1. Don't Prepare: Many won't prepare, putting their faith in a collapsing system - holding to the belief that someone, somewhere will fix the problem, before it gets too bad. Our leaders won't let this happen, after all this is America not some third-world country, everything will work out, we'll get back to normal, all we need is to pull the right political strings.
2. Investing In Gold, silver, diamonds etc : These are based on perceived value not actual need. Mainly an attempt by the wealthy to maintain their wealth after the collapse. Don't get me wrong – Investing in gold and silver is not a bad thing, it just makes more sense to stockpile food, water-filters, first-aid supplies, ammo etc. - these are needed items – isn't this the reason you are investing in gold and silver, so you can barter for these items after the collapse?
3. Relying On One Food Source: This is a big mistake. What happens when your supplies are depleted, or you lose possession of those goods? Strive for at least three independent sources to fill your nutritional needs. Always have a backup plan.
4. Bugging Out: I'm not a fan of the head for the hills survival strategy. In most cases your better off preparing to stay where you are. Having a grab and go bag is a good idea, just don't make bugging out your only plan or first priority. Remember; bugging out is just another word for becoming a refugee.
5. Too Many Guns: I would love to have an underground bunker overflowing with the latest weaponry, but it's not going to happen. Nor is it necessary. You don't need that many guns to survive. The biggest mistake made by most preppers is spending a fortune on an arsenal while neglecting their food storage and other supplies. A centerfire rifle and handgun, shotgun and a .22 rimfire rifle will cover everything you need a firearm for.
6. Gadgets: We've all heard the expression “he who dies with the most toys wins”, I'm still trying to figure out what the winning prize is. I have nothing against using the latest technology and gear - just don't depend on it. Things break, get lost, stolen or don't work as intended. Your best asset is between your ears – which brings us to my next point...
7. Lack Of Skill and Knowledge: Most books on survival and self-reliance are never read or put to use. They are bought, flipped through and put away – never tested or learned from. This is a mistake. Read the books, study and try it for yourself. This is the only way to learn and know what actually works, for you in real life.
8. Not Finding Your Own Path: Many survival authors try to force their plans and beliefs on readers. You need to find your own path – people are different with varying needs, skill levels and backgrounds. There is no one way or course of action that will serve all purposes and individuals. Find what works best for you in your situation and plan accordingly.
9. Picking A Fight: A lot of survival types can't wait for the collapse and eventual breakdown of law and order, they imagine one firefight after another, where they are the ultimate killing machine taking down the bad guys in a hail of gunfire. Most won't last long. You and your family / group are not expendable, if you go looking for a fight there will be casualty's and there's no guarantee they will be taken by your opponent. Don't go looking for a fight, stay hidden and avoid confrontation.
10. Becoming A Raider: A few days ago I was at the local sporting goods store, when a guy standing over the handgun display started a conversation. He seemed interesting enough, we talked about the usual; guns, ammo and gun control. Eventually the conversation turned to world events the economy and the possibility of collapse followed by a lack of services, food shortages and lawlessness.
To gauge his response, I suggested that we should put back some food just in case. His response was typical of the unprepared. His "plan" is to take what he needs; by force. This might work a few times but eventually his luck will run out. Don't plan on being a raider, prepare.
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2. Investing In Gold, silver, diamonds etc : These are based on perceived value not actual need. Mainly an attempt by the wealthy to maintain their wealth after the collapse. Don't get me wrong – Investing in gold and silver is not a bad thing, it just makes more sense to stockpile food, water-filters, first-aid supplies, ammo etc. - these are needed items – isn't this the reason you are investing in gold and silver, so you can barter for these items after the collapse?
3. Relying On One Food Source: This is a big mistake. What happens when your supplies are depleted, or you lose possession of those goods? Strive for at least three independent sources to fill your nutritional needs. Always have a backup plan.
4. Bugging Out: I'm not a fan of the head for the hills survival strategy. In most cases your better off preparing to stay where you are. Having a grab and go bag is a good idea, just don't make bugging out your only plan or first priority. Remember; bugging out is just another word for becoming a refugee.
5. Too Many Guns: I would love to have an underground bunker overflowing with the latest weaponry, but it's not going to happen. Nor is it necessary. You don't need that many guns to survive. The biggest mistake made by most preppers is spending a fortune on an arsenal while neglecting their food storage and other supplies. A centerfire rifle and handgun, shotgun and a .22 rimfire rifle will cover everything you need a firearm for.
6. Gadgets: We've all heard the expression “he who dies with the most toys wins”, I'm still trying to figure out what the winning prize is. I have nothing against using the latest technology and gear - just don't depend on it. Things break, get lost, stolen or don't work as intended. Your best asset is between your ears – which brings us to my next point...
7. Lack Of Skill and Knowledge: Most books on survival and self-reliance are never read or put to use. They are bought, flipped through and put away – never tested or learned from. This is a mistake. Read the books, study and try it for yourself. This is the only way to learn and know what actually works, for you in real life.
8. Not Finding Your Own Path: Many survival authors try to force their plans and beliefs on readers. You need to find your own path – people are different with varying needs, skill levels and backgrounds. There is no one way or course of action that will serve all purposes and individuals. Find what works best for you in your situation and plan accordingly.
9. Picking A Fight: A lot of survival types can't wait for the collapse and eventual breakdown of law and order, they imagine one firefight after another, where they are the ultimate killing machine taking down the bad guys in a hail of gunfire. Most won't last long. You and your family / group are not expendable, if you go looking for a fight there will be casualty's and there's no guarantee they will be taken by your opponent. Don't go looking for a fight, stay hidden and avoid confrontation.
10. Becoming A Raider: A few days ago I was at the local sporting goods store, when a guy standing over the handgun display started a conversation. He seemed interesting enough, we talked about the usual; guns, ammo and gun control. Eventually the conversation turned to world events the economy and the possibility of collapse followed by a lack of services, food shortages and lawlessness.
To gauge his response, I suggested that we should put back some food just in case. His response was typical of the unprepared. His "plan" is to take what he needs; by force. This might work a few times but eventually his luck will run out. Don't plan on being a raider, prepare.
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This is one of the best posts I've read in a long time. I'm already a subscriber to you blog. Thanks for all the hard work you do here.
I particularly like the "Don't Pick a Fight". Dad always told me never to pick a fight, but if someone started one with me, then I'd better make damn sure I made them regret starting it in the first place.
Many so called "militia" groups should take the "Don't Start a Fight" advice to heart. They're already programmed in as the first to go in the event of a national emergency thanks to their arrogance and big mouths.
As the old Japanese saying goes, the nail that sticks out the furthest gets hammered.
My favorite part was Finding Your Own Path and you are right many of the blogs and books read like it's their way or no way. Great advice.
Enjoyed this post very much - much wisdom put into it. Thank you for writing it.
Sane and coherent post. One way to judge another mans inteligence is by how much he agrees with you. I made alot of mistakes when buying my preps. So alot of money was wasted on toys and junk. When I started my get in shape program I was hit from behind by A 14yo on A $1000 mountain bike while he was sending A tex message on his $400 cell phone. Now what kind of idiot would buy A 14yo kid toys like that, the kind we're going to have to deal with when the shtf. My knee still hasn't healed. So my next purchase will be more 55gal water storage barrels
Very level headed post. I've been to many third world areas around the world, everything you said holds true. Appreciate the site.
My favorite is: Deny anything bad will ever happen and plan on the government to help you out if it does.
My MIL refuses to let her new husband get a generator. Why? Two reasons.
1. The power at their house so far has never been off more than one day.
2. You can't store enough gas to run it forever.
If you believe reason number 2 then why do you even have a car since you can't store enough gas to run it forever.
Good post.
While I generally agree with number 5, I would consider part of your argument from number 3:
"Strive for at least three independent sources to fill your nutritional needs. Always have a backup plan."
Duplicates of ANYTHING for backup use is a good idea as long as you don't go overboard in any one area.
Ah so "Grasshopper"...
Too many "groups" as well as Individuals have decided to take this "raider" stance.
They will be surprised at those that have already planned for them as well!
Most will be dealt with in the first 2-3 weeks.
That it is unlikely you'd see many after that time. They'll be shot, hanged, or die of hunger and thirst. (awwww that's too bad)
Those tht spent their hard earned cash to buy what they and their loved ones need, will be hard pressed to give in to thugs!
If they were not the types to prepare to survive, let's hope that they are at the least prepared to die!
As is the usual for man, there are those that will prey upon the weak, as long as they remain strong in numbers....when their numbers begin to diminish, so will they.
Very good post. One of the things I like about your blog is the distinction that you make between those of us who want to survive, and those who want to get into fights. So true.
I think points 8 and 9, about finding your own path and not picking fights, highlight some other issues. Just like there are people in cities who look down on those who live in the country, and disparage their way of life, not to mention their intelligence, the same holds true for a lot of survivalists. I have lost count of how many comments and posts I have read on numerous blogs about "idiots" who like shopping malls and big screen TVs. It seems to me that some folks out there actually WANT a meltdown, and have chosen THEIR path because they cannot function well in society as it is today. Well, God bless you, then - you have chosen what works for you, but don't ridicule others because they did not make the same choice.
A lot of us aren't living in rural areas because of family responsibilities, medical issues, family obligations,etc. But if we ever get to fulfill our goal, I hope that I remember that the folks everyone likes to ridicule are the ones who are developing and producing the products that I am using to stock my retreat: the food, the medicine, the solar panels, the pumps, the gas stabilizers, the feed, the pickup truck . . . you get the idea.
Nothing funnier than to hear the unprepared raiders talk about stealing supplies from other unprepared raiders. Just where are all these supplies gonna come from? Some fools just watch too damn much T.V.! The first month after any collapse scenerio will use up most of the the dumb-asses as they fight amongst themselves over the remaining scraps.
Pride is a poor substitute for intelligence!
Excellent post! Item #10 reminded me of a post I read where an arrogant cop told the poster that he wasn't worried about preparing because he had guns. WTSHTF an intruder attempting to relieve someone of their preps will be dealt with the same, regardless of whether or not he is wearing a uniform.
I especially liked #4 and #8. There are many armchair experts who tout 1 year's supply of freeze-dried food or a bunker full of weapons or a room full of expensive radio gear or bugging out to that fully-stocked (and probably already looted or occupied) retreat in BFE. If you already live in a stable rural community you already have a base, a retreat for sons and daughters to return if necessary. What these armchair experts forget is that most of us have only enough income to maintain and prep a single location and, as you said, once on the road you are just another refugee, another piece of low-hanging fruit waiting to be picked!
MD as always I love your blog. I've been preparing and stockpiling as well. Your point is well taken. Don't go into town and start anything, stay at home!
My grandma used to tell me this all the time, in certain situations, KEEP YOUR MOUTH SHUT!
I don't reveal personal information anymore, haven't for a while.
I've been stockpiling beans, rice, water, medical supplies and canned foods. You can live off of beans, rice and vegetables if need be. My tomato and peppers are starting to blossom.
I don't have a gun but I will be buying one at the next gun show. Just a small one for my house. That's it.
I hope we don't have a collapse but it's possible. Here is a question I have I've not seen answered. When people run out of money to pay their rent or mortgages and the federal government is broke, will we all be squatters?
And if you are armed and prepared, don't treat others as if you are Lord of the Manor. Later on, you might find you need their help and now they are predisposed to take advantage over you.
He who dies with the most toys is still DEAD...
I've noticed that many, and perhaps the majority, of people are thinking things will be like the action movies they have grown up with. Goes to show how the fantasy world has invaded our lives as a society.
Bandits generally don't last long. It's just a matter of time before someone takes them out.
I'd add not being charitable. If you believe in God, a god, or karma, its just a positive thing. On you personal cosmic checklist, it's a tick in the positive column.
I like your ideas about actually practicing. If you simplify your life now (learn to use beans and rice as another poster said, have a gun you practice with regularly, know how to cook and heat with alternative sources and do it already) you will not only be better prepared without a "panic run" you will be better prepared to improvise and make do, as that is at the heart of a simpler lifestyle. You don't have money throw at a problem so you figure out other ways. Adaptability is the ultimate prep.
This is a very thought provoking post. Another item I would add is to actually try your plans out, even if in a limited way. We lost water for 24 hours due to a plumbing problem. That showed us some holes in our planning.
We had also considered whether we would make a run for our daughter's house, but she is a 10 hour drive away and how would we do that for gas, etc. We realized after a trip there that was not practical at all - too many underpasses and bridges that could be destroyed and too many places to be ambushed. Likewise, she could not make it to us either.
Most all of our plans have had some limited testing and then needed tweaking.
Did you see this article:
Hunger Hits Detroits Middle Class
Food has long been an issue in this city without a major supermarket. Now demand for assistance is rising, affecting a whole new set of people.
http://money.cnn.com/2009/08/06/news/economy/detroit_food/index.htm?postversion=2009080610
Donna
Anonymous 4:06 AM,
My dad told me to never start a fight but it one found me I had better win or he would beat my butt for loosing.
Anonymous 7:02 AM,
I try to give suggestions and ideas - some of the other blogs read like a rule rule book, not taking the needs of the individual prepper into concideration. As Bruce Lee said "use what is useful".
Anonymous 7:08 AM,
Thank you for reading it.
cj428,
Don't feel bad I've made the same mistakes - the good thing is we learned from our mistakes - now we can make wiser choices.
I read a lot of "bandits wont last two weeks"
has anybody seen how long the congress critters have been around!
Bitmap,
Unfortunately 95%+ of the U.S. population believes nothing will happen, it won't get that bad or that the government will save them.
Good point on the generator, gas and the car.
Bill,
I never could figure out how they will know who to raid or where to go - since most people are no more prepared then they are.
"If they were not the types to prepare to survive, let's hope that they are at the least prepared to die!"
Nice Quote.
KCC,
No one knows your situation better than you. All I or anyone can do is offer advice - it's up to you to decide what is useful.
Anonymous 11:12 AM,
Great comment and I couldn't agree more.
Samuel Adams,
Unfortunately this is the thinking process of a lot of people. They don't want to prepare - but they want to rob, murder and steal. Sad.
Janet,
As the saying goes "loose lips sink ships". Keeping our mouths closed could help us avoid a lot of trouble now and after the balloon goes up.
Wretha,
Exactly.
FireSteel.com,
I call it the Rambo syndrome.
Top of the Chain,
Being charitable is a good thing - if you can do it without being robbed, raped or shot.
Anonymous 3:38 PM,
Doing is the only way to learn what works for you. But most people would rather pretend.
dogear6,
Good point - do a test run. This will help identify week spots that need rethinking and fixing.
Donna,
Thanks, I will take a look.
I don't plan to loot, but sometimes I think what I would do in the event of a collapse. What aisle of the supermarket would I hit if I had 10 minutes in a crowded grocery store?
Obviously you wouldn't want to be a looter in the first hours and days of any sudden disaster. That is a sure fire way to get shot, either by store-owners or by other looters and criminal elements. But long-term I have a mental list of places to look for fuel and equipment. They aren't residential in nature.
It's all about perspective.
Literally for YEARS - and in many areas, some local and some overseas - my simple battery worked just fine. All I had was a 20-gauge semi auto, a Ruger Mark II, a Winchester Mod 70 .270 carbine, a Remington Speedmaster .22 and a SW Mod 66. With that combination, I took more game than I can accurately remember, protected myself through two near-riots and had more fun than a barrel of monkeys.
This was so, because earlier in life, I chose to pursue a path of learning as many new skills and doing as many things as possible.
Now, later in life, when I am not as physically capable as I was in my early 20s, I have already been through enough crap and had enough experiences that few things really worry me.
Janet,
Everyone needs at least one personal defence gun to avoid becoming the prey of the self-described raider. When you get yours, make a wise choice and get some training once you acquire it.
great info here, i agree with this stuff.i would add it might be a good idea to network with your neighbors for defence when raiders come through your area.i believe the law enforcment will not be able to help.FROM JAY IN NC
I see nobody's mentioned physical fitness yet.
I don't think the apocalypse is going to be much fun if you're a flabby couch potato.
Excellent post. 9 is the best, as far as the beginnings of the "Big Change".Going out and looking for trouble is about as smart as believing in Rambo's nuclear-tipped arrows taking out a convoy of tactical vehicles at 800+ meters. No normal person believes the lies and crap they see on TV, but since they don't see the truth, hardly at all, what have they got to go on? And who trains them? The sorriest thing the "Greatest Generation" DIDN'T do was pass on the knowledge and experience they gained living through very tough times. I cannot count the times, when confronted with my own failures, I was asked the question,"Don't you know this?" and my reply was, " No one taught me anything about this". They just expected me to know. Pass on your hard-won knowledge, don't keep it like a big secret. Get trained, and train others, and then train some more. Almost everyone has something good to pass on.
One thing that has been overlooked. Talk to your neighbors about disaster planning. You don't want your neighbors to turn against you when they never even though about preparing. It would be a major weakness to have people that know you and your property well trying to take your food when they are starving. Shooting someone for being hungry would be very hard to live with. You shouldn't let them know what you have, but you can suggest, what they may need. Get it into your head that you can not feed or support people that do not prepare.
Hey M.D., this is an excellent top ten list. i think you have some of the best knowledge and information about survival tactics. Multiple food sources is such a good point, I would rank that #2 after preparation. You can cross-post this to our site http://www.toptentopten.com/ and link back to your site. We are trying to create a directory for top ten lists where people can find your site. The coolest feature is you can let other people vote on the rankings of your list.
Hey Double Tapper - I will. The gun show is coming up in 2 weeks so I'm going to be looking. I'm thinking of buying a 9mm (spelling?) or something small I can carry in my house.
When I was a little kid my uncles and dad used to take me and my brother target practicing. We would shoot beer cans and that target thingy. We shot .44 magnum and .45 magnum guns (I'm hoping I have the names right) and a .38 Saturday Night Special gun. That was many years ago.
They also taught us to use a bow and arrow and skin animals and clean fish. Ick. I don't know if I could do that now but I would if I had to survive.
I live very simply now. I rarely dine out, cook everything from scratch at home. I've never been a big mall shopper or a name brand whore. If I can get something at Wally World or Target or Costco I'm totally happy with that.
Not to mention I'm debt free. That is a big relief. If I can't afford it, I don't buy it. I know so many people right now who are up to their eyeballs in credit card debt. I shudder to think what they'll do when they're out of money and the credit card is tapped out.
One of my neighbors was at my house the other day. Her phone rang 4x's. It was from a 646 area code, which is NYC. She then asked me where that was and I told her. She said oh that's probably my credit card companies calling me. I'm maxxed out on 7 cards.
Jesus Christ! There is no excuse for that! That is part of our financials problems right now. People living on borrowed money!
My pleasures are simple. I surf at the beach every morning so that is my free activity that gives me a lot of pleasure.
Janet,
You might want to read my article Survival Guns for Women it offers some pointers on gun selection and training.
Janet,
Do you know any shooters who may be able to help you in your region? Most of us here are happy to help people getting into shooting. I routinely provide weapons, ammo and targets and some basic instruction to beginning shooters in my AO. Would highly recommend getting a bit of help.
Also, don't skimp on the weapon. For me, a S&W wheel gun just feels so good in my hands. While other manufacturers produce quality weapons, at least for a non-custom wheel, S&W just oozes tangible quality you can actually feel. Same goes for my Springfield 1911. Once you feel the right piece in your hand, you will know what you need to get. Just don't be afraid to spend a few extra hundred dollars to get what fits you. Buy once and cry once!
Paying off debt is KEY. I am in the process of retiring all debt except for my mortgage - which will be paid off much sooner than it is due. My vehicle is MINE. My other debt came from grad school and some uninsured health problems. It is taking time, but as I pay off a CC, it feels so good! I am about two years from total pay off so I can see some light at the end of the tunnel.
Great post.
I'm probably better prepared than most ue just to location location location!
Living next to a clean river with rainbow and cutthroat trout, not to mention the seasonal salmon, my food supply comes to me. I can my a 10 inch trout on top of the wood stove within 5 minutes of hooking it.
One thing I would add is to have a few "tradin' rifles" laying around. You can pick up a Mosin-Nagant bolt gun for $75 and they might come in handy when your formery anti-gun neighbor comes knocking on the door looking to trade some of his goods for one of your guns.
Forget the bolt action rifles and the pocket pistols Janet. Get yourself a good pump action remington shotgun with the magazine extender. Keep the factory stock on it. Stock up on #2 BB loads, 00 buckshot rounds and slugs. Best all round stopping power, most applications covered, and relatively inexpensive. Also not gonna draw as much attention as a hand cannon or a military type rifle.
Excellent. Just one bone to pick--I want the too many guns now! Nothing to do with a hypothetical collapse of civilization, I'm just a gun nut. :)
I always wonder about the people who figure they'll just murder people and take what they need. Why not do that now? Just kill people who have the stuff you want and take it, right? The catch is that even if you weren't afraid of being killed or thrown in prison, you'd still have to be fairly wrong in the head to be able to make a living that way. There'd be no room for decency in your life. 1000 years ago, if you lived in a raiding society, you could make a go of it and maybe those guys felt OK about pillaging--but even the vikings had plenty of men who chose not to out a-viking.
Gentleman, thank you for the advice on the guns. I'm writing this down for when I attend the gun show in a couple of weeks.
I may have to move out of CA or just stay I'm not sure yet. I've got some money saved and I could either buy a cheap house that I have to fix up (I can have my brothers and uncles help me) or stay here while property values are plummeting and buy one cheap here. I don't want a mobile home, I don't want to pay land rent, ever.
If I buy an old house that needs fixed, a gun and a dog would be a good idea. I've been looking at houses in Phoenix, another area I've seen dirt cheap houses, plus Phoenix has great gun laws. I lived there once in the 90's and loved it. Any survivalists here from Phoenix please feel free to weigh in what you think of Phoenix.
Sorry to get off topic here MD. I will also take a look see at your link. I still may end up buying a bow and arrow as well. I'm not sure where to buy one MD but I'll look at your advertisers to find one.
If I were planning, I wouldn't plan to live near Phoenix: too hot.
I'd look more towards Sierra Vista.
Yes, yes, stockpile food, ammo, water, clothing, etc. Most assuredly develop a plan to fit your locale. But, if you are one of those who rely on prescription medications, to stay alive, stock up on those.
Having been through the mess of a couple of hurricanes and such, I can say your list isn't bad. Don't rely on the government - you will always be disappointed. Do work with your neighbors - you may be surprised how much you can accomplish together. Don't panic; Your head is your most valuable survival tool.
Yesterday the news reported an 18 yr old hiker in the Grand Canyon dying of dehydration. His friends flagged down rafters for help. A whole river to drink from and the kid dies from dehydration? Yeah. He was found 1/2 mile from the river. Sad.
Excellent,excellent post. The not picking a fight line was dead right. The only way to survive a massive collapse will be to become as invisible as possible. Someone commented and said that this was the post they've read in a while and I concur. Great job M.D.
Re: Bugging Out. As an off-road dirtbike enduro rider I've been out there in the back-country quite a few times - pretty far. And I've never been THAT alone. There's already a whole lotta folks up in them-thar hills, they're pretty dang ready or they wouldn't be there, and they don't particularly like flatlanders - and they know where to bury the bodies.
I really don't think that option is available anymore.
Shelter in place and form a Vigilance Committee with your neighbors.
Re: Bugging Out. As an off-road dirtbike enduro rider I've been out there pretty far in the back-country quite a few times, and I've never been THAT alone.
There's already a whole lotta folks already up in them-thar hills, they're pretty dang ready or they wouldn't be there, they don't particularly like flatlanders - and they know where to bury the bodies. I really don't think that option is available in many places anymore.
Shelter in place and form a Vigilance Committee with your neighbors.
"Becoming a Raider"
The guy that is referred to in the gun store is a perfect ecample of the type of person who will be causing widespread disease... because his rotting corpse will be baking in the sun shortly after TEOTWAWKI. His mentallity will get him killed very quickly. When he comes across the well prepared and well trained survivalist, his time on this earth will be over.
Great Post. AS For: "He who dies with the most Toys" dies a Child not a winner.
Excellent article I agree with not starting the fight. Have started stocking up on food and water and firearms and ammo even bought a survival garden hey the seeds may be worth more than gold WTSHTF.
Outstanding article I especially like the "don't pick a fight" that just makes sense. As for guns and ammo I have not owned a gun in 35 years last gun I shot was a M-16 while in the Air Force I am now retried from AF. Guess what I recently purchased a Taurus Judge shoots 410 and 35 long colt for home defense plus got a 22lr Taurus semi auto for wife to learn to shoot next purchase will be a AK47 and then a shotgun. I have ammo already on the way why would I do all of this? When the dollar collapse happens it will not be pretty those in doubt go view the 12 part video series on you tube if after viewing that you do not prepare something is wrong with your mind! I am also stocking up on food and water that we have to do we live in hurricane alley.
I just realized in the above comment I said watch thee 12 part you tube series but did not say the title it would be "Fall of Argentina" if you put that in You Tube you should find the article. Added one more gun to our prep just purchased a Beretta Neos 22LR Handgun EXCELLENT gun. Why 22LR? Go l;ook at the cost of ammo right now we are doing most of our practice using 22lr due to lower cost. Did get to shoot the Taurus "Judge" for the first time all I can say is "SWEET" loved it. Next purchase will be the AK47 very reliable gun and will serve as our primary rifle why did I pick something with the .762X39 ammo? Easier to find and lower cost than some of the other ammo.