bbk

Dang, that's a long way from Lyndhurst. But if you're going to make the trip down, I would recommend GSP instead of TP. The GSP exit is about 10 minutes or so from BA, and you can get on to GSP from exit 11 anyway.

I'm waiting for my new upper to get in from ADCO... once it does, I'll make the next meet up.

Most of the EOTechs are absolute co witness (dot on the front irons). However, the models with the 7mm raised base are 1/3 co witness (without having to use any extra base): 556.A65, 557.AR223, 553.A65, 517.A65, 516.A65. I run a 517 myself.

Rice, cooking oil (olive oil would be fine), salt, and canned foods (I would suggest canned fish). In this day and age, you can also stock up on vitamins (though note the expiration dates). Oh, and water! As for the quantity, its hard to say. Without knowing the size and age of the individuals, or the types of strenuous labor (chopping wood, digging, rucking, etc) that would be required, the rationing of calories would fluctuate. Depending on the age and sex, a child can require anywhere from 1500-3000 calories. Adults would require around 2000-2500 (or more, depending on the manual labor stress). [i'm not a nutritionist. If someone were serious enough about it, they should consult a professional.] Regarding rice, one pound of uncooked rice equals about 2-2.5 cups (which equals roughly 6 cups cooked). I'm fortunate enough to be of oriental background, and I always have at least a couple bags of rice in the household ( ). Each bag contains roughly 20-25 lbs, and retail for around $20 I want to say. American supermarkets probably sell bags of rice by the pound or maybe five pounds-- and the prices are jacked up too. So, if you're willing to brave the H Marts or other Asian markets, you can get rice pretty cheap. Oil, just get a couple of the large cans. I never remember how much they are, but they last forever. Salt; don't need a lot. The body needs roughly 800 milligrams, and between the salt in the food and the extra salt we may add-- the average person intakes as much as an excess of 4000 milligrams. So, a couple pounds would last awhile. [Though, having other salts to salt meats or use as salt licks (noted: illegal as far as I know to use for hunting... but in SHTF, it would be a small price to pay instead of starving if there are virtually no other means. I do NOT condone it otherwise)] Canned foods is the tricky part. I don't think there is a set amount that would be satisfying. I guess the best way to have a concrete number is to calculate the number of calories between the other foods, and then the calories in a single can of tuna or whatever. That way maybe two or three people could share one can of food (remember, rationing sucks), and by getting an excess of 100 per person... it could last for a few months. Gosh, that was way too long, sorry.

Pete: I'll admit, I lump the differing types into "red dots" when I'm talking to my friend who has no idea about the differences , but still! And I agree with you, NJ609. I prefer the stock FSB actually. Less crap that can break, and if it gets beat up, give the front sight post a quick singeing [with a lighter], it'll be GTG.

Baaah! Its one of those small things that always gets me. A red dot differs from a holographic weapon system! But also to add, shaving down your FSB is a decent choice. Down the road, I might consider shaving down the FSB on my new upper, and replacing the rails with something like the DD Lite 10. Its cheaper then replacing it with a new gas block... in either case, just make sure you know what type of rails would fit over the shaved FSB/gas block (if you opt to put the rails over the part). Take for example, its not suggested to put the DD Omega rail system over a shaved FSB (or other gas blocks for that matter)... though some may debate that, but I'd rather not chance it.

Caine nailed it. The only thing I have to add has to do with your preference. You have to figure out if you want an absolute co-witness or 1/3 co-witness. Its preference, as stated, so, I couldn't tell you if one is better then another. I personally prefer 1/3 co witness with my HWS, but that's mainly because I've trained like that.

Completely fine. A good example are the .22 conversion kits you can purchase anywhere for the AR. Regarding changing from a .223/5.56 to a 6.8, the only thing I could think of that might have some issues are magazines. Most magazines would be fine from my understanding, but some brands might have issues fitting into the mag well (which is an issue with some .223/5.56 magazines regardless).

I'm a huge skeptic of the whole 2012 thing, as well as any other conspiracy that *some* countries have brazenly discussed in the public forum. However, coincidences to me are rarely coincidences at a certain point. With that said, I still stand firm on what I said previously, I just am starting to think there might be some larger pattern to things. History of the world has shown that there is a natural progression of things. The process has nothing to do with humans or the byproduct of our waste. If its going to rain, it rains. If there's going to be an earthquake, it'll shake... etc. What gets me is how every program on TV that discusses possible ELEs (extinction level events), the "experts" always say something along the lines of how the planet is overdue for some catastrophe. Like I said, there is a natural progression of things throughout the existence of this planet. While its something I definitely don't want to think about, I would hate to wake up suddenly in the middle of the night only to find out the signs (past events, such as earthquakes, etc) turned out to be more then just coincidences... you know? So, keep your ear to the ground, and keep an open mind as well.

You don't happen to be talking about "Island of the Dead" coming out in April, do you? I've heard that pretty much everyone is dismissing the fact that Romero has the ability to make movies anymore... and this movie will continue the suckage. "Diary of the Dead" was an interesting concept (though long overdue considering reality-based fiction/non fiction came out years ago). I think the movie could have been pretty decent if they developed more story/character. The acting was terrible-- which is mind-boggling considering its "reality" based, so, how much acting do you have to do? Oh well, maybe the remake of a Romero film, The Crazies, will be decent. Please, nobody spoil it for me... I'm going to see it next weekend.

Fixed But wow, I didn't know a Rec 2 was being made, thanks for sharing that. The first one was pretty good, and the American version wasn't bad (Quarantine). I love the camera mounted on the weapon, and it might reaaaaally make this movie interesting if it is primarily from that angle (for those who aren't familiar with Rec/Quarantine, its a zombie flick from the "hand-held" POV [like Diary of the Dead, Cloverfield]... but not sickening like Blair Witch or Cloverfield for that matter). Imagine a zombie flick from the perspective of the first responders/operators and not some lame duck reporter stuff.

Depends on what kind of fatigues you're looking for. A great all purpose camo is multicam, as mall ninja as some people may consider it. Uscav, skd tac are decent places to look

As many of you probably know already, a pretty devastating earthquake (and aftershocks) has hit Chile... with the number of casualties coming in as I type this post. Many people are saying the damage should be somewhat mitigated, as Chile is decent prepared as they are familiar with earthquakes (unlike Haiti in comparison). Now, maybe someone can explain earthquakes to me (like a seismologist or some other SME). I know earthquakes are a very common occurrence in the world, almost happening constantly in some regions. However, from what I've read, the larger the earthquakes are in magnitude, the less frequent they occur-- and the supposed amount of time between large magnitude earthquakes is suppose to grow exponentially. A few sites I've visited say that earthquakes 5.6+ (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gutenberg-Richter_law) occur roughly every 100 years. Yet, in this year alone: 12 JAN: Haiti was affected by a 7.0 15 JAN: Off the coast of Venezuela, there is a 5.6 27 JAN (local): Off the coast of Okinawa, there is a 7.0 27 JAN (local): Off the coast of Chile, there is an 8.8 Not to mention other hot spots hit by earthquakes recently (Iran, Guatemala, California, etc). I'm not saying this is the end of the world by any means, nor am I trying to imply this by any means ( ). However, is it not a bit disconcerting? Sure, the whole global warming thing might be a hoax (as I've always somewhat believed it was)... but it almost seems like the integrity or equilibrium is degrading in some manner. Is the influx of oddities regarding the natural order a coincidence or what? Or is it simply explained by Occam's Razor?

XD40SC from Cheyenne Mtn. last March if I remember correctly. I had my eye on a Springfield XD for awhile, having discussed it with the guys (when it was still Harry's)-- though I want to say I was thinking long term getting a 'Sub Compact'. Great group of guys there at Cheyenne, and made my first purchase very smooth. Also helped me out with suggestions for cleaning items, and other shooting supplies I might need.

OPSEC. Need I explain more? A lot of military units (Army at least) are suggesting to not put anything on the vehicle to suggest you're active duty (bumper stickers, license plates, decals, etc) because there has been a sharp increase of vehicle thefts/break-ins. Also, you never see "Military Intelligence" or "Special Forces" decals for a reason... and with that said, my unit actually did not allow anyone to put anything military related on the vehicle (with the exception of the "Support Our Troops" ribbons). Related to that, my buddy who has an NJ "Price of Honor" plate got his car keyed up pretty bad randomly when he was in some town. I know what I'm capable of, no need to advertise it to the world or people who might target me for that exact reason.

Aside from the B's, the three top things for me: 1. Fire: Fire is probably the most underrated "thing" in a survival situation. Whether its used for lighting, cooking, heating, drying, defense, morale, it is darn important 2. TP: Having spent enough time in the field, I learned TP (preferably dry) is the best trade item. I seriously was the TP czar for my platoon during BCT, and I admittedly put it to my advantage. 3. Socks!

My area isn't so bad... just some snow drifts from the winds. What irks me is that my town's community works facilities are right next to my neighborhood, and the road they take to get to the rest of the town cuts through my neighborhood actually. And yet, aside from that main road, the rest of the roads in my neighborhood are usually the absolute last to be plowed (the past two storms, our roads weren't plowed until the next day... meaning they might not even plow our roads until tomorrow). Why the face? [Modern Family reference ftw!]

This wasn't inspired by the Deadliest Warrior episode, was it? Haha. (Full episode here: http://www.spike.com/full-episode/green-beret-vs/32039) The tests shown in the episode showed the knife after being fired was pretty accurate, though I agree its pretty useless considering its a fire and forget/last ditch type weapon at that point. And to note, when in the hell has anyone used an E-Tool in the Army as a primary weapon? Sure, the thing may seem sharp, but it'll give an enemy an infection at worst.

Yea, I too have noticed an influx in negative comments regarding BA. I can't say I go there enough to notice personally, though you're a braver person then me by choosing to purchase a firearm there (I have other places closer personally, not to mention some other awesome vendors). Definitely a big 'thanks' for sharing, and it'll be something I'll have to mentally note for BA now.

I'm a .40 fan, too. My next pistol, P229, will be in 40.

That looks awesome, +1000000 for the very nice and well thought out build-- and the pinned 14.5" bbl! I can't wait to get my new upper now!

I have the same laser bore sighter. Regarding just the sighter itself, it burns through batteries quick.

The fake can, in this case, is to ensure that its a legal length (as a non-NFA item)... which I would figure is the case for most (like the GSG's).

Agreed. I think what's even scarier about MBZs also is that perfectly fine people (or so we assume) can be sucked into that mob... because of desperation or simply nothing else to live for. So, could we really trust our neighbors? Just remember the quote from the show Firefly, "Live with a man forty years. Share his house, his meals

Rawles, in his latest book, suggests doing three day "PAW" excursions: Disclaimer: This is not my work, but copyright and intellectual property of James Wesley, Rawles; and can be found in "How to Survive the End of the World as we Know it (TEOTWAWKI)" I think its a decent idea. Doesn't require leaving your local area (though camping is great fun regardless), and if need be, you can flip the modern world back on. I think I also read on his website another aspect. To train for high stress emergencies, which often time is based on "muscle memory" moreso then SOP, a reader described how everything a certain person's informercial came on (whether they would see it or hear it), his family would immediately spring into action. While I think it would get annoying (plus, I don't watch that much TV), it would be a good way of keeping people on their toes.