CRKT Provoke

NOTES
Creator Joe Caswell and Columbia River Knife and Tool (CRKT), a company renowned for high quality blades, has released a futuristic spin on a centuries-old tool. Like many blades whose origins derive from Asian culture, the karambit was used to harvest grains, such as rice. Should the need arise, it could be conscripted into martial service. Flash-forward to modern times, and we have the Provoke, engineered to take up the least amount of space, and then quickly deploy into its functional position. The ability to transform makes this knife a great option for EDC applications, since it can be attached to places that cause conventional knife profiles to become unwieldy. Made from D2, a high carbon, high chromium steel, the blade is extremely durable and resistant to corrosion. Combine that with its custom Boltaron sheath, and you have a lethal combination of durability and versatility.

BLADE LENGTH
2.41 inches

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MSRP
$200

URL
crkt.com

Grayman Brief Hip Pocket Brief

PAGES
20

MSRP
$19

URL
graymanbriefing.com

NOTES
Ever contemplate how time is spent in between the activities that fill your daily life? Standing in lines, riding on some form of transportation from point to point, or lulls during work can consume hours each day. This is time that could be frittered away engaging in nonsense (thank you, smartphones), or it could be used learning something useful and potentially lifesaving. Military folks might remember spending their downtime doing something called “hip-pocket training,” when someone who had some knowledge to pass along gave everyone a short class on whatever that knowledge was. Grayman Brief does just that and has put together a handy book loaded with quick tidbits of advice that can help you maintain your everyday situational awareness. Each page covers a topic to get you thinking outside the box and attempts to cue you in on your own potential physical security shortcomings. Forty short training sessions are included in a booklet no larger than a wallet and can be used for your own personal use or shared with anyone who is interested.

Stone Glacier Chilkoot 32° Quilt

R-RATING
32°

MSRP
$425

URL
stoneglacier.com

NOTES
Sleeping outside, without modern climate control, is tricky business. One-size-fits-all sleep systems can be cumbersome and have a loft distribution that’s less than ideal for staying warm. Conversely, form-fitting sleep systems may overheat the user or lose its heat retention simply by rolling the wrong direction. Stone Glacier addresses both of these concerns with its Chilkoot 32° Quilt. Engineered for backcountry autumn hunting, the quilt is lightweight for its temperature rating and compresses to a size ideal for most rucksacks. The unique feature about this particular sleeping system is its absence of a zipper, instead utilizing cinch straps that allow the user to adjust both warmth and ventilation, depending on how fickle the fall weather is. This opening is meant to face an appropriately R-rated sleeping mat, which also means that no matter how much you toss and turn in your sleep, you’ll have all of the Chilkoot’s insulation right where it needs to be.

GRAYL 16.9 fl. oz. UltraPress

EDITIONS
Nature, Covert

MSRP
$90

URL
grayl.com

NOTES
Water is the most important supplement a human body requires to stay healthy, and being active in the outdoors can quickly work up thirst. There are a couple options to slake that thirst: carry the extra weight of several liters of water or filter water from natural sources. Most savvy outdoor enthusiasts choose the latter. In the case of filtering, much time is spent digging around in a pack for tubes and filters, getting it set up, then pumping, or physically sucking the water through the filter. GRAYL eliminates many of these steps with their UltraPress water purifier bottle. Simply find the clearest source of water nearby, fill the outer reservoir, then press the inner filter sleeve down to the bottom. In approximately 10 seconds, you’ll have 16.9 ounces of water that has been filtered of 99.99 percent of viruses, 99.9999 percent of bacteria, and 99.9 percent of protozoan cysts, ready to drink. Each filter is capable of 300 presses, which comes out to nearly 150 liters of clean drinking water throughout its life cycle.

Streamlight Pocket Mate USB

COLORS
Blue, Pink, Red, Silver

MSRP
$24

URL
streamlight.com

NOTES
Illumination in the dark is a wonderful thing, especially for those times you weren’t expecting to need it. Hand torches of innumerable size and lumen output are all over the place, but they take up a ton of room, and most folks don’t want to carry one in their pocket all day just for the off chance they might need it. Most phones have a dedicated light, but trying to point a phone light with your hands full of anything else is a recipe for a cracked screen. Having a dedicated light that’s small enough to become a part of your EDC offers many advantages, and the Pocket Mate fits this bill. Clip it easily to a key ring, zipper pull tab, or D-ring, and you have a light source that ranges from a subtle 45 lumens to as bright as 325. Weather-resistant, impact tested to 1 meter, and a run time up to 1 hour, the Pocket Mate is an affordable source of reliable illumination. Being able to charge via USB is another plus, since it eliminates the need to crack it open and replace specialty batteries.

Wiley X Paladin Gloves

COLORS
Coyote Brown, Foliage Green

MSRP
$105

URL
wileyx.com

NOTES
Finding gloves to keep your mitts warm and dry is easy. Doing this while offering protection from physical damage and maintaining agile dexterity is not. This is where Wiley X comes in with their Paladin glove. Padded knuckles and reinforced goatskin guard your hands against potential impacts, abrasions, and cuts. Lightweight DRIFIRE fleece insulation wicks away moisture and keeps things dry, an important feature when operating in colder weather. Nomex on the back of the hands provides further ventilation and makes the Paladin gloves flame-resistant. These gloves strike a Goldilocks balance between warmth and agility, perfect for field work or a cool weather shooter.

Q30 Innovations Q-Collar

SIZES
11-18

MSRP
$199

URL
q30.com

NOTES
Much attention has been given in recent years to athletes and servicemen and women suffering from traumatic brain injury (TBI). The effects of TBI can vary widely, ranging from recurring headaches to life-changing cognitive impairments. Sufferers from head injuries may end up spending a fortune in medical bills to treat the symptoms. So when Q30 Innovations released their Q-Collar product, it offered an affordable way to mitigate the effects of head trauma. Using the Q-Collar is simple: measure your neck size, purchase the corresponding collar, and wear it. While it’s worn, it prevents the rapid movement of blood in the brain during a sudden impact to the head, reducing the physiological stress that would normally occur. There’s enough data to back up the collar’s effectiveness, and it’s cleared by the FDA. Athletes competing in high impact sports, shooters, or anyone who may be subjected to explosive atmospheric pressure would benefit from wearing this.

Salewa Rapace Gore-Tex

FUNCTION
Alpine Hiking

MSRP
$300

URL
salewa.com

NOTES
Salewa is an international mountaineering company with a history that goes way back to the 1950s and a philosophy inspired by the Dolomites. The Rapace boots reflect this industry-leading vision by offering features that any climber or hiker will appreciate. For starters, the boots come with durable climbing laces, Vibram soles, and Gore-Tex lining. Since no two feet are the same, they also come with a Multi-Fit-Footbed (MFF) liner that can be altered to achieve the perfect fit. Salewa also uses the 3F System, which connects the insole with the toes and heels with steel cables that provides support exactly where it’s needed during a climb. The lugs are designed to grip rock and skree like a bona fide mountain goat. Top it all off with abrasion- resistant outer material and you have a boot that was made for exploring the high places of the world.

Sitka Jetstream Jacket

COLORS
Blaze Orange, Deep Lichen, Eclipse, Elevated II, Granite, Mud, Optifade Open Country, Optifade Subalpine, Sitka Black, Waterfowl Marsh, Waterfowl Timber

MSRP
$379

URL
sitkagear.com

NOTES
Famous guidebook author Alfred Wainwright famously said, “There is no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing.” This is especially true when something as simple as the wind can drive a comfortably cool day into harmful windchill territory. To combat this, Sitka has released the Jetstream, a jacket that features a 100-percent windproof Gore-Windproof technology. It isn’t a hard plastic shell either, but a soft, rain-resistant polyester fiber. Micro-grid fleece keeps the inner jacket toasty, and armpit vents can open wide to expel any uncomfortable excess heat. The Jetstream is a lightweight jacket, weighing in at 26 ounces, making it ideal for being physically active when the temperature outside begins to drop. It also comes in enough colors to suit the needs of both hunters and outdoor recreation enthusiasts.

Corvus Survival Carrion

BLADE LENGTH
2.6 inches

MSRP
$275

URL
corvussurvival.com

NOTES
Developed and engineered by Corvus Survival’s legendary Jerry Saunders, the Carrion is a blade with the primitive scavenger in mind. Forged from 80CrV2, aka Swedish Saw Steel, the blade is easy to maintain and resistant to the elements, and the Scandi grind makes quick work of a robust variety of cutting tasks. An ambidextrous Kydex sheath allows the blade to be drawn and stowed from either direction. The Carrion’s size and shape lends to its strength and versatility, capable of bone-breaking cuts or slicing through a woody stem with finesse. The Carrion has even proven itself capable of shredding through the exterior of a car door. The primary ways to handle the blade are with a 3.5-finger forward grip or a four-finger reverse grip. Its handle is wrapped in specially treated hemp, making it easy to manipulate in tight spots and further adding to its primal aura. Handmade under the skillful eyes of a formidable bladesmith, the Carrion is built to endure.

Uncharted Supply Co The Seventy2 Pro Survival System

COLORS
Black, Olive, Orange, Red

MSRP
$589

URL
unchartedsupplyco.com

NOTES
Preparedness organizations, such as the Red Cross and FEMA, have published lists of items they recommend every household should have on hand in case of an emergency. They’re not referring to the often-contemplated SHTF scenario either. These emergency experts want the average citizen to be able to fend for themselves in much more common situations. Wildly fluctuating weather patterns and a less than adequate energy infrastructure has humanity across the globe scrambling for life-saving gear. To meet this rising chaos, Uncharted Supply Co has put together a pack that literally has it all. Nestled within the durable, 36L waterproof backpack is everything needed to support two or more people until the utilities come back online or help arrives. Food, medicine, shelter, clean water, warmth, power for devices, and even clean air, it’s all packed ergonomically and efficiently into The Seventy2 Pro Survival System. High-quality items, all collected and packed, eliminate the need to hunt for gear from a multitude of sources and makes being prepared a simple endeavor.

Wazoo Cache Beanie

COLOR
Charcoal Grey

MSRP
$90

URL
wazoogear.com

NOTES
Wazoo has been changing the way people think about EDC, survival, and overall preparedness for a while now, especially when it comes to their Cache gear, clothing, and accessories that hold micro-sized gear that will keep you alive when it counts. Not to be outfoxed by winter weather, the Cache Beanie is here to keep your noggin toasty and hold on to those vital pieces of kit. This watchman’s-style beanie is made from 100-percent Italian Merino wool, by the talented Wazoo team in Colorado. The fleece inside panel also doubles as a pocket, perfect for stashing a few fire plugs, cash, cards, or anything else you deem useful. One of the coolest aspects of Wazoo gear is that nothing is designed haphazardly. Everything has a reason, or a purpose for being there, including include the Wickett & Craig leather tab, which can be removed and used for other purposes and even has some common unit conversions on the back.

Written by Offgrid Staff

What’s the big deal with ambi AR-15s? Whether you’re right-handed or left-handed, short of a catastrophic injury or amputation, you’ll never be fully dependent on one hand. This is why many experienced shooters no longer use the terms “strong side” and “weak side,” instead favoring dominant/non-dominant or strong hand/support hand. Your “weak” side can’t be weak, because it’s essential for recoil management, reloads, and other critical tasks. Just as you wouldn’t type an essay or cook a meal with one hand tied behind your back, you shouldn’t put all the workload on your dominant hand while using a firearm.

By using dominant/non-dominant or strong/support terms, it’s easier to remember to work on maximizing the effectiveness of both hands. In other words, we’re trying to become ambidextrous, even if we still naturally favor one side. This allows us to shoot from either shoulder and make the most of available cover, and also streamlines two-handed weapon manipulations. Achieving ambidexterity mostly requires practice, but selecting a weapon that’s set up for ambidextrous use is also an important piece of the puzzle.

Above: The PWS MK116 MOD 2-M features fully ambidextrous controls, including a left-side mag release.

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This is why many firearm manufacturers have moved towards ambidextrous designs in recent years — aside from basic mil-spec models, it’s rare to see an AR-15 without at least an ambi safety selector or ambi charging handle these days. However, fully ambidextrous ARs are still relatively rare.

To be considered fully ambidextrous, the following controls should be easily operable by the left or right hand:

• Safety selector
• Charging handle
• Mag release
• Bolt release
• Bolt catch/hold-open

The last item is especially uncommon in ambi form, but quite useful for quick malfunction clearance or “unload and show clear” requirements between competition stages or training drills.

The PWS MK116 MOD 2-M

Over the last 14 years, Primary Weapons Systems (PWS) has made a name for itself by manufacturing premium ARs with its signature long-stroke piston system. For those who may be wondering what a long-stroke piston is, we’ll point back to Editor Iain Harrison’s summary from Issue 13: unlike the short-stroke pistons found in rifles such as the SIG MCX, FN SCAR, and Heckler & Koch MR556, “the long-stroke piston and op rod are attached to the bolt carrier in much the same way as an AK platform. While this long-stroke system usually results in a touch more felt recoil due to increased reciprocating mass, there are benefits to be had in terms of fewer parts to fail.” Current PWS models also feature an adjustable gas regulator that allows the user to tune the system for suppressed or unsuppressed use.

The PWS MOD 2-M is the company’s flagship AR line. Until recently, the MOD 2-M featured a forged lower with an ambi safety selector, mag release, and bolt release. The lower also features a flared magwell, integral trigger guard, and subtle contours that make it clear it isn’t a standard mil-spec component. The forged upper features similar contours, no forward assist, and a Radian Raptor ambi charging handle. Another distinctive feature of the MOD 2-M is its PicLok handguard, which has sections of Picatinny rail with recessed, threaded slots that also accept M-LOK accessories.

In June 2022, PWS rolled out an update for the MOD 2-M family of rifles. This centered around a forged lower receiver which was redesigned to accommodate a new bolt catch/bolt release lever with double-sided paddles on the left and right. This addition makes it a true fully ambidextrous rifle, allowing the user to easily hold the bolt or send it forward using one finger on the dominant hand.

After checking out this updated MOD 2-M design at our CANCON 2022 event in Georgia, I knew I wanted to spend some more time with it. I already own a few billet receiver sets with ambi controls (ADM and Ascend Armory) but those receivers can be quite expensive and aesthetically flashy. The more-utilitarian forged lower is appealing, especially as part of a complete package with PWS’s long-stroke system, so I selected a PWS MK116 MOD 2-M. To break that name down, MOD 2-M is the family, MK1 means it’s an AR-15 platform (MK2 is AR-10), and the 16 obviously corresponds to barrel length.

Accessories

I set up my PWS MK116 MOD 2-M with an Atibal XRD red dot sight, which offers 40,000 hours of battery life and a motion-activated function to maximize longevity. The XRD uses an Aimpoint Micro footprint, which allowed me to attach it to a taller ADM 1.93-inch Lightweight mount. I find the heads-up shooting position with this mount more comfortable, and it also enables easier use for passive aiming under night vision. The quick-detach function allows fast removal of the dot so I can access the Geissele backup iron sights I installed.

For low-light use, I wanted a weapon-mounted light that would integrate smoothly into the PicLok handguard, but I decided to go a little outside the box. This HRT Tactical AWLS light produces 1,700 lumens and 90,000 candela from an 18650 rechargeable battery. The most distinctive feature is its Valhalla Tactical ODA tailcap, a joystick-like activator that can be pushed in any direction for momentary mode, or clicked in for constant-on. The included MLOK screws are threaded directly into the PicLok handguard to secure the light. Although the pictured sample is a pre-production prototype, the HRT Tactical AWLS is now in full-production and available for purchase.

Finally, I added a BCM MLOK Vertical Grip to match the BCM pistol grip and buttstock PWS provided, and I installed a pair of Walker Defense Research NILE silicon carbide MLOK rail panels for extra grip. This MOD 2-M already came with some of my favorite AR add-ons — Radian Raptor charging handle, Radian Talon safety selector, and PWS’s own QD-socket-equipped Ratchet Lock Castle Nut and End Plate — so I had no need to swap out those parts. I did, however, disassemble the Talon selector and reinstall it in 45-degree configuration rather than the 90-degree configuration PWS chose.

Above: The included Radian Talon safety selector can be set to 45 degrees (pictured) or the more traditional 90 degrees.

At the Range

Above: The MK116’s recoil impulse felt smooth with 55gr M193 ammo. This photo shows the standard lower-1/3 mount on the red dot, rather than the 1.93 ADM mount we upgraded to later.

I loaded up the included Lancer L5-AWM mag with some 55-grain training ammo, flicked the 45-degree safety, and started shooting. After many years behind direct-impingement (DI) ARs, PWS’s long-stroke system feels noticeably different. The recoil impulse is smooth, more like a steady push than a sudden punch. Rapid strings of fire feel manageable.

Above: A cutout in the top rail behind the front sight provides access to the gas regulator, which can be adjusted using the included tool or the tip of a bullet.

The piston system should also keep the gun cleaner than a DI gun; this appeared to be the case after my time on the range — the BCG wasn’t coated in nearly as much crud as I’d normally expect. Another advantage of a piston-driven AR is its ability to accommodate a suppressor without the unpleasant gas blowback and dramatically increased fouling/carbon buildup typically seen on suppressed DI guns. With this in mind, PWS’s built-in gas regulator has three positions:

1. Position 1 – Unsuppressed
2. Position 2 – Suppressed with lighter loads and/or suppressors with lower backpressure
3. Position 3 – Suppressed with heavier loads and/or suppressors with higher backpressure

I plan to install a suppressor on this rifle in the future, but for now I evaluated it unsuppressed. The PWS FSC 556 muzzle device is primarily designed as a compensator, so it does a nice job of moderating recoil, but it also offers plenty of flash reduction for low-light/no-light shooting.

As for the ambi controls, I found them intuitive and easy to use. The left-side mag release is similar in size, shape, and placement to the right-side button, only ¾-inch lower on the receiver for clearance. The bolt release/catch is also similar on both sides of the rifle, but positioned slightly further back on the right side to clear the ejection port cover. All of these controls are raised and textured enough to be found and manipulated easily with gloves on. Granted, users with smaller hands may have some trouble with stretching an index finger to press the right-side bolt release, but I had no such issue with my oversized catcher’s mitts.

Overall, the PWS MK116 MOD 2-M feels like a top-shelf production AR, and I have no doubt it’d hold up to duty use. Subjectively, I think it looks great as well — not too plain or too flashy. Although I did add an optic and a few accessories for personal preference, I didn’t feel the need to start upgrading internal parts, controls, or furniture — it’s good to go right out of the box. One possible exception is the PTFE-coated Mil-Spec Enhanced trigger; while smooth and precise, its 6-pound pull weight is definitely heavier than what I’m used to. Short of a suppressor, that’s the only upgrade I’m planning on.

PWS MK116 MOD 2-M Specifications

Overall Length: 33 inches

Barrel Length: 16.1 inches

Caliber: .223 Wylde

Capacity: 30+1

Weight: 8.2 pounds (with accessories, unloaded)

MSRP: $2,050

URL: primaryweapons.com

Accessories:

• Atibal XRD red dot sight ($150)
• ADM Micro T1/T2 Lightweight Mount ($130)
• Geissele Folding BUIS ($200)
• HRT Tactical AWLS ($295)
• BCM Vertical Grip Mod 3 ($21)
• Walker Defense Research NILE 3-Slot MLOK Panels ($39)

Price as Configured: $2,885

Written by Patrick McCarthy

TangoDown® Inc. announces newest item to the Vickers Tactical™ lineup:  Steel Magazine Release for G43X/G48 (GMR-007S).  We teamed up with Addtac MFG. to have our existing GMR-007 magazine release created in steel.  This steel magazine release is compatible for use with the Shield Arms® S15 steel magazines.  The GMR-007S is the same shape as the existing magazine release, but offers the durability needed to function with steel magazines.

Features:

• All steel composition for compatibility with Shield Arms® S15 Steel Magazines
• Extended and contoured for easy manipulation
• Ambidextrous
• Durable black nitride finish

For use with G43X and G48 ONLY.

NOT for use with OEM GLOCK® factory magazines or other polymer magazines.

MSRP:  $31.00

**If you are not familiar with modifying your firearms, seek appropriate assistance from a Certified Armorer or Gunsmith.

For more information on the GMR-007S, visit:  https://tangodown.com/vickers-tactical-steel-magazine-release-for-glock-43x-48/ Customer Questions:sales@tangodown.com

For my early hurricane deployments as an Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) Structures Specialist, I used to just sling multiple bags over my shoulders — wear one backpack normally, the other reversed over my chest, and maybe a third slung on one shoulder. This gets old fast if you’re having to transfer between different vehicles or walk on foot any distance at all. I’m not exactly known as a minimalist packer. As an engineer, I love redundancy and fully subscribe to the “two is one, one is none” mantra of having backups for backups. But the end result of carrying multiple overstuffed bags ended up looking ridiculous and made it tough to move with purpose and efficiency. So I ended up just purchasing one giant bag, the Sherpa Jr. by Red Oxx Manufacturing, which would serve as a “mothership” to my smaller bags and keep my bulky gear all in one place.

No more clipping boots or helmets to the outside of a smaller pack because they won’t fit inside — the Sherpa Jr. is like a black hole that sucks up all sorts of bulky gear. It streamlines my movement because I only have one bag to carry. It’s one enormous, impossible-to-miss or misplace bag. The dimensions on this mother are 27 by 15 by 15 inches. That’s over 6,000 cubic inches, and it’s not even the biggest bag Red Oxx offers. In this case though, I feel like this size is about the maximum practical for anything I do. If I had a bigger bag, I’d be tempted to stuff that one too, but it’d end up being too heavy to lift or carry without throwing out my back.

I used to have a gear room full of black packs to the point where it was hard to tell them apart. Nowadays, when I buy a pack I look for any other color than black. One of the things I love about Red Oxx Manufacturing is how I can order any of their bags in one of 13 colors, including an obnoxious (in a good way) bright blaze orange or a gorgeous bright blue (they call the color Mariner). In this case, I bought the Sherpa Jr. in a limited-edition lime green color, so that I could find my gear easily even when it was thrown into the back of a tractor trailer with similar bags strewn all around it.

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I own seven other bags from Red Oxx. Nothing they make is inexpensive (the Sherpa Jr. is $335), but the build quality is just levels above what I’m used to seeing from similar items manufactured in overseas factories in Vietnam or Bangladesh. Red Oxx’s factory is in Billings, Montana, and is owned by veterans with a background in parachute rigging, so they know more than a little bit about building gear you can rely upon.

Red Oxx Sherpa Jr. Expedition Series

MSRP
$335

URL
www.redoxx.com

Baby Packs

I’ve covered the contents of my smaller 5.11 RUSH72 in Issue 52 of RECOIL OFFGRID and 5.11 RUSH12 pack in Issue 48. I’m able to have these packs fully loaded and then just drop them into the Sherpa Jr., although sometimes I’ll leave those packs empty and just load the items separately until I have a better idea of what the mission profile will look like.

Bulky Protective Gear

New for this hurricane season, I’ve been able to transition to the lighter and much more comfortable SAR Tactical Helmet made by Team Wendy. It’s amazing how much less cranky I am when I don’t have any pressure points boring into my head. I also bring a ridiculously heavy pair of Honeywell Technical Rescue Boots, which provide me the quiet comfort of knowing that, even if I go down in a helicopter crash and my body is converted to charcoal briquet status, my feet will still be pink, soft, and intact inside the boot’s protective shell. It’s the little things that count.

“New” Drone Technology

Most people are surprised when I tell them that in terms of advanced technology to locate and rescue victims, what we used at the Surfside (Champlain Tower) condominium collapse in Miami in 2021 was mostly the same technology that my predecessors used following the Sept. 11 attacks at the World Trade Center and the Pentagon in 2001. My primary surveying equipment to monitor the stability of the building was a decades-old, manually controlled Total Station, which didn’t even know how to talk to a computer. In contrast, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) engineers, sent to the collapse because of the large proportion of Jewish residents inside the building and community, had more advanced technology and techniques than anyone else.

I use a drone on a weekly basis for my “day job” as a structural engineer, and was ready to bring it down to Surfside, but was told that they had plenty of drones there, I’d be able see whatever I needed with a radio call. So naturally, I never had access to a drone while I was there. Like my friends in the military can probably relate to, close air support never seems to be there when you need it most. So now I bring my DJI Mavic 2 Enterprise Drone with its onboard thermal camera for every deployment, and I stuff the huge heavy box into my Red Oxx Sherpa Jr. bag and just deal with the extra weight, because I’m never going to have that particular problem again.

Making Room For Mental Health

I’ve always found it helpful to tuck in some completely unnecessary personal items, but my psychologist friend Dr. Meg Fitzpatrick, PsyD NCSP, helped me verbalize it and put a name to it for the first time. She first suggested a Mental Health Go Bag to tuck into my other kit. This is mostly just stuff that’s going to make me feel better and — critically — do my best to truly unplug during the few off-hours that we get. Mine includes delicious food that won’t spoil and refuels my body, often a box of Honey Stinger Nut + Seed Bars.

I’ll also add packets of instant micro-ground coffee, so I can feel human again with a caffeine boost even if I have nothing more than a lukewarm bottle of water to mix it with. Besides that, I throw in my new Sitka Ambient Hoody that weighs practically nothing but is still toasty warm. Unlike the rest of my issued gear, which are mostly cotton blends, it dries quickly when wet.

I top these off with little sample sizes of something that smells really good. The catch is that it needs to be a new smell and also a smell that I’m comfortable leaving behind and never smelling again after the deployment, to avoid unnecessary triggering. Of course, there are some triggers you’ll never get away from, but it’s nice to be able to at least minimize them going forward.

I hope this Red Oxx duffel gives you some good packing ideas for your own adventures. Finding good gear is like finding good friends, especially as you get older. It’s few and far between, but once you get it you’ve got it for life.

About the Author

Andrew Schrader is a licensed professional engineer, commercial pilot and Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) specialist. He has been deployed by the State of Florida for four separate hurricane events, as well as the Surfside (Champlain Towers) condominium in 2021. He is the lead Structures Specialist for the State of Florida’s US&R Task Force. Find him on Instagram at @reconresponse.

Written by Andrew Schrader

Editor’s Note: This review of the new POF Tombstone lever action rifle was originally published by our sister publication RECOIL. For more in-depth gun reviews and news, go to RECOILweb.com.

Ever since Frank DeSomma founded POF-USA over 20 years ago, the company has marched to the beat of its own drummer. They started with the AR platform, becoming well-known for their line of piston-driven guns amongst a sea of direct-impingement guns. Moreover, not only did POF incorporate a gas piston design, they developed additional unique features to enhance function and reliability, such as their dual-extraction fluted chamber, oversized heat sink barrel nut, and roller cam pin in the bolt carrier. For its next magic trick, POF squeezed a .308 into a .223-sized package with its short-stroke gas-piston Revolution rifle — many of its parts are interchangeable with an AR-15, and the barrel extension, bolt assembly, upper, and lower receiver are exactly the same size.

Since then, they’ve released various iterations and refinements on their AR-platform guns, in both gas-piston and direct-impingement flavors. And in 2022, the company introduced the Phoenix 9mm subgun. The next gun in POF’s pipeline is a bit of a departure from the others. You probably wouldn’t be surprised that they’ve been developing a manually operated firearm. And you might expect that they’d build a bolt gun next, as have many other manufacturers. Not POF.

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Above: POF’s new Tombstone lever action PCC is ready for the O.K. Corral, with 20 rounds of 9mm on tap and modern construction and tactical amenities.

Jeremy Selting, their vice president of sales and marketing, told us that POF “decided to take a step back and say, ‘What hasn’t been done before, and how can POF-USA do it first?’ While lever guns have been around for over 100 years, we spun it around and used AR technology with some of the receiver components, added a modular rail, and best of all, had a detachable 20-round magazine in one of the most accessible ammunition types available in 9mm.”

Additionally, a lever gun is legal in ban states and international markets that restrict semi-auto weapons.

Lever Me Timbers

Lever-action operating systems feature a cocking handle with a pivot in front of the trigger; the handle typically incorporates a trigger guard and a loop for the shooter’s hand. When you rotate the lever forward, links in the action retract the bolt and extract the spent case. At full extension, the hammer will be cocked, and as you pull the lever back home, a fresh round is fed and pushed into the chamber.

While early examples of guns with lever-operated actions appeared in the late 17th century and early 18th century, it was the 1860 Henry rifle that first saw widespread use and may pop into most people’s minds.

Meanwhile, the Spencer rifle was the first repeating long gun adopted by the military, and both lever-action rifles made their presence known on Civil War battlefields. The effectiveness of their magazine capacity and rate of fire led to the widely known phrase, “It’s a rifle that you could load on Sunday and shoot all week long.”

Above: The side plates come off for maintenance, providing a nice view of the lever-action mechanism. The lever engages a toggle link and other connecting links to move the bolt and firing pin back and forth.

The next significant lever-action evolution was the Winchester 1873, based on the Henry rifle and improved with a steel receiver, wood forearm, and tubular magazine with, importantly, a loading gate. Indeed, the Winchester is the most iconic lever action rifle, the “gun that won the West” featured in countless Westerns.

You could say the lever gun was the modern sporting rifle of its age.

In fact, there’s been a resurgence in popularity of lever guns in recent years, with more modern materials and tactical features being added, as well as hard-hitting big-bore models (see RECOIL Issue 39) getting a boost from a dinosaur-hunting appearance in Jurassic World. Still, they’re largely traditional in design, not that different from their progenitors.

POF Tombstone

POF’s new Tombstone is a lever-action rifle with a 16-inch barrel chambered in 9x19mm. Unlike all the tube-fed guns on the market, it feeds from a detachable box magazine, the 20-rounder that POF developed for its Phoenix subgun. It’s a proprietary polymer design that looks like a curved MP5 mag; it’s a double column but tapers down to a single feed point like a pistol, which POF says works better for a manual action.

Working from tip to tail, the 4150 steel, 1:10 twist, fluted barrel is topped off with a muzzle brake secured with a lock nut. On the other end of the barrel, it’s fastened with a barrel nut.

The AR-ish handguard includes the cantilevered top rail, which attaches to the top of the receiver, as well as M-LOK slots at 3, 6, and 9 o’clock on the forend. At the muzzle end, there’s a short piece of Pic rail on the top and the bottom, like an underbite. The top piece includes an integral blade front sight with a white stripe.

At the aft end, above the receiver, is an XS ghost ring rear sight, adjustable for elevation and windage via set screws on either side.

Above: The Tombstone handles nicely and points very naturally.

Made of 7075-T6 aluminum, the receiver has a slightly flared magwell; combined with the tapered single-feed magazines, this makes it easy to insert fresh mags. However, the magwell is farther forward from fire control than shooters may be accustomed to with other platforms, so it takes some reps to get used to it.

There are mag releases on both sides, just like POF’s ambidextrous AR receivers — button on the right and lever on the left. If you have fingers like E.T., you might be able to reach them on your strong side. Otherwise, we found it most effective to perform mag changes like with many other subguns — grab a fresh mag with your support hand, push the mag release on the off-side with your thumb to eject the old one, then insert the new mag.

The angular-shaped lever shrouds the trigger; shooters with huge gloved meat hooks might feel a bit claustrophobic in the trigger guard. The cross-bolt safety is reversible, and the hammer has a half-cock position.

Above: The crossbolt safety is reversible. Note the AR-derived ambidextrous magazine release lever.

POF mates the Tombstone with Magpul’s excellent SGA 870 shotgun stock, contouring the lever to fit perfectly. As a result, you can tap into Magpul’s various colors and accessories, such as cheek risers, QD sockets, and spacers, as desired.

Field-stripping the gun for cleaning and maintenance involves a Torx driver, small parts, and some finesse, so we’d classify it more as a bench-stripping procedure that you’d rather not do in the field. After clearing the gun and ensuring it’s safe and unloaded, remove the side plates — reminiscent of those sweet old Winchesters.

Keep the rifle oriented vertically as if you were on target, or else small parts may fall out of the gun, and possibly to be lost forever in your cluttered garage.

We used Midwest Industries’ PCC vise block; while it’s designed for Glock-compatible lowers, the large-frame side worked fine to hold the Tombstone. A single Torx screw secures the side plates; once you remove them, take a close look at the connecting links, toggle link, and pins. Be sure to take a picture if you need a reference when reassembling the gun.

Remove the links and pins, as well as the pin connecting the links to the bolt. Lower the lever, push in the firing pin, and remove the firing pin retaining pin. Now you can pull the firing pin out of the rear of the receiver; push down on the hammer to clear it. Slide the bolt out to the rear and angle it downward to remove it from the receiver. Reassembly is the reverse of the above.

A Fistful of Ammo

The Tombstone is very nimble, at just 5.5 pounds, and with the traditional buttstock, it points very naturally, as any skeet or trap shooters out there will understand. It mounts quickly, right on target, and snaps effortlessly from target to target.

So while the integral XS ghost ring sights are nice, this is 2023, and the Tombstone begs for an optic. A reflex sight would be a perfect match for the spritely rifle, so we mounted Atibal’s CRD red dot sight — not only does it have a roomy window, its angular housing matched the Tombstone’s aesthetics. Call us slaves to fashion. The dot is bright, has 40,000 hours of battery life, and it came with a Pic rail adapter for its RMR footprint.

Above: The Atibal CRD red-dot sight has a roomy window, bright center dot, and 40,000 hours of battery life.

Additionally, any serious rifle should have a weapon-mounted light. In keeping with the slim, lightweight theme, we fitted it with SureFire’s Micro Scout Light Pro. Powered by a single AAA battery, it’s tiny, but still puts out 300 lumens (1,045 candela). Plus, its slick, pivoting, integrated low-profile mount sucks it right up against the handguard. Another great match for the Tombstone.

Above: SureFire’s diminutive, AAA-powered Micro Scout Light Pro is a perfect match for the nimble Tombstone, offering 300 lumens and a sleek, low profile mount.

There’s not a lot more fixed Pic rail real estate for other accessories, but there are plenty of M-LOK slots for more goodies. The muzzle is threaded ½-28; we had planned to attach JK Armament’s new micro-sized CCX suppressor. It would’ve been another perfect match for the Tombstone, but alas, we missed our tight publication window.

At the bench, we put the rifle on bags to chronograph and group some loads. Sellier & Bellot 115-grain FMJ clocked at an average of 1,361 fps but delivered the largest groups at over 4 MOA. Ranger SXT 147-grain HP and Winchester white box 115-grain FMJ turned in groups of 2 to 2.5 MOA and muzzle velocities of 1,096 and 1,409 fps, respectively.

Norma’s 124-grain FMJ and 108-grain MHP dialed it up a notch, with best groups of 2.1 and 1.6 MOA, at 1,237 and 1,480 fps, respectively. Finally, lowly aluminum-cased CCI Blazer 115-grain FMJ drilled out an impressive 1 MOA group, with average velocities of 1,336 fps.

The trigger breaks cleanly at 3 pounds, though it has quite a bit of overtravel. However, it’s not a big deal as this is a lever-action rifle; it’s not like you’ll be working the reset.

The Tombstone handles exceedingly well; it presents on target quickly and is maneuverable in tight spaces like hallways.

The lever is smooth, and there’s even a magnet on the bottom of the receiver to ensure it pulls up and stays tight when you bring it home. It’s a blast to work the lever furiously, like an Earp, ringing steel all around you.

Speaking of working the lever, be sure to rack it with authority. As a manually operated weapon, this ensures reliable extraction and ejection. At our first range session, we experienced several nose-up and nose-down feeding issues — these turned out to be due to a bad magazine. But with new mags in hand, we discovered one other thing to be aware of. With certain ammo, the last round in the mag would sometimes bind in the chamber if you didn’t close the action quickly.

Above: The Tombstone uses the same proprietary polymer 20-round magazines as POF’s Phoenix subgun. They feature a single-feed design, typically seen in pistol mags.

It varied by ammo type; for example, on one hand, you could work the action gingerly like a frightened newspaper journalist, and S&B would feed all day long. On the other hand, the last round of Norma MHP had to be slammed home to ensure it fed.

The rest of the magazine would feed fine for us, so if that last round does bind, take it as a signal to reload (there’s no last-round-bolt-hold-open on lever guns). In any case, best practice is to always work the lever as quickly and efficiently as you can, and to be sure to test your desired loads, paying attention to the last round in the magazine, for any mission critical duties like home defense.

The Magnificent Nine

The Tombstone isn’t for everyone, and that’s OK. The price alone takes it out of mass-market consideration. Fundamentally, some may scoff at the concept of a lever-action gun in 9mm; if we had to choose, we’d take a semi-auto over a lever-action too. In fact, POF would happily supply you with one of their Phoenix semi-auto 9mm guns to fill that role.

But if you’re behind enemy lines in a ban-state or otherwise need a manually operated PCC — or if you simply want a unique, nimble, and accurate carbine that you can rack and clack to your heart’s content while consuming your stash of 9mm — POF’s Tombstone is a funky, modern interpretation of the gun that won the west.

POF-USA Tombstone Specs

• Caliber: 9x19mm
• Capacity: 20
• Barrel length: 16 inches
• Overall length: 35.6 inches
• Weight: 5.5 pounds
• MSRP: $1,962

Accessories

• Atibal CRD red dot sight: $315
• SureFire Micro Scout Light Pro: $299
• Price as TESTED: $2,576

Written by Steven Kuo

One of the key pillars to being prepared is having a good water plan. Water is key to life and clean water is key to good health. I have a lot of experience with water filters and have been experimenting with different water filtration methods for years both at my house and in the field. 

I am not a big fan of granular activated carbon filters (GAC). I know that this is the worst way to filter water and over time, water will create pathways around the granular media no matter how tight it is packed. 

You know if your filter uses granular media if you can shake the cartridge and it feels like there’s sand in it, as is the case with the most popular water filter pitchers.  

The efficacy, per NSF/ANSI Standards, of a carbon filter is also based upon the flow rate regulation. When the water is allowed to flow through the filter at a slower rate, the contaminants are exposed to the filter media for a longer amount of time.

So, generally speaking, the longer it takes for the water to pass by the carbon, the better the level of filtration (Your 10-second Brita filter time is too high of a flow rate and is not removing anything, sorry to let you in on this little secret.)

TDS meters…you know the $1.25 ones from China that ZeroWater gives you with their water pitcher, are not a good way to determine water quality. TDS measures trace minerals & salts in the water. TDS does not measure other contaminants like fluoride, pharmaceuticals, heavy metals (lead), chemicals (chlorine), pesticides (RoundUp), herbicides, hormones, & more.

That is why if you have really read ZeroWater’s marketing material, they never really say that TDS is bad or a health concern. They just say that will get it down to zero. I am much more concerned about chemicals & metals than I am about trace minerals ( healthy minerals I want in my water) which might cause a little bit higher TDS reading.

If you really want to test your water quality, you need to send it to a lab and have it checked out. It will cost between $100 to $200, which is cheaper than cancer. Don’t rely on a Chinese TDS meter, they are a joke.

In my search for higher-end filtration, I decided to look into a water filter made by a company called Hydroviv and compare it to other filters that are commercially available on the market.  I saw these guys on Shark Tank and Mark Cuban had good things to say about them (he put his money where his mouth is and made a deal with them), so I wanted to check out the hydroviv water filters for myself.

Hydroviv Water Filter Review

#1 Filter

3rd Party Testing/Certifications

The hydroviv filtration system carries NSF certifications to Standards 42 (aesthetic effects/aesthetic impurities) and 53 (health effects) and is independently tested to remove hundreds of contaminants including lead, VOCs, Arsenic, and PFOA/PFOS. This is a link to their NSF certification listing.

My house and neighborhood have old pipes that are leaching lead into my water, so lead filtration is very important to me. The best bet to make sure that a water filter has reliable performance numbers and doesn’t leach harmful chemicals into the water is to buy something that is NSF Certified. 

Hydroviv’s filters are NSF Certified for lead removal, which means that the filters are independently tested to remove 150 ppb lead throughout the 600-gallon lifetime. The same thing is true for harmful chemicals like VOCs and PFOA/PFOS, as well as chlorine taste and odor.

In addition to the NSF certifications, Hydroviv’s filters have been involved in a number of University trials for PFC/PFAS removal. You can view the NC State study here and a breakdown of the NC State study on their website here. The results show Hydroviv removes PFAS chemicals to non-detectable levels in homes with contaminated water.

Installation

I’m more handy than most, but even I appreciated how easy to install this was. It took me less than 5 minutes to connect it to the cold water line on my faucet, and it was nice that all the necessary hardware came with the product. 

Water Pressure

One of the things that keep people from using effective water filters is the negative impact on water pressure. One of the things that impressed me most about Hydroviv was that they figured out how to make an NSF-certified filter that doesn’t kill water pressure. Their product is rated for 1 gallon per minute, while other NSF-certified products are typically between ½ and 3/4 gallons per minute.

Build Quality

I figured that this product was well built when I watched the episode on Shark Tank because Lori Grenier’s immediate response to holding it was “Wow, it’s heavy.” Sure enough, when I received my order, I was surprised at how thick & sturdy the cartridge housing’s walls were. 

One thing that may not be obvious to people that I really appreciated is that the product is actually serviceable. There’s only one gasket in the product, and it’s easily replaceable. Other manufacturers use embedded seals, which means that once the gasket wears out or starts leaking, you need to buy a whole new system.

Verdict

Hydroviv is NSF-certified and does a great job removing legacy contaminants like Lead/VOCs, as well as emerging contaminants like PFAS. The filter was also really easy to install.  It was a little more expensive than I would have liked ($170), but they do manufacture in the US, so I was willing to pay a little more for quality and better water pressure.

#1 Filter

Hydroviv vs Epic vs Woder Water Filter Review

We will be covering the three following water filters:

#1 Filter

Woder 10k-DC Water Filter Review

Woder, a company that sells a lot of water filters on Amazon makes some pretty outrageous claims about their product lasts to 10,000 gallons.

I recently purchased one of their products just to see what kind of special sauce was in their filter that could last all the way out to 10,000 gallons. I mean, that is a crazy claim and it had to be some new space-age material that no one had ever heard of to do this type of massive filtration all the way to 10,000 gallons!!!

I was extremely disappointed to find out that the Woder was just using loose-packed granular activated carbon (GAC) filters like the cheap style filter that Brita uses. I always tell people, if you shake your water filter and you can hear it move around like it has sand inside, you have a cheap water filter.

As you can see from this picture (I took the saw out & opened up a Woder filter to see that magic stuff) it is all Bull Sh*t. I also tried to dig into their testing because as a prepper, I want a water filter that removes a ton of contaminants and I need to know when I have to change the filter to protect my family.

Woder’s testing…well good luck finding it on their website. It does not exist. Between Hydroviv and Woder, at least Hydroviv is trying to do the right thing. Woder is just out there making crazy claims with no science or proof behind them.

Epic Smart Shield Review

Epic Water Filters is a company that I have reviewed several of their products and like other water filtration companies that I like (Berkey, MSR) they use solid carbon block filters.

Everything that I have read, all of the testing that I done, all of the data that I have reviewed says that carbon blocks are superior to GAC filters. It is not even close.

So when I look at the Epic Smart Shield vs Hydroviv vs Woder, it is not even close. Yes, the Epic Smart Shield is a few bucks more but when you dive into the details of the products the Smart Shield is worth every penny.

Also, the Epic Smart Shield is an American made carbon block filter that has been tested and certified to 3 different NSF/ANSI drinking water standards by an independent laboratory. As you can see from this picture, I cut open both the Woder and the Epic Smart Shield and put them side by side. Think about trying to get water through that thick carbon block filter vs the loose-packed carbon sand. You can shake the Epic Smart Shield all day along and you will not hear it make any noise. ???? It is a solid brick of carbon.

#1 Filter

Woder 10k-DC vs Hydroviv vs Epic Smart Shield

Cost

• Woder 10k-DC: Cheapest
• Hydroviv: Most Expensive
• Epic Smart Shield: Affordable

#1 Filter

Made from solid carbon block?

• Woder 10k-DC: NO (GAC like Brita)
• Hydroviv: NO (GAC like Brita)
• Epic Smart Shield: YES

Independently Certified to NSF/ANSI 42 Standard (Chlorine, Taste, Odor):

• Woder 10k-DC: NO
• Hydroviv: NO
• Epic Smart Shield: YES

Independently Certified to NSF/ANSI 53 Standard (Health Effects like Lead & Metals):

• Wonder 10k-DC: NO
• Hydroviv: NO
• Epic Smart Shield: YES

Independently Certified to NSF/ANSI 401 Standard (Trace Pharmaceuticals & Emerging Contaminants):

• Woder 10k-DC: NO
• Hydroviv: NO
• Epic Smart Shield: YES

Tested to Remove Bacteria?

• Woder 10k-DC: NO
• Hydroviv: NO
• Epic Smart Shield: YES

Tested to Remove PFOA/PFOS?

• Woder 10k-DC: NO
• Hydroviv: NO
• Epic Smart Shield: YES

Tested to Remove Glysophate (RoundUp)?

• Woder 10k-DC: NO
• Hydroviv: NO
• Epic Smart Shield: YES

Tested to Remove Cryptosporidium?

• Woder 10k-DC: NO
• Hydroviv: NO
• Epic Smart Shield: YES

Tested to Remove Giardia?

• Woder 10k-DC: NO
• Hydroviv: NO
• Epic Smart Shield: YES

Comes with a dedicated faucet version?

• Woder 10k-DC: NO
• Hydroviv: NO
• Epic Smart Shield: YES

Verdict

Do your research on a company or product before you buy a water filtration product. There is a lot of junk out there, especially all of the Chinese junk on Amazon. Dive into their data or lack of data. Look for companies that show third-party testing & certifications.  Read their reviews and customer service experience.

#1 Filter

Joel Jefferson

Joel is one of the original founders of SurvivalCache.com. After college, he joined the USMC where he served as an (0302) Marine Infantry Officer. Joel is an avid outdoorsman and spends much of his free time in the mountains. Joel’s hobby is researching survival gear & weapons as well as prepping. Read his full interview here.

Firearms can be a touchy subject and indeed, a hotly debated one in recent times, and I’m sure the subject of building a weapons cache – which is contained in this article – won’t help to cool the fire of this topic.

No matter where you stand on firearms, one thing is crystal clear. It is absolutely your right to own one (at least in this country), and it is also absolutely a person’s right to be able to defend themselves.

I think it goes without saying that firearms help to level the playing field between two parties, which is why one side usually doesn’t want the other to have them. While this is one part of having a weapons cache, there are other reasons I will talk about later.

In this article I’ll be covering the following:

• What is a weapons cache?
• Why would you want weapons caches?
• Indoor versus outdoor caches
• How to make a cache

What Is A Weapons Cache?

To make sure we are all on the same page here is a simple definition of a weapons cache:

Several or more firearms, weapons, and ammunition are stored away or hidden away.

Weapons that are stored in plain sight such as a gun safe or depots aren’t always thought of as a cache per se. Usually, a cache is thought of as a secret and out of sight, which is the characteristic that this article will focus on.

Why Would You Want A Weapons Cache?

This section won’t be terribly long because your reasons for wanting a weapons cache are your own. Also, while I’m not promoting the building of a weapons cache for any nefarious reasons, there are two main purposes for caching weapons:

• As a means of resupplying
• To keep a weapon or guns out of sight from people who would want to harm you and your way of life

If you look at history, you will see these reasons played out with people needing to resupply perhaps after fleeing their homes or to keep such supplies out of sight from people with evil intentions.

While firearms are certainly a favorite item to have in these caches, keep in mind that other items and tools can be stored in them as well.

Indoor Versus Outdoor Caches

There are basically two places to have a cache of weapons: either indoors or outdoors. There are a few differences and methods between these two locations, so let’s just jump right into it.

Indoor Weapons Caches

As I mentioned earlier, a cache is typically in a secret location and out of sight. This means weapons hanging on the wall or stored in a big ol’ gun safe sitting in the corner aren’t usually thought of as a cache.

If you are a do-it-yourself type of person, there are a ton of possibilities inside a home in which a cache can be stored. Such as under floorboards, ventilation systems, and secret rooms just to name a few.

If there is enough space underneath the flooring for the items you want to hide, this would probably be one of the simplest solutions that most people could easily accomplish.

Another relatively simple way would be to create a secret compartment for items, say behind a hanging mirror or cabinet. Installing false bottoms inside of drawers isn’t all that difficult either, just saying.

Other interesting solutions to hide items on a smaller scale include hollowed-out books, inside of food containers, or inside of fake appliances like clocks or display panels. I once knew an old timer who kept a .38 special tucked away in a decaf coffee can sitting on the shelf. Nobody he knew ever drank decaf so there was never a reason to get in the can unless there was a need for it.

Go Professional

In case you’re not a do-it-yourself type of person and you want something straight out of Hollywood, there are professional services that specialize in this sort of thing.

And if I’m being honest, some of these products are pretty cool and clever.

Almost all of them that I have seen are functional pieces of furniture with hidden compartments that can accommodate a single pistol or many weapons, including multiple pistols and long guns. The secret compartments can be accessed by simply pulling them out, unlocked by a magnetic key, or if you want to go high-end, some of these compartments are motorized and can be activated with the push of a button or voice activation.

Here are some videos of these products in action. From coffee tables to dressers, almost any kind of furniture that you can think of can be outfitted with these compartments.

Caching Weapons Outside

When it comes to finding a location for a cache, most people are probably going to think about putting it outside, and – more specifically – burying it.

There are options for outdoor caches that don’t involve digging, such as placing a cache inside a hollow tree or a cave. Places like these are much easier to access for you when you need to but they are also much easier for others to access as well.

The safest bet is to bury a cache and when doing so there are a few things to keep in mind.

The first is how deep the cache should be. Obviously the deeper you go the more work it will be to bury the cache and retrieve it. By burying it shallower, it will be quicker to place the cache and dig it up when you need it but you run the risk of others finding it easier either accidentally or intentionally.

Around two feet is a good goal to store most caches. Don’t forget to consider other environmental factors in the area as well. For instance, it would not be a good idea to bury a cache in dangerous zones where there is a chance of flooding, avalanches, rocks slides, or mudslides. It would be quite a surprise to get to your weapons store only to find they have been buried under several feet or more of earth, water, or snow.

The next thing you want to think about is location. It’s not a good idea to put a cache on public property and you need to have permission to put it on private property.

Once this has been figured out, the dig site should be out of sight of bystanders. That means you don’t want to be digging a hole close to a roadway, houses, or paths with foot traffic.

Of course, you also need to think about if you are going to only have one location or more than one location for a cache. Are you storing one weapon or many weapons? Is one a quick response cache and one a long-term cache?

Now how are you going to keep track of your cache?

Well, you could write down directions, but somebody could find those directions.

You could mark the locations on a map like an adult treasure map, but again, someone else could use that.

To me, the best method would be to have an identifiable landmark nearby that you can keep in mind relative to the cache’s location.

The two first ideas of writing or marking down the locations can be utilized but create some kind of code system that only makes sense to you.

How To Make A Cache

The following two ideas can be utilized indoors, but they are mainly for outdoor use. Caches that are stored outside or buried are going to be exposed to the elements and these types of caches are usually stored for longer periods.

Considering that most weapons are made of metal, the first thing you want to do is thoroughly clean the item. Then give it a healthy coat of oil that is appropriate to that type of metal. It would also be a good idea to put other equipment in a cache as well. Items like gun cleaning supplies, to help clean up the tools and keep them maintained, or additional magazines, and ammunition.

Next, tightly wrap the tools up in a plastic bag or resealable bag with a couple of desiccants and possibly oxygen absorbers included in the bags.

Ammunition cans

Ammunition cans are a popular type of container to use for caches. They come in various sizes and the metal ones are quite durable. They also usually come with a rubber gasket around the lid, which helps to keep the box sealed.

Smaller ammo cans will accommodate some handguns, other small weapons, and, of course, ammo. Larger boxes or totes can be used in place of ammo cans but keep in mind the durability of the container, not only doe it need to be able to withstand the elements but also the dirt, soil, or rocks that will be layered on top of it.

PVC Pipe

PVC pipe is another popular option for creating caches because the materials involved to make one are relatively cheap. PVC pipe is a waterproof container and is quite durable considering that it is used underground all of the time.

Other than the above reasons, another appealing reason to use PVC is that the size of the cache can be customized for small items or small and longer items, like a rifle. However, a rifle may need to be broken down to fit so don’t forget any tools that you may need.

Wrap up

A weapons cache’s purpose is for resupply and a measure of protection against a power group. Keep the force multiplier on your side by knowing how to keep a weapon or gun safe.

Always take great care in storing weapons, guns, and ammunition, so that individuals that should not have access to them and kids are kept safe.

Thanks for reading and stay prepared.

Bryan Lynch

Bryan grew up in the Midwest and spent every waking moment outdoors. Learning how to hunt, fish, read the land, and be self-reliant was part of everyday life. Eventually, he combined his passions for the outdoors, emergency preparedness, and writing. His goal was to spread positive information about this field. In 2019, Bryan authored the book Swiss Army Knife Camping and Outdoor Survival Guide. His second book, Paracord Projects For Camping and Outdoor Survival, is scheduled to be released on March 2, 2021.