Be Prepared

[Paslode]

In regards to frozen piping.

If your house is plumbed in copper tube, PEX, or CTS-CPVC a handy item to have around are Sharkbite fittings. They will generally work (in a pinch) on Grey PB - Polybutylene as well but it is not warrantied or advised for PB.

http://www.cashacme.com/prod_sharkbi...t_products.php

And one of these that will get you in nearly any confined area:

http://www.drainbrain.com/specialties/autocut.html

[Dozer523]

If you want to get in the right mind-set for winter survival thought, read Jack London's To Build A Fire

http://www.jacklondons.net/Media/to_...print_ver.html

"It was not because he was long used to it. He was a new-comer in the land, a chechaquo, and this was his first winter. The trouble with him was that he was without imagination. He was quick and alert in the things of life, but only in the things, and not in the significances."

[dadof18x'er]

[QUOTE=dadof18x'er;292142]

Originally Posted by dadof18x'er

for those interested we have now started using this filter and I am really
impressed with its simplicity. The water tastes good and according to the
specs it leaves the desirable minerals.

after 4 months we couldn't be happier with this filter. AND it's EMP proof

[Ryanr]

My apologies if this has been covered -- but should ease of field stripping and continued maintenance (maybe without all the right tools) be a factor in choosing a handgun for the sorts of scenarios discussed in this thread? If so, does anyone have recommendations of handguns that can be very easily maintained and like to keep performing after a lot of abuse?

[LarryW]

(by ryanr) If so, does anyone have recommendations of handguns that can be very easily maintained and like to keep performing after a lot of abuse?

First of all, use the search function and read. FWIW, I'm no expert and you may (bank on it) get a lot of various opinions, but here's mine: Colt, 1911A1, .45 ACP, Automatic. Was dissatisfied with Remington, and some Springfields re: replacement parts. Some parts looked as if they'd been cast instead of milled, and they broke. Colts held up.

(I have no experience with Glocks or any of the other newer autos, so take this for what it's worth. Like noted above, use the search function. You'll get a whole bunch of expert opinions.)

Keep shopping (and reading), good luck, and shoot straight.

Edit Note: Type-O's.

[koz]

Originally Posted by Ryanr

If so, does anyone have recommendations of handguns that can be very easily maintained and like to keep performing after a lot of abuse?

You'll get a ton of opinions -
Glock, Springfield XD's, HK USP are all very reliable and will stand up to a ton of abuse under some of the harshest conditions.

Also some basic maintenance is a great way to keep your gun running.

Originally Posted by Ryanr

My apologies if this has been covered -- but should ease of field stripping and continued maintenance (maybe without all the right tools) be a factor in choosing a handgun for the sorts of scenarios discussed in this thread? If so, does anyone have recommendations of handguns that can be very easily maintained and like to keep performing after a lot of abuse?

Is having an auto important? Consider also, revolvers, much easier to train young'ns, wives and GFs. They also tend to conserve ammo, and easy to maintain under tough field conditions. With an older model SW, .357, I've used bird shot shells. Hell on rifling and barrels, but equally tough on birds, snakes and small animals. Something to consider in a survival scenario.

[Ryanr]

Originally Posted by LarryW

First of all, use the search function and read.

I've been reading all of the excellent opinions in the handgun threads -- and they're very helpful. I was unable, most likely due to my own failings, to find opinions directly relating to longevity when abused and repaired by complete beginners, with parts scavenged and such. I'm picturing a scenario where society has broken down to the point that I have to do any and all maintenance myself, or worse -- my wife or son has to do it.

Originally Posted by Koz

You'll get a ton of opinions -
Glock, Springfield XD's, HK USP are all very reliable and will stand up to a ton of abuse under some of the harshest conditions.

Also some basic maintenance is a great way to keep your gun running.

Thank you, much appreciated. I read on some gun forum (which I'm currently failing to locate and link) that USPs can be more difficult to detail strip with minimal tools, and may require more specialized parts -- is that accurate at all?

Would a revolver be a good backup option, for the simplicity of the design and maintenance? Edit: WD posted as I was typing this post.

Originally Posted by wet dog

Is having an auto important? Consider also, revolvers, much easier to train young'ns, wives and GFs. They also tend to conserve ammo, and easy to maintain under tough field conditions. With an older model SW, .357, I've used bird shot shells. Hell on rifling and barrels, but equally tough on birds, snakes and small animals. Something to consider in a survival scenario.

I think I'll definitely have one in the kit for this reason, thank you for the advice. Much appreciated.

You also need to realize that all things mechanical will fail at some point. Learn primative weapons and use them. Bow/arrow, knife/sword, rock/sling, spear, trapping and fishing. Oh, and learn how to start a fire and build a shelter.

Do not fear the learning curve, embrace it. 500,000 years of killing is in your DNA.

[JJ_BPK]

Originally Posted by Ryanr

I was unable, most likely due to my own failings, to find opinions directly relating to longevity when abused and repaired by complete beginners, with parts scavenged and such. I'm picturing a scenario where society has broken down to the point that I have to do any and all maintenance myself, or worse -- my wife or son has to do it.


Would a revolver be a good backup option, for the simplicity of the design and maintenance?

After armageddon weapons will not stop working. What will happen over time(20 yrs) will be that small cottage industries will evolve to sell/build/fix tools. Weapons being a primary tool in a survival scenario.

If you read about the weapons dealers & traders in the middle East, you will quickly see how a survivalist community operates. With some very basic tools and manufacturing know-how you can build anything.

Learning to maintain your tools and building a spare parts inventory is only the beginning. You need AMMO. Again, this is where the cottage industry will augment individuals that can or won't help themselves.

To your 2nd question:

Revolvers can be a back-up or primary. The only difference is how fast you reload while standing on top of the parapet defending your homestead from the vast hordes of zombies and Democrats..

For the here and now, Revolvers fair better at abuse than semi-auto pistols. BUT why abuse a tool that can last for a life time,, with a small amount of care??

Some will be prepared,, Others won't...

My $00.0003

[The Reaper]

I know very few people who keep enough ammo on hand to actually wear out or break a weapon through use.

TR

[koz]

http://www.theprepared.com/index.php...iew&id=90&Item

This is pretty interesting "abuse" done to a Glock 21. He ran 15K+ rounds w/out cleaning... He dropped it out of an airplane, shot it with a .22, buried it in all types of dirt/sand/etc, salt water soak, ..

[Ryanr]

Originally Posted by koz

http://www.theprepared.com/index.php...iew&id=90&Item

This is pretty interesting "abuse" done to a Glock 21. He ran 15K+ rounds w/out cleaning... He dropped it out of an airplane, shoot it with a .22, buried it in all types of dirt/sand/etc, salt water soak, ..

Wow. I'm gonna go ahead and stop worrying about this particular issue; I clearly grossly underestimated the durability of firearms.

[The Reaper]

A guy did the same with a FAL.

Had over 15,000 rounds without cleaning before it gave him any problems.

TR

[Razor]

Originally Posted by The Reaper

Had over 15,000 rounds without cleaning before it gave him any problems.

That a whole lot o' zombies!