The Ultimate Self-Defense & Security System...

I don’t use words like “ultimate” much at all. Anything labeled “ultimate” usually isn’t. In this case I will make an exception because I believe this to be true. The ultimate self-defense system is you. Well, your brain, I should say, and using it in the correct manner. For starters, remaining cognizant of the 3A's of personal security: alertness, awareness, and avoidance, are a large part of it. Yet they’re not the whole enchilada. There’s also a few other things your brain can do for you if you let it.

One is to take note of that lil voice in the back of your head that tells you when something’s just not right, that you’re being watched, not to go in there, better take another route, and so forth and so on. This, I firmly believe, is another sense, an instinct our primordial ancestors had and we’ll lose if it’s not cultivated. Start listening to that voice, it corresponds well with the 3A’s.

Another thing your brain can do is a little honest self-analysis. Think about how you rank on the victim scale. Consider your age, physical condition, lifestyle, domestic situation, personality, routines (outside the home), the hours you keep, et cetera.

Ask yourself if you’re really security conscious or just think you are? What is your neighborhood really like? What’s the crime rate? Are your doors and windows always locked whenever possible? How about your garage, your vehicle? Do you practice door security? How about phone security? Garbage security? Don’t laugh because you can learn a hell of a lot about someone and/or the household by going through their trash for a few weeks. Those on both sides of the law do this all the time and it’s (usually) legal. Do you leave your window coverings open so anyone can easily see into your home? Do you make it obvious when you are and are not home? The list goes on ad astra, nonetheless I feel you get the idea.

All of the above can be done by anyone, regardless of age or sex. Correcting any problems or faults will cost little to no money. Basically, the main thing is somewhat modifying the way you think and behave. No, you won’t become paranoid nor agoraphobic. You’ll simply become a more alert and aware person who’s safety and security conscious. Oh sure, there will be some personal adjustments and perhaps you may have to add something to your home such as better locks, a peephole in your doors, or motion sensing exterior lights (getting a paper shredder wouldn’t be a bad idea either). However, unless someone has you specifically targeted, all you need to be is a harder target than the folks around you. Remember, predators go after the easy prey.

If you use the brain the Good Lord gave you, you can go a long way towards not becoming a victim. 

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Take care and stay safe,

Joe Doakes aka Kilogulf59
Integrated Close Combat Forum

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Please note: prior to commenting or passing judgment, either in a positive or negative manner, I suggest you read About Joe Doakes’ Place and the Disclaimer assuming you haven't already. Thank you.

Vehicle Flashlights and Battery Choices

Before I go any further, let me state that the following is based upon my experience, my research, and the region I live in, the Upper Midwest. The temperature extremes here can run from -20’s F in winter to +90’s F in summer. Ambient temperature greatly affects battery performance and life, some battery types more than others. Inside a vehicle in summer, which is parked in direct sunlight, the temperature can reach +40º F, or more, higher than the outside temperature. That’s hot. OK, you get the idea, now on with the show...

My daughter has my old 2-D cell Maglite with an LED emitter upgrade stored in her van. Apparently, she has alkaline batteries in it and, it seems, it always needs new batteries, which she forgets to replace (hey, we’ve all been there). Plus, with alkaline cells there’s the potential for leakage and if you don’t catch that the light is ruined (been there a few times myself). Years ago, what I started doing was storing the alkaline cells outside the light, in baggies, but I digress.

From the research I've done, it seems the best option for a flashlight, or any battery operated device, which will be stored in a vehicle all year, are lithium primary cells (Energizer, to my knowledge, are the best). On their website, Energizer states: “they are complete with leak resistance and performance in extreme temperatures (-40ºF to 140ºF or -40ºC to 60ºC).” Their shelf life is incredible as well. See attached document.

The cheapest fix I came up with for my daughter’s vehicle flashlight is to put six Energizer lithium AA cells into two AA to D cell parallel adapters (ref pic below). I have both batteries and adapters, so there’s nothing to buy. Problem solved. As for her house JIC flashlights, I advised her to use Energizer alkaline cells, which is what we do. I check all our in-service batteries, say twice a year, for power and, if alkaline batteries are used, leakage signs. Google calendar helps me to remember to do this and a lot of other stuff.

 

AA to D cell parallel adapters

As for general battery application, a rule of thumb I use is:

• Alkaline primary cells - If they're hardly used and are stored inside; i.e. JIC flashlights.
• Lithium primary cells - If they're hardly (or lightly) used and are stored outside, i.e. vehicle JIC flashlights, garage door opener remotes and keypads.
• NiMH or Li-ion secondary cells - If they're used frequently and are stored inside (for the most part); i.e. daily use flashlights, headlamps, and radios.

That’s pretty much how I do it, based upon my climate, and if anyone has some ideas I’d love to hear them. There’s some variations and, of course, your mileage may vary.

Here's an Energizer manual on the subject for your perusal: Cylindrical Primary Lithium Handbook and Application Manual

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Take care and stay safe,

Joe Doakes aka Kilogulf59
Integrated Close Combat Forum

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Please note: prior to commenting or passing judgment, either in a positive or negative manner, I suggest you read About Joe Doakes’ Place and the Disclaimer assuming you haven't already. Thank you.

Selecting Your Carry Ammo

Far too much info to post here or on the Joe Doakes' Fascistbook page...enjoy: Selecting Your Carry Ammo

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Take care and stay safe,

Joe Doakes aka Kilogulf59
Integrated Close Combat Forum

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Please note: prior to commenting or passing judgment, either in a positive or negative manner, I suggest you read About Joe Doakes’ Place and the Disclaimer assuming you haven't already. Thank you.

How the Silencer Got Stuck in the NFA

Maxim Silencer Patent Drawings,

and yes, they are called Silencers.*

Sad but interesting story. People passing judgement upon things and other people based upon media bias and conjecture.

How the Silencer Got Stuck in the NFA

The National Firearms Act of 1934...the one the NRA wholeheartedly endorsed? And yes, they did. Just like the GCA of '68. This is where the term "Fudd" (as in Elmer Fudd) actually came from. What it really means, contrary to what Generation X, Millennials, and so forth will tell you, is someone who only cares about their hunting (and target) firearms being protected by the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution. This reared it's ugly head again in the early '80s ("black rifle" bans) and the term "Fudd" really took off. BTW, I'm proud to say that I, like thousands of others, helped to get the Firearm Owners Protection Act of 1986 passed. We got petitions signed, wrote letters, recruited NRA members, donated what we could, and so forth. Then I got sick of Wayne LaPierre and "The Old Buys Club" that was the NRA, quit and became a life member of the GOA, the don't compromise. I never looked back.

* Re Maxim Silencer Patent Drawings. As I said, they are called silencers, suppressing sound is their function. Just ask Hiram Maxim, he invented them. Oh, and if you prefer "suppressor" fine by me. Just don't tell me I'm wrong for referring to them as "silencers".

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Take care and stay safe,

Joe Doakes aka Kilogulf59
Integrated Close Combat Forum

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Please note: prior to commenting or passing judgment, either in a positive or negative manner, I suggest you read About Joe Doakes’ Place and the Disclaimer assuming you haven't already. Thank you.

Bear Attacks (and Other Critters)

A brown bear aka a grizzly bear.

Too much to transfer over here, Bear Attacks (and Other Critters) is a fairly comprehensive and ongoing discussion on the subject. Click the hotlink and hop on over and enjoy and, perhaps contribute to the discussion.

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Take care and stay safe,

Joe Doakes aka Kilogulf59
Integrated Close Combat Forum

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Please note: prior to commenting or passing judgment, either in a positive or negative manner, I suggest you read About Joe Doakes’ Place and the Disclaimer assuming you haven't already. Thank you.