What Is Next..... The Modern Prep Dilemma.

We just added a set of tires.

 

Man, this is an excellent thread!!
Yard, as far as the guns n ammo thing goes you mentioned that you do not yet reload. Please make this your top priority as far as this topic is concerned. You and your people need to be able to have a renewable ammo resource. PM me with any questions you may have if you'd like. Been doing it since I was 12.

As far as another AR goes, why not get the jig to mill your own receivers and a quality parts kit? Being able to produce more and or repair in the future just might be a real lifesaving skill. Within the budget you gave you could get the tooling and a kit to build up a very high quality AR and be able to do so again in the future for yourself,team members or for barter if you want to go that route PSHTF.
Another way would be to pick up a couple of complete uppers that would serve as specialized weapons systems. A 24" match grade upper with optics would give you more of a sniper/counter sniper type capability if needed, stuff like that. Do not overlook a 7.62x39mm upper or complete rifle. LOVING the one here, with plans for another. Again, if you reload you can really utilize the full potential of that cartridge by chambering it in an AR platform.

Or you could just cave into Bruce and take yer exam...

 

Cool! Another reloader to talk gun porn with!

 

I dropped some clams at the gunsmiths. I had two High Powers and an AK worked on and then Parkerized. I'm very happy with the quality of work and the price was fair. He's a member here.

 

For a saw stick with echo. They start easier than the sthil.
After a hurricane, tornado, micro burst or earth quake the most valuable tool is going to be that saw. Especially if you already have some guns.

 

@AD1 wouldn't the FT-450 be better in this scenario (mobile, base, bug-out) since it has an integrated antenna tuner? So, just curious why you prefer the FT-857D? Are the specifications of the FT-857D that much better or...? I don't have my Extra license yet but will take the test in September, got the book a week ago. Got my Tech and General in June but haven't done much with them as can't hear anything, need external antenna, (got a pair of Baofengs UV-5R just to get started, buy better later) but haven't got around to it yet. I will do so before the rain and cold of Fall come. Anyway, in the data gathering and research process... Still thinking of a iCom 7300 also...but that isn't mobile.

EDIT: Appears it is much smaller, more portable and DSP-2 included...so maybe I answered my own question but would like to hear what you say.

 

There are a lot of consumables that need to be considdred , such as ply wood and screws and nails and spare parts for the equipment in the home and garage .
I plan to have ply wood panels for each window around the house labeled and ready to go , so that in the event of a disaster about to strike, it only takes a moment to install them.
Plumbing emergencies and their spare parts, and tools.
Electrical emergencies and their spare parts, and tools .
Roofing and walls ,concrete and fences
There are preparations for a home in the wake of nuclear fall out, ,more than that, having similar preparations for volcanic ash are real and practical .

 

If I had an extra 1000.00 ? I would pay my debt down with it. W e could always use more stuff but right now becoming debt free is my number one concern.

 

The 857D specs
Case Size (W x H x D): 6.1" x 2.0" x 9.2" (155 x 52 x 233 mm) Weight (Approx.): 4.6 lb. (2.1 kg)

The 450 specs



The 857 is half the size and weight of the 450 W/o the tunner installed. Its 8.8 lbs with the tuner

The 450 is a better radio and has more features.

If you use a tuned mono band antenna like the LNR/PARS show in my previous posts you dont need a tuner.

 

I think I will get the FT-857D because I like the idea of diversity -portability and base. I will wait on the iCom 7300 until I get more experience with these radio sets and the FT-857D is a better entry set. I have a lot of experience in communications but most of mine was in microwave/tropo/satellite, wideband stuff.

 

The only drawback with the 857 is the menus are "deep". When I run at home I use the free version of Ham Radio Deluxe to interface the radio so all of the controls and menu seeting are on the screen.

See this thread to see what that looks like
Ham Radio Deluxe Screen shot for the 857D - General Discussion - Prepared Ham

The 450 is cheaper and is a better radio, so really evaluate your needs and how you will use it.

If 90% wll be in the shack the 450 would be a better fit.

Also spend time reading reviews on eham for any radio you are looking at
eHam.net Reviews - Transceivers: HF Amateur (inc. HF+6M+VHF+UHF models)

 

Black Guns Matter...

 

Comms, armor, silver, transpo...

 

The Extra test is a bear and I am an engineer.

If you apply for the free VE (volunteer examiner) HamTestOnline™ - Free Extra Course for Active Volunteer Examiners will give you a free access to the Extra Class on line study.

To provide further incentive, we're giving away our Extra-class course free of charge to active volunteer examiners! To qualify you must:

• Already be accredited by one of the Volunteer Examiner Coordinators (ARRL, LAUREL, W5YI, etc.).
• Already be an active VE, having volunteered in at least three VE sessions in the past twelve months.
• Currently hold a General or Advanced class license.

I used HTOL for all three of my levels(Tech General at the same time, then Extra 6mo later)

The VE test (free and open book)and manual is here. I highly suggest you do this and it will help you a ton.
http://www.arrl.org/files/file/VEs/VE Manual Web FINAL 2014.pdf

The 3 VE session may be an issue for your time line. But if you have $35 its well worth it


Here is a good study method I use and wrote about
http://www.preparedham.com/forums/index.php?topic=57.0

 

I don't uderstand being stuck on gear. What about skills? Or training for you and others?