Snow Bound

posted on January 23, 2014
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
rackley2015_fs.jpg

This week, a large part of the east coast was hit with a pretty strong snow storm that caused some power outages and hazardous driving conditions, canceling school and work for many. Part way through the storm on Tuesday, I headed out to clear my car and driveway of snow, and, once again, had one of those thoughts that plague survivalists like me. I was the only one in my neighborhood who was clearing the snow, which meant I was the only one preparing for an emergency.

I like to have my vehicle ready to go in case I have to head out into the weather, be it for something as simple as gallon of milk or as important as rushing a child with a fever to the doctor. Every time there is a snow storm, I clear my area every few hours to ensure a fast exit time if needed, and I just can’t believe how few people seem to consider this as important.

Now I know that this isn’t a typical self-defense topic, but being prepared for any emergency is something I consider to be family defense. Being prepared is more than having a shotgun in the corner, a handgun on the hip and a first-aid kit in glove box. It’s a lifestyle that never ends, even when you’re stuck inside playing "snow monster eats the kids."

Latest

Cz Vz27 Ihtog 1
Cz Vz27 Ihtog 1

I Have This Old Gun: Czech vz.27

Following World War I, Czechoslovakia needed to equip its new army, and one of its priorities was to select a service sidearm, which ultimately became the vz.27.

Rimfire M1 Refined: The Chiappa Bushranger

Italian manufacturer Chiappa is not afraid to take an original design and give it a modern twist. New for 2026, the company is taking its rimfire M1 carbine design one step further with the Bushranger.

TriStar Arms Celebrates 30th Anniversary

Established in 1996 by the father-and-son team of Gus and Ryan Bader, TriStar Arms has grown into one of the firearm industry’s most respected names in value-driven products.

Optic on an Optic: Why You Should Add a Red-Dot to Your LPVO

Why is it that, suddenly, it seems like everyone is running around with little red-dot sights mounted on top of low-power, variable optics? Well, it turns out there are reasons for that.

How Accurate are Today’s Rifles?

In just the last few decades, rifle accuracy has improved an astonishing amount, and our expectations have risen accordingly.

New for 2026: GForce Arms LVR30S in .30-30 Win.

One of the latest .30-30 Win. lever guns comes from an unexpected place: Turkey. New for 2026, GForce Arms has introduced its LVR30S.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.