How To Choose The Best Hunting Catapults For Survival
One of the oldest weapons used for hunting has got to be the catapult and a very good bit of survival kit to have in your bug out bag. But what are the best, value for money, hunting catapults for survival that you, as a prepper, should consider buying.?
Hunting Catapults can be made from very basic materials and with practice can be very effective - Today's Hunting Catapults are considered a much more lethal and accurate weapon than ever before. Made from high-tec materials and design giving you a serious weapon.
In a survival situation they would become an essential food hunting tool.
Firstly, let's look at the pros and cons of adding a hunting catapult to your survival kit - Along with your survival knife and a multi tool knife, a hunting catapult is quite low-tec in it's principle design and operation, relying more on your own skill than the actual catapult itself.
See full range of catapults here:
Hunting Catapults
Essentials to consider when choosing the Best Hunting Catapults For Survival
Pros of Hunting Catapults:
- Accurate and deadly
- Very quiet operation
- Easy to load and reload
- Fast reload [with practice]
- Simple operation
- Compact
- Light weight
- Main working parts are easily changes or repaired
- Low initial cost
- Unlimited supply of ammunition if needed [ eg – stones]
A starter level catapult, like this FNK Hunting Catapult Set (shown below) need not not be expensive too.
This kit sells for only £14.99 and just right for beginners.
Cons of a Hunting Catapults:
- Practice required to build up accuracy
- Ammunition can be bulky and weighty [ 200x 8mm ball bearings would weigh about 1.5lb ]
- A supply of replacement catapult bands is required
Highly Polished 6mm Steel Shot is also readily available.
This tin of 250 sells for £5.15
Essentially the hunting catapult has only three components, making it ideal as a low maintenance and easily repairable bit of kit.
The frame, firing bands and pouch - it is also very easy to make your own for forage materials: wooden frame from a tree branch, leather pouch from an old shoe and firing bands for strips of an old cycle inner tube tyre.
Choosing The Best Hunting Catapult
Anybody who has used a catapult before will tell you how invaluable it can be in survival situations.
Like any good hunting weapons, not every catapult is made equal. There are a few different features that you should think about which will enable you to choose the right hunting catapult for you
1. Frame Material
There are three main frame materials, namely: plastic, wood and metal. Having different materials to choose from will offer you equally different advantages and disadvantages.
If you know the differences around what each one can offer, there's a much better chance you choosing the best hunting catapult for you.
– Most economical to manufacture and this reflects in the cost.
– Various plastic sub-types available. Offering different advantages in grip and feel as well.
– Glass-filled nylon also offers excellent frame material if you’re looking for a lighter catapult.
– Wooden catapults are the oldest types there is.
– Generally mimicking the 'Y' of a tree branch, but can be formed into many different shapes through laser cutting or hand shaping
-- They tend to offer a good 'feel', and you can make them yourself relatively easily.
– These catapults can offer a light and strong body.
– However, they are generally the most expensive of the three.
-- They are the most robust and longest-lasting frame material you can get.
– Choosing steel or aluminium frame catapults that have an ergonomic handle with added foam, rubber or cord wrapping also offers comfort to the mix.
2. FIRING BAND TYPES:
There are essentially two main band types in use within the market today- the flat rubber type and the tubular band type.
Each band type has a more specific use and will depend on what you intend to use the catapult for.
The rubber tubing type is better known for being durable, as opposed to a catapult with the flat rubber bands generally provide a a more accurate shot and are better in hunting scenarios.
- Flat Bands
– Catapults fitted with the flat bands tend to have a more faster shot and are more accurate, this is due to their rapid “snapback speed” feature ( *The rate at which your projectile moves forward ).
– Flat bands produce a higher 'feet per second' projectile speed with the added advantage of being easier to draw. If you’re firing for accuracy such as hunting, then flat bands are the best choice.
- Rubber Tubing
– Rubber tube band will outlast flat bans. It’s the best set to choose when surviving for longer periods of time.
– Rubber tube bands can offer you a specific draw weight. Choose the type that feels right for your draw strength and the best shooting action/feel.
* The best things is: Firing bands are relatively cheap and easy to get a hold of. Therefore you should test each one out and see which suit you the best.
See a selection of firing bands here;
3: AMMUNITION POUCH:
This may seam like a unnecessary consideration, but the ammo pouch can play it's part in a good catapult. Especially for it's comfort and grip.
Always get a catapult with the pouch made from leather, it will naturally mould to the type and size of the ammo that you use.
Being leather, it's natural properties allow it to remain supple at all times, giving you a feel for the ammo at all times.
4: Other Considerations:
There are many different types o catapults to choose from. Many them come with added features to entice to buyer.
Some of these features can actually add benefits to the product which make it a good purchase.
a) Grip Type:
It is essential that your catapult feels comfortable and has a good grip.
Hunting catapults that provides a good grip do a lot more than just stopping blisters. - It will allow you to practice for longer without hand or wrist fatigue, and give you more shots with better accuracy.
Ergonomic or contoured slingshot handles will fit perfectly in your hand, like this High Velocity Handmade Wooden Catapult shown below:
b) Target Sighting
Having a sight and a point of reference will greatly improves your accuracy of shot.
It's a great addition to a hunting catapult as it will give you a feel for distance and shooting accuracy.
Sights are key to hunting accuracy and will give you a accuracy advantage especially with smaller game.
A lot of the top catapults will be fitted with an adjustable sighting systems attached, like this hunting catapult shown below:
c) Hollow Handle
A catapult with a hollow handle is worth considering, they are lighter but, being hollow, a lot less stronger.
However, they offer a space to store spare ammo and other survival gear like spare bands, a fire starter, matches, compass and son on.are great for storing additional ammunition or spare bands. These usually come with a screw-on cap at the base of the handle for access.
So a hunting catapult can be as low-tec as you want. Of course there are others, much more specific, high-tec catapults available like this calibrated hunting catapult shown here: ( *sells for £35.00)
Wrist Support:
Choosing a hunting catapult with a wrist support can help reduce fatigue and muscle stress, especially when practising and taking lots of shots.
But the main purpose of a wrist support is stability. It will aid you to keep the wrist locked in place in order to line a shot more accurately.
Personally, I don't use them, but if you have weaker wrists or for use with a child they are very good.
Overall the pros far outweighs the cons making Hunting Catapults a very good survival weapon for preppers.
Remember you will also need a good supply of ammo [ball bearings seem to work best] and also some replacement bands - [the elastic rubber with replacement pouch.]
That said, there are some excellent hunting catapults around today that work really well and all hover around the same price bracket of between £25 - £100 - Replacement bands will cost anything upto £5 to renew and ball bearing ammo [8mm] is around £5 for 200.
ENTRY LEVEL
Kotila UK Powerful New Slingshot Catapult Steel Handle Sling Shot Outdoor Game Hunting (Camouflage)
£7.99
outdoor hunting
Outdoor Hunting Trumark Catapult heavy duty +2PCS Rubber Bands Replacement Animals Heavy Pull+50PCS 7mm Ball Ammo
£14.99
CATAPULT KITS
Powerful Catapult Set, with Ball Bearing / Flat Rubber Bands / Storage Bag / Magnetic Ring
£28.99
- Folding slingshot slingshot set: hunting catapult slingshot made of steel,
- Ball bag: makes loading the slingshot professional for hunting very easy and great fun.
- Magnetic Ring of the Twins Slingshot:
- 100 pcs. Steel round balls 8 mm stainless steel
A catapult is a uniquely stealth hunting tool, and with relatively little practice will offer a very effective method of hunting for small game.
There are cheap yet robust tools with the advantage of few moving parts and ammo that can be found on the ground!
I think all preppers should own at least one.....
Steve Hart - UK Preppers Guide
Pepper Spray For Use In The UK
For Non Lethal Survival Defence
Carrying an offensive weapon in the UK is taken very seriously by our police and judges – so much so that most “weapons” are considered as illegal to carry.
Likewise, UK laws regarding self defence are quite strict for any member of the general public as well as for a UK Prepper.
Our means of defence is practically non existent and extremely limited in the UK, most would say too limited, with not enough protection available for the average citizen...
Anyone involved with self defence will always tell you these simple facts –
First Golden Rules Of Self Defence:
- Never put yourself in a dangerous situation in the first place.!
- Always be very aware of your surroundings
- Be aware of people around you
- Never travel alone, if possible
- Use different routes to work or home
- Do not walk along the road texting
So, what can you do to help deter any unwanted attacker legally?
Firstly, when it comes to self defence you are allowed, by law, to use reasonable force proportional to the threat, or perceived threat, against you.
Simply put, if you think your going to be attacked or are actually being attacked you have a perfect right to defend yourself.
Are you aware of what's happening around you?
Furthermore, if you have excised proper situation awareness, and you anticipate an attack, then there's one thing you can use to gain advantage,
That is the use of a UK legal version of 'pepper spray' - this spray deterrent comes within that law.
What About Non Legal Pepper Spray?
Of course, there are several other forms of self defence sprays available – namely, Maze or Pepper Spray being the main two alternatives.
However, both contain dangerous noxious gas and this is considered illegal in the UK.
It also comes under the UK firearms law and is in the same category as a firearm, so we can't use it...
So what are the legal pepper spray Alternatives for the UK?
The only real LEGAL PEPPER SPRAY ALTERNATIVE FOR THE UK that we have as an good, effective equivalent to the 'real' Pepper Spray found abroad and used by our police is the Farb Gel Criminal Identifier.
BASIC SPRAY
Current price under £11
Best price - Amazon
SPRAY + BELT POUCH
Current price under £14
Best price - Amazon
BEST BUY
Current price under £20
Best price - Amazon
This Spray Container a very discreet size, measuring only 85mm x 34mm and is capable of packing a punch that is capable of stopping a mugger or attacker in his tracks.
When it is sprayed at the face it will completely disorientate the attacker.
The natural instinct is to back off - when it is sprayed at the eyes it will cause blurred vision, this makes any attack even more difficult.
I have tested this legal pepper spray on myself - I can assure you it was not exactly a pleasant procedure!
I found it wasn't possible to do anything much other than attempt to cover up and protect myself and my face from the spray. (see my review video below)
The next thing I found was, the natural instinct is to try and wipe it off - trust me, this makes things a lot worse.!
Just imagine the panic factor you have just instilled into an attacker when he looks down and sees he has blood red hands after you have just sprayed him..!?
He will not of been expecting it and have no idea what might of just happened, and probably be more scared and ready to run off, than you !
The red spray will remain on the attackers skin and clothing for up to 7 days [in fact I landed up throwing the tee shirt away as it was a pain trying to wash the red dye out!].
The staying power of the spray dye makes the police very aware of the potential attacker and easier to track down
This spray has been specifically designed to meet all of the UK legal requirements and is totally legal to carry here.
I feel it is definitely a 'must have' item and without doubt, one of the best parts is the red coloured gel remains on the attacker, therefore making them instantly recognizable to the police and as a potential threat.
I like this Legal Pepper Spray for the UK very much and have made quite sure I have several for my family to carry - especially as they are both cheap and effective, and completely legal to carry.
One important thing to consider:
It will not drop an attacker or render him useless, rolling around on the floor in agony. There is nothing we can legally use that will do that!
BUT, what is does do is give is precious seconds to make an escape while he temporally blinded, disorientated and unable to see you.
If he cant see you, he cant attack you!
Do you even need a method of self defence in the UK.?
Here's some of the latest figures and statistics from the governments own information website, The Office of National Statistics, For some more information on this, see my article - self defence in the UK
I have found out a couple of legal points regarding the Farb Gel Spray - please read before you buy:
- This spray is only legal in UK mainland and wont be shipped outside of the UK mainland
- There are some concerns as to whether it is legal to 'use' in Northern Ireland.- you can own the spray but you may possibly be breaking the Northern Ireland laws if you 'use' it..
Generally as an Alternative UK Legal Pepper Spray for self defence this product ticks all the boxes and is something to consider for all the family, especially as it is effective and easy to use.
But, the best of all, it works AND it's very cheap...
BASIC SPRAY
Current price under £11
Best price - Amazon
SPRAY + BELT POUCH
Current price under £14
Best price - Amazon
BEST BUY
Current price under £20
Best price - Amazon
Also see:
UK Legal Pepper Spray Alternatives for Women
Personal Attack Alarms for Women
Alternative Non Lethal Self Defence Method against an attacker
UK Legal Weapons
Self Defence Weapons Law for Preppers
Firstly, as a Prepper and a member of the UK public, you must know the rules and more specifically, self defence weapons laws that apply during 'normal times' regarding buying, owning and using weapons in the UK.
Of course in a SHTF situation things would be very different and all those 'normal times' laws and rules would go right out the window as we enter a country WROL.
But, for this article and moment in time, I am assuming normal law and order are in place here in the UK..!
Similarly, defending what is rightly yours and ensuring all your efforts to prepare for a Doomsday scenario ARE worth it - it naturally follows that you have to be prepared to defend your family, your home and your survival supplies.
example: UK Legal Folding Pocket Knife
Typical UK Legal Folding Pocket Knife
Almost inevitable for people to take the law into their own hands as looting and unlawful acts increase.
People will become more desperate for the essential items like food, water, medication and any other supplies they can lay their hands on.
As a result, their next move will be to invade your home, moving systematically along your street to find these essentials.
Quite how you decide to defend yourself, your family and supplies will be a very big decision to make.
Possibly the very best form of UK legal weapon you have in your arsenal is you ability to KEEP QUIET and generally only tell other preppers who are in your prepping network - the more people who know you have good supplies of food and water, the bigger the risk to you and your family.
Legal Weapons in the UK and the laws regarding All weapons are mighty strict
Well let me put it another way: They are mighty strict for the honest law abiding citizen like you and me, whereas the criminal, of course, doesn't give monkeys about the law. Meaning they have the weapons, you are left defenceless....
Although UK law is quite specific, it still basically says that just about anything can be deemed as a dangerous, unlawful and offensive weapon in certain situations - so be aware, use that umbrella to attack someone, when all they did was poke their tongue out at you, and you could find yourself getting arrested..!
With regard to a generally considered 'offensive weapon', those situations are primarily, if you are carrying the weapon in a public place AND if you are caught carrying, what can be considered an offensive weapon, you'd better have a pretty dam good, convincing reason.
Otherwise - again, your nicked mate. - Along with CONFISCATION of the weapon and a huge fine, you risk an even bigger chance of imprisonment.
As an example - a prepper would only have a couple of GENUINE reason to be carrying around a razor sharp skinning knife, an axe or maybe a 8" hunting knife - these are:
Of course, it must go with saying that concealment is the order of the day when taking an "offensive weapon" out into a public area and travelling from A to B.
DO NOT DO THIS IN PUBLIC
Carrying your axe, knife or anything considered as an offensive weapon around, in public, like this photo, is absolute stupidity, especially in our current' total fear' society.
By that I mean: When making your way to and from your destination, always keep it out of sight from anyone, do not have knife hanging from your belt or anything else that would cause alarm or concern to the public.
When I go to bushcraft camp, I put any knives or my axe deep inside my rucksack, well out of sight and not easily accessible without pulling everything out first.
It simply makes sense, this is not the wild west. You intend using these tools at camp, so keep them safely and responsibly out of sight.
Remember, we see this as an essential tool for survival, others will see you as a maniac, so just be sensible..
Other than the above reasons, as a prepper, I don't see any other need for that weapon to leave the confines of your own home and be carried around anywhere in public - it makes plain simple sense really.
What constitutes an offensive weapon?
The laws in the United Kingdom are very strict on this and what the law books say about them can be found in the: Prevention of Crime Act 1953. Section 1 (1)
This Act is a law that was passed in 1953 and is currently undergoing changes being made to this law. But remember, just about anything can be deemed an offensive weapon if you try!
However, the law says: "Prohibition of the carrying of offensive weapons without lawful authority or reasonable excuse."
So, first rule of ensuring you comply with the offensive weapons laws in the UK is, whatever type of weapons you decide to add to your survival kit - DO NOT TAKE THEM OUTSIDE IN A PUBLIC PLACE.
Keep them at home and if you wish to practice with them it must be on your own land or land where you have complete permission from the land owner [maybe a farm and you are helping to keep a vermin problem down by shooting rats with your air gun.]
If you do need to take any weapon within a public place then think twice about your reasons and ensure they are genuine and legitimate.
The UK Has Been Indoctrinated With A Fear Of Knives
The massive amounts of scare mongering and genuine fake news that revolves around knife crime, has now reached fever pitch.
Personally I think the current UK knife laws are sufficient, as are all the UK weapons laws.
The trouble is everyone is being tared with the same brush - and that brush is saying we are all criminals and not capable of being normal responsible human beings, and that we are incapable of common sense.
Meaning our limp wristed, namby pamby, so called leaders and politicians , who have no backbone, simply give in to every whim.
Unfortunately folks, our rights are being eroded at an alarming rate. You'll soon have to put in a written request to be allowed to fart before long...!
UK Legal Weapons
Public Carry Exceptions
NON-LOCKABLE FOLDING POCKET KNIFE.
Typical UK Legal Folding Pocket Knife
* It is, however, legal to carry a non lockable folding pocket knife or multi purpose tool provided the blade is below 3" long and cannot be locked in the open position. BUT... there will still be times when you must have a reasonably good, valid reason to be carrying it. Because there are some situations where a pocket knife [carried legally or not] would not be acceptable to have in your pocket.
** Typically this would be entering a football ground - the ground would have its own rules and regulations regarding quite a few prohibited items.
{ see our Best Legal Folding Pocket Knife guide here }
Grizzly Bushcraft Buddy
Another great legal knife is the Grizzly Bushcraft Buddy.
Totally UK legal to buy, own and carry in occurrence with the law.
So there these 'penknife' styles readily available.
I have a full review of this knife here:
Grizzly Bushcraft Knife Review
It makes sense you would think twice about the implications of taking a pocket knife to a football match, regardless of the fact that a pocket knife is deemed as a legal weapon in the UK - it's just common sense - "Oh, I'm sorry officer, I forgot it was in my pocket", is not a valid reason - if that's your proposed excuse, expect to get it taken away and probably you as well.!
Also, a place like a football stadium would have very specific rules regarding what can be brought into the grounds. Alcohol and knives being a prime example.
Weapons, cutting tools and hunting equipment are essential to us preppers, and most of us simply think of them as essential survival tools, especially when practising our survival skills, but make sure you carry and use them responsibly and within the law.
Whether you think of an axe, a knife or a rifle, as a tool or a weapon, it really doesn't matter - it is you who is getting penalised and expected to conform.
However, jolly old Mr Criminal, who doesn't give a monkeys about laws and rights, will just go happily on his way arming himself to the hilt, regardless of the law.
Tools & Weapons You Are Allowed To Own
Below are UK legal tools and weapons you are allowed to own, without needing to acquire any form of license or certificate of ownership.
This does not mean you can just go wandering around anywhere in public with them..!
Although anything can be made into a weapon, this list is for what most people will generally accept as commercially available weapons and edged tools.
Below are all legal to own without requiring any special checks or require you to obtain a legal FAC [ firearms certificate ] or any other special permission.
Remember, to buy any edged weapon in the UK (that is anything other then a ‘legal’ folding pocket knife) you must be over 18 years old.
Although this list is not extensive, it does cover most of the various weapons and edged tools you can own and use as a prepper:
Please use the links below, to our review pages -
- Axe
- Bow
- Crossbow
- Catapult
- Machete or Bill Hook
- Pocket knife (UK legal)
- Fixed blade knife - any length blade - Survival knife Hunting knife skinning knife etc
- Multi function tool that includes a knife - Swiss Army Knife - Utility Tool Knife
- BB Gun - painted bright orange or blue for non UKARA members - not much use to a prepper. Although they are extremely lifelike and authentic, which just might do the trick?.
- BB Gun - authentic gun colour & style - for registered UKARA members only - not much use to a prepper - Although they are extremely lifelike and authentic, which just might do the trick?.
- Paintball Gun - any type, style, colour
- Paintball Hand Gun - any type, style, colour
- Air Rifle - below 12 ft lb [muzzle velocity or below]
- Air pistol - below 6 ft lb [muzzle velocity] - not much use to a prepper, just too under powered - but if used at close enough range and with precision, one could prove effective?
- Martial arts - tried and tested weapons, increases fitness and personal fighting ability *highly recommended
- Pepper Spray - UK Legal Alternative - "must have" defensive prepper kit
If you want to know more about the UK Knife Laws that are in place in Britain today, then check out our article showing the exact things you need to know about knives:
- link: UK Knife Laws
If you are concerned about being stopped on suspicion of carrying a weapon there are also specific Stop and Search laws that you need to know -
- link: UK Stop and Search Laws
There are also many other firearms that you can legally own here in the UK - from a semi automatic rifle to a shotgun - they are all legal to own.
What must be obtained first, in order for you to own one legally, is a UK Firearms Certificate - see the UK Gun & FireArms Laws here.
Finally the list above gives you an idea of the Legal Weapons you can own here in the UK without needing any special permission or licence.
Of course exactly how you decide to use them is up to you - but use them outside the UK offensive weapons laws and you will find yourself in trouble.
As I mentioned earlier, anything can be used as a weapon if you so wish, so really it all boils down to how sensible you are during normal peaceful times. Of course, in a SHTF situation all normal rules go out the window..!
Steve Hart - UK Preppers Guide
Just as a final note here:
Hunting Knife - Buying requirements: Name, address, age, proof of identity and address.
Ikea 10" Cooks Knife - Buying requirements - pop into Ikea, pay, walk out.
Just Saying.........!
Hunting Knife / Cooks Knife
UK Legal Pepper Spray
Alternative For Women
Firstly, the facts of life... It is illegal, under UK law, to carry a knife, a gun or even a stick to help protect yourself from being attacked.
Many women get attacked each year here in the UK and it doesn't matter whether it's late at night, in the middle of London or in a quiet village, the risk is very real and a very frightening and traumatic experience that will stick with you for the rest of you life.
There's only really 3 main reasons a woman gets attacked:
- Physical
- Sexual
- Robbery
Each one can have dire consequences and some can leave permanent damage both physically and mentally, leaving you to live with the thought of how you could have prevented the attack in the first place...
There are a multitude of scenarios that lead to an attack on women, combine that with a thousand different situations and times and places - they all add up to the fact you never really know when an attack may happen.
You rarely know the frame of mind the attacker is in and the motives that have lead up to you being the victim.
With so many variables how are you supposed to tell the good from the bad, the muggers from the helpers and the scumbags that think they can prey on women for simply walking down the street.
There are, actually, a few very simple things you can do to help prevent an attack - the number 1 and most obvious is 'to not be there in the first place'...!
If you avoid going out, by yourself, in darkness [or even daylight sometimes] then the risk is not even there. But we all know this is not always possible or a realistic choice. When you do go out at night, try to be with friends, male and female, at all times.
Don't Be A Target
For whatever reason, if you have to travel alone then vary your route home and travelling at different times. This will make you an unpredictable target - you no longer become a 'creature of habit' and severely reduces the risk of becoming the stalkers dream victim who always passes by this dark alley at exactly the same time each night...
We are all very much creatures of habit, which makes us complacent and drop our guard when it is most needed.
Spacial Awareness
Be aware of your surrounding and the people around you - who's in your space, do you feel comfortable and are you boxed in with no escape route if you needed to get away. Always try to ensure you have a 'Plan B'
Become 'People Aware'
If you have your head buried in your mobile phone, busy texting someone, then you have no idea who is around you, who's looking at you and who has been following you for the last half hour..!! FACT....
If you are someone who walks down the street with your nose buried in your phone:
STOP IT RIGHT NOW.!
This is a very dangerous pastime.
Yes, you may have just got off the train with a hundred other people and started walking home, but where are they now.?
You suddenly realise you have been walking, alone, mindlessly unaware that it's just you and someone following quite closely behind - you don't know who, whether a man or woman, young or old, big or small.... No Idea....!
What Is The Solution?
Possibly the best defence is simply be aware of your surroundings and who's in them, as well as, don't put yourself in a dangerous situation if at all possible.
Simple awareness can heighten your ability to predict if a situation is safe or not and give you the advantage of a couple of seconds to react prior to that attack.
What Defence Can You Use?
The UK Laws state that you can use reasonable force in order to defend yourself against an attacker OR if you think an attack is about to take place OR you are threatened enough to make you think you are about to be attacked.
So you can defend yourself - but with what..?
Unless you are a trained in martial arts or unarmed combat the idea of fighting off an attacker is quite daunting for any woman.
Regardless of the fact that you may be trained in some type of self defence, fighting off an attacker is still a big ask for the average woman to do.
Even a trained man can easily get into difficultly and sustain severe injuries when in a self defence situation.
Your Main Defence Is To Be Aware,
And Pre-Empt The Attack Before It Can Start
This is where a defence spray comes in - A spray that can be used, similar to pepper spray, that will stop an attacker and render that attack useless for those valuable seconds needed for you to make an escape and be gone before they know what's happened.
These defence sprays are perfectly legal in the UK and are known as a Self Defence Spray Criminal Identifier
Based on the pepper spray theory they omit a stream of red spray, * not a thin spray like paint, but a consistent, heavy stream that reaches up to 4 metres.
The spray will temporarily mark the attackers skin and clothes.
They contain a dye that makes them instantly recognisable to the police for up to 7 days after, and is almost impossible to wash off for the first few days.
* Video Showing Spray In Action
I own several of these sprays and as you can see in the video, I have gone so far as to test them out on myself.
It was not a pleasant experience and there was no way I could of carried on with an attack - I simply could not see where I was going!
The red Farb Gel spray sticks to everything and an attacker would be totally disorientated for those few vital seconds, once sprayed in the face.
All the sprays are compact enough to fit in a pocket or use the belt clip and as simple to use as spraying some perfume.
All it takes is being aware of your situation and being prepared to take action.
* Buy Spray Here
BASIC SPRAY
Current price under £11
Best price - Amazon
SPRAY + BELT POUCH
Current price under £14
Best price - Amazon
BEST BUY
Current price under £20
Best price - Amazon
Without a defence spray in your hand you have no real defence, however, with a disorientated attacker you gain vital seconds to make an escape.
If your attacker can't see you, then they can't attack you...
The whole thing goes full circle now, and we get right back to spacial and people awareness - and if you feel threatened or an attack is likely, you can defend yourself in this way, and make an escape.
I hope this article on the "UK Legal Pepper Spray Alternative for Women" has spurred you on to get some for yourself and your family - I highly recommend it.
Happy Prepping Folks,
Steve
What UK Weapons Can You Legally Own?
Many UK citizens think that ALL firearms are illegal, and therefore unavailable to the UK public - this is not true.
You have the perfect right to own many types of firearms, but you must be able to have a good reason to do so.
For full, in depth details, check out the UK Home Office Guidelines for firearms.
This is a detailed 270 page document outlining exactly the do's and don'ts of firearm ownership.
Remember this short article is about what weapons you can legally own, it does NOT cover self defence. A lot of people get firearm ownership and self defence mixed up.
You must have genuine reasons for owning a firearm: gun club member, clay pigeon shooting, pest and vermin control etc, not self defence.
However, the range of legal firearms that you can own and use may surprise you.
Below Is A General Guide:
Firearms You Can Legally Own In The UK
UK Legal Firearms: Top to bottom
Shotguns:
As well as the above firearms, you can own a shotgun -
*in general*, shotguns under 3 capacity (2+1) Section 2 only require a Shotgun Cert (SGC).
The list List is by no means exhaustive, there are hundreds of flavours of firearms available in UK.
All these above weapons will require a Firearms Certificate, but, once you have been fully vetted by the police, and have fully satisfied all the legal requirements they are all perfectly legal for a UK citizen to own.
The information here is true as of article date, and there are no current legislation changes to the UK firearms laws in the pipeline.
What Is The Best
Personal Alarm System
And Personal Safety Alarm For Preppers?
This article is about Personal Safety Alarms. Why you need one and whats available to buy.
Regardless of whether you are a male or female prepper, you need to develop an awareness of your surroundings, and an awareness of who and what is around you.
These factors alone will contribute greatly to ensuring you remain as safe as possible at all times.
Being aware and being able to pre-empt a dangerous situation occurring is your first line of personal self defence.
In a nutshell if you see the risk of a dangerous situation occurring, you must remove yourself from that situation as quickly as possible.
This could be in 'peace time' or a SHTF scenario, where there are people roaming around looking for easy pickings.
If you fight back or are able to alert others to help you then your chances of being left alone are much higher.
But, not everyone is trained in self defence, martial arts or unarmed combat, however, as preppers I would highly recommend you try to learn some self defensive techniques.
Learning one or two basic defence and offensive techniques could help you escape a tricky situation much easier than you think.
See my previous article: Defence Training For Preppers.
However, it is not always possible to get away from danger, so your next best option is to make as many people aware of your presence as possible.
Noise, and lots of it, will draw attention to you and anyone around you.
If you are in danger then the last thing any attacker wants is attention from others.
By making lots of noise you will get noticed by everyone around you.
In order to attract attention to yourself and what is happening you can also carry a personal safety alarm, personal safety system, rape alarm, noise alarm – call it what you like, but an alarm that make a lot of noise.
This type of alarm is a very effective tool to have in your self defence arsenal.
These tiny, inconspicuous little objects are real mean machines, giving off an ear piercing shrill, guaranteed to get anyone’s attention.
Apart from being mind numbingly load, most attackers will know of these, and realise the fact that the noise will attract onlookers and the attention they really do not want.
Carrying A Personal Alarm
Is Your First Line Of Defence
These devices give out a very high pitched, ear piercing shrill in excess of 120 decibels, some go up to 140 decibels, which is dangerously loud - Don't Leave Home Without Yours..
The chart above give you some idea of the power of 120+decibels… If exposed to this volume for any amount of time can easily damage the hearing.
Within a closed room the effect becomes even more severe, and I would most definitely not recommend trying one of these indoors.!
In a pure self defence mode, holding one of these and forcing at an attackers ear would cause extreme pain and disorientation.
If held there long enough you would cause damage to the hearing as well.
Now I am a big advocate of 'don't put yourself in a dangerous situation in the first place'.
But sometimes this just cannot be avoided as you have to get from A to B.
But, the advantages of 'being aware of your surroundings' is so vitally important for your own safety.
Are you one of these people who walk around with your nose buried in your phone..!
Blissfully unaware of anything or anyone around you.?
If you are:
STOP IT NOW..!
Get a grip and make to effort to be more observant of everything going on around you.
Not just people, but what they are doing, are they turning up in the same places as you? Have you seen them before?
Observe fire exits and routes of escape and, of course, don't isolate yourself or take unfamiliar routes.
What Are The Benifits
Of A personal Alarm?
The first thing that strikes you about a modern personal safety alarm is how discreet they are, especially considering the power they put out – the ones shown below measure from 1 1/2″ square up to 3′ x 1 1/2″ and all are able to be clipped to a keychain, handbag or similar.
There are two basic ways to activate the personal safety alarm – button operated or by a pull string – both work as well as each other, so personal choice really.
Personal alarms are available in various designs, almost a fashion accessory, like the Minder Heart Personal Alarm shown here:
You can also have the option of an added led torch, which is quite handy if you have the alarm on your keyring.
Without doubt, one of the most attractive points of the personal alarm system is the cost – all the alarms shown here are selling for under £15 , and even less if you buy in packs of three.
A real good bargain for some ‘must have’ kit I think.
* Minder Attack Alarm Video
So it's quite simple then: carry a personal alarm
Emitting in excess of 125 DB, they are a very good investment, and excellent value for money - most cost under £10
Here's a short 1 min. video of the 'Minder' range to give you an idea of what's available.
* Buy Alarms Here
Genuine Minder range of personal alarms are Secured by Design Approved (Police Preferred Specification)
Minder alarms have been independently tested by Sold Secure, receiving the Gold Award.
You will not find any other full range of Personal Alarms which have these accreditations.
Current Price: £6.49
Minder® 143dB Personal Alarm with Torch - Supplied with Belt Clip, Lanyard and Wall Mounting Bracket
- Pull Pin Activation
- Separate Torch Button Feature
- 143 Decibel Siren
- The loudest Personal Alarm available in the UK
- Size (60mm x 70mm x 20mm)
Current Price: £7.49
* See Full Range Here
Click For Full Minder Range
There are also other uses for these alarms, to help prevent theft there's the Minder Purse Alarm shown here:
I have also used these alarms as an early warning system when out wild camping.
See related video here.
These is no real reason why you would not want to carry one of these alarms. At under £10, these alarms are so cheap it's a no brainer really, and everyone should carry one.
Happy Prepping Folks, Steve
How To Shoot And Fire
A Hunting Catapult Properly
For some people, hunting with a catapult has been a lifelong process. But for quite a few people, actually knowing how to shoot and fire a hunting catapult properly, as well as accurately shoot the catapult is not quite as easy as it seems.!
* Introduction To Catapults
If you own several different catapults, you will, no doubt, find yourself making little changes in order to suit your personal firing needs - these are small refinements and changes needed to compensate for your personal style of hunting, your physical strengths and tweaking the catapult for your own ways of shooting your catapult.
You will, most definitely, find yourself experimenting with different types of ammo sizes and even shapes - as well as changing the power band strength to see what really works best for you.
Anyone who is serious about catapult hunting finds that a bit of experimentation is the only and best way to get the most consistent and accurate catapult for their needs.
You must experiment if you want to progress and get more accurate and proficient at catapult hunting. Therefore, this short article is aimed more specifically at the beginner and intermediate catapult user, rather than the experienced hunter.
* Basics First
All catapult hunting has to be divided into the two main groups -
- PRACTICE - this is generally referred to as "Plinking"
- HUNTING - the practice of actually stalking down and killing game.
* Improve Accuracy
To really improve in your catapult accuracy you must practice.
There are quite a few target aids available to help you gain more accuracy.
This can be as simple and easy as a few old tin cans in the back yard, with stones as ammo.
Or you can invest in a knockdown target.
These targets come in various shapes and sizes and really are a good way to 'get your eye in' and perfect your technique.
All these types of targets are designed to help with your target accuracy and well worth investing in.
If you use ball bearings for ammo, then I would suggest investing in a different style of target - one that collects the ball bearing at the back in a tray.
This will save you some money in the long run, as well as being more convenient for collecting your ammo up.
Initial cost for a target like this is around £30, as opposed to £10 - £20 for the other styles.
*Mind you, steel ball bearings are also very cheap; 1/2p each, so not a massive expense...
* Catapult Safety
But before you do anything: THINK ABOUT SAFETY FIRST:
It is very important to think of a catapult just like any other weapon - any catapult, if used in an unsafe and irresponsible manner, will very easily injure, maim and even kill a human.
They are most definitely not toys - especially when you consider that they are specifically designed to hurl a projectile at some very impressive speed with an inertia that will do some serious damage.
You really do not want to find yourself on the receiving end of a steel ball bearing travelling a hundreds of feet per second.!
* Basic Catapult Rules
Always apply the same sensible rules to your catapult as you do with any weapon:
- Never use a catapult against another person, in the United Kingdom, it will be regarded as an offensive weapon and the law will treat it as such.
- Never point a loaded catapult at anyone
- Do not let anyone use your catapult unsupervised - especially children.
- Wear safety glasses.. a power band can snap and recoil - it will take your eye out.
- Wear a glove and if possible wrist protection against 'band slap' - this will start to hurt after a while..!
Your catapult will offer you a very low cost, low tech alternative way to go out into the woods and be able to learn how to stalk your prey, without carrying around a load of cumbersome equipment, weapons and ammo - essentially it is a 'low tec', and extremely lightweight, compact, very easy to use, hunting tool.
Add to that, a catapult can be very accurate and and great fun to use.
But please - always remember to be ethical about your hunting practices.
All hunters want a clean, fast kill - that's why it is so necessary to actually practice and get yourself proficient with your weapon well before you actually go out into the wild looking for game to hunt.
An average quality hunting catapult will very easily take down many of the smaller animals like rabbits, pigeons, squirrels, pheasants - AT CLOSE RANGE
I think, essentially, that is where the actual skill comes in, you really do need to learn how to silently stalk your prey.
Learn and practice your stalking techniques and then ensure you can get nice and close to make a clean shot.
Fortunately for us, you will find that some animals and birds, especially rabbits and pheasants will tend to hold still long enough for you to take a good aim and some will even allow a second shot if needed..
CAN YOU SEE HIM ?
But again, I cannot underestimate the need and importance of practice.
It is essential you are more than able to reproduce the firing action and technique you use when plinking at a target - regular practice will ensure you build up 'muscle memory' and use exactly the same action when your heart's pumping and you're all crouched up on the ground trying to aim at your prey for real.
Whether your left or right handed, makes no difference when it comes to how to shoot and fire a hunting catapult properly - what does make a difference is finding a firing position, stance and technique that suits you personally.
As a general rule 90% of catapult hunters will pull the pouch straight back to around the chin area, below the 'aiming' eye, with a straight arm holding the catapult body.
Remember the bit about 'tweaking' your catapult to suit you - well, the power bands need to be adjusted to give you just the right amount of 'stretch' to ensure you are not struggling to pull back, especially over the last few inches.
You must be able to comfortably pull back to achieve maximum power without having to struggle - if you find you cannot hold the pouch 'fully cocked' without wobbling then you must extend the band length to suit you body size, strength and style.
It is far better to give away a bit of power than constantly struggle with the band force and subsequently miss your target.
As you get more confident and muscle memory kicks in, you will find it becomes easier to maintain a constant aim with less effort.
Successfully aiming, firing and hitting a target with you catapult is very much an instinctive action, that gets better the more you practice and develop that muscle memory that is so important for hitting a target repeatably.
Know You Trajectory:
By keeping you aiming arm steady and in the same place fro every shot, pulling the bands back to the the same length and same position will increase your success rate to the point where it become second nature.
Becoming an accurate shot with a catapult is actually quite easy, and you will surprise yourself at how quick the progress is once you get into it.
Get to know how exactly your catapult performs and work to those conditions.
Practice different distances and become familiar with the amount of trajectory needed for the different shots you may need to make.
You will need to know this, especially when stalking bird in trees.
* Ammunition
This is an area where some people prefer to use large ammo and others smaller - there's no definitive answer to ammo size or type.
As Preppers, it makes sense to practice with all types and sizes, but especially with FREE AMMO.. the type you find on the ground, namely stones.
For consistent results, you will need consistent ammo, and that normally means steel ball bearings.
Fortunately, steel ball bearing are relatively cheap to buy and always consistent in their size and weight.
Which makes them also consistent in their flight path, speed and trajectory.
Ball Bearing Specifications:
* How To Be Consistent
Try to use the same power bands whenever possible, and, of course, always carry a spare set - again, a cheap item to buy, light weight to carry around and compact - so no reason to scrimp on extra bands.
They will snap, I can guarantee that, and there's nothing worse then having a good catapult, ammo and a target sitting right in front of you, only to have a band snap and no replacement.
This is a typical quality hunting catapult - with a spare set of power bands the whole set-up costs around £30, so not an expensive item considering the usefulness to us preppers.
* Catapult Selection
ENTRY LEVEL
Kotila UK Powerful New Slingshot Catapult Steel Handle Sling Shot Outdoor Game Hunting (Camouflage)
£7.99
outdoor hunting
Outdoor Hunting Trumark Catapult heavy duty +2PCS Rubber Bands Replacement Animals Heavy Pull+50PCS 7mm Ball Ammo
£14.99
CATAPULT KITS
Powerful Catapult Set, with Ball Bearing / Flat Rubber Bands / Storage Bag / Magnetic Ring
£28.99
- Folding slingshot slingshot set: hunting catapult slingshot made of steel,
- Ball bag: makes loading the slingshot professional for hunting very easy and great fun.
- Magnetic Ring of the Twins Slingshot:
- 100 pcs. Steel round balls 8 mm stainless steel
* Final Thoughts
Have fun:
My final words are, go out and have fun - knowing how to shoot and fire a hunting catapult properly takes a bit of time and a bit of practice, so get yourself a catapult and some ammo, and go out and enjoy yourself.
Steve Hart - UK Preppers Guide
What Are The UK Self Defence Laws
What Is Self Defence?
The self defence laws in the UK are quite clear, and are essentially based on past common experiences.
The law itself is actually quite clearly good law, and in itself makes good sense, in that should you ever find yourself being involved in a situation where you are actually being physically attacked by another person, you will then have a perfect right to appropriately defend yourself.
As well as being able to defend yourself, It also makes perfectly good sense for you to be able to defend yourself within reason, and defend by only doing what you consider is reasonable force and necessary to prevent more harm being inflicted upon yourself.
The UK self defence laws allow you to use force as self defence in the following situations:
In the many varying self defence situation, one thing remains constant
that is the fact that you can only use
PROPORTIONAL & REASONABLE FORCE
against an attacker.
This can be somewhat of a problem as the grounds for reasonable force, and this includes various forms of martial arts, and under what particular circumstances that reasonable force is applied is only to be decided by a court of law.
The crucial factor here is:
Your version of 'reasonable force'
may differ significantly from that of another...
Self-defence can be used as your defence to crimes that are committed by the use of force.
In a nutshell this means: If you are in a situation where someone is attacking you, it is acceptable for you to defend yourself in a reasonable manner and using reasonable force in order to stop them, and prevent them from causing you any more subsiquent injury.
It does not mean you can just pull out a machete and start chopping them up..!
Similarly you cannot just pull out a knife that you happened to have on your person at the time, or any weapon that you decide to use to defend yourself, as that would very easily be deemed as an offensive weapon, and considered to be a disproportionate response to the attack on you in those circumstances.
But: if the attack were to continue, and you feared more violence, or worse still, you feared for your life, you can use what you consider to proportional at the time.
This may well now include using that knife that you happened to have on you at the time.
What Is Reasonable Force?
Again, remember that one persons idea of reasonable can be something quite different from yours - and this, my friends is where we have the biggest problem, deciding on exactly how much force is actually considered to be reasonable.?
Below are some of the main, generally accepted reason for lawful self defence here in the UK:
- If you find yourself being attacked, regardless of the actual reason, you have a perfect right within the UK law to use an amount of reasonable force in order to defend yourself against that attack.
- If any member of your family or friends you were with at the time were being attacked, you can again use suitable reasonable force to stop that attack.
- The same UK law also applies for your property - in so much as it is perfectly within the UK law to use reasonable force to prevent and stop someone who may be damaging or stealing your property.
- In fact you can also use reasonable force in order to help prevent an attack on any member of the public in order to help prevent a crime and make a lawful arrest.
Of course there are sensible parimeters to stick too:
That being you have to believe that there is a genuine reason for you to use self defence in this way…
AND… again, it is essential that the amount of reasonable force used must be in proportion to the attack on you.
You can execute self defence before being attacked.
There are some circumstances where you may fear an attack is imminent, in this case the law says – you do not have to wait to be attacked before using a form of self defence – and you are within the UK law to use a method of self defence to strike an assailant BEFORE they attack or strike you.
But remember the most important part of the law - Only reasonable force can be used, and it must be proportional to the perceived, imminent attack.
Of course there is one BIG PROBLEM with this whole self defence thing - bad guys don't care about the law. You may be living your life within the laws of the land, but there are others who don't.
Essentially you have no defence against an attacker who pulls a knife on you, other than having luck on your side! Not much use really. We can buy and own a lot of self defence weapons, but that's as far as it gets. You'll get arrested if you carry them in public - hardly self defence weapons then really?
It's a massive 'catch 22' and whatever way you lean in this debate, there will be a perfectly good counter argument against you.
Are You Prepared ?
Emergency Vehicle Escape Equipment For Prepping And Survival
Prepping is not just about being ready for doomsday and SHTF situations. It cover all aspects of preparedness for all sorts of situations we might encounter.
In this article I look at the very real possibility of being involved in a car accident and finding yourself trapped in the car, unable to get out.
What Would You Do If You Were Trapped In Your Car?
Being involved in an accident and finding yourself trapped in your car is a very real scenario that has happened to thousands of people already.
In most car accident the bodywork will crumble - it's designed to do that and absorb the impact.
But the problem with that is the fact that most doors then jam shut and cannot be opened, essentially trapping you inside.
In an emergency, the last thing you want is to be unable to get away from danger.
This is not a good situation to put yourself or your family in, you must think ahead.
Equipment I Have In My Car Specifically For This Emergency
This is the AutoXscape - a very good bit of kit that goes in the car and is with you ready for use if needed.
Below you can see my full video review of the AutoXscape Tool, showing exactly how it works and how it can benefit you in a case of a vehicle accident where you are trapped inside the car.
The Perfect Vehicle Escape Tool
As you can see in the video, this is a very good bit of prepping kit.
Designed very specifically for on main job - escaping from a vehicle where you are trapped inside.
The added extra of a 20 hour battery life for the torch at 50 lumens and a very decent 4 hours at max power, plus the S.O.S function make this essential car carry for us preppers.
If you interested, here's the link to check out latest prices and availability. below:
Hope this article was of use to you all.
This escape tool is one of those things that we tend to overlook, but would definitely be needed in an emergency.
Happy Prepping Folks,
Steve
Legal UK Weapons for Preppers
Self Defence and Survival
Please be aware:
The law as described in this article is for England and Wales only.
There is no such thing as an overall UK law, as Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own versions, especially regarding weapons and weapon ownership, which can differ substantially.
As a Prepper you must know the rules and laws regarding legal weapons in the UK right now, as they stand now, and before any SHTF situation or WROL.
Defending what is rightly yours and ensuring all your efforts to prepare for a Doomsday scenario ARE worth it – it naturally follows that you have to be prepared to defend your family, your home and your survival supplies.
When SHTF, the next thing to happen will be a country WROL.
It’s inevitable for people to take the law into their own hands as looting increases as people become more desperate for food, water and any other supplies they can lay their hands on.
Quite how you decide to defend will be a very big decision to make.
Observe Good OPSEC
Possibly the very best form of legal weapon you have in your arsenal is you ability to KEEP QUIET and generally only tell other preppers who are in your prepping network.
The more people who know you have good supplies of food and water, the bigger the risk to you and your family.
Legal Weapons in the UK and the laws regarding weapons are mighty strict
So much so that just about anything can be deemed as a dangerous, unlawful and offensive weapon in certain situations.
Those situations are primarily, if you are carrying the weapon in a public place AND if you are caught carrying, what can be considered an offensive weapon, you’d better have a pretty dam good, convincing reason.
Otherwise – your nicked mate. – Along with CONFISCATION of the weapon and a huge fine, and depending on the weapon, you risk an even bigger chance of imprisonment.
As an example – a PREPPER would only have a couple of GENUINE REASON to be carrying a razor sharp hunting knife, an axe or similar – and these are:
- Carrying it to a bug out location or bushcraft site or survival course
- Using it for bushcraft skills whilst out practising such skills
- Carrying it back home
- Taking it to or from a repair shop [eg. to be resharpened]
If you own rifles, then taking to and from the range or an area of land where you have permission to shoot, is also acceptable.
But be aware, the rifle must stay in a case, ideally locked, and the pellets need to be in a separate container. It should also only be opened at the range or private shooting land.
** If ever asked by a police officer to open the case and show the contents - DO NOT DO THIS - instead offer to go with him to the police station where you can open it there. Opening it up an the roadside is the same as carrying it in public..!!
The same rules apply for transporting and for using a bow or crossbow.
Other than the above reasons, as a prepper, I don’t see any other need for that weapon to leave the confines of your own home and be carried around anywhere in public – it makes plain simple sense really.
What constitutes an offensive weapon?
The laws in the United Kingdom are very strict on this and what the law books say about them can be found in the Prevention of Crime Act 1953. Section 1 (1)
This act was made law in 1953 and stands as the basis for Prevention Of Crime here in the UK today.
The section that is the most relevant is below, however, just about anything can be deemed an offensive weapon if you try!
“Prohibition of the carrying of offensive weapons without lawful authority or reasonable excuse.”
** Any person who without lawful authority or reasonable excuse, the proof whereof shall lie on him, has with him in any public place any offensive weapon shall be guilty of an offence.’
Common Sense Legal Weapons Considerations For Everyone
So, first rule of ensuring you comply with the offensive weapons laws in the UK is, whatever type of weapons you decide to add to your survival kit –
WHEREVER POSSIBLE - DO NOT TAKE THEM OUTSIDE IN A PUBLIC PLACE
Keep them at home and if you wish to practice with them it must be on your own land or land where you have complete permission from the land owner.
Maybe on a farm and you are helping to keep a vermin problem down by shooting rats with your air gun.
If you do need to take any weapon within a public place then think twice about your reasons and ensure they are genuine and legitimate.
But again I repeat, just about anything can and will be deemed as an offensive, and as such, illegal weapon if used in an aggressive manner.
Run and stab someone with you brolly and the brolly becomes the offensive weapon, however, grabbing a brolly to help defend yourself against an attacker with a knife is a whole new area. And a very grey one at that.!
UK LEGAL WEAPONS
Exceptions: Non Locking, Folding Pocket Knife
* It is, however, legal to carry a non lockable folding pocket knife or multi purpose tool (like the EDC5 knife shown here), provided the blade is below 3″ long.
* You can do this "because the law says you can"... It is perfectly legal to carry this type of knife in your pocket.
But it would be an arrestable offense if you started waving it about in public.
Aslo see UK Knife Laws
Also see our Best Legal Folding Pocket Knife guide here.
Here you can see a typical UK legal carry knife:
However, It makes sense that you would think twice about the implications of taking a pocket knife to a football match, regardless of the fact that a pocket knife is deemed as a legal weapon in the UK – it’s just common sense – “Oh, I’m sorry officer, I forgot it was in my pocket”, will not be good enough and is not a valid reason – if that’s your proposed excuse, expect to get it taken away and probably you as well.!
Weapons are essential to us preppers, especially when practising our survival skills but make sure you do so responsibly and within the law, AND, use you common sense.
The weapons shown below are LEGAL UK weapons
that you are allowed to own without needing any license or certificate
* However, this does not mean you can just go wander around anywhere in public with them.
Although anything can be made into a weapon this list is for generally accepted weapons that are legal to own without requiring a FAC [ firearms certificate ] or any other special permission.
Find out more about the various weapons you can own and use as a prepper:
Please use the links below, to full articles, video reviews etc:
AIR RIFLE
12 ft lb (muzzle velocity or below)
Anything above 12 ft lb requires a F.A.C (Fire Arm Cert)
Any type, shape or size is legal:
Compound, recurve, longbow etc
Any type, shape or size is legal:
Compound or recurve
Any type, shape or size is legal:
Some are legal to carry, other are not. See the articles here for more information and choice.
PEPPER SPRAY
*UK Legal Alternative
*Criminal Identification Spray
If you are in doubt as to what constitutes a legal weapon in the UK, you must first check with your local police force, and be 100% certain before risking a hefty fine.
If you want to know more about the UK Knife Laws that are in place in Britain today, then check out our article showing the exact things you need to know about knives –
- link: UK Knife Laws
If you are concerned about being stopped on suspicion of carrying a weapon there are also specific Stop and Search laws that you need to know –
- link: UK Stop and Search Laws
There are also many other firearms that you can legally own here in the UK – from a semi automatic rifle to a shotgun – they are all legal to own.
What must be obtained first, in order for you to own one legally, is a UK FireArms Certificate – see the UK Gun & FireArms Laws here.
This article is about as accurate as I can get it, after all, I'm no legal adviser and certainly not qualified to offer advice.! But it is possible I have missed something, or written incorrect information, and if you see something that's not quite right, then please leave a comment and I will correct it. Thanks
However, the above is a good overview of the generally accepted "weapons" that can be owned here in the UK.
The list, and your choice, is very restrictive as the UK is such a zero tolerance police and legal system. Points for and against the public owning 'decent' self defence weapons swings both ways.
Compared to the USA we are a laughing stock, but multiple firearms killing are so regular there, they barely make any news. Whereas here in the UK we do not have that way of life.
For us preppers, it's a difficult one. The bad guys will get weapons regardless of what the law says, and in a SHTF situation everyone will want to protect themselves and their family.
That is why it is important to know what you can legally own right now - then go out and get them, practice with them, store them and be ready for when you need them.
Happy Prepping Folks,
Steve
SAS Tactical Survival Bow
by Survival Archery Systems
In this review article I will be showing you an age old method for food procurement that is a reliable means to put food on your table in any disaster or survival situation.
As preppers we are all prepared with bugout bags and equipment that will make our lives easier should we feel the need to flee to a quieter area, away from potential dangers of a SHTF situation.
However, the space we have to carry our equipment is very limited - essentially just a rucksack with the most important survival kit.
Which, in itself, asks the question: "what is the most important equipment to pack for survival ?"
Short term bugout is relatively easy to pack for.
Dehydrated foods and a water filter will give you a months supplies with very little space taken up in your bugout bag along with you other survival gear.
But what happens if that bugout becomes prolonged,
going for on longer than you thought?
If this were the case, you need to ask yourself a question - What have you taken with you to ensure you can hunt for food and actually feed yourself and your family?
For small game like the rabbit, squirrel or pheasant, I would always have my air rifle with me - an air rifle is the ideal tool for this job. Quiet, efficient and accurate enough to put food on the table each day.
Although an excellent hunting tool, there are, of course, a few drawbacks with the air rifle, in so much as mechanical failure is a potential risk factor to consider.
Noise levels can also be an issue in certain circumstances, as well as the fact that you have limited ammunition, and once its gone its gone.
Other than that, I highly recommend the air rifle as a very good small game hunting tool.
I have quite a few air rifle articles here.
There is also the often overlooked and humble catapult. A hunting tool that I highly recommend, and well worth keeping in your bugout bag.
It ticks all the survival boxes and there's an unlimited supply of ammo as well.
Never underestimate this very good means of food procurement. Here's a few article I have on catapults:
Silent Hunting With A Catapult
Which brings me nicely onto the main point of this article:
What other hunting tools are available?
But not only available, they need to be compact and light enough to fit in your bugout bag, yet man enough to do the job.
They need to have very few moving parts that would cause failure AND be powerful enough to procure larger game if required.
This 'other' tool is the Survival Bow. Used for centuries, it has proved its worth, but now, for a bow to reach the heights of a true hunting and survival bow it must meet with the 8 critical characteristics of design:
1. Effective bow length
2. Overall packaged length
3. Corrosion resistance
4. Durability
5. Positive limb retention
6. Protection of arrows
7. Zero tool or maintenance requirements
8. Truly ambidextrous
These 8 essential design elements are what makes a true survival bow. When you achieve this, you have a preppers dream that ticks every box for a survival tool that will ensure long life, and a means to procure food in a SHTF situation.
I have been very fortunate to get my hands on one such hunting tool that efficiently covers all the points above:
The SAS Tactical Survival Bow, with SAS standing for 'Survival Archery Systems'
Designed in South Africa, manufactured in the USA , and sold worldwide, this compact bow offers us preppers a very good solution to bugout food procurement.
As you can see here in the photo, the SAS bow is 'super compact', and will fold down to just 21"..!
It is also capable of holding upto 5 take-down arrows within the body, and it all fits into a custom made carry case that will fit inside your rucksack.
The carry case itself also double up as an arrow quiver if you want.
And weight? Well I'm very impressed with this bow as it comes in at a mere 1kg (2.2lb) - that's some impressive statistics eh..!
I though at first that the effort made to get that 1kg weight and under 21" would mean a compromise in other areas. Strength being my main concern. Shedding weight and making something smaller than usual normally means giving up something along the way.
And that something is usually strength and performance.
But again, looking closely at the SAS Tactical Bow it would appear I have been proved wrong.
Not for the first time I know!
But have a look at the photo, and in particular the limbs and riser detail.
They have impressive manufacture details that, to be honest, I'd like to see on some other bows..!
Essentially the SAS Tactical Bow has only 6 moving part:
- 2x high grade composite limbs - CNC machined and coated
- 1x aerospace grade T6 aluminium riser - CNC machines and coated
- 2x retaining pivot pins - marine grade 316 stainless steel
- 1x 16 strand B50 Dacron string
It also comes with 1x 'Bear' arrow rest and 2x nylon retaining pin screws, but the bow is safe to use without the pins if necessary - but I would always lock them in place just for peace of mind.
As for the actual carry case, is very well made and stitched, and works well as a storage and carry pouch for the bow as well as an arrow quiver case.
Moving on: This bow also comes with three, two part 31" aluminium takedown arrows.
** Eastern Gamegetter XX75 aluminum arrow made from 7075-T9 alloy, with 4" vanes.
Which make use of a specially designed marine grade 316 stainless steel insert to allow quick and easy assembly.
It is easily possible to put the 3x take-down arrows into the hollow riser body for storage when carrying the bow in it's case.
This in itself makes the bow such a compact unit, and will protect your arrows when in transit.
You can fit 5 arrows in, with a push. There is a specific sequence to fit them in, but they do fit.
For the latest prices & availability click here: SAS Tactical Bow
Full Video Test & Review
SAS Tactical Survival Bow
Of course the only real way to show off the features of this great bow system is to fully test it. So here's my review video - Enjoy and please comment.
Buy Here:
Well, there you have it folks, the SAS Tactical Bow System. I think you'll agree with me, this one good bit of preppers kit.
In fact, I would say that if its on your preppers list, then go out and get yourself one.
As I showed on the video, I only needed to make very minor adjustments to suit my needs and archery style.
String silences, finger cushions and a comfy grip are nothing I consider major, and certainly didn't defer from the fact that this is a quality product, well suited to all prepping and survival needs.
I will be going 'full on camo' with a new paint job soon. So I'm hoping to add that to the review as well as some time.
In the meantime, Happy Prepping Folks.
Compound vs Recurve Bow,
Which One is Best for Survival?
If you’re in a survival situation, or planning to live off the grid,
you are probably interested in weapons.
Specifically, what weapon should you take with you.
Guns are a logical choice, but here in the UK they are not readily at hand for the average prepper.
They’re hard to maintain over long periods of time because they require ammunition. Once you run out of ammo, the gun will be useless.
A better choice for survivalists is the bow. But, there’s choices there as well.
Here, we will compare a compound vs. recurve bow, but which one is best for survival?
What’s the Difference between a Compound or Recurve Bow?
Many people have an opinion about which is better, but don’t have any evidence to back it up.
To help you make the best choice for you, we’ll go over the differences between a compound and recurve bow.
Bows have some similarities.
Both a recurve and a compound bow use leverage as a mechanical advantage.
Also, these weapons depend on stored energy to cast an arrow fast and far.
In both situations, the arrow will travel
much further than a person could throw it.
As preppers, we like to know stuff.... We all know knowledge is king, and especially survival and prepping knowledge.
So knowing exactly 'how' a bow works is essential to understanding the 'whys' and 'hows' of a bow for survival and SHTF purposes.
Using a bow for hunting and survival is an age old skill, and going right back to basics it is really quite easy to make your own perfectly good, functioning bow.
But the modern bow can be a bit more complicated.
RECURVE BOW
COMPOUND BOW
Recurve bows store energy as it is drawn.
As more energy stores, it gets harder to pull the string.
Compound bows are different because they use their mechanical advantage through cables and cams.
Cables and cams let off some of the weight used to draw the string back. A compound bow will send an arrow farther than a traditional bow.
The differences between compound bows and traditional models like a recurve have several other differences including price, accuracy, weight, power, and speed.
Price Differences Between Recurve and Compound Bows
Just looking at a recurve and compound bow, you can tell there is a price difference.
A top of the line recurve bow can cost as much as £1500. However, most traditional archers can get a great model for around £150 - £200.
Any archer interested in a compound bow should expect to pay around £150 for an entry level model. But, most higher end compound bows fall in the £500 to £1000 range after they are all set-up.
If you are trying to decide what type of bow would be ideal for a survival situation, the prices for each model are similar.
Which is more Accurate Compound or Recurve?
When set up right a compound bow is extremely accurate.
Using a peep, release, and other shooting accessories help make an average archer a great shooter.
Without the help of cams and other mechanisms, a recurve bow is harder to draw and increases the possibility of the shooter shaking or quivering.
The movements can make shooting less accurate because of poor alignment.
If you take an average shooter and give them both choices, they will likely be much more accurate with a compound bow.
Since accuracy can be the difference between eating or starving in a survival situation, a compound bow makes a better choice.
Recurve Bows are Much Lighter than Compound Models
Another consideration to make for a survivalist is whether weight makes a difference.
If you are going to carry your bow with you always, it might. A compound bow can be heavy. In comparison, a recurve bow is extremely light.
In fact, a recurve bow could weigh just a fraction of a compound bow. Even compound bows made of super light material weigh more than a rifle, which still makes it pretty heavy. If you have a ton of ground to cover, will be climbing, or running, a recurve bow is a better choice because it won’t slow you down.
Not convinced?
Think about this as well. A bow isn't the only thing you'll be hauling on a daily or regular basis. Likely, you'll also have a cook kit and canteen, hunting light, knives, and much more.
With so much to carry, it doesn't make sense to weight yourself down with a heavy hunting tool too.
A Compound Bow has More Speed and Power than a Recurve Bow
We talked about it earlier, but it’s worth going over again.
Not only is a compound bow more accurate than a recurve, but it also tosses arrows faster and further. Compound bows can do this because of their mechanical advantage.
For even better results, archers can use a heavy arrow, which will go far fast and penetrate deep.
Does Shoot Ability Matter?
Now, it’s time to talk about shoot ability.
It’s a controversial topic and those that favour either the traditional or compound bow may never agree completely. However, there are still a few topics to highlight for consideration.
When shooters aim, and fire a recurve bow there it’s silky smooth. There’s no jerks or unexpected hand movements. For this reason, recurves are often considered more shooter friendly.
But, it’s important to consider whether losing some accuracy is better than a smooth shot. Other factors to consider include noise.
Compound bows are noisier than a traditional bow.
Some older bow models make sounds like rifles being shot when the string is released.
There’s also a ton more hand vibrations when shooting, which makes it difficult to repeat repeatedly.
RECURVE BOW
COMPOUND BOW
The Perfect Bow for Survivalists and Preppers
When it comes to survival situations, the best bow choice may be one that is made of raw materials.
Arrows and fletchings can be made with natural materials.
Broad heads can also be made or be made of stone. If you have a traditional compound bow and run out of arrows, it’s not easy to make arrows for this type of bow.
A wooden arrow in a compound bow could cause the arrow to explode and become dangerous.
With all things considered, a traditional bow is a better choice for survival situations because the resources used to create are readily available in nature.
In conclusion, the best choice for survival situations are whatever you feel most comfortable using.
If you are comfortable shooting a compound bow before you found yourself in a survival situation, you’ll still be most comfortable with that choice afterwards. The same goes for a traditional recurve bow.
Both weapons have relatively the same costs associated with them. As far as accuracy goes, the best compound bow has some advantages.
But, in terms of weight and the ability to move while carrying the weapon, a traditional bow has the compound bow beat.
What this means is that it’s really a personal choice as to what type of weapon you want to use in a survival situation.
But, because of sustainability and the ability to reproduce arrows and even the entire bow if possible, we recommend relying on a recurve bow first with compound bows as a close second.
A big thank you to Brandon Cox who took the time to send this great article over to me.
Brandon is the founder of the American website blog: StayHunting, and is passionate about all things of hunting and fitness.
Through his hunting website, he would like to share tips & tricks, finest tech that will excite all of the intricacies of hunting whether you be an amateur or a professional
I hope this article has helped you, and given you more of an idea about choosing a suitable bow.
As we all know Bow Hunting in the UK is completely illegal and should not be practised anywhere in the UK.
There are severe fines imposed on anyone seen or caught or attempting to carry out bow hunting for real.
However, please take a look at my article on Bow Hunting For Food and Survival, where I cover the whole topic and how you can practice for SHTF without any legal problems.
