Backyard Camping – Learn, Practice, and Teach Basic Skills

By

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March 25, 2025

While many of us would love to have hundreds of acres of wilderness to call our own, that’s just not realistic for a lot of people. Instead, it might be a quarter-acre at best that lies outside the back door. Fortunately, that’s still more than enough space for backyard camping.

This is a great way to hone basic wilderness skills in a safe environment. You can make mistakes and learn from them with little risk. As you gain some experience, you can then transition to more challenging situations.

Backyard camping is an excellent way to pass skills along to your kids and grandkids. Trust me, they’ll have a blast, and those memories will stay with them forever.

Here are just a few skillsets you can practice right in your backyard.

Fire Making

This is a basic survival skill. It’s something anyone who ventures into the wilderness should master. If you don’t have a great spot in the yard to build a fire, consider picking up a patio fire pit. You might even find one cheap at a yard sale.

Practice using a variety of methods and tools to get a fire going, including strike-anywhere matches and ferrocerium rods. Don’t overlook more primitive approaches like a bow drill. Experiment with different types of tinder, too. Dryer lint is great, provided it’s from clothing that’s mostly natural fibers like cotton. Run a load of jeans and flannel shirts and you have it made.

Getting a fire lit and maintaining it on a calm summer evening is a piece of cake. Get out there and do it when the weather isn’t awesome, such as when it’s raining or blowing snow. That’s where the rubber meets the road, so to speak.

Knot Tying

This one doesn’t necessarily require backyard camping to practice. But it adds an air of authenticity to the exercises. There are several basic knots that should be learned. These include the Bowline, Taut-Line Hitch, Trucker’s Hitch, and Prusik.

There are any number of books you can find at the library that show these and many other knots step by step. Another option is YouTube. This video from Nature Reliance is a great place to start.

Wild Edible Identification

Many of the plants we think of as weeds are actually beneficial, if you’re not hyper-focused on growing the perfect lawn. Dandelion, clover, chickweed, purslane, and many others are found all over the place.

One big advantage of practicing this skill while backyard camping is that if a particular plant doesn’t agree with you, you’re not miles from decent bathroom facilities.

The Forager’s Harvest by Samuel Thayer is one of the best resources out there for identifying wild edibles, as well as how to use them.

Campfire Cooking

This one might be the most fun of the bunch. Anytime you can combine great food and the outdoors, it’s a win for all involved. Make no mistake, cooking over an open fire is absolutely a skill that must be learned and practiced.

To be clear, we’re not talking about just boiling water to pour into a packet of freeze-dried vittles. There are all sorts of meals you can prepare for you and the family. The Outdoor Boys YouTube channel is a great starting point to see just how amazing campfire cooked meals can be. While these videos aren’t strictly instructional, you’ll get the gist easily enough.

Just Plain Cool Gun Cases

By

Travis Pike

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March 25, 2025

I’m a man who doesn’t take much beyond safety too seriously when it comes to firearms. If you were to audit my gun safe, you’d find a few guns with purpose, but most are silly and make me happy more than anything else. In that same vein, I appreciate the accessory market and want to highlight cases—gun cases, that is—gun cases both big and small—cases that aren’t just effective but downright cool.

Peak Cases

Peak Cases prides itself on making unusually awesome cases. They come in various shapes and sizes and are often disguised or at least low profile. They can be blocky squares and rectangles that are far from tactical. They can be violin cases or even look like a first aid kit.

Inside each of these cool gun cases sits custom-cut foam for specific firearms and typical accessories, ammo, and similar items. These cases are slick and well-made and feature a locking system to keep things safe and sound. Some cases can hold multiple guns, often featuring removable sections of foam to accommodate lights, optics, and the like.

I’ve had a Peak Case for my Shockwave since 2018, and it’s been an awesome way to carry it, with a few dozen shotgun shells, two handguns, and plenty of magazines.

Saviour Equipment

Saviour Equipment makes a decent mix of soft goods-based gun cases. There are pretty standard range bags and double rifle cases that are cool but aren’t likely to catch your eye. Even these plain cases are extremely well made and have a modern, sleek look. Outside of cases, they produce racks for guns, archery, and beyond.

Beyond the norm, Saviour Equipment produces some truly awesome gun cases. This includes a guitar-style case so you can play El Mariachi and carry a wide variety of firearms. The tennis-style case offers a sleek, non-tactical bag with tons of room for guns, accessories, and more.

Saviour Equipment also makes some awesome ammo carriers and a competition-themed backpack. They are not quite cases, but they are worth mentioning.

Pelican Vault Case

Pelican is the OG of hard gun cases. If you need to protect your guns beyond the norm, Pelican is the company you turn to. They are a bit plain but very effective and extremely well made. With that in mind, the Vault line takes the cake for me.

I really like the Vault Pistol Cases. They are extremely efficient and modular, and the V300PF5 can hold up to five handguns and an absolute pile of magazines. The Vault cases come in various sizes, from single pistols to rifles.

The sleeker, more modern design of these cool gun cases makes them not as militaristic as old Pelican cases. They are sleeker and slimmer but just as tough and useful. The Vault Cases even come in a variety of colors, so you’re not stuck with green and black.

Negrini Cases

We’ve talked a lot about modern gun cases, but now we’ll take a slight step back to an older style. The Negrini cases are Italian-made and look like what you picture when you hear Italian-made. I have one of these single pistol cases, and I barely want to use it for fear of messing up its fantastic looks.

The Negrini Cases emphasize refined look and style with suitable function and design. We get leather trim, velvet padding, and beautiful wood. Mix them together, and you get cases designed to fit your fanciest double gun, your expensive M1911, or even your ugly Spartan Glock 19.

Negrini cases come in several configurations. There are fantastic, more Spartan designs that are black and simple. They still look fantastic but are a bit simpler. These cases are locking designs that are also TSA-compliant. If you want old-world style, then Negrini is the way to go.

Vang Comp Chair Cover

Last but not least, we have a shotgun option. As a shotgun enthusiast, I must point out the Vang Comp Chair Cover shotgun case. It’s called a chair case, and it should be holding one of those foldable, mostly cloth chairs.

In reality, it’s designed to hold your favorite shotgun. It comes in configurations to fit shotguns with 14- to 20-inch barrels. It’s a discreet carry bag that blends in anywhere. It’s devoid of tell-tale signs and just looks plain and simple.

The difference between it and an actual Chair Cover is the overengineered nature of the Vang Comp bag. The Vang Comp Chair Cover has an outlier of 1000D Cordura, and inside the bag is a quarter-inch foam cell to provide protection and prevent printing. It’s all heavy-duty and reinforced as much as possible to deliver an extremely well-made bag.

Just Cool Gun Cases

There are plenty of gun cases on the market. You can find anything at any budget to provide protection for your gun. Your case doesn’t have to be cool, but it’d be a lot cooler if it was.

Evacuation Checklists – Plan Ahead for Hitting the Road

By

Jim Cobb

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March 24, 2025

I’m a strong proponent of checklists. They’re a great way to make plans and stay focused, particularly if you’re stressed. Should you need to evacuate your home, that’s definitely going to be a high-stress situation.

It’s important to understand that not all evacuations are done at the drop of a hat. Sure, there are times when immediacy is required. For example, a train derails nearby and spills toxic chemicals. However, let’s say it’s a wildfire. You may have a few hours or more before you need to be out the door. If it’s a hurricane, you could have days, maybe even a week, to get everything organized.

We’ve talked about evacuation kits and the need for them. But there may be things you don’t normally keep in such a kit that, if you have the opportunity, you’ll want to take with you. Likewise, given time, there may be a few things you’ll want to do around the house before you leave.

15 Minutes or Less

When you only have a few minutes, every second counts.

In this instance, you have little to no warning. You need to vacate with a quickness. You might include on your list:

Wallet, purse
Keys
Cell phone
Emergency cash
Pets (with leashes and carriers)
Medications
Defense weapon
Evacuation kit

30-60 Minutes

This next level assumes you have upwards of an hour to pack and head out. This would be situations like you live in wildfire country and were just alerted that one is getting dangerously close to your area. At this stage, you might include on the checklist:

Valuable/sentimental jewelry
Clothing for a few days, particularly underwear and socks
External hard drive where you’ve been backing up your data regularly
Personal hygiene kits
Cases of bottled water
Snacks/food

One Day or More

A day or more feels less rushed, but don’t let time slip away.

This might be a situation where a hurricane is giving your town the stink eye as it approaches landfall. Forecasters can usually give residents at least a day or two of warning, often much longer lead times. While you’ll have a good amount of time, you are likely going to be limited in terms of storage space in your vehicle, so you’ll still need to prioritize what goes on the checklist. But, some examples of things you’ll want on the checklist may include:

Family photo albums
Food from the refrigerator/freezer, stored in coolers
Heirlooms
Firearms, knives, other valuable collections

Tasks

Along the way, at various stages, you may have tasks that should be done. Consider adding to the appropriate checklist things like:

Turn off all non-essential devices
Turn off utilities
Board up windows
Deploy other security measures
Ensure all doors and windows are locked

When an emergency hits, checklists can help keep you on task and prevent you from forgetting something important. Give each level some thought and come up with a workable list that suits your individual situation. Keep it somewhere handy, such as taped to the back of a closet door.

You could even go so far as to create an individual list for each room and have it available either in that room or as a master list kept somewhere convenient. Should an emergency arise, assign each family member a room and get to work.

My Favorite Budget Blasters

By

Travis Pike

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March 24, 2025

Guns are expensive, and budgets are tight, so where do we go for a good budget-priced firearm? Luckily, we don’t have to look far. There are tons and tons of affordable guns on the market. With that in mind, I’m not here to tell you which are objectively the best affordable firearms; I’m here to share my five favorites. I’ve written this list out more than once, but I keep erasing, replacing, and trying to figure out exactly which guns I want on this list of budget blasters.

There are just lots and lots of great budget-worthy guns these days. Speaking of budget, I used a price point of $500. The gun has to cost $500 or less before government theft and transfer fees. That’s the top price, and most of these budget blasters stay well under $500.

Heritage Roscoe

Taurus owns Heritage, so Heritage took the now-discontinued Model 85 and released a classic variant of the gun called the Roscoe. The Heritage brand was built on rimfire revolvers, but the Roscoe is a centerfire .38 Special. It’s a five-shot gun that comes with either a two or three-inch barrel. It’s as plain as a revolver gets, and that’s the point.

The Roscoe is meant to harken back to yesteryear—to the 1940s and 50s when men were men, women were women, and revolvers had wood grips and no underlugs. It’s a retro throwback to the classic revolvers of the era. The Roscoe delivers the fun feeling of a classic snub-nose revolver.

I love this budget blaster because it makes me feel like a hard-boiled private eye. To complete the look, I need a leather shoulder rig, a drinking problem, and a string of ex-wives, but I won’t go that far.

Mossberg Maverick

The Mossberg Maverick, or as my friend calls it, the pocket change profit stick, has long been the budget shotgun of choice. The Maverick is priced at the same point as any crappy Turkish gun but isn’t a crappy Turkish gun. It’s essentially a simplified Mossberg 500 with a few different features.

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The Mossberg Maverick is a simple pump-action shotgun available in 12 and 20-gauge formats. Mossberg produces several variants of the gun, including sporting and home defense variants. Simple is as simple does, and if you need a bare-bones working shotgun, the Maverick is it.

If I had to pick just one of these budget blasters to protect the homestead, it’d be the Maverick. It’s so incredibly functional for such a low price point that it’s almost a must-have. At this point, the Maverick is almost inflation-proof and a great first firearm.

Extar EP9

Extar designed and built the guns it sells without a middleman. You order directly from the company that produces the guns, which reduces the cost. The Extar series comes as braced pistols and rifles. The EP9 is the 9mm series, and the EP45 is the .45 ACP series. These are quasi-AR-like firearms.

They share several AR features, like the lower receiver controls, the buffer and receiver extension, and the handguard format. It lacks the AR’s ambi charging handle and uses a mass-delayed blowback operation for relatively controllable recoil. The EP9 series uses a ton of polymer and reduces the weight and cost of the gun.

These rifles and braced pistols are easy to handle, fun to shoot, and could be a cheap way to get into PCC competition. They are quite ergonomic and feature modern touches like an M-LOK handguard and collapsible stocks. Oh, and yes, they take Glock mags. These are our most expensive budget blasters.

Arex Delta Gen 2

If you’re looking for a 9mm polymer frame strike-fired pistol, there are tons and tons of options. You’re not exactly hard up for options. However, if you want a quality option with all the features and fixes, then the Slovenian Arex Delta Gen 2 series is for you. It’s important to note that they don’t do anything revolutionary; they are arguably just another polymer frame strike-fired pistol.

However, they do what everyone else does, just cheaper. The series comes optics-ready, and there are several variants. One includes the tactical model with suppressor height sights and a threaded barrel. The L model has a long barrel, and the X model has a compact slide and full-length grip.

These feature-filled budget blasters are sleeker than most and quite ergonomic. They shoot quite well and would be excellent for home defense or concealed carry. Plus, they can be had for $300 for a bare-bones model and $350 for a more featured option.

Taurus TX22

I saw the TX22 as just another 22LR. I didn’t think it was bad, but I didn’t feel a reason to own one. Then I did, because a Gen 1 used model cost $200. The TX22 wasn’t just an average .22LR pistol. It turned out to be an extremely accurate and reliable little gun. I was shocked it cycled Remington Golden Bullets without a problem.

The first time I passed Chuck Pressburg’s No Fail drill was with the TX22 and iron sights. It’s impressively accurate. The TX22 put those little .22LRs right where I wanted them. I was so darn surprised at the gun’s capabilities and impressive design. Not to mention its excellent ergonomics, 16-round magazines, and easy-to-wield nature.

I’d suggest hunting down a Gen 2, a Comapct, or Comp model to add a red dot. The TX22 would be a great working gun, a kit gun, or even a Steel Challenge pistol. It’s so cheap and awesome that it’s a fantastic option for a pistol.

Budget Blasters and You

Those are my five favorite budget blasters. Runners include the KelTec SUB 2000, the Ruger LCP 2 (in .22LR), the Rossi Rio Bravo, and the Mossberg Patriot in 6.5 Creedmoor. It’s tough to pick just five, but if you’re looking for a new firearm on a budget, any of the above five will get you on the right track.

The Comeback Kids of 2025

By

Travis Pike

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March 23, 2025

What’s old is new. The gun world seems to be cyclical, with companies embracing trends and trying to chase the latest and greatest. In 2025, we’ve seen a number of older firearm styles that went out of style make a comeback. I noticed five specific types of firearms that are making a comeback.

The Comeback of Hammer-Fired Pistols

Hammer-fired handguns haven’t been all that popular in the last few years, while striker-fired guns have ruled for more than a few decades. Yet, this year, we saw the rise of hammer-fired guns once more. Beretta introduced the new 30X, 20X, and 80X, all hammer-fired DA/SA guns. CZ unleashed the P09 Nocturne, and Beretta released numerous exclusives with Davidsons.

Staccato released the HD, Taurus released the DAO 22TUC, and S&W unveiled the CSX E series. It’s safe to say that hammer-fired guns seem to be making a huge comeback in 2025 and potentially beyond. I’m happy to see this. Hammer-fired guns still have some serious pull over me.

The .32 ACP Comeback

I might be getting my hopes up with this one. The .32 ACP can make a comeback, but it would require a reset of the American mindset of ‘bigger bullet, better.’ The same mindset keeps the .45 ACP alive to this day. Beretta has introduced two new .32 ACP guns in as many years.

The Beretta 30X and now the 80X are .32 ACP handguns that offer a low-recoil, center-fire option for self-defense purposes. Two guns isn’t much, but it’s a start. Beretta makes cool guns, and both of these guns are pretty cool. Additionally, Federal is making a deep-penetrating .32 ACP cartridge.

Companies like Alleghany Arms have introduced .32 Conversion kits for Girsan and Beretta guns, which seem popular.

Shotguns

Shotguns have been on a comeback tour for a while now, but there have been some serious gains in the shotgun department. Beretta has honed the 1301 into a weapon that’s become the best way to get AR-15 junkies into shotguns. Benelli has released a Gen 2 of the M4 that solves some problems I have with the Benelli M4.

Mossberg and Beretta have released excellent sub-1000-dollar shotguns in the form of the 940 and A300 Ultima Patrol. A rising tide raises all ships, and that’s what these new and refined semi-auto shotguns are doing. More and more people are interested in shotguns these days, and it’s glorious to see.

Let’s not forget Mossberg’s new pump shotguns. If you want an AR-type grip and stock with an AR-type safety, the Mossberg 590R series has you covered.

Braces Are Back!

The ATF has had an on-and-off relationship with pistol braces. First, they were hot, then they were cold, and now they’ve fully divorced, and the Judge gave the American people custody of pistol braces. SB Tactical, true freedom fighters, have released the SBA5 brace, the first since they got the right to do business again.

Fightlite has released a new brace that attaches to a top rail. This brace is much more universal and has the potential to arm many other guns with braces. It’s odd, but it could be effective if the platform has a full-length top rail.

Bond Arms showed a lever-action AR-type pistol armed with a brace. How the brace will work on a lever-action pistol is beyond me, but it looks cool. Additionally, my favorite brace of the year is the HAR-15. It’s from H&R and designed to resemble the CAR-15 brace. It allows you to have a cool-looking brace that keeps the retro look.

Revolvers

Revolvers are coming back hard with a lot of new interest. I think it’s thanks to Lipseys and the original Ultimate Carry lineup. The UC lineup presented semi-custom revolvers at a pretty fair price point. Lipseys hit it hard this year with new UC models, a revival of the Mountain Guns, and new exclusives from Ruger and NAA.

S&W introduced three classic guns, the Model 19, the Model 10, and the Model 36, all blued with wood grips. They lack the lock S&W Introduced in the 90s, and people are psyched about this lineup.

Heritage and Taurus have stepped up their game and created some excellent revolvers at an amazing price point. Charter Arms has introduced new revolvers, and new revolver companies are popping up for the first time in years.

What’s Next?

The firearms industry is all about what’s next. What’s next, what’s new, and what’s coming is a constant competition. It can be tough to come up with something new, but sometimes you can have a new way to do an old thing, and that old thing can make a comeback.

Training With Gabe White: Pistol Shooting Solutions Class (Part 2)

By

P.E. Fitch

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March 22, 2025

Training With Gabe White Pistol Shooting Solutions

^{Continued from Part 1}

Pistol Shooting Solutions Lectures

By all means, Pistol Shooting Solutions is an intensive handgun shooting class. I already mentioned that I expended around 800 rounds of ammunition, with a good percentage of those being fired while practicing Bill Drills, Split Bill Drills, and the like with intense focus. Suffice it to say that my Walther got very hot during these portions of class.

However, much of the value from this class happens off the firing line, around the circle of folding chairs and/or that picnic table area that nearly every tactical shooting bay seems to have. It’s not just with the class notes that White hands out, but it’s evident there’s a lot of thought behind his “classroom” portion of Pistol Shooting Solutions.

From the way he spoke, it was easy to pick up on how much thought went into every aspect of his material and practices. It was impressive.

In White’s thought process, “no stone is left unturned,” so to speak. To clarify, every aspect of his defensive set-up or potential tactical decisions has a well-reasoned take. Even the mundane—say, the tension between his carry belt and pants waistband. You could ask him about it, and he’d have an intelligent answer.

The Morning Lecture

Gabe White Pistol Shooting Solutions Training Class — Instructor Gabe White lecturing.

With his trusty orange training Glock in hand [to demo], White kicked the course off on the morning of the first day with a lecture and some demonstrations that constituted the scaffolding of Pistol Shooting Solutions itself.

Even though this inaugural lecture has been the longest range-side discussion I’ve sat through in a shooting during the morning, it’s well worth the price of admission. Don’t read into that negatively. It’s nothing of that sort. I just wish I would have been even more caffeinated and keyed up to better absorb the knowledge.

This lecture covers everything from the basics of concealment to the draw and the mechanics of shooting. It also crests inner mental patterns as they relate to shooting—it turns out “mental management”, to borrow Lanny Basham’s phrase, isn’t solely for international-level champion shooters.

I still took down a few notes and quotes. Here’s a salient one that distills the essence of his class:

“Getting the gun out and winning the fight ASAP”

“Shooting is an internal martial art.”

There was also another interesting fragment that I captured from this same lecture about “studying the middle [path] of fighting for your life with a pistol.”

The Middle Path

The “Middle Path” or “Middle Way” is a concept from Buddhism that refers to the avoidance of extremes. No, Pistol Shooting Solutions doesn’t go off on some Eastern philosophical tangent. White brings up the concept in class with the intention of teaching students to avoid extremes as it relates to defensive pistolcraft.

Throughout the whole weekend, White presented many ways in which his “Middle Path” concept is useful. Examples include finding the balance between “speed and accuracy” or “sticking to the task at hand” after a fumbled draw, and so on. In short, the goal is to inculcate students with a sense of avoiding extremes in order to “get the gun out and win the fight ASAP.”

White’s “Middle Path” approach made it so clear to me why the four elements of Technical Skills tests are what they are—and also why three of the exercises involve headshots. “Winning the fight ASAP.”

Covering The Afternoon Lecture

On the afternoon of Day 2, we were treated to another excellent lecture and series of demonstrations. More than halfway into the class, this wasn’t about nominal handgun topics or concealment. Rather, this afternoon’s lecture covered cover and prima-facie tactical decisions surrounding its use as they pertain to the civilian defender.

White discussed basic maneuvering and flanking (in the context of potentially encountering an active shooter in a public, crowded space such as a shopping center full of pillars). This lecture even [respectfully] delved into the high-profile Dallas July-7 tragedy to pontificate on some of the concepts surrounding the use of cover. Using the available on-site blue barrels, students were able to practice working, drawing, and shooting around cover.

Gabe White demonstrating a technique while shooting from behind cover.

Testing For Technical Skills

K. A. Clark shooting the Split Bill Drill for record.

In addition to the educational material afforded by attending Pistol Shooting Solutions, one of the big draws of training with Gabe White is the opportunity to shoot the Technical Skills Testing evaluation for a chance to earn a pin.

I already wrote about the different pins and their requirements in my standalone piece about White’s Technical Skills Testing. But it was nice to have the opportunity to try to earn one for a score for the first time.

Mind you, I’ve been supplementing my own training by doing these drills on and off since 2017, and I still remember how it felt to shoot them then and my scores compared to how I shoot now (and my current scores).

Whereas many instructors allow students to shoot their respective challenges/standards to earn a “coin or patch” at the end of classes, White divides his evaluations of his Technical Skills over both days. It’s partially done to dovetail the drills into the curriculum better as White teaches it throughout both days, and also for efficiency’s sake.

Evaluations

I appreciated that White divided up his evaluations. For the shooter, this affords ample opportunities to strive for one of the higher-ranking pins and get their inner mental state right (or neurotically lose control of it). The class shot the evaluations for the Bill Drill and Failure To Stop on Day 1. On Day 2, we continued with Immediate Incapacitation and the Split Bill Drill.

Because these four exercises are indispensable to the curriculum, all students had plenty of structured time to draw and shoot over each of them. The chance to shoot and earn a pin is great, but the true value here lies in just taking the time to shoot these exercises deliberately and with that type of intensity.

Continued in Part 3

It’s Disaster O’Clock – Do You Know Where Your Supplies Are?

By

Jim Cobb

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March 22, 2025

I’m old enough to remember those PSAs where network TV would remind parents, “Oh hey, you remember you have kids, right?” My apologies to the writers for those PSAs, but I thought a riff on them would be a fun way to introduce our topic.

If a disaster hits, you likely won’t have time to search for this or that needed item. Further, it’s too late to order something you’ve overlooked. Having a working inventory of your supplies and gear is an important component of a preparedness plan. There are a few different elements at work here.

Inventory — Know What You Have

At a basic level, a preparedness inventory tells you what you have on hand at any given time. It’s a list of your supplies, gear, and other assets that may be needed during a crisis. The accuracy of the list will depend upon how well you maintain it, which we’ll get to in a bit.

How simple or complex the system is will depend on how you want to set it up. The important thing here is that you have some way of knowing with certainty what you have available to you, not just what you vaguely remember purchasing at some point in the past.

This information does a couple of things for you. It prevents you from overbuying so that you can utilize your preparedness budget to its maximum potential. It can also help you find and plug holes in your personal supply chain.

spiral notebook for inventory — This can be as simple as a spiral notebook that’s kept near your supply stash.

Inventory — Know Where It Is

I’ve often said that if you can’t find something when you need it, then you might as well not own it. There’s little point in investing time, money, and effort into accumulating gear and tools if it goes unused because it’s misplaced. A well-maintained inventory will help with this.

Keep your supplies organized in a way that makes sense for you and your situation. For many, totes and plastic or metal shelving do the trick nicely. However you decide to organize your supplies, I encourage you to avoid using cardboard boxes. They can degrade over time, as can the tape securing the top and bottom.

Pegboard works great for tools. I’ve never been one to draw outlines around my tools, but I know some folks find that useful. Rolling toolboxes filled with drawers are another option. Smaller ones work great for EDC gear like folding knives, flashlights, and what not.

Upkeep is Key

I’m not going to sugarcoat this. Maintaining a reasonably accurate inventory can be a monumental pain in the butt. It requires everyone involved to be diligent about recording when things are taken or added. Some people are going to naturally be better at this than others.

One method is to keep a spiral notebook in the pantry. Write down anything you take out and anything you add to the shelves. Separate notebooks could be kept near your bulk supplies, your first aid kit, and such. Make a point of doing a complete inventory at least annually if not twice a year. Some folks like to transfer this handwritten information into a spreadsheet on their computer.

computer and keyboard used for inventory — Some prefer to keep this information on the computer for easy searching and updating.

You could make this inventory part of your preparedness journal. Some might find it easier if all of this sort of information is kept in one place.

The takeaway here is to find a system that works for you so that you can keep up to date on what you have and what you need, so that nothing falls through the cracks.

Training With Gabe White: Pistol Shooting Solutions

By

P.E. Fitch

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March 21, 2025

After a last-minute opportunity sprung up, I found myself fortunate to attend Gabe White’s Pistol Shooting Solutions course. (Very glad I impulse-bought that extra 115-grain target ammo on sale during last year’s Black Friday, too).

This rendition of Pistol Shooting Solutions took place at Coyote Arms Shooting Range, a prominent shooting facility in south Texas where CDR Instructor K.A. Clark hosted Mr. White.

(K.A. Clark himself is also a notable defensive pistolcraft practitioner, competitor, and trainer; he walked away with two additional turbo pins that weekend, as a matter of fact.)

Pistol Shooting Solutions Course Overview

Gabe White’s Pistol Shooting Solutions is a 2-day defensive handgun course primarily structured around White’s Technical Skills Testing, also known as the Gabe White Standards.

Beyond training around that core battery of drills bundled into Technical Skills Testing: the Bill Drill, Failure To Stop, Immediate Incapacitation, and Split Bill Drill, Pistol Shooting Solutions also touches on other aspects of defensive pistolcraft, tactics, and mindset. White’s lectures are jam-packed with information to the extent that he sends every student home with a convenient bundle of lecture notes.

Furthermore, PSS ventures beyond what I mentioned above by providing students ample opportunities to shoot steel targets from concealment, on-the-move, and behind cover. Keeping in mind that PSS isn’t a competition skills class but that White allots time for these types of exercises during the course brings forth great value; shooting on the move seems to be neglected in many defensive pistol classes.

Bring 1000 rounds to class. I think I fired approximately 800 or so.

Gear Requirements

Aside from that case of training ammo, Pistol Shooting Solutions is fairly gun or gear-agnostic. Most students are well-served by bringing a modern semi-automatic centerfire pistol and a properly designed holster in good condition. Bringing magazine carriers to hold spare magazines while being on the line isn’t a bad idea either. Using spare pockets for this task is fine, too.

Gun-wise, anything touted for either duty or self-defense will suffice. Those who shoot micro-compacts with capacities of fewer than ten rounds need to be proactive about their ammunition management. Revolvers can also be made to work, and we actually had one on the firing line during the first day of class. Revolver shooters need to take heed though, for they will be working the cylinder latch and ejector rod far more than they’ll be shooting.

I think that Pistol Shooting Solutions is best navigated by shooting from concealment with one’s actual carry gun. Besides getting a 0.25-second time discount when shooting for Gabe’s pins, PSS was created to bring the best value to the civilian defensive shooter. Both days of class will afford numerous chances to do reps drawing from one’s actual carry gear. But not shooting from concealment won’t invalidate the curriculum, either.

Besides the student with the revolver, there was someone else who shot the class from his law enforcement duty belt and Safariland 6300 “bucket” holster. Another shot his Canik Rival-S from a competition rig. If one’s handgun is reasonable and fires a standard service caliber, it will work fine in Pistol Shooting Solutions.

The Walther PDP Pro-X PMM. I took this picture after the first day of class right before they called the range cold. There’s dirty and carbon under my fingernails after shooting all day and loading magazines by hand.

Walther Crashes The Class

After completing my original manuscript for my formal Walther PDP Pro-X PMM Comp review at the end of October, I took a handgun break for the next few months. During November, I didn’t shoot much. During December, I spent a great deal of time focusing on rifles, and with SHOT Show and other affairs in January, pistol splits were the last thing on my mind.

It wasn’t until I attended this course, which took place during the second week of February, that I had a chance to “reset” my applied handgun skills for 2025. Deciding to continue where I had left off, I holstered up with Walther PDP Pro-X PMM and kept shooting it.

The gun’s configuration hasn’t changed. It wears a LOK Grips brass backstrap that adds three extra ounces to the rear. Even though I experimented with one of my ZR Tactical aftermarket spring and guide-rod combinations, I swapped back to the OEM RSA. (The ZR Tactical parts are great, but I just find that I like the balance of a spring heavier than 15 lbs with the PDP Pro-X PMM’s specific slide, which is shorter and has less mass.

Running the Aimpoint ACRO P-2

Shooting the better part of 800 rounds that weekend not only afforded me another chance to run this specific PDP variant and its Parker Mountain unit hard, but more importantly, it gave me a chance to put the mounted Aimpoint ACRO P-2 through its paces, too. Given the ACRO P-2’s position in the market as one of the leading top-tier enclosed-emitter units, it was important for me to continue burning reps and rounds with it in class.

And it’s not because I want to prove or disprove the P-2’s ruggedness. There are people who’ve put more rounds through a single ACRO than I’ve fired since I started writing about guns. My interest is more in the “performance” aspect of shooting with the ACRO P-2, given its smaller window size.

(I’m not quite ready to write that article yet, but the question I want to answer that’s on the back of my mind is: how much does window size really matter?)

Continued in Part 2…

The 5.11 A/T Elite GORE-TEX Mid Boots

By

Travis Pike

-

March 21, 2025

I remember the one time I didn’t wear boots. I tried these things called sneakers. It rained that day, and I asked myself, “Do people really live like this?” With wet feet and trouble over typical terrain? That wasn’t for me; it was so regular, like flip flops, that it got regulated to appropriate activities, like running. For daily life, I’m all about boots. They are part of my day job uniform, and with that in mind, it’s about to get hot in the Southeast. As much as I love my 8-inch tall boots, I wanted something smaller and lighter and landed on the 5.11 Tactical A/T Elite Gore-Tex mid-height boots.

These mid-height boots are much more shoe-like in their design but pack the features I want to keep my feet dry and make crossing wet, muddy, and slippery terrain easy. Summers in my state bring rain and heat. I want a low, light boot that deals with the water above and below my feet. The A/T Elite Gore-Tex boots seem to meet those demands.

The A/T Elite Gore-Tex – Mid in Height, Not in Quality

Transitioning from a big 8-inch-tall set of boots to the A/T Elite mid-height boots was a game changer. The difference in weight alone made me feel like I was Goku training with weights. It was a welcome reprieve from the weight of heavy-duty boots. Beyond weight, things immediately felt cooler. Not only were my ankle and calf free to breathe, but the material selection was brilliant.

It’s lightweight, which allows the shoes to breathe, keeping your feet cool and dry if you start sweating. 5.11 applied a Gore-Tex waterproof lining to free the boots from the dangers of water ingress and keep your feet dry when it rains, or you face the mid-summer humidity of the Southeastern United States.

Underneath the boot, the 5.11 Atlas insole is located. I have some experience with the design, and it’s served me well. The 2.0 series builds on the support the Atlas insole promises. This includes shock mitigation and heavy-duty support for a long day of being on your feet. It comes together to create a comfortable, easy-to-wear boot for all-day use.

Getting My Steps In

New Year, new me, and new goals. I’ve been making a big push to get more and more steps every day. I try to aim for 10,000 minimum. This proved to be a little tough in the first few days of wearing the boots. They required a bit of a break-in. The tongue portion felt exceptionally tight and required a little loosening of the laces.

It took about four days of wear before I noticed the break-in. It was about a week before I stopped noticing the slight discomforts that come with breaking-in boots. After that week, I had no problems hitting my 10,000 steps and even more comfortably. Mix these boots with good socks, and your feet stay quite cool and comfortable.

I haven’t had to navigate anything difficult yet, but the traction on the bottom seems fantastic. It’s aggressive, and the Vibram sole has some natural nonslip grip to it. The overall design seems exceptional for outdoor use and all terrain. It’s easy to see why the A/T gets the all-terrain tag.

Spiffy Looking

Part of wearing any uniform is mixing effectiveness with professional apparel. As much as I’d like to wear a pair of multicam boots, they don’t work for a professional appearance. The A/T Elite Gore-Tex boots are professional. They are available in all black or coyote. It’s plain and professional, and I love that.

Too many boots integrate bright and weird color patterns that don’t work for professional wear. Too many mid-height boots are made for hikers and not for people who wear boots to work. That’s not the case here. The plain black look isn’t flashy, and I’m thankful for it.

Additionally, I’ve found these boots easy to clean. Get a wet rag and wipe them down. Spray them with a hose and let them dry, and that’s it. The material makes them easy to clean and quick to dry. 5.11 scored high on the appearance scale.

The A/T Elite Gore-Tex boots are ready to lighten your load and ease the heat this summer.

Kershaw Keeps it Snappy – A Quick Look at the Launch 17

By

Jim Cobb

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March 20, 2025

When I saw the latest release from Kershaw’s Launch series, the first thought that came to mind was, do I really need another automatic knife? The next thought was that need is such a strong word. Suffice it to say, the Launch 17 came to live with me shortly thereafter.

Launch 17 Specs

Let’s get the numbers out of the way. The Launch 17 is 4.95 inches long closed, with a 3.5-inch MagnaCut blade. Open, you’re looking at 8.45 inches total. Owing to the aluminum body, the weight is a sparse 3.1 ounces.

The clip point blade is a slicey 0.12-inch thick at the spine. There’s a bit of jimping that provides traction without being obnoxious about it. The Launch 17 features a reversible pocket clip, so you can swap between right- and left-handed carry.

The handle is coffin-shaped and has G10 inlays. The model shown here is all black, but it also comes with a gray body and black inlays. The handle is only about a half-inch thick, so overall, this is a fairly slim knife.

Launch 17 Performance

I’ll readily admit that I’m a big fan of the Launch series from Kershaw. I own several of them and there isn’t a dud in the bunch. So, I wasn’t all that surprised to find the Launch 17 is an incredible blend of ergonomics and performance.

Pressing the release button fires the blade into position with authority. That’s not an exaggeration, either. You need to keep a firm grip on the handle, or you might fumble it as the blade slams into place. Once the blade is fully extended, it is locked. There is absolutely no wiggle in the blade, side to side or front to back. The release is the same button, though you need to fold the blade closed manually.

Owing to how an automatic knife can be a world-class fidget toy, I’ve probably opened and closed it several hundred times by now. It hasn’t failed once.

The blade arrived shaving sharp, with a needle-sharp point. There was no need to touch up the edge before putting the knife to use. I’ve used it to process and flatten numerous boxes, slice up apples and peppers, and cut lengths of paracord. There has been no discernable deterioration of the blade’s sharpness as of yet. This isn’t a shock, given that this is MagnaCut, which has developed a reputation for edge retention.

Launch 17 Drawback

On the list of pros and cons, there is but one checkmark in the con column. It’s minor in the grand scheme of things, but it needs to be noted. The activation button is just ever so slightly raised from the knife handle. You can barely feel it as you run your finger along the knife. This isn’t entirely a bad thing, as the design serves as a safety feature. There’s very little risk of the knife opening by accident.

However, the downside is that it can be very difficult to open the knife if you’re wearing almost any sort of gloves. You’ll need to really mash your thumb down to fire the release mechanism. It isn’t the end of the world, but it’s something to consider if you routinely wear gloves.

Launch 17 – Go or No Go?

For me, the Launch 17 is a definite Go. It’s fairly lightweight and slim, so it’s easy to use for an EDC. It fires open fast and locks solidly into place. I have zero concerns about relying on the Launch 17 for virtually any sort of blade business.

You can find it in the gray/black configuration at the Kershaw website. It’s currently retailing for $199.99. However, if you want the blackout version seen in this review, you’ll need to check DLT Trading.

The 5.11 Kumau Bomber Jacket

By

Travis Pike

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March 20, 2025

I try to be as transparent as possible when it comes to reviewing gear. The Kumau Bomber jacket came free from 5.11 as what I assume is a gift. It was a pleasant surprise, to be sure. But to be clear, there is no expectation of a review, and more importantly, there is no expectation of a positive review.

I make it a habit to look into the names of 5.11 clothing; it’s always creative. Kumau is Hawaiian for North Star. The Kumau is a bomber-style jacket. Anything that makes me look like Ryan Gosling from Drive will appeal to me. The Kumau keeps the classic bomber style with more modern features and materials.

Inside the Kumau

I’m a guy who loves to wear black. It’s slimming, matches everything, and hides a gun fairly well. My other go-to color is a darkish olive green. I used to think I looked pretty good in Marine Corps PT shirts. The website offers black and green, but that’s not totally accurate. The Kumau comes as a reversible jacket.

You can quickly and easily swap from black to green and back again. The other covert model offers green and desert camouflage, so you get two colors in one. The only thing that doesn’t swap is the traditional bomber-style wrist and waist enclosures, which remain black regardless of the external color. A reversible design is perfect for several reasons.

First, two colors expand the jacket’s usefulness in terms of fashion. Reversing the jacket makes matching things a lot easier—twice the usefulness. Swapping your jacket from one color to another could help you disguise and evade. Why would this be handy for the average person?

Well, have you ever wanted a second helping of a free sample? People get really stingy with their samples, so reverse the jacket, throw on a hat, and get your second mini sausage from the Costco guy. I kid, but the two sides of the jacket do offer advantages.

The black outer section is made from durable nylon ripstop material that’s extremely water—and stain-resistant. It’s rougher and tougher than the inner jacket, which is arguably more comfortable against the body. The taffeta inner jacket is more stylish, with a little sheen and a less utilitarian design.

The Kumau In Action

The Kumau fits nicely, with a classic and flattering waist that looks and feels nice. The traditional rib knit collar, cuff, and waistband look good, but they also keep you insulated and keep the warm air inside the jacket rather than letting it out. We just hit a cold snap here in Florida, so the Kumau has been a morning companion as I struggle with 35-degree weather.

The jacket has two typical hand pockets up front using snap enclosures. The left arm has a separate small pocket enclosed via a snap. Both sides of the reversible jacket feature the same snap pockets. The big front pockets offer tons of room. You could fit a mini IFAK in one without a problem.

Since the pockets are reversed, you technically have two inner pockets that are fairly easy to access. You could carry items that might be more sensitive. I like it as pickpocket protection, and while pickpockets aren’t all that common in the U.S., they exist across the world.

The arm pocket is fairly small. I don’t find myself using it much, but options are nice to have. I could see it being useful for wireless headphones, a little cash, and similar lightweight items you want to keep out of your main pockets.

Getting Warm

This isn’t a parka by any means, but for 35 degrees, it’s just right. It’s a great winter jacket in Florida or a Fall jacket for the rest of the country. It’s water resistant without being too heavy, so it remains useful in the Southeast for those rainy days. It’s quite comfortable, and I like how I look in it.

You’ll notice that the waist isn’t as high as most bomber jackets. Either 5.11 doesn’t dig the traditional look, or they know their customer. I’d argue most people who wear 5.11 gear carry a gun at least occasionally. Too high of a waist makes concealment a bit of a hassle. The lower-than-normal bomber waist makes it easy to keep your handgun concealed and accessible.

The Kumau still provides a stylish look with the enhanced features we expect from 5.11. I love the reversible nature because I won’t be excused for just having one jacket. Check out the Kumau if you want the bomber to look and to carry a gun without difficulty.

For information, please visit 511Tactical.com.

Gerber MP600 Multi-Tool

By

Reuben Bolieu

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March 19, 2025

GAT_GerberMP (1)b — The Gerber MP600 Multi-Tool is a military-grade pocket powerhouse, ready for any adventure!

Unlock Versatility with the Gerber MP600 Multi-Tool—the Ultimate Military-Grade Multi-Tool!

The Gerber MP600 Multi-Tool is a durable military-grade pocket toolbox that includes pliers, wire cutters, a knife blade, screwdrivers, a can opener, and a file, making it perfect for various tasks.

Brief Gerber Gear History

Founded in 1939 in Portland, Oregon, Gerber started as a small batch of handmade cutlery. Over the decades, it became a titan of tools and blades, loved by outdoor enthusiasts, tradespeople, and military personnel. Their reputation for innovative, rugged designs remains rock solid.

The Gerber MP600’s Legacy

Debuting in the late ’90s, the MP600 earned its stripes by being the first choice of the U.S. military. Its rugged construction and one-handed opening mechanism are the stuff of legend, making it one of the most battle-tested multi-tools. This isn’t just a tool; it’s a symbol of resilience and ingenuity.

Gerber MP600 Multi-Tool, the Ultimate Military-Grade Multi-Tool in a closed position!

Whether you’re tightening bolts, cutting cords, or just opening a celebratory beverage, the MP600 can help you handle it with flair!

Gerber MP600 Multi-Tool Arsenal:

Needle-nose pliers: Perfect for gripping, twisting, and the occasional surprise unboxing.
Wire cutters: Because sometimes, cutting loose is the best option.
Knife blade: Razor-sharp, always prepared for slicing through your next task or a cheeky snack.
Screwdrivers(Phillips and flathead): For those times you need to put things together or take them apart—your call!
Can and bottle opener: Because what’s an adventure without a cold beverage at the end of it?
File: Smooths out those rough edges of life—literally!

A nylon belt sheath comes standard, with a leather sheath upgrade.

Standout MP600 Features

The most valuable tools of the Gerber MP600 Multi-Tool are screwdrivers, files, and blades.

I found Gerber’s choice of wharncliffe-style blades for the MP600 to be outstanding. Like all Gerber knives, both blades were exceptionally sharp. The toughness of the screwdrivers stands out, and they deliver excellent performance. The file is as rough and tough as the hard-working Law Enforcement and everyday Joes the MP600 is designed for. It’s hard to beat this file when removing nicks from an axe or DIY projects.

Naturally, the pliers are the star of the show as they have set the tone for hard-use field pliers in Law Enforcement, sound production crews, handymen, LEOs, and many more fields.

Multi-Tool Comparisons

Leatherman Wave+: The Wave+ may boast a sleeker design and 18 tools, but the MP600 is a tough competitor with 14 military-tested, rugged features and one-handed plier deployment.

A serrated blade is ideal for cutting nylon webbing and all types of cordage in the field.

Gerber MP400: The MP400 is the lightweight sidekick of the MP600, perfect for everyday carry but lacking some heavy-duty capabilities.

The MP600 might not steal the spotlight, but it’s a reliable workhorse for demanding tasks. If you prioritize toughness and practicality, this is your go-to! Figure out what matters most to you: durability, versatility, or something else?

MSRP: $85.95

Closing

The MP600 actively makes life easier, whether you’re fixing a leaky faucet or surviving a zombie apocalypse (we won’t judge). The multi-tool actively says, “Challenge accepted,” then delivers the goods.

For more information, please check out Gerber Gear!

Essential Training Gear You Must Have

By

Travis Pike

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March 19, 2025

You can’t buy skill, but you can buy the gear necessary to build your skill. If you’re going to spend time training, you should be as effective as possible. To help with that effectiveness, we’ve put together four pieces of essential training gear outside of ammo.

Shot Timer – The Most Essential

If you only buy one piece of gear to practice and train with, then make it a shot timer. Shot timers are made by various companies, and I’ve had great luck with the Pocket Pro 2 and the Pact Club Timer. The most high-tech option will be the Shooters global shot timer, which interfaces with your phone and allows you to use video to record your shooting with time overlayed. The SG time even works for dry fire.

A shot timer is essential because it provides a second source of objective data. You win a match and a gunfight by being both accurate and fast. We can judge accuracy by looking at our targets; we judge speed via a shot timer. A shot timer and a target give you two forms of objective data.

Shot timers aren’t cheap, and the Shooter’s Global’s advanced version costs $300. A cheap shot timer is at least a hundred bucks, but it’s worth not buying that next gun to have one.

Electronic Ear Protection

There are lots and lots of reasons to invest in electronic hearing protection, such as better situational awareness or the ability to use Bluetooth to pump Wu-Tang while you shoot. It’s also critically useful for training purposes. If you are training and taking a class, you are paying someone to run their mouth and teach you what they know.

Electronic ear pro allows you to hear your instructor. Most instruction will be done off the range, but not all. You could be shooting a string, and the instructor could give you instructions on fixing your grip, stance, and more. I’ve been in more than one class where an instructor has corrected something while others are shooting.

This piece of essential training gear allowed me to hear the instructor’s feedback and make those corrections. Proper hearing protection for training means it’s electronic and can cut off loud sounds while allowing conversation-level discussions to occur.

Dummy Ammo or TRT Devices

Dry fire is one of the most important things you can do to improve your skills. Dry fire training is the cheapest way to get better at shooting guns. Almost anything short of recoil control can be trained via dry fire. To make it even more useful, you can mix dummy rounds and TRT devices or a mix of both.

Dummy ammo is essential for practicing realistic reloads and malfunction drills. It also allows shooters to practice the most basic firearms handling skills, like loading magazines. Dummy ammo is widely available for more calibers than I’ll ever own.

TRT devices press the followers down and prevent them from engaging the last round bolt hold open on rifles and pistols. They are available for various 9mm, .40 S&W, and larger magazines, as well as AR magazines. These are super cheap, easy-to-use devices that make reload training easy and quick.

B8 Targets

B8 targets are four things: cheap, compact, common, and useful. The cheap nature of the target makes them a great choice for stacking up on. Hell, you can print them. Compact makes them easy to store inside a range bag—just toss them in and forget about it. Common means you can find them anywhere, referencing the ability to print the target.

How useful can a simple Bull’s eye style target be? Impressively so. The B8 target replicates the heart and lungs as well as the head. These are the lethal zones you need to be able to hit. B8 targets are perfect for practicing all-important shot placement. They even make for great dry fire practice.

B8 targets are a must-have in every range bag. I keep a stash if I forget any other target I want to work with. There is no reason not to stack up on B8s for all your training adventures, as they are essential for the range.

What’s Essential

When it comes time to train, you must stick to what’s essential. The four pieces of gear we listed above are must-haves and make a massive difference when it’s time to train. Don’t get caught slipping.

Waste Not, Want Not – Water Conservation in a Crisis

By

Jim Cobb

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March 18, 2025

When a disaster hits, you likely won’t have time to run to the store. The supplies you have available to you at the time it happens are all you’re going to have for the duration. In situations like that, resource conservation becomes paramount.

We’ve talked about resource conservation a bit before, but in a different context. This time around, we’re focused on sheltering in place at home.

When water isn’t flowing from the taps, and you have to rely on what you have stored, it makes sense to be as stingy as you can be with it. You want to stretch the supply as far as possible. Here are some tips to keep in mind.

Water Conservation – Hygiene

A spray bottle filled with clean water can work well for washing hands. Just a squirt or two, lather up, then a squirt to rinse off. I’ve found the mist setting tends to work the best. If you don’t have a spray bottle, you can use a plastic water bottle with a small hole punched in the cap. Keep a large bowl or basin in the sink to catch water from washing and rinsing so it can be reused for other purposes.

A supply of body wipes can help with underarms, groin, and other body areas. This is far from ideal, but it’ll do the job until the situation improves.

Water Conservation – Washing Dishes

Use disposable plates and bowls. While this creates more waste, it also conserves water as you don’t need to wash them. Assuming you’re using paper plates and bowls, you can burn them rather than tossing them into the trash. We don’t use these products in our home on a day-to-day basis. With it just being my wife and I these days, it’s easy enough to wash dishes. But we’ve stocked up a small supply of paper plates and bowls, just in case.

For pans and dishes that do need to be washed, consider the three-basin method used by many campers. Set up three basins, which you might have acquired from your local dollar store, well in advance of any emergencies. In the first one, put hot water with just a bit of dish soap. The second one gets clear hot water. The third has cold or room temperature clear water with a few drops of bleach. Always scrape dishes and pots as clean as possible before putting them into the first basin. Let dishes air dry.

Water Conservation – Recycling and Reusing

Whenever possible, use water for more than one purpose. For example, dealing with human waste can be problematic in a grid-down scenario. However, provided that there aren’t any problems downstream, so to speak, toilets can be used even in the absence of water pressure. The tank can be filled manually, and the toilet can be flushed as normal.

The water for doing so could be repurposed from some of the previous uses mentioned. For example, after washing dishes, the dirty water can be poured into a bucket in the bathroom. As the toilet is used, refill the tank from the bucket. You might want to filter out any larger food particles first, just to make sure they don’t muck up the works inside the tank.

Water saved after washing hands, as well as that from rinsing dishes, could be used for limited laundry purposes. A five-gallon bucket with a lid and a clean toilet plunger will do the trick. Here’s how to put it together.

Water is a precious resource. We use it for so many things, from food prep to hygiene and more. If you don’t have an easy source for it in an emergency, you’ll definitely want to conserve it as best you can.

Do You Have a Home Defense Plan?

By

Travis Pike

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March 18, 2025

What’s your home defense plan? We spend a lot of time in dumb arguments about the best home defense gun. Often, it doesn’t really matter if your 11.5 AR works better than my 12.5. If you have a gun, you’ve met the first criteria. However, the plan you execute when things go pear-shaped could matter a lot more than the gun and ammo you’re using.

Failing to plan is planning to fail. Most of us think we’ll return fire and save the day if someone kicks down the door. The Mayor will slap a medal on our chest and call it a day. Reality is often disappointing. If you plan to shoot the bad guy, then you’re leaving a lot up to chance. There are a few situations where that’s fine, but maybe you should consider the before, during, and after the shoot.

The Home Defense Plan – Stage 1

Stage 1 is what we do to secure our homes prior to a break-in. In fact, we are attempting to make our homes look unappetizing to the average criminal. Stage 1 is the most important stage because it could potentially make stages 2 and 3 nonexecutable.

Part of making your home look a lot less friendly to break-ins is taking a few soft steps to improve your security on the outside. Gates are great, and so are 12-foot-tall barbed wire-topped fences, but that’s not always the practical choice. What can we do to our homes to make them unappealing to the thuggery of the world?

First, lights. Big lights make it tough to sneak around. My home is set up with motion-sensing spotlights, which are fairly affordable. Additionally, I have cameras. Some are obvious, but others are not. Motion-sensing cameras that can text your phone are a great tool to have, and making a few of them more obvious makes sure people know you’re serious about home security. Doorbell cameras have also been proven to be an excellent tool for home security.

Inside the home, we can invest in good locks. One-side deadbolts are impossible to pick. A really easy upgrade is swapping your ¾ inch door hinge screws with 3-inch screws. That makes your doors a lot tougher to kick in. Also, if possible and affordable, replace your hollow exterior doors with solid doors.

Stage 1 comes down to practical steps you can take to harden your home physically.

Planning to Win – Stage 2

Stage 2 occurs when stage 1 fails. This is what to do when someone is kicking down your door and is likely to make an entrance. When this occurs, it’s time to get the gun, but you need to know more than that. You need to consider the location of you and your family, if you have one. Single folks or couples without kids can hold up in their bedrooms and use the bunker-down tactics.

If you have kids, you’ll have to consider what to do. You may need to leave your home and find a defensible spot that secures the kids and you. You’ll also need to establish roles, like who carries the gun and who calls 911. Maybe you have to do both, and therefore, a pump shotgun isn’t a great choice; a carbine or even a handgun might be more viable.

Stage 2 is where we plan exactly what to do when the door comes down. You need to know what job you’re doing, how you’re responding, and whether you are moving or not. If you are moving, you might set up your home to give yourself an advantage, like making sure the defensible point offers concealment or cover.

This can be difficult to plan and might require a walkthrough of your home. This type of plan should involve a dry run, and everyone with a job understands their role.

After the Fight – Stage 3

A lot of people don’t plan for stage 3. They picture themselves getting their medal. In reality, stage 3 is what you need to consider after you pull the trigger. The fight is over; the cops should be called by now, but if not, that needs to be prioritized. You may also be wounded, or, Lord forbid, a family member may be wounded.

These are things you can plan to address. This means having a medical kit that isn’t a dollar store first aid kit for boo-boos. You need a trauma kit and the knowledge to use it. You also need to be prepared to be placed in cuffs. Self-defense is typically evident inside a home, but be prepared to take that ride.

Do you have a lawyer? You might look into a local criminal defense attorney and have their number accessible and easy to find. I won’t give legal advice because I shouldn’t, but a criminal defense lawyer might be a good call.

Similarly, are you or your loved ones going to be traumatized by this event? If this happens to me with my family home, everyone goes to counseling. That’s admittedly a step for another day, but it’s something to consider.

The Plan

A good plan goes a long way. It’s important to prepare and plan well before a violent event occurs. Hopefully, you sink time, effort, and a little money into stage 1, so stages 2 and 3 can remain dusty and on the shelf.