[wbill]

That's fair enough, and a reasonable outlook. It's more conservative than mine, but I think that everyone should be prepared to the level to a level that they think is reasonable.

I've got hand tools, and I know how to use them. IMHO, more valuable than a pile of MRE's ... if we actually get to that point.

Nah, the guys that I was poking are the "Come and Get Some" armchair Rambos. FR is populated with its fair share. The ones with a "Friggin arsenal, and the will to use it", like that will do them any good if they need to bug out...for instance if their house with the arsenal gets burned to the ground.

I especially like the "buy gold" ones, like they're going to wander over to your house and trade a cup of gold for some food. Gimme a break. They'd be better off with a stockpile of toilet paper, or batteries. Cheaper, easier to get (right now), and far, far more desirable if there isn't any.

[nomorelurker]

Good words on the tools. Many on these threads don't seem to realize that a hammer, ax and shovel may be more useful than a gun. I'm talking about a real ax with wood handle (you can replace easy) that you can sharpen with a stone or file not some little weekend camping toy. Never see anyone mention nails should the SHTF you are going to need them