Jamie Jackson

It can be a challenge just deciding Robert. We are fortunate to have so many well written and thought provoking books on these topics.   I just started "The 17th Irregulars" (Volume 6) of the Tate series.   I've preordered [url=http://www.amazon.com/Surviving-Home-Novel-American/dp/0142181285/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1373214242&sr=1-1&keywords=surviving+home+by+a.+america] "Surviving Home" by A.American[/url]. I thoroughly enjoyed "Going Home" by him.   I most definitely plan on reading the "Holding Their Own " series thanks to the recommendations in this thread.   So many books, and so little time. And that's not a bad thing. :pleased:

  Obviously I think this may have a revolutionary potential...pretty fascinating.   Have you, or anyone else, had the opportunity to try any of these powder coated bullets in poly barreled handguns yet?

Caster nailed it! Food storage is a necessity, but home food production even more so.   We keep a variety of stored items in the bucket/mylar/ o2 absorber configuration...especially hard to self-produce items like rice and coffee.   But we grow and can a good amount, even in suburbia. Raised beds gardening is the way to go in my opinion.   There is definitely a learning curve to gardening. It's more challenging than just having seeds set back for when the SHTF.   Our focus this year is green beans for canning. But we grow a variety of other veggies for fresh eating, dehydrating and canning as well. 

    This is very true, as I've been able to do the same. It's a bit more challenging these days, but very doable. And imho, worth the effort.

    Good point my friend.   Please give us some feedback, an AAR if you will, on the course you choose.  TIA.

Caution: Handloading can be every bit as addictive as shooting. And it's a very rewarding endeavor. :pleased:   As far straightforward cost?   My 9mm 147 gr lfp's cost me about $.10/round. I plan to eventually cast, which will reduce the cost factor even more.   I use this link for calculations: [url=http://handloads.com/calc/loadingCosts.asp] Handloading Cost Calculator[/url].

    For whomever is interested:   I finally had the opportunity to try out the American Select powder.   I loaded 9mm 147 gr LFP bullets over:   3.0 grains   3.2 grains   3.4 grains.   I don't own a chronograph (Yet). The 3.4 grains (according to data I obtained Thanks to Spiffy) should yield a PF of 133-134. When I have the chance to chrono I'll update this thread.   The 3.4 gave the best grouping. All loads cycled my Lone Wolf barreled Glock 17 well and fed reliably.   I used Tula Lead Free Small pistol primers. I would prefer Wolf Small Pistol Magnum primers ...but these days you use what ya got. :cool:   OAL was 1.130".     I've seen where folks published data where they went up to 3.7 grains and greater. As long as the 3.4 grains meets an acceptable Power Factor for IDPA I'm good with this load.     The American Select is very similar in appearance to Unique, and meters very well through my Dillon 550B.   Also the AmSel was less "smoky" than my normal Unique load of 3.8 grains.   And...no signs of overpressure were noted.     Hopefully some kind gentleman that shoots IDPA at ORSA with me will bring his chrono out and we can make sure I'm "legal"... what with the New Rule book and all I'm gonna need all the help I can get figuring this out. LOL.       All of this is for informational purposes only btw. :squint:

This is a fascinating thread. I never even heard of powder coating before.   Between this and "The Lead Thread" I am more than ready to embark on this aspect of shooting/handloading adventures.   Thank you all for the enlightenment!  :up: 

I haven't trained with PRI. But I've taken a few classes from Tom, and attended several of the Tactical Conferences at Rangemaster.   Tom is Top Tier, knows his stuff and how to teach it, and is a Great Guy all around. You can't go wrong with Tom.         there must be a "backstory" with the 3" 1911 tnhawk. :cool:

Glock 19 in an AIWB and a 640 J frame in a Mika pocket holster. Extra mag and a speed strip for reloads...   The AIWB is very concealable, fast to deploy, and easy to protect/retain.   Cover garment is a closed front shirt...T Shirt generally.

  Excellent point my friend. I feel exactly the same way about this. I've carried appendix for a number of years, it's [i]my[/i] EDC preference. I enjoy IDPA because it is a venue that allows me to practice within the parameters you previously mentioned, and challenge myself to improve within those parameters. Nothing more.               I doubt it Brotherman.   The first IDPA match I shot at ORSA ('06) wouldn't even allow IWB holsters. Obviously that changed. Changes will continue I'm sure. Possibly as AIWB becomes more the "norm"...if it does in fact...maybe, just maybe. But I'm not holding my breath.   I just appreciate being able to shoot interesting scenarios and getting to hang out with good folks with similar interests.       As a side not, and one of appreciation: The 2 stages at the Secret City Challenge I found the most applicable to defensive shooting were the two involving the automobiles. They were about the most "street applicable" stages I've seen at an IDPA Match. So Thanks to the designers of those stages. :hat:

We haven't planted any turnips, mustard, or collards yet. We usually plant them in the fall after the beans have finished. Heck, we were picking greens and pulling turnips into January this year.  :pleased:    I did my second picking of bush beans today, blanched and put another 4 quarts in the freezer. I'm surprised at how productive 2 little 4x4' raised beds are...and the beans are delicious. My DW says we'll be planting more of them next year LOL. It looks like our pole beans should be ready for picking next week. I was hoping for more blooms and less mass...maybe later. We'll see...But I'm pretty sure the missus is right and we'll invest our limited space on bush beans as they are proving more productive. Live and learn.     I canned another 24 quarts of dill pickles this afternoon as well. Obviously...this year...a 4x16' bed of cucumbers is too many.  But some years it's not enough...   All of out tomatoes are still green, except a few of the Moby Grape (kinda like cherry tomatoes, but grow in clusters and are indeterminate).   We stay as "organic" as possible Dennis. But earlier this year I had to hit the thornless blackberries with some Sevin Dust. (before they even bloomed) and I'm glad I did. My Bride had a blackberry cobbler waiting on me when I got in from work last evening. :yum:

Good point EMTdaddy.   I think a few folks may think Mr. Cestari /Kasper and some quality instructors that teach knife work are advocating the use of a knife over a gun. My take is that they teach the dynamics and techniques of knife fighting so that we can develop a better understanding of how suddenly vicious & brutal a knife attack will be.Then by having a better understanding of those mechanics/dynamics we can develop better defensive skills against such an attack. As has been mentioned, we are generally behind the curve when such an attack begins, and frequently empty hand defensive skills must be first deployed first in order to even have the opportunity to access and employ a firearm. The best made plans can go to hell in a handbasket when the balloon goes up. :2cents:

          [i]"Use your grill or a turkey fryer to boil the water.  Works just as well and keeps the heat out of the house.  The AC works hard enough already..."[/i]   I think I'll follow your advice with my next batch my friend. :pleased:

Great suggestions already. :up:     I've used a [url=http://www.brownells.com/shooting-accessories/holsters-belt-gear/holster-belts/dress-gun-belt-prod6959.aspx] Hellweg[/url] belt for about 10 years. They are very comfortable and secure...and it doesn't look so much like a "gun belt" imho.   I have a couple of the "instructor belts", SOE, and they are excellent. My preference simply runs towards leather.   fwiw, I also have a [url=http://www.kramerleather.com/productDetail.cfm?productID=50&categoryID=2]Kramer Horsehide belt[/url] I purchased from Greg back when it was still "Pro Line Leather". I used it daily for better than 10 years, and it's still quite functional.   Just some options and an opinion. :pleased:

I think timcalhoun might be right.   Are these the rounds you loaded so light they'd bounce off an IDPA target at 18 yards? :pleased:     Just kidding Buddy.   Are you liking the reliability and accuracy of your KKM? I know I'm pleased with my LW barrels.

LOL. I agree Dennis. Waterbath canning can steam up the kitchen...but it's well worth the effort.   We picked, and blanched 7 quarts of bush beans (from the two 4x4' beds) yesterday. Those went into the freezer for now. When we have about 15-20 quarts in there, I'll pressure can them. We use the freezer as a temporary storage device, allowing for volume and time. Our pole beans a blooming out, and with last night's rain, should kick into gear pretty well.   I'm starting a 5 day stretch of 12 hour shifts at work...my routine...so this system works best for us.         TrickyNicky;   I would definitely be interested in a tutorial and explanation of your system when the time and situation works out for you. I'll be looking forward to the fall. Thank you. :up:

Definitely jtmaze.   21 feet is way to close (Tueller Drill). So is the 32 feet used in the Magliato Drill. We ran these for time with a group of about a dozen folks...aging from early 20's to early 50's (me). Recognition to reaction time without a buzzer starting the action (OODA loop thing again) can be surprising. Stepping off the "X"...and heck...running like hell to cover...are viable options. Avoidance is the best option.   In case anyone is interested the Dennis Tueller article is linked below. Good reading, imho.   [url=http://www.theppsc.org/Staff_Views/Tueller/How.Close.htm] How Close is Too Close? by Dennis Tueller[/url]

A renewable protein source ain't a bad thing is it? Neither is a pellet gun. :pleased:   You just gotta let them get ripe Raoul. LOL.

and... I totally agree with the point Spots made. The vast majority of the career predators would not be in the least intimidated at the sight of a knife or gun. Those things are a part of their daily reality, many have been cut or shot before (this is from my personal work experience and observations).   In an adrenalinized and aggressive state, many won't even know they've been cut or some...even shot...at least not initially.   There is nothing to be gained by displaying a lethal force tool in the majority of instances. Let them be the one that needs to reset their OODA loop.

You're welcome EMT.   My take on this may be a bit different. I don't in any way believe Mr. Cestari was stroking his ego, but, from the perspective of his background and training, warning his students that there are times when suddenly and brutally attacked, you must deploy empty hand, reactive skills in order to even be able to access your own weapon. Reality is, when you are behind the eight ball and reacting, you must stop/trap/or make some distance...even momentarily...in order to access your own weapons.   If you ever have the opportunity, try a force on force at phone booth, bad breath, distances using Sims with a quality professional trainer. I know it was an eye opening experience for me. YMMV.   Just my opinion and no disrespect intended to anyone posting.

I love pickled green tomatoes...and pickled okra. But I can understand the burnout factor my friend.   And believe me, I also understand financial priorities. We build our raised bed one at a time. We have several...but could certainly use a few more.   Best of luck and success to you.

peejman; I don't know what happened to the snap beans my friend. Our greatest nemesis has been the below: Garden Eating Herd of Rabbits! [url=http://s783.photobucket.com/user/Prag03/media/Garden%202013/garden2013008_zps6bcb2eb5.jpg.html][/URL] Our solution? chickenwire! [center][url=http://s783.photobucket.com/user/Prag03/media/Garden%202013/garden2013005_zps90dc52a3.jpg.html][/url][/center] Your production will kick up. Learning to waterbath and pressure can are great skills to have, and will save you money in the long run. Somebody will have surplus, or there are occasionally good buys at farmer's markets. Come on, jump in Buddy. :pleased:

Smartphones Huh?   I'll stick with my dumbphone LOL.   I like it cause I can punch some numbers, a person answers on the other end, and we talk. Can smartphones do that? :cool:

Spots;   Thank you for broaching this topic.   I think a lot, if not most, people have never seriously considered what the reality of this type of attack would be.   The contributions of people like Rex Applegate, Fairbairn and Sykes, Bob Kasper and Carl Cestari are incredible. They “did the work”.   I think it was Kelly McCann that said “Martial arts are what you do with somebody; Combatives are what you do to somebody”…the above wrote the book on Combatives. We can all learn from them. They lived and functioned in the brutal world of reality.   I carry a gun. I also carry a knife (or two) and an impact tool. I train with them all, and I been blessed to learn from Andy Stanford, Paul Gomez, SouthNarc and several others.   We generally don’t have the initiative in these attacks. We, by law, and personal moral code, find ourselves as “defenders”, not “attackers”. That puts us behind the curve from the getgo. Most of us won’t even know we are in a fight, until it is well underway. I know folks will say “I stay in Condition Yellow”, “I’ll see it coming and _______  & _____.” I hope so. But reality all too often dictates otherwise.   Predators (like Cestari described above) hunt in packs, and only if they perceive that they can win…   There is a ‘treatise” written by SouthNarc entitled [url=http://www.bayoushooter.com/forums/showthread.php?7751-The-Myth-of-Proportional-Armament-by-SouthNarc] “The Myth of Proportional Armament”[/url] that is well worth reading, imho.     In my many years working ER and ICU I have seen the end results of edged weapons attacks (18 years working in New Orleans). It’s brutal, vicious, and messy … the results are totally unpredictable.   Even here in East TN, I’ve seen a 2” blade penetrate the heart when a person was stabbed in his left side. Human tissue is very compressible. This guy didn’t know he was stabbed, as I hear from the majority of folks I’ve given care to.     While dated, there is a very good film by Calibre Press called “Surviving Edged Weapons” that will give a bit of insight into this topic.   Good topic Sir. Food for thought.