Preparedness
Master the Art of Choosing Your Perfect Hunting Rifle
In survival situations, the ability to hunt can significantly impact your quality of life. Selecting the right hunting rifle, however, can be a complex task with many factors to consider. This guide aims to help you navigate these choices to find a hunting rifle that suits your needs and enhances your ability to hunt effectively in various scenarios.
The first consideration when choosing a hunting rifle is the type of game you plan to hunt. If you’re targeting large game such as deer, elk, or bears, you’ll need patience and skill, as these hunts can span days or even weeks in expansive or dense environments. Larger game provides more meat, but also requires more specialized equipment, much of which can double as general survival gear.
In urban or suburban settings, small game like rabbits, squirrels, and birds are more accessible. While they offer less meat per animal, they are often more abundant and easier to hunt. For small game, a high-powered rifle isn’t necessary; instead, a shotgun or a .22 caliber firearm is recommended.
Another key question is how many firearms you want to carry. Do you prefer multifunctional guns that can serve both defensive and hunting purposes, or do you want firearms dedicated solely to hunting? This decision often hinges on the type of game you wish to pursue, whether it’s exclusively large game, small game, or a mix of both.
It’s also essential to consider who will be using the firearms. Will they be used solely by you, or will family members, including children or a spouse, also be handling them? Selecting a firearm that matches the user’s experience and comfort level is crucial for both safety and effective use.
Before delving into specific firearms for various game types, it’s worth noting a versatile option that suits a wide range of needs. The AR-15 platform is renowned for its adaptability and customization. Its modular design enables users to modify components like stocks and optics to fit their preferences and requirements. The choice between the 5.56x45mm NATO or .223 Remington cartridge offers a balance of manageable recoil and effective range, appropriate for hunting diverse game sizes.
For large game hunting, power, accuracy, and stopping force are paramount. The Remington 700, for instance, is celebrated for its precise accuracy and versatility. With a .308 Winchester caliber, it balances recoil and stopping power, making it suitable for various large game species. Its compact and lightweight design enhances maneuverability in different hunting environments.
The Browning BAR Mk3 is another excellent choice, known for its rapid follow-up shots and comfortable shooting experience. Its .30-06 Springfield cartridge delivers the necessary power for larger game, and the rifle’s lightweight build ensures ease of movement.
For long-range performance, the Ruger No. 1, with its single-shot configuration, excels in precise shot placement. The .300 Winchester Magnum cartridge is ideal for hunting large game in open landscapes.
When it comes to small game, hunters need firearms that offer accuracy and minimize meat damage. The Ruger 10/22 is a popular choice due to its quiet operation, low recoil, and cost-effective ammunition. Its lightweight and compact design make it highly maneuverable in wooded areas.
A 20-gauge shotgun is also versatile for hunting small game, accommodating various ammunition types from birdshot to buckshot. Pistol-caliber carbines, like the Henry Big Boy Carbine, offer enhanced maneuverability and reduced noise, with the .357 Magnum caliber providing sufficient stopping power for small game without excessive recoil.
For preppers, selecting the right hunting rifle involves more than just assessing weight and size. Consider the following factors:
* Maintenance and Durability: Choose firearms with simple designs and robust construction. Ease of disassembly and cleaning is crucial, especially in survival scenarios where specialized tools may be unavailable.
* Ammunition Availability: Opt for firearms that use widely available ammunition types. Ensuring a steady supply of ammunition is vital, particularly during times of scarcity.
* Multi-Caliber Options: Look for firearms with interchangeable barrels or conversion kits. This flexibility allows adaptation to different calibers based on the situation or game type.
“Part of being a responsible prepper is having the right tools to provide for you and your family.” The right hunting rifle can mean the difference between securing food or facing hunger. Choosing the appropriate firearm involves balancing weight, size, and practicality. With skill and the right rifle, you’ll be well-equipped to hunt effectively in nearly any situation.
Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.
Emergencies don’t always come with a warning. Power outages, break-ins, severe weather, or unexpected disturbances can leave you needing to protect yourself long enough to get to safety. While the goal is never to engage or escalate, having everyday household items you can rely on for protection can give you valuable time, confidence, and control.
The following items are commonly found in most homes and can be used responsibly to create distance, draw attention, or help you escape when needed.
- A Heavy-Duty Flashlight
A solid flashlight is one of the most useful protective tools in an emergency.
A bright beam can temporarily disorient someone in a dark room, allowing you to move away or secure a door. It also helps you navigate safely during power outages, avoid hazards, and signal for help.
Keep one near your bed and another in a main living area. Choose LED models with long battery life.
- A Fire Extinguisher
Most people think of fire extinguishers only for fires, but they also offer protection in other emergencies.
A quick spray creates a cloud that can block vision and breathing for a moment, giving you a chance to escape. The extinguisher itself is also sturdy enough to hold defensively while you move away from danger.
Every home should have at least one accessible extinguisher.
- A Sturdy Walking Cane or Umbrella
A cane or strong umbrella provides reach and distance without requiring physical strength.
These items can be used to keep space between you and a threat, block movement, or help you maneuver safely toward an exit. Many people already keep one near a door or bedroom, making it easy to grab quickly.
- A Loud Personal Alarm or Whistle
Sound is a powerful protective tool.
A personal alarm or whistle can startle an intruder, alert neighbors, and draw immediate attention to your situation. It’s especially helpful if shouting isn’t an option or if you live in close quarters like an apartment or townhome.
These devices are inexpensive, simple to use, and effective.
- A Doorstop or Heavy Furniture
Creating a barrier can be more effective than any object in your hands.
A basic rubber doorstop can slow or prevent a door from opening, buying you time to call for help or escape. Heavy furniture, when used carefully, can block entry points and turn a room into a temporary safe space.
Final Reminder
Protection during emergencies is about time and distance, not confrontation.
Use everyday items only as a last resort and only to help you reach safety or get help.
Preparation doesn’t mean fear — it means being ready to act calmly when it matters most.
In any large-scale collapse scenario, medical help may be delayed or unavailable entirely. Hospitals may be overwhelmed, pharmacies closed, and emergency responders unable to reach you. In those moments, having the right medical supplies can mean the difference between a manageable injury and a life-threatening situation. A survival medical kit should focus on stopping bleeding, preventing infection, managing pain, and keeping you functional.
Here are ten critical medical supplies you should carry for survival during an apocalypse or any extreme emergency.
1. Tourniquet
Severe bleeding is one of the fastest ways people die from injuries. A proper tourniquet allows you to stop life-threatening blood loss from arms or legs within seconds. This is one of the most important items in any survival medical kit.
2. Compression Bandages
Compression bandages apply steady pressure to wounds and help control bleeding. They are especially useful for deep cuts, punctures, and traumatic injuries. They also help secure wound dressings in place when movement is unavoidable.
3. Sterile Gauze Pads
Gauze is essential for cleaning wounds, absorbing blood, and protecting injuries from dirt and bacteria. Carry multiple sizes so you can handle both small cuts and larger wounds. Clean wounds heal faster and are far less likely to become infected.
4. Antiseptic Wipes or Solution
Infections become deadly quickly when antibiotics are unavailable. Antiseptic wipes, iodine swabs, or antiseptic spray help kill bacteria before it enters the body. Cleaning a wound properly is just as important as stopping the bleeding.
5. Medical Tape
Medical tape secures bandages, gauze, and splints. It is lightweight, versatile, and far more reliable than improvised solutions. Tape can also be used to reinforce blisters and prevent minor injuries from getting worse during long travel.
6. Pain Relievers
Pain can limit movement, focus, and decision-making. Over-the-counter pain relievers help reduce inflammation, headaches, muscle pain, and fever. Staying mobile and alert during a survival situation is critical.
7. Antibiotic Ointment
Topical antibiotic ointment adds another layer of protection against infection. Even small cuts can turn serious when sanitation is poor. A small tube takes almost no space and can prevent days or weeks of complications.
8. Tweezers
Tweezers are vital for removing splinters, glass, thorns, ticks, and debris from wounds. Leaving foreign objects embedded in the skin increases infection risk and slows healing. Precision tools matter when conditions are rough.
9. Nitrile Gloves
Protecting yourself while treating injuries is essential. Gloves reduce the spread of bacteria and protect both the injured person and the caregiver. They are especially important when dealing with blood or open wounds.
10. Emergency Medical Guide
In a collapse scenario, you may need to treat injuries you have never dealt with before. A small first-aid or emergency medical guide gives step-by-step instructions when stress makes thinking difficult. Knowledge becomes as valuable as any tool you carry.
Final Thoughts
Medical preparedness is often overlooked in survival planning, yet injuries are more likely than dramatic threats. Cuts, falls, burns, and infections happen fast and worsen without care. Carrying these ten medical supplies gives you the ability to stabilize injuries, prevent infection, and stay functional when professional help is no longer available.
Canned food has been a survival staple for generations, and for good reason. When emergencies disrupt normal life, access to fresh food can disappear quickly. Power outages, storms, supply chain problems, and evacuations often leave people relying on what they already have at home. Storing canned food is one of the simplest and most reliable ways to prepare for the unexpected.
Here are five clear reasons canned food deserves a permanent place in any survival plan.
1. Long Shelf Life You Can Count On
One of the biggest advantages of canned food is how long it lasts. Most canned goods stay safe and edible for years when stored in a cool, dry place. This makes them ideal for emergencies that last longer than expected. Unlike fresh or frozen foods, canned items do not spoil quickly and do not require constant attention.
2. No Refrigeration or Electricity Needed
When the power goes out, refrigerators and freezers become useless. Canned food eliminates that risk entirely. You can store it safely at room temperature and eat it without worrying about spoilage. This makes canned food especially valuable during blackouts, winter storms, and heat waves.
3. Ready to Eat With Little or No Preparation
Many canned foods can be eaten straight from the can. Beans, vegetables, soups, meats, and fruits require no cooking, which is critical when fuel is limited or unsafe to use. Even if you cannot heat food, canned items still provide calories, hydration, and nutrients when your body needs them most.
4. Balanced Nutrition During Stressful Times
Survival is not just about calories. Your body needs protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals to stay strong and alert. Canned foods make it easy to store a balanced mix of nutrition. Beans provide protein and fiber. Canned meats supply protein and fats. Vegetables and fruits offer vitamins that help prevent fatigue and illness during prolonged emergencies.
5. Affordable and Easy to Rotate
Canned food is one of the most budget-friendly survival options available. You can build a stockpile slowly by adding a few extra cans during regular grocery trips. Because canned foods are part of everyday meals, rotating them is simple. Use the oldest cans first and replace them with new ones. This keeps your supply fresh without waste.
Final Thoughts
Storing canned food is not about fear or extreme prepping. It is about common sense. These foods last a long time, require no power, are easy to prepare, and provide dependable nutrition when normal systems fail. A small, well-chosen supply of canned food can carry you through storms, outages, and unexpected disruptions with far less stress.
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Charless D Hadden
February 12, 2025 at 2:00 pm
It has been a few years since I was healthy enough to go out hunting, much less to just enjoy some plinking, but I felt the need to add to this article. Two guns of the same caliber, or even two seemingly identical guns will not fire the same. I have had many weapons that fit this scenario, and I can definitely say don’t diss on any caliber or even model of gun just because the first one you pick up on isn’t a tack driver.