead you to larger ones, acting like highways back to civilization. This is especially true in South America, where tributaries abound. And the best part? Fishermen are your lifeline back to the outside world!
Overview
Navigation is just a small part of the adventure, not the whole kit and caboodle. Whether you call it bushcraft or something cooler, it’s a lifelong skill. There’s plenty to learn—from watching birds and feeling the winds to using maps, compasses, and gadgets. You can figure out your path by piecing together nature’s clues. So, grab a compass, take a walk, and mentally connect the dots!
Just remember, keeping a cool head is your best tool when outdoor plans and weather clash!
Horace Kephart Said It Best
“The first time a man loses his bearings in the wilderness, his wits refuse to work. There is no use offering advice to men about what they should do if they get lost, because a lost man is an insane man, anyway, and will remember nothing that has been told to him.”
–Horace Kephart 1906
Weird Gun Genres – Entry Weapons
If you had to go through a door and there was the potential for a threat to be on the other side of that door, what gun would you take? What’s your entry weapon? That’s a tough question to ask. A handgun makes sense due to its small size. A short carbine has been proven to drop threats. Submachine guns and shotguns both have their benefits as well. An entry weapon is a finicky thing.
Entry Weapons of Note
In the modern era, the entry weapon of choice is some form of AR carbine. It’s a 5.56 gun with a barrel that falls somewhere between 10.3 and 16 inches. Most people don’t even use the term entry weapon anymore because it’s the same weapon the entire stack of SWAT police officers are employing.
However, there was an era before the carbine became the ultimate entry weapon, and police and military forces were still trying to figure it out. Entry weapons became a firearm genre, one that’s admittedly micro-sized, but a perfect candidate for an episode of weird gun genres.
What Makes an Entry Weapon?
Any gun going through the door is an entry weapon, right? Basically. But let’s discuss a weapon that’s built for that exact task. The idea behind these specialized weapons was fairly simple. How do we give the point man the most effective weapon possible that’s also not going to get in the way when he kicks open that door?
It needs to be compact, but fight-stopping. The point man has an incredibly dangerous job, so you want him to be well-armed and capable. Thus, the idea of a dedicated entry weapon became popular starting in the late 50s and up into the early 2000s. It faded away when everyone figured out a fairly standard-sized 5.56 carbine worked well.
Finding a gun dedicated as an entry weapon isn’t easy. There were only a few firearms that billed themselves as such.
The High Standard Model 10
Police officer Alfred Crouch developed the idea of a shotgun-based entry weapon. His idea was to take a Remington semi-auto and bullpup it. In the mid-1960s, he sold the idea to High Standard, and High Standard took their C1200 Supermatic shotgun and bullpupped it. This became the High Standard Model 10.
The Model 10 was a semi-automatic, 12-gauge shotgun with an overall length of about 26 inches. The gun held four to six rounds. A shotgun is a good entry weapon. Shotguns excel at close quarters and pack a punch. Plus, in the 1960s, the rifle had barely entered police service, and the idea of SWAT or similar teams was still brand new.
The long gun of police use was the shotgun, and boy, was it long. The High Standard Model 10 was short, super short, and held between four and six rounds. They made some sales to law enforcement. However, it was never all that reliable.
They did take some interesting steps forward in gun design with integrated weapon lights and decent ergonomics. That paired with silly features like a rotating stock that could be braced against the bicep to shoot from the hip. It couldn’t be fired from the left hand cause the charging handle would smack you in the mouth.
The DPMS Kitty Kat Panther
The Kitty Kat was an attempt to create an entry carbine the size of a submachine gun. As far as I can tell, the DPMS Kitty Kat Panther predates guns like the Mk18 and similar short carbines. The Kitty Kat featured a 7.5-inch barrel and fired the 5.56 round.
The gun featured a carry handle upper, but would later evolve into an A3 and PDW format that was more modern with a flat-top upper. Earlier models had the standard CAR-15 stock, but those evolved into M4-type stocks later on.
The Kitty Kat guns are extremely lightweight and easy to wield. The 7.5-inch barrel doesn’t generate great ballistics, but for across-the-room, it has way more punch than a 9mm from a pistol or subgun. The Kitty Kat guns even saw some experimentation by Special Forces, but I can’t find any information on it being formally adopted or used outside of testing and training.
The Kitty Kat Panther walked, so the modern carbine we see as the universal entry weapon could run. In fact, the Kitty Kat’s small size would still make for an excellent entry weapon.
The Benelli M4 Entry
Last, but not least, the most modern entry weapon, or at least the oldest, is the Benelli M4 Entry. The Benelli M4 Entry is a Benelli M4 with a 14.5-inch barrel and a five-round magazine tube. It comes with the Benelli M4 stock, which everyone loves.
The Benelli M4, if you live under a rock, is a gas-operated semi-automatic 12-gauge shotgun. It uses an ARGO gas system with a dual piston design for incredible reliability in the worst conditions possible. The ARGO gas system has made the M4 legendary for its reliability, and its military service in the GWOT cemented that reputation.
Surprisingly, the M4 Entry is available and can often be purchased by the average Joe. They pop up all the time and are solid, handy little guns. It’s a semi-auto SBS with excellent reliability.
The Entry Method
Maybe it’s just playing too much Ready or Not that’s got me locked on Entry Guns. I’ve dived into the idea and concept, and it’s a little sad that a boring carbine took over such a unique role. It makes sense, but making sense is rarely fun.
It Starts with Water – An Important First Prep
As I’ve said in numerous preparedness classes over the years, nobody has ever come out the other side of a disaster upset because they had too much clean water available to them. If you don’t have a reliable source of potable H2O, it becomes your priority. If you do have a good source, then everything else becomes easier.
Various experts have opined that the minimum amount of water you should have available is one gallon per person in the household per day of the crisis. That’s all well and good, but unless your crystal ball works a lot better than mine, there’s no way to know how long you may need to rely on what you have stored.
Storing water is your first line of defense. However, this can be problematic. It can’t be made smaller, and it can’t be made lighter. One gallon of water weighs approximately 8.34 pounds, and it adds up quickly. With that in mind, it’s best to divide and conquer.
What can you do to ensure you and your family will have clean water available? Let’s look at some options.
Bottled Water
Cases of bottled water can be had fairly inexpensively, even today. One case of 24 half-liter bottles comes to a bit more than three gallons. So, if we go by what those experts say, one case should be good for two people per day.
Commercially bottled water is generally considered to have a two-year shelf life when stored in a cool, dark, dry location. Water itself doesn’t go bad, but after the two-year mark, the plastic bottles may begin to degrade.
Refilled Containers
One great approach is to refill 2L soda bottles or similar containers and put them in your freezer. When you fill them, leave two inches of headspace for expansion. The frozen bottles will help the appliance run more efficiently as well as keep the contents cold longer in the event of a power outage. Plus, if you need fresh water, you can pull one or more out and let them thaw.
The nice thing about this storage option is that it doesn’t take up any extra space in the home. Of course, unless you have a large, mostly empty freezer, you won’t be able to store several gallons here.
Storebought Containers
There are a number of products on the market that are designed for emergency water storage. One example is the Aquatainer. It holds seven gallons of water and has a spigot for easy use. Keep in mind what we said about the weight of water. Filled, the Aquatainer weighs nearly 60 pounds. When you have containers this size or even larger, it’s best to store them near where you’ll be using them. Carrying a 60-pound container of water up a flight of stairs might not be a lot of fun.
WaterBOB
The WaterBOB is a bladder-style container. You roll it out into your bathtub and fill it from the faucet. It will hold up to 100 gallons of water. The WaterBOB has a hand pump for dispensing water. This isn’t something you’ll keep filled all the time. It’s just for emergency use.
While you certainly could just fill your tub without the WaterBOB, few of us routinely keep our bathtubs so clean that we’d readily drink water from them.
Give some thought as to how you can store water at home, just in case the faucets aren’t an option for a while.