My 2012 Survival kit, page 2

cdesigns, everyone above me has hit it on the head about learning survival techniques. Practice camping with minimal supplies, and you'll really see what you're made of!

If I may, I'd like to make a few suggestions on your supply list.

1) You have listed that you plan on getting different types of guns and ammo. While having a variety is always nice, you have many options to choose from. But, here is the downfall. If you have many different calibers, you need to have many different calibers of ammo, (obviously), and unless you like carrying all that heavy stuff, sticking with the minimum calibers is better.

IMHO, here is my personal favorite list:

a) AR15 - chambered in 5.56 That way, you'll be able to use military 5.56 rounds, or .223 civilian rounds. Availability of ammo is good, and many people use this caliber, so bartering for ammo will be possible. And for hunting, the range of the .223 is pretty good. The AR is the Mr. Potatohead of guns, and you can outfit it with many options, in whatever style you like.

b) 12ga shotgun. I prefer the Remington 1187 or 870, but that's just me, YMMV. The availability of 12ga ammo is also very good. It's a good home defense weapon, and good for hunting.

c) 9mm handgun. Following in the theme of ammo availability, this is also true for the 9mm. We could sit here and discuss ballistics till the end of time, but that's for another day and time. IMO, the 9mm is still a good handgun.

Right there, you're carrying only 3 different types of ammo, and 3 different weapons, all with their own strengths and weaknesses. But, the point I'm getting at is that they are the 3 most common calibers, and ammo can be had for cheap now.

2) It sounds like you've got a pretty good starting point on tools. The only thing I'd recommend is with the flashlights, stick to a common battery, like AA, C, or D. Don't mix and match. Having all different battery types is more gear you'd have to haul, and sticking to one or two battery types for the flashlights, (and other electronic stuff), is better in the long-run.

3) Comm gear, eh? Ok, scrap the IDEN phones, it's unneeded in my opinion. Yes, you have the security of limiting people listening to your conversations, but that will only be good for your group, no outside communications with them. Stick to Ham radio transceivers, they are made to run off of batteries. If you're worried about other people listening in, speak in code.

Handheld Ham radios can be had for cheap off of eBay. I've bought most of my radios from there, and they are perfect. Or, you can order straight from China, and still get them for a fair deal. Shops like 409shop is really good, I've ordered from there before, and they have good prices and good equipment. Plus, radios from there are not just set to the Ham bands, which almost makes a scanner useless because the radio does the same thing.

CB radios are good, it seems that almost everyone has one. But their range on a handheld is short. Ham bands transmit much farther, depending on frequency it operates on. You can even go HF, and reach the other side of the world!! But, a word of caution, if you get the Ham equipment, get at least the Technician Class license, which is the minimum. That way, you can legally play with the gear first, to confirm functionality. Having a bunch of stuff is great if it works, otherwise you're stuck with a bunch of high-dollar paperweights!!

4) Pick up some first aid books too. Knowledge is power, it may just save your life! You're not going to remember everything even if you tried, so having some reference material is a plus.

The main thing you need to think about is that you will be carrying all this stuff. Yes, the car might work, but if TSHTF, are you willing to bet your life on it? Having three items that do the same thing takes up too much space and weight. It may only be several ounces at first, but trust me, they do add up in the end!!