Bridgford ready to eat sandwiches

         I have spoken before of being prepared for emergencies with a bug-out bag or some kind of preparedness kit. You can never really be to prepared for something can you? I am always looking for food products that can be stored for extended periods of time without going bad so they will be there in an emergency. Of course, nobody wants to compromise taste if they don't have to either, well I have found a company who thinks the same way. Bridgford food services is a family controlled business that has been making products for over eighty years. With that much experience it's safe to say that they really know what they are doing. They have a line of  ready-to-eat sandwiches that stay good for three years and taste great! I have tried many of the different varieties they offer and have been impressed every time.

     ...In Bridgfords own words, the

     "Shelf-Stable Ready-To-Eat Sandwich Line was originally developed for the United States Military as combat feeding rations for the “Troops On-The-Go”. The military required a product that had a three-year shelf-life, and would taste as great on day 1,095 as it did on day 1. The sandwiches were originally tested with the United States Marines during an operation in Fallujah, and they scored exceptionally well, receiving one of the highest acceptance scores ever for a new product. Currently, the product is incorporated into the “First Strike Ration” which is provided to our military’s Special Operations Forces when they carry out missions in a “Hot Zone”.  Shelf-Stable Ready-To-Eat Sandwiches that contain meat are produced under USDA inspection, and are also inspected by AMS, FDA, NCDA, VETCOM, and other agencies. All meat and poultry used in producing the sandwiches is USDA inspected. The sandwiches are heated to a minimum internal temperature of 190 degrees F, and are manufactured under the auspices of a HACCP program."

     They offer many sandwich varieties, such as beef, chicken, pepperoni, and sausage, as well as sweeter snack and breakfast items like apple turnovers and french toast. The french toast was absolutely delicious by the way! All of their sandwiches can be eaten hot or cold so you don't need to worry if you have no means of cooking food. Throw some in your bug-out, camping, or fishing bag. Put one or two in the glove-box of your car in case you ever break down for extended periods of time or take a long road trip. Wherever you go Bridgfords products can go with you and make sure you never go hungry again. These little gems only weigh a few ounces each so they are nothing to carry. If at all possible I will be bringing a Bridgford sandwich with me on every one of my hikes from now on.

Here is some additional nutritional information...

Pocket Sandwiches

Great for Emergency/Disaster Relief Planning

New Innovative Product

• 3-Year Shelf Life if Stored at 80º F or less; may be stored at

100º for six months.

Taste Great

• No heating required – just tear open and eat.

• Great cold or hot.

• Approved and used by the U.S. Military.

High in Protein and Carbohydrates

• On average, the sandwiches provide 300 calories

and 11 grams of protein per serving.

Compact

• 3.5-oz to 2.5-oz per sandwich.

• 83 to 108 calories- per-ounce.

Inexpensive meal solution

For more information, please call Richard Mueller at: (312) 520-8311,

or email: rmueller@bridgford.com.

ITALIAN STYLE INGREDIENTS:

Ester, Dough Conditioners [Wheat Flour, Diacetyl Tartaric Acid Esters of Mono- and Diglycerides {DATEM}, Soy Oil, L-Cysteine Hydrochloride, Enzyme, Ascorbic Acid, Azodicarbonamide {ADA}], Gum Arabic, Calcium Sulfate, Xanthan Gum, Sorbic Acid),

Bread (Enriched Bleached Flour [Wheat Flour, Malted Barley Flour, Niacin, Iron, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid], Water, Partially Hydrogenated Soybean and Cottonseed Oil, Glycerol, Yeast, Salt, Sucrose

Tomato Sauce

(Tomato Paste [Tomatoes, Tomato Juice, Salt, Citric Acid], Glycerol, Parmesan/Romano Cheese[Pasteurized Cow’s Milk, Culture, Salt, Enzymes], Olive Oil, Sugar, Garlic Powder, Dried Onions, Spices, Salt), Marinated/Cooked Sausage

(Italian Sausage [Pork, Salt, Water, Dextrose, Spices And Flavorings, Monosodium Glutamate, Sodium Nitrite], Rice Syrup, Glycerol, Water, Salt, Spices),

Oleoresin of Paprika, Sodium Erythorbate, Sodium Nitrite, BHA, BHT),

Pepperoni (Pork, Beef, Salt, Water, Dextrose, Paprika, Spices and Flavorings, Lactic Acid Starter Culture,Mozzarella Cheese Powder (Mozzarella Cheese [Pasteurized Milk, Cultures, Salt, Enzymes], Disodium Phosphate). Calories Per Ounce: 91.

BARBECUED BEEF INGREDIENTS:

Yeast, Salt, Sucrose Ester, Dough Conditioners [Wheat Flour, Diacetyl Tartaric Acid Esters of Mono- and Diglycerides {DATEM}, Soy Oil, L-Cysteine Hydrochloride, Enzyme, Ascorbic Acid, Azodicarbonamide {ADA}], Gum Arabic, Calcium Sulfate,

Xanthan Gum, Sorbic Acid),

Vinegar Flavor [Sodium Diacetate, Citric Acid, Potassium Citrate, Glucona-Delta-Lactone], Worcestershire Sauce [Distilled Vinegar, Molasses, Corn Syrup, Water, Salt, Caramel Coloring, Sugar, Spices, Anchovies, Flavoring, Tamarind], Dried

Onions, Smoke Flavoring, Sodium Phosphate).

Bread (Enriched Bleached Flour [Wheat Flour, Malted Barley Flour, Niacin, Iron, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid], Water, Partially Hydrogenated Soybean and Cottonseed Oil, Glycerol,Barbecued Beef (Beef, Tomato Paste [Tomato Paste, Salt, Citric Acid], Brown Sugar, Mustard, Glycerol, Honey, Molasses, Spices and Flavorings, Beef Broth, Partially Hydrogenated Soybean Oil, Salt, Rice Syrup,Calories Per Ounce: 83.

BARBECUED CHICKEN INGREDIENTS:

Yeast, Salt, Sucrose Ester, Dough Conditioners [Wheat Flour, Diacetyl Tartaric Acid Esters of Mono- and Diglycerides {DATEM}, Soy Oil, L-Cysteine Hydrochloride, Enzyme, Ascorbic Acid, Azodicarbonamide {ADA}], Gum Arabic, Calcium Sulfate,

Xanthan Gum, Sorbic Acid),

Rice Syrup, Vinegar Flavor [Sodium Diacetate, Citric Acid, Potassium Citrate, Glucona-Delta-Lactone], Worcestershire Sauce [Distilled Vinegar, Molasses, Corn Syrup, Water, Salt, Caramel Coloring, Sugar, Spices, Anchovies, Flavoring, Tamarind],

Dried Onions, Smoke Flavoring, Sodium Phosphate).

Bread (Enriched Bleached Flour [Wheat Flour, Malted Barley Flour, Niacin, Iron, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid], Water, Partially Hydrogenated Soybean and Cottonseed Oil, Glycerol,Barbecued Chicken (Chicken, Tomato Paste [Tomato Paste, Salt, Citric Acid], Brown Sugar, Mustard, Glycerol, Honey, Molasses, Spices and Flavorings, Chicken Broth, Partially Hydrogenated Soybean Oil, Salt,Calories Per Ounce: 83.

PEPPERONI STICK INGREDIENTS:

Salt, Sucrose Ester, Dough Conditioners [Wheat Flour, Diacetyl Tartaric Acid Esters of Mono- and Diglycerides {DATEM}, Soy Oil, L-Cysteine Hydrochloride, Enzyme, Ascorbic Acid, Azodicarbonamide {ADA}], Gum Arabic, Calcium Sulfate, Xanthan

Gum, Glucono-Delta-Lactone, Sorbic Acid),

Bread (Enriched Bleached Flour [Wheat Flour, Malted Barley Flour, Niacin, Iron, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid], Water, Partially Hydrogenated Soybean and Cottonseed Oil, Glycerol, Yeast,Pepperoni (Pork, Beef, Salt, Water, Dextrose, Paprika, Spices and Flavorings, Lactic Acid Starter Culture, Oleoresin of Paprika, Sodium Erythorbate, Sodium Nitrite, BHA, BHT). Calories Per Ounce: 108.

BACON IN CHEESE-FLAVORED BREAD INGREDIENTS:

Vegetable Oil, Corn Syrup Solids, Wheat Flour, Milk, Maltodextrin, Salt, Lactic Acid, Enzyme Modified Cheese {Milk, Salt, Enzymes}, Natural Flavors, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Carbonate, Disodium Phosphate, Annatto {For Color}], Partially

Hydrogenated Soybean and Cottonseed Oil, Glycerol, Yeast, Salt, Sucrose Ester, Dough Conditioners [Wheat Flour, Diacetyl Tartaric Acid Esters of Mono- and Diglycerides {DATEM}, Soy Oil, L-Cysteine Hydrochloride, Enzyme, Ascorbic Acid,

Azodicarbonamide {ADA}], Gum Arabic, Butter Flavor [Gum Arabic, Natural and Artificial Flavors, Medium Chain Triglycerides], Glucono- Delta-Lactone, Calcium Sulfate, Xanthan Gum, Sorbic Acid),

Smoke Flavor, Sugar, Dextrose, Sodium Erythorbate, Sodium Nitrite).

Bread (Enriched Bleached Flour [Wheat Flour, Malted Barley Flour, Niacin, Iron, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid], Water, Cheddar Flavored Flakes [HydrolyzedBacon (Cured with Water, Salt, HickoryCalories Per Ounce: 106.

SWEET & SOUR SOY INGREDIENTS: Bread

[Wheat Flour, Monoglycerides, Diacetyl Tartaric Acid Esters of Mono & Diglycerides, Ammonium Sulfate, Enzymes, Citric Acid, Ascorbic Acid], Gum Arabic, Calcium Sulfate, Xanthan Gum, Butter Flavor [From Milk], Sorbic Acid),

Soy

Molasses, Soy Lecithin, Citric Acid).

(Enriched Bleached Flour [Wheat Flour, Malted Barley Flour, Niacin, Iron, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid], Water, Palm Oil, Glycerol, Yeast, Salt, Sucrose Ester, Dough ConditionersSweet & Sour(Soy Protein Concentrate, Sugar, Vinegar, Water, Pineapple, Glycerol, Rice Syrup, Orange Juice, Bell Pepper, Soy Sauce (Water, Wheat, Soy, Salt), Chopped Onions, Canola Oil, Modified Food Starch, Salt, Lemon Juice, Seasonings and Flavorings,Calories Per Ounce: 83.

FILLED FRENCH TOAST INGREDIENTS: Bread

Oil, Maple Flakes [Sugar, Vegetable Oil (Palm Oil, Palm Kernel Oil), Wheat Flour, Maltodextrin, Cellulose, Maple Sugar, Cocoa Powder, Glucose, Natural Flavors, Extractives of Foenugreek, Soy Lecithin, Caramel Color], Cinnamon Flakes [Sugar,

Vegetable Oil (Palm Oil, Palm Kernel Oil), Cinnamon, Soy Lecithin], Glycerol, Yeast, Salt, Sucrose Ester, Gum Arabic, Calcium Sulfate, Xanthan Gum, Sorbic Acid, Food Color [FD&C Yellow #5 Alum Lake]),

Water, Dextrose, Imitation Maple Syrup [Corn Syrup, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Water, Cellulose Gum, Caramel Color, Salt, Sodium Benzoate And Sorbic Acid, Artificial And Natural Flavors, Sodium Phosphate], Corn Syrup, Glycerol, Tapioca Starch,

Corn Starch, Maple Flavor [Natural and Artificial], Locust Bean Gum, Xanthan Gum).

(Enriched Bleached Flour [Wheat Flour, Malted Barley Flour, Niacin, Iron, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid, and Enzyme], Water, Partially Hydrogenated Soybean and CottonseedMaple Filling (High Fructose Corn Syrup,Calories Per Ounce: 100.

CINNAMON BUN INGREDIENTS:

Cinnamon Flakes [Sugar, Vegetable Oil {Palm Oil, Palm Kernel Oil}, Cinnamon, Soy Lecithin], Yeast, Sugar, Salt, Sucrose Ester, Dough Conditioners [Wheat Flour, Diacetyl Tartaric Acid Esters of Mono- and Diglycerides {DATEM}, Soy Oil, LCysteine

Hydrochloride, Enzyme, Ascorbic Acid, Azodicarbonamide {ADA}], Gum Arabic, Calcium Sulfate, Xanthan Gum, Sorbic Acid, Butter Flavor [Gum Arabic, Natural and Artificial Flavors, Medium Chain Triglycerides], Food Color [FD&C

Yellow #5 Alum Lake]),

Bread (Enriched Bleached Flour [Wheat Flour, Malted Barley Flour, Niacin, Iron, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid], Water, Partially Hydrogenated Soybean and Cottonseed Oil, Glycerol,Cinnamon Filling (High Fructose Corn Syrup, Water, Dextrose, Cinnamon, Corn Syrup, Glycerol, Starch, Vanilla Flavor [Natural and Artificial], Locust Bean Gum, Xanthan Gum). Calories Per Ounce: 94.

APPLE TURNOVER INGREDIENTS: Bread

[Sugar, Vegetable Oil {Palm Oil, Palm Kernel Oil}, Cinnamon, Soy Lecithin], Glycerol, Yeast, Salt, Sucrose Ester, Dough Conditioners [Wheat Flour, Diacetyl Tartaric Acid Esters of Mono- and Diglycerides {DATEM}, Soy Oil, L-Cysteine Hydrochloride,

Enzyme, Ascorbic Acid, Azodicarbonamide {ADA}], Gum Arabic, Calcium Sulfate, Xanthan Gum, Sorbic Acid, Food Color [FD&C Yellow #5 Alum Lake]),

Ascorbic Acid, Citric Acid], Apple Concentrate, Dextrose, Glycerol, Starch, Vanilla Flavor [Natural and Artificial], Cinnamon, Locust Bean Gum, Xanthan Gum, Apple Flavor).

(Enriched Bleached Flour [Wheat Flour, Malted Barley Flour, Niacin, Iron, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid], Water, Partially Hydrogenated Soybean and Cottonseed Oil, Cinnamon FlakesApple Filling (High Fructose Corn Syrup, Water, Dried Apples [Apples, Sugar, Sunflower Oil,Calories Per Ounce: 90.

CHERRY TURNOVER INGREDIENTS: Bread

Strawberry Flakes [Sugar, Vegetable Oil {Palm Oil, Palm Kernel}, Wheat Flour, Malic Acid, Natural & Artificial Flavor, Sodium Citrate, Caramel Color, Red 40 Lake, Soy Lecithin, Blue 2 Lake], Glycerol, Yeast, Salt, Sucrose Ester, Gum Arabic, Calcium

Sulfate, Xanthan Gum, Sorbic Acid, FD&C Yellow #5 Alum Lake),

Sunflower Oil, Ascorbic Acid, Citric Acid, Natural Cherry Flavor], Corn Syrup, Apple Concentrate, Cherry Juice Concentrate, Glycerol, Starch, Artificial Cherry Flavor, Xanthan Gum, Locust Bean Gum, Red 40 Lake.

(Enriched Bleached Flour [Wheat Flour, Malted Barley Flour, Niacin, Iron, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid, and Enzyme], Water, Partially Hydrogenated Soybean and Cottonseed Oil,Cherry Filling (High Fructose Corn Syrup, Water, Dried Red Tart Cherries [Cherries, Sugar, Sunflower Oil, Ascorbic Acid, Citric Acid], Dextrose, Dried Cranberries [Cranberries, Sugar,Calories Per Ounce: 90.

WHITE FLAT BREAD INGREDIENTS:

Salt, Sucrose Ester, Dough Conditioners (Wheat Flour, Diacetyl Tartaric Acid Esters of Mono- and Diglycerides [DATEM], Soy Oil, L-Cysteine, Enzyme, Ascorbic Acid, Azodicarbonamide [ADA]), Gum Arabic, Butter Flavor (Gum Arabic, Natural

and Artificial Flavors, Medium Chain Triglycerides), Calcium Sulfate, Xanthan Gum, Sorbic Acid.

Enriched Bleached Flour (Wheat Flour, Malted Barley Flour, Niacin, Iron, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid), Water, Partially Hydrogenated Soybean and Cottonseed Oil, Glycerol, Yeast,Calories Per Ounce: 94.

WHOLE WHEAT FLAT BREAD INGREDIENTS:

Sulfate, Enzymes, Citric Acid, Ascorbic Acid), Gum Arabic, Calcium Sulfate, Xanthan Gum, Sorbic Acid, Butter Flavor (From Milk).

Whole Wheat Flour, Water, Palm Oil, Glycerol, Yeast, Honey, Salt, Sucrose Ester, Dough Conditioners (Wheat Flour, Monoglycerides, Diacetyl Tartaric Acid Esters of Mono & Diglycerides, AmmoniumCalories Per Ounce: 103.

48 Count Loose Pack – No Refrigeration Required

Shelf-Stable, Ready to Eat

Mt. Katahdin

     While I am waiting on parts to complete the second half of my AR15 build I thought I would share some pictures from my recent hike of Mt. Katahdin. For those who are not familiar with it by name, Mt. Katahdin is the highest peak in the state of Maine, stretching up one mile into the clouds overlooking Baxter State Park in the states northern wilderness. This years hike ended up being a very long day due to a number of reasons but the pay off was no less amazing than ever. Last year my hiking partner and I took the Saddle Trail to the summit and decided to follow the same path back down after taking in the views from the top. This year the wind was so still and calm at the top we had to try the Knife's Edge. Knife's Edge is the most famous trail of Mt. Katahdin. It starts by the summit and follows the mountain ridge to Pomola Peak where it branches off into several different trails going down the mountain. This trail has the best views by far but it gets as narrow as three to four feet in places with cliff on both sides so you want to photograph carefully. All in all it was a great day. We rested at the summit for lunch and I cooked hotdogs and sausages on my folding camp stove (which I was quite impressed with). Here are some of the views.

This is my hiking partner making his way down the trail. Does it get any better than that?

The two pictures above are the Knife's Edge trail from a ways back. Yes, you basically walk the top of the mountains. How cool is that?

That's a long way down...so long in fact that we found ourselves above the clouds....

It was absolutely beautiful at the top this day, barely any wind, plenty of sun, and lots of people enjoying Mother Nature's glory. The scenary doesn't begin when you get to the top though. The trails are filled with gorgeous brooks, bridges, and wildlife that makes the entire experience very sureal. Below is a random trail picture as we had just started hiking.

Pictured below is probably the hardest part of the Saddle Trail. It is known as the slide. The rocks are very light-weight and can slide under your feet if your not careful. To the left side of the picture, which would be the right side of the trail as you go up, are bigger rocks that can be climbed over to avoid sliding.

At the end of our adventure I was sitting in the parking lot. I was switching my shoes and taking my pack off for a much needed break. I heard something in the woods and walked over a few feet to see what it was. Just as I got a little closer an adult doe stepped out into the parking lot in front of me (and of course my camera was in the car). Luckily she waited for me to go grab it and take her picture. What a way to end a beautiful Maine hike!

Mt. Washington is coming up in a few weeks. I'll be sure to post more pics from there.

AR15 project part 1

     While thinking of what after-market parts I should equip my rifle with, I was first faced with the decision of what I wanted my rifle to do for me. When I bought it , it had a very nice Leupold vari-x iii hunting scope on it. This scope brings close to four-hundred dollars brand new and would definately allow long range shots to be taken with ease, however, this particular rifle is a carbine with a 14.5 inch barrel. If I wanted to take shots from a long distance I would have bought a rifle with a eighteen or twenty inch barrel for increased accuracy. The carbine length barrels were designed for ease of movement. They were primarily made for tactical and self defense purposes. With this is mind I wanted products that would add to the functionability of the rifle. I wanted tasks such as magazine changes and solving weapon malfunctions faster and easier. I want to be able to acquire my target quickly and accurately, and be able to squeeze off multiple rounds on target if need be. I decided the first thing I was going to do was improve the trigger.
     I did this by replacing the factory fire control springs (trigger, hammer, and disconnector) with J.P reduced power springs. This definately made the trigger pull much lighter and cleaner, dropping it by approximately three pounds. I then installed a set screw into the lower reciever to take up the "creep" or "pre-travel" (the ammount of space the trigger moves before engaging the disconnector and releasing the hammer). The instructions for this process can be found by running a search for "the 50 cent ar trigger job". When doing this one must use a little common sense in not taking too much creep out. Taking too much out can result in the weapon firing twice with one pull of the trigger or misfiring when bumped, both are very dangerous. If you don't feel like you know how much to take out then DON'T DO IT! This has been your official disclaimer so don't try suing me if you do it wrong.
     So now that my trigger pull was smooth, light, and clean it was time to increase my rifles modular capabilities. I changed out the factory handguards with a Magpul M.O.E composite rail interface system (R.I.S). With the addition of the composite rail pieces I was ready to add modular accessories to my weapon. The first of these was a three inch forward vertical grip (F.V.G). This grip allows me to move the rifle around easier in close quarters and also had a hollow compartment in which I keep a few spare internal parts for repairs in the field if necessary. I also purchased a grip sleeve cover from Manta rail. This F.V.G cover has a pocket designed for pressure pads, so if I ever decide to run a light or optic with a pressure pad activation system I can keep the switch right there on the grip for easy access.
     I also wanted a light. If this rifle was going to be used for home defense it would make sense that having a light attatched to the weapon would be huge during low visibility situations. The only problem is that most weapon lights that are worth anything are very expensive ($100-$300). As rugged and cool as they may be I just could not see myself spending that kind of money on a flashlight. So, I bought a one inch drop light mount on ebay and went shopping. I found an impact/water resistant Maglite XL50 LED at Walmart for thirty dollars. Maglite has a lifetime warrantee on all their lights and the tail cap switch makes turning it on and off while holding the rifle a snap. Considering the difference in cost I will take my chances and hope I never have to use the light after my gun has been thrown in a pool and run over.

This is the forend of the rifle with the Magpul handguard and rails, FVG, and Maglite. The rails have UTG rail covers over them for a better feel while I am shooting and to protect the rails themselves from damage. This Maglite is very bright! I also bought an accessory pack for it that came with the rubber lens cover you see and colored lenses (red and blue).
     The next two item I put on were also tactical upgrades and I stuck with Magpul. I installed the Magpul oversized trigger guard for easier trigger acquisition and winter shooting with a gloved hand. I also installed the Magpul B.A.D (battery assist device) lever. This lever allows me to operate the bolt catch with my trigger finger , so I never have to remove my support hand. I didn't much mind the old way when it came to loading a fresh magazine but I cannot begin to tell you how much faster and easier magazine changes are with this little B.A.D boy. When the last round is fired from a magazine the bolt locks backward. Usually you would change the magazine and then hit the magazine release button with your left hand before having to return it to the handguard to resume firing. With the B.A.D lever as soon as the new magazine is in you can return your support hand to the weapon and simply slide your trigger finger down over the lever, releasing the bolt and loading the first round from the new magazine. It is incredibly smooth. This lever cost me around thirty dollars and is probably the most worth-while investment I have made so far. Magpul got it right with this thing when they say they give shooters an "unfair advantage".

 I will post more of the upgrades I made in a few days. As usual if you have any questions on where I got any of the items or how I did anything leave me a comment or send me a message and I will do my best to get back to you as soon as possible. Don't forget about the free emergency fire-starter you could win at the end of this month. Happy shooting!

The Bug-Out Bag (chance for free camp firestarter)

     There are different names for them but my favorite is the "bug-out bag" and I think everyone should have one. A bug-out bag is a back-pack or duffle bag filled with all the things you think you will need in an emergency. What kind of emergency? Well I guess that's up to you but personally I like a little of everything. I began making one of these bags a couple years ago. It's a standard sized duffle bag filled to capacity with anything and everything I ever thought would be great  to have on hand in a pinch. A well stocked first-aid kit, matches, flashlight, extra batteries, emergency blanket, tarp, rope, knife, duct tape, dry pair of socks...i could go on forever. Once I started building it I thought of more and more things I wanted in it until it became what it is today. A few M.R.E's (meals ready to eat), fishing tackle, a quart of water, water purification tablets, bug spray...every bag is different but they all serve the same basic principle, to be prepared. My bug out bag fits easily into the trunk of the car or can be brought along on camping trips to ensure everything is covered, especially all those items noone thinks about till they need them (first aid, toilet paper, sun protection, bug spray) Even a fully stocked bag without too many fancy items can be made for a couple hundred dollars or less, so what are you waiting for? Start making one and never worry if the power goes out, if you break down on the side of the road, or even if you just want to "bug out".  I have a great item to start you off with.

This is an emergency fire starter. If you are at camp or lost in the woods with no way of making fire to stay warm, or if your matches have become wet and your lighter is empty, this is your friend. It is completely water proof so even if it gets soaked it will be able to light yor fire. Just scrape the steel flint along the magnesium alloy fire starter rod and you will creat a 5,000 degree spark. This item lasts about 12,000 strikes. From now until the end of June any new followers to my page will be entered to win this firestarter. Just start following me and write me a comment saying "firestarter" so I know you are interested. I will return all follows and the winner will be announced at the end of June on my page.       The winner will recieve this firestarter completly free (shipping too). So follow along and start building your bug out bag now.

AR15: Americas #1 rifle.

I joined the military after high school and though my term of service was but a few years I have many fond, and some not so fond, memories of my experience there. The exercises, the yelling, the non-stop mentality that we all grew familiar with became ingrained in us in such a way that it may never leave completely, even after we are long gone from the job. Your senses have a way of holding your memories closer. Sounds, sights, textures, and smells lock themselves into your mind in ways I never would have imagined. For me, the last of these is the most memorable. The smell of cleaning supplies in the barracks because everything had to be so spotless, the pungent aroma of two-hundred and sixty soldiers sweating during physical training, the scent of breakfast every morning being carried around in the wind, and the smell of gun smoke at the rifle range. To this day, every time I smell spent gunpowder it immediately brings me back to my days in boot camp.  

            I have used many firearms since I got out of the army but I have always hoped to be able to own one like my service rifle, the m16-a2. Recently I had this opportunity and purchased a Bushmaster “AR15” XM15-E2S carbine.  The AR15 platform has been the most popular rifle for both military and civilian markets for quite some time, and with good reason. The 5.56 NATO/.223 cartridges are lightweight, allowing soldiers to carry more. It is universally used in many different weapons all over the world, and the weapon itself is so modular and easy to modify that it offers a practical solution to your needs whether you’re shooting gophers in your garden or storming terrorist strongholds in the Middle East.

            Here is a picture of the rifle as it came to me with a few extras. The handgrip has a Samson tool kit insert which houses every tool you would need to perform repairs in the field, including a small container of oil for a one time cleaning. This item goes for about a hundred dollars and I probably would never have bought it on my own but as it came on the weapon I found it an incredible value. I will be adding some things in the near future to make it more tactical and give it a custom look. As I do I will keep everyone updated to my experiences with different manufacturer’s parts and how well they worked out for me. If anyone has any questions feel free to write and I will do my best to answer them.

Getting back at it.

     Hello everyone.  It seems like it has been forever since I last posted anything on this blog. Between switching in and out of jobs and having a new baby around the house I haven't found as much time for writing as I would like to. Now that spring seems to be peeking around the corner my mind has been racing thinking of all the reasons I love the warmer weather, not that we had much of a winter to deal with this year anyway. Soon there will be hiking, fishing, camping, shooting, sports and anything else I can find to keep from slipping into the bottomless abyss of inactivity, which makes my return to this blog perfectly timed.
     I have several hikes and other activities scheduled for this spring and summer and I plan to write here regularly to share my experiences, pictures, and hopefully save anyone else who is planning to do the same things a lot of time and money by pointing out all the little shortcuts and items that make life a lot easier for all of us outdoor nuts. Weather it is the best spots to hike, the best guns to shoot, or the best gear to make it all more fun and affordable I'll have it for you here.