What Ammunition to Buy Before A Shortage

We are nearing the end of the year 2021 and the pandemic is still very much happening. While this is not the first time that we have seen a shortage of goods and services, the current situation has its way of affecting literally everything. In March of last year, when the pandemic was declared, so many people were sent home and had to decide how they would craft their day around their new work-from-home schedule.

This led to many people participating in their favorite hobbies on a more regular schedule. Firearms were no different. The mix of producing less ammunition, consumers demanding more, and other things such as protests led to a severe shortage of ammunition. However, there are some good ones to stock up on.

To Stock Up Or Not

Many people feel the need to stock up on ammunition during this time. We are seeing the same thing that happened with toilet paper at the beginning of the pandemic occurring now with ammo.

The fact of the matter is, although everything has shot up in price due to supply and demand, some ammunition is more in demand than others. In addition, this shortage is proving to be different that the most recent one and shortages before. We are seeing different types of ammo selling out.

Ultimately, it seems that the ones that are the most powerful and easier to shoot will be the most expensive and the most in demand of them all. Additionally, even though many have said that the ammunition shortage has reached its peak, that does not mean that you will start to see everything come back super-fast.

These heavily demanded ammunitions will take the longest time of any to bounce back. Their prices will still remain relatively high for quite some time.

Ammo Supply Can’t Keep Up With Demand

Ammunition manufacturers are producing inordinate amounts of ammo, but it has still proven difficult for their supply to keep up with consumer demand. The pandemic halting the production of ammunition coupled with second-hand sellers and consumer stockpiling really makes it hard for the producers to keep up.

As food and supplies flew off the shelves early in 2020, people started to get very defensive. They flocked to buy guns and ammunition, which led to an unprecedented amount of demand. Once there was hardly any ammunition left on the shelves, this became the new stressor for many.

With this demand not being predicted, sellers could not proactively limit the number of boxes people were going to buy, that came later when things were too far gone.

This article aims to examine what caliber of ammunition you should have bought before the ammo shortage of 2021 and where things are standing as of right now in terms of cost and production.

.22 Long Rifle Ammunition, A Good Bet

Upon arriving at your local supplier, you may see that many of your favorites are sold out for months at a time, and your only hope will be pre-ordering them online or happening to get lucky by arriving soon after a new shipment has come in.

However, this is not the case for the .22 long rifle ammo. Some are a bit confused by this, simply because this is one of the types of ammunition that was very, very hard to come by in the last shortage. This could be because everyone stocked up on it from the last time, in fear of this possibly happening again. Although it can be a bit bulky and is not known for being one of the most powerful types of ammunition, it will still serve its purpose, especially if you are solely shooting for enjoyment purposes.

As time has gone on, it has become a bit scarcer than it was in the beginning of the shortage, but it is still doing better than other types of ammunition.

5.56, Not the Best Idea Right Now

If you love shooting with 5.56 ammunition, I am sure that you were already very aware of this. I also bet that, if you really love shooting, this pandemic and shortage has definitely hit you hard.

This ammunition is one of the most highly demanded in the country, and we are still seeing the prices sitting very high. At one point, a box was forty dollars more than the price that it originally sat at. If you are someone who is very loyal to this ammo, I am sure that you may have had to take a break from shooting for a while during this time.

Even as demand goes back down and returns to semi-normal levels, producers are still going to have a hard time keeping up.

9mm, Also Not the Best Idea

These rounds were one of the most affected by the pandemic, and this was seen across the nation. Originally, the price of this ammunition was a little over ten dollars a box. However, during the height of the pandemic, it stayed at over forty dollars per box. During the top of its pricing curve, we even saw it rise to about sixty dollars per box.

This is much more expensive than others, existing in the priciest category. For reference, the first type of ammunition we mentioned did not see its price skyrocket that much farther than twenty dollars.

While the demand for this caliber has settled a little bit, it is still definitely one of the most difficult to get, and that is if you want to dish out a pretty penny. However, luckily this type of ammunition is not projected to be one of the calibers that suffers the worst from the inequitable supply and demand issue.

This is good since people have already begun to flock to the stores to stock up on this, since it has been out for such a long time. In the past couple of months, we have seen the prices drop a bit from what they were during the peak of their pricing.

Conclusion

We hope to see this for others. I would suggest either buying now or watching the prices to see if they drop a bit further before the winter season. These are definitely still expensive, but not the worst kind to buy.

How Long Does Fishing Line Last?

If you are a new fisherman, a question may come to your mind: how long does fishing line last? If you ask this question to a seasoned angler, he too will be unable to give a clear answer to this question. It is because there is no set of rules or criteria that help someone to figure out the lifespan of a fishing line. The longevity of a fishing line depends on several factors like the type of fishing line one is using, the materials from which the line is manufactured, and the proper maintenance of the line. Let’s discuss these factors in detail.

Factors That Determine the Longevity of a Fishing Line

The Type of Fishing Line

The type of fishing line you are using will give you a good idea regarding the durability of the fishing line. There are different types of fishing lines out there. These include braid, monofilament, and fluorocarbon.

Braid

Among all types of fishing lines out there, braid fishing lines come with the highest durability. If something did not happen unexpectedly, a braid fishing line could last up to a decade. Happening something unexpectedly means since fishing itself is quite unpredictable, so is happening of incidents like tangling of fishing line with a submerged object that may require you severing the line. So no matter whether you are using a tough fishing line like a braid, a sudden incident can drastically reduce the lifespan of a fishing line.

One common mistake of many people regarding braid is when they see their braid is losing color, they think that the line is worn out and needs to be replaced. But, it’s a wrong idea because a particular color does not stick well to a braid that quickens the fading of it. So discoloring the braid does not tell anything about the endurance of the line.

Braid receives harsh treatment from rods guides if they are sharp and chipped. They eat away your braid unnoticed. The bale of your reel may also limit the lifespan of your braid. If the bale has sharp chipped edges, your braid may be snapped anytime. One effective technique you can apply to increase the lifespan of your braid is flipping the line on the fishing reel. If a flipping task is difficult for you, go to a tackle shop. It will do the task for you. Or you can do it yourself. Transfer the line to a spare reel or object. Then transfer the line to another spare reel or object. When you spool the line back to the reel again, the line will be ready to use.

Monofilament

This is the most popular type of fishing line. Fishermen simply call this fishing line mono. The monofilament line is like a long continuous cord that is made of nylon or synthetic fiber. Since monofilament is one single strand. The line comes with a nice stretchable property when subject to pull. How much stretch the monofilament can withstand is indicated by a parameter which is called test. The text refers to the amount of poundage that the line can sustain before the breakage.

Though monofilament is the most popular type of fishing line among other types of lines, it takes the least amount of time to turn into a bad line. It does not resist the wear and tear resulting from exposure to elements and UV rays for a long time. One important tip for fishermen who use monofilament is to change the line once in a year to ensure getting trouble-free fishing experience. The durability of a monofilament line also depends on the proper use of the line and the extent of abuse you exert on it.

Fluorocarbon

This line is 3 to 4 times stronger than monofilament. In other words, it’s strength is similar to monofilament. So, you can apply the similar care and maintenance procedure as you do for monofilament. The longevity of a fluorocarbon line is not a big issue since the line is mostly used as a leader which often undergoes frequent changes. Fluorocarbon has a structural similarity with monofilament. Like monofilament, it’s one continuous strand of the line but since the line is made of polyvinylidene fluoride, it is much stronger than monofilament.

Though fluorocarbon is much stiffer than that of monofilament, one limitation of this line is it does not wrap well around a reel. But this is a minor limitation of this fishing line while fluorocarbon is a number one choice of many fishermen due to the fact that the line supports all fishing conditions-whether it is saltwater fishing or freshwater. Its Near invisibility coupled with the rigid stiffness of the line makes it a highly efficient line to catch different types of fish species like walleye and bass. If you want to use a fluorocarbon line, choose your fluorocarbon line after reading reviews of products of several brands.

Another plus point of Fluorocarbon is that UV rays can’t damage the line. So this line does not lose its shape over time allowing anglers to catch fish for a long time. Unlike monofilament, fluorocarbon lines are a bit heavier but they are easy to spool, and using them is hassle-free.

When to Replace Fishing Lines

It depends on your fishing habits. Based on the type of fishing line you are using, follow below replacement recommendations

Braid

Don’t use braid if it has been sitting idle for 10 years
If you only enjoy weekend fishing, replacing it 3 to 4 years is fine
For moderate fishing- replace the line twice a year
If you involve in heavy fishing, the line needs to replace every year

Monofilament

Don’t spool monofilament if it is not in use for 2 to 3 years
For weekend fishing, replace it once a year
For moderate fishing, replace it 2 or 3 times each year
For a heavy fishing change, it more frequently likes 3 or 4 times in every year

Fluorocarbon

Discard the line if it has not been used for the last 7 years
For weekend fishing, it is fine to replace in 2 or 3 years
For moderate fishing, the frequency of replacement need to exceed a couple of times in each year
For a heavy fishing change, it quite often likes 2 or 3 times each year.

What You Should Have in Your Bunker

With things heating up at home and abroad the last few years, many have turned to preparing for the worst possible scenario. Creating bunkers where there is enough food, water, and ammunition to go around can be challenging because there are so many scenarios for you to think about and prepare for.

There are, however, a few staple items you can keep in the bunker to have you and your family prepared to survive most anything. Some items are things you may already have lying around your house, while others may be what you need to purchase.

Either way, having multiples of these items will give you and your family peace of mind in case of the worst. Not only will these keep you safe from wild people, but also from wild animals. Weapons will also help you provide for your family in the case that you run out of supplies.

Guns/Ammo

You may not want to think about it, but the number one thing you will need to do for you and your family in the event of disaster is to protect yourself. Many things can be used as weapons, but the most reliable will be that of a gun. If you keep n AR15, you will want to be sure to have the proper lower receiver and other accessories with it. Also, of course, you will want to have a stockpile of ammunition for your chosen weapon.

The amount of ammunition you want to have in stock is entirely up to you. Whatever makes you feel safe and secure is what you need to plan for! However, one good prepping tip, is to simply just by 1 box of ammo every time you go to the store, so you can slowly build up a stockpile without spending all of your money at once. This tip can be applied to all other prepping items like canned food and other consumable items.

Nonperishable Foods

Food is an important thing to keep yourself and your family healthy and functioning properly! Nonperishable items can be bought a little at a time, so you do not have to go break the bank in one fail swoop. Just add a couple of extra cans to your buggy each trip and you will have a stockpile in your bunker in no time! Keeping an eye out for coupons in your local newspaper or on a phone app for your favorite store will help you to save money, too.

Nonperishable food items can last for a long time. Just keep in mind what you may need to prepare those food items, like a can opener or hot plates! A way to be sure you have everything you need is to make a list of what food items you have and what you need around to prepare them to eat.

Water

The human body cannot survive for long without water. Depending on what disaster strikes, you may not have natural access to potable water near your home and your water pump may no longer work.

You can purchase filtered water in bulk either in water bottles or gallon jugs from stores near you such as Walmart or your regular grocery store. Again, coupons can come in handy, and you can buy these items in bulk to help save money.

Water lasts virtually forever if stored properly, so you do not have to worry about expiration dates. You could have a well or spring near your bunker to help you prepare for disaster. However, if the disaster is one that wipes out the water supply or poisons it with some chemicals, you will want to have a backup option.

Versatile Clothing

The thing about disasters is that you never know when they will strike. It could be any time of year or season! Therefore, it is necessary to have clothes that are versatile and can be used for each season stored in your bunker.

The best thing would be to have a set of clothes that you can dress in for warm weather or cold. Layers are always the best option. You can get these in a thrift store or at a cheaper clothing store. This will help you save money and stock up on clothing for the entire family without putting yourself in a difficult financial situation.

When prepping for the worst, it can be tempting to spend as much money as possible to stock up on anything and everything. The secret is that you do not have to be a big spender! Thrift where you can and use what you have on hand.

First Aid Kit

Conclusion

There is a myriad of things that you could have in your bunker to prepare you for Armageddon. It is easy to get carried away or to allow yourself to feel overwhelmed with all the things you need in case of an emergency.

This list will help you to stay on track and gather the things you need the most. You can add to your supply as you go along, but you do not have to make yourself feel overwhelmed. Begin with these things and you will have yourself a well-stocked bunker in no time.

As a Prepper, What is the Best Attire to Have on Hand?

Let us imagine that you are a prepper. You have your first aid items, nonperishable foods, extra rifles, ammunition, and even a replacement upper receiver. One of the most important things to have saved as a prepper are clothes! Having the right type of clothes can make or break your potential for survival in the natural elements. What items do you need most? Look no further!

Hats

You always need to have a hat (or two) on hand. It is suggested that you have two, as you can have one to keep the sun off your face in the summer and one to help trap the heat in your body in the winter. In a very cold pinch, you could use both! These hats do not need to be any specific brand, they only have to work! In fact, some places give out baseball caps for free. They use this as a type of advertisement—it is a win-win for both of you. For the hats that will keep the heat in, you may learn how to make those or have someone you know make them for you. Crocheted or knitted wool hats are the best at trapping heat. If you pick up this skill, it would also prepare you for the possibility of needing to create your own clothes in the event of Armageddon.

Jeans/Overalls

At worst, you will be needing to create a homestead for yourself and rely on your own ability to gather food, cultivate a garden, build a shelter, and hunt. This may require you to navigate rough terrain and areas where there are plants such as poison ivy or poison oak. There could also be bugs, such as mosquitos, carrying disease. Having long jean pants and/or overalls at hand will help protect you from each of these elements and more. Excellent quality jeans or overalls, such as those made by Levi’s or Carhartt, will stand up to a lot of stress. Stock up on these and keep them in your bunker. You can put them in an airtight bag if you are worried about them getting moldy or covered in moths over an extended period.

Shoes

It would behoove you to have two or three types of shoes on hand in the event of a disaster. You want to be sure that each pair are the correct size for you. This could be difficult if you have children who are growing, but you could thrift shoes from your local rescue ministry store or the like. For the children, a pair of good tennis shoes should be enough to get them through. For you, your spouse, or other adults, there are a couple of distinct types of shoes that would help you out. A good pair of tennis shoes for daily wear. A good pair of Golashes or duck boots for when it is wet, rainy, or snowy. Also, a pair of hiking boots would serve you well if you are in an area where you may go hunting and gathering. Tennis shoes will do okay in a pinch, but hiking shoes are much better suited for the varying terrain you may encounter. You can purchase these items in thrift stores as well and save yourself some money. Or, as you buy yourself new pairs of shoes through the years, you can put your older ones in storage in the case of an emergency.

Jackets/Coats

There is a saying that there is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing. If you keep the correct type of jackets and coats on hand, this will ring true for you in present day and during a period of Armageddon. Having a wind breaker and a rain jacket rolled into one will help lessen the amount of coats and jackets you need in your bunker. Having multiples is always a good thing in case something happens to the first jacket or coat, but you can get away with a heavy coat and a jacket/windbreaker. These will keep you warm on top of the extra layers of normal clothes you already have packed.

Emergency Blankets and Rain Ponchos

You never know when the temperature is going to drop or you are going to have to stay in a shelter that is cool and drafty. You also never know when it is going to start raining. Having a two in one poncho and blanket will be a life saver—literally. Not only will it keep you dry and from getting colder, it will also trap your body heat inside the poncho to assist in keeping your whole body warm. Choosing a brand that has been thoroughly tested will be key. Any brand can say that their poncho blanket traps the most heat in and keeps the most rain out. But those that have tested their theories with thermal image capture and used NASA grade Mylar will be the best on the market. One such product is made by Prepared4x and can be purchased on Amazon for only $20. This pack will have 4 poncho blankets! Talk about a deal that saves your wallet and you!

Conclusion There are many products on the market that could potentially help you remain safe in the case of a worldwide emergency. The best and most important items to have on hand are the simple things like layers of clothing, jackets, socks and shoes, blankets, and ponchos. Having extra of these items around for each family member will get you started strong on your propping journey. It can feel overwhelming at first, but remember, much of what you will need is already in your home. Those items that you do not already have can typically be purchased easily and cheaply. Do not fret! Even if you are new to prepping, you will be an expert in no time. If not a self-proclaimed expert, then at least prepared for anything!

Panic Room Essentials: How to Create Your Own Bunker

Have you ever thought about whether or not your home will survive a tornado, an alien invasion, or an apocalypse? The thought of those things happening itself is terrifying enough, but did you know that there’s a way to protect yourself during these unprecedented times?

Panic rooms or safe rooms are secure rooms that are usually installed in private residences or institutions to provide safety and protection for inhabitants. You might have seen examples of panic rooms in movies or TV shows.

A lot of famous figures have invested in panic rooms. For example, Sir Paul McCartney actually built a panic room after his friends John Lennon was assassinated, and George Harrison was stabbed multiple times during a home invasion.

Madonna is another example of a famous figure who also invested in a panic room. Her luxurious safe room has 5-inch thick steel walls, TV monitors, a phone, and supplies to last her several days.

Although panic rooms might not guarantee 100% protection from unpredictable disasters, the added security will give you peace of mind and comfort during difficult times if disasters do occur.

Putting the zombie apocalypse and alien invasion theories aside, a panic room is an excellent investment for the future because it can provide you and your family with a safe place if needed and give your household the much-needed protection if natural disasters were to occur. So, how can you start building your safe room? Read on below to find out what the essentials for a panic room are

What to prepare before building a panic room

Now, before you start tearing down your house to make room for your panic room, you need to make sure you check these things off your list.

Have a designated contractor.

Do your research thoroughly and find the right contractor to help you create your dream panic room. You definitely want to check whether or not they are certified, qualified, and have the same vision as you. The last thing you want is a room you regret investing in. So, don’t be afraid to ask questions before you settle with the right contractor.

Have enough space, preferably underground.

Basements make perfect panic rooms because they are hidden and have reduced entries. This way, you can hide from intruders and keep your household safe from any potential danger. If you don’t have a basement, a hidden room inside your home will do.

Make sure the space is free of mold or water damage.

Before starting your panic room construction, repair any water damage and get rid of mold growth to ensure seamless renovation and construction. Untreated mold growth and water damage can bring more problems in the future, so it’s better to get rid of them now.

The Essentials of a Panic Room

Panic rooms in movies and TV shows often look luxurious and expensive. It can be nice to have an extensive entertainment system and endless supplies of food during a tornado, but admit it— it’s going to burn a hole in your pocket.

The good news is that you don’t have to spend a fortune to have a proper panic room. You only need the bare essentials. In this article, we’re going to break down the top five essentials you need for a panic room.

Fortification

A panic room’s most vital point is its ability to protect whoever is inside. To do this, the room would require thick, soundproof walls, reduced points of entry, and an extremely strong door. There would also be no windows since having them around will increase the chances of intruders breaking in.

Strong doors are essential to help protect you from external danger. Wooden doors might seem aesthetically pleasing, but they won’t be able to keep you safe when disaster strikes. So, it would be wise to have a steel door to keep you away from danger.

Basements are the perfect spot for panic rooms because their walls are usually thick and made of concrete. Although concrete might look a bit rough, it’s excellent for handling heavy loads. If you’d like added protection, armored steel panels for walls will do a great job at keeping the room soundproof and secure.

Power

Panic rooms are built to keep you alive for days, so power is definitely something you cannot compromise. Most luxurious safe rooms have their own self-contained power system. A self-contained power system is essential. In situations where your power might get cut off, it can be scary to be without power. With a self-contained power system, you can still survive even though power outages happen.

The last thing you need is to be left in a pitch-black room with no means of communication, ventilation, or power. So, when it comes to power supply, you definitely don’t want to cheap out and compromise since it can affect your overall safety.

Ventilation

Since panic rooms have reduced entry points and no windows, ventilation can be a big problem. To solve the problem of lack of ventilation, it’s imperative that you have a vent that opens or closes for fresh air.

Ventilation is crucial. It controls indoor air quality, keeps the air clean from pollutants, and maintains comfort in a space. Since basements or panic rooms don’t have any natural ventilation, they can get stuffy and can be quite dangerous if air circulation is cut off.

Plumbing

You can be holed up in your panic room for days on end. Without any plumbing, it can be uncomfortable, especially if you have more than two people in the room with you. Some high-end panic rooms have separate plumbing, but you don’t need to splurge if you don’t have the funds to do so.

A portable toilet will do the job but if you have some extra cash on hand, installing a septic tank and separate plumbing with a bathroom is preferred, comments fantastic plumber consultant Dmitri Kara. Other than that, you would also need to stock your panic room with a lot of water.

Supplies

Lastly, what is a panic room without any supplies? If you’re one of the lucky ones, you won’t need to stay in your panic room for more than a few hours. But what happens if you have to stay for more than a day?

Keep in mind to keep your panic room stocked and supplied with everything you need, such as medication, canned food, water, and blankets. If you prefer to cook your own food instead of eating canned goods, you could stock up on ingredients and kitchen gadgets. Some kitchen gadgets make cooking easier and won’t take up a lot of room— so they’re perfect for storage and use for emergencies.

Be sure to check on your supplies periodically and replace them if they are expired. Also, don’t forget to stock up on your favorite books, movies, and games to keep you entertained!

Wrapping Up

Panic rooms don’t need to be fancy and luxurious. Despite popular belief, you can survive a tornado with just these essentials. So, don’t be intimidated by what you see on the media and on the Internet. If you have these five essentials down, you have a pretty solid panic room ready to protect you from any danger.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.