CMMG’s Mk47 Mutant has struck a cord with shooters with the line expanding to including a pistol (pictured), short barreled rifle and California compliant models.
CMMG’s Mk47 Mutant has struck a cord with shooters, with the line expanding to include a pistol, short-barreled rifle and California-compliant models.
CMMG made waves earlier this year with one of the most unique guns to hit the market in a spell.
The Missouri manufacturer’s Mk47 Mutant line offered shooters an AR that reliably fed off the all-pervading 7.62x39mm round. The project must have struck a cord, given it hasn’t taken long for CMMG to expand on the concept.
Recently, the company enlarged the Mutant line with the introduction of more compact models. In addition to its three original models, CMMG is now also offering the Mk47 Mutant as an AR pistol and short-barreled rifle. The company has also released California-compliant versions of the original Mutant rifles.
CMMG’s Mk47 K Pistol and SBR are fairly similar in design, each one built around a 10-inch medium taper barrel. There is a distinct difference between the two firearms, however—the most obvious being the SBR is outfitted with a buttstock.
This feature makes the rifle 27.5 inches in overall length, an inch longer than the Mutant pistol. And, more importantly to potential buyers, it also places the firearm under National Firearms Act regulation, requiring registration, transfer records and payment of a special tax.
The California-compliant Mutants, on the other hand, have undergone much simpler tweaks. The guns are shipped with 10-round magazines and a bullet button, in accordance with Golden State laws.
CMMG’s short-barreled rifle (pictured) version of the Mutant, dang near the same size as the Mk47 pistol.
The new additions utilize many of the same features as the earlier iterations of the Mk47. Chief among these is the firearm's unique carrier group, which is based off the AR-10’s and features a beefier bolt face. These tweaks have been the key, the company has said, to making the venerable Russian cartridge workable on the AR platform.
The new firearms also accept AK magazines and drums, like the older versions. All of them feature the company’s single-stage trigger, except the AKM2, which is outfitted with Geissele’s SSA two-stage trigger.
The price on CMMG’s Mk47 K Pistol is $1,499; the Mk47 K SBR is $1,629. The California-compliant models’ MSRPs are similar to the originals: The Mk47 Mutant T CA is $1,549, while the Mk47 Mutant AKM CA is $1,699, and the Mk47 Mutant AKM2 CA is $1,899.
Adam Batot — South Texas Headquarters, Harlingen, Texas
Business is good at South Texas Headquarters, a combination brick-and-mortar retailer and online store that opened up less than six months ago, with a customer base very focused on hunting.
For firearms, those hunters are buying AR-style rifles, especially Smith & Wesson M&P models in .223 Rem and, for bolt actions, the Remington Model 700 is tops. In demand calibers for this bolt-action are .308 Win, .30-06 Springfield and .300 Win. Mag.
“Local deer hunters often use ARs chambered in .223,” co-owner Adam Batot said. “But I’d guess it’s hog hunters who use the ARs the most. And we have a ton of hogs locally. A ton!”
Batot notes that while a good many hunters have been asking about various rifles chambered in .300 Blackout, there have been relatively few sales. Batot thinks these hunters are in the “research” phase on this round and platform; he expects some strong sales as the fall hunting season approaches.
South Texas HQ has also sold a decent number of AR’s chambered in .22LR because—unlike so many stores around the country—it has large quantities of .22LR.
Specifically, it’s well-stocked with Norma Tech .22LR, firing a 40-grain bullet. A 500-round brick sells for $56.99 here, and dozens of these bricks are sold every day.
Editor's Note: This brief originally appeared in the July 2015 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.
Chickens at the author’s ranch dig into a couple of their favorite foods: grass and corn husks. These chickens will be butchered. They’re fun to raise, but they’re not pets.
The growing trend of backyard chickens in recent years is encouraging for anyone interested in homesteading and self-sufficiency. Relaxed zoning regulations are allowing more and more people who wouldn't otherwise consider backyard chickens to take a swing at it.
But there's a dark side to raising chickens, especially in urban and suburban areas: owners are giving up their birds to crowded animal shelters.
Dark Side of Backyard Chickens: Fall Air Brings Dose of Reality
“The numbers escalate in August as back-to-school mentality sets in, then increase as the fall progresses and explode when the cold weather actually hits,” said Mary Britton Clouse, founder of Chicken Run Rescue, a home-based shelter program in Minneapolis.
Chicken Run has seen its numbers increase dramatically in recent years, coinciding with the rise in urban hipsters and locavore foodies who have been inspired to try their hand at small back-yard poultry operations.
Dark Side of Backyard Chickens: Pets vs. Livestock
The words “urban hipsters” and “locavore foodies” should be red flags. They're both examples of the divide within the backyard chicken arena.
On the one side are those who view chickens more like trendy pets. Although they will harvest eggs and manure for self-sufficiency purposes, the fun has an expiration date. When the chickens stop laying eggs or become inconvenient, they're sold as pets, not for meat.
Now that her daughter is heading off to college, Meyer is hoping to downsize the flock of 16 hens and one rooster, “Cluck Gable.”
But she won’t sell them for meat, she said. “If I can’t find someone who wants ’em, I’ll just hang on to ’em.”
This is the wrong approach.
The other side of the backyard chicken divide views these animals for their utility. When the chickens stop laying eggs, they're butchered for meat. It's not a trend or a hipster fad. It's a lifestyle of self-sufficiency, and it's the right way to go about raising chickens. No crowded shelters. No hurt feelings. Just full stomachs.
Dark Side of Backyard Chickens: This Affects You, Dear Prepper
These two approaches to backyard chickens are not without consequences. If unwanted livestock overwhelms shelters, local governments may use zoning restrictions to limit backyard chickens. Negligent backyard chicken owners may ruin it for everyone else.
The Solution
There are two keys to preventing this from happening:
Don't take in any animal, either pets or livestock, that you're not fully committed to through its lifespan. If an animal will be raised for food, make plans for how the butchering will take place.
Here's why the Ruger Mark II might be the best survival pistol. Do you agree? What's your pick for the best survival pistol? Find ideas here.
If the .22 really is the best survival ammunition, then the best survival pistol must be something that uses these loads.
One that's reliably thrown .22LR rounds downrange for about 30 years now is the Ruger Mark II. Could it be the best survival pistol? It does match the characteristics of the best survival pistols outlined in this previous Living Ready article.
Best Survival Pistol: The Case for the Ruger Mark II
The Ruger Mark II made an impression on John Farkas. To him, it's the best survival pistol. Here's why:
The Ruger Mark II rimfire pistol holds ten rounds of .22LR and is perfect as a lightweight hunting pistol. As an added bonus, ammo is cheap and plentiful.
John hopes that he will have a full-size pistol, or better yet, a rifle with him if the bag is ever needed. He keeps the Ruger in his bag as a backup.
In his own words, Farkas explains his bug out bag strategy.
I clean and refill my canteens every week. Clothing depends on the time of year. I try to keep this a 3-day bag. Weight is always a concern. I want to be as comfortable as possible, but still able to carry over long distances.
The contents change from time to time, but these are the basics that I always keep. I take this bag with me to work and vacation (as long as I’m not flying).
My wife and two children (9 and 10) each have a bag. They each contain basic clothing, canteens, food, first aid items, hygiene items, GPS radio, poncho and casualty blanket.
It’s time to think outside the mattress when it comes to hiding valuables around the home.
We all have valuables we want to keep protected and safe. Today, those might consist of heirloom jewelry or perhaps some cash for a rainy day. Tomorrow, it might be extra ammunition, a spare handgun, or some canned food. In the event of a home invasion, now or later, it is a great idea to explore the idea of having hidden stashes within the home.
Burglars and other ne'er do wells know many of the more, shall we say, routine hiding places. You might think you're sneaky when you put a roll of 20s inside a pair of socks in the dresser drawer or under the mattress but, I have news for you, they've been there and done that. You're just going to have to be a bit more creative to foil an experienced thief. Fortunately, there are several simple stashes you can create for survival gear storage.
Stash #1: Air Ducts
Survival Gear Storage Ideas Air Ducts
First, if you have a basement, go down there and look up. If the basement is unfinished, you'll see air ducts running here and there. That duct work is our first stop in our tour.
By removing one of the vents, you can place into the duct things like a rifle or a couple of bricks of ammunition. Stick to low profile items so you don't restrict air flow. Replace the vent cover when you're done, of course.
Stash #2: PVC Pipes
Survival Gear Storage Ideas PVC Pipes
While you're down there, you'll also probably see large diameter PVC pipe hanging in the joists. Even the not-so-casual observer probably wouldn't notice an extra run of PVC hanging up there.
Don't put the new piece right next to the existing run, as that will be odd and somewhat obvious. But, if you run it at the opposite end of the basement, it'll blend right in. Make sure you add elbows at the ends so it looks like it is attached to the floor above.
This is a great place for canned goods and dehydrated foods. Just make sure you attach the PVC securely to the joists to account for the weight of the food if you're hiding cans.
Stash #3: Creative Labeling
Survival Gear Storage Boxes
Most of us have boxes and boxes of stuff stored in basements, attics, or closets. Only the most determined searcher is going to spend time going through a box labeled GRANNIE'S OLD CLOTHES. Put your goodies in the box, then cover them with a layer of two of old clothes you picked up at Goodwill.
I would advise you to be conscious of the weight of the boxes, though. If you stash several bricks of ammo in a box that is labeled as being clothing, someone might wonder just how big Grannie was that a box of her old nightgowns weighs so much.
You can, however, spread the wealth, so to speak. Use several boxes and put a little in each. If you're worried about losing track of which boxes are “loaded,” use a simple code in your labeling. For example, any box with the word “old” on the label is more than it appears.
Stash #4: Doors
Hide survival gear in doors
If you have solid wood interior doors, and have some basic tools and know how, you can make nifty little hiding places, suitable for small objects like safe keys or gold coins.
Take the door off the hinges and bore a hole down into the door from the top edge. Be very careful to not make the hole too wide or at an angle, either of which will result in visible damage to the front or back.
After rehanging the door, put your key or coins in a small plastic bag and shove it into the hole. The bag will make it much easier to remove the stash later. If you're worried about anything rattling around, you can stuff in a few cotton balls.
Stash #5: Walls
Hide survival gear in doors
Finally, go into your living room and look at the walls. I'm betting you're seeing some air vents scattered about, right? Think anyone would notice an extra one?
Remove an existing vent cover and take it to the hardware store to buy another that matches. Then, cut a hole in the wall down near the floor, being careful to place it between the studs. Stuff in your valuables and install the vent cover over the hole.
Be careful to not overload the space in such a way that the stuff inside is easily visible through the vent cover. If you go a step further and put a bookcase or end table in front of the vent, I can all but guarantee no one will ever notice it.
Obviously, we should all have security measures in place to help prevent home invasions. But, part of being prepared is to account for the possibility of those measures failing and someone gaining access to the home.
By having a few hidden stashes, you can help keep your valuables in the home and not ending up in someone else's truck.
In times of crisis, many people turn to a particular faith or worldview to keep them grounded until better days. This is a hallmark of healthy living, and an important component of preparedness.
We asked readers about this topic. Here are some of the most interesting responses.
Does Faith Play a Role in Your Preparedness?
Define “faith” please. If you're referring to some warm and fuzzy higher being, then no. Faith in doing what's right and necessary to know what to do to provide for and protect my family, then yes. I am Christian, but I do not feel that my spirituality has any bearing on my preps. ~ John Metcalfe
Only the faith that I will persevere and overcome. ~ Chad Steines
I believe God gave us a country and the tools to keep it. Should it be lost whose fault is that? I think civilians should give Militias precedent over individual preparations but part of that is efforts to sustain one's self if necessary. ~ Steve White
no, at least not a religious faith. but faith in myself and my kids that if we prepare to the best of our ability that we will. i am not gonna believe that any higher power is gonna play eny meny miney moe to pick and choose who lives and who dies. no loving gentle hand is going to reach thru the clouds and pick us up out of harms way. everyone should be relying on themselves and what they have done to plan. ~ Echo Moon
WHY should faith play any roll in this FAITH does not put food in the belly KNOWLEDGE does so go ahead sit back and PREY which is why I spelt it the way I did because that is exactly what YOU ARE AND WILL REMAIN TO BE do not knock on my door come to my hut stroll into my camp YOU LOSE GAME OVER I live you well the WOLVES and the CROWS will be HAPPY FOR A FREE MEAL ~ Rich Bailey
It is the cause of our prepping. It is because of our faith in God's Word that we know we have reason to prepare. We've been forewarned, it would be foolish to ignore those warnings. ~ Off Grid Geeks
Yes, but my faith is mine. I never force it on anyone. I never use it as a measuring stick or as a prequalifier. I never use it to seperate or divide individuals. It is my personal owners manual. It is not a universal guide to health and wealth care. ~ William Major
Much has been written about where to set up camp for the survival group. We are going to break into two basic types of group for the location discussion: The Survival Group and the Retreat Group.
Before we discuss physical characteristics of land we must consider the legal and financial arrangements that are most common.
Mutual Assistance Group Locations: The Survival Group
The Survival Group will be best described as a group that has a base location, and has developed a community arrangement allowing for all families involved to work and run the “farm” as a collective.
In a pre-event scenario, members may buy in and/or receive a piece of land or section of a property to establish their camp or build a living structure. We will call the people moving onto someone else’s land or those who buy into adjoining land, homesteaders. In a time when all laws are still in effect there are rental provisions and rights available to the renters. One must consider these rights and be aware of the legal eviction process should a relationship sour.
Mutual Assistance Group Locations: The Retreat Group
A Retreat Group is a number of people who arrange to meet at another location in case of activation. This location may be a home, cabin, or other location where the group feels all of their survival needs would be met. This type of group usually has a property owner among them. The same legal and liability concerns apply. Rental of space, injury on your property, damage of property, eviction, etc. are all real world problems, especially while there are still laws in place.
Important Location Characteristics To Consider
For the purpose of our discussion we will focus on the characteristics of good locations that will support multiple members. If you have the means and the luxury of selecting a piece of land on your own timetable, the following thoughts should help as a primer. If you are forced to select a place to camp or homestead on the fly, the following criteria should help to remind you of the most important things to look for depending on your length of stay.
Security
Without a strong security plan, you really don’t own anything you have.
You should take stock of the location’s accessibility, your ability to defend the location, and local issues with transient traffic.
Food Production
In a survival situation, you won’t be able to run to the grocery store when you’re out of milk.
Can you grow food/raise animals on this piece of property? What is the current wildlife situation?
Water Resources
Water is the most important resource you will need in quantity. Without water, you won’t survive for more than a few days.
Do you have the space for water storage at this location? Are there natural water sources?
Shelter Resources
Exposure to the elements can be hazardous depending on the climate. Whether short or long term, it will be important to make a shelter that will provide for warmth as well as protection from heat.
Is there any existing shelter on site? Do you have the construction materials (such as timber) to build one?
Health and Safety
It’s paramount to keep everyone healthy and safe in a survival situation.
What dangers are present in the area? Do you have an area for medical supplies/treatment?
Energy Resources
Not limited to just electricity, you’ll need energy to get anything done.
What’s the firewood situation? Will solar power work here?
Communication
Being able to communicate is more than just talking; it includes commerce, news, messaging and transport of goods and material.
Is there a network in place to share news and intel? Is there a system of commerce in your area for barter of supplies?
Again, you will not find the perfect location for every scenario. These questions are to get you to think before you commit to settling in permanently.
Editor’s Note: This is part of a series from Charley Hogwood of P.R.E.P. on mutual assistance groups (MAG).
When it comes to mutual assistance groups, many people misinterpret the value of properly organizing. Just as you wouldn’t begin building a home without a solid foundation, it is important to do some foundational work to create or reestablish a strong group.
MAGs: The Mission Statement
The mission statement defines your mutual assistance group. The chaos and confusion of a grid down event is not the time to make the rules up on the fly, if at all possible. Mission statements can be written by one member or several members. It doesn’t really matter as long as the statement accurately describes the mutual assistance group's goals. This can be the mutual assistance group’s first exercise in finding real common ground.
There is only one imperative, and it is that everyone completely agrees and buys into the final written statement.
MAGs: Elements of a Mission Statement
What should be in your mission statement?
Purpose Statement – This defines the desired outcome, not the method of getting there.
How-to Statement – What activities will we do to accomplish our goals?
Values Statement – If you desire to include religion, or have any specific moral values you wish to make clear, here is the opportunity. Perhaps you wish to clarify your political direction or affiliation here as well. Try not to turn the statement into an essay.
MAGs: Taking the Oath
Why would you want to go to the level of having an oath for new members to the mutual assistance group? There are many very good reasons to establish an oath. You thoughtfully worded a mission statement to remove any confusion of what the mutual assistance group is all about. Now that you have everyone on the same page and bought in to why they are here, ask them to pledge to support the group.
MAGs: Ratify a Constitution
Now that you know why you are part of the mutual assistance group and where it’s going, you are ready to face the problems of keeping order. Without order the mutual assistance group is little more than a refugee camp with no rules.
A constitution is a document that explains how the governing body will work. Great care should be taken in preparing this document for the mutual assistance group. It has been noted by scholars that the most effective constitutions are not the most specific. It is recommended that members become familiar with small government concepts and chain of command leadership structures to create the most advantageous system of governing.
As the mutual assistance group grows you will find a cross section of personalities and values. It is wise for leadership to be flexible to account for this. Too many regulations and too rigid a structure can cause interpersonal battles to consume precious time needed to achieve group goals.
One thing to also keep in mind: safety! To encourage safety and prevent accidents with equipment it would be wise to devise safety protocols such as the buddy system when working in dangerous environments or ground guide personnel for moving vehicles. This will help to prevent accidents.
MAGs: People First
It is important to remember that all organizations successfully operate only by paying strict attention to the needs, aspirations and concerns of people. Even in a long-term survival situation, people will require a certain level of customer service, for lack of better description. It may take some time to get to this point when there are many more pressing matters at hand, but it will become more important as time marches on.
Who in the mutual assistance group (MAG) will be responsible for day-to-day chores, such as caring for children and hauling water?
Editor’s Note: Read the first part of this article on mutual assistance group tasks and priorities here. You can also read every article in Charley Hogwood's series on mutual assistance group information here.
Daily Chores of Mutual Assistance Groups
In the daily routine members will be working together to provide for the common welfare of the mutual assistance group (MAG) through chores such as:
Hygiene
Child Care
Education
Sanitation
Water Collection
Food Production
Special Projects or Operations of Mutual Assistance Groups
Items in this category will be those irregular operations that may require that manpower be diverted from other areas. This may be a multi-day trip for hunting or scouting. It could be a spoiler attack on another MAG that is threatening.
Mutual Assistance Group Training
Somewhere in the schedule you will need to make the time for training. Since most members will not be competent in all skills, it will be imperative that a training program be initiated as soon as possible.
Building a Team and a Team Charter
Teams are a great way to accomplish complex tasks within the larger mutual assistance group. Friction can result, however, when they are all moving in different directions. It is imperative that a team work as one, especially when the chips are down. There is no room for independent action when everyone else expects you to act as a team.
This is where a Team Charter can help. The Team Charter is a document that defines what the purpose of the team is, how it is organized and what is expected from them. It is best to establish the charter as soon as the team is defined but it can be created later for a team that is struggling.
Begin by addressing three components:
What is the reason for the team?
What is the team expected to accomplish as a whole?
Why is the team’s mission so important to the group and how does it fit into the overall mission?
The Directory of Skills
Many opinions are available on what makes a mutual assistance group work, but it all boils down to the quality of members, their level of preparedness and the skills they bring to the table.
So what kind of skills would serve a group in the aftermath of a long-term event?
Editor’s Note: This is part of a series from Charley Hogwood of P.R.E.P. on mutual assistance groups (MAG).
<Mutual Assistance Group (MAG) Tasks and Work Priorities
Your mutual assistance group (MAG) will need to decide how to fill those slots as time goes on. Tasking requirements in the beginning before disaster with only a few people is considerably different than if you evolved into a full-time colony in a world without rule of law (WWROL).
It is important to identify your priorities and only advance into new projects when the manpower, treasure and conditions permit.
Start with Existing Operations and Personnel
Begin by taking account of what you already have. Start with your existing operations and personnel. What priority survival systems are already in place? Are they running smoothly and at a reasonable capacity? Once your current situation is under control, only then can you begin to think about adding more work.
You may find in your initial assessment that there are active projects that are not priority right now and they may be delaying more important projects. After you are comfortable in the current situation, start the expansion process. You should identify a list of desired projects and assign them a priority.
Interdependency
Along the way you will begin to see some opportunities for interdependency. Some jobs will naturally dovetail with others.
For example, most tactical and security work utilize similar personnel and equipment. Farming can combine animal husbandry and gardening. You can always follow the Rule of 3s as a quick reminder of what’s most important in survival.
Security is Top Priority
Now, there is one important adjustment to this thinking: SECURITY IS ALWAYS JOB ONE!
You’ll have ongoing daily chores and activities, but you must also provide for the task of security. We know that security never takes a day off. Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, the security plan must be performed with discipline and proficiency.
Too often, people overestimate their abilities and underestimate their situation. Choose your battles and take every advantage available to you.
* Click here to read part two of this article on mutual assistance group chores.
Glow-in-the-dark paint isn't just for kids anymore.
Glow sticks have long been a staple of survival kits, but have you ever thought about adding glow-in-the-dark paint? The technology is getting better and brighter. It's quickly becoming more appealing for the modern prepared person, especially for uses around the home.
Glow-in-the-Dark Paint Lighting Up UK Walkways
Need proof? Walking paths, exterior staircases, driveways, and more can now light up at night thanks to a new carbon and energy free polyurethane construction material that absorbs sunlight during the day and gives off illumination at night.
The product is called STARPATH and it's already lighting up nighttime walkways. Developed in the UK, the glow-in-the-dark, paint-on, ambient lighting material is also said to be water and slip-resistant.
Glow-in-the-Dark Paint Uses
While glow-in-the-dark paint itself isn't new, the large-scale application of the product is recent. It just might be the perfect emergency lighting solution for the extended power outages that can accompany both man-made and natural disasters.
Other uses could be:
Make a trail like Hansel and Gretel to find your way to and from important locations in the dark. This could be ideal when the power goes out and you need to find a cache of gear. Or light the path from your house to a shed.
Paint it on door knobs, light switches and handles inside dark garages, sheds or other outside storage structures.
Need to find a critical switch or electric panel in the basement when the power is out? Glow-in-the-dark paint is your answer.
Throw a bottle in an outdoor survival kit. If flashlight batteries run out during an emergency and building a fire is out of the question, glow-in-the-dark paint could alert rescuers to your position. Paint it on your survival shelter and surroundings.
It’s easy to focus only on one or two areas of a preparedness plan. The best approach is always a balanced one that considers all areas.
All too often, we preppers tend to get all wrapped up in one aspect of our planning and let other areas slide. I see it happen most often with firearms and other weaponry. So much time, as well as expense, is devoted to amassing an armory that the effort would have brought a tear (a MANLY tear) to Charlton Heston’s eye, yet the food storage consists of a single case of canned stew.
Preparedness Plans: It's Not All About Defense
Yes, security and defense are very important components of any preparedness plan. But, it is rather difficult to shoot accurately when your hands are shaking due to missed meal cramps in the belly. Tummy rumbling doesn’t make sneaking up on someone any easier, either.
Of course, the opposite is true as well. I’ve talked with preppers who have enough food to last their family at least a few years, but for security have just an old single shot shotgun – that they’ve not fired in a decade or more.
Preparedness Plans: Address Each Area, Not Just One
There are several different components for a truly comprehensive disaster readiness plan. Some of these include:
Further, each of those areas has several sub-components that need to be addressed. It isn’t enough to just have enough food to last a year. You need to have the means to cook it, serve it, and clean up afterwards.
Preparedness Plans: Time to Get Organized – And Serious
One great way to keep yourself on track is to rotate your focus to a different survival planning area each week. If you don’t have one handy, stop in at your local dollar store and pick up a wall calendar. Go through and write just a one word topic in the box for every Sunday through the year. Week 1 is Food, Week 2 is Water, etc.. Rotate through all those areas over and over until you get to the end of December.
I’m not suggesting you spend the entire week working on your food storage. Rather, use the calendar as a reminder to rotate your canned goods, take a quick inventory of the paper goods, or purchase a few extra bags of split peas or rice that week.
Preparedness Plans: Build Them Like a Car
By taking the blinders off, so to speak, you’ll be in a better position to see the whole picture. All these different areas of preparedness are sort of like the different components in a car’s engine. You can change the oil as much as you want, but if you neglect to check the coolant once in a while, you might still find yourself stranded.
Team exercises can shine a light on blind spots in a MAG's plans.
Editor’s Note: This is part of a series from Charley Hogwood of P.R.E.P. on mutual assistance groups.
Just because a group of people finds themselves together in a situation doesn’t mean they are capable of performing as one, no matter how motivated they are. Training and regular teamwork projects are necessary to develop the cohesiveness needed to better their chances of success.
MAG Blind Spots: It Starts with Exercises
Well organized mutual assistance group exercises will force everyone to participate as a team to break down the walls of animosity and self-confidence. The MAG will enjoy more open communication.
The exercises will facilitate sharing of information and expectations among members. By improving the social bonding through team exercises, the mutual assistance group will reduce that awkwardness of being around relative strangers. Members will relate and understand each other better which in turn will increase loyalty and trust. These exercises will also show who is not a team player and may not be compatible with the group’s stated goals.
MAG Gap Analysis for Blind Spots
A gap is a missing dot that is needed for continuity. For example, you make a plan to extinguish a fire at the MAG retreat location. A fire breaks out and everyone rushes to their stations. Is there a working fire extinguisher? Is the fire extinguisher trapped on the other side of the fire and not by a doorway?
For our purposes there will be three types of blind spots that can become problematic to the survivor:
Physical blind spots are the most obvious and refer to the area behind a physical obstacle. Such a blind spot might shield someone approaching our position. For example, think about a shed that an intruder might hide behind as he advances on your home.
The next type of blindspot is an unknown condition in a plan or activity. You can only plan for what you know or imagine.
The most overlooked blindspot is actually a fatal flaw in the decision making process. It is very hard to plan for something you didn’t even know existed.
An effective leader will find a way to walk it back where such a problem does not jeopardize the task at hand.
“Our situation is that we do not have a house; we are apartment renters. We have two children and one on the way. My concerns are: No space so I have no storage or supplies anymore; not able to alter our living area, so I have no idea how we'd shelter in place etc; and the turn-over with neighbors is fairly high so I feel that our safety group is non existent. We have no family near us as they are all out west. What do we do?”
That's the question reader Lupita B. asked the staff. This seemed like the perfect opportunity to have readers step in and offer some apartment prepping tips. Here are some of their responses.
Prepping Tips for Apartment Renters
“First, you must be able to secure your apartment. Examine every opening big enough to enter and develop methods to secure it (similar to storm coverings for windows, but installed from the inside). Then you have to develop a bug out plan. Bug out bags with hiking boots are a must. Because bugging out is probably going to be a must, consider using a burial tube (5-gallon bucket, desiccant and screw-on lid) to stash goods along your bug out route. Finally, have a destination, and stash/store the majority of your preps there.” – William Major
“Start networking. Make some new contacts in your area (a simple note on the library bulletin board?) and stress your strong points. For example, you might be able to watch other kids during an event. We all have areas we can contribute. Good luck and God bless.” – Jcharles Tower
“Get furniture now that is dual purpose to use as storage; a trunk as a coffee table, a cloth covered file cabinet as an end table. Stack water bricks behind a couch that sits against a wall, they are each small and easy to move from place to place. If you have to move you can empty the water out and refill at your new location, they can hold water as well as dry goods like food stuffs or even ammo. Bug out bags stored in the bottom of a closet if you have to evacuate with 72 hours of supplies. Plan first for the shortest and easiest emergencies and maybe once that is done then you will have moved on to another location, or stage of your life and will be able to plan for larger and longer situations. Find and join local Prepper groups through Meetups or the American Preppers Network. Allies do not have to live in your apartment complex. You may find someone that has a location that needs other like-minded families to join them to help defend and live with after a major event.” – Linda Chambers
“Get risers for the beds so you can get storage bins under them. If you are allowed to, put additional shelving in your closets. You'd be surprised at how much you can store with one or two additional shelves per closet.” – Noel Spicuzza
“Build a three-day supply of food and water, and then shoot for a two-week supply. Keep setting small goals so you can gauge your progress. We are in a town home, and I have two young children. Though space is limited we make the best out of the small storage unit and the space under the stairs. You are going to have to get creative in finding ways to store supplies: under beds, temporary shelves in closets or anywhere else.” – Justin King
“Another idea is to rent a very small storage locker (3×3) close to you (walking distance if possible) to store non perishable, not heat effected preps.” – Linda Chambers
Learn the five ways your body loses heat in this cold weather survival feature. Addressing these heat loss mechanisms will go a long way in cold weather.
The ways that heat from your body can be transferred to the environment are called heat loss mechanisms. In a hot climate some of these mechanisms can be used to your advantage, but in a cold weather survival scenario they can all be detrimental.
#1 Heat Loss Mechanism: Radiation
Radiation is the primary cause of heat loss. Our body radiates heat to the environment much like the sun radiates heat to the earth or a campfire radiates heat to keep us warm.
At 50 degrees F, 50 percent of the body’s heat can be transferred to the environment through an exposed head and neck. We can also lose heat from our wrists, hands and feet.
#2 Heat Loss Mechanism: Conduction
Conduction is the process by which we lose heat through direct contact between objects. This can occur when sitting on a cold or snow-covered stump or rock, when wet clothes come in contact with your body, by touching cold objects with bare hands, or by kneeling on the snow to build an emergency shelter. Avoid these situations to prevent conduction of heat from the body to other objects.
#3 Heat Loss Mechanism: Convection
Convection is loss of body heat due to movement of air or liquid across your skin. An example of convection is wind chill. Through radiation, the human body is always warming a thin layer of air next to the skin. The temperature of that layer of air is usually equal to that of the skin. When this layer of warm air is undisturbed, the body stays warm. However, if this warm layer is removed by convection, the body quickly cools down.
#4 Heat Loss Mechanism: Evaporation
Evaporation is a process whereby liquid changes to vapor, during which heat from the liquid escapes to the environment. In a cold environment, it is essential to wear fabrics that breathe. If water vapor from perspiration cannot evaporate through clothing, it will condense, freeze and reduce the insulation value of the clothing. This will cause your body temperature to go down.
#5 Heat Loss Mechanism: Respiration
We lose heat through our normal breathing process. You can observe this when you see a person’s breath on a cold day. This is heat from the body lost to the environment. It is also difficult to prevent this loss, as we have to breathe.
What would you do if you arrived at your bug out location only to find someone beat you there? Not everyone has a bug out location (aka BOL) waiting for them should disaster strike their primary residence. Those who do often choose remote areas far from population centers. The idea is to stay secluded until conditions improve.
But what if the bug out location is already “taken” upon arrival? Here's the scenario:
“A natural disaster (let's say a big storm) is due to hit your town. Before it hits, you and your family follow your emergency plan and bug out to a fully stocked cabin many miles from danger. But when you get there you find a group of strangers have broken in and are bunked up inside. What do you do?
Your Bug Out Location is “Taken,” What Now?
“Similar thing happened to me with a friend's family. I went with them to their summer cottage in the NC mountains one long Fall weekend to find someone already there. The father did not call the cops just busted in on the family there got into a physical altercation and he ended up in jail as well as the adults in the other group. Turns out a neighbor knew where their keys where hidden and had been renting out the house for years while the family that owned it lived in Florida without them knowing. Not all people in the situation may be there with ill intentions.” – Linda Chambers
“If they are there, everything you stockpiled is either consumed or trashed. Plus, you have your family with you, so getting in a shoot-out with kids around is a bad idea. Since your scenario doesn't say TEOTWAWKI, back off, get your family safe, and call the cops.” – Mike Phillips
“Sweep and clear, Castle [Doctrine].” – Jesse VanderBie
“If the infrastructure is still in place call 911! If not, arm yourself, call out to them from out side and assess the situation as it unfolds.” – Blake Samuele Southard
“Call the police, detain the people, video the whole thing for proof.” – Carrie Bartkowiak
“Our own BOL is a family farm, so we have different contingencies than this one, however, all responses must be first gauged by the threat level they actually present. In this case the adversary you are facing has already broken in and occupied your property, showing a deliberate disregard for your property, the law, as well as your own safety in the circumstances you all face in this scenario. If you have women/children/elders/pets, etc. in your group, they, and not your BOL, are your first responsibility and priority. Avoid an under timed outcome from a conflict, and regroup.” JCharles Tower
“Forcefully remove them. Once removed and disarmed, discuss whether they stay or not.” – Jeff Hughes
“Explain your right to possession. If they do not comply…call the authorities. I'll give them 60 minutes to arrive. At minute 61, were going in armed…and shots will be fired.” – William Major
“If there any children in your group remove them to a safe spot with a guard for protection. if this is “your” property and all of your supplies are in there then you are going to have to fight for it. if the strangers can be removed then do so. if it's a family, maybe a compromise can be worked out. if still available, call 911. warn them that the cops have been called. if they are using a possible wood stove inside you can easily smoke them out. if it is a “be all, do all, end of all” situation you are going to have to come to terms with taking lives. better them than the lives of your family.” – Echo Moon
Looking to go armed, but are stuck in the weeds as to what to arm yourself with? Here are 20 excellent concealed carry gun options that will keep you on the defensive.
