r/SelfSufficiency • u/Altruistic_Weird_864 • Nov 08 '24
After election
I’m thinking self sufficiency might be super important to learn after these election results. All of the warnings about cost eventually rising, tariffs, and so much more I’m trying to really educate myself. But I’m making an effort to start my self sufficiency journey so whatever may happen I can know I have myself to rely on. What are you guys thoughts? And what are some skills you think are good to start out learning?
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u/anxiousbluebear Nov 08 '24
Identifying edible wild plants, learning to grow food in containers and in the soil, orienting yourself with sun and stars, wilderness survival, doing repairs to clothing and your home, self-defense skills... Start where you feel inspired.
I understand your feelings here but please don't get sucked into a rabbit hole of fear and alienation and anxiety about getting everything perfect immediately. It's easy to feel like nothing is ever enough and the world is such a scary place. But there's so much inspiration and awe in the process of becoming more self-sufficient.
The irony is you realize how interconnected everything is in the end, so put your relationships first. Together we can build better systems and appreciate nature together.
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u/Altruistic_Weird_864 Nov 09 '24
U right about leading with fear I’ll make sure to pursue this leading with curiosity and inspiration
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u/No-Profit9477 Nov 09 '24
My advice, get into self sufficiency because it's always a good thing to know. But then take a breath and know that it's all going to be fine. 12 of the last 16 years have been Democrat rule, lots of wars and conflicts. These 4 years won't be worse, might be better. But life will go on. Don't buy into the hype in the media and social media.
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u/Month_Year_Day Nov 09 '24
Just made an appointment to buy solar panels. For one.
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u/Target2030 Nov 09 '24
We're hoping to get ours before the tariffs go into effect. Prices are going to go up very quickly because the companies know they will have to pay more to replace their stock.
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u/troniculus Nov 08 '24
Hahahahaha welcome to being a conservative for the past decade!
Seriously though, start by assessing the space and time you have to devote to self-sufficiency, and plan from there.
Self-Sufficiency is an aspiration, not a true reachable place.
Start learning how to buy in bulk and store effectively in bulk.
And always remember the Golden rule of store, what you eat and eat what you store. It does no good to go out and buy 500 lb of rice and 500 lb of beans when you dislike both of them.
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u/Its_Knova Nov 09 '24
same position actually. im gonna buy me a rifle in two weeks stock up on otc medicines, food, meats and seeds along with some farming books and what not.
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u/dylfree90 Nov 09 '24
Just made the day of every single conservative in the country. We love nothing more than someone utilizing the right to bear arms, welcome to the club.
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u/Target2030 Nov 09 '24
I don't know why so many conservatives think that democrats don't own guns. Many of us are veterans and already have guns. Wanting to put in some common sense gun laws like background checks doesn't mean that you want to ban guns.
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u/dylfree90 Nov 10 '24
Background checks are already a thing. This proves how many democrats don’t own guns. If you try to purchase a gun illegally(as in you’re a felon) the state police can and in many times will show up at your front door.
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u/Target2030 Nov 10 '24
There are not universal background checks. I can buy as many guns as I want from individuals with no background check at all. The only people who have to do background checks are those with an FFL. It's super easy to wander around a gun show and find an individual selling guns without a background check. I'm a combat vet and definitely own guns.
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u/dylfree90 Nov 10 '24
Well maybe gun shows are different. I’ve never been to one. I’ve purchased 22 firearms in my life, all from the same store in rural Pennsylvania and I can’t ever walk out with a firearm without passing a background check.
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u/Its_Knova Nov 09 '24
I’m from New Mexico so we’re pretty moderate in terms of policies like abortion and open carry. I’m more of a moderate democrat with some conservative values so it’s not like I’m flipping hard as I already own guns I just never use em because of no utility.
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u/dylfree90 Nov 10 '24
That’s fair. But I simply get a kick out of liberals, especially hard liners going “ we’re getting guns now take that republicans! “ ..meanwhile we’re sat here like yes, you have a constitutional right to bear arms and yes we support EVERYONE legally carrying firearms. Without question. Emphasis on LEGALLY.
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u/Altruistic_Weird_864 Nov 09 '24
Yup I’m getting a gun aswell
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u/Its_Knova Nov 09 '24 edited Nov 09 '24
Awesome, I already have a few but one is a 22 lr not best for hunting and the other is an old mil surp rifle that doesn’t shoot as accurate because they don’t make the exact ammunition that it takes. Where I’m at a standard hunting rifles around $400 and up. I also don’t know if you’re for hunting or for self defense.
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u/KJHagen Nov 09 '24
.22 cal rifles take more game than any other. It’s perfect for rabbits and squirrels, and good for pest control as well. If I only had one firearm, it would be my old reliable .22 lever action.
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u/Its_Knova Nov 09 '24
I’m starting a new job and I definitely want something for bigger game I’m learning about different types of deer elk oryx etc so I might go with 6.5 creedmoor
My old carcano rifle (the same type used on jfk) can take 6.5x52 but again not as accurate unless i get it rechambered and sporterize the hell out of it but I’m gonna settle for a pawnshop rifle in that ammo preferably with rails on it doesn’t have to buts rails are nice.
I’m gonna start watching vids on how to field dress and butcher too as well as buying an entire cow once I have enough saved as well learning a trade that is valuable like welding.
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u/KJHagen Nov 09 '24
You have many choices. Consider ammunition availability when you make your choice. I have a .308 Win, a .30-06, a 12 Gauge shotgun, a . 22 rifle, a 9mm pistol, and a 6.8 mm SPC. All but the 6.8mm are very easy to find ammo for.
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u/Its_Knova Nov 09 '24
I understand I’ve looked at prices for ammo types and the 6.5x52 is about $3.00 a bullet which is why I was thinking about getting into loading my own ammunition with cast molds primers and gun powder along with all the tools necessary and a smelter.
But I’ll definitely load up on 22 lr and 9x18 for a makarov 380 as well for small game and rodents.
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u/KJHagen Nov 09 '24
Yep. Lots of choices. I have a press and all the components to load .308, but it’s also a lot of work. You can get military surplus .308 for less than $0.60/ round if you buy in bulk.
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u/Its_Knova Nov 09 '24
Also, Any other words of advice for self sufficiency: survival books, YouTube courses, survival tips?
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u/KJHagen Nov 10 '24
Tips: Don’t go it alone. Have friends. Learn to collaborate and trade. Get along with people who don’t look like you or share all your views. Have backup plans for everything. Stay mobile, mentally and physically.
I live in western Montana, so my situation is different than many others. We have to think about shelter, heat and water if the power goes out. I am a combat veteran who lives in a community of veterans, but our environment is harsh and unforgiving.
Learn to hunt, fish, and forage. Thinking about everything that goes into harvesting, dressing out, and preserving a deer may make you appreciate how much easier it is to live on squirrels, rabbits, and birds.
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u/VIVOffical Nov 08 '24
Everything is politics.
Every sub is politics.
Wompmwomp
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