Survivalist Forum

What's something you're better at now than you were 10 years ago?

invalid@example.com (Cricket) — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 01:50:04 +0000

10 years ago, I was absolutely HORRIBLE at assembling anything. Trying to put together something as simple as an office chair would result in multiple things being thrown.

For many years, I just called one of my kids and asked if it would be best to leave whatever I wanted to assemble in the box until they could stop in. The answer was always YES! Don't touch it.

Nowadays, I am getting better at assembling things because my kids aren't nearby anymore. Funny how necessity begins...

What's something you're better at now than you were 10 years ago?

What’s on Your To-Do List Today?

invalid@example.com (Cricket) — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 01:48:24 +0000

They say that every day is a new beginning, but you know what? I am still working on the stuff I should have gotten done yesterday, so I think the first thing on my list for today is coffee.

What’s on your to-do list for today?

Weather-related Power Outages in the US.

invalid@example.com (67 CJ5) — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 01:43:16 +0000

I just Re-Found this article that claims that in the US weather related Power Outages have surged up by 78% from 2011 to 2021,

Some might question such a claim but in the past 6 months+ alone I have noticed that more and more of you are posting about having power outages, and I have often wondered why people in the leading tech country in the world make posts about power outages and if their claims are right why on earth is there such a huge spike of 78% since 2011.

Anyways here's the...

Weather-related Power Outages in the US.

Are Single Shot Weapons Good Preps

invalid@example.com (Adventure Wolf) — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 01:41:33 +0000

Are there any use for single shot rifles or shotguns in prepping?

I have a lot of fun with single shot weapons and I own many. From a Little Badger to a Cricket to a single shot 20 gauge.

However are these useful for prepping in anyway?

Upcycling Day

invalid@example.com (2ftgd) — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 01:40:35 +0000

Tomorrow is National Upcycling Day!

Upcycling is the process of transforming old, unwanted, or waste materials into new products of higher value, quality, or usefulness.

What scrap materials do you have laying around that can be upcycled?

Have you ever upcycled something?

What would you like to upcycle?

Have you ever found an upcycled item you really loved?

Any pics or videos to share of your upcycled projects?

Chump in the north likes grits

invalid@example.com (aroostook) — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 01:39:25 +0000

I was late to the game for grits. Not a thing here, any special ways to prepare? Love the traditional way but I imagine there is a better mousetrap per say.

Springfield SA-35: Anyone have one?

invalid@example.com (sarge912) — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 01:33:58 +0000

Just when I thought I really don't have a need for another firearm, I have to see a review of the Springfield Armory SA-35.
It is supposed to be a modern version of the original High Power.

SA-35 Handguns - Springfield Armory

www.springfield-armory.com

Just wondering if anyone here has one or has at least shot one. I just might have to sell something soon.
I hope to go look at one tomorrow.

Flemish government (Belgium) encourages municipalities to set up a volunteers corps for emergency situations

invalid@example.com (Nocturnal_wanderings) — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 01:30:56 +0000

Belgium is a federal state. Flanders is the northern half of it, it has its own government. And this Flemish government encourages municipalities to set up a local volunteers corps to increase resilience and preparedness for emergency and crisis situations:

-- quote --

"Our society shows itself at its most vulnerable and its strongest when confronted with an emergency situation. There are plenty of examples of crisis situations where spontaneous and well-trained volunteers make a...

Flemish government (Belgium) encourages municipalities to set up a volunteers corps for emergency situations

Never imagined I'd see one in the wild.

invalid@example.com (EventHorizon) — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 01:25:47 +0000

As I was nearing home, it darted across the road. Muddy brown pelt, cat shaped head and then I saw the long tail. A young mountain lion based on it's size. I know they exist but near the tri state area where TN, AL and MS share the Tennessee River? Just goes to show what shouldn't be possible can still happen anyways.

When the world has gone feral, what to do about infestation

invalid@example.com (fordtrucksforever) — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 01:24:33 +0000

After neighborhoods have been devastated, regardless of what type disaster, how to handle infestations?

This could be dogs, cats, all types of rodents, ticks, and even fleas. I have been to cat ladies houses before. The smell tells me everything. Those felines are more important than other peoples lives. They are in mass laying around waiting on a free meal.

One major problem is so many of them are severely infested with fleas. Not plain old dog fleas, but cat fleas. These can kill a dog...

When the world has gone feral, what to do about infestation

Black Bean Hummus

invalid@example.com (Wooleybooger) — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 01:21:38 +0000

1 15 oz can black beans drained and rinsed
2 T lemon juice, fresh or from concentrate
1/4 cup tahini
1/4 cup olive oil
2 t cumin
1/2 t chili powder
1/2 t salt (2 finger pinch)
1/8 t pepper
1/2 small yellow onion rough chopped
3 garlic cloves rough chopped

Combine all ingredients in a food processor bowl and process about 1 minute on high until smooth.

I find it profits from setting a couple hours to let the flavors combine.

Fishing Season

invalid@example.com (Adventure Wolf) — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 01:20:07 +0000

Spring is almost here. That means my fishing season is going to start opening up. What are you all fishing for? What gear are you using? Are there any techniques or ideas you have to share?

I had three old fishing poles snap on me last year. I ended up refreshing my entire supply and all of my poles. I'm excited.

I'm going for crappie and panfish this year, with a special focus on blue gill.

Pocket Pistols?

invalid@example.com (Adventure Wolf) — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 01:18:33 +0000

My cousin had to argue about carrying a pocket pistol, that it was a useful weapon. Apparently some people do not like them and think they are useless.

What is your opinion, are pocket pistols useful or are they trash?

What's the last thing that made you laugh out loud?

invalid@example.com (Cricket) — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 01:11:46 +0000

Last night, I spent well over an hour trying to track down a buzzing sound out near the patio that was driving me crazy.

It sounded like a phone on vibrate going off over and over and over again, or a stranded newborn lamb, but every time I got close, it stopped.

When I finally figured out what it was, I couldn't stop laughing.

Eastern Narrowmouth Toad - You'll hear the sound at about the 3-4 second mark.

What's the last thing that made you laugh out loud?

Never Have I Ever: 5 Things You've Never Done

invalid@example.com (Cricket) — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 01:10:41 +0000

I Have Never Touched a Nutria
Although I have given my tortilla to a Nutria, I have never petted one. Their teeth are more than a little bit intimidating.
I Have Never Been Very Origanized
I don’t know why I am so lousy at being organized. I think perhaps my brain just doesn’t work that way.
I Have Never Chased a Tornado
I love the power of a good old fashioned storm, but I have never chased a tornado. I am a bit...

Never Have I Ever: 5 Things You've Never Done

The Coming Collapse in the USA - 2026 Version

invalid@example.com (UserNameTaken) — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 00:52:26 +0000

I hope you will read this article. I am going to repost the entire thing in the next comment (I have permission to share it) for those who don't want to navigate to the link.

I think this might be one of the most important conversations we might have here on the SurvivalistBoards.

I'm not posting this to fear monger, and I don't think I'm a complete crackpot - though my wife may disagree. But for some time I have felt we were heading into some...

The Coming Collapse in the USA - 2026 Version

What was the last YOUTUBE Video You Watched?

invalid@example.com (Adventure Wolf) — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 00:39:17 +0000

Keep it forum friendly.

I'll go first.

What was your "Prep" for today?

invalid@example.com (survive) — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 00:26:12 +0000

Today I did some research on heirloom seeds and passed the info on, to some friends. Also will be hitting the pool to get the exercise in. Will be reading my survival manual during my down time tonight.

Prepping can be quite overwhelming to beginners, but doable in bite sized pieces.

It would be neat to hear what all of you are doing.

Cross eye dominant

invalid@example.com (Cuteandfuzzybunnies) — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 00:15:01 +0000

My son 13 has recently started showing an interest in shooting. I’ve taught him a little.

he went to camp and had a rifle lesson.

when he was small he was basically ambidextrous but has grown into being right handed. He thinks he’s left eye dominant. I want to check myself to see if course. But he got that form Boy Scouts. He has 20/20
In both eyes.

So should I train him to shoot cross eye dominant , holding right aiming with left eye OR shooting left hand OR shooting right eyed ? Or...

Cross eye dominant

Valuable History Lesson

invalid@example.com (Rosco-p-c) — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 00:10:11 +0000

I was at the range yesterday and there was an older gentleman on my right shooting a long-barreled antique WWI army rifle. I was sighting in a bolt-action rifle I had just mounted an upgraded scope on. As we were waiting for some shooters to retrieve their targets, he offered up a bit of history, but I realized he was actually advising me how to use my bolt rifle in a combat situation.
He told me that the WWI rifles used actual open metal clips that were cumbersome and slow to load. So, the...

Valuable History Lesson

Did you drive in high school?

invalid@example.com (97guns) — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 00:08:40 +0000

What did you drive? I graduated in 1989 and my first car was a ‘69 Camaro 350 4 speed that I smacked the curb on, busted the wheel and axel and got a whooping from my dad

Do you have paper maps?

invalid@example.com (PurpleKitty) — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 00:04:23 +0000

I have always done well with a few bus schedules and a good old map. I have a City Of Houston fold up map in addition to a paper bound "Key Map".

I saw the fold up map just now and was wondering how many of you have one.

How many hours after a total grid failure do you think panic buying would begin?

invalid@example.com (UserNameTaken) — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 23:55:45 +0000

Ok let's play a new game. Post your opinion - and if you are rural, suburban or urban, and a rough population estimate.

How many hours after a total grid failure do you think panic buying would begin? Followed by outright looting?

This is "grid failure," though other factors could cause such failure and speed up or delay activities. But let's stick as much as possible to when the power stops and doesn't come back, and there doesn't seem to be any meaningful police response...

How many hours after a total grid failure do you think panic buying would begin?

The Zombie Survival Guide Giveaway!

invalid@example.com (2ftgd) — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 23:47:09 +0000

Hey y'all! Time for another Giveaway!

This time, I'm giving away a Free Copy of The Zombie Survival Guide by Max Brooks.

Rules are simple:

1. Post in this thread, in less than 100 words, what you would do if you came face to face with a zombie. Interpret the term "zombie" however you see fit. Can be funny or serious.

2. One entry/post per member.

3. Giveaway is being offered to all members in good...

The Zombie Survival Guide Giveaway!

Silver Is Trending Down/Up....

invalid@example.com (txflyer) — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 23:41:53 +0000

I don't know what else to say other than maybe buy some. :

!! Be aware that the chart above is self updating and not reflecting when this post was dated. !!

At times the chart may not be visible when the site is down.

AllOutdoor Review – Old Town Discovery 158 Canoe

invalid@example.com (AllOutdoor.com) — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 23:29:43 +0000

For over three decades, the Old Town Discovery 158 has been one of the best-selling canoes in America, and after spending real time with one this season, it’s easy to see why it’s earned such a loyal following. I first got a good look at this boat during my factory tour at Old Town in Maine last Spring, and after a few initial paddles, I knew I needed to spend a full season with it. Old Town was kind enough to send me a Discovery 158 for review, and I’ve already put it through multiple trips...

AllOutdoor Review – Old Town Discovery 158 Canoe

POTD: Brown Manufacturing Ballard – Scarce Newburyport Single Shot

invalid@example.com (AllOutdoor.com) — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 23:29:42 +0000

Welcome to today’s Photo of the Day! Here we have a Brown Manufacturing Company Ballard Patent single shot sporting rifle manufactured 1869 to 1873 out of Newburyport, Massachusetts, with at least 500 produced according to Flayderman’s Guide.

Brown Manufacturing was one of several small shops that tried to carve out a piece of the post-Civil War sporting rifle market. The Ballard falling block was a solid, well-regarded design, simple and...

POTD: Brown Manufacturing Ballard – Scarce Newburyport Single Shot

6/20/26 National Dog Dad Day

invalid@example.com (2ftgd) — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 23:27:02 +0000

Are you a Dog Dad?

What breed(s) do you have?

Doing anything special to celebrate?

Care to share a pic? 😁

Post your Vehicle

invalid@example.com (kored) — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 23:23:18 +0000

-your daily driver
-your sunday driver
-your BOV
- anything
post car info- MPG, HP, mods, etc..

thought this might be a cool thread, see what we all drive, im a car enthusist myself, and love tinkering with the idea of getting a truck someday...

my 01 civic, 5speed manual, 30+mpg, ~109hp stock engine, Tokico D-spec struts with Skunk2 race springs 2.5in drop..Axis Oldskool 15X8 +25 offset wheels wrapped in 205-50-R15 Khumo tires...

*Post your Vehicle*

Clothing for very cold environments--Southerners, take heed!

invalid@example.com (goose3) — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 23:02:29 +0000

I've often seen southerners come north to our cold temps and they suffer. It's usually because they're wearing coats and such appropriate for temps down south, rather than here.

I've learned through experience the value of layers (most in the north already know this).

(Footwear): Cold feet make everything else feel miserable. Good boots are a must. Hiking boots are better than sneakers, but not as good as insulated boots. When we go to a Packers game in winter conditions, we'll...

Clothing for very cold environments--Southerners, take heed!

Two Bits Garden Adventures

invalid@example.com (two bits) — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 22:52:53 +0000

Uggh! My garden space is awful, really. I never put the tomato cages away, the trellis I built for beans and birdhouse gourds is still hanging with old vines. Corn fodder, tomato vines, sweet potatoes hills, Oh my! :
My troy tiller blew up and it just took the wind out of my sails, so to speak. Well, got the new motor mounted on the tiller, let it run for an hour idling to break it in. Been scanning the seed catalogs looking for serious items for fresh eating. I expect to see...

Two Bits Garden Adventures

Savage30L's Garden

invalid@example.com (Savage30L) — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 22:52:00 +0000

I decided to have my own garden thread this year (2026).

Here's a picture of greens to start:

We've been picking spinach for several weeks. I expect to start picking lettuce in about 2 weeks, which will be early for us. We've had a long spell of unusually warm (but quite pleasant) and dry weather. I've had to water everything twice a day for the last month!! We've only had 3 rains of less than 0.25" each in that time. The soil is powder-dry.

I'll...

Savage30L's Garden

2ftgd's Homestead Happenings

invalid@example.com (2ftgd) — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 22:47:12 +0000

I'm going to use this thread as a journal of sorts to record the changes and improvements I make to my garden. So y'all know what I'm working with:

Because of our elevation, we are probably closer to zone 6a, but this is what comes up for my zip code.

This was my 2022 garden layout.

This is how the garden looks now. I planted soft red wheat for a...

2ftgd's Homestead Happenings

How cold was it this morning where you are at?

invalid@example.com (obikenobi) — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 22:37:40 +0000

It's a balmy 1 degree here in central MA but feels like negative 7. That's the coldest it's been here in a few years with 6 inches of snow on the ground.

What is Your Side Hustle

invalid@example.com (Adventure Wolf) — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 22:33:29 +0000

As I've spoken to many on this forum in varies threads, I have learned that many of us keep side hustles to subsidize or improve our income. Some of us need that side hustle to stay alive, others do it for extra money or savings, some of us do it for fun and some of us use it to fund our prepping.

What is your side hustle/side hustles?

I do a lot of things.

None of the things I do involve an app or my smartphone.

1. Handyman Work - I am a licensed contractor. I work as a...

What is Your Side Hustle