Weapons

Whether Buck, Bolo, or Bowie…Kukri, Kris or Katana, iconic knives are alive and well. Even as the world seems to spin faster by the day, age old knife designs still have a rock solid grip in our hands. The centuries of knife use has honed blades and handles into a near-perfect blend of design features… Read More

You know, it’s a pretty ballsy thing to take a beloved firearm that has attained world-over “hallowed” status and say, “You know what? I absolutely can make this thing way better.” It takes even MORE chutzpah to take that same sacred gun or guns and build a successful business around making said good guns better… Read More

As much as I like to be practical with my tactical, there is some room for fun, especially when color options are a required choice. And nothing comes closer to tactical color fun than playing with Magpul’s M-LOK Rail Covers. By Doc Montana, contributing author to Survival Cache and SHTFblog Magpul M-LOK Rail Covers, type… Read More

For those of us that still consider revolvers to be serious tools for everyday use (there are still a few of us, believe it or not), the Smith & Wesson revolver platform is a brilliant tool. Though Smith & Wesson introduced what we now recognize as a modern revolver in the last year of the… Read More

The Magpul PMAG 27 GL9 is Magpul’s seventh Glock-specific magazine offering. While there have been a few magazine hiccups for Glock in the past, it is not something that anyone points at a laughs as they do to some other unnamed companies. So what warrants an aftermarket magazine for what is arguably the world’s most… Read More

Even at a young age I have always been a knife guy. I can still remember patiently waiting for my 8th birthday when I would finally get a “big boy” pocket knife. Having been around knives, saws, hatchets etc. at a young age while camping with my family I knew the importance of such a took… Read More

Sometimes, especially in the prepper/survivalist equipment world, one can tell upon cursory visual inspection or review of specifications that an item or piece of gear has value; but until you actually put the piece to work with your own bare hands, the level of utility and the piece’s place in the universe is often difficult… Read More

Here is a question most people never think about. If I find myself in a bad situation such as a robbery, carjacking, potential fight, need to protect myself or another person. What can I do to increase the likelihood that I will come out the winner? Most folks have never considered this aspect of personal… Read More

The wizards at Magpul have done it again. This time with the humble rifle bipod. From its earliest start of two crossed sticks, to the dedicated but standalone bipods of the 19th century buffalo hunters, to the advent of the bolt-on bipods of bolt actions and machine guns in the 20th century, bipods have proved… Read More

I fully appreciate all the effort designers put into holsters, but when the cows come home (or the fat lady sings if you live in the city), the proof is in the pudding. Now, neck-deep in metaphors, I’ll cut to the chase; a finely crafted leather shoulder holster rules the day when packing a multi-pound… Read More

SOG has produced many fine knives including several now made in the USA again. I have several and enjoy the heck out of them, but my favorite SOG ride retails for over $200. But for one-eighth that amount, SOG has an excellent basic knife that has a fine handle, an excellent blade, and a pretty… Read More

You’re all talk. Yeah, that’s right, I’m talking to you, dear reader. Yeah, you say you’re a prepper. Or a survivalist. Or an outdoorsman. Or whatever. Yeah, you say you’re all set to survive after a SHTF event drops down around your ears. Your bug-out bag is packed and your AR-15 is oiled, sparking clean… Read More

Benchmade knives are often the gateway drug to the upper end of folding knives, and the Benchmade Griptilian is the gateway drug to Benchmade knives. For many, their first handling of the Griptilian is met with disappointment. The Griptilian, although a solid knife, does not have the heft and density often expected as the retail… Read More

Hollywood is an easy target for the teaching of poor to impossible gun skills. The number of errors and impossibilities in any gun-filled movie gives the general population a wildly distorted understanding of guns, shooting, and expectations of a bullet; all a good thing in my survival book. As long as potential adversaries are living… Read More

In my opinion, conceal carry is the best method to carry a personal protection handgun. To me and most folks, it has numerous advantageous over open carrying. Naturally, in a bad situation you wish to capitalize on all the advantages you can in order to survive and concealed carry gives you some advantage. In my role… Read More

Hello, my name is Drew, and I’m a concealed carrier. I want to stand up and admit to everyone that I perform a cardinal sin in the tacti-cool carry world – but I know a lot of you (probably) do it too. I find strength in numbers – solidarity! – so here goes: *deep breath*… Read More

The concept for the Designated Marksman Carbine or DMC has been around for awhile now, but not in the pure DMC form. Instead it was either hopping up a 5.56mm to maximums, or dumbing down a larger cartridge so it could be shot effectively off-hand. To really capitalize on the Designated Marksman Carbine concept, I… Read More

Trigger Alert: This article is about a very big knife. If that scares you, then click here.  March 6, 1836 was a bad day for Jim Bowie. In fact the two weeks prior weren’t much better since the small mission building in which Jim and a hundred others took a stand was under attack.  Remember the Alamo? But long… Read More

During an emergency situation or a full blown SHTF caused by any of a wide variety of events, a big part of the immediate concern may not be that you have a backup site in mind, but in getting there.  Some of the most perilous times can be during the travel from home or work… Read More

I peered through the ocular lens of the scope, reached up with my trigger hand, and cranked the magnification dial up to 9x. I needed precision for this shot; my quarry wasn’t going to let me get a second chance if I missed. Fifty yards away, the beady-eyed, fanged animal peered back through the cross-hairs… Read More

In the never-ending journey for the ultimate survival arm, a quest buried deep in the DNA of everyone concerned with preparedness, yet another giant leap in the evolution of survival arm capability just spread it wings across the USA (via gun stores, UPS and FedEx). The Magpul X-22 Backpacker Stock for the Ruger 10/22 Takedown… Read More

Shotgun manufacturers have been long overdue for a handy smoothbore gun for a Bug Out defense from a vehicle or other modes.  Remington has really stepped up to the plate with this one.  The new Tac-14 is a prepper dream based on the time honored reliable model 870 pump action 12-gauge shotgun.  First out of… Read More

The quest for a Goldilocks Knife, or one that’s just right, is less a journey and more of a marriage. To trust one’s fate to one single blade especially for survival situations, there must be a commitment to making the best of the situation regardless of the challenges. Thick and thin, sickness and health, and… Read More

In Part 1 of this Project Squirrel Pistol using a Smith and Wesson SW22 Victory .22 long rifle semi auto pistol, my focus was on the gun and its parts. For part 2, let’s take the Victory out for a spin. The Victory is not a light pistol. Not even of average light. The Victory is… Read More

Alternatives to the traditional Bug Out Bag (BOB) and the Every Day Carry (EDC) bag may be a viable option for many preppers and survivalists.  Though the purpose of these two standard type supply bags can be quite different, they do not have to be exclusive.  Different kit bags can be tasked for different conditions… Read More

Cutting to the chase, the Sig Kilo2400 ABS Laser Rangefinder works as advertised. So now that’s of the way, let’s consider the philosophy behind owning and using such an advanced handheld ballistics computer. And just to get it out of the way, the Sig Kilo2400 ABS Laser Rangefinder retails for $1700 and has a street… Read More

‘Bug out bags’ are put together to be grabbed in a hurry. Their use stems from the bags issued by militaries to their soldiers in field situations, and it should contain everything you need to sustain yourself in an emergency situation for at least 72 hours. Ideally, every member of your group or family should… Read More

SOG knives in general need no introduction, but there are three new players in the SOG folder lineup that do deserve some special attention. All three are solid black. All three lean heavily towards the tactical side. All three use springs to deploy the blade. And all three are made in America. There is a… Read More

Back when I was working on Project Squirrel Gun, I was playing with the small game hunting concept, which unfortunately is the likely best case scenario if things go dark big time. So why not a Project Squirrel Pistol? By Doc Montana, a Contributing Author to SHTFBlog and SurvivalCache.com Rather than trying to find an… Read More

There has been an explosion of carry pistols and what I call “city variants” of guns over the past couple decades. From a Glock in every home, to more concealed carry permits that ever, to a wide choice of magazines about the topic in the grocery store. It’s no wonder that notable wheel guns seem… Read More

The Remington Arms Company began making firearms in 1816.  Specifically, the founder Eliphalet Remington made his first handgun in that year.  Later, in 1830, the original factory armory building was constructed in Ilion, New York.  Other buildings were added in 1854 and again in 1875. As you can well imagine with an arms company that grew… Read More

First of all, regardless of the name, this Council Tool ApocalAxe has uses well before the apocalypse arrives. And while it would certainly make a formidable and handy zombie stopping weapon (seems killing a zombie is redundant), the ApocalAxe will work fine on those that haven’t had the privilege of dying the first time. By… Read More

The company Estwing makes some of the most ubiquitous and diversified hammers, camp axes and hatchets ever to roll around the bed of a pickup. Ernest Estwing’s steel tools are the industry standard from framing hammers to camp axes, and the ones we grew up with and loved for their simplicity and durability since 1923… Read More

No survivalist’s kit is complete without at least one knife, and there’s always an open space in the collection for just one more perfect specimen. (I know many who refuse to leave the house without theirs: When going hiking or camping, you’ll almost always have a use for one.) A knife is the one thing… Read More

The number designation 10-22 has universally become synonymous with America’s most popular rimfire rifle.  It is perhaps the most prolific semi-auto rifle firing the venerable .22 long rifle rimmed cartridge ever to be manufactured in this country.  There is little doubt this very capable .22 rifle is a perennial favorite among shooters.  This admiration, too… Read More

The Tree Trunk of a rifle is the “stoc” or as we say today, stock. In a nutshell the stock holds the important gun parts and is placed against one’s shoulder when shooting. I think tree trunk is an apt description since until recently, gun stocks have evolved about as fast as trees. But today… Read More

Just the idea of having a custom rifle built to your own specifications is enticing.  In fact, having anything created on our own behalf for personal use is rather satisfying.  For the prepper looking for something a little more special than a stock weapon, a firearm from a custom machine and gun manufacturing build shop… Read More

SOG Knives in general need no introduction, but a few SOG blades in particular do require a few minutes of your attention. And one such knife is The SOG Pillar.  The SOG Knives company takes its name from a Vietnam-era covert US Special Ops unit known as Military Assistance Command, Vietnam-Studies and Observations Group or… Read More

I admit it – like most gun culture involved individuals in America, I also got way too caught up in building an “ultimate” AR-15.  While I didn’t go as wild as some, I definitely spent way more money buying and trying different setups until I settled on my current “Goldilocks”configuration. I use and shoot the… Read More

The idea of packing iron around the house at home every day does not appeal to everyone.  So, what are some alternatives to toting your favorite personal defense gun from room to room all the time?  It may sound problematic to hide multiple guns around the house all day or night, but some other approaches… Read More

While we are surely in the age of the striker-fired pistol ascendancy, the single-action (SA) pistol still has a strong, iron-headed, devoted following.  The siren song of crisp, short trigger pulls and positive external safeties, coupled with (usually) stellar accuracy and rugged dependability is a sweet song indeed – and when one throws in the… Read More

Wood and zombies have a lot in common besides their acting abilities; an axe easily splits them in two. And surprisingly, both zombies and iron battle axes share a similar timeline more than a dozen centuries long. Sure, stone axes were chopping coconuts and skulls as far back as 6000 BCE, but metal ones took… Read More

In this “back-to-basics” article, we will look at a basic building material, tool, and weapon- one that can be used for shelter, a tool handle, walking stick, and the most basic and primitive weapon.  As a weapon, the more-or-less six foot staff is one of the most universal among many martial arts traditions, and often… Read More

A few years back, Springfield Armory came out with a single stack 9mm to much fanfare and then as quickly as the pistol launched, they promptly recalled the pistol due to a possible unsafe condition. The recall read as follows (from manufacturer): “Springfield Armory is initiating this voluntary safety recall to upgrade 3.3 XD-S 9mm… Read More

The 10mm auto is a fine cartridge that was created as a very real solution to a very real problem. Unfortunately the 10mm performed exactly as designed while predictable humans went and messed it all up. But before we start, if you are quite familiar with the 10mm auto and perhaps even happily own one, you… Read More

The coming of any new year starts out of the gate brimming with a plethora of opportunities to achieve many things.  This includes wrapping up goals, projects, and missions from the previous year and a new chance to sit down to lay out the priorities for the year ahead.  All of this should be approached… Read More

If you were charged with putting together a basic 3-gun set of weapons for prepping and survival use, how much money would you need to spend to get the job done.  If you are new to this game, then this may be a perplexing question.  It is one I highly recommend for some judicious research… Read More

Call this back to basics, or getting started from the get-go, but there are as many varieties of opinions on bug out bag contents as cats have lives.  And then some.  Then there are the definitions of exactly what constitutes a bug out bag, but no two preppers or survivalists bags are the same much… Read More

Times are tough. The economy is rolling, but not like a freight train. The country is in heavy debt from social spending and the support of conflicts abroad that are not really our conflicts. The middle class is taxed to death. The oil industry is still dragging. Ironically, we continue to import oil from the… Read More

Dear survivalists and preppers, have we gone AR and AK nuts? Hey, you know what, there are viable alternatives to the multi-round, mag latch, muzzle flash black guns so often associated with the bug out movement. For one, this author contends a good ole reliable, lever action 30-30 has a role to play in our… Read More

Mora knives are the paracord of survival blades. Their utility is unquestioned, but not so much is their reliability as a true survival instrument. Having a partial tang, thin blade, plastic sheath, and average steel, the Mora Knife is more of an inexpensive convenience, but by no means the last word in survival blades.  However… Read More

I’ll say from the outset that I’m less familiar with air guns than “traditional” guns. Air rifles, to me, have always fallen into the category of a BB gun, the “Red Rider” type that Ralphie wished for in the classic movie, A Christmas Story. A “rifle” that kids use as a precursor to getting a… Read More

The prepper survivalist can never really have too many knives. And of course, there are more knives to be had than the Clinton Foundation has mysterious dollars in their bank account. By the way, just curious, but where exactly is that bank account? But, then again, your everyday bug in or out blades do not… Read More

I was fortunate enough to be able to have some trigger time recently with a Sig Sauer MPX-C 9mm carbine.  It wasn’t nearly enough time – probably 200 rounds over a couple of days – but it was enough to form an opinion on Sig Sauer’s next-generation pistol caliber carbine.  It was also enough to… Read More

Few things turn on a survivalist like a new piece of kit that has tremendous potential. And two of them just landed in my bug out loadout. Cutting to the chase, they are Timahawks. ‘Timahawk’, you ask? Yes Tim-a-Hawk. The designer Tim Ralston got to choose the name so it only makes sense. Had I… Read More

Most who consider themselves prepared would rank the humble pocket knife as a survival essential of the highest degree.  In fact, the sharp blade often exceeds even fire and water in immediate importance.  So having a sharp edge ready to go no matter the situation means carrying a quality blade with you 24/7 or at… Read More

We recently had a reader email into the Survival Cache team with a couple suggestions for articles he’s like to see(those types of emails are always welcome, by the way!).   He’d mentioned one specific item he’d like to see gone over.  He wrote, “Another article I’d like to see if/when you and your team get… Read More

Being a restless survivalist, I find the endless pursuit of the best single knife to be both a noble one and and endless one.  Or so I thought.  The Fällkniven A1 Pro may have brought an end to my quest for the perfect survival knife, and become the life-long quest of other like minds.  Could… Read More

Does your carry pistol limit what you do? Do you worry about exposing your gun to the elements? Is your carry preference too much of a burden for many activities? If you answered yes to any of these questions then you should consider the Glock 42.  For me, I wanted a familiar handgun but in… Read More

It seems that everyone’s favorite piece of gear to carry and discuss are knives. With the variety of styles, shapes, sizes and the jobs they can perform, it is easy to see why they are a favorite piece of gear. When it comes to folding knives, I am very particular and will not carry an… Read More

There are, according to a completely-made-up-by-me-but-probably-not-too-far-off-number, approximately six billion custom kydex holster makers in the world.  Don’t believe me?  If you belong to Facebook, find a large Facebook group (or internet forum) for a handgun you have, join it, and then post the following query to the board: “I just got [insert make/model of handgun… Read More

Backup Iron Sights probably got their start by doing absolutely nothing when an optic was bolted onto a rifle that came from the factory with irons. But when modern sporting rifles (or whatever silly name the AR15 is being force-rebranded as these days) irons became an deliberate option.  BUS or back up sights (whether iron… Read More

With more and more states (fourteen, per Wikipedia – not counting Puerto Rico) giving the green light to some form of “Constitutional Carry” – that is, carrying a legal concealed firearm without a state-issued permit – citizens have been heading to gun shops and training facilities in droves to enable themselves to exercise their right… Read More

So I’d just like to come right out at the outset of this review and state that Talon Grips have probably provided the most satisfaction-per-dollar of any of the firearms modifications I’ve tried in recent memory. They are quite inexpensive, easy to install, non-permanent, and 100% effective at the specific improvement they offer. They’re just… Read More

Some serious firearms are merely taken as fun guns.  Why not allow them to play the role of both?  Lucky for me, at a recent NRA Friends banquet, a friend bought be a raffle ticket to which it produced a winning selection of a firearm.  My choice?  It was a no-brainer for me when I… Read More

The wizards at Magpul have done it again.  As if their game-changing polymer 30-round PMAG wasn’t enough, they upped the ante with a 60-round drum magazine. And sometimes the obvious benefits of something are not, well, obvious.  Such is the case with the Magpul D-60.  The D-60 drum mag was announced at the February 2015… Read More

So I got a Sig Sauer P320.  I saw it in a local pawn shop, sitting there in the glass case, perched on green velvet, looking all blocky and businesslike and badass.  I handled it, fondled it, wiped the drool away, and made a trade for it. It went home with me where I glared… Read More

I have never owned an assisted opening pocket knife before but have always wanted one. From the outside they seemed like they would be flimsy and their action was all for show.  Most of the people I had met that brandished an assisted opening blade, were of the “mall ninja” type. I had no real… Read More

The definition of a neck knife pretty much begins and ends with it being a blade worn on a lanyard around one’s neck.  Rather than in a belt sheath, pocket, pack clipped anywhere else, the neck knife offers a deployment option and carry strategy that opens some doors especially during specific activities and positions.  Neck… Read More

I’m willing to bet that at least 90% of the people reading this article have to function under a budget of sorts.  Bills need to be paid, houses need to be heated, cars need to be maintained, stomachs need to be fed.  It’s a fact of life and how we have to operate on a… Read More

Once Upon A Time….You know, I’ll be honest here.  If you have never used an armorer’s tool to work on an AR variant rifle, I almost hate to endorse the Magpul Armorer’s Wrench as your first tool because you will never know just how bad most other armorer’s tools really are.  You won’t know what… Read More

ESSE knives are the real deal.  In fact, they are so darn good and in such high demand by users on the front lines that people have started trying to counterfeit them.  Let’s say up front, if you intend to shop for an ESEE knife on line in particular, buy it from a reputable dealer… Read More

Let’s cut to the chase. The point of an everyday carry (EDC) knife is to always have a sharp blade just a pocket away (sorry for the triple pun).  And with apologies to restrictive jurisdictions, the choice of an EDC knife is wide open and up the the carrier.  For me, I am an unabashed… Read More

With the onset of fall up here in northern climes, my fellow concealed firearms carriers and I perform a collective sigh of relief. With colder weather comes warmer, bulkier clothing that allows more comfortable methods of carry, with larger, more effective sidearms.  Gone, for a while anyway, is the season of constantly wondering if my… Read More

Is there really a “best” of anything?  Well, yeah, I think A-1 steak sauce is the absolute best.  I love St. Pete’s Signature blue cheese.  Diamond D Leather in Alaska makes the best across the chest crossdraw handgun holster on Earth.  I am a huge fan of Kimber 1911 pistols, Smith and Wesson heavy revolvers… Read More

Several years back I got into a discussion with my brother who lives back in the Midwest about concealed carry options.  At the time, I was living in Seattle and had obtained my concealed carry permit from the state of Washington and was carrying a subcompact .40 cal S&W.  My brother liked my choice of… Read More

It wasn’t until I wore the Fallkniven Jarl on my belt for a while that I realized that the majority of the art we will have with us during a bug out will be the art of our equipment.  Now while I find the Glock as sexy as any other gun, I do have a… Read More

Having a remote SHTF Bug-Out camp equipped without an axe would be about as silly as trying to drive a car with only three wheels mounted on it.  Something in the accomplishment of the tasks at hand would come up short.  Now of course there are endless types, styles, weights, and models of axes.  In… Read More

Outfitting the Ruger 10/22 Takedown for SHTF Duty: Since its introduction in March, 2012, the Ruger 10/22 Takedown has set the survival world on fire.  Finally, survivalists and outdoor enthusiasts had an esteemed rifle design of known reliability, quality, and accuracy that broke down easily – no tools required! – and stowed into an easily-managed… Read More

The cliché saying is “hiding in plain sight.”  Preppers need to be sensitive to being able to hide critical gear, supplies, and SHTF stuffs away from prying eyes, thieves, or anybody else that might be snooping around your house or storage areas.  This is why we advise keeping quiet and discreet about your prepping efforts… Read More

If you want fast access to your handguns in your home or automobile but also need to keep them secured from prying eyes or hands, then you should consider owning an individual gun vault.  Securing your guns is obviously important for safety reasons, but have you considered securing your firearms might protect you from criminal… Read More

The infamous “Colt” 1911 and the Glock pistols represent the epoch debate over two classic diametrically opposed handgun designs.  Like vanilla and chocolate ice cream there are diehard followers of each flavor as well as for each of these pistols.   One can argue this model is better than the other, but it is a debate… Read More

It’s no secret to anyone who’s read any of my articles on Survival Cache or SHTFblog that I’m a SIG Sauer fanboy.  I’ve owned several – all of them in .45 ACP: a standard P220, a P245 compact, and my favorite, a P220ST stainless. Every single one has been just hideously accurate, and extremely reliable. … Read More

Up until recently, the quiet corner of outdoor activity known as bushcraft was a niche market for those who make knives and other wilderness survival equipment targeting extreme survivalists.  But when Benchmade and Spyderco launched their own bushcraft knife contributions into the very small circle of blade makers who target a specific product to those… Read More

Being able to quickly bring a handgun to bear during a Bug Out situation can be essential.  In fact, it could be life saving.  This includes the utilization of a good holster for gun security and carry.  Many options are available, some better suited to a Bug Out than others.  Let’s take a look.  For… Read More

Although the folding knife has been with us since pre-Roman times, and popular since the late 1600s, it has always been a compromise of size and strength. Anything that moves is a potential weakness. In the modern world, most cutting tasks don’t require more than a basic blade of even mild sharpness and strength. It’s… Read More

The official news finally broke at the National Rifle Association’s Annual Meeting in Nashville in April.  The rumors have been flying for several years that Glock was working on a single stack, 9mm handgun for the concealed carry market.  Well, I can let you know that the wait is over.  I finally got my hands… Read More

Gun enthusiasts love a good campfire argument over different firearms and cartridges.  Many, many preppers and survival planners are very much into the debate over this gun or that for this purpose or that and correspondingly the cartridges that go along with them.  Such debates can be instructional, knowledge worthy, and stimulating.  I have been… Read More

There are many .22 long rifles worthy of consideration as the Last Best Plinker. In most cases, three categories of .22 rifles emerge when tossing them into piles according to similarities; those of classic variety with actions of lever, bolt, and tube-feed semi-auto. And there are those of the modern design with composite stocks, detachable… Read More

In the big business of survival and firearms, our time is a great time. Product demand is up; political pressure and societal issues are making people more aware of their surroundings and possible predicaments.  Never before has the survival and firearms industries been so driven to meet increased demands and increased call for sturdy, no-nonsense… Read More

The  Gerber eFECT Military Maintenance Tool is a 6+ tool pocket machine designed to service the AR15/M16/M4 rifle. Unlike other multitools, the Gerber eFECT is missing the usual suspects of 1) knife blade, 2) pliers, 3) saw, 4) file…bottle opener, Phillips screwdriver, scissors, bit kit, pocket clip, wire cutter, etc.  In a nutshell, the Gerber… Read More

Our “9mm vs. 45” Survival debate was a popular one, so we’re going to take it one step further and go to the ultimate U.S. Military assault rifle comparison: the great .223 Remington, (NATO designation 5.56x45mm) vs. the stalwart .308 Winchester (NATO designation 7.62x51mm).  They are both battle proven platforms that have been in service… Read More

If you are like me and love the AR-15 platform, then you should consider reading the new book by Jeff Zimba called The Evolution of the Black Rifle: 20 Years of Upgrades and Accessories.  As you can infer from the title, the book was written with 20 years of experience by a person who knows… Read More

If you’re like me, you’re probably knife poor.  I like knives and all kinds of blades, but sometimes they don’t like me.  I have a tendency to get cut.  Imagine that.  Among all the survival tools we could amass, I highly suspect that knives or more generically then, blades would be tops on our lists… Read More

It is a long held belief that a folding knife can never possess the strength to solo as a survival knife. The fears of a folding blade includes that they are too short, have a weak pivot point, and any locking mechanism simply cannot be strong enough. A significant challenge to the sub-standard folder belief… Read More

My first thought was does this stuff stop a bear, of course. Then questions start to flow, like legality and effectiveness. Is it legal to blast someone with a spray designed for animals?  Can you carry it open or concealed?  Does it really stop a bear or 2 legged predator from doing you harm?  Personally… Read More

Not every firearm we review on Survival Cache is the ultimate survival gun.  Sometimes we see something and say “That is badass, I gotta get my hands on one of those.”  Which is the case with the T-Model Lever Action Shotgun.  Last year at Shot Show, we were bleeding out of our eyes from seeing… Read More

If you are a reader of Survival Cache or SHTFBlog then you have probably spent some time thinking about survival guns.  Like you, I have spent more time than I care to admit reading comments and forums with people arguing about the best firearms for survival or the best caliber for a pistol or rifle… Read More

The day after Independence Day in 1983, Tim Leatherman and his buddy Steve Berliner formally launched the Leatherman Tool Group Inc. and started selling its first product, the Leatherman PST or Pocket Survival Tool.  From that point on, Tim and Steve’s creation and its offspring can be found in almost every survival kit, bugout bag… Read More

Although American Sniper is not the typical book that we review on Survival Cache or SHTFBlog, we felt that this book was good enough to break the mold of our book reviews.  As far as redeeming survival lessons in American Sniper, there are quite a few that you can gain by reading this book.  Plus… Read More

There is a positive glut of aftermarket supplies for the AR-15/AR-10 platform.  I feel like perhaps there may even be too many, especially if you’re just getting introduced to the AR system. Uppers, lowers, rails, grips, lights, sights, flash suppressors, aftermarket triggers, stocks…it goes on and on.  While this situation is a positive boon for… Read More

Never heard of Sphinx Arms?  You are not the only one.  Despite the fact that they can trace their engineering roots back to 1876, they are relatively unknown in the firearms world to most. Located in Interlaken, Switzerland, they came out with a pistol in the early 2000’s called the Sphinx 3000 which was based… Read More

One particular blade that has been flying under the radar for several years now is the Falcon from Ontario Knife Company (OKC), and its full of many welcome contradictions.  In lots of ways the Falcon, introduced in 2011, is a whole collection of opposing features in knife terms which might be responsible for the Falcon’s… Read More

When I was a kid my dad bought me a youth compound bow.  I loved shooting it but I never shot at anything other than the practice target in our yard. I spent all my hunting years using firearms even though the desire to bow hunt was always just below the surface.  I didn’t have a… Read More

Wow, what a fun rifle.  Although its design is strictly business, the Kel-Tec RFB is just plain cool.  Kel-Tec is a company that thinks outside the box and is not afraid to be different, which is evident from their KSG Shotgun design.  When you first put the Kel-Tec RFB up to your shoulder it just… Read More

The shotgun is probably the most versatile survival firearm on can possess.  It has unparalleled versatility.  With a change in ammunition it can take down large game or small birds. High quality firearms can be found for reasonable prices, ammunition is affordable and it is the one weapon where you get to practice on moving… Read More

As I sit here typing this out, I have a neat little self-defense package nestled on my hip, residing there quite comfortably:  A Smith & Wesson M&P Compact in .40S&W, with a Streamlight TLR-3 light clamped happily on the accessory rail. The light looks like it grew there, the balance is great, the weight light… Read More

Frankly to me just the idea of a having a “backup gun” smells of trouble.  But then on the positive side of things a backup gun can be a comforting thing.  The concept of a backup gun of course naturally implies that you have a primus firearm at the ready, and that the secondary gun… Read More

I read a lot of articles about the best choice of firearms. They generally focus on the AR-15 and the AK47.  I believe the discussions generally miss the point by failing to ask the question of what are you trying to do with the weapon. For example, if your goal was to stop a vehicle… Read More

Iron sights have been with us ever since muskets were rifled.  Sharpshooters demanded more and thus began the revolution and evolution of iron sights.  Backup iron sights, on the other hand, grew from the need for redundancy as optics sprouted up on the barrels and rails of military and hunting rifles. by Doc Montana, a… Read More

In 2002, in response to a question about the Iraq war, the US Secretary of Defense replied, and I paraphrase, “There are known knowns; there are known unknowns, but there are also unknown unknowns.” Those words are the best way to describe the the expectations of a survival knife.  Especially the part about unknown unknowns. … Read More

If you grew up shooting rifles, then you might have an itch that a carbine just can’t scratch.  Like many, I have always been a fan of the M-14 rifle, also known as the M1A, but I am a little too young to appreciate its predecessor, the M1 Garand. By Mark P, a contributing author… Read More

The choice between an EOTech holographic weapons sight and an Aimpoint red dot sight is a win-win decision. Both sights offer amazing optical performance, near indestructibility, and a proven track record in battle. by Doc Montana, a contributing author of SurvivalCache.com EOTech VS Aimpoint The downside of both of these sights are that they are… Read More

A dog is a man’s best friend, and his knife is a close second.  With that said, I am often surprised when price is used as the limiting criteria of a new blade. What would you think if someone called a breeder and said what’s the best dog I can get for under $30? by… Read More

The Ruger 10/22 is the Piper Cub of the .22 rifle world.  It is a standard of expectation and operation upon which all others, good or bad, are measured.  In a world filled with evolving products, the 10/22 is easily recognizable whether the gun is an infant, a teenager, or in its 50s. By Doc… Read More

When it comes to customization of an AR platform, it is fair to say that the options are now limitless.  Without all of the hype of being an “Mall Ninja” with every accessory you can think of added to your weapon, the essential components of tactical shooting can all be found from one company, Magpul… Read More

Over the years the “Frankenstein” AR-15 has gotten out of control.  A few years back, I was accessorizing my stock “Bushmaster AR” with all of the latest gadgets and widgets.  In my mind I came up with all sorts of wild apocalyptic scenarios where I would need such things for my rifle. By Mark P… Read More

Time and time again the Glock pistol has been used by military personnel, law enforcement, survivalists, hunters, and the Average Joe for home and personal defense.  They provide value relative to their cost, they are reliable, accurate and consistently perform when put to the test.  When you factor all of the major considerations for an… Read More

Kodabow says that their name comes from the Native American word Koda or “friend” but I have to tell you that if you see this thing in my hands, I am anything but your friend.  When the SHTF, you don’t want to be on the receiving end of this hammer.  By Jimmy C, a contributing… Read More

Survival caching supplies is not a new concept in the survivalist and prepper’s world, but people have long wondered about the durability of their containers and the safety of its contents.  Potential caching containers come in all shapes and sizes but they are not created equal.   By Jimmy C & Murphy from the SurvivalCache.com… Read More

Zombies are everywhere.  It seems like they are at every turn these days.  I saw one in Wal-Mart just this morning.  They can often be seen in the fresh meat section for the obvious reasons of attraction.  If you look close enough as you go about your business, you will see them too. By Dr… Read More

In the never ending argument among internet experts on pro’s and con’s of the AK-47 vs the AR-15, we give you an alternative to that argument.  The Battle Rifle, when you care enough to send the very best down range. By Scott, a contributing author of SurvivalCache.com The Battle Rifle The MK214 Battle Rifle was… Read More

The current furor over the threat of a new round of restrictive firearms laws in the aftermath of the Sandy Hook killings has gotten me to think further about what kinds of weapons we might choose to protect ourselves.   By Dr. John J. Woods, a contributing author to SurvivalCache.com Here we are talking about… Read More

Every once in a while I come across a product that down right surprises me.  It has been a while since that has happened but the wait is over.  I was recently introduced to a Lula Magazine Loader much to my delight.    By Mark & Jimmy C from the SurvivalCache.com Team A few months… Read More

There is nothing else like it on the market today.  The look, design, feel, and features make the Kel-Tec KSG one unique firearm.  One can maybe debate its principal utility, but not the functional alternatives it offers.   By Dr. John J. Woods, a contributing author to SurvivalCache.com The KSG’s Specifications Profile The KSG is… Read More

I am not by nature a “knife” guy.  I often have several on me but they are tools that I use as needed.  My likes and dislikes are simple and rarely do I go outside of my comfort zone.   By Captain Bart, contributing author SurvivalCache.com My survival knife fixed blade of choice is my… Read More

Even a moments delay in an actionable response can result in your demise.  Most Bug Out scenarios usually occur in a panic state.  Sure you are supplied, packed and ready to go, but when the alarm goes off are you ready to go?  Maybe you get off a couple last minute cell phone calls to… Read More

For as long as I can remember reading survivalist dogma well over fifty years for this author, one the central themes has always been how best to arm the fort for the onslaught of bad guys and the unprepared looking to steal your food and loot.  Today they are called Zombies. Whatever! By Dr. John… Read More

As a daily knife user and avid shooter, I’ve been looking for a product that would clean, lubricate, and protect my tools, with a special interest in my EDC knives.  My EDC knife faces a lot of dirt, grime, dust, and lint. By Mr. Smashy, a contributing author of SurvivalCache.com Both my wife’s and my… Read More

Many preppers will be seriously considering an evacuation to a secondary home, Bug Out Location, or other hideout in the event of a SHTF scenario.  One assumes then some kind of transportation vehicle along with weapons has to be in the mix. By Dr. John J. Woods, a contributing author to SurvivalCache.com WITHIN REACH HANDGUN… Read More

The Spyderco Sage 2 is the second knife in Spyderco’s Sage series of knives, which pay tribute to different knife makers who have brought a revolutionary features to knife locking design.  The design of each Sage knife centers around a knife maker and the design feature they are known for. By Mr. Smashy, a SurvivalCache.com… Read More

Gun cases are made to protect guns.  Guns are tools, fine tools.  They deserve to be cared for so they can be expected to perform to their design potential.  Guns need regular maintenance, cleaning, repair, and proper storage.  Storage implies both during the time of use and afterwards. By Dr. John J. Woods, a contributing… Read More

One of the purpose built survival weapons that I always found interesting was the M6 Scout made by Springfield Armory.  Based on the design for the pilots of the USAF, the Springfield Armory M6 Scout has only a few changes from the original M6 Aircrew Survival Weapon. By the SurvivalCache.com Team The commercially available model… Read More

When I was in a gun store waiting for an FFL transfer, I saw what I thought was a nice looking Browning Hi-Power in the case for a great price.   I asked to look at it and the gun felt right.  I checked the tag and it read, “CZ 75B”. By Mr. Smashy, a… Read More

Mechanical devices demand regular and proper maintenance.  This certainly includes all firearms which do require a good cleaning and lubrication after use to keep their operational performance at a peak for a survival scenario. By Dr. John J. Woods, a contributing author to SurvivalCache.com Generally though, regular maintenance does not imply that a firearm needs… Read More

Since 1959, the US Air Force has been using the AR-7 as a survival rifle for pilots.  We loved the idea behind the AR-7 so we decided to put it through the paces at SurvivalCache to see if it would live up to the term “Survival Rifle”…and it did.  By the SurvivalCache.com Team The AR-7… Read More

If you have been looking to learn more about rifles, shotguns, pistols or carbines then look no further, Boston’s Gun Bible is a trustworthy book for the beginners to the advanced gun owner.  This is a great addition to any Survivalist’s library. By Captain Bart, a contributing author to SurvivalCache.com Overview: As complete a work… Read More

Very few things get me as excited when it comes to survival gear, as a piece of good quality kit that allows me to easily use something for multiple applications.  I’ve been looking for a good modular holster system for quite awhile, now my search is over. By Scott of SurvivalCache.com When I work, I… Read More

In the Mid 1990’s, Mel Parry, a Warrant Officer QGM, and a veteran of the well known 22nd Special Air Service Regiment (British SAS) saw the requirement for a new generation of of professional blades that could replace the legacy of survival tools that had been standard equipment for decades. (From the Manufacturer) Mel Parry… Read More

The survivalists’ old standby for hunting small game has always been a small .22 rifle or pistol. While definitely no replacement for a good rifle, the pellet gun offers several advantages in a survival situation, here are a few to think about. Why a Pellet Gun? By Josh (The Survival Kid) and Captain Bart 1… Read More

The PDW or Personal Defense Weapon is a creation by the gun industry as one more thing us “Gun Nuts” need to have in our arsenal but as you will find out in this “Survival Debate” do you really need one…..or just want one?  Let’s find out. The closest cousin to the PDW is the… Read More

Self defense for women is a vital consideration for every female’s survival as well as an important part of your “Everyday Carry”.  Here are five weapons you need to have with you at all times. This article was contributed by a female reader of SurvivalCache.com 1. Ninja Spike Keychain (aka“kubotan”) This weapon is intimidating and… Read More

Part 3: (Direct Gas Impingement (DI/DGI) vs. Gas Piston Operated)  Some of the problems that plague the classic AR style rifle platform have to do with reliability, especially in sandy and dusty environments, as evidenced in Iraq and Afghanistan.   This article is Part 3 in a series of posts. Read Part 1: (A Little… Read More

Part 2: (History) In order to better understand the capabilities of the modern AR style rifle and how it can be an invaluable tool in the right situations, it’s important to understand its origins and history (both good and bad). This article is Part 2 in a series of posts.  Read Part 1: (A Little… Read More

Part 1: (A little Background) When thinking about Survival, we all spend a lot of time thinking about weapons.  We decided to assist your knowledge by taking a more in depth look at the Survival Carbine. Definition from Wikipedia: A carbine (pronounced /ˈkɑrbiːn/ or /ˈkɑrbaɪn/[1]) (from Greek καραμπινα “carbine”) is a firearm similar to a… Read More

To close out the epic Survival Shotgun series Mr. Smashy was gracious enough to give us a full rundown of his personal survival shotgun, complete with lots of pictures, gear recommendations, load ideas, and training tips. Feel free to be jealous. This article is the last in a series of posts by contributing author Mr… Read More

Although the shotgun does a great job on it’s own, there are some accessories that will greatly improve your capability. People like to load up their guns with a lot of accessories that add weight but not much functionality. Here are 4 accessories you actually need: This article is Part 7 in a series of… Read More

The machete is an extremely effective survival tool. It combines the chopping power of the hatchet with the finesse of the knife. There are many different styles of machetes designed for different tasks. Here are some of the basic types and their uses: Article by Survival Cache contributing author Josh 1. Khukuri (aka. Kukri) The… Read More

Many shotguns, especially pump guns, can run well for long periods of time between cleanings. However, in a survival situation your life may depend on that gun and you need to know it’s in perfect working order every time. This article is Part 6 in a series of posts by contributing author Mr. Smashy: Part… Read More

Thanks to television, movies, and popular Rambo talk there are lots of myths about the shotgun. If you are going to use yours effectively in a survival situation you need to separate fact from fiction. Here are some common misconceptions the smart prepper should be wary of. This article is Part 5 in a series… Read More

Shotguns easily have the most possible different types of ammunition than any other gun. From buckshot and slugs, to non-lethal and everything in between, the survival shotgun is an incredibly versatile tool. Understanding the various loads and their uses is important for any prepared survivalist. This article is Part 4 in a series of guest… Read More

A shotgun is a valuable tool that should be in every survival toolkit.  In today’s environment the shotgun can be a bit of a question mark; it’s more powerful than a pistol but has less range than a rifle, and limited magazine capacity.  It’s not always clear when or how to deploy the shotgun. Here… Read More

We’re starting a new series on SurvivalCache.com to discuss the most common and popular debates among survivalists. I figured what better way to start than with the grand daddy of them all: 9MM or .45.  Everybody has an opinion on this one, and if you don’t you probably need one, for conversational purposes if nothing… Read More

The Ruger 10/22 is one of the most popular .22 rifles in the world and a lot of people have one for small game hunting in a survival situation. You could use a completely stock 10/22 and be just fine, but to be more prepared here are the top 7 accessories for the Ruger 10/22… Read More