Merry Christmas All!

I want to thank all of you who take moments of your precious time to stop my blog and read my ramblings. I hope your Christmas is as special to you as mine is to me.

God bless you all and I hope you have a safe and happy New Year!

Hanging Out With Alice

Warning! Photo heavy post ahead!

I have been spending some time futzing around with my Alice Packs.
Yes, I have more than one.
I have 3.5 packs, with the .5 being an Alice pack on a Boy Scout(?) frame.
2 of them are Woodland camo medium packs and 1 is a large OD pack.
The .5 is a medium OD pack that was given to me some time ago.

I have been upgrading the suspension system on 3 of them, and contemplating the 4th.
If you are a fan of the Alice (A.L.I.C.E. for you purists) you are probably familiar with the HellCat modification.

If not, it goes as follows:
Molle shoulder straps (Woodland) installed
Molle II molded kidney belt (Woodland) installed
Molle sleep system carrier (Woodland) installed

HellCat example, not mine.

Note: Photos of Hellcat Mod property of "Enforcer"

I have made several modifications beyond this, which I will call the Scout Mod, and the Pioneer Mod, as I find the 'Hellcat" name rather cheesy.

All the mods utilize the Alice frame and pack, and also utilize the following:

Molle II Shoulder Straps (ACU)

 

 

Molle II Molded Waist Belt (Woodland)

Molle II Sustainment Pouch (Woodland)

Molle II 1 QT Canteen / General Purpose Pouch (Woodland)

Molle II Modular Sleep System Carrier (Woodland)

  

U.S. Woodland Field Pack (small training pack part of the Field Pack System) 

2 Quart Canteen and Pouch (OD w/Alice clips)

Molle Medic Pouch (Woodland)

 

This one is closer to the Scout Mod, but not quite there yet.

Notice the paracord handle, the machete, canteen and various pouches.

The Scout Mod leaves out the Modular Sleep System Carrier (MSS) and adds the 2 quart canteen
The Pioneer Mod adds the MSS carrier and the Molle Medic Pouch.
Or I can reverse this config. It is very customizable and adds quite a bit of capacity to a otherwise limited load carrying system. The drawback is that it is heavier than some other systems, but it should not let you down in the field and should last for many years.

Both will feature:
Carry handles and the addition of Fastex buckles on the main closure straps for easier interior access.
The U.S. Woodland Field Pack is mounted to the top cover and is large enough to carry assorted rain gear plus other items.

The Sustainment Pouch is mounted on the left side of the pack using the built in loops on the pack. There is no particular reason for this arrangement, it is just what I attached first.

The 1 QT Canteen / General Purpose Pouch is mounted on the right side, at the top of the pack. If you are going to carry a canteen in this pouch, I would recommend putting it on the lower position to keep the weight lower to center of mass.
The 2 Quart Canteen is mounted on the bottom loops.

If you wish you can change to either side with your attachments, but the sustainment pouch is large and takes up both the top and bottom mounting points. Any Molle or Alice attachment can be utilized, just use your imagination.

Now the reason I went with the ACU Molle II Shoulder Straps has more to do with cost than function, and if I could have gotten Woodland pattern straps at the same price I would have gone with them. Just be warned that there is a difference in the way Molle/Molle II mount as they are not entirely the same.

The Large Alice may become an INCH bag (I'm Never Coming Home). To be used in this fashion, these mods are required for comfort and function due to the increase in weight carried.

Here are some photos of the Scout Mod.

That is the Field Pack up top.

 

Here you see the 1 QT Canteen / General Purpose Pouch on top and the Medic Pouch below it. Look closely and you will see the mounting straps for the shoulder straps.

Here is the Sustainment Pouch. It holds a lot!
By itself, I would guess that it increases the volume of the pack by at least 1/5th

Here is another shot of the Field Pack mounted on the top flap. 

Yes, the straps need to be tamed. Have patience!

Here you can see the Molle II ACU Shoulder Straps. 

You can also see part of the waist belt.

This is a brand new Alice pack system, as everything, all components are new. By adding these pouches to the standard Alice system, I have nearly doubled its carrying capacity.

The easiest places to find the components to build your own are on Amazon and eBay. If you wish to spend some time searching, you may find components to build your own from other sources for better prices. Yard sales, second hand stores and such can yield many a treasure to help assemble on the cheap. At the very least, try to get a new frame. The other components in used condition should be adequate.

Sportsman's Guide has large Alice packs with frame and original straps for $49.99 for non-members, or $44.99 if you are one.

eBay searches yield some great results too, allowing you to buy now or play the bidding game.

If you wish to read more about modifying your Alice pack, here is a excellent tutorial on assembling the HellCat system.

Some other posts:
ALICE Gear Setups
Share your cheap yet potentially valuable tricks

Source of Fastex style buckles, Nylon webbing and other accessories: (Good Stuff!)
Strapworks.com

Enjoy!

Update:
I have purchased a Woodland camo Molle Shoulder Straps setup and will be installing it on the Scout Mod pack. On the scout Mod, I removed the 2 quart canteen and added the Molle Medic Pouch in the lower position. I then added a 1 quart Nalgene canteen and stainless steel canteen cup onto the waist belt as there are mounting points there also.

See the difference in the Molle vs Molle II Shoulder Straps.

 

I also purchased a new Camelback in Woodland camo. I am pondering ways to mount it and get rid of the 2 quart canteen. I don't want to put it in the pack if I can avoid it. I bought both new additions on eBay with the "buy it now" option.

 

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving to you all!

Even though we should give our thanks to God, family and friends everyday of our lives, at least we have one day that we can stop our busy lives and gather together and express to one another, unless you are one of those that MUST do your Black Friday madness as soon as possible and rush out the door right after dessert.

Even if you gather together around the Boob Tube to watch modern day gladiator's provide the bread and circus act, you are still spending time with those who are important to you.

We do not know what this next year will bring, whether we will see all those who matters most in such a gathering,  so tell them you love and appreciate them, and thank God that he has allowed us to all be together at this time.

Enjoy!

[Roast Beef, Yukon Gold potatoes, Roast Beef Gravy, Baby Carrots, Onions, Celery, Biscuits, Olives, Baby Pickles, Corn, Asparagus and Cherry Pie. Num!]

My Thanks

To all those who have given and are giving service in our nations armed forces, I thank you very much.

I can't help but think of those who have fallen, and I thank God that such men have lived.

Words on my part can never give justice to your sacrifice.
But I humbly thank you.

Long Term Survival - Coffee Can Rocket Stove

I've got a bit of a sinus infection/head cold/sore throat going on right now, so this is all I feel up to posting.

Build one of these for use in your deep woods Bushcraft camp. Limited smoke and more efficient use of your available fuel.

A 3 part video series

Part 1


Part 2


Part 3

Long Term Survival - A Bushcraft Shelter Part 2

The rest of the story

Rather than drag this out to another post, I present the last of the vids' here.










I was rather impressed that the shelter was strong enough to hold his weight.

Long Term Survival - A Bushcraft Shelter Part 1

Camping has been a lifelong activity with me. From my early years camping with my folks, my teen years doing it with friends, to my adult life taking the family out. Everything from travel trailers, campers, hammocks and tents. So it is no great surprise that I have an interest in Bushcraft and the outdoors.

I consider Bushcraft a form of "Camping Lite", utilizing skills to create your comfort in the wilderness rather than lugging along a bunch of stuff (which I still enjoy doing). Of course, YouTube is full of videos produced by those who practice various forms of Bushcraft. Some are almost laughable, while others are very informative.

Now some of you may wonder why you would ever need these skills. I suggest you watch the movie "Defiance", and place it in a modern context, where you are the ones fleeing persecution for your race or beliefs. When you have nothing but the most basic of tools, the knowledge of how to make your life more comfortable is invaluable.

I present here, a series of videos that I consider to be well done on the subject of Bushcraft. It is a long series, which I will split into several parts.

Enjoy!

A Novel Use For Old Pallets

Here is a cool use for those old pallets that are usually free for the taking.


Our pioneer ancestors spent a large portion of there days in the struggle to produce enough food to survive on. They didn't have access to the knowledge and ideas that are shared now on the internet. As a survivalist or a prepper, once your food stocks run out you will be faced with the same issues, unless you start utilizing these methods now!

Addendum:
Do you have a novel use for old pallets?
Would you consider sharing with the rest of us?
Thanks!

Suburban Homesteading - Edible Victory Garden on 1/10th of an Acre

Check it out!
You can do this too!
Get started ASAP!



I would suggest putting a layer of Landscape Cloth ($$$) between the rows and then cover with wood chips to keep down the weeds and mud.

DIY $200 Greenhouse

Here is a project that can get you started growing your own food if you have the space. Scale it down if need be, but get going!


If you live in the northern climes, you could heat you greenhouse with scrap wood from old pallets, burnt in a rocket stove that heats a thermal mass. There is a book out there that shows a how a guy did this in his house for heating. It is Rocket Mass Heaters: Superefficient Woodstoves YOU Can Build by Ianto Evans and Leslie Jackson. Find materials to build and upgrade your greenhouse design on Craigslist.

Survival Garden

Here is a covert method of gardening when SHTF.



Remember to practice with your hybrid seed and save the heirloom for later when you have mastered your methods.Stock up on seeds that have a short maturity date. Get seeds for sprouting that will give you food in mere days. Remember, Zucchini is a very prolific producer. Find recipes for using it in different methods. It is delicious to use when young in salads.

JUPITER SWALLOWS AN ASTEROID

Over at Spaceweather.com

Around the world, amateur astronomers have been scanning the cloudtops of Jupiter for signs of debris from an explosion witnessed by Dan Peterson and George Hall on Sept. 10th. So far the cloud layer is blank. "Several observers have now obtained excellent images on the second and third rotations after the fireball, and there is nothing new nor distinctive at the impact site," reports John H. Rogers, director of the Jupiter Section of the British Astronomical Association:

The fireball was probably caused by a small asteroid or comet hitting Jupiter. Apparently, the giant planet swallowed the impactor whole.

When fragments of Comet Shoemaker-Levy 9 hit Jupiter in 1994, each major flash observed by NASA's Galileo spacecraft produced a "bruise," a murky mixture of incinerated comet dust and chemically altered Jovian gas twisting and swirling among the clouds. In July 2009, amateur astromer Anthony Wesley discovered a similar mark thought to be debris from a rogue asteroid crashing into the planet.

So where is the debris this time? Perhaps the impactor was small, packing just enough punch to make a flash, but without leaving much debris. Indeed, studies suggest that Jupiter is frequently struck by relatively small 10-meter-class asteroids. In such cases, minimal debris is to be expected.
Stay tuned for updates in case something surfaces.

Look's like the giants of our solar system are doing what they were made for.

Priceless

Here is a great bit of video.
Enjoy!

Lifted From The Ulsterman Report (and Youtube)

Over The Edge

Now I realize that some people question my sanity with my posts on The Model Community and Food Forest, my talk of permaculture and earth sheltered homes: they think I have gone Greeny, or have slipped over the edge.

My response is that you need to be a little more open minded about these things and think about how they would benefit you in and after a collapse situation has occured. The Food Forest, Edible Landscape and Permaculture will ensure you and your family will have Dinner well after the supermarkets have closed. Free food growing without having to constantly tend to its well-being is a huge benefit.

An earth sheltered or underground home gives you protection from Forest Fire and Rifle fire. It moderates the year round temperature so that you only have to warm the home from 50 degrees up to 70, or 80 if that is your wish instead of from 30 degrees or less, whatever your climate delivers. In the far north you will have permafrost so this concept is not practical up there. Cooling the house is much easier if you plan your home correctly. All this translates into less energy needed to heat and cool, which means that you can be free of the power companies and their outages by utilizing alternative power sources.

As far as using the example of the Model Community, you are only using it's legal structure to satisfy Government and to keep out those who would be a detriment to the Trybes existence as a community. By leasing the parcels instead of selling outright, troublemakers and scoundrels can be weeded out if need be by terminating their lease.

Now for the Trybe.
Why the spelling with a Y instead of an I?
Because the Trybe is made up individuals banding together for a common belief in a way of life. The Trybe is not recognized by the government as a group of Native Indian or African peoples. Tribes are composed of people of whom many are related and living together because of that and no other reason. If you leave, you are still "from" that tribe. With the Trybe, you would lose all affiliation if you left or were forced out.

The Trybe is made up of mostly non-related like minded individuals who agree to live by the agreements signed at their acceptance into the Trybe. Trybal government can be modeled after city government, or Trybal Council consisting of the Heads of each household in the Trybe as well as an elected Chief to break stalemates so as to be able to proceed with needed business. The chief would also fill the role of Emergency Management Director to deal with any issues needing immediate action. The forms of government can be what ever the Trybe agrees on and is legal.

The Trybe should be sized to whatever the land can support, through Food Forest, Permaculture, Edible Landscape, and other forms of gardening and farming. Being a member of the Trybe in good standing will get you assistance as you need it, a place to live, food while others go hungry, and protection by way of Trybal Defense/Militia members.

I could go on and on, but those of you with open minds are already seeing the benefits of all that I have presented, and probably have some ideas of your own. Those who are close minded will only see drawbacks and will shrug all this off as the delusions of someone who is wandering about in their own mind.

One parting comment on the people of the Model Community of Earthaven. I think some of their beliefs and pratices are way out there, bordering on the truly strange, but they have a Community of like minded individuals who are working together.

What have you got?

The Food Forest

I have been researching Food Forests off and on over the last couple of years since I first heard of them. The concept was intriguing and I have collected a bit of info which I plan to share.

Watch these videos and imagine the possibilities:

 







 Not a Fairytale: America's First Public Food Forest

 When you and your Trybe members are designing your own Model Community, incorporate the Food Forest into its design to help with a sustainable food supply. Since you are incorporating earth sheltered homes into the planned community, you can easily create root cellars into the design to store your bounty from your Food Forest and your edible landscape.

More to come.

Three Empty Suits

Here's Barry with two of his most active supporters.

The teleprompter could not be reached for comment.

Very Interesting!

Now this is just too cool!!

I wonder when the motocross version will come out!!

Mauser 20 rnd Mags

It seems that Gun Parts Corporation (Numrich Arms) has the 20 rnd Mauser Trench Magazine in stock once more. Better hurry if you want one, who knows how long they may be available.

Have Fun!

Instructables

Do you receive the Instructables weekly update?
There are some great projects this week, links below

Download Satellite Images.

Small-Scale Tidal Generator

Recurve Bow From Skis

Spring Action Projectile Launcher

6-Axis Robotic Arm

How To Fly an Octocopter

Make a Survival Bracelet

Sugru and Paracord Zipper Pulls 

Easy Solar Oven

Instructables is full of information that can be used by the Prepper/Survivalist before and after a disaster or the coming crash. Print out your downloaded Instructable PDF files and put them in your Survival Bible to keep them organized and readily available.

Stay Safe!

Selous's Bookshelf II

The newest additions to my bookshelf are:

GAIA'S GARDEN: A Guide to Home-Scale Permaculture, Second Addition by Toby Hemenway [Paperback]

Creating A Forest Garden: Working with Nature To Grow Edible Crops by Martin Crawforn [Hardcover]

Sepp Holzer's Permaculture: A Practical Guide to Small-Scale, Integrative Farming and Gardening--With information on mushroom cultivation, sowing a ... ways to keep livestock, and more... By Sepp Holzer [Paperback]

Dinner Is In The Jar: Quick and Easy Dinner Mixes in Mason Jars or Mylar Bags by Kathy Clark [Paperback]

The Everything Mediterranean Cookbook: An Enticing Collection of 300 Healthy, Delicious Recipes from the Land of Sun and Sea by Dawn Altomari-Rathjen (LPN, BPS) and Jennifer Bendelius (MS, RD) [Paperback]

7 Secrets Cookbook by Neva & Jim Brackett [Spiral-bound]

I am very interested in the Permaculture aspect as I believe it will be Key to long term survival. I am all for letting nature provide me with it's bounty with little intervention by me. Establishing a Permaculture system will take some hard work but afterwards it will repay you for your effort.

No, I am not turning into a tree hugger, but I am not delusional in that I expect things to get much better. There are evil people out there that wish to reduce the worlds population down to what they can manage thru starvation, disease and war. Permaculture is one way to help thwart the hunger part.

Sneaky Fracking Scumbags

White House gives cool welcome to bill restricting online ammo sales
(S)elcted Congressional Scumbags, Democratic Senator Frank Lautenberg and Democratic Representative Carolyn McCarthy are trying to eliminate your right to purchase ammo over the interner, by mail order and limit amounts to under 1000 rnds.

"The proposal, crafted by Democratic Senator Frank Lautenberg and Democratic Representative Carolyn McCarthy, aims to restrict the ability of Americans to buy unlimited quantities of ammunition over the Internet, or by mail order, anonymously."  

"The new legislation, dubbed the Stop Online Ammunition Sales Act,  rests on four pillars, according to Lautenberg's office:
It requires anyone selling ammunition to be a licensed dealer. 
 It requires ammunition buyers who are not licensed dealers to present photo identification at the time of purchase, effectively banning the online or mail order purchase of ammo by regular civilians. 
It requires licensed ammunition dealers to maintain records of the sale of ammunition.
It requires licensed ammunition dealers to report the sale of more than 1,000 rounds of ammunition to an unlicensed person within any five consecutive business days."  

You had better stock up now before you lose this freedom. You also need to be bending the ear of your "Village Idiot" sent to DC to represent your interests. also Since they call conservatives Teabaggers, perhaps we should call them Scumbaggers. Just a thought. Be Safe!

Zipit Up!

In the age of plastic, one item reigns supreme. The Ziploc® bag!

It will hold just about anything you wish, including water! The only drawback to using or reusing, is that some objects may puncture the walls or with heavy items such as water, blow out the seams. To protect against this happening and to extend the lifespan, try the following:

Using the clear plastic packaging that much of todays electronics and other gear comes in.
Cut it to size with scissors and sand the sharp edges off. Alternatively, you could also tape the edges.
Use this for items that would wear thru in short order.
Use the lighter weight cardboard (think beer case) for other items.

Protect the bag from punctures by doing the following:
Hard plastic inserts (or thin card board, such as the beer case)
Several layers of butcher's paper would work also.
Duct tape the edges and bottom to prevent blowout.
To keep external abrasion to a minimum, cover the bag with a layer of duct tape.

This will save you a trip to REI to spend hard earned money on those fancy stuff bags when you could buy beer and reuse the cardboard instead!

Bottom's up!

What an Ass

"If you've got a business, you didn't build that, somebody else made that happen."

Just the kind of comment you would expect from someone who has never started or run a business, the only thing they know how to run is their mouth.

Thanks to the Feral Irishman for the pic!

Update:
Another Gem from the enlightened one's speech,
"The Internet didn't get invented on its own. Government research created the Internet so that all the companies could make money off the Internet."

Makes Me Smile

This video makes me smile every time I watch it!

Looks like they are having fun!

A Model Community

Earthhaven Ecovillage is a community of people who have grouped together to build their vision of a sustainable community. While I think that some of these people's beliefs and practices are way out there, it is the way they have structured their community that I think is interesting.

Done intelligently, I think "sustainable building" should be a guide for survivalists and preppers, after all, we are trying to become more self-sufficient and rely less on mass produced food. Designing your landscape to produce food year after year with little human interaction should be a goal for anyone not living on rented or leased property, unless you have an indefinite lease and permission from the property owner.

So what is an Ecovillage?
Sounds like a bunch of tree-hugging right?

From Earthaven's website:
 "Ecovillages are human-scale, full-featured settlements in which human activities are harmlessly integrated into the natural world in a way that is supportive of healthy human development, and which can be successfully continued into the indefinite future.” —Robert and Diane Gilman, Ecovillages and Sustainable Communities, 1991 

Destroying our environment to live at odds with nature is not the brightest of ideas', not much of a future either! Incorporating technology into a earth friendly structure would seem to be the best of both worlds. An earth sheltered or underground house would help curb temperature swings and with the integration of grey-water recycling, solar and wind power, could make for a very energy and water efficient home. Perhaps be off-grid completely.

I encourage you to take the time and visit their website and look at it in it's entirety. It should get your prepper's genes motivated.

It could be a model for a Survival community, somewhere!

Earthaven Website: http://www.earthaven.org/
FAQ: http://www.earthaven.org/faq/

Were You Aware Of This?

Anyone else aware of this development?
Be very careful during this event, it may be a cover for other things also?
Be safe!

It Does My Heart Good

The other day a friend of 3ohEight's dropped by. While they were visiting I overheard him bitching about Obama. There was no end of the ill's he attributed to the anointed one's enlightened rule!
He is only 19!
Even if there is little hope left for our nation, there is some hope for the younger generation.

 "If I had a son, he'd look like..." 

Thanks to wirecutter for the pic

Nothing Criminal Here

 Last Friday on the way to work gas was $4.05 per gallon (cash price, otherwise $4.15). On the way home it was $4.29 (cash price, otherwise $4.39). In 4 hours time! 
(I work 4-9’s and a 4)

WTF

I rushed to my PC when I got home and looked for the news I was dreading!

U.S. Attacks Iran!

Nope, not that.

Memorial Day weekend.

The blood sucking insects jacked the price up 2 weeks before the holiday, 24 cents.

Just 

because 

they 

can!

I am staging my own revolt!

I will not purchase anything at all the week before or after the holiday. All my purchases will be made prior, and after the “Holiday” has passed. I realize that many cannot go that long without having to fuel up, but I can and I will not feed these criminals during this time.

Fuck’em

Update:
Stronger Dollar Drives Oil Prices Lower 
WTI crude for delivery in June closes at $94.78 a barrel.


Here is the same crap trotted out by the lamestream media every time they gouge us.
Popular gasoline myths

In a first, gas and other fuels are top US export

Gasoline: The new big U.S. export

Historically High Oil Exports Helping Keep Gas Prices High

Mosin Magic Part 5 - The End, Or Is It?

Is the Mosin-Nagant truly worth all this fuss? After all, it is out of date as battle rifles go.
Watch these videos and ponder what you see.

Effective Range of 7.62x54r
640 yards with a WWII Mosin-Nagant 91/30 Sniper rifle
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vDIypxgwzXs&feature=relmfu

850 yards WWII 1942 91/30 Russian Mosin-Nagant (P/U) sniper rifle
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TKO3IJ4cdqI&feature=relmfu

1,000 yards 1942 91/30 Russian Mosin-Nagant (P/U) sniper rifle
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t2M1hC4c0tc&feature=related

Ten Rounds vs Five
An interesting developement - 10 rnd mag for the Mosin
http://www.datamancer.net/mosinmags/

Mosin-Nagant 10-round magazine- feed test 1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kCi1uNdYgbU&feature=fvwrel

10-round Mosin-Nagant magazine at the range
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cC8t-1ViJpQ&feature=fvwrel

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=irYrxlSgrps&feature=player_embedded

Mosin Nagant 91/30 Scout Rifle
http://brassstacker.com/scout-rifle/

Maintenance
Mosin Nagant 91/30 Bolt Dissasembly / Assembly
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A9byqFz3p04&feature=related

mosin nagant extractor repair
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PePjQrrPsbs&feature=relmfu

mosin nagant field cleaning 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kfSU35MPGps&feature=related

More Nutnfancy
"Mosin-Nagant Sledgehammer Drill" by Buggetnuster
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zCX5zj6zvtM&feature=relmfu

"Scope Your Mosin!: The Brass Stacker mount" by Nutnfancy
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dOmqUdhJm_8&feature=related

Other Folks
http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=440846

http://mscg.yuku.com/topic/3153/91-30-at-1000

http://www.sksboards.com/smf/index.php?topic=47958.0

http://gunloads.com/castboolits/showthread.php?p=991903

http://www.defensivecarry.com/forum/defensive-rifles-shotgun-discussion/109817-mosin-nagant-91-30-sights.html

And so much more...


It must be true,
I read it on the Cortex!

Mosin Magic Part 4 - More DIY

Trigger Mods

The next improvement is the trigger. There is a youtube video that is called "Mosin Nagant, $5 2 Stage Trigger, How To" that shows how to remove some of the slack by adding a spring to the trigger, and another that by utilizing a washer, lightens and shortens the  trigger pull  [Mosin Nagant trigger job]. Beware of doing things that may make your rifle unsafe! If you are not 100% sure of what you are doing, take your rifle to a competent gunsmith and let him work on it.
You have been warned!

A simple job that can be done by anyone, is installing a custom trigger.

Huber Concepts is one choice, followed by the Timney trigger. The Huber trigger runs $80-$96 depending on which options you choose, and is adjustable, but I would choose the Match Grade Black Teflon for $80.22.

The Timney trigger has a side mounted safety, which is so much easier to engage than the stock safety. It retails for $89.00, and is a great candidate for replacing the stock setup. It is also adjustable.

Open Sights

One of the next areas in which you can improve this rifle is the sights. If you wish to go with open sights, there are a few options.

Mojo Sights offers a popular style which is what I would prefer if I wished to upgrade my open sights. Mojo Sights for the 91/30 run from $64 to $79 depending on the options you choose.

Smith Sights makes a hooded front sight setup that comes in many flavours: Classic Target, Hunter's Red and Tactical Green. Combos are available for $45.00 including shipping. For adjusting the windage of your new front sight, pick up one of the Elby Sight Tools, Mosin-Nagant front site adjusters.

The Mosin was meant to the engage enemy at longer distances than most people ever shoot, the effect of which is that it shoots as high as 12" at 100 yards, maybe higher. Under 100 yards? Difficult without raising the front sight post. Smith Sights will help you with that issue.

Scopes and Scope Mounts

The choices for scope mounts is improving for the Mosin-Nagant rifles, but is still not ideal. It currently ranges from junk to higher tech, cheap to expensive. Let's skip the junk. You can go with two methods of mounting your scope, Scout style or Traditional over the receiver style. Some people are going as far as totally removing the rear sight base and using 3/8" dovetail .22lr style mounts on the revealed dovetail grooves. This is fine unless you wish to retain the open sights. There is also the Russian PU (WWII) style mount if you desire it. I don't really like something that is that high above the bore!

Brownell's has a decent mount that replaces the rear sight components and mounts into the base. It is manufactured by S&K and will set you back a cool $79.99. I believe this is the mount Nutnfancy uses in his video. The scope he uses is a red dot sight, and in the video you can see he has very good results with it.

Custom Gunstock's

When thinking of a custom stock for the Mosin-Nagant, the first one that comes to mind is the ATI offering, a sporter style with a recoil pad. I actually had one of these, but gave it to 3oEight for one of his Birthdays, with Mosin attached! It was the Mossy Oak printed version which I purchased off eBay. The gun fit the stock well, with one exception: The interrupter had no clearance to function properly and thus interfered with loading and feeding the weapon. The stock is in need of some inletting in this area for proper function.

WARNING!
Do not buy the Mossy Oak finish ATI stock! The finish is chipping off 3oEight's from just handling the stock, without it ever being in field use! Unless ATI has fixed this issue, I can not recommend any of their stocks that have other than the black finish.

Richards Microfit is another source of custom stocks for the 91/30. I have heard both good and bad about this company, but have no personal experience with them yet. They have some very nice stocks in both natural and laminated wood, and different colors! A wide choice of styles, but the waiting period may be extensive.

Another source is Boyds, which I have no experience with either. Their's is a more limited selection of styles and colors for the 91/30. I am sure there are others out there that can be found with a little more searching.

Now, after you have spent all this money on your Mosin, it would be a shame to put a scope on it that will not deliver the accuracy that the rifle is now truly capable of. If you were to do all the bedding, accurizing and upgrades, you would most likely have a rifle truly able to outshoot the shooter!

Nobody says you have to do all this to enjoy your Mosin. Just don't let anybody tell you it is not worth spending $100.00 on!

Sources:

Trigger
Huber Concepts Trigger ($80.22)
http://www.huberconcepts.com/Mosin-Nagant_Trigger_Replacement.htm

Timney Trigger Mosin-Nagant ($89.00)
http://www.eabco.com/store/products/Timney_Triggers_for_Mosin_Nagant_Rifles-2087-57.html

Brownell's - Timney Featherweight Trigger ($99.00)
http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/pid=25713/avs|Make_3=Mosin%20Nagant/Product/FEATHERWEIGHT-TRIGGER

Mosin Nagant, $5 2 Stage Trigger, How To
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ty_u4jo3GHc&feature=related

Mosin Nagant trigger job
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zIoby-NO5HA&feature=related

Trigger job on a Mosin Nagant
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c0KmJV6n8N4&feature=related

Open Sights
Mojo Sights ($64-$79)
http://www.mojosights.com/mosin_nagant.html

Smith Sights ($41-$45)
http://www.smith-sights.com/

ELBY Sight tool ($18.00)
http://elby.yolasite.com/

https://www.buymilsurp.com/mosin-nagant-parts-accessories-mosin-nagant-sight-tools-c-2_10266.html

Scope Mounts
Rear Sight Scope Mounts - S&K ($79) [as in Nutnfancy's video]
http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/pid=26104/avs|Manufacturer_1=SzzxzzK/Product/MOSIN-NAGANT-MOUNT

http://www.thecountryshed.com/mosin_nagant_scope_mounts.htm

Advanced Rifle Parts Scope Mount ($105-$135)
http://advancedrifleparts.com/

Rock Solid Industries, LLC Scope Mount ($100-$160)
http://www.rocksolidind.com/mosin-nagant.html

Jmecks Scope Mounts ($74-$92)
http://jmeckscopemounts.com/

Brass Stacker Scope Mount ($59)
http://brassstacker.com/mosin-nagant/
http://www.thecountryshed.com/mosin_nagant_scope_mounts.htm

ATI Scope Mount
http://www.milsurpstuff.com/proddetail.asp?prod=MOI0600

"Scope Your Mosin!: The Brass Stacker mount" by Nutnfancy
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dOmqUdhJm_8&feature=relmfu

Jmeck's Mosin Nagant Scope Mount
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9CHBuiBkQlo

Sporterizing the Mosin Nagant Part 8- Drilling and Tapping for the Rock Solid Mount
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hy_8cOY2NQ8&feature=results_video&playnext=1&list=PL530D7DB7D01FA2C8

Mosin-Nagant S & K Scout Mount
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5KHSyOJ9dQY


Scopes
Too many out there to list. Check any reputable sporting goods retailer or Amazon.com.

Proper Way to Mount a Scout Scope on a Mosin Nagant M91/30, Video 1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kTWDJiJLlPg&feature=related

Proper Way to Mount a Scout Scope on a Mosin Nagant M91/30, Video 2, Update and Problems Solved
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UOj9U2iX0Ek&feature=fvwrel


Custom Rifle Stocks
http://rifle-stocks.com/

http://www.boydsgunstocks.com/Boyds-Mosin-Nagant-Socks-s/172.htm

http://www.youtube.com/user/utahcustomgunstocks

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gSCL_-mnN4k&feature=related


Mosin Nagant 91/30 cheap custom
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vzjwvBPWi-Q&feature=related

Custom Rifle Build Mosin Nagant 91/30 Ep 1
http://www.youtube.com/embed/KVwXmIJGeG4

Custom Rifle Build Mosin Nagant 91/30 Ep 2
http://www.youtube.com/embed/irYrxlSgrps

Mosin Magic Part 3 - Professional Work

Action Blueprinting

This is a simplified explanation.
Action Blueprinting is simply truing the barrel to the action, then lapping the bolt lugs to fit properly.  It is actually a little more complex than that, as it involves removing the barrel an placing it in a lathe to true up the mating face where the barrel threads into the action and meets the reciever. A corresponding amount is machined off of the threads, and once the barrel is mounted properly in the action, a chamber reamer is used to create the proper sized chamber. On non-rimmed cartridges, headspace can be adjusted at this time.

While the barrel is removed, the action has a mandrel mounted in it and it is chucked up in a lathe to have the barrel mating surface trued up. The final step to this process is lapping the lugs of the bolt to their new position in the action. This amount should be very minor. Depending on the condition of the barrel, it may need to be replaced at this time.

This is my understanding of the Action Blueprinting process. It is not a cheap process, but it will give you a very accurate firearm, if the proceeding modifications have been completed.

Here is a link to a more in depth Action Blueprinting process by a custom firearms manufacturer.
http://www.aquilafirearms.com/RifleOptionsAndComponents/AccurizingProcess.htm

Muzzle Brake/Porting

A muzzle brake will help with recoil abatement and muzzle rise, but the report of the rifle is actually louder due to being deflected to the left and right sides as well as up instead of being projected to the front of the barrel. There are various styles of muzzle brakes out there, but most will require cutting and threading the barrel, unless you wish to add up to four more inches to the overall length of your rifle. Not something I would like to do with a 91/30.  Select or search for a service provider near you, or to ship to. Be sure to call ahead and discuss what options are available to you for the Mosin-Nagant. This would be a perfect time to have that barrel shortened to a more manageable length. A partial list of companies providing these services follows.

Sources:

Accurizing
Lots of good info on Mauser's and Mosin's - Action Blueprinting
http://www272.pair.com/stevewag/

accurizing a mosin nagant M91/30 part 1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dcITHYnRiSs&feature=related

accurizing a mosin nagant M91/30 part 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=58rLbsG_mso&feature=relmfu

accurizing a mosin nagant M91/30 part 3
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQvcs58gHKg&feature=relmfu

accurizing a mosin nagant M91/30 part 4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rz6e3HYkhlU&feature=relmfu

Muzzle Breaks
Vais Arms Inc.
http://www.muzzlebrakes.com/Prices.aspx

E. Arthur Brown Company, Inc.
http://www.eabco.com/cssmb.html

Aquila Precision Firearms
http://www.aquilafirearms.com/index.htm

There are more, just do a keyword search on muzzle breaks!

BOV Update

Well, the Yeep is in the shop having some work done on it. It went in to have its new front tires mounted and has been in there over a week, as I have been adding new work requests. The Yeep wandered just a bit as you drove it, and I wanted it checked out.
Ooopps!

$$$

So far, new battery cables have been installed as well as a new starter (warrentee). There was an extensive leak from the valve cover and it was missing several bolts. A new valve cover gasket was installed and the bolts replaced. They pressure washed the engine for me so I could check for leaks after driving it, as there was a lot of oil in the engine bay..

It also needed some new steering components so I had v8 ZJ (Grand Cherokee) steering components installed because they were heavier duty, and also added a new track bar. Some where along the way, a tie rod end had stripped the threads, and instead of replacing it, they drilled a hole through the assembly and bolted it together. Not very safe!

The bolts for the steering box were a bit loose because the Uni-body frame was cracked in several places. Cherokees are famous for this issue when they have over-sized tires installed. This was welded up and a Box Brace installed, along with a JKS XJ Steering Box Brace System, added to reinforce the uni-body frame.

The young man working on the Yeep (a 20 year veteran of Cherokee ownership) pointed out that the u-joints in the front axle needed to be replaced (visually verified).

$$$$

Last, but not least this go-around I am having a new muffler and tail pipe installed, as the previous owner had put on a Cherry Bomb glass-pack and no tailpipe. I no longer like really loud cars and prefer to be able to listen to my stereo in peace 'n quiet.

I still have a list a mile long of to-dos, but most of them are not safety related, just general maintenance and improvements. Stuff I can accomplish myself as the weather improves. I hate not having a shop to work in, it really limits my wintertime options!

I need to enlist the assistance of several taller folk to help me put my roof rack on! I also intend to mount some special purpose lighting and am toying with the idea of putting a solar panel up top also to charge a battery system for camping uses. This will eliminate a dead starting battery and keep a deep cycle charged up for general purpose uses.

$$$

So many ideas, so little money...

Mosin Magic Part 2 - Free Improvements!

Well Almost Free.

Free-floating the barrel

Free-floating the barrel is something you can do yourself at little to no cost, depending on what materials you have in your possesion. A roll of dimes, some 220 grit sandpaper and you can have it done in a short amount of time. Some boiled linseed oil should be rubbbed into the barrel channel once you have finished removing the proper amount of material so that it does not absorb moisture and cause it to warp. A dollar bill should be able to slide up and down the barrel without binding to have an adequate clearance.

Action Bedding and Pillar Bedding

This is something else you can do yourself. If you don't already know, pillar bedding is done to bolt-action rifles to help improve accuracy when shooting. Two or more metal pillars are embedded in the stock using a resin or epoxy compound. The pillars form a solid connection from the trigger guard to the receiver. Basically, to pillar bed a bolt-action rifle you remove the trigger guard screws, drill out the screw holes in the stock oversize enough to accept the pillars with some space around them, then epoxy the pillars in place and screw the rifle back together.

Aluminum pillars are most commonly used, but steel pillars are stronger. The metal pillars are resistant to weather changes, but the steel may rust if the gun isn't properly cared for. Pillar bedding also creates a uniform screw torque, which also contributes to consistency and accuracy.

Action bedding is similar to pillar bedding, as an epoxy can be used to create a perfect "bed" for the action to rest in. Often a fiberglass resin is used (hence glass bedding), but compounds such as epoxy steels can also be used.

Now, if you pillar bed, do you need to bed the action? Maybe not, but it can't hurt. Plus you can do the work yourself if you so choose. You may also want to consult with a gunsmith before undertaking this path. It may not be necessary.

There is also a method called Pressure Bedding which consists of putting an X amount of pressure at X location on the the barrel. It is something that needs to be worked out for each individual rifle and will take some time and patience. Some manufacturers use this method by putting it near the muzzle. It has been shown that sometimes they add too much pressure and can actually decrease accuracy.

I have included links to some great articles to help you do your own work, or decide to leave it to a Pro!

Sources:

Action and Pillar Bedding: The Art of Stock Bedding
http://www.6mmbr.com/pillarbedding.html

Floating and Bedding: Accurizing Your Rifle
http://hunting.about.com/cs/guns/a/float_bed.htm

Pillar Bedding
http://erniethegunsmith.com/catalog/c41_p1.html

Smoothing the Action of the Mosin Nagant and Final Assembly
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rvVsCMrsg3k&feature=related

Mosin Magic Part 1 - Intro

I have been filling up my gray matter with info on the MN 91/30 of late.

This rifle has to be the buy of the decade, if not longer. A time tested full power battle rifle, arsenal refurbished for around $100 dollars on sale! The price is going up as the dollar sinks, so buy now!
This is an incredible amount of rifle for the money, able to take down any game on the North American continent with the proper configuration and grain bullet.

An awesome investment!

This rifle is currently so affordable, every one interested in being prepared could buy one along with 880 rounds of ammo and put it away in your closet for when it may be needed, for less than $360.00!

Cabela's currently list's the 91/30 for $149.00, but I am sure you can find it for less if you look around. Big 5 sporting goods stores in my area usually have them on sale every month or two.

Sportsman's Guide currently has 880 rounds of 7.62x54r in the steel tins for $166 plus shipping (less if you are a member). Add a few boxes of hunting ammo and you are doing pretty well. Those with Mosin's would do well to stock up while you can get it this cheap. It may not be available in the future, say after Nov. 3rd 2012!

In my pursuit of this knowledge, I came across a video from Nutnfancy showcasing his Mosin-Nagant 91/30's, of which he says he (now) owns four samples of. It was was an interesting video, if not a bit long ("Mosin-Nagant: The $100 .30-06" by Nutnfancy). If you are familiar with him, you know he can be a bit long winded on some subjects; thorough, but long winded. The link is provided at the end of this post.

Nutnfancy likes the MN 91/30 (obvoiusly, since he now owns 4) and calls it a fun gun to shoot. He has one which he has Dura-coated the entire gun, including the Red Dot scope he has on it, and the stock.

Nutnfancy made one statement in this video regarding the 91/30 that I don't agree with. When talking about the sometimes awful trigger pull, he says:
"I could throw a Timney trigger in there, but I don't want to spend $100 on a Mosin." (25:05 min)

I have priced some of the other newly manufactured retail guns out there he recommended that are on a par with the MN, and you are looking to drop [$500 to $1100] for a Savage or the Rem 700 in .308 or .30-06. Since the 7.62x54r is within this performance range, somewhere between the two, I selected these calibers for price comparisons. These prices are for just the bare rifles, no upgrades. Pretty big price spread, and prices are going up all the time! Add to this the current price of .308 and .30-06 and shooting your rifle gets rather spendy, fast! This is also for a bone stock rifle, possibly needing some tweaks for better performance. You may be able to find them cheaper, but this is what I found with a quick search.

Now, the MN was not produced as a 1 MOA rifle, and was not intended to be. But that does not mean that it can't be improved upon. It is an affordable alternative to modern, high priced rifles, leaving money on the table to improve it's performance, cheaply.

So let's see what we can do to improve the accuracy by investing up to the cost of one of the newer rifles.

Sources:

Mosin-Nagant 91/30 ($149)
http://www.cabelas.com/bolt-action-mosin-nagant-model-91-30-rifle-bayonet-2.shtml

Sportsmans Guide 880 rnds 7.62x54r, 147gr FMJ ($165.97)
http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/880-rds-762x54r-147-gr-fmj-ammo.aspx?a=865012

Nutnfancy's Videos
"Mosin-Nagant: The $100 .30-06" by Nutnfancy
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3PQUDmINoPM&feature=relmfu

"Arctic Ops: Mosin-Nagant 91/30" by Nutnfancy
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0eqG5GJRies&feature=relmfu

YouTube
Becoming "Tactical" Doesn't Require Becoming "Tacticool"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7cf_j2YnLhw&feature=related

Some Good Reading

I stumbled across a blog recently that is posting a story, journal style that has been very good reading. If you like post apocalyptic storys head on over to The Union Creek Journal and be prepared to spend some time.

You have been warned!

Changes

Comments moderation is on, Captcha is gone!

Anyone who spends any amount of time reading blogs is familiar with word verification, that security method implemented to defeat robo-spammers. You hate it, I hate it. It keeps many from commenting including me, due to the frustration of trying to read that damn, messed up picture that is supposed to represent words.
Uhhggg.

Well, it is gone now from my site. I am around a computer most of the day, so approving comments should not be that big of deal, just having to deal with the spam gets frustrating.

What was really said:

Brewer: "And furthermore, you can suck my dick!"
Obama: "Really? Promise? I knew you had balls but..."

Apologies

Sorry for the long silence since my last post. I have been researching some subjects and will soon have a decent post for you, hopefully a helpful one.

SpaceWeather.com has an interesting post up today. great picture also!

One part that's of interest is:
"This event confirms suspicions that an active region of significance is rotating onto the Earth-facing side of the sun."
Oooppsss... not what we want to hear.

Lot's going on here on the Interwebs, as well as in flyover country. Not much of it good. It seems that the nation, and the world in general is coming to a slow boil which threatens to overflow the pot.

It also seems that the establishment GOP has had their 2008 2nd choice groomed to take the stage against the Demoncrap party's choice. Neither is fit to govern this nation.

We could vote for a third party candidate, but unless "Everyone" to the right of center did so, we would end up with four more years of the FSA's (Free Shit Army) choice of  Evil. So throw away your vote, or hopefully prolong the agony of collapse by voting in the other Evil. What a dilemma. At least prolonging the collapse gives us a chance to improve our lot against the gathering darkness.

Scam, Spam or Service?

A short time ago I received an email from a young lady who described herself as a freelance writer, wondering if I accepted guest posts on my blog. I answered yes, and soon I was sent the following which I posted on Wednesday, December 7, 2011:

Guest Post: Dirty Bombs – Future Survival Test
http://selousscouts.blogspot.com/2011/12/guest-post-dirty-bombs-future-survival.html

The one stipulation was that I include a hyperlink to a "business" that she "Freelanced" for. I did not have a problem with that and included it.
Here is that letter, I have highlight portions for your specific attention, the reason for which will become clear further on:

Wednesday, December 7, 2011 9:07 AM

Hi there,
Hope keeping well. I'm just getting in touch to ask if you're open to reviewing content from freelance writers at Something Wicked Comes - if so, I'd love to put together a high-quality article written specifically for the site. I'm 29 and have been working as a professional writer and researcher for five years now, and in that time there isn't a lot I haven't already covered (there are a few samples below for you to check out).

Anything I send over would be written with the site's readership in mind - as long as you're happy with the resulting material, you'd be welcome to publish it as you see fit and the content will be owned by you entirely (in that I won't send it to anyone else, either before or after publication).

There is absolutely no charge for this and no strings attached; the only thing I would ask in return is that I'm able to include a link to a site within the article - nothing shady or unethical, just one of the professional businesses I freelance for.

Do let me know if you're interested, and if so I can get something written for you over the course of the next few days. Needless to say, the offer is open to any other sites you might own as well as selousscouts.blogspot.com. I appreciate that this kind of arrangement is not for everyone however, so if I don't hear from you, no offense taken and I won't trouble you again.

Very best,
Izzy Woods
 
Some varied examples for your delectation:
http://usdailyreview.com/should-inventors-and-innovators-be-compared
http://organichealthadviser.com/archives/superfoods-to-the-rescue
http://www.wiki-bee.com/intarticle.htm
http://www.capmac.org/?p=1724

Up until recently, that link was still active. Then I removed it.
Here is why:

Monday, February 13, 2012 9:13 PM

Howdy there,

I hope you had a great weekend. I'm just getting in touch to ask if you're in need of any freelance writing at Something Wicked Comes - if so, it'd be an honor to help out and I would love to get involved if you have any need for me.

I'm 29, newly located to London and have been working full-time as a professional writer and researcher for five years now; in that time there isn't a lot I haven't already covered (there are a few samples below for you to check out). Anything I send over would be written with the site's readership in mind - as long as you're happy with the resulting material, you'd be welcome to publish it as you see fit and the content will be owned by you entirely (in that I won't send it to anyone else, either before or after publication).

The good news is that I'd be able to offer my services at no charge; the only thing I would ask in return is that I'm able to include a link to a site within the article - nothing shady or unethical, just one of the professional businesses I freelance on behalf of. Otherwise I'd be happy to chat about alternative arrangements.
Do let me know if you're interested, and if so I can get something written for you over the course of the next few days. Needless to say, the offer is open to any other sites you might own as well as selousscouts.blogspot.com. I appreciate that this kind of offer is not for everyone however, so if I don't hear from you, no offense taken and I won't trouble you again.

Very best,
Imogen (Reed)

Some samples for your delectation:
http://www.blackpresence.co.uk/2012/01/remembering-a-legend-gil-scott-heron/
http://www.shaanhaider.com/2012/01/urine-controlled-video-games.html
http://britmovietours.com/movie-tv-news/doctor-who-%E2%80%93-where-are-the-lost-episodes/
http://www.cs36.com/the-four-horsemen-of-online-marketing-in-2012/

Seems to be a scripted email soliciting free advertising for clients by agreeing to provide a "generically" written article. What do I mean by generic? How much depth is there to the article? What new information presented, or was there any? Was it just "rehashed" from other sources?

My take is, that if you wish to advertise on someones blog, do it in an honest manner, not posing as someone you may not be.

Now, I had mostly forgot about this incident until I saw the following on someone else's blog:

(This is a guest post by a budding preparedness writer named Liz Becker.  Liz is an blogger, freelance writer and recent college graduate. She currently performs market research for an online marketing firm when she is not contributing her own thoughts and observations to the online community.  Like Liz, many preparedness folk have information to offer; therefore, we offer our readers the opportunity to submit an article for possible publication on our website.  Check out the toolbar item “Submit an Article” above for more details)

The 3 Absolute Essentials for your Bomb Shelter
http://www.doomandbloom.net/2012/03/the-3-absolute-essentials-for-your-bomb-shelter.html

Now, on the surface this is nothing to really be suspicious of, is it? Then upon reading the article, I found the hyperlinks to several businesses that were not paid advertisers on the blog.

So what is your take on this?
Is it:
Underhanded?
Unethical?
Dishonest?

Have you been approached in this manner?

Or am I being too thin skinned in this situation?