Preparedness Notes — August 18, 2026

by James Wesley Rawles in SurvivalBlog.com on 2026-08-18T07:11:07Z

This Week in History: On August 18, 1877, the Martian Moon Phobos was discovered. One of the two natural satellites of Mars, Phobos, was discovered by American astronomer Asaph Hall. Hall also discovered Deimos, the other Martian Moon. Named after the Greek God of fear, Phobos orbits only 3,700 miles from the surface of Mars. This makes it the Moon to orbit closest to its planet in the Solar System. Because of this odd orbit, Phobos completes each orbit around Mars in just 7 hours and 39 minutes. — August 19, 1895: American frontier murderer and outlaw John Wesley Hardin …

The post Preparedness Notes — August 18, 2026 appeared first on SurvivalBlog.com.

AI: The Machinist Will Become The Workpiece

by James Wesley Rawles in SurvivalBlog.com on 2026-08-18T07:10:52Z

When I have conversations with friends and neighbors about Artificial Intelligence (AI), some of them  conclude that I’m an alarmist. I believe that this is because their experience has been limited to simplistic generative AI tools that crank out artwork in seconds, or that can create convincing term papers when given just a simple outline phrase. What they haven’t seen are agentic AIs that scheme, manipulate, and cheat to reach their programmed goals, and often go beyond those programmed goals. If a stated goal is open-ended, then these AIs often improvise in unexpected ways. Recently, for example, a test AI …

The post AI: The Machinist Will Become The Workpiece appeared first on SurvivalBlog.com.

JaseAid Trauma Kit, by Thomas Christianson

by Thomas Christianson in SurvivalBlog.com on 2026-08-18T07:09:06Z

Author’s Introductory Note: I am not a medical professional. This article does not constitute medical advice. It merely represents the observations and opinions of an average layperson. Please consult a medical professional about the best training, equipment, and supplies that you should obtain in order to be better prepared for possible emergencies. SurvivalBlog readers who are also medical professionals are strongly encouraged to contribute articles within their areas of expertise to SurvivalBlog. You may provide the vital public service of rescuing SurvivalBlog readers from the simplistic ideas of people like me). Many first-aid kits are really boo-boo kits. They are …

The post JaseAid Trauma Kit, by Thomas Christianson appeared first on SurvivalBlog.com.

SurvivalBlog Graphic of the Week

by James Wesley Rawles in SurvivalBlog.com on 2026-08-18T07:08:07Z

Today’s graphic is a map that depicts the most valuable resource in each state. (Graphic courtesy of Reddit.) The thumbnail image below is click-expandable.             — If any SurvivalBlog readers have personally taken or otherwise hold the copyright to a particularly nice landscape photo or other photo of particular interest to preppers that is in a wide horizontal format (to match our blog template) then please send it in as an e-mail attachment, and I will consider posting it as a Graphic of the Week, or as a Top Note photo. I can of course …

The post SurvivalBlog Graphic of the Week appeared first on SurvivalBlog.com.

Economics & Investing Media of the Week

by James Wesley Rawles in SurvivalBlog.com on 2026-08-18T07:07:01Z

In Economics & Investing Media of the Week we feature photos, charts, graphs, maps, video links, and news items of interest to preppers. Today, a map showing the median household income of each US states relative to the overall US median household income (percentage points above or below.) The thumbnail below is click-expandable. (Graphic courtesy of Reddit.) Economics & Investing Links of Interest Reader Andrew M. spotted this piece in the UK Telegraph by financial analyst Ambrose Evans-Pritchard: The ingredients are coming together for a US financial crisis. Andrew’s comment:  “Bessent’s recent moves all scream desperation.” The Hill published this …

The post Economics & Investing Media of the Week appeared first on SurvivalBlog.com.

The Survivalist’s Odds ‘n Sods

by James Wesley Rawles in SurvivalBlog.com on 2026-08-18T07:06:09Z

SurvivalBlog presents another edition of The Survivalist’s Odds ‘n Sods. This column is a collection of news bits and pieces that are relevant to the modern survivalist and prepper from JWR. Our goal is to educate our readers, to help them to recognize emerging threats, and to be better prepared for both disasters and negative societal trends. You can’t mitigate a risk if you haven’t first identified a risk. In today’s column, predictions of demographic doom. The West’s Demographic Math No Longer Adds Up The left-of-center Politico reports: The West’s Demographic Math No Longer Adds Up. Here is a pericope: …

The post The Survivalist’s Odds ‘n Sods appeared first on SurvivalBlog.com.

SurvivalBlog Readers’ & Editors’ Snippets

by James Wesley Rawles in SurvivalBlog.com on 2026-08-18T07:05:06Z

Our weekly Snippets column is a collection of short items: responses to posted articles, practical self-sufficiency items, how-tos, lessons learned, tips and tricks, and news items — both from readers and from SurvivalBlog’s editors. Note that we may select some long e-mails for posting as separate letters. — In The Los Angeles Times: How Colorado became the unlikely epicenter of American yak ranching. JWR’s Comments:  In the 1990s, we raised ultra-wooly black Tibetan yaks at our ranch near Orofino, Idaho. In 1997, we brought them with us on our temporary move back to California, and the next year we sold …

The post SurvivalBlog Readers’ & Editors’ Snippets appeared first on SurvivalBlog.com.

SurvivalBlog’s American Redoubt Media of the Week

by James Wesley Rawles in SurvivalBlog.com on 2026-08-18T07:04:30Z

REDOUBT NEWS LINKS This weekly column features media from around the American Redoubt region. (Idaho, Montana, eastern Oregon, eastern Washington, and Wyoming.) Much of the region is also more commonly known as The Inland Northwest. A couple of fun flying videos: Lower Loon Idaho C58 – Backcountry Airstrip landing / takeoff – Badlands Traveler Bushplane. And from the same pilot: Departing Johnson Creek and clearing the Ridge – Badlands Traveler bushplane 3U2. Spokane fire aftermath: Drone footage shows neighborhood in complete ruins after wildfire. JWR’s Comment:  If a jury finds him guilty, I hope that the arsonist serves a very …

The post SurvivalBlog’s American Redoubt Media of the Week appeared first on SurvivalBlog.com.

Editors’ Prepping Progress

by Avalanche Lily in SurvivalBlog.com on 2026-08-18T07:03:16Z

To be prepared for a crisis, every Prepper must establish goals and make both long-term and short-term plans. In this column, the SurvivalBlog editors review their week’s prep activities and planned prep activities for the coming week. These range from healthcare and gear purchases to gardening, ranch improvements, bug-out bag fine-tuning, and food storage. This is something akin to our Retreat Owner Profiles, but written incrementally and in detail, throughout the year.  We always welcome you to share your own successes and wisdom in your e-mailed letters. We post many of those — or excerpts thereof — in the Odds …

The post Editors’ Prepping Progress appeared first on SurvivalBlog.com.

JWR’s Meme Of The Week:

by James Wesley Rawles in SurvivalBlog.com on 2026-08-18T07:02:20Z

The latest meme created by JWR: Meme Text: i never use upper-case letters when i write about a.o.c. because she says that she hates capitalism Notes From JWR: Do you have a meme idea? Just e-mail me the concept, and I’ll try to assemble it. And if it is posted then I’ll give you credit. Thanks! Permission to repost memes that I’ve created is granted, provided that credit to SurvivalBlog.com is included.

The post JWR’s Meme Of The Week: appeared first on SurvivalBlog.com.

Editors’ Quote:

by James Wesley Rawles in SurvivalBlog.com on 2026-08-18T07:01:08Z

“There’s risks that come from people misusing AI, and that’s most of the risks and all of the short-term risks. And then there’s risks that come from AI getting super smart and understanding it doesn’t need us.” – 2024 Nobel Laureate Geoffrey Hinton

The post Editors’ Quote:  appeared first on SurvivalBlog.com.

Another Citation

by Clayton Cramer in Clayton Cramer. on 2026-08-18T02:36:08Z

Barnett v. Raoul (7th Cir. 2026) citing "Knives and the Second Amendment".  Alas not with the desired result.

You were our countrymen – the limits of evil

by TPOL Nathan in The Price of Liberty on 2026-08-18T01:00:00Z

“If ye love wealth better than liberty, the tranquility of servitude better than the animating contest of freedom, go home from us in peace.  We ask not your counsels or arms. Crouch down and lick the hands which feed you. May … Continue reading →

TFB Review: Benelli M2-G1 12 Gauge - Is This the Pinnacle of Tactical?

by Adam Scepaniak in The Firearm Blog on 2026-08-18T00:00:00Z

When it comes to tactical or home defense shotguns there is one name that is always seen at the top: Benelli. Whether it is the ergonomics, the reliability, or the near-legendary status that surrounds them, if you want a scattergun that can win a local competition and still effectively moonlight as your primary home defense option, Benelli is it. Now, we have this new announcement of the M2-G1. Must be better than ever, right? It doesn’t quite follow the same naming convention as prior models, but Benelli is touting on paper that it is their best yet… we’ll see about that. Let’s dive in and check out the all-new Benelli M2-G1 to see how it performs.

Aero Precision: New Owners, Same Great Product

by Recoil Staff in Recoil on 2026-08-17T23:46:57Z

BREAKING NEWS: Aero Precision, Ballistic Advantage, Stag Arms, and VG6 have been officially sold to a new private ownership group, ending White Wolf Capital’s ownership and the troubles that seemed to come with it. RECOIL has confirmed with internal company employees that this is real and not just wishful thinking.  From internal sources, the new ownership is a private investor... more

POTD: The Szép M1 in Hungarian Army Training Operations

by Eric B in The Firearm Blog on 2026-08-17T23:30:00Z

The Szép M1 represents modern Hungarian precision rifle design distilled to its tactical essence. Designed around 2008 by Hungarian Army officer Ferenc Szép and produced by Bátori-Épszol Ltd., the rifle features a bullpup layout and rotary bolt locking with three frontal bolt lugs. Chambered in 7.62x51mm NATO, it pairs compactness with inherent accuracy through a free-floating barrel design and carbon-filled polymer cheek rest.

The Rimfire Report: The FarrowTech Ruger Mark IV 22R PDW Kit

by Luke C. in The Firearm Blog on 2026-08-17T23:00:00Z

FarrowTech, as we talked about a few weeks ago here when we reviewed their FT-M body kit for the KelTec P-17 , is in the business of making all sorts of accessories, kits, and conversions for some very affordable firearms. After our article  featuring the P-17 kit, FarrowTech was kind enough to send out one of their 22R Brace PDW Kits  for the Ruger Mark IV pistol, which is awesome because my personal Mark IV has been sitting dormant in my safe for well over a year at this point. So today we’ll slap ole’ Mark IV 22/45 Lite in this new FarrowTech kit and see if we can knock the rust off the 22/45.

AG Blanche Finalizes New Restoration-of-Rights Process

by Dave Workman in 2nd Amendment Archives - Liberty Park Press on 2026-08-17T20:24:46Z

By Dave Workman “The Second Amendment is not a second-class right, and the federal government should not permanently deprive Americans of a constitutional right without regard to whether they pose a danger to public safety.” That was the word Monday from Attorney General Todd Blanche, who finalized a federal regulation launching a new process for […]

The post AG Blanche Finalizes New Restoration-of-Rights Process appeared first on Liberty Park Press.

Imprints of Life

by Unknown in Home on the Range on 2026-08-17T19:19:03Z


Seeing the house renovation unfold here over the last 15 years has been a pleasure, though I’m sure burglars will look through the front window, see all of the antiques, the sconces on the wall, no big flat-screen TV, and they’d probably walk away thinking a pair of 80-year-old luddites live here.  Though the kitchen cabinets were completely rebuilt, the walls re-plastered and painted, it still looks like a 40s kitchen. The only newer decorative bits are my mom’s Swedish horses and a jar of marbles I found in my brother’s childhood bedroom, the ones we played with for years as children, crouched down like small gargoyles perched on the edge of the earth. My brother and I were quietly and fiercely competitive, and a game of marbles, like any game, was approached like an act of war, though not as intensely, with the only fire being friendly. 

I can still recall his pale hands gently grasping the larger marble, poised for movement, while I watched like a hawk, to see if I could discern by draw of breath, by the pace of breath, by the dart of an eye, his intention. There were times he was so intent on the task; it seemed as if he ceased to breathe; only the sun is glinting on the marble in his hand, letting me know that time had not stopped. The sun still glints on those marbles as you walk through the kitchen into the living room. As I look around, I note that the time could be the current year or it could be 1935. I like that sense of timelessness as I spent my work years dealing with the machining of lives and law. 

By the time I would get home on some days, I would be breathing slow and labored, like a man with a large weight on his chest. I walked into the house, made some tea, put on some music, and lit a lamp, and the air would go out of my chest in a gentle whoosh. In that instant, I cared nothing for politics, for work, or what was outside, only the slow dance of my evening with my husband.  

Still, at times like those, I missed my brother. He was family, and I loved him as deeply as he loved and defended me. I remembered back to when my brother’s home was readied for sale, and his things were organized after he died, as we sorted through those mementos we wished to keep and those things that could go to charity. His home had no home computer and no TV. The furniture was old and much of it was hand restored. The house was in need of updating, but he preferred to do that himself, on his schedule, rather than pay someone with the fruits of his labor for tasks he could easily learn how to do himself. There, beneath a stopped clock, responsive now only to the last stroke of eternity, sat some tools for yet another project he’d never be able to wield them for to finish.

But despite the lack of modern conveniences, there was one large 80s tape player and a stereo, with both vinyl and tapes to go with it that he bought at a yard sale. In the last year of his life, he played music almost all day, everything from big band to 70s rock. All of those tapes were bundled up in the boxes and boxes to be sorted through after he was gone. Some of it made me cry, some of it made me smile, and the first thing I am going to ask him when I see him in Heaven is why he had a live flare gun on his nightstand.

That last night as we gathered up his things, I realized, that as different as we were in some ways, he being the fellow that always had a hundred friends, I being the one that only allowed a handful in close, we were very much alike, strong-willed and sometimes stubborn. I could almost smell the white smoke of the cigarettes he refused to quit smoking, even as cancer ate at him, watching it burning in the ashtray by his fingers, the smoke trailing out the window into the tattered, tumbling midnight. 

My brother spent his brief adult years in service to his country, something he was very proud to do even as he sometimes disagreed with its leadership. He was quiet in his public opinions on such matters, but in private, with one another, he would discuss with a great passion those fails and omissions of those we as a country put in power, as well as our staunch support of those rights that would keep us from forced servitude. For he knew that with enough power, this carefully built world still contains within it the command to be seized, and we’d make sure we did all we could to lawfully keep that from happening.

His car bore an emblem of the US flag, and his shelf the Bible, and he refused to apologize for either. He had little interest in promotions to higher command, as he realized that although command was sometimes magic, it often contained an atmosphere of officialdom that seemed to staunch human endeavor and he was happier as a simple machinist mate, preferring his hands bloodied or dirtied to the false supremacy of paper and ink. 

 I’m glad I had those days and those memories; for my brother left an imprint of his life behind, one that’s so similar to mine, that in the recognition of, I sometimes feel closer to him in death than our deep bond in life. As my tools were put down as darkness was long  upon us, I looked up at the heavens before heading to bed. What captured my gaze were the unsteady stars, that if blown upon would tumble like large marbles in the sky and then brighten to small specks of light in a wet sheen, that I realized was the view through my tears. With each small thing of his that are now part of my house, I realize that for all of us, midnight will come.

 However, I’m not going to let midnight be flung down upon me. I’m going to drag midnight along with me for the ride, as hammers are swung, and boards are bent, and God is our only salvation. In the end, it may not be done, but it will be started, and that, with the rest and the little death of sleep will be my escape and my reward. Then, when my body is finally free of sweat and the house is quiet, I’ll sleep. It will be sleep without regret, in a slightly worse for wear home in which my God watches over me, and my defender lies quietly in the nightstand, a round in the chamber. 

18 Ammo Rebates from Federal, HEVI, Remington, Fiocchi for Hunting

by Adam Scepaniak in The Firearm Blog on 2026-08-17T18:00:00Z

There has been a flood of new rebates for ammunition heading into fall from some of our favorite ammunition manufacturers. In fact, 72 different selections of rifle, shotgun, and handgun ammunition for hunting are currently on rebate from Federal Premium, Remington, HEVI, and Fiocchi ammo companies. Stap in, we're going to round them up for you!

How Stupid Do You Have to Be?

by Clayton Cramer in Clayton Cramer. on 2026-08-17T17:38:01Z

I waa watching When PIT Maneuvers Are Used With NO MERCY!   I can half-understand why someone in one of the hopped-up up Chargers thinks they might outrun state police but a Toyota Camry or Corolla? Admittedly, many of these idiots have long criminal histories, so they are already among the mentally challenged.

Now You Can Buy Lapua TRX Hunting Ammo In The U.S.

by Zac K in The Firearm Blog on 2026-08-17T17:00:00Z

In-the-know shooters understand that Lapua, as a company, is all about performance. The initials in the TRX series name stand for True-Range Expanding. The bullets used in these rounds are built to mushroom even at the extended distances that hunters are increasingly shooting over.

FALCO Adds Weapon Light Options to Kydex Chest Holster Lineup

by Luke C. in The Firearm Blog on 2026-08-17T15:00:00Z

Chest holsters and the like have understandably been in the American firearms zeitgeist recently. However, in parallel, FALCO Holsters is closing a gap in its Kydex lineup with the D910 L Light-Bearing Kydex Chest Holster , a chest-carry option designed specifically for weapon-mounted lights. The standard D910 launched last year without WML compatibility when FALCO expanded into alternative Kydex carry styles, and the L variant now covers that missing ground based on customer requests.

Colt’s Vietnam Prototype AK/M16 Hybrid: the Model 703

by Ian McCollum in Forgotten Weapons on 2026-08-17T13:27:46Z

“From Hartford to Vietnam” is available here for preorder: Or you can find it bundled with “Tiger Stripe: The Vietnam Camouflage Story” on Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/headstamp/tiger-stripe?ref=3b3v8y The Model 703 was an experimental project at Colt which [...]

The post Colt’s Vietnam Prototype AK/M16 Hybrid: the Model 703 first appeared on Forgotten Weapons.

Gratuitous Gun Pr0n #264...

by Tam in View From The Porch on 2026-08-17T13:20:54Z

Ruger P-85 Mark II (click to embiggen) It came with the Hogues. Not a fan.

The original Ruger P-85 had a situation where the firing pin could break and the hammer-dropping safety could thereby cause an unintended discharge.

The fix was adding a block that rotated into place between the hammer and firing pin as the safety lever was manipulated. It was retrofitted to existing pistols and new ones that came from the factory with the improved lever, as well as a few upgrades derived from the military's XM10 handgun trials, were sold as the P-85 Mark II.

Additional improvements to the pistol resulted in the Ruger P-89, which I've written about here and there. Matt at Hipster Tactical has a great deep dive on the P-89 and its antecedents here.

.

[NEW] Benelli M2-G1 Tactical Shotgun: New Gas, New Features, More Capacity

by David Lane in Recoil on 2026-08-17T13:05:05Z

NEW from Benelli comes a freshly redesigned shotgun gas system on the M2 platform. How does it stand up to the other Benelli Tactical shotguns?

Ruger Precision Rifle: Getting Ready to ‘Go Long Range’ with My Boys

by Barbara Baird in Hunting, shooting, fishing and adventure for women by women on 2026-08-17T13:00:00Z

Babbs asked to try a Ruger Precision Rifle in 6.5 Creedmoor for the express purpose of shooting long range with her sons this fall. Find out how she is preparing it for the trip.

TFB Weekly Web Deals 200: Deals for August 17th, 2026

by Luke C. in The Firearm Blog on 2026-08-17T13:00:00Z

Welcome to TFB Weekly Web Deals  200, brought to you by Strike Industries , manufacturer of innovative, high-performance firearm accessories. We’re back with more deals on guns, gear, ammunition, and accessories from some of our most frequented online retailers like Strike Industries, as well as 5.11 Tactical, Primary Arms, Natchez Shooters Supply, Palmetto State Armory, Brownells, and more. Whether you’re looking for deals on new or used guns, ammo to add to your reserves, or specific accessories like flashlights, range bags, optics, bipods, and magazines, each week we’ll have new sets of deals that might fulfill one of those needs and save you a few dollars.

Insightfully Horrifying and Hilarious

by Joe in The View From North Central Idaho on 2026-08-17T13:00:00Z

Quote of the Day Normally, we have thought outward based on the rules of reason: the law of noncontradiction, modus ponens, Occam’s razor, etc. Not so for the socialist. Based on Bloch, the socialist thinks from utopia backward. Reality is … Continue reading →

CCW Safe Celebrates 15 Years of Protecting Self-Defense Rights

by The WON in Hunting, shooting, fishing and adventure for women by women on 2026-08-17T12:00:00Z

Founded by law enforcement veterans and a practicing attorney, CCW Safe marks 15 years as a national leader in self-defense legal protection.

Starlight Cigar Batch & Belgian Blue: A Sweet Pairing

by David in Musings Over a Barrel on 2026-08-17T11:55:48Z

During our visit to Chicago earlier this summer, I picked up a bottle of Starlight Distillery Cigar Batch Bourbon, Batch 0003. Other than recognizing the distillery name, I knew little about it. Starlight products are not available at Virginia’s state-run ABC stores. In all honesty, it was the “cigar batch” on the label that attracted my attention. As it turns out, that spontaneous purchase was a good one.

Starlight Distillery is a farm-to-glass distillery in Borden, Indiana, with a record of producing award-winning bourbons. The Cigar Batch Bourbon was recognized with a Double Gold award at the 2026 World Spirits Competition in San Francisco.



Of course, I learned all this after arriving home and researching my purchases from the trip. The 5–7 year aged whiskey is finished for 3 to 6 months in Brazilian Amburana casks. The relatively short time in the Amburana wood allows the bourbon to retain its character while adding distinctive spice and sweeter wood notes.

Upon pouring the bourbon in a Glencairn glass, I was struck immediately by the depth of the aroma. Sweet cream, tobacco, and caramelized sugar provided a delight to the nose. The unique and sumptuous aromatic treat had me returning nose to glass repeatedly.

Taking a sip, the pleasures continued. The first sip brought a distinctive array of vanilla, sweet cream, and dark fruit. Chocolate, sweet tobacco, cinnamon, vanilla, and toasted wood all came in to play as the whiskey coated the tongue. The profile is rich and expansive, and I found myself taking repeated sips to find all the flavor notes. The finish is mildly syrupy and lingers on the palate for an extended time.

I was so intrigued by the flavors in the bourbon, not to mention the aromas, that I almost forgot to light my cigar. So I poured a bit more Cigar Batch and lit the Crowned Heads Belgian Blue 2024 Limited Edition I had pulled out. I had recently enjoyed a Belgian Blue from the 2025 release and decided to compare it with one from the 2024 initial release that I still had on hand.. 

The original Belgian Blue was a 2024 limited-edition release from Crowned Heads, limited to just 2,000 boxes. It’s a 6 x 54 box-pressed Toro, featuring a Mexican San Andrés Maduro wrapper over an Ecuadorian binder. The filler is composed of Nicaraguan and Dominican tobaccos, 75% of which are ligero leaves, the strongest leaves from the tobacco plant.



Perhaps due to the extended humidor time — two years vs. one year — I found the 2024 cigar to be slightly milder in profile than the 2025. Although the blend is the same in both releases, the 2024 measures 6 x 54, the 2025 re-release is shorter and slightly thicker at 5½ x 56. I noted more chocolate-leaning notes in the 2024, while the latter was heavier in spice and coffee, though all those flavors were present in both in varying amounts. Caramel, roasted nuts, and oak also make their presence known in the medium to full bodied smoke.

Those cocoa and mocha notes were a great addition to the pairing with the Starlight Cigar Batch. The richness of the whiskey kept the top billing throughout. I found the bourbon's burnt-sugar and caramel notes softened the cigar’s more assertive tobacco and spice notes, and brought the cigar’s darker cocoa notes forward.

The most notable flavor interaction occurred when I took a puff on the cigar immediately after enjoying a sip of the bourbon. It was then that a strong dark chocolate flavor took the lead. That, combined with the sweet cream and dark fruit components, made me think very vividly of Dark Chocolate Covered Cherry Cordials, especially those with the very liquid centers.

Although blended to be paired with a cigar, the Starlight Distillery Cigar Batch Bourbon is very enjoyable on its own. When enjoyed with the chocolate, espresso, and dark sweetness of the San Andrés Maduro wrapper and ligero blend of the Crowned Heads Belgian Blue, the distillers’ intention became clear. It's a bourbon I look forward to pairing with more of my favorite cigars soon.

Cheers!


[ This content originated at Musings Over a Barrel ]

They never think they will have to follow the rules

by Midwest Chick in Midwest Chick's Place on 2026-08-17T11:41:02Z

One thing about the liberal mindset is they are firmly convinced that the rules will never apply to them. And I just love to see it when they’re wrong. Here’s the story: A woman in Colorado decides to get a $40 credit on her energy bill by allowing the energy company to control her thermostat. […]

AL: Mobile - Security Guard Shoots Man who Assaulted Him

by Dean Weingarten in GUN WATCH on 2026-08-17T11:40:58Z

Upon further investigation, officers discovered the victim entered the business, and while inside, physically assaulted a male security guard.

The security guard shot the victim during the altercation.


More Here


SC: Florence - Armed Robbery Suspect Shot and Killed by Armed Store Employee

by Dean Weingarten in GUN WATCH on 2026-08-17T11:38:31Z

Officers responded at about 10:15 p.m. to a reported armed robbery at Smokers Town on Woody Jones Boulevard, police said. While they were responding, they were told that Brantley had been shot by a store employee.

Brantley had fled the business after being shot and was later found lying in a grassy area behind it, according to police. The preliminary investigation indicates that he entered the business while wearing a mask and gloves and was armed with a gun.


More Here


South American Crime Prevention Advice

by Greg Ellifritz in Active Response Training on 2026-08-17T11:13:16Z

  I just got home from a two-week trip to Peru.  In my many trips to South America in the last two decades I’ve learned a lot about crime and criminals.  This knowledge can be summed up pretty easily.  Everything you need to know about keeping safe comes down to recognizing toads and papaya.   […]

Rocket Fighter!

by Tam in View From The Porch on 2026-08-17T11:01:20Z

Me 163B at National Museum of the USAF

It was fueled by "C-stoff", which was a combination of hydrazine hydrate and methanol, and "T-stoff", which was 85% pure hydrogen peroxide. If there was leftover fuel in the tanks on landing, it could explode. If the takeoff were aborted and the plane nosed in hard, the 275 gallon tank of hydrogen peroxide behind the cockpit could rupture, sloshing into the cockpit and turning the pilot into flieger soup.

One of the few pilots to survive the whole Me-163 program, Mano Ziegler, wrote an occasionally hair-raising memoir titled Rocket Fighter which is available cheaply on Kindle now.

Me 163B1-a at Udvar Hazy


Monday Meme-day!

by Tam in View From The Porch on 2026-08-17T10:00:00Z




Candid Camera XI

by Commander Zero in Notes From The Bunker on 2026-08-16T19:48:07Z

The antlerless short-legged  elk have returned……. But wait…theres more…..

As the Founders Intended

by Joe in The View From North Central Idaho on 2026-08-16T18:44:02Z

Posted on X by JD Heeler @MoonLitLynx87: This is probably a little overstated. But I think we are still on track for my vision of seeing machine gun competitions in high schools by 2032 being realized.

Thailand: Another Mass Murder at a School in 2026 and Strict Gun Control

by Dean Weingarten in GUN WATCH on 2026-08-16T13:44:19Z

 

 Bangkok, public domain

On August 7, 2026, Reuters reported a 14-year-old Thai student killed his grandparents, obtained his grandfather's legal 9mm pistol, then went to his school and killed at least five people as well as wounding  15 more. It is difficult to stop a person who is willing to kill their grandparents in order to kill others. The incident in August is the latest in a series of mass murders committed with firearms in Thailand.  In July of 2025, a mass murderer killed five people and then committed suicide at a Bangkok market.

Thailand had imposed even more restrictions on their already restrictive gun control measures in 2023. In 2023, a 14-year-old killed two and wounded five in a shopping center in Bangkok. In 2022, a former police officer killed 36 people, including his wife, his son, and 22 children. The former police officer used a gun and a knife. In 2020 a soldier killed 29 people in a mass murder with a gun in Nakhon Rtchassima.

Bangkok has very strict gun control laws.  It was not always so. When Thailand became a constitutional republic in 1932, there were no comprehensive gun control laws. In 1947, mandatory registration, licensing and permits for civilian ownership was instituted. Licensing for self-defense is relatively common in rural areas.

 

 

  

Firearms in Thai Museum. Public domain. 

  

Self defense is considered a legitimate reason to apply for a firearm permit. Carry permits for public areas are difficult to obtain, according to Grokipedia. About one in ten Thais own a firearm. Ammunition ownership is tightly regulated. Reloading ammunition is banned. Resistance to the strict laws is common. It is estimated as many as 40% of the 10.4 million firearms in Thailand are not legally registered. Thailand has an estimated total firearms related death rate of about 4 per 100K population.  The homicide rate with firearms is about 1 per 100K and the total homicide rate is lower than the USA, about 2-2.4 per 100K. In the USA the total homicide rate dropped below 4.0 in 2025.

Total firearm ownership rates have little or no correlation to homicide rates. Mass murders committed with firearms occur in countries with strict firearms controls. Some of those countries experience mass murder rates with firearms greater than the USA, when the numbers are corrected for population. Mass murder can be accomplished with many different methods. Attacks with vehicles have become more common. An important way to prevent public mass murders is to not legitimize mass murder through mass media. This is difficult but can be done without censorship. There was considerable success when media companies cooperated to not publicize suicides of celebrities. Copy cat suicides were immediately and significantly reduced. The total death toll from mass public murders is low, but the media attention is high.

Mass murder with firearms is promulgated as a phenomena of media contagion. When people who commit mass murder are made into anti-heros. People with mental problems and suicide ideation see mass murder as a way to achieve fame and media immortality.

Thailand has much stricter gun control than exists in the United States.

Gun control does not stop mass murder, with or without firearms.

Analysis: People with guns can stop mass public murder, which was recently demonstrated in the attempted  mass murder in Twin Falls, Idaho. An armed citizen engaged the mass murderer, as did an off duty state trooper. A former police officer engaged the killer, but was shot before he drew his handgun. These heroic individuals helped to lower the death toll. In the Twin Falls incident, a bystander picked up a handgun the killer had abandoned. It was jammed, and she was unable to make it functional, so she abandoned it as well.

 ©2026 by Dean Weingarten: Permission to share is granted when this notice and link are included.

Gun Watch  

 


FL: Fort Pierce - Assaulted by Acquantaince, Homeowner Shoots the Attacker

by Dean Weingarten in GUN WATCH on 2026-08-16T13:42:39Z

A 37-year-old man was shot and killed inside a Fort Pierce mobile home Wednesday night after he allegedly forced his way inside and punched the 22-year-old homeowner repeatedly in the stomach during a dispute between the two men, according to deputies. The homeowner has not been charged, and St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office investigators say the case is now being reviewed under Florida's self-defense laws.

More Here


A Thin Veneer Over the Emotional Kaleidoscope

by Joe in The View From North Central Idaho on 2026-08-16T13:00:00Z

Quote of the Day As a liberal it’s galling that those on my side remain obsessed with disarming during the most dangerous powder keg of a political environment we’ve seen perhaps since the civil war. Masked government goons are kidnapping … Continue reading →

Tab Clearing...

by Tam in View From The Porch on 2026-08-16T12:45:36Z


.

Indy Flood Update...

by Tam in View From The Porch on 2026-08-16T12:34:46Z

I've posted plenty of pictures from the sculpture gardens that surround the Indianapolis Arts Center, including photos of my favorite one, Twisted House, by John McNaughton.

Here's a photo of my friend Dave standing in front of it for scale:


I saw a photo of it in the news yesterday afternoon...



Meme Dump!

by Tam in View From The Porch on 2026-08-16T12:14:49Z




Sunday’s Something to Bring you into Monday Meme Drop 8-16-26

by Midwest Chick in Midwest Chick's Place on 2026-08-16T10:30:00Z

Does Expensive ELEY Ammo Shoot Better? — Ruger 77/22 Accuracy Test

by Mr. RevolverGuy in Day At The Range on 2026-08-16T03:04:32Z

How much does ammunition really matter? That is one of the questions I keep coming back to here at Dayattherange. We spend a lot of time testing rifles, optics and ammunition, but .22 LR has a unique characteristic that makes ammunition selection particularly interesting: a rifle can shoot dramatically differently with different loads and, more […]

The post Does Expensive ELEY Ammo Shoot Better? — Ruger 77/22 Accuracy Test first appeared on Day At The Range.

The evolution of governments into aristocratic forms

by TPOL Nathan in The Price of Liberty on 2026-08-16T01:00:00Z

Frank Herbert, author of the well-known Science Fiction universe of Dune, was a keen observer and student of human societies and history. Certainly as great or greater as Isaac Asimov or Robert Heinlein. Let’s consider this statement: We certainly see … Continue reading →

The New House

by Clayton Cramer in Clayton Cramer. on 2026-08-15T22:54:36Z

Subtropical climate means too hot to spend much time outside. My son-in-law describes it as only tolerable on a body of water or with a cold drink in your hand or preferably both. I added with a cold drink in a body of water.

The plus side is quiet it is. Cicadas and tree frogs are the only noise at night. 

CISO Prototype Suit #1: America’s First Tiger Stripe Camo

by Ian McCollum in Forgotten Weapons on 2026-08-15T13:27:33Z

Reserve your copy of “Tiger Stripe: The Vietnam Camouflage Story” on Kickstarter today: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/headstamp/tiger-stripe?ref=2fdyem Tiger stripe camouflage was initially developed by the Republic of Vietnam Marine Corps, and adopted by early US advisors in-country. As [...]

The post CISO Prototype Suit #1: America’s First Tiger Stripe Camo first appeared on Forgotten Weapons.

Mental Issues

by Joe in The View From North Central Idaho on 2026-08-15T13:00:00Z

Quote of the Day You shouldn’t need a private briefing to notice what millions of Americans could see with their own eyes. … Pelosi says she wasn’t told about Biden’s decline. Apparently watching him in public wasn’t enough. The Atlas … Continue reading →

ID: Mackay - Man who was Shot has been Arrested

by Dean Weingarten in GUN WATCH on 2026-08-15T11:33:32Z

Investigators say Flagg was shot while attempting to force his way into the home. Deputies said that Flagg and the homeowner knew each other, but have not released details about their relationship or what led up to the incident.

More Here


IN: Indianapolis - Domestic Defense, Son Shoots Man Who Assaulted Mother

by Dean Weingarten in GUN WATCH on 2026-08-15T11:30:36Z

Investigators think the man was abusing a woman in the parking lot, and her son showed up and shot the man. Police at the scene did not identify any of the people involved.

The son remained at the scene and cooperated with the police. IMPD says the Marion County Prosecutor's Office will determine if any criminal charges should be filed.


More Here


LA: New Orleans - Car Burglary Suspect Shot by Armed Victim

by Dean Weingarten in GUN WATCH on 2026-08-15T11:27:30Z

According to the NOPD, a man was walking to his car when he noticed the vehicle’s passenger door was open and two juveniles climbing out. The man told police one of the juveniles pointed a gun at him, so he pulled out his own firearm and shot at the suspects, striking one.

More Here


Here Comes the Flood

by Tam in View From The Porch on 2026-08-15T11:12:32Z

We're fine here in SoBro, but the White River's gonna crest here in north Marion county early this afternoon.

Ravenswood is gonna flood, but Ravenswood floods all the time. They're closing the gates in the flood wall here in Broad Ripple up on 67th Street. This is a novelty to me. I’ve been here close to twenty years now and this is the first time I remember the flood gates getting closed. We'll be fine (they're a bit more than a mile north of us) but the Arts Center is fixin' to get wet.



The big loser is going to be the quaint little neighborhood of Rocky Ripple. Nestled in between the White River and the canal, over by Butler University, it's surrounded by a levee built in 1937 after the historic flood of 1913.

The White River is gonna get higher than it did in 1913 and may overtop the levee by as much as a foot, which will wipe out the parts of the structure that are in poor shape. If that happens, bye-bye Rocky Ripple.

.

Meme Dump!

by Tam in View From The Porch on 2026-08-15T11:03:30Z




Silencer Saturday #445: Unregistered Silencers For All?

by Daniel Y in The Firearm Blog on 2026-08-15T10:38:07Z

Good afternoon, everyone, and welcome back to TFB’s Silencer Saturday, brought to you by Yankee Hill Machine, manufacturer of the new Victra 20-gauge shotgun suppressor . It has actually happened. Licensed dealers have sold silencers to customers without NFA paperwork, and it was all legal. But the facts on the ground are very complicated. Dealers and customers alike are trying to figure out what is or is not legal. Let’s take a survey of the current status.

Saturday’s First Day of the Weekend Meme Drop 8-15-26

by Midwest Chick in Midwest Chick's Place on 2026-08-15T10:30:00Z

Feeds

FeedRSSLast fetched
357 Magnum Archive XML 2020-10-24T14:31:19Z
Tech, Guns, and Food Blog XML 2013-02-13T07:12:09Z
Hobbit@Law XML 2014-09-09T14:35:05Z
Gunbot! XML 2025-04-14T03:02:32Z
bubbleheadgunnut XML 2014-05-17T01:39:08Z
Doctors for Responsible Gun Ownership XML 2026-07-04T04:08:42Z
GUN WATCH XML 2026-08-18T00:23:47Z
The Minuteman XML 2021-02-06T19:56:46Z
Irons in the Fire XML 2026-08-18T02:22:10Z
The Price of Liberty XML 2026-08-17T18:41:52Z
Midwest Chick's Place XML 2026-08-17T11:41:02Z
Assorted Meanderings XML 2026-08-18T00:08:29Z
To Which I Replied... XML 2026-08-09T19:31:49Z
Civilian Gun Self-Defense Blog XML 2026-08-15T03:29:27Z
Weer'd World XML 2026-08-06T02:40:17Z
Blog O'Stuff XML 2026-08-11T21:09:08Z
She's a Garand Gal XML 2025-03-12T13:34:25Z
Sipsey Street Irregulars XML 2026-08-11T09:06:46Z
Laptop and a Rifle XML 2022-04-21T18:15:01Z
The Arms Room XML 2026-08-09T08:07:05Z
View From The Porch XML 2026-08-18T07:09:47Z
Lagniappe's Lair XML 2026-07-31T08:33:27Z
FreeThinker XML 2026-02-17T19:16:04Z
Borepatch XML 2026-08-17T04:14:40Z
Cowboy Blob's Saloon and Shootin Gallery XML 2026-05-14T11:45:33Z
The Displaced Louisiana Guy XML 2025-05-24T07:00:44Z
New Jovian Thunderbolt XML 2026-07-25T08:05:05Z
The Michael Bane Blog XML 2026-08-18T09:15:31Z
The New Rifleman XML 2025-01-29T01:07:11Z
Mr. Completely XML 2026-08-15T21:24:11Z
Notes From The Bunker XML 2026-08-16T21:36:29Z
The Gun Writer XML 2026-08-18T09:36:25Z
BLACKFORK XML 2026-06-04T13:02:53Z
Home on the Range XML 2026-08-17T21:37:57Z
Musings Over a Barrel XML 2026-08-17T13:44:33Z
The Firearm Blog XML 2026-08-18T09:53:01Z
Gun Blogger Rendezvous XML 2026-07-19T06:55:37Z
Blog – Julie Golob XML 2025-12-05T19:30:46Z
John Lott's Website XML 2026-08-15T21:26:43Z
Guns & Coffee XML 2026-07-19T06:55:46Z
PawPaw's House XML 2026-08-17T04:10:00Z
Non-Original Rants XML 2025-08-24T03:09:58Z
Of Arms and the Law XML 2026-04-28T05:08:36Z
The Clue Meter XML 2026-08-01T18:40:04Z
Recoil XML 2026-08-17T23:46:58Z
Cogito Ergo Geek XML 2026-08-08T19:28:38Z
Home XML 2026-08-18T09:53:01Z
DefenseReview.com (DR): An online tactical technology and military defense technology magazine with particular focus on the latest and greatest tactical firearms news (tactical gun news), tactical gear news and tactical shooting news. XML 2026-02-20T07:47:05Z
The Smallest Minority XML 2026-08-08T03:26:29Z
Rifleman Savant XML 2026-03-04T01:41:26Z
Mindless Bit Spew XML 2026-06-11T12:11:56Z
XML 2026-08-16T14:44:38Z
Gun Culture 2.0 XML 2026-08-11T15:07:36Z
Hunting, shooting, fishing and adventure for women by women XML 2026-08-15T00:53:57Z
2nd Amendment Archives - Liberty Park Press XML 2026-08-17T20:24:46Z
Never Yet Melted XML 2026-02-02T14:40:11Z
Monster Hunter Nation XML 2026-08-11T15:11:42Z
Shall Not Be Questioned XML 2022-07-21T14:04:39Z
SayUncle XML 2024-07-08T18:19:27Z
Clayton Cramer. XML 2026-08-18T02:36:08Z
The Smallest Minority XML 2026-07-24T05:59:22Z
The Freeholder XML 2026-07-24T06:04:41Z
Forgotten Weapons XML 2026-08-13T06:37:23Z
Shakey Pete's Shootin' Shack XML 2026-06-02T07:11:25Z
Joy of Shooting XML 2025-11-13T23:34:30Z
BALLSEYE'S BOOMERS XML 2026-08-17T20:09:40Z
SurvivalBlog.com XML 2026-08-18T03:43:20Z
A Girl and Her Gun XML 2017-02-02T03:09:10Z
Oleg Volk XML 2020-04-15T05:45:13Z
Day At The Range XML 2026-08-16T16:12:16Z
The View From North Central Idaho XML 2026-08-16T20:53:33Z
Cornered Cat XML 2021-01-31T13:25:27Z
Active Response Training XML 2026-08-17T06:48:40Z
The Zelman Partisans XML 2026-08-11T03:25:14Z