Why The AR Platform Is Perfect for Preppers

The AR platform is one of the most widely chosen types of firearms for militaries, police, and civilians all over the world. Many of the same things that make it popular in those settings also make it, in our view, an excellent platform for preppers.

The AR15 Platform Is Perfect for Preppers

While AR-15s may all look the same, different upper receivers and barrel lengths can change the rifle’s purpose. This is just one of reasons, in a wide range of reasons, that speaks to the genius of Eugene Stoner’s original design. We make the case that the AR is one of the best platforms for preppers because it works for a wide variety of people and missions all over the planet, as it has for half a century.

The Best Things About The AR-15

One of the best things about ARs is that they’re relatively light. While it’s certainly possible to get a rifle well into double-digit pounds of weight with a lot of accessories, a relatively reasonable setup that has a collapsing stock, a 16” barrel, and an optic is still likely to be shy of ten pounds.

The more weight you can save in your prep, the better. If for no other reason, you will be less fatigued by carrying a lighter rifle around. Second, less weight on the gun means you can carry more ammunition should you need to defend yourself.

The AR is an exceptionally flexible weapon. With a red dot sight and a standard length barrel, you can clear rooms up close and personal and, just as well, engage targets out to 500 yards. This is assuming, of course, that you put the time into learning how to shoot well.

The AR-15 Is Versatile

More broadly, the AR is not only excellent for self-defense but is also a great rifle for game animals of all sizes, so knowing how to use one can keep you alive in several different regards. Practice is key, however, if you want to get the most out of this weapons platform.

ARs are rugged weapons, assuming you do your part in maintaining them. But, like all machines, their parts wear out, break, and occasionally need replacing. This is where the AR shines in the American prepping context in particular.

AR-15 a popular survival gun

Because the AR is such a popular platform, you’ll likely be able to find parts for it nearly anywhere you go, whether things are relatively normal and you can buy parts, or things have gone severely sideways, and you have to scavenge parts from other people. Either way, being the most popular kind of rifle out there ups your odds at keeping your rifle up when it counts.

Similarly, ammunition for the AR is widely available. Here we would make one specific recommendation: get an AR that is rated to shoot 5.56mm NATO. Most .223 caliber guns will chamber and shoot 5.56mm just fine, but it may result in excessive chamber wear.

Assuming your AR is fine with shooting 5.56mm, you’re in luck as it is one of, if not the, most widely produced cartridges in the military world. This makes it an attractive option for preppers.

The AR-15 Is Customizable

You can also customize your AR for your specific needs. For instance, I live in an urban environment but one that is near a lot of rural lands with a magnifier that snaps into place instantly. This gives me the kind of flexibility I need, but you might find yourself needing something totally different.

The AR-15 Is Customizable

I could see someone who was prepping for a totally urban bug-out bag going with a suppressed AR pistol with a much shorter barrel, to save on noise signature and weight. I don’t happen to care too much about noise, so I didn’t bother. The point is, you get to take the time now and make the gun yours.

Conclusion

Overall, we think that an AR is an excellent platform for preppers. Because it’s so popular, you’ll be able to find parts and ammo to keep it up and running, and many of the things that have made it popular with militaries, like weight savings, also make it an awesome choice for preppers.

Our personal choice for prepped weapons are ARs, so this advice comes from a place of thinking through what we might need a rifle for on the worst of days: we hope you find some of these reasons compelling, too!

 

5 Items Missing From Your Prep

What's missing from your preps?

If you are new to gun shooting, then learning basic gun safety and range officer commands is not enough for you. Most people do not realize but owning a rifle comes with responsibility. You have to ensure that nothing is missing from your prep before you go for shooting. Some experienced shooters may suggest that you need just the essential items in your gear. However, be extra careful and prepare a checklist before you go to the shooting range.

A further piece of advice is to try not to compromise on the quality of these items if you are new to gun range shooting. These items can last for years if you invest in the right ones. So, let us see what you will need.

5 Items for Your Shooting Range Prep

Following are some of the best items that every new gun range shooter should have.

Range Bag

A range bag is an essential part of your prep as you don’t want any inconvenience. This bag is available in various materials and designs, and finding the perfect bag for your range trips will make it easier.

You will need the bag even if you rent a weapon from the shooting range. A range bag should have enough space to carry two pistols, tons of ammunition, your hearing safety gear, and a few snacks in case you want to munch on during breaks.

Quality Range Bag

These range bags are best for people who own guns and want something to carry safely. However, throwing your guns in the bag without checking isn’t the best idea. We suggest you take a look at gun cases or rifle slings to avoid accidental shootings, so you can protect yourself and others at the shooting range.

Safety Equipment

Keeping and handling your guns carefully is essential for safety. In addition, you must ensure to protect your eyes and ears when you are at a shooting range. You may not know, but most shooting ranges let visitors rent these items out for temporary use. However, if you love going to the shooting range frequently, it is best to get your own gear.

 Investing in a good pair of goggles and ear defenders will keep you safe during your shooting practice. Additionally, the safety equipment available at gun ranges may not be of high quality or used by many people already, which will impact your shooting accuracy.

Having your safety gear at the shooting range ensures that you have full control over your weapon. Further, it gives you peace of mind, blocks out distractions, improves your shooting skills, and enhances your overall shooting experience. We also suggest checking out UV-protected goggles if you are going to shoot in the outdoor shooting ranges.

Cleaning Kit

Cleaning kits are a must if you take your weapon to the shooting range. It doesn’t matter how old, or new your gun is; you will need to clean it properly after a shooting session, whether at your home or at the shooting range. You should know that these kits aren’t too expensive, so you don’t have to worry about investing extra money in them.

Everyone should bring a cleaning kit to their shooting range, as using a clean weapon allows shooters to practice with more precision. Cleaning your gun is part of its maintenance and will prolong its life and ensure that it stays in top-notch condition.

You can find several cleaning kits with a collection of the best tools in the market for a relatively affordable price. However, make sure you choose a good quality cleaning kit for your weapon if you want better results.

Pen, Tape, and Camera

Carrying a pen, tape, and a camera are some of the things that most new gun range shooters overlook. These items are a staple for experienced shooters at the range as they can note their shooting score with a pen, helping them keep an eye on their progress (and brag about it later, if it’s good enough).

Similarly, the tape helps keep the targets up, assisting in a perfect shooting experience. Finally, carrying a camera can help you make memories at the shooting range that you can cherish forever. While these items are not must-haves, it is better to carry them if you have enough space in your bag. It will only make your shooting experience more fun and rewarding.

Comfortable Clothing

When you are going to a shooting range, you don’t have to dress up in a suit. It is best to wear comfortable clothes so you can focus on your aim and move your hands/arms easily while shooting. For example, wearing sturdy, close-toed shoes is the most common footwear choice for most shooters.

Similarly, wearing comfortable loose clothes to the shooting range will allow you to easily draw and withdraw your weapon. However, you should not wear shirts or pants that are too loose because it will make it difficult for you to shoot accurately.


We also suggest wearing a full sleeve shirt if you are visiting an outdoor shooting range. Carrying a nice pair of goggles or eyewear can also help you protect your eyes from UV rays.

Bugout Bag, Range Bag

Another Essential Item

Since we have mentioned the basics, here is another suggestion that every shooter must keep when visiting a shooting range.

Magazine Loader/Unloader

Loading and unloading gun magazines can take time and make things harder for you, especially if you are new to gun shooting. You can find these speed loaders in various designs according to your gun; for instance, fixed or detachable speed loaders for semi-automatic firearms are quite popular among shooting range enthusiasts. These loaders slide over the magazine, pushing, pushing the top rounds to the bottom, assisting the loading process.

Conclusion

Having the right items for your shooting range prep can help you with your shooting practice. There are several other shooting range items that you can choose, but these essential things are great to get you started on your target practice.

Don’t Miss Out On The Best Survival Rifle

The Best Survival Rifle

When traveling, hiking, or camping, we all hope we never have to defend ourselves against people or wild animals. It can be daunting and discouraging to try to think of how you will defend yourself in the direst of situations.

There is an option you can easily obtain and keep on your person in case of emergencies: a survival rifle. You do not need to have multiple guns on your person to defend yourself; you only need to have one that you can quickly be ready and fire.

There are many rifles on the market, all made to provide protection. There is the Chiappa little badger, the Henry AR-7, the Ruger 10/22 takedown, and your standard AR-15. But which of these is the only survival rifle you will ever need? How do you choose?

Why The Ruger 10/22 Is the Best Survival Rifle

First, we must determine what we are looking for when seeking a survival rifle. Just like with any other weapon, we want a survival rifle to have speed, accuracy, and maneuverability.

Survival rifles are unique, though, in that you want to be able to travel easily with them on your person. So, a lightweight firearm and ammunition are preferable. It also would be nice to have a rifle that is compact and easy to break down.

All of these characteristics are needed when seeking a survival rifle, especially if you are planning to take it with you in the great outdoors.

Off the beaten path, there is not much mercy if you run into a wild animal or even a “wild” person. Having a weapon that is easy to assemble and accurate in its shot will save you in a life or death situation out in the sticks. The best rifle for this job is the Ruger 10/22 Takedown.

Reliable & Compact Survival Rifles Are the Best

The Ruger 10/22 Takedown is a rifle that will exceed all expectations. Not only is the Ruger 10/22 light and reliable to fire, but it also can be broken down into two pieces for easy packing and transportation.

This rifle has become the standard option for semi-automatic .22 long rifles since it was created in the 1960s. Weighing in at 4.6 pounds, the Ruger 10/22 can be handled easily regardless of your stature. It has a real stock and comb, creating a cheek rest and handguards.

If you question the validity of having a rifle you can break down and store for traveling, that is lightweight and easy to use, look no further than the United States Air Force. Many Air Force pilots keep a similar survival rifle in their bags in case they need to eject themselves from their aircraft.

Survival rifles like the Ruger 10/22 are practical and compact tools to keep for survival. So much so that military members are willing to keep them in their back pockets in case of emergency against an enemy!

The speed and accuracy you can gain from the 10/22 will provide you with protection from your enemies, be it a human or an animal. Rifles are known for offering better range than shotguns or pistols.

They also provide a large amount of accuracy while having much less recoil than a shotgun. The Ruger 10/22 provides all of these benefits while also having the ability to be broken down into two parts for easy storage and transportation.

Don’t Break the Bank

This semi-automatic rimfire rifle also will not break the bank. While some compact survival rifles can get up to one thousand dollars or more, the Ruger 10/22 Takedown comes in at just above five hundred dollars.

This is a great price for anyone who is looking for a survival rifle. Even saving just a minimal amount each paycheck, the average shooter will be able to purchase this rifle from places like Cabela’s, Bass Pro Shop, and the Ruger online store.

The Takedown is widely available and affordable. Therefore, safety from humans and animals alike is also available and affordable for anyone who wants it.

If you are seeking some recreation on your adventures, the Ruger 10/22 will also be fun to use for plinking. “Plinking” is the term used when referring to shooting targets made out of household items such as soda cans or milk jugs.

Survival Rifles Can Also Be Fun for Target Practice

This is an ageless game that provides fun and practice for all ages. Having the Ruger 10/22 around will make it possible for you to home in your skills and take out some stressful energy while also providing the peace of mind you need when traveling in unknown areas.

Another fun thing you can do is go varmint hunting. Varmint hunting involves hunting small wild animals such as squirrels, prairie dogs, and rats. Not only is this a fun way to bond with friends and family while in the great outdoors, but it is also great practice for survival.

Varmint hunting with the Ruger 10/22 Takedown will allow you to practice gathering your food in case you ever got lost or stranded in the wild. Carrying a large, heavy, traditional rifle would prove to be difficult and create more challenges than benefits.

With the Ruger 10/22, you can easily pack, travel, and sneak up on your target without giving up the quality and accuracy of the firearm.

Conclusion

For the price, compactness, and ease of operation, you cannot beat the Ruger 10/22 Takedown. Toting this rifle around will make you and anyone traveling with you feel safe. You can also have it around for impromptu hunting and plinking; this would come in handy if you need to help someone learn how to shoot!

The ammunition is light and is readily available at most firearms stores. This is the ultimate survival rifle and the only one you will ever need. If you are searching for a gift for someone you love or for protection for yourself while traveling, hiking, or camping, this is the rifle for you.

Once you make the purchase, you will not regret it for yourself, the person you gift it to, or those around you. All will be protected in the case of a life-threatening emergency.

How To Use A Compass

Using the compass alone

This is a very easy lesson, and I would say, not sufficient for those who would like to travel safely in unfamiliar terrain.

The first thing you need to learn, are the directions. North, South, East and West. Look at the figure and learn how they are. North is the most important.

There are several kinds of compasses, one kind to attach to the map, one kind to attach to your thumb. The thumb-compass is used mostly by orienteers who just want to run fast, and this is the kind of compass I normally use. But not in this tutorial. I would recommend the third kind of compass. Lets take a look at it:

How to read a compass

You see this red and black arrow? We call it the compass needle. Well, on some compasses it might be red and white for instance, but the point is, the red part of it is always pointing towards the earths magnetic north pole. Got that? That’s basically what you need to know. Its as simple as that.

via How to use a Compass alone.