Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is now being taught in schools and offered readily in even the most rural areas. Most people don’t have an issue doing chest compressions; however, when it came to mouth-to-mouth breathing, that was always going to be “somebody else’s job.” Beyond the uncomfortable idea of putting your lips against a stranger’s, there’s always a risk of that stranger coughing up fluids or vomiting while you’re performing the task. Fortunately, two things have made that less of a hindrance for people. First, in 2008, the American Heart Association approved Hands Only CPR (cpr.heart.org/en/cpr-courses-and-kits/hands-only-cpr) to increase involvement of bystanders who might be unwilling to provide rescue breathing. The Second Option is to use a CPR mask when performing rescue breathing. 

Most shields or CPR masks are lightweight, but can be difficult to keep track of on scene. Most people found the pocket masks to be cumbersome, and they weren’t carried often by those who were trained in CPR. This perhaps led to the Hands Only CPR as a viable option that didn’t seem to alter outcomes. Many purists of CPR believe rescue breathing is still an important aspect of CPR. We looked at several options for those who want to pursue rescue breathing with a barrier between themselves and the victim.

My Medic Face Shield

This product provides additional protection for the rescuer by adding both a one-way valve and a barrier filter. A mouthpiece makes it easy to use. Instructions are printed on the face shield. This shield is latex-free and is a one-time-use product. There’s no expiration date on the face shield.

Dimensions: 2.5 by 3 inches
Weight: 0.4 Ounces
MSRP: $3
URL: www.mymedic.com

Pros:
   Contains both one-way valve and filter

Cons:
   May be difficult to use in inclement or windy weather

WNL Products Adult/Child CPR Mask in Hard Red Case

The latex-free Adult/Child CPR mask by WNL Products comes with a hard case, one pair of gloves, a one-way valve, and the mask. This can be used multiple times and comes with instructions on how to clean the product. The one-way valve, however, is disposable and only meant for one-time use. There’s no shelf life on the mask; however, the alcohol wipe typically dries out over time and may need to be replaced every few years.

Price: $9.95 on Amazon. Purchase Here.

Dimensions: 4.25 by 5.25 by 1.75 inches
Weight: 0.3 Pound
MSRP: $8
URL: www.wnlproducts.com

Pros:
   Better sight line of chest expansion
   More distance from patient
   Fits in cargo pants pocket

Cons:
  Placement on victim can take some getting used to
  Bulky to wear on belt
  No oxygen inlet

Persys Medical PBVM-C / PBVM-G

The Pocket Bag Valve Mask (PBVM) by Persys is offered in four iterations depending on needs or desires. This is a silicone-based, collapsible, and easily storable pocket bag valve mask. It has many advantages over a simple mask in that it not only includes an oxygen port, but can also deliver 500 to 600cc of air by squeezing the 1.6-liter bag. It’s also Positive End Expiratory Pressure (PEEP) compatible (PBVM-NM), for what that’s worth. The shelf life is reportedly five years, and this is a single-use product. The PBVM-G (olive) version includes 6½ feet of O₂ tubing to be hooked up to a tank.

Dimensions: 2.75 by 5.25 inches
Weight: 17 Ounces
MSRP: PBVM-C: $46 / PBVM-G: $53
URL: persysmedical.com

Pros:
   Better oxygen volume delivery
   Can fit in most cargo pants pockets

Cons:
  Size makes it harder to carry
  More expensive than basic masks
  May be difficult to use if untrained

Ambu Res-Cue Key

The mask is latex-free and contains a one-way valve, making it easier to blow through. The instructions are printed on a card, not on the mask. The loops that secure the mask around the ears make this good for a more secure fit and use in inclement weather conditions. It’s recommended for both children and adults. This is a one-time-use product.

Price: $10.95 on Amazon. Purchase Here.

Dimensions: 2 by 2 inches
Weight: 0.48 Ounces
MSRP: $10
URL: darkangelmedical.com

Pros:
   Keychain makes it readily available
   Mask resembles surgical mask with ear loops
   Easiest of these facial shields to blow through

Cons:
  Mask is bound with tape and can be difficult to open quickly.
  Instructions on a card, not the mask

Laerdal Face Shield

This option is a low-cost, convenient, and effective barrier that reduces risk of droplet exposure. Instructions are clearly marked on the plastic shield. It has a 3M Filtrete hydrophobic filter that’s flush with the plastic barrier. It’s easy to blow through the filter. There’s nothing to secure the shield, so it needs to be held in place. This is a one-time-use product. There’s no expiration date; however, the shelf life is listed at a minimum of 10 years.

Price: $14.95 for a Pack of 20 on Amazon. Purchase Here.

Dimensions: 3.5 H by 2.75 W by 0.25 D inches
Weight: 0.2 Ounces
MSRP: $3 each / $15 for 20
URL: www.narescue.com

Pros:
  Portability
  Low cost

Cons:
  Difficult to use in wet or windy environments

 READ MORE FOR POCKET PREPS

• Keychain Tools
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The post CPR Mask: Pocket Preps appeared first on RECOIL OFFGRID.

In my job as a firefighter and rescue technician, there are times when I need to venture off the beaten path to suppress forest fires or rescue injured hikers. While my crew and I can certainly hike, carrying loads of 50 pounds, it’s faster, safer, and more efficient if we can drive ourselves and our equipment up the mountains and through the hiking trails. But rough unpaved terrain has its challenges, and flat tires happen far more often than we’d like. When the inevitable flat tire happens, having the right tools available can not only make life easier, it can literally save the day. One great device I’ve added to my arsenal of professional tools is a Pro Eagle Jack, specifically the Big Wheel Off Road model. At first glance, this jack looks like an ordinary mechanic’s tool with a simple pump mechanism that slides easily under a car. I’m happy to say it’s far from ordinary.

Above: The 3 Ton Big Wheel Off Road Jack “KRATOS” by Pro Eagle offers extremely useful enhancements to this basic tool. The partially assembled jack arrives without the wheels, pump handle, and extension mounting bracket attached.

The first visual indicator that this is no ordinary jack are the large wheels, positioned prominently on each side. With the front wheels measuring 6 inches and the rear wheels measuring 8 inches, they do what an ordinary jack cannot — roll over obstacles. Sticks, gravel, and extension cords are no longer an impediment to proper placement of this jack. Another fairly unique upgrade on the Pro Eagle jack is a skid plate mounted underneath. Not only does the skid plate assist the jack sliding over rough obstacles that would hamper an ordinary jack, it also assists in supporting the load when the ground is soft enough for the wheels to sink in. As a load is jacked up and the dirt, sand, or gravel begin to give way underneath the wheels of the jack, the load is picked up by the skid plate, effectively making the entire underside a contact point with the ground. Anytime you’re off pavement, this built-in feature is a time and trouble saver.

The second visual indicator that there’s something different about this jack are the large carrying handles welded onto the sides. These make lifting the jack in and out of your vehicle a lot easier. When you have to heft a 50-plus-pound hunk of metal anywhere, handles are extremely useful!

Above: The jack ships securely in Styrofoam, requiring some minor assembly.

The third visual indicator that draws your eye to the Pro Eagle jack is the lifting pad extension that’s mounted sideways near the pump handle. When you’re dealing with high-clearance vehicles featuring oversized tires, it’s not unusual for an ordinary jack to run out of lift height before the wheels of the vehicle are off the ground. The available extensions, which come in 8- and 15-inch versions, utilize a twist lock connection to the lifting point to ensure they remain safely in place during operation. While I haven’t been able to confirm it myself, I did read several user comments online that indicated that the Pro Eagle Off Road Jack Extensions also perfectly fit some other “standard” mechanic jacks, increasing their versatility and usefulness.

The jack comes partially disassembled in a large box surrounded by Styrofoam. The wheels need to be installed, with snap rings, along with the lifting pad extension mount and the jack handle. When I first read the assembly instructions, I was a little surprised that they required a special tool to properly affix the wheels, namely a snap ring plier. Then, I was happily surprised that Pro Eagle actually included a tiny version of the tool with the jack.

Installation of the wheels was very straightforward until I came across one wheel that wouldn’t sit deeply enough on the axle shaft to seat the snap ring. Initially, I thought the nut holding the axle shaft in place simply wasn’t tight enough and was preventing the wheel hub from sliding far enough on, but after some internet sleuthing and closer inspection, it turns out that the wheel bearing on one of the wheels wasn’t pressed into place quite enough during manufacturing. With the assistance of a 1 1/16-inch socket and a soft-faced hammer, I was able to properly seat the wheel bearing, which in turn allowed me to easily seat the provided snap ring. After this issue was rectified, the remainder of the assembly went smoothly and easily.

Above: The big wheel Pro Eagle Jack easily rolled over gravel and lifted the entire rear end of a UTV.

Deploying the Pro Eagle Jack

In testing, I made a point to roll this jack over a variety of terrain, from grass to silty dirt to gravel. The Pro Eagle jack tackled all of it with ease.

A wall/vehicle mount is available, as is a 2-inch hitch ball lifting plate for securely lifting a trailer, and several graphic kits (wraps) if you prefer your jack to be red, blue, white, or green. In the unlikely event you need to replace part of the jack, most of the parts are available individually, including a replacement pump, axles, and wheels. There are also two smaller and lighter 1.5-ton and 2-ton versions of the jack.

With a mighty 3-ton capacity, 28 inches of lift, and oversized wheels, the Pro Eagle 3-ton Big Wheel Off Road Jack offers all the features any off-roader could want.

Editor’s Note: This article first appeared in OFFGRID #41. 

Eagle 3-Ton Big Wheel Off Road Jack

Weight: 60 pounds
MSPR: $470
URL: www.proeagle.com

Off Road Survival Off the Grid? Read More

• Debunked: The Myth of the Off Road EMP-Proof Vehicle.
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• New Pro Eagle Off Road Jacks.

The post Review: Pro Eagle Jack (Off Road) appeared first on RECOIL OFFGRID.

There are a nearly infinite number of opinions on what makes the best weapon for the worst-case scenario. While it could be argued that the AR is one of the most common weapons owned by citizens in the United States, the AK platform has a not-unsubstantial following as well. At the end of the day, everyone wants a rifle that’s easy to manipulate, maintain, and use effectively. All of these points are intrinsic to the AK platform. While there are some things left to be desired by the Soviet Union’s greatest export, the Kalashnikov is a proven platform that has seen combat the world over. It’s simple, reliable, and easy to maintain. The controls are very easy to use. It can be stripped down and reassembled in a flash, and it’s accurate enough to hit a man-size target reliably out to 300 yards while not being excessively large or heavy. But as with an AR, when something says it’s just as good, it’s often far from the case. This is a quest for what makes the Best AK47. 

Not All AKs Are Equal

What the AK isn’t is refined. This isn’t a state-of-the-art weapon manufactured from aerospace precision machining with a match barrel and competition trigger. It can feel like the Tonka truck of rifles with its sharp edges, cold steel, and dark finish. But those Tonka trucks provide years of faithful and reliable service to American children, just as an AK can do for their parents. But like any rifle (or pistol), there are varying levels of quality in the AK market. Far too many consumers fall into the trap of believing that all AKs are invincible and bargain-basement builds are “good enough.” And the best AK47 doesn’t settle.

When assessing an AK, the variants at the higher end of the spectrum include those made by Saiga, Vepr, and Arsenal. These are considered by many as the standard against which any American AK should be measured. Saigas, which are actually made in Russia, are no longer imported. But they can still be found for sale from time to time online or at local shops and shows. All of these brands feature hammer-forged, chrome-lined barrels and properly manufactured and assembled receivers. Whatever brand you go with, be on the lookout for canted front sights, bent/crooked operating rods, magazine fit and lock-up when inserted and head-spacing. Quality manufacturing will get you past all of these, but make sure you do some brand research. 

Dropped Shots

What does the AK lack? There’s a large contingent of folks who maintain that the AK is perfect, and that nothing more needs to be added — cue the “Nyet! Rifle is fine.” meme. On the opposite end of that spectrum are those who wish to tear the rifle down to its barreled receiver and customize everything else to build their best AK47. Your mileage may vary, but there’s a lot of a room between the two extremes to figure out what best fits your needs. Off the starting block, the AK lacks ergonomics. In its stock configuration, most Americans will have a hefty learning curve due to its manual of arms — the physical manipulations required to operate the weapon. The selector, while easy to use, is rudimentary and doesn’t lend itself well to rapid switching from safe to fire or back again.

For those raised on ARs, ACRs, SCARs, or the like, a completely different manual of arms is needed, and consistent practice is the only way to become proficient. Sighting is also a bit tricky; the open design is in many ways similar to a pistol with a simple rear notch and front post, allowing the user to line up the tip of the front sight with the top of the rear sight and center it inside the gap. While it’s possible to become decent with these sights, they aren’t conducive to precision or speed. Another issue is the short stock and small front handguard. Shooting, like anything else, evolves over time, and modern shooting techniques that can give the user better control for faster, flatter shooting at shorter distances (home defense or in and around traffic) will be far more difficult to do given the shorter length of pull and small handguard.

Best AK47 Upgrades

There are a few options that’ll greatly enhance both the use of the rifle (or pistol), give options for added accessories, and improve the manual of arms. The changing of the furniture (stock, grip, and handguard) on the AK is a strong upgrade from basic wood and plastic. Pistol grips, telescoping and folding stocks, and railed handguards that come in an assortment of different lengths offer both better comfort and more accessory options. There are also several paths for optics mounting: a side rail optics mount, or a railed handguard, top cover, or rear-sight adapter. Each of these gives the end user a multitude of choices ranging from red dots to scopes.

Above: Above: Modern, extended-length handguards allow more flexibility in support-hand position while shooting and create additional room for mounting accessories.

The AK selector will never be the most ergonomic one you come across, but there are companies offering modified selectors that allow for use of the trigger finger, making it easier to move the selector back and forth quickly without having to release the firing grip. Finally, there are many aftermarket triggers, muzzle brakes/compensators, and magazine adapters available today. All of these can enhance both ergonomics and modularity for a rifle designed long before there was such a thing as the aftermarket. Building the best AK47 is a little more than plug-n-play with aftermarket accessories, and will demand a bit more from the builder. 

Caliber Selection 

The AK has come in two original calibers, the legacy 7.62x39mm and the follow-up 5.45x39mm. After the AK’s introduction in the U.S., there was a surge in desire — which was eventually met — for a 5.56x45mm NATO variant. More recently, there have even been chamberings in 7.62x51mm NATO, .300 BLK, and a quickly growing demand for 9mm versions, which use a host of different magazines depending on who manufactures the weapon.

The original caliber 7.62x39mm is a dependable round. It’s well regarded by sport shooters, enthusiasts, and professionals alike — designed as a short-to-intermediate range round that has devastating effects at close distance. Given the powder burn rate, shorter-barreled AKs perform especially well with this cartridge. The weapon is available with myriad magazine types in both steel and plastic, with surplus and American-made mags plentiful in this caliber. The standard-capacity magazine carries 30 rounds and is heavily curved to aid in proper feeding. The biggest drawback to AK mags, in general, is that they can be difficult to store in pouches that aren’t specifically intended for the AK. This is where the best AK47 will be the one you can integrate with your gear.

The 5.45 is the little brother to the 7.62, offering a couple of unique advantages. The 5.45mm slug is generally lighter and faster, lending itself to increased range and accuracy. It also produces a lighter, quicker recoil impulse that aids in rapid follow-up shots. Genuine Russian ammo in this caliber features a unique hollow core (not to be confused with a hollow point as seen in defensive pistol ammo) that makes this round particularly aggressive against soft tissue. The trade-off with the lighter bullets is less mass, thus reducing its effectiveness against intermediate barriers like glass, drywall, and car bodies. Nonetheless, its improved performance will aid in longer distance shooting, if that’s a priority for you.

Unfortunately, the Obama administration imposed a series of trade sanctions against Russia that included a complete ban on the importation of 5.45mm ammo. There are other sources for it, ranging from the Red Army Standard ammo being produced in the Balkans to Hornady’s ballistic-tipped load. While current prices are still on par with 7.62x39mm or commercial .223, the dirt-cheap prices once seen in this caliber (think $100 per 1,000 rounds or so) aren’t likely to come back anytime soon. When considering the best AK47, consider your ammo source. 

Above: The addition of Picatinny rails to the AK means that accessories such as weapon lights, optics, and vertical grips can all be added to suit user preference.

Even though the introduction of 5.56 AK variants came about over two decades ago, it wasn’t until years later that AKs in this caliber became commonplace, when several former Soviet states joined NATO and converted to this chambering. As with 5.45mm, the ballistic advantages of the 5.56 are readily apparent. The lighter round aids significantly in recoil reduction for the AK platform, as well as providing for longer range potential. While 5.56mm/.223 provides the greatest ammo selection by far, there’s a specific catch-22 for 5.56mm AKs. Magazines are a major issue and, when you can find them, they aren’t an economically viable option for many shooters. Sourcing these magazines from reputable manufacturers can run in excess of $50 per mag, depending on availability. 

The .308 and .300BLK are both anomalies in the AK world, but they’re out there. Again, sources for these magazines will require one to dig deep into their budget. The increasing number of 9mm AK variants are a relatively new entry into the market, especially for civilians. These are truly meant for short distances and can make a great complement to your sidearm if you’re able to share ammo and/or magazines. The 9mm round has an assortment of ammunition types available, and these statistics have been covered to exhaustion in other forums.

Choosing Your AK

How well is the AK really suited for home defense, mobile protection, or survival? The AK has been used by many nations with great effectiveness in all of these roles. So the real question becomes more a matter of what the individual end user wants. In short, what exactly do you feel the need to be ready for, and does an AK fill the role for you? What is your best AK47?

Above and Below: A multitude of side-folding stocks and mechanisms can keep the AK trunk and duffel bag-friendly, while still affording excellent terminal ballistics.

In home defense, an AK properly outfitted with red dot and weapon light will provide an excellent weapon that’s easy to use and can provide effective fire even through barriers or against opponents with body armor. The round of choice, in my humble opinion, would be 7.62×39. This allows better performance out of short-barreled weapons while still providing the shooter anti-personnel and anti-vehicle capabilities with battlefield-proven wounding ballistics. In my opinion, either a short-barreled rifle (registered SBR) or pistol variant would best suit the general-purpose survival role, as they offer the user better mobility in tight spaces like hallways or stairwells as well as more practical options for storage. The 5.45 and 5.56 options can also be highly effective, but to maximize performance a longer barrel will be needed. The 9mm variants offer a high degree of convenience in terms of ammo cost, availability, and cross-compatibility with sidearms, but one may find that the 9mm has limitations in penetrating cover or when dealing with opposition wearing Level II or III body armor. 

For protection on the move, either while bugging out or evading a threat, the best AK47 can fit the role of a truck gun, especially if one has to bail out of the vehicle to move to a safer location on foot. With options like folding stocks or braces, the user can easily store the weapon more discreetly while utilizing a longer barrel to maintain the capability to engage targets at further distances than pistols or shotguns. A setup like this would provide the user with the ability to “stretch the legs” of the platform and engage accurately out to 200 yards and beyond while still retaining the mobility to move around stationary vehicles. The best AK47 cannot be a one-trick pony.

Above: With a variety of calibers available now, including boutique offerings in 6.5 Grendel and even the bleeding-edge 6mm ARC, long-range AKs with magnified optics are a viable option if built correctly.

The final point is long-term survival in the grand sense, which includes both defensive engagements and hunting. Due to the AK’s ease of use, low maintenance needs, and inexpensive replacement parts, it’s very well suited for this role. While it’s effective in its stock configuration as both a defender and game-getter, it can be upgraded with relative ease to improve performance and handling. While steel configurations will require more attention than aluminum due to rust, the robust overall design will stand up to substantial abuse and periodic neglect if necessary. The loose tolerances even allow room for field-expedient repair in more desperate times. Several members of our team have come across AKs around the world held together with nails, tacks, and tape.

If you plan to press your AK into service to put food on the table, keep in mind that even medium game will likely require the larger 7.62x39mm or .308 chambering for best effect. For small game and varmint hunting, the smaller calibers will do just fine. The best AK47 for survival isn’t just one that will keep the scavs at bay. While there aren’t quite as many options as for ARs, dedicated AK suppressors are available, as are thread and muzzle adapters that would allow the use of suppressors made for other rifles of the same caliber. In a survival situation, this could help tremendously with not spooking a herd and not announcing your position to others as easily.

In the end, no one weapon is perfect. But the AK, for all of its flaws, brings with it a host of advantages. Regardless of your needs, the AK and its robust aftermarket provide the end user with a reliable, modular, and lethal package. This is one classic that has only gotten better with time.

Shop AK Ammo at Palmetto Armory

The Survival Guns of OffGrid: Read More

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• Canon in B Minor: The Beretta 1301 Tactical Shotgun.
• Shooting vs. Fighting, a Lesson in Firearms Training.
• DIY: Building a .410 pipe shotgun.

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