.22LR ammunition shortage. No end in sight?

The once plentiful 22 lr rimfire ammo cartridge.

With all of the latest talks of gun control, many suppliers are coming up short handed when it comes to most types of ammunition for sale. Personally I think this is due to both fear as well as the many new gun owners buying up the ammo. But why the 22 Rimfire Cartridge?

As most avid shooters know, .22lr Rimfire bullets are very cheap to shoot and can be a lot of fun. Boxes of 500 rounds of ammo could be purchased for a mere $16 - $20.00. CCI is an ammunition manufacturer who is one of many that makes this caliber of ammo, and alone distributes more than 4 million rounds of .22lr a day. So why the ammo shortage?

The 22lr ammo has also been popular to varmint and small game hunters. With the abundance of such animals, preppers know this to be an optional harvest if food storage runs dry. This round of ammunition can also, as a last resort, be used as a self defense round.

So the next time you see a bare shelf that in months past was plentiful with this little cartridge, know the "guy/ gal next door" may be hoarding thousands of rounds!

Cheers~Kevin

Update: September 9, 2013 : I have done some research and have found out that the continuing shortage is because ammunition manufacturers have all but suspended pumping our 22 lr ammo in an effort to use that machinery to manufacturer the "more common" (the real money makers) calibers including .223 / 5.56 , .40 cal , and 9mm.  Federal Ammunition has began producing "some" 22 lr ammunition.  Currently only 5 -6% of their capacity has been this rimfire round and the current prices reflect that.  I have seen where folks are paying upwards near $60.00 for a 525 brick. 

Update: November 11, 2013:  Still unable to find any 22 lr ammo in our local stores.  I have checked the Walmart, Bass Pro Shop, and Gander Mountain.  Absolutely crazy there are not a surplus of these rimfire cartridges by now.  

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Basic Family Supply list

FEMA has put together a list of items you "should" have together in your home incase of a disaster.  I wanted to share this here as we will be building off of this.  This information has been taken directly from their site. 

Emergency Supplies
Water, food, and clean air are important things to have if an emergency happens. Each family or individual’s kit should be customized to meet specific needs, such as medications and infantformula. It should also be customized to include important family documents.
Recommended Supplies to Include in a Basic Kit:

•   Water one gallon per person per day, for drinking and sanitation (don't forget your pets)
  
•   Non-perishable Food at least a three-day supply
  
•   Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA
  Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
  
•   Flashlight and extra batteries
  
•   First Aid kit
  
•   Whistle to signal for help
  
•   Filter mask or cotton t-shirt, to help filter the air
  
•   Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for
  personal sanitation
  
•   Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
  
•   Manual can opener if kit contains canned food
  
•   Plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
  
•   Important Family Documents
  
•   Items for unique family needs, such as daily prescription medications, infant formula or diapers
  
•   Cell phone and chargers
  If you live in a cold weather climate, you must think about warmth. It is possible that the power will be out and you will not have heat. Rethink your clothing and bedding supplies to account for growing children and other family changes. One complete change of warm clothing and shoes per person, including:important family documents.
  Clothing and Bedding:
   A jacket or coat
   Long pants
   A long sleeve shirt  Sturdy shoes
   A hat and gloves
   A sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person 
  
  
  Feel free to add to this in the comment section below.
  Cheers ~ Kevin
  
  
  

Be prepared with generator safety!

It is a given.  In most cases, the only time you will need to use your generator is when you are tired and the weather is less than desirable. 

Be safe while using a generator!

#1 Make sure when using your generator you leave it running outside your home away from flammable materials and far away from open windows.  Generators emit an exhaust similar to that produced from your car and can contain high amounts of carbon monoxide.  Remember carbon monoxide is a deadly odorless tasteless gas.  

#2 Do not overload the generators circuit.  Only plug in the recommended amount of extension cords and do not use an excessive amount of splitters.  Follow the UL listings on your extension cords as well.  If drawing more than the recommended amount of electricity, the cord can quickly become over-heated, melt and possibly start a fire.  

#3 Store any extra gas away from the generator and any pilot lights or flames.  This may seem like common sense but more times than not people leave their extra gas in too close to the running generator making future fill-ups that little bit more convenient.  Keep it far off to the side.

#4 When the temperature is hot, gasoline begins to evaporate and becomes more volatile.  Keep this in mind when the time comes to refill the generators fuel tank.  Shutting off the generator and letting it cool first is a very good idea!

 Following these few simple safety precautions will help you keep the  lights on!

Cheers! ~ Kevin

             

The Best "Bug Out" or "Get Out" Bag.

At a later date, I will be posting a step by step on assembling a "Go Bag" so stay tuned. This article will be an introduction to the topic which will hopefully give you a little bit better understanding if you are a new or even a seasoned prepper.

A Go bag is intended to support you for three days incase you are forced to leave your home. Think of its contents in the same manner as you are going hiking for a few days and may not have a home to return to. 72 hours has been chosen in addition to what FEMA recommends because a human being can only live that long without water, and since there are infinite possibilities when it comes to survival, limitations must be made. Limitations are made simply based on functionality, size/ weight, and reasonable duration.

Since the pack itself will be the framework for your Go bag, there are certain things which must be taken into consideration. Time and time again I hear or see folks running out and dropping $200.00 or more on a streamlined, fancy, all the bells 'n whistles pack. I for one am totally against that for two simple reasons:

#1 That is money better well spent on other preps.

#2 If the time comes where you need to bug out, you are making yourself a target to looters and criminals. You want to think cover and concealment when it comes to your gear no matter how good or basic it may be. Do not advertise "I have the best gear in my fancy pack!" or it will quickly become someone else's.

Medium ALICE Pack is a great foundation for a "Bug out" or "Go Bag".

Medium ALICE Pack outfitted with  frame and straps for easy carry. 

For that reason, I recommend the Medium Alice pack. It can be found very cheap ($30.00) online or in military surplus stores. It has been made from heavy duty materials meant to stand the tests of time, are very comfortable to carry when fitted onto an Alice pack frame, and I have personally had several years experience outfitting and carrying one. It just works. Weight is simply not a problem with this pack as it may be for some with the "Mountain" or Large Alice pack, and it is spacious enough to organize and conceal all of your gear.

Cheers ~ Kevin