Here's how I spent my last paycheck ... UPDATED.

I made a promise to myself to tough it out an extra week and use that money to buy a handgun, but the rifle was too good a deal to pass up...a penny under a grand. I had to dig into my savings, but I like it.

 Our group tactician chose this rifle as our common "battle rifle". He did a lot of research and asked around his base.

 "The by-products of the gas system are vented out the bottom of the gas block, away from the bolt carrier, keeping the action clean and free from contaminants. The end result is significantly improved performance over gas driven rifles." ( Ruger promo )

Here is a good review of the Ruger SR-556E

 Opening the box.

 A larger picture of the 5.56x45 inside it's case. I hated to see that the case was made in China. Three velcro straps to hold the rifle in place and two magazine pockets.

 The lock was included.

 A 30 round Magpul magazine - notice the protector clip for the magazine to protect the feed, and reduce contaminates. I have 10 more on order.

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ITEM#                DESCRIPTION                            QTY    TOTAL     
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18060                SR556® and SR556E®  30 Round Mag       10     $149.50   
 
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 Another large view of "exploded view".

I blew off a few things that needed to be done at the house and went shooting. I did buy a cheap optic, and 200 rounds. 

I plan on purchasing better optics, one-point sling, a bipod/grip, and a B.A.D.LEVER. I have provided a link for you. 

I plan on keeping it fairly simple. I'll spend that money on ammo and practice.

Updates for PP:

12 o'clock rail. Others can be added into pre-drilled holes.

MRE Monday - Toffee Crunch Cookie

This is an MRE that my Sweetheart has looked forward to reviewing ever since she saw the word toffee.

Nutritional Information:
Serving Size: 1 cookie (57g) about 2 ounces
Calories: 260
Calories from fat: 110
Total Fat: 12g or 18% DV
Trans Fat: 8.5g
Cholesterol: 10mg or 3% DV
Sodium: 170mg or 7% DV
Total Carbohydrates: 35g or 12% DV
Dietary Fiber: 1g or 4% DV
Sugars: 17g
Protein: 2g
Vitamin A: 0% DV
Vitamin C: 0% DV
Calcium:  8% DV
Iron: 6%

Expectations:
I have learned to limit my expectations and to keep them open at the same time. A lot of disappointments come from having our expectations too high. I could delve into Eastern religion, but that would be a Zen post. Enough of my ramblings, I expected a cookie similar to the Chocolate Chip Cookie, but with a toffee taste.

 

Realities:

The cookie looked whole when the picture was taken, but once opened six big pieces came out. Besides the sight of the cookie, the smell was the most noticeable first impression. It had a very pleasant toffee aroma.

Red Ant didn't play around with this cookie. He took a small bite, then promptly gave his allotment back. This was a big no vote.

Row was also of the same mind. He took his usual itsy-bitsy bite and announced that he didn't like it. Both of these reactions weren't a big shock to either of us.

Sweetheart had a better insight, and was excited about getting to sample this MRE. She has been patiently waiting to unseal this dessert item. On her second bite, she gave a slight nod and commented on the "toffee flavor, but no toffee chunks." I sensed some disappointment here. After another bite, "It reminds me of toffee syrup that goes in coffee." She had finally found the proper description that she was looking for since the first bite. She admitted that she was "generally pleased", but had high expectations, like a heath bar cookie.

I'm not really that big on toffee flavored treats, but thought it had a good smell, and a rich toffee taste. It wouldn't be my first "go to" cookie, but it would find room in my backpack.

Final Thoughts:

The kids gave it no stars. My wife gave it a half star, but since the computer won't print half asterisks, and some mild prodding it got upgraded to a full star. I also gave it a star. I'm not sure if it would get ordered again.

I just asked my wife again, after a few hours, and she said that she would definitely order them again. She actually perked up when I asked her, so I'll be doing a reorder. Mainly as her comfort food.

Stars: * * (2)

Last of Vacation Pictures

 Row playing in the sand

 Lots of birds

 Notice the insane amount of people

 The Gulf was rough, but enjoyable.

And of course, Red Ant chasing the seagulls.

Book Review - The Pulse

   I had a great chance to read The Pulse by Scott B. Williams. He has written several books, but this is his first survival fiction story. The story focuses on five main characters, which are not well developed, but you get a good feel for the characters through the story. It really wasn't a problem, I just wished for a little more background on the characters. The book is written as if you are a passive third party, observing the actions and characters as it happens.

   I was hooked by page 30, and found it an easy read over a course of three days ( 393 pages ). I enjoyed the book, but didn't really find any new information for the prepper part of me. The book emphasized many aspects of bugging out, which wasn't surprising considering the author's forte.  I don't want to give out any spoilers, but I had the ending pegged before the last sixty pages. 

  All in all, an enjoyable book that wasn't too serious, but stresses the main reasons for bugging out. This could be a good gift for someone that you want to prod into emergency preparedness, like a relative. I would recommend picking up a copy, and settling in for a light read.

 

I have added The Pulse to my Amazon store, currently selling for $10.17. I do get a 4% kickback, if you'd like to support this site.

Can you be Ready to Leave in a Few Minutes

 Their will not be an MRE review this Monday.


We had the fire alarms going off in the hi-rise condos at about 3:00pm today. Our three year old, Red Ant, was sleeping on the floor, and the others were reading, Ipod, and computer.

It took us about 5 minutes to make it to outside, from the ninth floor, through the stairwell. We had to grab the essentials: money, wallet, car keys, door key, gun, backpacks ( adult and one of the kids ), the kids blankets, milk, and a couple of beers. Hey, you never know how long it's going to take. This also included dressing both kids and a quick potty break.

While it was only a kid pulling the fire alarm, and not a real fire, it was a good practice with the kids. We had a good practice fire drill, and we were able to explain to the kids about not using the elevators in case of a fire. Our family needs to have a few practice drills at the house too. It has been over 6 months or more since our last one...heck maybe even a year.

Could you be ready to leave in a few minutes notice? When was your last fire drill with the kids?

Home for a Week - 16 pics

Sure is nice, and sure couldn't afford to pay the mortgage.

Way point

After a long drive to get to Vicksburg, Took the kids for a swim and had sandwiches for dinner. Took my sweetheart to...

Ameristar casino. She lost $60 and I won $60, and we had 6 drinks. 2 to 3 hours without kids and a few drinks...sounds like we were winners.

The Mighty Mississippi is very low.

We passed through a lot of farmland, a lot of brown. Food prices are going to get worse. I'll try to take a few pictures on the way back to show you.

A BIG thank you to my brother for checking on a package from Ruger. It was scheduled to be delivered today.


Time to turn in for the night, it's another few hours until the beach. Life is good.

Vacation 2012

We are on vacation...watch for new photos all week. This is where we are headed...Orange Beach, Alabama.