Weekend Training

[Matt In Oklahoma]

Primitive Shelter
Well today was building a primitive shelter using what we carry and what natural resource are available. Now anyone can run a string and throw a tarp over it but let an normal Okie wind of 30+ blow, let a small hail storm that breaks windows hit or get 6inches of snow and you are toast in that and besides when it

[Matt In Oklahoma]

Well couldn't wait to get out in the home pasture and see what had stuck during the teachings and managed to find lambsquarters like almost everywhere along with several other items discussed all within 35yds of the house







now the only issue I have is how to walk around with a bottle of ranch dressing LOL

[Matt In Oklahoma]

Continued from previous:

as you can see this isn't the wannabe superduper hardcores with pretend ranks running thru the woods bayoneting trees survivalist most have in mind. I can assure you what I learned today was much more important than any of that to me, my friends and family staying alive. I can not stress enough the need to get with other people and do this kind of stuff.

I will tell you this teacher said something that made us all smile and that was "don't wait to try this stuff out till something bad happens, if you guys are into being prepared then you wouldn't have a milk cow and not learn how to milk it until after something bad happens" LOL
preachin to the choir sister but preach it!

I then showed everyone reloading and we cranked the handle and put out a few 5.56s.



Now everyone at least has an understanding of what needs to be done in reloading and can sit behind the handle if needed.

[Matt In Oklahoma]

Well today Team Karen had an expert on herbs come in and work with us. She taught a class, showed us teas, poultices, tinctures and salves and remedies and then took a walk with us in the yard and showed us a few of those overlooked

[Matt In Oklahoma]

Thanks, appreciate it

[EX121]

Here are 2 good books, Deerskins into buckskins by Matt Richards & Blue Mountain Buckskin by Jim Riggs.

[Matt In Oklahoma]

Great Matt. Did you make rawhide or did you braintan them? Or is braintanning them the next step? Keep up the great posts.

We cheated and used a kit LOL I know I know but we are starting somewhere and we discussed the brains and going to look into the Alaskan smoked method we heard about. I also know about hard wood ash and lye. I'm lucky to have folks who learned this and are willing to work with us on it.
We ended up replacing some of the "safety" acid with vinegar to balance the PH content. I really messed up and thought baking soda lower the PH and we ended up having to restart the pickling solution cause that's the wrong way LOL.
During the scraping they discussed repairing the holes in the hide with fishing line so I walked over and got some yucca leaf and nettle stalk and showed that would would need to use that as a resource instead post event.
We are kinda figuring it out as we go, ya know learning.

[EX121]

Great Matt. Did you make rawhide or did you braintan them? Or is braintanning them the next step? Keep up the great posts.

[Matt In Oklahoma]

The scraping is technique more than muscle though both are needed and now is a good time to learn rather than later!



A rabbit hide from a weekend butchering class we did previously was also worked. We started with spoon because traditionally rabbit hides tear easy however this buck proved to be a worthy opponent that required the tool though not as much pressure as the deer hides.



A ton of things were learned this weekend about PH balancing using acids, vinegar and baking soda. Dang near a chemistry lesson it was! The technique and tools were very usable and we began discussing other techniques for grid down atmospheres.
Now to figure out what I’m gonna make with my hide once completed. I would like tho thank those were able to make it and many thanks to Team Karen’s leadership, household and time consuming work on this project to ensure we got to see and do most of the process in a time compressed but unrushed atmosphere. We left with re-usable reference paperwork and some practiced knowledge.

[Matt In Oklahoma]

This weekend was learning to tan hides led by Team Karen. The deer hides, from last hunting season, were placed in 3 stages of progress so that during the day training session we were able to experience the various things needed to complete the process. A simple but effective device was constructed from a felled tree that was angled and supported then sanded for a smooth surface to scrap the hides down.




The hides were worked in simple totes and filled water bottles were used to hold the hide under the surface of the particular treatment.



The drying process was simply done on the fence.



The scraping of the meat and connective tissue was down on the log device with a purchased tool and we were able to determine that a mower blade could be modified to make another one if needed.



A trash bag placed between you and the hide on the log allows you to hold the hide as you work without getting dirty. A rubber or plastic apron would work but we are cheap LOL

CONT:

[Matt In Oklahoma]

Basic AR Course
Last week we got together during the week and Grand taught a basic AR rifle course. With the purchases of new ARs and some skill building needed it was past due. Grand more than graciously offered to provide the ammunition from his stock so that we could have range time.
First was a class after all ammunition was removed from the work area and a safety check was performed on each weapon and magazines by 2 people. Weapon breakdown, lubrication and reassembly were covered along with malfunctions.
We then moved to the range where everyone did sight in and got the weapons and shooters dialed in if they were not already. Some issues were discovered and corrected which is what this was for. This was the day to fix things, not during the middle of a bad event. Murphy will always be around. We actually spent more time and ammo on this than planned but it was not in vain I assure you.
We then progressed to short range multiple target engagement and communication. This was an opportunity for people to not only work a drill but learn to work and communicate with each other, especially couples.
I have discovered that many are easily distracted not being focused on only the target engagement. This is crucial as if you think that having people talking and other weapons firing around you is an issue just wait till incoming happens.
Our time was cut as we were enroute to combatives but then it was cancelled due to impending bad weather; imagine that after the last tornado outbreaks LOL. A few more rounds flew downrange to get another weapon sighted in while we there as well.
I will be honest more time is needed with the rifle. I know I want a lot from these folks and when in the military you spend weeks on it initially before you really spend time with it but the push for complete comfort with the weapon system you carry is critical to survival. We are a country of riflemen founded by such.
I want to thank Grand for doing this and providing the ammo and everyone else who took time out of their schedules and time off from work and/or drove a distance to get there to participate. The sacrifice, dedication and effort of those that participated was noticed and appreciated. Thanks to team Hit n Miss for the room use as well. I feel much better about our status having got this done and learning where we are at and what needs work.

[Matt In Oklahoma]

Forgot my flash light in the car. We had initiated the course and I couldn't "time out" to run go get it.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/300-Lm-CREE-Led-5w-5-Watt-Flashlight-SA15-Torch-Lamp-/140413143448?pt=US_Flashlights&hash=item20b1468998

as we learned there is no going back to the car for the light when the SHTF it is just there in your face and what you have is what you have.
Solution:
This unit is small, light enough to carry EDC. It takes either one CR123 battery for the short version or 2 AA batteries for the longer version and has a bezel end for fighting and strobe for confusion or signal. It is also light enough to clip onto a ballcap and use like a headlamp. My whole family has them

under $10 though the shipping is slow

[Matt In Oklahoma]

We covered and practiced this as well

https://www.survivalandpreparednessforum.com/showthread.php?2637-Mirror-Use

We are not Seal Team 6 and have no need to run to everything or to blow thru the funnels at 80mph with reckless endangerment testing the boundaries of body armor and the meniscus so the mirror use is important IMO. Our mission is to stay alive as a whole not be body snatchers or ninja hostage rescue like too many of the tacticoolio schools are geared towards missing the point of "survival".
Grand brought in a POV and some great tips with very important points that I was lacking in articulating.
I believe it was also learned like any other piece of gear you own it must be mastered now not at the doorway with adrenaline flowing and a simple mirror can be a frustrating pain leaving you with no eyes on target or the golden ticket to an extended life.

[Karen]

Dave and I learned a lot! It's always fun to train with the OWA's. I was more comfortable and improved each time we practiced, but I still have a LOT to learn. After the training was done we had time to sit around a visit and plan future training days. I even learned a lot during the visiting time as everyone was sharing tips and ideas.

[Sharpshooter]

learned a lot covering new and old topics. had fun with the group and feel better each time we get together. commutations need improving but we will get there. wish we could get together more often, I realy enjoy the time spent as a group.