Mike McConnell to Newsmax TV: Facebook Must Be ‘Less Loaded’
Wheelgun Wednesday: A Striker Fired Revolver From The Past – Meet the Kufahl
In Victorian-era England (mid-1800’s, think Charles Dickens), many unique firearms were being invented. One of these was George Kufahl’s double action, striker-fired revolver, which had quite a unique form factor for that time (and for today!). Featuring a cylinder that had the firing chamber pretty much in line with the top of one’s firing hand, […]
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POTD: U.S. Army Best Sniper Competition
In today’s Photo Of The Day, we’re going to look closer at the U.S. Army Best Sniper Competition. Sniper Teams from across the United States traveled to Fort Benning, Georgia, to compete in the U.S. Army Best Sniper Competition. This happened in mid-April 2021. Below: Remington MSR by the looks of it, on an Atlas […]
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TFB Review: Ruger American Ranch Rifle
The Ruger American Ranch Rifle (RARR) is a handy, affordable 16″ barrel bolt action that can be had in a number of chamberings. Weights range from 5.5-6lbs, depending on caliber, and though the default color scheme is a tan stock with a matte black receiver and barrel, a number of distributor-exclusive colors are available. The […]
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Gear Up: New Survival Gear for May 2021
Tyrant Designs | S&W Shield Extended Magazine Release
COLORS: Various, including Blue, Gold, and Red
MSRP: Starting at $25
URL: tyrantcnc.com
In a life-and-death situation, having a second magazine full of ammo won’t do you any good if you can’t eject the first empty magazine efficiently from your firearm. That’s why Tyrant Designs has come out with this extended magazine release for the popular Smith & Wesson M&P Shield. By extending the length and increasing traction with a crosshair pattern, this sturdy component increases purchase and adds control to your relo.comads so you can press the release quickly without having to grope for it. Not just for show, this upgrade can boost both your gun’s aesthetics and performance. It can be installed in seconds without any tools. Designed and made in the USA, this mag release fits both the 9mm and .40-caliber versions of the M&P Shield, as well as the newer Shield 2.0.
5.11 Tactical | Field Watch 2.0
COLORS: Black, Kangaroo
MSRP: $170
URL: 511tactical.com
Loyal readers will know that an analog wristwatch can offer many improvised survival functions — way more than we have room here to describe. But rest assured, the Field Watch 2.0 will perform admirably both in the backcountry and big city. It retains the best elements from the original Field Watch but adds two important features: a clear date window and phosphorescent Super-LumiNova hands (to see in dark conditions). They’re well protected thanks to a chip- and scratch-resistant mineral crystal display, a 44mm stainless steel case with a matte ion-plated finish, and a stainless steel screw-in backing. While the 22mm-wide nylon NATO band is a tad long for our liking, it’s sturdy and flexible. Plus, the watch is water-resistant up to 100 meters.
SOG Specialty Knives & Tools | Pentagon XR
OAL: 8.38 inches
MSRP: $175
URL: sogknives.com
SOG isn’t exactly what it used to be … and that’s a good thing! The Pentagon XR is a prime example of how the company has remade itself in the past year by refocusing on functionality over flash, and quality of products over quantity of sales. This folder’s spear-point blade is made of CTS-XHP, a premium stainless steel that has great corrosion resistance, toughness, and edge retention. These attributes make it effective for daily carry, professional use, or hard field use. Plus, the knife features SOG’s XR Lock, dual thumb-studs, a flipper tab, and a reversible pocket clip — all of which allow for ambidextrous, one-handed operation. Add in the ergonomic G10 handle, and the Pentagon XR is a top-performing, versatile folding knife that helps elevate SOG’s folding-blade lineup beyond many of its production-knife peers.
Maven Outdoor Equipment Company | CM.1
DIMENSIONS: 5.1 by 2 by 1.75 inches
MSRP: $150
URL: mavenbuilt.com
Whether it’s finding an injured hiker during a search-and-rescue mission or more mundane tasks like checking out what’s going on in your neighborhood, the ability to see at a distance can sometimes be vital. But when you want something more compact than binoculars or a riflescope (especially if it’s a non-shooting scenario), then a monocular is the way to go. Maven’s CM.1 offers you a mid-level optic solution that fits into your jacket pocket while giving you ample magnification with its 8×32 configuration. With its compact polymer frame and multi-coated ED glass, the CM.1 provides a clear, high-contrast image, strong color fidelity, and a substantial field of view. It’s also waterproof and fog-resistant, and comes with lens caps and a microfiber storage bag.
Mystery Ranch | Tech Holster
COLORS: Black, Coyote, Foliage
MSRP: $29
URL: mysteryranch.com
The Mystery Ranch Tech Holster is a convenient and portable place to stow your expensive smartphone or GPS unit outside of your pants pocket, helping you avoid the fear of it getting wet or cracked. Made of 500-denier Cordura fabric and a water-resistant YKK zipper, this padded pouch can be attached to your belt, PALS webbing, a pack’s shoulder strap, a binocular harness, or any MOLLE-compatible gear. The main compartment also has a separate section for cable storage, while an external front pocket can be accessed one-handed via an adjustable elastic closure with pull tab. One caveat: If you’re rocking a massive phablet (e.g. iPhone 12 Pro Max, Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, etc.), it might not fit in this holster, which has external dimensions of 7 by 4.5 by 2 inches.
Gear Aid | Fire Strand 550 Paracord
WEIGHT: 4.58 ounces
MSRP: $12
URL: gearaid.com
Cordage is an underrated piece of kit. When people prep their bug-out gear, most of the attention tends to go to water, food, fire-starting, and weapons. But rope or a strong string can make all the difference in certain situations, e.g. tying down your gear to your off-road rig. That’s why the Fire Strand 550 Paracord could come in handy. This seven-strand nylon cord is strong enough for all sorts of tasks, from tensioning tarps to making an improvised boot lace. But it has a hidden bonus: It can be unraveled to reveal a wax-coated fire strand for sparking campfires. The fire strand can also double as a fishing line or thread. Plus, it comes with a non-climbing plastic carabiner.
Outdoor Research | Merino Work Gloves
COLORS: Black, Tan/Grizzly Brown
MSRP: $110
URL: outdoorresearch.com
While the snow has melted in most places in North America, there’s still no reason you shouldn’t have a sturdy and warm pair of work gloves for chilly springtime nights or heavy-duty tasks that require a bit more paw protection. As the name denotes, the Merino Work Gloves are made partly of Outdoor Research’s Alpen-Wool — a blend of wool, nylon, and polyester that provides warmth, moisture-wicking, and odor-resistance. This is paired up with deerskin, which gets softer with use but maintains long-term durability. Moreover, the gloves have a pre-curved construction and elasticized wrist for a better fit, as well as touchscreen compatibility so you don’t have to remove the gloves to use your mobile device.
MyMedic | Auto Medic – Stormproof First Aid Kit
COLORS: Black, Red
MSRP: $150
URL: mymedic.com
Stormproof is a recently released line of portable first aid kits that are meant to be stowed in various types of vehicles. The Auto Medic edition of Stormproof is (naturally) ideal for those driving four-wheeled transportation. It has key items for almost any emergency you might encounter while on the road, including a window-breaker, seatbelt cutter, EMT shears, and a pen light. If your ride breaks down in the middle of nowhere, there’s a survival blanket and hand warmers. For cuts and scrapes, there’s a microMend Cut Kit and various bandages. The whole package fits inside a weatherproof bag, which features MOLLE loops for easy attachment and modular mesh pockets on the inside for customization.
Real Avid | Gun-Max Gun Oil
NET WEIGHT: 12 ounces
MSRP: $13
URL: realavid.com
The last thing you want to happen to your firearm in a life-and-death situation is to press the trigger and not hear a bang. Like anything else worth maintaining (e.g. your health, your relationships), this kind of failure can certainly happen if you neglect your guns. Cleaning and lubing them regularly is an essential part of extending their life spans and having them be ready when they’re most needed. Gun-Max Gun Oil helps make that easier, thanks to its powerful inhibitors (which displace moisture to prevent corrosion) and anti-friction additives (which bond to metal surfaces for extended lubrication). Unlike other CLPs or gun oils, this comes in a smartly designed can. Its flip-up nozzle has two positions: “up” for precise applications and “down” for a wider spray.
Lioncrest Publishing | 100 Deadly Skills: Combat Edition
PAGES: 330 pages
MSRP: $25
URL: 100deadlyskills.com
Clint Emerson knows a thing or two about being violent when needed. He retired as a Navy SEAL with more than 20 years of service and founded Escape the Wolf, a company that focuses on crisis management for global companies. His best-selling 2015 book, 100 Deadly Skills, taught readers how to escape and evade dangers while at home or abroad. Now he’s back with 100 Deadly Skills: Combat Edition, a self-defense manual that includes everything from empty-hand combatives and surviving a multi-threat ambush to knife-throwing and drawing and shooting a handgun. Each skill isn’t just explained and illustrated; there are also QR codes that take you to a video for each concept.
Nutrient Survival | Chocolate Chip Cookie-Meals
SERVINGS PER CONTAINER: 15
MSRP: $25
URL: nutrientsurvival.com
Long gone are the days when survival food had to look like gray oatmeal and taste like old cardboard. Forget hardtack or MREs (aka Meals Refusing to Exit). Nowadays food prep technology has become so advanced that you can have chow that doesn’t just last a long time but also tastes delicious. The Chocolate Chip Cookie-Meals from Nutrient Survival are proof. These morsels have no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives yet come packed with 14 vitamins, 14 minerals, Omega-3, Omega-6, fiber, and protein. One serving (two cookies) gives you 220 calories, 10 grams of fat, and 8 grams of protein. Plus, they have a shelf life of 18 months. They’re great morale boosters in a post-SHTF scenario or just as a satisfying everyday snack.
Gregory Mountain Products | Supply Duffel 90
COLORS: Brick Red, Obsidian Black
MSRP: $110
URL: gregorypacks.com
This bag is so rugged and roomy that it could play double duty as a bug-out bag. But the Supply Duffel 90 is better suited as a camp/travel pack, a large gym/training bag, or as a vehicle emergency kit because of its rectangular shape, 420-denier nylon body, and flat Kevlar bottom panel for hard-core durability. Its main, lockable #10 YKK zipper can be opened or closed via a jumbo T-Grip zipper pull, while its side zippered pocket can transform into a storage pouch for the entire duffel when not in use. If you do need it to haul gear while on the move, there are grab handles on either end, padded handle wrap for suitcase carry, and an adjustable and removable strap for cross-body carry.
Find More Gear and Reviews on OFFGRID
- Axes, Knives, and Lume-Patches, New Gear from January 2021.
- Layering your EDC Survival Gear.
- Judging Survival Gear: Quantity or Quality?
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Pfizer Expects Vaccine Will Be “Durable Revenue Stream” As It Seeks Approval For Children 2 To 11
This article was originally published by Tyler Durden at ZeroHedge.
Yesterday, Pfizer released a strong earnings report (surpassing Wall Street’s elevated projections), and also revealed that it’s both on the cusp of securing regulatory approval in the US for minors between the ages of 12 and 15 to receive the vaccine (setting off another wave of demand as the Biden Administration heaps pressure on states to get their vaccination numbers up).
During a call with analysts and reporters, CEO Albert Bourla revealed that Pfizer is in talks with “basically all the governments of the world” about providing shots and booster shots through 2024.
The key number is that Pfizer expects sales of its coronavirus jab to hit $26 billion by the end of this year, a milestone that would make the vaccine the company’s biggest-selling pharmaceutical product, eclipsing Humira, the popular rheumatoid arthritis drug made by Abbvie. Also, Pfizer said it intends to use its mRNA technology underpinning its COVID-19 jab for other therapies and vaccines. For example, the company is working on creating seasonal flu shots using the same RNA lipid nanoparticle technology.
Bourla has already primed the public to expect to receive at least one additional shot within a year of their second dose, while also teasing the likelihood that the world might require annual booster shots – something that would be a boon to Pfizer’s bottom line as it moves to grow its COVID-19 vaccine division into a major, and permanent, line of business.
To help make its product more durable (and thus increase demand in poorer countries) the company said it is studying whether doses ould be stored at standard refrigerator temperatures.
Regardless, Bourla expects “durable demand” for vaccnes, similar to the flu vaccine.
“It is our hope that the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine will continue to have a global impact by helping to get the devastating pandemic under control and helping economies around the world not only open, but stay open,” Bourla said in prepared remarks.
That’s bad news for the rag-tag band of emerging-market economies pushing a proposal at the WTO to waive IP rights when it comes to vaccine technology. If Washington were to back such a move, it would supercharge the “open vaccine” movement, and represent a major threat to Pfizer’s latest profit stream. That effort is being led by India and South Africa, yet Bill Gates and Washington lobbyists have continued to insist that respecting IP and letting Big Pharma handle global distribution (as Covax dramatically lags expectations), which means the status quo is likely safe.
Even as WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus decries a “shocking imbalance in the global distribution of vaccines” and calls for more efforts to fortify the WHO’s Covax programs and speed up delivery to poorer nations, Pfizer appears to be more focused on building out its latest profit stream.
President Biden said Tuesday that while he had yet to make a decision on whether to support a vaccine waiver, the US was already moving “as quickly as we can” to export doses.
Pfizer’s earnings were so strong, they helped lift shares of vaccine makers on the other side of the world. Shares of some Asian vaccine makers with deals to distribute Pfizer’s jabs on the Continent rallied in sympathy with Pfizer. India’s Pfizer Ltd., a unit of Pfizer, rallied 4.9%, on Wednesday while Dr. Reddy’s and Cadila Healthcare rallied as much as 2.7% and 5.9%.
Looking ahead, CNN reported Wednesday that the FDA will approve the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID jab for use in 12 to 15-year-olds as early as next week. Data released by Pfizer recently purported to show that the jab is 100% effective at preventing serious symptoms. According to recent media reports, Pfizer is also seeking approval for the vaccine to be used on children as young as 2 and as old as 11 in both the US and Europe, an authorization it expects to arrive in September.
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