preparedness

12 Budget-Friendly Firearms For Preppers

There’s a common misconception in the gun world that you have to pay a lot of money for a quality firearm. While it is absolutely true that there are many high-quality firearms at a premium price, it’s also true that in recent years, the number of quality budget firearms has gone up dramatically.

In a disaster scenario, you will need to rely on firearms for your survival, both for hunting and defensive purposes. But even if money is tight, you don’t have to spend a fortune in order to build a well-rounded armory.

In this article, we will cover twelve budget-friendly and yet high-quality firearms for preppers, divided into long guns and handguns. For each one, I also included a video where you can get a more detailed discussion of the firearm.

Long Guns

DEL-TON AR-15 5.56x45MM NATO

One of the best budget AR-15s to go with is the Del-Ton DT-15 which, being priced at around the $400 range, is even less money than the comparable Ruger AR-556 or Smith & Wesson M&P15 Sport II.

The 5.56 round the AR-15 fires is large enough to bring down medium sized game such as deer or pronghorn, and the AR-15 itself will be one of the best firearms to defend your home against multiple attackers.

That’s also not to mention that the AR-15, in general, is one of the most customizable firearms on the planet, rivaling the Glock, 1911, and the Ruger 10/22, which we will talk about next.

RUGER 10/22 .22 LR

One of the most customizable firearms in existence, the Ruger 10/22 is also the most popular .22 rifle ever made. While the rifle comes standard with 10 round magazines, extended 15, 25, and 35 round magazines are also available.

The Ruger 10/22 was originally built by Ruger to be constructed to the same level of inherent quality as the hunting rifles of the time, in contrast to the cheaper builds that commonly afflicted other .22 rifles. Today, the Ruger 10/22 often sells for around $200 to $250, which makes it a very budget-friendly rifle as well.

It’s also worth noting that the .22 should not be underestimated, and it is, in fact, one of the most versatile calibers in existence. The .22 can be used for everything from defense (if necessary) to small game hunting to plinking to casual target shooting to pest control and so on.

MARLIN MODEL 60 .22 LR

Another great .22 LR rifle to consider is the Marlin Model 60. The main difference between the Model 60 and the 10/22 is the fact that, whereas the 10/22 accepts detachable box magazines, the Marlin Model 60 feeds rounds individually through a magazine tube that runs beneath the barrel. Standard capacity on the Model 60 is either fifteen or seventeen rounds depending on the model.

Both the Model 60 and the 10/22 are very reliable and customizable, and the one you go with is entirely based on personal preference. New Model 60s are often available for under $200.

MAVERICK 88 12 GAUGE (OR 20 GAUGE)

A budget version of the Mossberg 500, the Maverick 88 is an excellent example of a $200 shotgun. Available in both 12 gauge or 20 gauge, you can also get both long and short barrels for the Maverick 88 so you can easily switch between a shotgun that can be used for both hunting and home defense, essentially giving you two shotguns in one.

Shotguns are also very practical and versatile weapons thanks to the wide choice of ammunition. Slugs can be used for big game hunting, birdshot for bird and small game hunting, and buckshot can be used for defense.

MOSIN NAGANT (7.62x54R)

The Mosin Nagant is perhaps the quintessential budget SHTF rifle. Tens of millions of Mosin Nagants flooded the surplus market when the Soviet army exchanged them for the SKS and AK-47 rifles, and at one time could be bought for less than $50 a piece in the United States. Today, most Mosin Nagant rifles will cost around $200 to $300, which still represents an excellent value.

While the Mosin Nagant is a bit crudely made, it’s also very accurate and durable, and a gun that can sustain a lot of abuse that you may put it through. That’s also not to mention that you’re buying a rifle with a lot of history behind it, as Mosin Nagants have been in continuous military service since the 1890s (and even today, they are still used by fighters in the Syrian Civil War).

MOSSBERG PATRIOT (.308 WINCHESTER…OR ANY OTHER RIFLE CALIBER)

One of the best examples of a budget hunting rifle is the Mossberg Patriot rifle, which often sells as a combo package with a Vortex scope for around $350. Available in both walnut and black synthetic stocks, the Patriot is available in a myraid of different rifle calibers, including .308 Winchester, .270 Winchester, and .30-06 Springfield.

Handguns

BERSA THUNDER 380 .380 ACP

The Bersa Thunder 380 is a .380 ACP double action single action concealed carry pistol that is basically a clone of the Walther PPK. Utilizing a blowback action, the pistol ships with 7 round magazines, but 8 round magazines from Mec Gar are also easily available.

The Bersa Thunder sports a safety and decocking lever on the slide much like the Beretta 92, and also ships with a key that can engage the internal safety lock for safer storage.

CANIK TP9 9MM

A copy of the Walther P99, the Canik TP9 is offered in many configurations, such as the SA and SF models. With an eighteen round magazine capacity (not counting extended magazines), the TP9 is a very reliable duty firearm.

Take note that it is a larger pistol and not the best choice for concealed carry, but as a sidearm in an SHTF situation with plenty of firepower, it’s hard to find a comparably sized budget gun that can beat it.

SCCY CPX-2 9MM

The SCCY CPX2 is a double action only, hammer fired compact 9mm that is routinely offered at around the $200 mark. While the SCCY does have a rather heavy trigger pull, it is still very lightweight and concealable thanks to its polymer frame and aluminum alloy receiver.

SMITH & WESSON M&P SHIELD 9MM

Smith & Wesson has sold over one million Shield pistols since the pistol’s launch in 2012, which should say a lot about its quality. One of the most popular concealed carry pistols today, competing with the Glock 43, the M&P Shield can easily be found for around $250.

The pistol comes with both a 7 round flush fit and 8 round extended magazine, and can be easily used for both concealed carry and personal defense.

TAURUS 85 (OR 856) .38 SPECIAL

In production since the early 1990s, the Taurus 85 is essentially a clone of the Smith & Wesson J-Frame 5 shot revolver. The current production of the 85 is available in either matte blued or stainless steel and is commonly available for around $250. Compact and lightweight, the M85 from Taurus would be a good option for concealed carry and home defense.

NOTE: An alternative to the Taurus 85 would be the Taurus 856, which is essentially a six shot version of the same gun.

TAURUS G2C 9MM LUGER

Routinely offered at around $200 or less, the G2C is an updated version from the previous PT111 G2 in that it lacks the previous internal safety lock that is a common addition to many Taurus pistols.

The G2C is a mid-sized, striker fired 9mm pistol with a polymer frame and a 12+1 capacity. The weapon is small enough to be easily concealed on your person, while also large enough to get a full firing grip and defend yourself with.

The pistol also comes loaded with a number of features, including a trigger safety, frame-mounted thumb safety, aggressive texturing on the grips, restrike capability and a loaded chamber indicator.

NOTE: A 7-round single stack version of the G2C, called the G2S, is also available.

Conclusion

All of the above firearms are available at very reasonable prices while also offering a level of quality you can trust your life to. As with most things, it comes down to two things: 1) What you expect to use it for, and 2) Your personal preference. Take some time to decide, but don’t take too long. The shit can hit the fan at any time.

This article first appeared on urbansurvivalsite.com See it here

preparedness

4 No Cook Meals For Surviving The Pandemic And Food Supply Shortages

When it comes to your food supply, you just can’t risk not having enough. These no cook meals will be a great addition to your food supply planning. Check out the recipes below!

No Cook Meals to Help You Through the Pandemic

As of the writing of this article, there are 20 meat processing plants that have been shut down due to COVID-19 infections. We have been worrying about these types of effects on our food supply for months now, and this is the first real sign of how infections can affect the food supply.

When you walk into a supermarket, you might not see all the choices you had in the past. An empty meat case is a humbling thing for your eyes to fall upon. It’s the shocking realization that the seemingly infinite supply of chickens, pigs, and cows that are butchered for us has begun to run dry!

To deal with this issue, we are going to present four no cook meals that will help you create dinners at home that will feed your family without worrying so much about what’s available, or unavailable, in the meat case.

1. Smashed White Bean, Avocado and Salted Pork Sandwiches

Smashed White Bean, Avocado and Salted Pork Sandwiches | No Cook Meals for Surviving the Pandemic and Food Supply Shortages

As preppers we get beans. There are a bunch of ways to use beans and this a great example of how you can pack a sandwich with great nutrition and protein.

Serving: Makes 4 sandwiches

Ingredients:

Can of White Beans
Olive Oil
1 Avocado
8 Slices of Whole Grain Bread
8 Slices of Salted Pork (Prosciutto, Ham, Virginia Ham)

Instructions:

Begin by draining your beans in a colander then smashing them up in a bowl add a few glugs of olive oil, salt, pepper. This little mix is delicious. If you add some minced rosemary, you can even turn this into a delicious dip.
Pit your avocado and cut it in half and then quarters lengthwise. Leave the skin on.
Lay the bread out on a clean work surface for assembling the sandwiches.
Spread your mashed bean mix onto one side of the bread.
Peel your avocados and slice 1 quarter for each sandwich. Spread slices over the bean spread.
Add a few slices of your pork to over the top of the avocado.
You can finish this sandwich with some lettuces, fresh sprouts, or just eat it as is.

2. Delicious Crab Salad

Canned crab is a protein option that will likely be around through much of this meat crisis. It does have to be kept in refrigeration, but it’s delicious and this chipotle mayo salad is great in the spring and summer.

Ingredients:

1 Can of Crab Meat
1 Bunch of Asparagus
Chipotle Mayo
1 Bunch of Green Onions
1 Bunch of Cilantro

Instructions:

Drain your crab in a colander and set it in the sink.
Slice your asparagus into 1-inch pieces. Throw them into a bowl.
Thinly slice your onions and your cilantro and throw that into the bowl, as well.
Gently toss in the crab meat.
Squirt on enough Chipotle mayo to coat everything and toss gently not to break up the crab meat.
Chill in the fridge and serve.

3. Simple Greek Salad

Simple Greek Salad | No Cook Meals for Surviving the Pandemic and Food Supply Shortages

The combination of simple summer ingredients makes for an incredible quick salad that you could add other proteins, too, if you wanted. These could be canned meats.

Ingredients:

2 Large Tomatoes
1 Cucumber
1 Red Onion
¼ Cup of Feta Cheese
A Few Sprigs of Fresh Mint
½ Cup of Kalamata Olives
Balsamic Dressing

Instructions:

I like to cut the tomatoes in large chunks and have them kind of be the main course in this salad. Peel and slice your cucumber in half. Remove the seeds and either dice or slice in half-moons.
Peel and slice your red onion in half. Julienne your, or thinly slice, your half onion.
Add all these ingredients to a bowl. Finely slice your mint.
Add your olives, crumbled feta, and mint to the bowl and add enough dressing to coat everything.
Stir it up and allow this to chill for at least an hour for the flavors to really blend.

4. Mediterranean Tuna Lettuce Wraps

Mediterranean Tuna Lettuce Wraps | No Cook Meals for Surviving the Pandemic and Food Supply Shortages

Using some similar ingredients and adding a protein like tuna, you can create some delicious lettuce wraps. The key to a good lettuce wrap is to have most of the items around the same size. So, consider that when you are preparing this dish.

Ingredients:

Iceberg or Butter Lettuce
Canned Artichokes
Canned roasted Red peppers
Fresh Cucumber
Feta Cheese
Minced Olives ¼ Cup
2 Cans of Tuna
Green Onions
Basil

Instructions:

Start by peeling all the full leaves from your lettuce. Set them on a plate either cover them with a wet paper towel or put them back into the fridge.
Dice the peppers, artichokes, and cucumbers into cubes. Go no larger than ½ an inch.
Thinly slice your green onions and basil and add them to a bowl with your diced vegetables. Add your loves to this bowl and mix them thoroughly.
Crumble your feta cheese over the mixture.
Drain your tuna thoroughly and then add that to the bowl, as well.
Gently toss this mixture. Try not to break up the tuna and the cheese too much but incorporate it thoroughly.
If you want, you can add some olive oil to the mix or a few glugs of balsamic vinegar. It’s also delicious just how it is.
Scoop a few tablespoons into a lettuce leaf, wrap it up and eat up!

These no cook meals should help lessen the stress you feel when thinking of what to feed your family. If you don’t have the specific ingredients, use your creativity, and use what you have. You might discover a new recipe while you’re at it!

What’s your favorite no cook meal recipe? Please share it with us in the comments section!

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This Article Was First Found at survivallife.com Read The Original Article Here

preparedness

Billionaire Whistle Blower: Wuhan Coronavirus Death Toll Is Over 50,000

Exiled Chinese businessman Guo Wengui recently revealed leaks from Wuhan crematoriums. He claims based on the number of bodies their furnaces are burning, the death toll could be as high as 50,000.

A Chinese billionaire and whistleblower who lives in U.S. exile says Wuhan crematoriums have burned 50,000 coronavirus victims. | Credit: Chinatopix via AP

The official coronavirus death toll in China is a little over 800. But an exiled Chinese businessman says crematoriums are leaking the real figure.
A billionaire whistleblower alleges Wuhan has crematoriums working 24/7. He claims they’ve cremated some 50,000 coronavirus victims.
Guo Wengui is a Chinese billionaire living in exile in the United States.

The official coronavirus death toll is some 800 people in China. The current official death toll worldwide, outside of China, is 774. But a Chinese billionaire with a history of blowing the whistle on his former government says the real figure is much higher.

Exiled Chinese businessman Guo Wengui recently revealed leaks from Wuhan crematoriums. He claims based on the number of bodies their furnaces are burning, the death toll could be as high as 50,000. Wengui made the bombshell allegations in an interview with former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon.

Whistleblower: 1.5 Million Coronavirus Cases In China, 50,000 Coronavirus Deaths In Wuhan

He also claims to have inside information that there are 1.5 million confirmed coronavirus cases in China. Wengui is emphatic that these are not merely quarantined or “under observation” but confirmed cases of coronavirus infection:

China has struggled to contain the coronavirus. But it has also struggled to contain public outcry against censorship and tight control of information. Dr. Li Wenliang, who sounded the alarm about the disease, succumbed to an infection and died this week. The Chinese government arrested him for blowing the whistle.

Then officials tried to suppress news of his death. Afterwards, millions of Chinese citizens saw the hashtag #IWantFreedomOfSpeech on Mandarin language social media. But the Chinese government censored that too.

Are Wengui’s Crematorium Claims Credible?

Watch VICE’s 2017 profile on Guo Wengui. At the time, he published bombshell documents alleging corruption in the Chinese government. He got the attention of the media and reportedly the U.S. State Department.

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