Sunflower Ammo.com

SunflowerAmmo.com Photo Contest Winner

2012-01-16T18:35:00.000-06:00

Kevin was the winner of the SunflowerAmmo.com photo contest. We had a lot of great entries but Kevin's picture captured a great glimpse into our customers America.

SunflowerAmmo.com Photo Contest

2011-12-14T00:31:00.000-06:00

SunflowerAmmo.com Photo Contest

Customers at SunflowerAmmo.com receive a SunflowerAmmo.com sticker with ever purchase. E-mail us a picture of what you did with your SunflowerAmmo.com sticker. Send your emails to customerservice@sunfloweroutdoorsports.com. Contest will run thru the end of the year. The best picture will receive a prize package worth over $125 including:

Gerber Bear Grylls Ultimate Survival Kit
Gerber Option 50 Flashlight
Gerber Shard
Gerber Ceramic Pocket Sharpner
Aquamira Frontier Emergency Water Filter
Cold Steel Urban Pal

note - entry into the contest gives SunflowerAmmo.com the right to publish your picture and add you to our newsletter.

127 Hours - The Movie and being Prepared

2011-09-30T00:37:00.000-05:00

I recently watched the movie, 127 Hours. It is based on the true story of a hiker in Moab, Utah. He was hiking alone when a rock fell on his arm leaving him trapped. After 127 hours, he cut of his own arm in a final attempt to free himself. He survived and went on to write a book about his ordeal upon which the movie is based.

As I was watching the movie I was more concerned with what he did wrong right and before and during his ordeal than the movie itself. My thoughts are as follows:

Mistakes
1) Heading solo into the wilderness. I only call this a partial mistake because I know many people love the solitude and reflection available on a solo trip. You just have to remember that a solo trip is deadly serious and prepare accordingly.
2) He set out on a trip without telling anyone where he was going or when to expect him back. This is critical when venturing into the wild but can be just as critical in everyday life. Did you let anyone know the last time you took a weekend road trip? Do you provide your spouse with a copy of your travel plans when you take a business trip?
2) Gear Quality - He broke a cheap, Chinese made multi-tool and had trouble with gear not being accessible when he was trapped. There are certain items that have to work when needed. A few that come to mind are firearm, ammunition, knife, batteries, flashlight, watch, compass, backpack, rope, canteen, vehicle etc. Most of us are tempted by inexpensive gear. Just remember to determine if that inexpensive gear is cheap.
3) Gear availability - Some of his gear was not available for use due to how he was trapped. He had access to most of the gear on his person. Do not keep all of your gear in your pack. Two is one and One is none. Spread your gear between your person and your pack. This rule applies everyday so keep this in mind when selecting your EDC gear and if you carry it on your person or your computer bag/briefcase/vehicle.

Positives
1) He kept a positive attitude for the most part and visualized why he wanted to live.
2) He was very resourceful in utilizing what gear he had available. The 127 hours was spent trying to free himself multiple ways before resorting to cutting off his arm. At one point he set up a pulley system with his climbing gear in an attempt to move the rock.

While watching the movie I thought of the "I Survived" television series on the Biography channel. I end up going thru the same negative/positive analysis when watching this series. The two things that stand out in every story are the will the survive and resourcefulness. Your are going to have to be resourceful in any survival situation but the better prepared your are with gear and knowledge the better your chances of survival.

Use the Coupon Code "freebracelet" to Receive a Free Paracord Bracelet

2011-09-28T10:27:00.000-05:00

One of our vendors ran a special on generic paracord bracelets with a survival whistle in the clasp. They are not the same quality as the Survival Strap Paracord bracelets we sell so we are giving them away! The bracelets are 9.5" and will fit a 7.5" to 8" wrist. Bracelets are brown, woodland camo and ACU camo. Color will be random. Use the coupon code "freebracelet" on a $20 purchase and you will receive a free generic paracord bracelet. The coupon code will work as long as we have free bracelets available. No rain checks.

September is National Preparedness Month!

2011-09-01T00:08:00.000-05:00

"It wasn’t raining when Noah built the ark.” — Howard Ruff
During the month of September we are offering the following offer on select Wise Food products:
Buy a 1080 Serving Package, get (2) 72 Hour Food Kits FREE (retail value of $69)
Buy a 1440 Serving Package, get (4) 72 Hour Food Kits FREE (retail value of $138)
Buy a 2160 Serving Package, get (6) 72 Hour Food Kits FREE (retail value of $207)
Buy a 2880 Serving Package, get (8) 72 Hour Food Kits FREE (retail value of $276)
Buy a 4320 Serving Package, get (10) 72 Hour Food Kits FREE (retail value of $345)

We are now also carrying Chef's banquet long term storage food in addition to Wise long term storage food. The largest difference between the two brands is packet size. Wise foods come packaged in 4 serving packets. Chef's Banquet comes in 5-10 serving packets. The Chef's Banquet line is less expensive primarily due to the economy afforded thru reduced packaging.

FREE Shipping on all long term storage food at SunflowerAmmo.com

Basic Emergency Supply List

When preparing for a possible emergency situation, it's best to think first about the basics of survival: fresh water, food, clean air and warmth.

Recommended Items to Include in a Basic Emergency Supply Kit:

Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
Flashlight and extra batteries
First aid kit
Whistle to signal for help
Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)
Local maps
Cell phone with chargers

Additional Items to Consider Adding to an Emergency Supply Kit:

Prescription medications and glasses
Infant formula and diapers
Pet food and extra water for your pet
Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container
Cash or traveler's checks and change
Emergency reference material such as a first aid book
Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person. Consider additional bedding if you live in a cold-weather climate.
Complete change of clothing including a long sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes. Consider additional clothing if you live in a cold-weather climate.
Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper – When diluted nine parts water to one part bleach, bleach can be used as a disinfectant. Or in an emergency, you can use it to treat water by using 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented, color safe or bleaches with added cleaners.
Fire Extinguisher
Matches in a waterproof container
Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
Mess kits, paper cups, plates and plastic utensils, paper towels
Paper and pencil
Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children

Invest in Tangibles NOW! Gold and Silver at Record Levels.

2011-04-26T17:50:00.000-05:00

Gold and silver are trading at record levels. What does this mean to the average person? Gold and silver is in demand as a hedge against inflation and the falling value of the US Dollar. Commodity inflation is at 20% and food inflation is at 30% over the last 12 months. The value of the US Dollar is approaching an all time low. The immediate impact on the average consumer is that every dollar you earn will buy less and less everyday. Any dollars that you may be lucky enough to have saved are slowly shrinking day after day.

What can the average American do to safeguard their future? It is too late to buy gold or silver. Gold and silver average 20-30 years between record highs and lows. Hedging with gold and silver is ineffective if you are buying at the highs. If you hold gold and silver you should be selling off a percentage of your holdings, when the markets are at their highs, to effectively hedge your dollars. You need to remember today's economic climate and purchase gold and silver when (hopefully not if) it cycles back towards a low. What do you do in the meantime?

There is a popular saying that in order to be prepared an individual should have "Beans, Bullets and Band-aids". I cannot argue with this logic. If you look at the current inflation rate of 30% for food goods, you can achieve a 30% rate of return on food items stocked in your pantry. The same formula applies to "Bullets and Band-aids". The advantage of investing in "Beans, Bullets and Band-aids" versus gold and silver is three fold. First, gold and silver should be purchased at market lows as previously discussed. Second, commodities such as ammunition, food, first aid supplies do not see the market downswings like gold and silver. "Beans, Bullets and Band-aids" are in a constant inflationary state. Third, "Beans, Bullets and Band-aids" can you used on a daily basis and are critical in an emergency situation. It is difficult to feed your family, defend your home or mend a nasty cut with gold or silver.

SunflowerAmmo.com is a small, family owned business that exists to bring you the best products at the best prices. We use what we sell. Look at the following when deciding how to safeguard your family and dollars from inflation.

Wise 1080 serving package - 4 adults 3 Month food supply

Federal XM193 5.56x45mm 55 Grain FMJ 500rds

Elite First Aid Military IFAK

Federal .45 Auto ammunition Recall

2011-02-10T11:07:00.000-06:00

Federal and American Eagle product warning.

SunflowerAmmo.com has not sold any of this ammunition but want our customers to check their ammunition purchased from other vendors.
Certain lots of recently manufactured 45 Auto ammunition may contain an incorrect propellant charge. Use of product from these lots may result in firearm damage and possible serious injury. If you have in your possession any 45 Auto with the following brand names and part numbers, check to see if your ammunition package contains the lots numbers 38X628 through 38X765 and 38T401 through 38T414 : American Eagle® (AE45A, AE45N1, or AE45A250), Champion™ (WM5233), GoldMedal® (GM45B), Hi-Shok® (45C, 45D) and Federal® Personal Defense® (C45C, C45D).

If you possess ammunition from any of these lots, or have questions concerning this warning, please contact us
at 1-800-831-0850 or 1-800-322-2342 and ask for Product Service. Federal will provide replacement product and will cover the cost of returning the affected product.

Californians get your ammo before Feb. 1, 2011

2010-12-10T16:56:00.001-06:00

AB 962 requires that beginning February 1, 2011 all California ammunition sales must be face to face transactions thus eliminating the option of California residents purchasing ammunition by phone, mail or the internet. AB 962 requires that Californians purchasing ammunition complete a form with their personal information, type of ammunition purchased and a copy of their right thumbprint.

Cabelas has stated that they will discontinue CA ammunition sales on January 31, 2011. It is believed that CA ammunition prices will increase at remaining retailers.

Residents of the other 49 states should make any upcoming ammunition purchases before the end of the year if possible as ammunition manufacturers update their pricing on January 1st with price increases being the norm.

Get your Ammo today at SUNFLOWERAMMO.COM

Black Friday Sale at SunflowerAmmo.com

2010-11-21T01:06:00.000-06:00

We are having a Black Friday Sale at Sunflowerammo.com. We decided to have the sale because 4Sevens extended their Black Friday sale to their Dealers. We have awesome prices on the 4Sevens Mini AA2, Quark 123 tactical and Maelstrom G5.

We also have some Independence .380 ACP and 9mm Luger ammo on sale along with some mil surplus items.

November 2010 Camping trip

2010-11-21T01:01:00.000-06:00

I did a quick video of my latest camping trip. It got down to about 30 degrees F overnight but my Snugpak Sleeper Lite sleeping bag keep me warm as usual.

I used my Fenix HP-10 headlamp for the first time and I was really impressed. It was the first time I had used a headlamp. It was very handy to have a hands free light around camp especially when Liberty the Weimaraner decided to walk across the back of our shelter at 3AM.

The last new item I used was the Aquamira Frontier Pro Water Filter. It is cheap, small and effective. Filtered pond water tasted like bottled water. I like it because you can place it directly in a water source and drink without filling a container.

Pheasant Season 2010 - Opening Day

2010-11-19T10:20:00.001-06:00

I went Pheasant hunting in Western Kansas last weekend and thought I would post a couple of pictures. A great time was had by all.

This is my view as a "blocker" while pheasant hunting in a cut milo field. The specs on the horizon are the "walkers" in our group.

Group photo with birds from Saturday. We got the same number of birds on Sunday with half as many hunters (29 birds each day).

Overland Park, KS Gun Show Oct. 16 & 17 2010

2010-10-12T00:33:00.001-05:00

SunflowerAmmo.com will be at the Overland Park, KS gun show on Oct. 16 & 17. It is a great chance to save on those shipping charges and look at our gear in person. It should be fun as it is our first gun show.

The gun show is at the International Trade Center 6800 W 115 St Overland Park, KS 66211. Here is a link to a Google map of the location.

Here is a link to a $1 off coupon for admission to the gun show.

Luthers Jerky

2010-09-12T18:53:00.001-05:00

There are a few simple pleasures in life......cold beer on a hot day, a good cigar on a still summer night and Luther's Jerky. I am not affiliated with Luther's beyond being a dedicated customer. Comparing Luther's jerky with the garbage jerky sold at your local convenience store is like comparing a soy burger to Kobe beef.

Luther's is based in LeRoy, Kansas population 568. Luther's jerky is also available at various locations in SE Kansas. If you do not plan on visiting LeRoy, Kansas in the near future Luther's has a website that allows you to have the Jerky of the Gods delivered to your door. http://www.jerkyusa.com/

I recommend buying in bulk and storing in your freezer for freshness. My favorites are the hot beef jerky and the teriyaki beef jerky. Both flavors come in traditional strips and "popcorn" style. I recommend getting both as the strips are thick and meaty while the "popcorn" allow you to moderate your intake.

Mo-Rod Ruger Mini-14 Barrel Stabilizer / Accurizer

2010-09-12T18:32:00.001-05:00

Sunflowerammo.com is the first dealer for the Mo-Rod Ruger Mini-14 Barrel Stabilizer / Accurizer! We are excited about our new relationship with Mo-Rod. We have been very successful selling the Accu-Strut but Accu-Strut has suspended production without an ETA for a new production run leaving us sold out of our inventory. I wanted our customers to have access to Ruger Mini-14 accurizing products so we expanded our product selection with the Mo-Rod.
The Mo-Rod utilizes CNC machined clamps that increase heat dispersion from your Mini-14 Barrel in addition to the amazing accurizing effects. I will have a video of the Mo-Rod installation process up next week.

Power Outage

2010-07-17T23:12:00.000-05:00

A thunderstorm popped up last night causing a power outage at my home. I waited a few hours to see if power was going to be restored quickly. After seeing that only 10 homes were affected I determined that power was going to be off for a while so I got out my emergency generator.

I do not have my electrical distribution panel wired to accept a feed from my emergency generator so I utilize 10ga extension cords to distribute generator power to items I want to power in my home. I ran power to my freezer, refrigerator, sump pump and a light. I left my generator running overnight in case my sump pump was needed. Power was restored the next morning. I came away with the following concerns following my short power outage:

Positive
1) I had plenty of 10ga cords, of sufficient length, to distribute power. I have a 10ga 3 outlet cord end to run multiple small items like a fan and light in the same area.
2) I have a cable lock for my generator. I placed my generator outside my garage and backed my truck up to the garage. I locked my generator to the class III hitch on my truck. This set up worked well.
3) My generator started on the first pull. I test it every fall and use Sea Foam additive in the gas.
4) I have a large zero turn lawn mover so I keep multiple 5 gallon gas cans which also provide fuel for my generator.

Negative
1) While my generator is set up to power my gas fired furnace during cold weather it is not big enough to power my heat pump during the summer. It is less common to have power outages due to summer storms but I will have to consider upgrading to a large generator that will power my heat pump.
2) I do not have battery back up on my basement sump pump. It has been on my to do list but I have delayed purchase. I did replace my sump pump this winter under preventive maintenance. I had to run my generator continuously to power my sump pump. If I had battery back up, I would only have to run my generator every few hours to keep my freezer and refrigator cold and potentionally charge a sump pump battery. I am shopping for battery back up to add to my sump pump.

Nothing like a minor emergency to let you test your gear in a real life situation.

M1 Garand Part 1 & 2

2010-06-29T08:42:00.000-05:00

Blake did these videos with a friend and his M1 Garand. As always you can get your ammo at Sunflowerammo.com. Enjoy.

Snugpak Sleeper Lite Video

2010-06-29T08:37:00.001-05:00

You can purchase this sleeping bag at Sunflowerammo.com .
I use this bag myself and it is hard to beat at this price.

After action gear report

2010-05-22T01:00:00.001-05:00

Homemade alcohol stove

2010-05-22T00:59:00.000-05:00

It took about 10 minutes to boil 1.5 quarts of water.

Fire starter field tests

2010-05-22T00:57:00.001-05:00

Camp set up - Simple Shelter

2010-05-15T00:23:00.002-05:00

2 Day Pack Camping Trip Gear Load Out

2010-05-14T02:06:00.000-05:00

A lot of this gear is available at SunflowerAmmo.com.

We finally got a little 380ACP in stock!

2010-05-06T23:22:00.001-05:00

Sunflowerammo.com now has 380ACP in Stock! We don't have much so get it while it lasts.

Remington 380 ACP 102 gr Ultimate Home Defense 25/box

New items this week at Sunflowerammo.com

2010-04-30T21:55:00.000-05:00

New 4Sevens Quark 123 Tactical in at SunflowerAmmo.com

I have a hard time keeping an EDC flashlight in my pocket because I end up showing it to someone and they buy the flashlight. My newest EDC flashlight is the Quark 123 Tactical. This one is staying in my pocket but you can order yours at SunflowerAmmo.com.

4Sevens Quark MiNi 123 Tactical - No clip

New TRAUMA PACK from Adventure Medical in at SunflowerAmmo.com

Adventure Medical hit this one out of the ballpark. This kit is the perfect addition to your existing first aid kits or stand alone in your range bag or with your outdoor gear.
Adventure Medical Trauma Pak with Quickclot

Other new gear in at SunflowerAmmo.com

Zippo Emergency Fire Starter Kit

Remington® Rem™ Oil Wipes

Esbit Large Fuel Tabs

New media sucks time

2010-04-21T00:28:00.000-05:00

I have been busy lately and neglecting my blog updates. Between YouTube, the blog, twitter and Facebook there are not enough hours in the day. We continue to add to our inventory every week.

I had a camping trip planned for this weekend to test a bunch of new gear but the weather forecast has delayed it a couple of weeks. I will do a blog entry with the results as I will have too much feedback for the YouTube videos.

Before and after Mini-14 Accu-Strut installation

2010-04-06T10:15:00.001-05:00

You can get your Accu-Strut LT at SunflowerAmmo.com These are before and after videos of the Accu-Strut installation on my personal Ruger Mini-14. I saw a 50% improvement in group size. I need to get it on a rifle rest to see how small I can get my groups with iron sights.

April Free Drawing

2010-04-01T01:15:00.000-05:00

The March FREE drawing winner is Justin Pavao.

The April FREE drawing will be for a Spyderco Byrd Meadowlark Rescue Knife.

You must be signed up to our newsletter to be eligible for the monthly FREE drawings!

Subscribe to the Sunflower Outdoor Sports newsletter

ACCU-Strut LT for Ruger Mini-14/30s

2010-03-29T00:26:00.000-05:00

I went shooting this weekend. My primary purpose, not that I need one to go shooting, was to get some groups out of my mini-14. We (Sunflowerommo.com) just started stocking the ACCU-Strut LT for Ruger Mini-14/30s. I will be fitting one to my personal Ruger Mini-14 and posting the results. The manufacturer claims a 50% to 75% reduction in group sizes on straight barrel Ruger mini-14/30s. I will be shooting my "after" groups this weekend and will post my results.

Condor Urban GO BAG

2010-03-24T23:00:00.000-05:00

Condor Urban GO BAG at SunflowerAmmo.com

USK I - Urban Survival Kit I now available at SunflowerAmmo.com

2010-03-21T17:25:00.001-05:00

USK I - Urban Survival Kit

The USK I - Urban Survival Kit is a SunflowerAmmo.com exclusive. If Nieman Marcuis were to sell a survial kit this would be it. Every item in this kit is of the highest quality. The USK I was developed for the individual that lives and/or works in an Urban/Suburban area. This bag is ready to deal with any situation you may encounter in an Urban environment. If there is a crisis in your workplace how will you get home? There are thousands of different possible scenarios.

Standard laptop bags do have room for your other essential gear. Standard tactical bags are not configured to carry a laptop. The Condor Urban GO BAG is a spacious tactical backpack with a intergrated padded laptop carrying area. Your laptop is stored away from your other gear. You can always have your Urban Survival gear on your person.

USK I content:
Condor Urban GO Bag - OD green

Condor EMT pouch - OD Green (Can hold the included med kit)
Paracord Zipper Pulls - OD Green
Adventure Medical Field Trauma kit with QuickClot
Snugpack Poncho w compression sack - Blk - fits over coat and pack.
Fenix TK-40 LED flashlight - 630 Lumens on AAs
4Sevens Quark AA Turbo - 206 Lumens on AAs
Brunton GLORB AA Lantern
TOPS pry knife combo - The combo comes with the pry bar knife, the Pry, Probe and Punch bar and the TOPS survival saw.
Leatherman Surge - Multitool with locking blades
Al Mar Eagle Ultralight - Lightweight offensive/defensive knife
CRKT Extrik-8-R seat belt cutter - Blk
MSI Bear Pepper Mace with holster - 260 gram - 30 ft range
Fisher Bullet Space Pen - Matte Blk
Katadyn Exstream water bottle w/ filter
Brunton Titanium Spork
550 Para Cord - 25' Blk
550 Para Cord - 25' Orange
Wet Fire Tender - 6 pack
Water purification tablets (2)

Springfield Armory M1A Scout Squad

2010-03-18T00:35:00.000-05:00

Get your 7.62x51mm ammo for your M1A at SunflowerAmmo.com

Part 1

Part 2

Great deal on 16oz Desiccant bags

2010-03-16T19:06:00.001-05:00

SunflowerAmmo.com secured a batch of 16oz Desiccant bags. Get them here. They are cheap enough to put in your gun safe and every ammo can.

Why does our Government not secure our Southern Border?

2010-03-14T21:43:00.000-05:00

US Consulate personnel murdered in border town. Link to article here.

M1A SOCOM II range - shoot

2010-03-14T21:30:00.000-05:00

Get your 7.62x51mm at sunflowerammo.com. Blake is doing a fantastic job on our videos. There is a link to our YouTube Channels at the right.

EDC Outerwear - Barbour Jackets

2010-03-08T02:01:00.002-06:00

I always face an internal struggle when I am going to purchase a new product. I like quality products but I am somewhat frugal. Fortunately, I have had good luck finding vendors of quality products that have great sales. I also take advantage of off season sales i.e. buying coats in the summer.

One of my favorite EDC items is my Barbour Beaufort jacket. I have the optional snap on hood and snap in pile lining. I purchased mine from Arrons of Eastham (no association). The Barbour Beaufort jacket retails for $399 and they routinely have jackets for 50% off retail. Orvis sells Barbour clothing but it is rarely on sale. I have had the jacket for a few years and all I can say it that I waited too long.

The Barbour Beaufort and its variants have an waxed cotton outer shell and a cotton lining, usually in a plaid. The outer shell can be re-waxed as it ages. Barbour also offers restoration services on jackets damaged in the field or due to age. These jackets are made to be passed down to your children after you are gone. The jacket is fantastic in rain. Barbour cuts its jackets large so they can be worn over a thick sweater, sport jack or suit coat.

The removable pile lining makes the jacket wearable from approx. 65 degrees F down to 20 degrees F in total comfort. Below 20 degrees F, the Barbour Beaufort is fine for short periods of time but not extended exposure. Below 20 degrees F, I migrate to my Carhart Artic Jacket that I will praise in a later post. Fair warning, once you buy a Barbour jacket you will disappointed with warm, dry, sunny days that leaves your Barbour hanging in the closet.

Now if I can just find the Barbour International Jacket on sale!

New Ammo in Stock At SunflowerAmmo.com

2010-03-05T18:09:00.000-06:00

SunflowerAmmo.com now has the following ammo in stock:

Winchester USA 9MM 124gr FMJ

Winchester Super-X 10MM 175gr Silver-tip HP

Remington 30-06 Springfield 180gr SP

Homemade Water Filter How to Video

2010-03-04T22:19:00.001-06:00

SunflowerAmmo.com sells Doulton SuperSterasyl Ceramic Water Filter elements. These elements will work in most gravity water filters from Doulton, Berkley, Katadyn and others.

If you are in an emergency situation you use two food grade buckets and a Doulton SuperSterasyl Ceramic Water Filter elements to create a cheap, portable water filter system. We also sell a 100 micron pre filter that sets in the top of a 5 gallon bucket.

Condor tactical products now in stock!

2010-03-04T22:08:00.000-06:00

Condor Tactical Gear is now in stock at SunflowerAmmo.com! This gear is reasonably priced and built to last. Part of our order was placed on back order so we will add as soon as it is in our hot hands and ready to ship.

Messenger Bag

Tactical Response Bag

SunflowerAmmo.com is now a 4sevens dealer!

2010-03-04T22:03:00.000-06:00

SunflowerAmmo.com now has 4Sevens flashlights in stock. The Titanium models are perfect for EDC. You won't even know it is in your pocket.
Preon 2 Titanium

Quark MiNi 123 Titanium

Quark MiNi AA Titanium

Quark AA Turbo

Live Aid Money Bought Guns

2010-03-04T17:53:00.001-06:00

An article came out today reporting that hundreds of millions from the historic Live Aid concerts was sent to Ethiopian rebels who purchased guns not grain. Too bad that didn't happen with Farm Aid, I could have used some gun money in the 1980's.

New Ammo in Stock at SunflowerAmmo.com

2010-03-03T00:52:00.000-06:00

SunflowerAmmo.com has added the following Ammo to our Inventory:

Federal Personal Defense 327 Federal Mag 85gr

Hornady TAP CQ 40 S&W 180gr

Is This the Ultimate Urban Survival Knife/Tool?

2010-02-23T22:19:00.002-06:00

Is this the ultimate Urban Survival Knife? I say yes. The combo makes it even more versatile. The knife can be used to cut and pry. The pry, probe and punch bar can be used to break a car window or pry open an elevator door. The survival saw can cut through drywall or a 2"x4".
SunflowerAmmo.com now has the TOPS pry knife combo in stock. This knife comes with a sheath, the TOPS pry, probe and punch bar and the TOPS survival saw. This combo is difficult to find.

Ontario RAT-3 now in stock at SunflowerAmmo.com

2010-02-23T22:19:00.001-06:00

If the Ontario RTAK II is too much knife for your needs we now have the Ontario RAT-3 in stock at SunflowerAmmo.com.

Special purchase - Brunton GLORB LED Lantern

2010-02-23T22:19:00.000-06:00

Now at SunflowerAmmo.com - the Brunton GLORB LED lantern. It runs on AA so it will be compatible with your other AA powered electronics. Runs for up to 250 hours on a set of batteries. Can be used safely in a vehicle or tent.

These are priced low enough that you can keep one in every bag and vehicle.

CRKT McGowan Extrik-8-R back in stock at SunflowerAmmo.com

2010-02-23T22:01:00.000-06:00

CRKT McGowan Extrik-8-R back in stock at SunflowerAmmo.com. See part II of the review here.

New Ammo at SunflowerAmmo.com

2010-02-23T21:16:00.000-06:00

Check out the new ammo at SunflowerAmmo.com! As always our ammo is in stock and ready to ship!

Federal Premium Personal Defense .357 MAG 130gr Hi-Shok HP

Federal Premium Vital Shok .32 ACP 65gr JHP

EDC - Outerwear

2010-02-20T23:33:00.000-06:00

Two is one and one is none. This is an often repeated adage that reminds us that we should keep spares for critical items. If you ask my wife she will tell you that I take the adage to heart and beyond. I have to admit I have an affinity for outerwear.

One of my favorites is the soft shell jacket. I have one from North Face and one from Marmot. I purchased both from Backwoods (to which I have no ties). Backwoods has a retail store in my area in additional to an online presence. I shop their twice yearly sales for 75% off bargains. Each of the soft shells provide excellent warmth while being very lightweight. The North Face jacket is made from their "APEX" fabric.

I am still trying to talk myself into augmenting my light jackets with a wool jacket for those instances that you want to be wearing wool vs. synthetic i.e. next to the campfire. I am looking at Ibex and Swanndri but I have not found a jacket I like at the right price..... yet.

EDC esential - Blundstone Boots

2010-02-18T22:11:00.002-06:00

My Blundstone boots are and essential part of my EDC gear. I have two pairs that I wear a couple of times a week. They are the most versatile boot you can buy. They have the comfort necessary for all day wear, the toughness for work wear and the style to dress up with chinos. I have had my original pair of brown 500s for 9 years. They are just getting broken in. I do recommend purchasing Blundstone polish to cover up hard use. I purchased my last pair at Sugar River Outfitters (SunflowerAmmo.com does not have any connection or interest). They have great sales so if you can wait for your Blunnies sign up for their newsletter to receive sale notices.

Todays Knot - Bowline and Running Bowline

2010-02-18T18:00:00.000-06:00

The Bowline knot creates a loop at the end of a rope or cord to secure around an object. the bowline will not tighten with pressure.

The Running Bowline just passes the standing part or tail of the rope or cord thru the Bowline. Now it's time to practice.

Permission is granted to copy, distribute and/or modify this document under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License, Version 1.2 or any later version published by the Free Software Foundation; with no Invariant Sections, no Front-Cover Texts, and no Back-Cover Texts. Subject to disclaimers.

Are your Gun and Ammunition a Happy Marriage?

2010-02-16T23:36:00.002-06:00

When was the last time you went to the range? How many rounds have you fired thru your gun? I can personally say that I am overdue at the range. I think a shooter should hit the range at least once a month to stay proficient. Range time is also critical to ensure proper functioning of your weapon(s) and ammunition. How many of us have purchased a used gun that had never been fired or fired one or two boxes of ammunition at most? Do not let that gun be your gun. Exceptions can be made for safe queens that have collector value or that you never intend to use for personal defense. All other guns, including spares, need to be tested for function and mated with a compatible personal defense round.

Have you fired 250 rounds of your selected personal defense load thru your weapon? A lot of shooters make the mistake of buying cheap, plinking ammo in bulk and buying a minimum of their personal defense load, if any at all. Different types of ammunition function differently in every weapon. Cheap ammo is fine for extended live fire but you should have a personal defense load for each of your weapons. Many experts recommend firing a minimum of 250 rounds of your personal defense load thru your weapon. I recommend purchasing a minimun of 250 rounds of a personal defense round and purchasing an additional 250 rounds after the inital test firing. I consider these recommendations the bare minimum. With the current restricted supply of ammunition I would recommend buying 500 or 1000 rounds of your personal defense load to ensure that your initial 250 test rounds can be replaced.

You should select a handgun personal defense load thru research and purchase a minimum of 250 rounds for testing. Shooting magazines and the internet have an abundance of ammunition test data. In my opinion, the bulk of the data is most useful in selecting the caliber and bullet weight that best suits your needs. For example, tests have shown that 9mm hollow point ammo performs best at 124gr versus 147gr but most personal defense loads have similar performance when compared in head to head testing.

The testing of personal defense ammunition is critical in handguns. Personal defense ammunition for handguns usually incorporates some type of hollow point bullet. The most critical problem with personal defense ammo in a handgun will be a cycling malfunction of a hollow point round. A cycling problem between a personal defense and a particular handgun needs to be discovered at the range not during a home invasion. This test needs to be done with each individual weapon. For example, if you have two Glock 17s you need to test fire 250 rounds thru each gun. Every gun is different and the reward of knowing you have a functioning handgun/personal defense round combo far out weights the cost.

The testing of ammunition is rifles can be just as critical as in handguns. The most common problem in rifles will be accuracy. A rifle will provide the greatest accuracy with a single, individual load. Depending upon the rifle, the difference may be minor or significant. The only way to test a loads accuracy in a particular rifle is thru test firing. The second most common problem in a rifle will be a failure to feed or failure to eject. Failure to feed issues are most often magazine related. Be sure to use rotate your magazines when test firing ammunition to test magazine functionality. While testing ammunition in an AR-15, I experienced mysterious failure to eject problems with a particular round. I could not duplicate with two other brands of ammunition. I tested the suspect ammunition in an Mini-14 and did not experience any issues.

I am by no means an arms expert. I just wanted to share thoughts and experiences. Drag your guns, magazines and ammunition to the range and find a compatible round for each weapon. Happy shooting and remember you can get ammunition and other gear at SunflowerAmmo.com!

69 knot or Zeppelin knot

2010-02-16T20:41:00.001-06:00

I have to admit one of the skills I have always admired is knot tying. When using ropes or cords I have always relied upon an ugly, nasty, set of ins and outs to somehow create a knot that is impossible to undo when I am finished. I am always left with the option of pulling out my EDC knife and cutting the knot from my section of rope.
In an effort to improve my knot tying skills I will periodically post a knot that I have found useful. The knots will be simple in order to be retained in my limited cerebral cortex. The 69 knot is very easy to learn and simple to remember as it is based on the number 69. The number 69 is easy to remember for those of us that failed to mature past adolescence.

The 69 knot is also called the Zeppelin knot. I assume it was used to tie down Zeppelins back in the day but my middle name is not Wikipedia so do not quote that little tidbit. The knot is used to connect two sections of rope or cord. It is very strong but can still be undone with ease. I have practiced with 550 para cord. I was concerned that it would not work as well with small diameter rope or cord but the 550 para cord was easily undone.

Step 1 - Create a 6 and 9 with the end of two ropes.
Step 2 - Overlay the 6 on top of the 9. the key here is to ensure that the tail of the 6 is on top and the tail of the 9 in on the bottom.
Step 3 - Feed the tail of the 6 down thru the loops and the tail of the 9 up thru the loops.

Step 4- Pull both tails in opposite directions creating the knot.

Permission is granted to copy, distribute and/or modify this document under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License, Version 1.3 or any later version published by the Free Software Foundation; with no Invariant Sections, no Front-Cover Texts, and no Back-Cover Texts. A copy of the license is included in the section entitled "Text of the GNU Free Documentation License."

Now at SunflowerAmmo.com Gerber LMF II ASEK - Coyote Brown

2010-02-15T23:02:00.000-06:00

Gerber LMF II ASEK - Coyote Brown

Gerber Blades LMF II ASEK - Coyote Brown
Down behind enemy lines? Left to fend for yourself? These are the scenarios that inspired the LMF II. Former military man Jeff Freeman led the charge to engineer this fearless 10" survival knife. And we field-tested it with the troops. The knife is as adaptable as the personnel who carry it. Use it to cut through the skin of a fuselage. Or sever a seat belt. Or egress through the Plexiglass of a chopper. Plus, the LMF II does a slick job cutting firewood and building shelter. It can even be lashed to a pole to create a spear.
Features:

Ontario RTAK II Survival knife now in stock at SunflowerAmmo.com!

2010-02-11T19:54:00.003-06:00

Ontario RTAK2 Survival Knife with Plain Edge 10-1/4" Blade

The RTAK2 is a super large survival knife featuring a 10.25" blade made of 1095 carbon steel with a flat finish for protection. The thick Micarta handle is removable for cleaning.
This knife is large enough for any task you put it to! The sheath is a deluxe Nylon combat type system with a pocket on the front and plastic liner for the blade. Improvements on this model over the now discontinued RTAK1 include a better finish on the blade, better guard built into the handle design and overall superior fit and finish.
The Ontario RTAK2 is a survival / utility knife designed by the professional survival training team Randall's Adventure and Training (RAT) and manufactured exclusively by Ontario Knife Co. Designed for: Wilderness Survival - Military Operations - Law Enforcement - Utility Use - Hunting, and any other task requiring a sheath knife comfortable enough to be carried full time.
Specs:
* 16.5 inch overall length
* 10.25 inch blade w/ drop point
* 3/16" thick 1095 Steel
* 56-58 Rc. Hardness
* Full flat grind
* Mil-spec phosphate finish
* Lanyard hole * Green Canvas Micarta ergonomic handle slabs
* Ambidextrous Cordura nylon sheath w/ lashing holes for attachment or paracord storage

AA Battery Strategy

2010-02-09T21:03:00.002-06:00

SunflowerAmmo.com carries various Fenix AA Flashlights. The Fenix TK40 flashlight is unique in that it is powered by AA batteries. I first purchased a AA Fenix LED flashlight after suffering poor runs times with my CR123 powered Surefire lights. When I purchased the Surefires, CR123 flashlight performance was superior to AA flashlight performance. LED AA flashlight technology has eliminated the CR123 performance advantage.

The Fenix AA lights are affordable and provide incredible performance. I use AA NiMh LSD (low self discharge) rechargeable batteries for daily use. The AA NiMh LSD holds a charge longer than regular rechargeable batteries making them perfect for stored electronics. They also last up to 4x longer than premium alkaline batteries in high drain applications. I have found the Rayovac AA 4.0 NiMh to be very affordable and high performing.
I can use the same AA battery in my Fenix LD10 pocket light and my Fenix TK40 in additional to the digital camera, GPS, GSM radios, etc. I am able to store AA Lithium batteries long term in my emergency supplies. AA batteries also provide the added advantage of being available in every corner convenience store.

We have a Ton of New Stuff in Stock This Week!

2010-02-05T16:54:00.002-06:00

We have added a ton of new stuff this week on top of the Ultimate Survival Kits we added last week.
Federal Premium Personal Defense 45 ACP 165gr Hydra-Shok JHP is ready to punch big holes.

Winchester Q3130 7.62x51mm NATO 147gr FMJ - This is what you need to feed your M1A.

Hornady 30-30 Win 160gr FTX LEVERevolution is ready for that lever action hanging around.

Fenix LD10 AA LED flashlight is ready for EDC (Everyday Carry). It is small but mighty at 120 Lumens!

Fenix LD20 AA LED flashlight pumps 180 Lumens out of a small package!

Fenix MC10 AA Angle Head LED flashlight is just plain handy with its 125 Lumen output!

Canadian N.L. Premier Williams set to have heart surgery in U.S.

2010-02-02T11:50:00.001-06:00

As always, socialized medicine is fine for us poor masses but not good enough for the elite. The latest example from the Newfoundland Premier Danny Williams. See the article.

Video Review of Ultimate Survival Kit.

2010-02-02T00:30:00.003-06:00

Ultimate Survival Kits now Available at SunflowerAmmo.com!

2010-02-02T00:21:00.000-06:00

Survival kits from Ultimate Survival Technologies are now available at SunflowerAmmo.com.

Base Kit

Ultimate Kit

Aqua Kit

Feburary FREE Drawing at SunflowerAmmo.com

2010-02-01T21:02:00.001-06:00

Congratulations to the January FREE Drawing winner, Kevin Walters!

The February FREE drawing winner at SunflowerAmmo.com will receive a FREE CRKT EXTRIK-8 seat belt cutter/rescue tool! This is a $30 value.

Feb 2010 Issue of Field and Stream Magazine

2010-01-31T20:27:00.001-06:00

I was at my father in laws house this weekend and he had the newest issue of Field and Stream magazine. The cover story was about an Alaskan trapper and surviving in the Alaskan bush. It had been years since I had read Field and Stream at the hometown barber shop. I forgot that they did an article on a true survival in the wilderness story every issue.

This prompted me to go to the Field and Stream website with the intention of posting the link to the article. I could not find the article online so you will have to go to the newsstand and purchase a copy of the magazine. I did find a ton of great survival info on their site. It is definitely worth checking out.

Midwest Gun Trader and Southwest Gun Trader

2010-01-29T22:57:00.000-06:00

SunflowerAmmo.com is a sponsor at Midwest Gun Trader (Formerly KC Gun Trader). Midwest Gun Trader offers free ads to buy, sell and trade guns. The listings are organized by state facilitating local sales between buyers and sellers. It is a great resource and beats the heck out of the other sites out there because it is FREE!

The Crew over at Midwest Gun Trader has just launched a sister site called Southwest Gun Trader to serve the Southwest states.

Obama is reading our minds!

2010-01-25T21:29:00.002-06:00

New items in stock at SunflowerAmmo.com!

2010-01-22T17:41:00.000-06:00

We have added the following new items to our inventory this week:
- MSI Bear Mace with Holster
- Hornady 45ACP 200gr JHP/XTP
- Hornady .223 75gr TAP

As always, our ammo is in stock and ready to ship same day!

A little Friday Afternoon Humor

2010-01-22T17:35:00.001-06:00

Disaster Prepardness and Recovery links

2010-01-22T00:57:00.000-06:00

This is a great article from Popular Mechanics applying lessons learned in Haiti to potential disasters here in the US. It discusses the New Madrid fault for those of us in the Midwest.

For all of our friends on the West Coast is a link to the LAFD emergency preparedness booklet.

The one thing that mainstream sources tend to forget are guns and ammo. You should have a gun(s) for self defense and know how to use it. You should also have plenty of ammo to include practice loads and self defense loads.

Simple Man by Charlie Daniels

2010-01-20T16:19:00.000-06:00

The Fenix TK40 may just be the best flashlight made!

2010-01-16T22:07:00.000-06:00

Fenix TK40 LED Expedition light - AA - 630 Lumens

Purchase at SunflowerAmmo.com

I OWN THIS BAD BOY! IT IS AWESOME!
Fenix TK40
-Cree MC-E LED with lifespan of 50,000 hours
-2 modes with 8 types of output
-4 types of primary output:Turbo (630 Lumens, 2Hrs) ->Low (13 Lumens, 150Hrs) ->Mid (93 Lumens, 20Hrs)->High (277 Lumens, 6.8Hrs)
-4 types of strobe mode: Strobe->Slow flash->SOS->Fast flash
-Digitally regulated output - maintains constant brightness
-Uses eight 1.5V AA (Alkaline, Ni-MH) batteries(4 AA batteries is available in emergency)
-208mm(Length)x62mm(Diameter)
-Made of T6 aircraft-grade aluminum
-Durable Type III hard-anodized anti-abrasive finish
-284-gram Weight (excluding batteries)
-Waterproof to IPX-8 Standard
-Toughened ultra-clear glass lens with anti-reflective coating
-Push-button tailcap switch
-Capable of standing up securely on a flat surface to serve as a candle
-Included accessories: shoulder strap,two spare o-rings, and a rubber switch boot

Situation in Haiti is a reminder to keep extra ammo and supplies.

2010-01-15T13:40:00.000-06:00

The situation in Haiti has deteriorated into gangs fighting each other with machetes for food. You should be prepared to take care of yourself and family in a similar situation. Here in the Midwest we sit on the New Madras Fault line that produced a 8.3 earthquake in 1812. The Southwest is plagued by hurricanes. The West coast has its own earthquakes and wild fires. We all should remember Katrina if you think the government can guarantee emergency aide during a disaster.

SunflowerAmmo.com has emergency lighting, water filtration, survival tools, emergency medical kits and more for you emergency supplies.

The following is a emergency supply primer supplied by FEMA to get you started.

Are You Ready?

Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit

You may need to survive on your own after a disaster. This means having your own food, water, and other supplies in sufficient quantity to last for at least three days. Local officials and relief workers will be on the scene after a disaster, but they cannot reach everyone immediately. You could get help in hours, or it might take days.
Basic services such as electricity, gas, water, sewage treatment, and telephones may be cut off for days, or even a week or longer. Or, you may have to evacuate at a moment’s notice and take essentials with you. You probably will not have the opportunity to shop or search for the supplies you need.
A disaster supplies kit is a collection of basic items that members of a household may need in the event of a disaster.

Kit Locations

Since you do not know where you will be when an emergency occurs, prepare supplies for home, work, and vehicles.

Home	Work	Car
Your disaster supplies kit should contain essential food, water, and supplies for at least three days. Keep this kit in a designated place and have it ready in case you have to leave your home quickly. Make sure all family members know where the kit is kept. Additionally, you may want to consider having supplies for sheltering for up to two weeks.	This kit should be in one container, and ready to "grab and go" in case you are evacuated from your workplace. Make sure you have food and water in the kit. Also, be sure to have comfortable walking shoes at your workplace in case an evacuation requires walking long distances.	In case you are stranded, keep a kit of emergency supplies in your car. This kit should contain food, water, first aid supplies, flares, jumper cables, and seasonal supplies.

Water

How Much Water do I Need?
You should store at least one gallon of water per person per day. A normally active person needs at least one-half gallon of water daily just for drinking.
Additionally, in determining adequate quantities, take the following into account:

Individual needs vary, depending on age, physical condition, activity, diet, and climate.
Children, nursing mothers, and ill people need more water.
Very hot temperatures can double the amount of water needed.
A medical emergency might require additional water.

How Should I Store Water?
To prepare safest and most reliable emergency supply of water, it is recommended you purchase commercially bottled water. Keep bottled water in its original container and do not open it until you need to use it.
Observe the expiration or “use by” date.
If you are preparing your own containers of water
It is recommended you purchase food-grade water storage containers from surplus or camping supplies stores to use for water storage. Before filling with water, thoroughly clean the containers with dishwashing soap and water, and rinse completely so there is no residual soap. Follow directions below on filling the container with water.
If you choose to use your own storage containers, choose two-liter plastic soft drink bottles – not plastic jugs or cardboard containers that have had milk or fruit juice in them. Milk protein and fruit sugars cannot be adequately removed from these containers and provide an environment for bacterial growth when water is stored in them. Cardboard containers also leak easily and are not designed for long-term storage of liquids. Also, do not use glass containers, because they can break and are heavy.
If storing water in plastic soda bottles, follow these steps
Thoroughly clean the bottles with dishwashing soap and water, and rinse completely so there is no residual soap.Sanitize the bottles by adding a solution of 1 teaspoon of non-scented liquid household chlorine bleach to a quart of water. Swish the sanitizing solution in the bottle so that it touches all surfaces. After sanitizing the bottle, thoroughly rinse out the sanitizing solution with clean water.
Filling water containers
Fill the bottle to the top with regular tap water. If the tap water has been commercially treated from a water utility with chlorine, you do not need to add anything else to the water to keep it clean. If the water you are using comes from a well or water source that is not treated with chlorine, add two drops of non-scented liquid household chlorine bleach to the water.Tightly close the container using the original cap. Be careful not to contaminate the cap by touching the inside of it with your finger. Place a date on the outside of the container so that you know when you filled it. Store in a cool, dark place.Replace the water every six months if not using commercially bottled water.

Food

The following are things to consider when putting together your food supplies:

Avoid foods that will make you thirsty. Choose salt-free crackers, whole grain cereals, and canned foods with high liquid content.
Stock canned foods, dry mixes, and other staples that do not require refrigeration, cooking, water, or special preparation. You may already have many of these on hand. (Note: Be sure to include a manual can opener.)
Include special dietary needs.

Basic Disaster Supplies Kit

The following items are recommended for inclusion in your basic disaster supplies kit:

Three-day supply of non-perishable food.
Three-day supply of water - one gallon of water per person, per day.
Portable, battery-powered radio or television and extra batteries.
Flashlight and extra batteries.
First aid kit and manual.
Sanitation and hygiene items (moist towelettes and toilet paper).
Matches and waterproof container.
Whistle.
Extra clothing.
Kitchen accessories and cooking utensils, including a can opener.
Photocopies of credit and identification cards.
Cash and coins.
Special needs items, such as prescription medications, eye glasses, contact lens solutions, and hearing aid batteries.
Items for infants, such as formula, diapers, bottles, and pacifiers.
Other items to meet your unique family needs.

If you live in a cold climate, you must think about warmth. It is possible that you will not have heat. Think about your clothing and bedding supplies. Be sure to include one complete change of clothing and shoes per person, including:

Jacket or coat.
Long pants.
Long sleeve shirt.
Sturdy shoes.
Hat, mittens, and scarf.
Sleeping bag or warm blanket (per person).

Be sure to account for growing children and other family changes. See Appendix B for a detailed checklist of disaster supplies. You may want to add some of the items listed to your basic disaster supplies kit depending on the specific needs of your family.

Maintaining Your Disaster Supplies Kit

Just as important as putting your supplies together is maintaining them so they are safe to use when needed. Here are some tips to keep your supplies ready and in good condition:

Keep canned foods in a dry place where the temperature is cool.
Store boxed food in tightly closed plastic or metal containers to protect from pests and to extend its shelf life.
Throw out any canned good that becomes swollen, dented, or corroded.
Use foods before they go bad, and replace them with fresh supplies.
Place new items at the back of the storage area and older ones in the front.
Change stored food and water supplies every six months. Be sure to write the date you store it on all containers.
Re-think your needs every year and update your kit as your family needs change.
Keep items in airtight plastic bags and put your entire disaster supplies kit in one or two easy-to-carry containers, such as an unused trashcan, camping backpack, or duffel bag.

New PiSAT K-Light Solar Lantern w/ 1.5 Watt Solar Panel

2010-01-13T22:41:00.000-06:00

SunflowerAmmo.com now stocks the PiSAT K-Light Solar Lantern w/ 1.5 Watt Solar Panel.

Discount Coupon Code for Leatherman Products!

2010-01-12T23:45:00.000-06:00

Use the coupon code "Leatherman10" to receive 10% of our Leatherman products at SunflowerAmmo.com.

Great Video on Wilderness Survival Tips.

2010-01-09T22:06:00.002-06:00

This is a cool trick!

2010-01-09T21:37:00.001-06:00

Survive! Fire From A Battery And Staple - Watch more funny videos here

Looks like we all need to head to the range to keep up with the kids!

2010-01-09T14:31:00.000-06:00

We should all be this good with our AR-15s

2010-01-09T14:27:00.000-06:00

New .357 Mag and 12GA OO Reduced Recoil from Hornady

2010-01-05T22:23:00.000-06:00

SunflowerAmmo.com now has new .357 Mag and 12GA OO Reduced Recoil from Hornady in stock and ready to ship same day.

New Drawing for January

2010-01-02T02:22:00.000-06:00

The January free drawing will be for a FREE Glo-toob FX-7 electric light stick. This is a $30 value. Register at SunflowerAmmo.com to be eligible.

Eli Dixon of Kansas City, MO is the lucky December winner of the paracord survival bracelet.

Free Paracord Suyrvival bracelets

2009-12-24T10:18:00.000-06:00

There are only a few more days left to register at http://Sunflowerammo.com for the December drawing for a Paracord Survival bracelet. We are getting new women's and children's sizes so check our site for updates!

What do we not understand about the word Jihad?

2009-12-24T10:12:00.000-06:00

This article about the Ft. Hood murderer should open our eyes to the Jihad being waged against the American people. We need to stop worrying about being politically correct and call a radical muslim, a radical muslim. I cannot believe the US Army is so paralized by political correctness that they cannot protect their own against treasonous, muslim murderers.

Gotta Love Illegal Immigration

2009-12-24T01:22:00.000-06:00

Buy American

2009-12-22T21:57:00.000-06:00

I just completed a nasty plumbing project. My house was built in the mid 1970s. A 1970s shower valve decided to leak requiring replacement. Fortunately, there was access to the back of the show via a closet so I did not have to remove any of the shower wall for the valve replacement.
Due to the tight quarters, I needed a set of pipe wrenches smaller that the 14 inchers in my tool chest. The tool aisle at Home Depot presented me with a choice - $9.99 10" China wrench or $19.99 Rigid 10" pipe wrench made in the USA. I examined both wrenches. There was a minor difference in fit and finish. The major difference was in the jaws. Rigid pipe wrench jaws are easily replaced. The China wrench jaws did not appear to be as easy to replace and where would you get the replacements?
In the end it really was not much of a choice as I hate made in China junk tools. I left Home Depot with a pair of new Rigid 10" cast iron pipe wrenches. I can only hope that enough Americans continue to buy American made goods to keep out factories open.

New Handmade Survival tools from Kingdom Armory

2009-12-20T21:41:00.000-06:00

New Custom Survival Tools from Kingdom Armory Now in Stock!

We just received new Kingdom Armory Fireants in black and orange and Para-harpoons in black and orange.

Kingdom Armory makes each of their knives and survival tools by hand. The quality is unequaled.

The FireAnt is a unique micro survival tool you will use every day!

The Para-Harpoon is the ultimate survival tool. It comes in a watertight PVC tube with extra paracord and duct tape wrapped around the tube for emergency use. This is a must have item!

Global Warming is Real but the Causes are far from Proven.

2009-12-15T18:12:00.000-06:00

The United States has spent over $26 Billion dollars to promote the concept of man made global warming. Why?

HERE are the 100 reasons, released in a dossier issued by the European Foundation, why climate change is natural and not man-made:

1) There is “no real scientific proof” that the current warming is caused by the rise of greenhouse gases from man’s activity.

2) Man-made carbon dioxide emissions throughout human history constitute less than 0.00022 percent of the total naturally emitted from the mantle of the earth during geological history.

3) Warmer periods of the Earth’s history came around 800 years before rises in CO2 levels.

4) After World War II, there was a huge surge in recorded CO2 emissions but global temperatures fell for four decades after 1940.

5) Throughout the Earth’s history, temperatures have often been warmer than now and CO2 levels have often been higher – more than ten times as high.

6) Significant changes in climate have continually occurred throughout geologic time.

7) The 0.7C increase in the average global temperature over the last hundred years is entirely consistent with well-established, long-term, natural climate trends.

8) The IPCC theory is driven by just 60 scientists and favourable reviewers not the 4,000 usually cited.

9) Leaked e-mails from British climate scientists – in a scandal known as “Climate-gate” - suggest that that has been manipulated to exaggerate global warming

10) A large body of scientific research suggests that the sun is responsible for the greater share of climate change during the past hundred years.

11) Politicians and activiists claim rising sea levels are a direct cause of global warming but sea levels rates have been increasing steadily since the last ice age 10,000 ago

12) Philip Stott, Emeritus Professor of Biogeography at the School of Oriental and African Studies in London says climate change is too complicated to be caused by just one factor, whether CO2 or clouds

13) Peter Lilley MP said last month that “fewer people in Britain than in any other country believe in the importance of global warming. That is despite the fact that our Government and our political class—predominantly—are more committed to it than their counterparts in any other country in the world”.

14) In pursuit of the global warming rhetoric, wind farms will do very little to nothing to reduce CO2 emissions

15) Professor Plimer, Professor of Geology and Earth Sciences at the University of Adelaide, stated that the idea of taking a single trace gas in the atmosphere, accusing it and finding it guilty of total responsibility for climate change, is an “absurdity”

16) A Harvard University astrophysicist and geophysicist, Willie Soon, said he is “embarrassed and puzzled” by the shallow science in papers that support the proposition that the earth faces a climate crisis caused by global warming.

17) The science of what determines the earth’s temperature is in fact far from settled or understood.

18) Despite activist concerns over CO2 levels, CO2 is a minor greenhouse gas, unlike water vapour which is tied to climate concerns, and which we can’t even pretend to control

19) A petition by scientists trying to tell the world that the political and media portrayal of global warming is false was put forward in the Heidelberg Appeal in 1992. Today, more than 4,000 signatories, including 72 Nobel Prize winners, from 106 countries have signed it.

20) It is claimed the average global temperature increased at a dangerously fast rate in the 20th century but the recent rate of average global temperature rise has been between 1 and 2 degrees C per century - within natural rates

21) Professor Zbigniew Jaworowski, Chairman of the Scientific Council of the Central Laboratory for Radiological Protection in Warsaw, Poland says the earth’s temperature has more to do with cloud cover and water vapor than CO2 concentration in the atmosphere.

22) There is strong evidence from solar studies which suggests that the Earth’s current temperature stasis will be followed by climatic cooling over the next few decades

23) It is myth that receding glaciers are proof of global warming as glaciers have been receding and growing cyclically for many centuries

24) It is a falsehood that the earth’s poles are warming because that is natural variation and while the western Arctic may be getting somewhat warmer we also see that the Eastern Arctic and Greenland are getting colder

25) The IPCC claims climate driven “impacts on biodiversity are significant and of key relevance” but those claims are simply not supported by scientific research

26) The IPCC threat of climate change to the world’s species does not make sense as wild species are at least one million years old, which means they have all been through hundreds of climate cycles

27) Research goes strongly against claims that CO2-induced global warming would cause catastrophic disintegration of the Greenland and Antarctic Ice Sheets.

28) Despite activist concerns over CO2 levels, rising CO2 levels are our best hope of raising crop yields to feed an ever-growing population

29) The biggest climate change ever experienced on earth took place around 700 million years ago

30) The slight increase in temperature which has been observed since 1900 is entirely consistent with well-established, long-term natural climate cycles

31) Despite activist concerns over CO2 levels, rising CO2 levels of some so-called “greenhouse gases” may be contributing to higher oxygen levels and global cooling, not warming

32) Accurate satellite, balloon and mountain top observations made over the last three decades have not shown any significant change in the long term rate of increase in global temperatures

33) Today’s CO2 concentration of around 385 ppm is very low compared to most of the earth’s history – we actually live in a carbon-deficient atmosphere

34) It is a myth that CO2 is the most common greenhouse gas because greenhouse gases form about 3% of the atmosphere by volume, and CO2 constitutes about 0.037% of the atmosphere

35) It is a myth that computer models verify that CO2 increases will cause significant global warming because computer models can be made to “verify” anything

36) There is no scientific or statistical evidence whatsoever that global warming will cause more storms and other weather extremes

37) One statement deleted from a UN report in 1996 stated that “none of the studies cited above has shown clear evidence that we can attribute the observed climate changes to increases in greenhouse gases”

38) The world “warmed” by 0.07 +/- 0.07 degrees C from 1999 to 2008, not the 0.20 degrees C expected by the IPCC

39) The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change says “it is likely that future tropical cyclones (typhoons and hurricanes) will become more intense” but there has been no increase in the intensity or frequency of tropical cyclones globally

40) Rising CO2 levels in the atmosphere can be shown not only to have a negligible effect on the Earth’s many ecosystems, but in some cases to be a positive help to many organisms

41) Researchers who compare and contrast climate change impact on civilizations found warm periods are beneficial to mankind and cold periods harmful

42) The Met Office asserts we are in the hottest decade since records began but this is precisely what the world should expect if the climate is cyclical

43) Rising CO2 levels increase plant growth and make plants more resistant to drought and pests

44) The historical increase in the air’s CO2 content has improved human nutrition by raising crop yields during the past 150 years

45) The increase of the air’s CO2 content has probably helped lengthen human lifespans since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution

46) The IPCC alleges that “climate change currently contributes to the global burden of disease and premature deaths” but the evidence shows that higher temperatures and rising CO2 levels has helped global populations

47) In May of 2004, the Russian Academy of Sciences published a report concluding that the Kyoto Protocol has no scientific grounding at all.

48) The “Climate-gate” scandal pointed to a expensive public campaign of disinformation and the denigration of scientists who opposed the belief that CO2 emissions were causing climate change

49) The head of Britain’s climate change watchdog has predicted households will need to spend up to £15,000 on a full energy efficiency makeover if the Government is to meet its ambitious targets for cutting carbon emissions.

50) Wind power is unlikely to be the answer to our energy needs. The wind power industry argues that there are “no direct subsidies” but it involves a total subsidy of as much as £60 per MWh which falls directly on electricity consumers. This burden will grow in line with attempts to achieve Wind power targets, according to a recent OFGEM report.

51) Wind farms are not an efficient way to produce energy. The British Wind Energy Association (BWEA) accepts a figure of 75 per cent back-up power is required.

52) Global temperatures are below the low end of IPCC predictions not at “at the top end of IPCC estimates”

53) Climate alarmists have raised the concern over acidification of the oceans but Tom Segalstad from Oslo University in Norway , and others, have noted that the composition of ocean water – including CO2, calcium, and water – can act as a buffering agent in the acidification of the oceans.

54) The UN’s IPCC computer models of human-caused global warming predict the emergence of a “hotspot” in the upper troposphere over the tropics. Former researcher in the Australian Department of Climate Change, David Evans, said there is no evidence of such a hotspot

55) The argument that climate change is a of result of global warming caused by human activity is the argument of flat Earthers.

56) The manner in which US President Barack Obama sidestepped Congress to order emission cuts shows how undemocratic and irrational the entire international decision-making process has become with regards to emission-target setting.

57) William Kininmonth, a former head of the National Climate Centre and a consultant to the World Meteorological Organisation, wrote “the likely extent of global temperature rise from a doubling of CO2 is less than 1C. Such warming is well within the envelope of variation experienced during the past 10,000 years and insignificant in the context of glacial cycles during the past million years, when Earth has been predominantly very cold and covered by extensive ice sheets.”

58) Canada has shown the world targets derived from the existing Kyoto commitments were always unrealistic and did not work for the country.

59) In the lead up to the Copenhagen summit, David Davis MP said of previous climate summits, at Rio de Janeiro in 1992 and Kyoto in 1997 that many had promised greater cuts, but “neither happened”, but we are continuing along the same lines.

60) The UK ’s environmental policy has a long-term price tag of about £55 billion, before taking into account the impact on its economic growth.

61) The UN’s panel on climate change warned that Himalayan glaciers could melt to a fifth of current levels by 2035. J. Graham Cogley a professor at Ontario Trent University, claims this inaccurate stating the UN authors got the date from an earlier report wrong by more than 300 years.

62) Under existing Kyoto obligations the EU has attempted to claim success, while actually increasing emissions by 13 per cent, according to Lord Lawson. In addition the EU has pursued this scheme by purchasing “offsets” from countries such as China paying them billions of dollars to destroy atmospheric pollutants, such as CFC-23, which were manufactured purely in order to be destroyed.

63) It is claimed that the average global temperature was relatively unchanging in pre-industrial times but sky-rocketed since 1900, and will increase by several degrees more over the next 100 years according to Penn State University researcher Michael Mann. There is no convincing empirical evidence that past climate was unchanging, nor that 20th century changes in average global temperature were unusual or unnatural.

64) Michael Mann of Penn State University has actually shown that the Medieval Warm Period and the Little Ice Age did in fact exist, which contrasts with his earlier work which produced the “hockey stick graph” which showed a constant temperature over the past thousand years or so followed by a recent dramatic upturn.

65) The globe’s current approach to climate change in which major industrialised countries agree to nonsensical targets for their CO2 emissions by a given date, as it has been under the Kyoto system, is very expensive.

66) The “Climate-gate” scandal revealed that a scientific team had emailed one another about using a “trick” for the sake of concealing a “decline” in temperatures when looking at the history of the Earth’s temperature.

67) Global temperatures have not risen in any statistically-significant sense for 15 years and have actually been falling for nine years. The “Climate-gate” scandal revealed a scientific team had expressed dismay at the fact global warming was contrary to their predictions and admitted their inability to explain it was “a travesty”.

68) The IPCC predicts that a warmer planet will lead to more extreme weather, including drought, flooding, storms, snow, and wildfires. But over the last century, during which the IPCC claims the world experienced more rapid warming than any time in the past two millennia, the world did not experience significantly greater trends in any of these extreme weather events.

69) In explaining the average temperature standstill we are currently experiencing, the Met Office Hadley Centre ran a series of computer climate predictions and found in many of the computer runs there were decade-long standstills but none for 15 years – so it expects global warming to resume swiftly.

70) Richard Lindzen, Professor of Atmospheric Sciences at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, wrote: “The notion of a static, unchanging climate is foreign to the history of the Earth or any other planet with a fluid envelope. Such hysteria (over global warming) simply represents the scientific illiteracy of much of the public, the susceptibility of the public to the substitution of repetition for truth.”

71) Despite the 1997 Kyoto Protocol’s status as the flagship of the fight against climate change it has been a failure.

72) The first phase of the EU’s Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), which ran from 2005 to 2007 was a failure. Huge over-allocation of permits to pollute led to a collapse in the price of carbon from €33 to just €0.20 per tonne meaning the system did not reduce emissions at all.

73) The EU trading scheme, to manage carbon emissions has completely failed and actually allows European businesses to duck out of making their emissions reductions at home by offsetting, which means paying for cuts to be made overseas instead.

74) To date “cap and trade” carbon markets have done almost nothing to reduce emissions.

75) In the United States , the cap-and-trade is an approach designed to control carbon emissions and will impose huge costs upon American citizens via a carbon tax on all goods and services produced in the United States. The average family of four can expect to pay an additional $1700, or £1,043, more each year. It is predicted that the United States will lose more than 2 million jobs as the result of cap-and-trade schemes.

76) Dr Roy Spencer, a principal research scientist at the University of Alabama in Huntsville, has indicated that out of the 21 climate models tracked by the IPCC the differences in warming exhibited by those models is mostly the result of different strengths of positive cloud feedback – and that increasing CO2 is insufficient to explain global-average warming in the last 50 to 100 years.

77) Why should politicians devote our scarce resources in a globally competitive world to a false and ill-defined problem, while ignoring the real problems the entire planet faces, such as: poverty, hunger, disease or terrorism.

78) A proper analysis of ice core records from the past 650,000 years demonstrates that temperature increases have come before, and not resulted from, increases in CO2 by hundreds of years.

79) Since the cause of global warming is mostly natural, then there is in actual fact very little we can do about it. (We are still not able to control the sun).

80) A substantial number of the panel of 2,500 climate scientists on the United Nation’s International Panel on Climate Change, which created a statement on scientific unanimity on climate change and man-made global warming, were found to have serious concerns.

81) The UK’s Met Office has been forced this year to re-examine 160 years of temperature data after admitting that public confidence in the science on man-made global warming has been shattered by revelations about the data.

82) Politicians and activists push for renewable energy sources such as wind turbines under the rhetoric of climate change, but it is essentially about money – under the system of Renewable Obligations. Much of the money is paid for by consumers in electricity bills. It amounts to £1 billion a year.

83) The “Climate-gate” scandal revealed that a scientific team had tampered with their own data so as to conceal inconsistencies and errors.

84) The “Climate-gate” scandal revealed that a scientific team had campaigned for the removal of a learned journal’s editor, solely because he did not share their willingness to debase science for political purposes.

85) Ice-core data clearly show that temperatures change centuries before concentrations of atmospheric CO2 change. Thus, there appears to be little evidence for insisting that changes in concentrations of CO2 are the cause of past temperature and climate change.

86) There are no experimentally verified processes explaining how CO2 concentrations can fall in a few centuries without falling temperatures – in fact it is changing temperatures which cause changes in CO2 concentrations, which is consistent with experiments that show CO2 is the atmospheric gas most readily absorbed by water.

87) The Government’s Renewable Energy Strategy contains a massive increase in electricity generation by wind power costing around £4 billion a year over the next twenty years. The benefits will be only £4 to £5 billion overall (not per annum). So costs will outnumber benefits by a range of between eleven and seventeen times.

88) Whilst CO2 levels have indeed changed for various reasons, human and otherwise, just as they have throughout history, the CO2 content of the atmosphere has increased since the beginning of the industrial revolution, and the growth rate has now been constant for the past 25 years.

89) It is a myth that CO2 is a pollutant, because nitrogen forms 80% of our atmosphere and human beings could not live in 100% nitrogen either: CO2 is no more a pollutant than nitrogen is and CO2 is essential to life.

90) Politicians and climate activists make claims to rising sea levels but certain members in the IPCC chose an area to measure in Hong Kong that is subsiding. They used the record reading of 2.3 mm per year rise of sea level.

91) The accepted global average temperature statistics used by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change show that no ground-based warming has occurred since 1998.

92) If one factors in non-greenhouse influences such as El Nino events and large volcanic eruptions, lower atmosphere satellite-based temperature measurements show little, if any, global warming since 1979, a period over which atmospheric CO2 has increased by 55 ppm (17 per cent).

93) US President Barack Obama pledged to cut emissions by 2050 to equal those of 1910 when there were 92 million Americans. In 2050, there will be 420 million Americans, so Obama’s promise means that emissions per head will be approximately what they were in 1875. It simply will not happen.

94) The European Union has already agreed to cut emissions by 20 percent to 2020, compared with 1990 levels, and is willing to increase the target to 30 percent. However, these are unachievable and the EU has already massively failed with its Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), as EU emissions actually rose by 0.8 percent from 2005 to 2006 and are known to be well above the Kyoto goal.

95) Australia has stated it wants to slash greenhouse emissions by up to 25 percent below 2000 levels by 2020, but the pledges were so unpopular that the country’s Senate has voted against the carbon trading Bill, and the Opposition’s Party leader has now been ousted by a climate change sceptic.

96) Canada plans to reduce emissions by 20 percent compared with 2006 levels by 2020, representing approximately a 3 percent cut from 1990 levels but it simultaneously defends its Alberta tar sands emissions and its record as one of the world’s highest per-capita emissions setters.

97) India plans to reduce the ratio of emissions to production by 20-25 percent compared with 2005 levels by 2020, but all Government officials insist that since India has to grow for its development and poverty alleviation, it has to emit, because the economy is driven by carbon.

98) The Leipzig Declaration in 1996, was signed by 110 scientists who said: “We – along with many of our fellow citizens – are apprehensive about the climate treaty conference scheduled for Kyoto, Japan, in December 1997” and “based on all the evidence available to us, we cannot subscribe to the politically inspired world view that envisages climate catastrophes and calls for hasty actions.”

99) A US Oregon Petition Project stated “We urge the United States government to reject the global warming agreement that was written in Kyoto, Japan in December, 1997, and any other similar proposals. The proposed limits on greenhouse gases would harm the environment, hinder the advance of science and technology, and damage the health and welfare of mankind. There is no convincing scientific evidence that human release of CO2, methane, or other greenhouse gasses is causing or will, in the foreseeable future, cause catastrophic heating of the Earth’s atmosphere and disruption of the Earth’s climate.”

100) A report by the Nongovernmental International Panel on Climate Change concluded “We find no support for the IPCC’s claim that climate observations during the twentieth century are either unprecedented or provide evidence of an anthropogenic effect on climate.”

New ammo in stock ready to ship!

2009-12-13T21:41:00.001-06:00

We have added the following to out inventory ready to ship to you same day -

CCI/Blazer .38 Special158 gr RN Lead

Hornady 44 MAG 200gr XTP JHP

Hornady TAP 12GA OO Buck

Federal 12GA 1oz True Ball Rifled Slug

Winchester Wildcat 22 LR 40gr RN Lead

Giving

2009-12-09T14:16:00.002-06:00

Acts 20:35

In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’

Every Christmas season our family chooses a family in need. The need may stem from illness, job loss, natural disaster, house fire etc. While it is feels good to donate to charitable organizations throughout the year, it is a unique feeling to give to someone in need, face to face during the holidays.

I have childhood memories of our family delivering holiday food baskets with turkeys to families in our hometown. Those memories have guided my actions as an adult. Start a tradition in your family and involve your children to instill a spirit of giving that will last a lifetime.

Christmas Gift Idea for 12/5/09

2009-12-04T23:50:00.000-06:00

Today's Christmas gift idea is the

Fenix TK40 LED Expedition light - AA - 630 Lumens

I OWN THIS BAD BOY! IT IS AWESOME! Fenix TK40 -Cree MC-E LED with lifespan of 50,000 hours -2 modes with 8 types of output -4 types of primary output:Turbo (630 Lumens, 2Hrs) ->Low (13 Lumens, 150Hrs) ->Mid (93 Lumens, 20Hrs)->High (277 Lumens, 6.8Hrs) -4 types of strobe mode: Strobe->Slow flash->SOS->Fast flash -Digitally regulated output - maintains constant brightness -Uses eight 1.5V AA (Alkaline, Ni-MH) batteries(4 AA batteries is available in emergency) -208mm(Length)x62mm(Diameter) -Made of T6 aircraft-grade aluminum -Durable Type III hard-anodized anti-abrasive finish -284-gram Weight (excluding batteries) -Waterproof to IPX-8 Standard -Toughened ultra-clear glass lens with anti-reflective coating -Push-button tailcap switch -Capable of standing up securely on a flat surface to serve as a candle -Included accessories: shoulder strap,two spare o-rings, and a rubber switch boot.

Check out Survival Blog!

2009-12-04T23:47:00.000-06:00

If survival blog is not on your daily read list you are missing out on a wealth of information.

This Day in History - For those that enjoy an occasional drink or just the right to choose for yourself

December 5, 1933

Prohibition ends

The 21st Amendment to the U.S. Constitution is ratified, repealing the 18th Amendment and bringing an end to the era of national prohibition of alcohol in America. At 5:32 p.m. EST, Utah became the 36th state to ratify the amendment, achieving the requisite three-fourths majority of states' approval. Pennsylvania and Ohio had ratified it earlier in the day.
The movement for the prohibition of alcohol began in the early 19th century, when Americans concerned about the adverse effects of drinking began forming temperance societies. By the late 19th century, these groups had become a powerful political force, campaigning on the state level and calling for national liquor abstinence. Several states outlawed the manufacture or sale of alcohol within their own borders. In December 1917, the 18th Amendment, prohibiting the "manufacture, sale, or transportation of intoxicating liquors for beverage purposes," was passed by Congress and sent to the states for ratification. On January 29, 1919, the 18th Amendment achieved the necessary three-fourths majority of state ratification. Prohibition essentially began in June of that year, but the amendment did not officially take effect until January 29, 1920.
In the meantime, Congress passed the Volstead Act on October 28, 1919, over President Woodrow Wilson's veto. The Volstead Act provided for the enforcement of Prohibition, including the creation of a special Prohibition unit of the Treasury Department. In its first six months, the unit destroyed thousands of illicit stills run by bootleggers. However, federal agents and police did little more than slow the flow of booze, and organized crime flourished in America. Large-scale bootleggers like Al Capone of Chicago built criminal empires out of illegal distribution efforts, and federal and state governments lost billions in tax revenue. In most urban areas, the individual consumption of alcohol was largely tolerated and drinkers gathered at "speakeasies," the Prohibition-era term for saloons.
Prohibition, failing fully to enforce sobriety and costing billions, rapidly lost popular support in the early 1930s. In 1933, the 21st Amendment to the Constitution was passed and ratified, ending national Prohibition. After the repeal of the 18th Amendment, some states continued Prohibition by maintaining statewide temperance laws. Mississippi, the last dry state in the Union, ended Prohibition in 1966.

New Ammo added this Week!

2009-12-02T20:07:00.001-06:00

We just received new .40 S&W from CCI/Blazer, .40 S&W from Hornady and .38 Special from Federal. Stuff your stocking or stuff your Glock for Christmas at http://sunflowerammo.com.

What is your ideal survival tool(s)?

2009-11-24T00:37:00.001-06:00

What are your ideal survival tools for camping, the car/truck, the bug out bag, the fishing hole, a day hike? Share your insights with the rest of us.

- My choice for daily carry as a money clip is the Gerber mini-covert .
- I keep a swiss army knife and a Fenix TK20 tied together in my jacket pocket.
- A Fisher space pen in my pocket. My salesman brother sold me on this one so you never miss sighing a deal!
- Travel first aid kit and Gerber sport utility pack in every vehicle.
- Last but not least a ParaCord survival bracelet on my wrist.

A plea to Congress

2009-11-23T01:24:00.001-06:00

Senator/Representative,
The current health care bill before the Senate is a prime example of why our legislative process is corrupted and broken. It appears that Sen. Mary Landrieu did not support the bill until extorting $300M from the Democratic leadership. Every Senator, regardless of party, has a moral obligation to reject this bill solely based upon this blatant selling of votes. This is a perfect example of the root cause of the problems in our legislative process. Sen. Landrieu may have secured a few dollars for her state but at price of our nation? Individual legislators earmark bills with pet projects with utter disregard of the impact upon our nation as a whole. Our bankrupt nation is on the verge of economic collapse and the spending continues with no concern beyond state borders or the next election cycle. The average citizen is willing to do their part but Congress has do do theirs by cutting spending to reduce our deficit.

Concerned Citizen

Brain Food 11/23/09

2009-11-23T01:07:00.000-06:00

Thought of the Day (If only congress would listen)-
Rather go to bed with out dinner than to rise in debt.
Benjamin Franklin

This Day in History -

November 23, 1903

Colorado governor sends militia to Cripple Creek

Determined to crush the union of the Western Federation of Miners (WFM), Colorado Governor James Peabody sends the state militia into the mining town of Cripple Creek.
The strike in the gold mines of Cripple Creek began that summer. William "Big Bill" Haywood's Western Federation of Miners called for a sympathy strike among the underground miners to support a smelter workers' strike for an eight-hour day. The WFM, which was founded in 1893 in Montana, had already been involved in several violent strikes in Colorado and Idaho. By the end of October, the call for action at Cripple Creek had worked, and a majority of mine and smelter workers were idle; Cripple Creek operations ground to a halt. Eager to resume mining and break the union, the mine owners turned to Governor Peabody, who agreed to provide state militia protection for replacement workers.
Outraged, the miners barricaded roads and railways, but by the end of September more than a thousand armed men were in Cripple Creek to undermine the strike. Soldiers began to round up union members and their sympathizers-including the entire staff of a pro-union newspaper-and imprison them without any charges or evidence of wrongdoing. When miners complained that the imprisonment was a violation of their constitutional rights, one anti-union judge replied, "To hell with the Constitution; we're not following the Constitution!"
Such tyrannical tactics swung control of the strike to the more radical elements in the WFM, and in June 1904, Harry Orchard, a professional terrorist employed by the union, blew up a railroad station, which killed 13 strikebreakers. This recourse to terrorism proved a serious tactical mistake. The bombing turned public opinion against the union, and the mine owners were able to freely arrest and deport the majority of the WFM leaders. By midsummer, the strike was over and the WFM never again regained the power it had previously enjoyed in the Colorado mining districts.

Brain Food 11/20/09

2009-11-20T00:58:00.000-06:00

Quote of the day -

Never confuse movement with action.
Ernest Hemingway

This day in history -

November 20, 1789

New Jersey ratifies the Bill of Rights

On this day in 1789, New Jersey ratifies the Bill of Rights, becoming the first state to do so. New Jersey’s action was a first step toward making the first 10 amendments to the Constitution law and completing the revolutionary reforms begun by the Declaration of Independence.

The Anti-Federalist critics of the U.S. Constitution were afraid that a too-strong federal government would become just another sort of the monarchical regime from which they had recently been freed. They believed that the Constitution gave too much power to the federal government by outlining its rights but failing to delineate the rights of the individuals living under it. Before the Massachusetts ratifying convention would accept the Constitution, then, which they finally did in February 1788, the document’s Federalist supporters had to promise to create a Bill of Rights to be amended to the Constitution immediately upon the creation of a new government under the document. This helped to assuage the Anti-Federalists’ concerns.

As promised, the newly elected Congress drafted the Bill of Rights on December 25, 1789. Drafted by James Madison and loosely based on Virginia’s Declaration of Rights, the first 10 amendments give the following rights to all United States citizens:

1. Freedom of religion, speech and assembly
2. Right to keep and bear arms for the purpose of a well-regulated militia
3. No forcible quartering of soldiers during peacetime
4. Freedom from unreasonable search and seizure
5. Right to a grand jury for capital crimes and due process. Protection from double jeopardy, self-incrimination and public confiscation of private property without "just compensation"
6. Right to "speedy and public" trial by jury and a competent defense
7. Right to trial by jury for monetary cases above $20
8. Protection against "excessive" bail or fines and "cruel and unusual" punishments
9. Rights not enumerated are "retained by the people"
10. Rights not given to the federal government or prohibited the state governments by the Constitution, "are reserved to the States... or to the people"

Brian Food for 11/13/09

2009-11-12T21:32:00.000-06:00

Thought of the day -

An education isn't how much you have committed to memory, or even how much you know. It's being able to differentiate between what you know and what you don't.
Anatole France

This day in history -

November 13, 1789

First presidential tour concludes

George Washington, inaugurated as the first president of the United States in April, returns to Washington at the end of his first presidential tour.
For four weeks, Washington traveled by stagecoach through New England, visiting all the northern states that had ratified the U.S. Constitution. Washington, the great Revolutionary War hero and first leader of the new republic, was greeted by enthusiastic crowds wherever he went. Major William Jackson, who was Washington's aide-de-camp during the Revolutionary War, accompanied the president, along with a private secretary and nine servants, including several slaves. The group traveled as far north as Kittery, Maine, which was still a part of Massachusetts at the time.
Two years later, President Washington embarked on his first presidential visit to the southern states, making a 1,887-mile round-trip journey from his estate at Mount Vernon, Virginia.

Brain Food 11/8/09

2009-11-08T00:14:00.002-06:00

Thought of the Day -

The mistakes made by Congress wouldn't be so bad if the next Congress didn't keep trying to correct them.
Cullen Hightower

Brain Food 11/7/09

2009-11-07T15:26:00.000-06:00

Thought of the day -

I'm tired of hearing it said that democracy doesn't work. Of course it doesn't work. We are supposed to work it.
Alexander Woollcott

Brain Food for 11/6/09

2009-11-06T08:57:00.000-06:00

Thought of the Day -

A business that makes nothing but money is a poor business.
Henry Ford

Brain Food for 11/6/09

2009-11-05T00:19:00.000-06:00

Thoughts of the Day -

Apparently, a democracy is a place where numerous elections are held at great cost without issues and with interchangeable candidates.
Gore Vidal

The Meaning Of Our Flag

Henry Ward Beecher If one asks me the meaning of our flag, I say to him: It means just what Concord and Lexington meant, what Bunker Hill meant. It means the whole glorious Revolutionary War. It means all that the Declaration of Independence meant. It means all that the Constitution of our people, organizing for justice, for liberty and for happiness, meant.
Under this banner rode Washington and his armies. Before it Burgoyne laid down his arms. It waved on the highlands at West Point. When Arnold would have surrendered these valuable fortresses and precious legacies, his night was turned into day and his treachery was driven away by beams of light from this starry banner.
It cheered our army, driven out from around New York, and in their painful pilgrimages through New Jersey. This banner streamed in light over the soldiers' heads at Valley Forge and at Morristown. It crossed the waters rolling with ice at Trenton, and when its stars gleamed in the morning with a victory, a new day of hope dawned on the despondency of this nation.
Our Flag carries American ideas, American history and American feelings. Beginning with the Colonies, and coming down to our time, in its sacred heraldry, in its glorious insignia, it has gathered and stored chiefly this supreme idea: divine right of liberty in man. Every color means liberty; every thread means liberty; every form of star and beam or stripe of light means liberty - not lawlessness, but organized, institutional liberty - liberty through law, and laws for liberty!
This American Flag was the safeguard of liberty. Not an atom of crown was allowed to go into its insignia. Not a symbol of authority in the ruler was permitted to go into it. It was an ordinance of liberty by the people, for the people. That it meant, that it means, and, by the blessing of God, that it shall mean to the end of time!

November Free Giveaway!

2009-11-01T23:44:00.000-06:00

Register at SunflowerAmmo.com to be eligible for the November free drawing. The lucky winner for November will receive a paracord survival bracelet.

Brain Food for 11/1/09

2009-10-31T21:51:00.000-05:00

Thought of the Day -

Opportunities are usually disguised as hard work, so most people don't recognize them.
Ann Landers

This Day in History -

November 1, 1765

Parliament enacts the Stamp Act

In the face of widespread opposition in the American colonies, Parliament enacts the Stamp Act, a taxation measure designed to raise revenue for British military operations in America.
Defense of the American colonies in the French and Indian War (1754-63) and Pontiac's Rebellion (1763-64) were costly affairs for Great Britain, and Prime Minister George Grenville hoped to recover some of these costs by taxing the colonists. In 1764, the Sugar Act was enacted, putting a high duty on refined sugar. Although resented, the Sugar Act tax was hidden in the cost of import duties, and most colonists accepted it. The Stamp Act, however, was a direct tax on the colonists and led to an uproar in America over an issue that was to be a major cause of the Revolution: taxation without representation.
Passed without debate by Parliament in March 1765, the Stamp Act was designed to force colonists to use special stamped paper in the printing of newspapers, pamphlets, almanacs, and playing cards, and to have a stamp embossed on all commercial and legal papers. The stamp itself displayed an image of a Tudor rose framed by the word "America" and the French phrase Honi soit qui mal y pense--"Shame to him who thinks evil of it."
Outrage was immediate. Massachusetts politician Samuel Adams organized the secret Sons of Liberty organization to plan protests against the measure, and the Virginia legislature and other colonial assemblies passed resolutions opposing the act. In October, nine colonies sent representatives to New York to attend a Stamp Act Congress, where resolutions of "rights and grievances" were framed and sent to Parliament and King George III. Despite this opposition, the Stamp Act was enacted on November 1, 1765.
The colonists greeted the arrival of the stamps with violence and economic retaliation. A general boycott of British goods began, and the Sons of Liberty staged attacks on the customhouses and homes of tax collectors in Boston. After months of protest and economic turmoil, and an appeal by Benjamin Franklin before the British House of Commons, Parliament voted to repeal the Stamp Act in March 1766. However, the same day, Parliament passed the Declaratory Acts, asserting that the British government had free and total legislative power over the colonies.
Parliament would again attempt to force unpopular taxation measures on the American colonies in the late 1760s, leading to a steady deterioration in British-American relations that culminated in the outbreak of the American Revolution in 1775.

Brain Food for 10/30/09

2009-10-29T23:10:00.000-05:00

Thought of the Day -

Giving money and power to government is like giving whiskey and car keys to teenage boys.
P. J. O'Rourke

This Day in History -

October 30, 1953

Eisenhower approves NSC 162/2

On October 30, 1953, President Dwight D. Eisenhower formally approves National Security Council Paper No. 162/2 (NSC 162/2). The top secret document made clear that America's nuclear arsenal must be maintained and expanded to meet the communist threat. It also made clear the connection between military spending and a sound American economy.

The paper began by warning that the Soviet Union already possessed sufficient atomic weapons and delivery capabilities to inflict a "crippling blow to our industrial base and our continued ability to prosecute a war." While in the short-term such action by the Soviets seemed unlikely, this did not mean that the United States could afford to slacken its efforts to stockpile "sufficient atomic weapons." In specific situations, the United States should "make clear to the USSR and Communist China...its intention to react with military force against any aggression by Soviet bloc armed forces." Nuclear weapons should be "as available for use as other weapons."

NSC 162/2 indicated the growing reliance of the United States on its nuclear arsenal as a deterrent to communist aggression during the Eisenhower years. It also suggested that concerns were being raised about the ability of the American economy to support both a booming domestic standard of living and massive military expenditures. Its approval by the President was a definite sign of his so-called "New Look" foreign policy that depended on more cost efficient nuclear weapons to fight the Cold War.

Brain Food for 10/28/09

2009-10-27T23:34:00.001-05:00

Thought of the Day -

No one is so brave that he is not disturbed by something unexpected.
Julius Caesar

This Day in History -

October 28, 1775

British proclamation forbids residents from leaving Boston

The new commander in chief of the British army, Major General Sir William Howe, issues a proclamation to the residents of Boston on this day in 1775. Speaking from British headquarters in Boston, Howe forbade any person from leaving the city and ordered citizens to organize into military companies in order to "contribute all in his power for the preservation of order and good government within the town of Boston."

Almost four months earlier, on July 3, 1775, George Washington had formally taken command of the Continental Army. Washington, a prominent Virginia planter and veteran of the French and Indian War, had been appointed commander in chief by the Continental Congress two weeks before in an attempt to turn the impromptu siege of Boston, instigated by New Englanders enraged by the Battle of Lexington and Concord the previous April into a congressionally organized inter-colonial revolt against parliamentary oppression. The ad hoc siege of Boston enjoyed it greatest moment when New Englanders under the command of Israel Putnam and William Prescott managed to kill 226 and wound 838 members of the world-famous British army before withdrawing their rag-tag force from Bunker Hill on June 17, 1775.

The newly minted General Washington was unimpressed upon meeting his supposed army outside Boston a few weeks after their momentous success. Just as the British had during the French and Indian War, he saw "stupidity" among the enlisted men, who were used to the easy familiarity of being commanded by neighbors in local militias with elected officers. Washington promptly insisted that the officers behave with decorum and the enlisted men with deference. Although he enjoyed some success with this original army, the New Englanders went home to their farms at the end of 1775, and Washington had to start fresh with new recruits in 1776.

The British did not leave Boston until March 27, 1776, after Washington’s successful occupation of Dorchester Heights 13 days earlier, during which he had turned the cannon captured from the British at Fort Ticonderoga on May 10, 1775 upon the British-held city. More afraid of their own cannon than Patriot soldiers, the British departed, thus allowing Bostonians to move freely in and out of their own city for the first time in six months.