You're right Arch, IT AIN'T EASY (and we've fallen off the wagon a couple times) and we are not getting it done as fast as we like, but we ARE working on it, more than we ever have before! Our house will be paid for in 2 years and we will also have our other (CC) bills paid off by or before then, so we are hopeful.

Randy - two years is AWESOME! Congrat's brother. Stick with it, and you'll experience what true freedom is soon enough!

Yeah, just in enough time to get another vehicle! (unless I find something before hand). With all Patty's medical problems I positively hate not having a running vehicle (dependable) at home for her. I am afraid the Jeep will very soon go the way of the Dodo bird.

Oh and by the way, that IFAK I got from you (thanks again) is so full I almost can't get it zipped up! Plus I have my little metal soapdish edc "Kit" together. I've got a firesteel DT made for me using a 38spl case for a handle and I specified the length and he came across (3 1/4) inch long, PJ cotton balls, striker, couple gauze pads, band aids, Tylenol, ibuprofen, alieve, benedryl, allergy meds bowel meds and germ x wipes. oh and some butterfly bandages (3)

Glad to hear the IFAK is working for you. So many people over look the importance of First Aid gear. Its all bullets and no beans or band aidsv <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />

I think that is due in large part to our society. EVERYTHING pushes guns and bullets. Movies, TV, news media (by fostering fear)... well you get the idea.

Jared posted that he was looking into a 30-30. I told him that considering he is in South Florida and the largest "Killers" he will be looking at are probably crocs and alligators that since he has a revolver in 357 he should look into a matching lever rifle. ONE in common ammo to keep track of, plus he could shoot 357/38spl and if he had another cylinder 9mm. I've thought about this setup myself, I have a single six convertible with the 357/9mm cylinders.

This will certainly upset some people....

Lever guns are a no-go for survival. They aren't as durable or easy to maintain as more modern (military inspired) designs. The United States military found lever guns lacking for frontier use, and that's why we only have a handful of "lever action muskets" being issued.

While its romantic to think of John Wayne fending off hordes of Indians with his trusty '66 - its more realistic to think of someone sloshing through the Post Apocalyptic world with a stone reliable AK that is simple to strip, has a chrome lined bore that will resist corrosion, and holds 30 rounds of rapidly replaced ammo.

If a caliber combo appeals to you: GO WITH 22LR!

Haha, I for one am not upset Arch! I agree with you about the lever gun. My "Theory" was just the commonality of ammunition for both weapons in a Major Caliber.

I also agree with you about the 22! In a survival situation a 22 would, I think, prove much more useful than a "Major" caliber. You can kill almost anything with a 22, especially here in the good old U.S.of A.

The ONLY defensive rifle designs I endorse (and I've owned or used every design available to the public):

1) AR15 from a top tier manufacturer (BCM, Colt, etc)

2) AK47 from a top tier manufacturer (Arsenal, early Norinco, etc). This includes Galil and Valmet from the ORIGINAL MANUFACTURER (IMI only for the Galil).

3) FAL from DSA or FN

4) (To a lesser degree) M1A from Springfield Armory with ALL USGI PARTS (except the receiver of course)

There is a reason why the M16 family, AK family, and FAL dominated the world's arms market. You'll note that I do not list G3's above even though they were extremely prolific. The reason: they SUCK! The G3 has the worst ergonomics of any infantry rifle ever issued.

I've owned nearly every semi-auto design you can think of: AUG, HK91, HK93, HK94, Beretta AR70, Galil 386, Valmet 76 and 76T, Sig556 and Sig556 Classic, AR15, M1A, FAL, Robinson M96 (Stoner 63), Mini 14, Mini 30, M1 Garand, M1 Carbine, Daewoo K1, Daewoo K2, AR180, SKS, etc.

I've used the rest: ACR, SCAR, FNC, Piston AR's, XCR, Sturmgewehr 44, G43, etc.

Holy, Smoke, are you sure you're only in your 30's?

Yes, absolutely........

The little 22 Long Rifle is the king of survival because:

1) It is cheap to stockpile.
2) It is cheap to train with (and thus encourages training).
3) It is quieter than more powerful cartridges (read about Jim Bridger).
4) It is light (can carry and store more).
5) It takes up less space than every other option (can carry and store more).
6) It leaves enough meat on the bone to eat (remember: its unrealistic to think you're going to live off large game....settlers and pioneers lived off of small game because its more plentiful and you don't to invest time preserving the left overs).
7) Everyone can master the use of it (unlike some more powerful weapons that can be difficult for younger or smaller people).
8) The guns that use it are smaller, lighter and therefore allow you to carry more ammo or other gear.