Prepping for Down Range

I have hunted (deer mainly) for most of my life. Archery was always the most appealing to me. So much so, that when I hunted with my rifle, I preferred to have as short of a shot as possible. Part of the thrill of the hunt is being able to close the distance on such a wary animal. Most of my shots were within 100 yards, and some quite a bit closer (15-20 yards).

A little over  a year ago, I was introduced to the precision rifle shooting. A couple of co-workers have been precision shooters for several years. Talking and spending some time at the range with them provided an opportunity to enter the world of precision rifle shooting. Since then, I have attended two different courses that have taught everything from setting up a precision rifle to using a scope reticle to measure distances (extremely accurate when done correctly) to shooting positions (tripods, bipods, improvised rests) and gear selection. Those courses taught me so much more than I could have imagined.

I modified a long-owned rifle, with relatively little expense, into a precision rifle (at least within my current skill level). There has been no small cost, but I have been able to do so over time with a few dollars here and there.

I’ve seen quite a bit of progress in my knowledge and skill. With that added skill, I am getting quite comfortable with taking game at long ranges while still being able to make well placed shots and insure a humane kill. Much more meat can be put in the freezer when you’re able to confidently take that deer that was, in the past, too far out of comfortable shooting range.

The only downside is that shooting sports are rather expensive. I certainly can’t afford to shoot as much as I would like. I am, however, able to shoot often enough to progress in skill. I am looking forward to be able to provide much more meat for the family, while also being able to enjoy hunting even more with the extending harvesting range.

Don’t just prepare, prepare to thrive.

Ranger bands are basically rubber bands that keep gear organized, out of the way, and secure. They are thin and come in varying widths. Ranger bands can be used to double-up AR mags, attach items together, keep straps folded up and secured, just to name a few uses. You can order them from various companies, or, you can save the money and make them yourself.

Ranger bands can be made easily, relatively quickly, and quite possibly, for free. All you need is a bicycle inner-tube. Don’t go to the store and buy new inner-tubes. Go to your local bicycle shop and ask if they have any inner-tubes that they have removed from flat tires. In my experience, they have piles of them they are just waiting to throw away. They’re already trash. The shop will likely give them to you for free. You can make quite a few ranger bands from just a few inner-tubes. Just find the segment of the inner-tube that is punctured or torn and cut it out.

All you need from there is a pair of medium-duty scissors and you’re all set.

Making your own ranger bands gives you the freedom to make the bands any width you would like. If you want ½ inch, go for it. If you want 1 ½ inch, great. Whatever width you would like, you only have to cut the bands to that width. Just keep your cuts straight and make one smooth cut all the way across the inner-tube and you’ll have a rather sturdy band that resists tearing. If there are any notches, or splits, the band will have a weak point that will continue to tear through.

If you’re looking for a project that is virtually free (minus the cost of a good pair of scissors that can be used for years to come), yields a sizable return, and can be done almost anywhere, consider making ranger bands.

Don’t just prepare, prepare to thrive.

A couple of posts back, jogging for general fitness was the topic. That general fitness translates over to survival/prepper abilities as well. But I also touched on a few physical issues that can come from jogging, especially when you’re starting out. One good alternative I’ve found to jogging is biking. Biking provides a great workout that really strengthens the legs. Biking isn’t perfect though.

Biking takes much of the downward impact off the ankles, knees, and back. The constant pedaling (especially uphill) can greatly strengthen your legs. The strengthened legs also help with the jogging. On a bike, you can carry more helpful items as well, bottles of water, a backpack, etc. Riding a bike is also much faster than jogging. You can cover much longer distances, with less effort.

A good seat for your bike is a must. Bike seats are small and often the stock seat that comes on the bike is not very comfortable. You’ve got much of your body weight resting on a rather small segment of your groin. The wrong seat can be very uncomfortable.

I would strongly encourage anyone getting into biking to spend the extra money to buy a quality bike. I’ve experienced my fair share of “big box store” bikes, that are not exactly cheap themselves, that barely last a year or two at most. I’ve bought a couple of quality bikes that are 4 and 5 times the price, but last much, much longer. They also tend to need less maintenance and have a more comfortable ride.

I’ll be honest, I have not ridden my bike in quite some time. This is largely because in my area, there are no designated bikes lanes or trails. Driving around my area on paved roads can be very dangerous. Drivers don’t pay attention to where they are going and really don’t seem to care for anyone else’s safety. I’ve been looking into places to take my bike to be able to ride it more and there are not many options. The few places I have found are not bad, but they require a little bit of a drive to get there. Not a big deal, just need to do it. But, before I can drive to those places, I need to get a bike rack that mounts to the rear bumper of my truck. I used to transport my bike in the bed of the truck. I’ve learned that laying a bike down in the bed of the truck not only bounces the bike around, potentially damaging and bending pieces, but also damages the paint and other aesthetics. I mean, I still want my bike to look good, right? Anyway, I plan on biking being a regular part of my fitness regimen. I know the legs are going to be mighty sore for a little while, but it’s worth it to get back into riding. I’ll post again after I’ve put a few miles on the pedals.

When applied to a survival situation, a bike can be a game changer. If motor-vehicles are knocked out by the ever-feared EMP, it would be nice to have a bike. Could you imagine having to walk everywhere you go? That would be exhausting in a scenario that is already going to be very taxing on your body, mind, emotions, etc. As stated before, a bike will allow you to cover much more ground, faster and more easily. In addition, you can carry much more weight on the bike with much less hassle/energy expenditure. And, if you’re going down-hill, you’re covering lots of ground at virtually no physical effort. Bikes are also quite maneuverable. Weaving around stalled vehicles/barricades is not too difficult.

There are a couple of items that I suggest having on your bike. A spare innertube and a small hand-powered air pump to inflate said innertube. My air pump mounts to the frame in one of the spots designated for a drink bottle (convenient). The spare innertube is rolled up in a pouch made to mount to the underside of the seat. Very little weight is added to the bike, and I can fix a flat tire if I’m in a pinch.

You can also find the little wagons/trailers that can be towed behind a bike. Of course, this will slow down your ride, but you can carry lots more gear with you. Could you imagine having a full camping loadout packed into a cart that just pulls behind you? I don’t have one of these little carts because I don’t have a bike for every member of my family. If I can’t go with everyone, I don’t see myself going far on my own. I may end up getting one in the future, though. I would think that the trailer would require fairly smooth terrain. Pulling a cart like these over rough terrain seems to be unlikely. Things would have to get way beyond bad before I see myself striking out on a bike with a trailer. However, we don’t prepare for the best-case scenario.

In any case, consider adding a bike to your “tool chest”.

Don’t just prepare, prepare to thrive.

First things first. I am not a doctor and this is NOT medical advice.

I am currently working on enrolling in an EMT/Para medic program. Not a career change, just to supplement my skill set and my abilities at work. As a police officer in an area where shootings are increasingly common, I have carried a tourniquet (TQ) on my vest for quite some time. As a long-time concealed carrier, I thought it was time that I upped my game from just carrying a pistol, to having some extra tools on-hand in case I actually got into a gunfight (that would be a nightmare scenario for anyone) while off-duty. In that regard, a few weeks ago, I decided to assemble a few IFAKs (Individual First Aid Kits). Nothing major, just a premade kit with the essentials in case that nightmare ever became a reality. Those kits were delivered a couple of weeks ago, and just in time to have to put it to use (not in a shooting, luckily).

If you’re familiar with the CAT-5 and 7 TQs, North American Rescue (NAR) is the company that makes them. They make a wide range of “medical” gear. I ordered a few of their TORK (Tactical Operator Response Kit) kits. (I know, that sounds redundant, but whatever.) Don’t get stuck on the “Tactical” part of the name. The kit is just great for anyone that could possibly be involved in any sort of shooting scenario (from military/police to those civilians that carry a firearm). Each kit includes: 2 pairs of nitrile gloves, 2 pack of chest seals, 1 CAT TQ, 2 rolls of gauze, 1 Emergency Trauma Dressing (i.e. Israeli Bandage), 1 trauma shears, and an eye patch. I decided to go with the refill kits as I already have pouches that will suit the purpose and it saved a decent amount of money (about $60.00 for each kit).

I’ll give a quick rundown of the contents before I get into the surprise of putting it to use.

The nitrile gloves are not bad. I can definitely tell that exposure to hot conditions (storing inside a vehicle, etc.) will degrade them quickly. They are tightly packed in a paper band which is fairly easy to rip off and access the gloves. However, I have fairly large hands and the provided gloves are about one size too small. Not too big of a problem considering they are single-use items. I’ll be adding several more nitrile gloves to each pack in a side pocket. Nitrile gloves are cheap.

The 2-pack of chest seals may seem like common-sense, but you’d be surprised how uncommon common sense is these days. Consider the high velocity rounds that are being produced these days. If the round goes in one side, it’s very possible that it will come out the other side. Hence the reason for a 2-pack; entry-wound and exit-wound. If you only need one chest seal (no exit wound) then you still have one left.

The TQ is applied to an extremity (leg/arm) that has received some sort of puncture and bleeding needs to be stopped. The NAR series of TQs have a good reputation, are suggested by many sources, and according to the NAR site, exceed standards set by multiple rating sources.

The 2 rolls of gauze are good if you have more than one wound that needs to be wrapped. Not included in the kit are gauze pads. I’ll probably be adding a few gauze pads in varying sizes just to supplement the kits.

The Emergency Trauma Dressing (Israeli Bandage equivalent?) has a few different uses, according to NAR’s site. It can be used as a pressure bandage on a wound, a sling for injured arms, and to splint breaks.

The trauma shears appear to be fairly well-built. I’ve seen some cheap shears that fall apart with light use. These shears seem to be a bit sturdier. Of course there are more robust shears available, but they also come with a more robust price tag. There is a slight serration to the blade which looks like it will handle cutting through some thicker materials.

The eye patch is fairly simple. I mean, it’ an eye patch. I debated (briefly) on whether to keep it in the pack. With the almost negligible amount of space it takes up, I slid it into an interior pocket of the pouch, just in case. I may have missed it, but the eye patch doesn’t appear to have any adhesive. That should be easy to remedy by adding a roll or two of medical tape (you know, the paper stuff that tears easily) to each pack.

Now for the good timing. A few days ago, I got a call that a neighbor a couple of blocks away was in a dirt-bike accident. Not knowing what types of injuries occurred, I grabbed my little IFAK and ran out the door. About the time I showed up, there was already local Sheriff’s deputy on scene and the fire department was seconds behind. The guy that wrecked his bike had a nasty head wound (always wear a helmet) and what appear to be some broken bones in various places on his body. Most of my IFAK was of no use. I did, however, find use for the nitrile gloves. There was a good amount of blood. Just as I was reaching for the shears in my pack, another deputy handed me a pair of their own. I missed the opportunity to see how well my own would do. Oh well. I did little more than help to stabilize the injured guy and help the fire department cut away clothing. Still, not knowing what I would find, I was very happy to have my kit when I got the call. It’s better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it.

A side note, I truly hope the injured man will be ok and recover fully from his injuries. I won’t Monday-morning quarterback him or the situation. All I will say, always wear a helmet when you are operating any form of motorcycle or ATV. I have had my fair share of spills and was lucky enough to come out with minor injuries. I was lucky that my accidents were not far worse than they were. Please take all precautions. Don’t let good fun be ruined by bad injuries.

Don’t just prepare, prepare to thrive.

I’ve been incorporating running (slowly)  into my fitness routine and one thing has become glaringly clear. My size (6’5” 275 lbs) brings a noticeable amount of discomfort when pounding the pavement. Shin splints are not uncommon for the first couple of weeks. Knees and back get sore and tight for days. The feet don’t have near enough padding for the hundreds of footfalls in just a mile or so jog. But that’s the curse of being my size and 38 years old. The body just hurts a little more. However, there are lots of options to make the run more bearable, and even enjoyable. As physical fitness would be paramount in a survival scenario, I’m trying my best to get into better shape. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not in terrible shape. But my conditioning could certainly be better. Below is a general breakdown of “gear” I have found to aid in this fitness progression. Keep in mind, I’m no pro or a doctor or anything like that. This is just what I’ve learned from my own experiences.

First, get good shoes designed for running. There is a local shop that I go to that is run by avid runners. Those folks have a wealth of knowledge when it comes to different shoes built for different terrain, feet, and runner’s builds. The shoes may cost a little more, but like the old adage says, “Buy once, cry once”. And trust me, if you buy a cheap pair of shoes and go for a run, you may very well end up teary-eyed. You also will likely not continue the fitness journey and not make the much-needed progress. And, of course, you could always go to the store, get the info, and then find the desired shoes online and order them cheaper. The was I see it though, you’re not just paying for the shoe, you’re paying for the assistance and knowledge of the “running shoe professional” that’s helping you out. Shoes will be the largest single expense and for good reason. Your shoes are doing the most work out of all the rest of your equipment.

Along the same lines as shoes are socks. In my experience, socks don’t have the same need for running as shoes. However, socks can wear out quickly from the friction in the shoes. Again, a quality pair of socks is going to be more expensive but will also last longer. So, are they really more expensive if you have to buy them less often?

Next, is the rest of the clothing. I like the polyester blend stuff (Under Armour, Nike Dry-Fit, etc). No particular brand, just quality gear that serves an intended purpose. The lightweight, moisture-wicking shirts, shorts, and underwear help keep you cooler, dryer, and they weigh next to nothing. The fabrics also don’t seem to cause the chafing that comes from cotton. That chafing (burning, stinging, sometimes bleeding) can get bad; groin, nipples, armpits, it all sucks.

As for the rest of the gear, it’s really optional. I wear an Apple watch which is great for tracking fitness data, as well as quite a few other nice-to-haves. A hat is just about a must-have for my bald head. Sunburns suck and hats help. Sunglasses are a big plus. Bright sunlight for extended periods of time gives me headaches, as I’m sure it does for most people. Sunglasses can range from very cheap to very expensive. Find what works for you. Earbuds/headphones/whatever are a plus. Having something to listen to can really aid in not getting stuck counting the minutes of the workout. The provided distraction from the discomfort allows me to go further before I start second-guessing my need to run.

From there, I suggest you start slow. Go for walks. Slowly incorporate short jogs. Gradually build up to longer runs. Whatever you do, get started. Finding out you’re in much worse shape than you realized is better done now than when the time comes that you need that conditioning to work for you. Trust me, I know. Working as a police officer, you run into all sorts of people that will test your physical capabilities.

Physical fitness is also good for mental health, as well as physical health. (Again, I’m no doctor. Ask your own MD and I’m sure they will tell you the same.) With all the benefits that fitness brings, why wouldn’t you start improving yours?

Don’t just prepare, prepare to thrive.

Of all the many pistol brands available, Glock is probably the most popular worldwide. One model in particular, the Glock 19, stands above the rest. Police department around the world issue Glocks to their officers for a reason. Glocks are trusted to perform under some of the harshest conditions imaginable. They are simple enough for just about anyone to learn how to use and maintain.

In the gun world, as with just about all things, you will find those that love a certain brand, and those that hate it. Glock firearms are no different. On one end of the spectrum, there are “fanboys” of Glock that will claim that they are the greatest firearms ever created and there is no other pistol that is worth owning. On the other end, the “haters” that think Glock is a piece of junk and should be avoided at all costs. IMHO, they are both wrong. To be fair, I like Glocks. While I would not call myself a “fanboy”, I do own more than one Glock. However, I own several different makes and models of firearms, and I like some of them more than my Glocks. Some others I like just a much but have them relegated to specific purposes. I don’t really have any pistols that I don’t like, because well, if I don’t like it and I’m not going to use it, I get rid of it. I like the simplicity, reliability, ease of use, and availability. Like with everything in life, there are pros and cons.

As for pros, Glock does have a reputation for being a reliable firearm that is simply made and easy to handle. It is light-weight, dependable, and durable. I consider Glock to produce high quality pistols, which surprisingly are not too expensive (although I guess that is a matter of opinion). Glocks can be bought new for somewhere between $500 and $600. You can occasionally find a used Glock for about $400. With just a few moving parts, they are easy to disassemble and clean. After-market and replacement parts are widely available. I can’t think of any part or accessory that I have ever looked for that was not available for a Glock. Holsters, aftermarket sights, you name it, Glock is one of, if not, the first handgun company that parts are made for.

Glocks have undergone countless “torture test” where they have been subjected to extreme abuse and they still come out shooting. Now, don’t get me wrong, some Glocks have had the same issues that other firearms have (misfeeds, faulty parts, etc.), but those are few and far between.

Despite the Glock slogan of “Glock Perfection”, they are not perfect. Glock is behind the times when it comes to some of the extras that other companies offer for about the same price. A stock Glock does not come with “night sights”, the glow in the dark tritium dots that are easy for the eyes to pick up on in low light conditions. Glocks come with regular old plastic sights with a white dot on the front sight and a white notch on the rear sight. In low light conditions, these sights are difficult for my eyes to pick up on. They are the first things changed with a new Glock purchase and they are not exactly cheap (roughly $75.00+ depending on which ones you get). Other companies, like Sig Sauer, offer pistols for basically the same price that come with “night sights” standard. Come on Glock, take a hint and make this change to stock models.

The grip angle on the Glock seems to cause problems for some people. The Glock grip angle does not provide for a natural point of aim. The shooter has to angle their wrist just slightly off from the natural angle to get a good sight picture. It’s a fairly simple adjustment to make. You just have to get used to it.

Another commonly noted “con” is the Glock trigger. Glock triggers leave much to be desired. I’ve often heard them referred to as “squishy” or “spongy”. Glocks do seem to have a good bit of “take-up” when pulling the trigger from fully forward and back through the shot. It’s not a huge issue and I really don’t even notice it now that I’ve put quite a few rounds through various models. However, Glock could definitely develop a better trigger that is much crisper.

Some people consider this a “con”, but I consider it a “pro”: Glocks do not have a manual safety that has to been switched on or off. I personally don’t think a manual safety is necessary. However, this is due to a deep familiarity with the firearm and having the appropriate holsters and gear to ensure a high level of safety. If you are looking for a pistol with a manual safety, don’t look at Glocks.

All-in-all, there is not a single “con” that I have with Glock that would prevent me from buying one. Like I said before, I have a couple of Glocks and would not mind having more. For the price you pay, Glocks are a great value. There are plenty of other pistols on the market that are far more expensive that really don’t offer much more for the prices they charge (IMHO). If you’re looking for a new pistol, I would definitely give Glock a try.

Don’t just prepare, prepare to thrive.

When I’m driving, mowing, etc., listening to the radio is not really my bag of cookies. Hearing the same few songs repeated over, and over, and over is quite annoying. I’d much rather have something I can listen to for a longer period of time than two, or three, minute songs.  I also like to learn and hear different perspectives on things. I generally listen to audiobooks or podcasts. One podcast in particular that I enjoy is the Casual Preppers Podcasts. I listen on Apple Podcasts, but, I have seen where Casual Preppers Podcast is available on various podcast services.

The hosts, Cam and Coby (I really hope I’m spelling their names correctly), are highly entertaining. They discuss a wide range of information and also add a decent amount of ridiculousness to keep it fun. As the name suggests, Casual Preppers keeps things down to earth and emphasize prepping at a rate that is still productive without fearmongering. These guys put out new episodes at about a weekly rate. Give these guys a listen. You’ll find them informative and entertaining.

Don’t just prepare, prepare to thrive.

First things first, I am not paid by, nor do I receive anything from, 5.11 for anything I write. Anything I have that is 5.11 brand, was either purchased by me, or given to me by disinterested parties. This is just my opinion based on my own experiences.

Having said that, I am more than pleased with 5.11 gear and clothing.

My first plunge into 5.11 was a Rush 12 backpack. It was so long ago (over 10 years) that I forgot why I purchased the pack, other than to have one and try it out. I have used the pack for everything from an airplane carry-on to riding motorcycles. To look at it, you would think it was hardly used. It has been somewhat tossed around and has yet to exhibit signs of fraying. I liked the pack so much that about a year ago I bought another in a larger size (the 5.11 Rush 72). Where the Rush 12 is a 24 Liter pack, the Rush 72 is a 55 liter pack. Somewhere along the way, I read (somewhere) that the “12” is supposed to hold the necessities for a 12-hour period in the field. There is a mid-sized pack (the Rush 24) that is supposed to hold the gear for 24 hours in the field. And the “72”? You guessed it, 72 hours in the field. I would think this time frame depends largely on the amount of stuff you need versus your skills to make do with what you have. More skilled people could probably get by with fewer items. However, the numbers do give you an idea of the size variations. Either way, I have been pleased with both of the packs that I have.

More recently, I have bought 5.11 clothing. I have several pairs of their pants. The Apex series is what I have the most of. This is due, in part, to the fact that I wear them at work as a police officer. I have three pair that I have been wearing for over a year and they are barely showing signs of wear. I have a couple of other pairs for training and a couple more for personal use.

I have several of their t-shirts, as well. I have found that they fit very well over my 6’5” frame. They are long enough, and sized correctly, to conceal a mid-sized firearm fairly well. In addition, they are comfortable.

Their boots aren’t bad at all. I’ve  got 2 pair (from different lines).They are plenty comfortable and provide good support. I wear them primarily on duty and training and have not been disappointed.

I’ve recently gotten a couple of their smaller packs but have not had much opportunity to put them to the test. Regardless, they seem to be quite serviceable.

My overall opinion is that if the various gear is used in the manner for which it was designed, it will work just fine. 5.11 gear is not cheap, but certainly worth the price.

Don’t just prepare, prepare to thrive.