by Cactus Jack, Survival Blog:
The recent Crowdstrike computer/IT outage got us thinking about a host of things that affect our everyday lives. How do we get cash out of the bank, fuel for our vehicles, food, water, etc. when the power or internet is out? Start pulling on a loose thread and we soon realize that in life everything seems to be connected.
There are ‘must have’ items that we always carry with us. Cash, a small amount of US 90% silver coins, firearm(s), knives (as in more than one), water, food, some tools, gloves, hat, and some cordage (rope or heavy twine) In reality we have a lot more than that but this is the minimum in both vehicles.
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We need to have spare cash to cope with the internet being down. How much? Where do we stash it? Who do we tell the hidden location in case there is an emergency? Most insurance companies only insure a residence for a maximum of $2000 in cash, jewelry or firearms so we try to have at least that on hand and in the safe. A mix of bills is best. One philosophy for SHTF is you will need $50 bills more than you will need .50 BMGs. But why not have both?
We were on a motorcycle trip once in the middle of nowhere on the California and Nevada border. A backhoe crew had hit the only communication line coming into the small town so credit cards wouldn’t work, that’s how easily an entire town’s infrastructure can be shut down! As we were waiting for our turn at the gas pump the owner of the small store came out at yelled out ‘DO NOT SWIPE A CREDIT CARD AT THE PUMP, IT WILL LOCK IT UP, CASH ONLY!’ The guy with the nozzle in his hand looked at him, nodded, then immediately swiped his credit card and locked up the pumps! It was a nervous ride to the next town running on fumes, we actually shut the engine off and coasted on the downhill stretches to save fuel
Now I carry enough cash on me to buy a tank of gas, dinner, and a motel room. That is about $500 in this age of inflation. (Thanks Biden!) In the glove box there is about another $100 in small bills in an envelope marked ‘coupons’ hidden inside some fast food and grocery coupons.
What happens if the U.S. currency goes the ol’ Weimar Republic route and becomes worthless? You’d better have some precious metals stashed away to cope with that. About $4,000 worth of 90% silver half dollars fit in a two-foot section of 1-1⁄4” PVC pipe. Not trusting the threaded end caps, we elected to just seal up both ends with glue. Easy enough to cut open and will be protected from the elements should it be buried or hidden in a wall or behind an appliance like a refrigerator, washer, or dryer.
How is the firearm situation? The range can go from zero to a boatload and we probably have a number somewhere in the middle. Start off with a .22 pistol, either a revolver or semi-auto and load it up with some ammo like CCI stinger hollow points. Most anyone can handle this, including children or the handicapped so make that a minimum. A Ruger Mark II or similar or a Single Six would not be a bad choice. Some of the Single Six models will also take .22 Magnum rounds with a simple cylinder change which is significantly more powerful. Double action is probably better for self defense and there are good choices from American makers like Charter Arms, H&R, Smith and Wesson, Ruger, etc.
Shop around on online firearm websites to get a good idea of prices and availability.
Centerfire pistols are next up and the most common is the Glock Model 19. Revolvers are fine too, the Ruger GP 100, S&W Model 19, and others are built solid and made to last.
Whatever your choice you need to stock up on ammo and practice, a typical day at the range is a minimum of 50 rounds and most often more like 200. Function test the firearm with the ammo you intend to have in it for self-defense. Carry your weapon on you or nearby because when you do need it you are going to need it in a hurry and will regret having it in the bottom of a bugout bag or locked in a case. We prefer a cross-draw style holster to not interfere with the seat belt.
State laws vary and we are lucky to live in the SW where we are still free to carry a loaded gun in the vehicle or concealed without a permit. Our permit is the 2nd Amendment of the US Constitution!
Shotguns are the most versatile weapon out there. Everyone should have at least one because it can take birds, small game, big game and predators, both four-legged and two-legged. Back before AR rifles came on the scene law enforcement had a shotgun for situations that they knew there was going to be a problem and left the handgun in the holster as backup.
