Equipment

These are the tools I've personally used and recommend. If you're looking to build the ultimate in entry-level preparedness kits, look no further. This list includes reliable, tested gear suitable for civilians, with the total coming in at or around $5000!

Modern Sporting Rifle

PSA PA-15 16" Rifle 5.56x45mm

I’ve personally sent a few thousand rounds through this exact configuration—zero failures, no accuracy deviations, and consistent reliability session after session. This makes it a solid choice for home defense or training.

This is the kind of rifle you wouldn’t mind leaving in an evidence locker for a few years—God forbid.

It aligns well with civilian preparedness needs, combining affordability, ruggedness, and mil‑spec durability.

This rifle is always on sale for under $500—but i frequently see it online bundled with the PSA Dagger (seen below) for somewhere in the ballpark of $750, offering outstanding value backed by PSA’s Lifetime Warranty.

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EDC Pistol

PSA Dagger Compact 9x19mm

The PSA Dagger Compact in 9mm is one of the most versatile handguns on the market. With reduced dimensions compared to full-size service pistols, it strikes the perfect balance between concealability and control. Whether you're carrying daily, training at the range, or need a dependable backup weapon, the PSA Dagger Compact delivers across the board.

Again I've personally sent thousands of rounds through my personal EDC, and like my AR-15, it’s been 100% reliable the entire time.

You can regularly find PSA Dagger's for under $500,

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eye protection

Vortex Banshee Sunglasses

These sunglasses are part of my everyday carry (EDC) — discreet enough for daily use but fully protective when seconds count. Polarized and ballistic-rated to ANSI Z87.1 and MIL-PRF 32432-A standards, these glasses offer superior impact resistance and 100% UV protection, while reducing glare. Lightweight and flexible, with a non-slip bridge and temples, they stay secure during high-movement activities. Anti-scratch, smudge-resistant, and anti-reflective coatings maintain clarity and durability.

You can typically find them for under $150.

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Ear Protection

Walker’s Silencer R600 26dB Ear Buds

These buds are another essential part of my everyday carry (EDC) setup — you can use them to listen to music at the gym, at home, or on the go, while still being ready for when seconds count. These rechargeable electronic earbuds amplify voices while suppressing gunfire, keeping your situational awareness intact. Features include three program settings (Universal, Clear Voice, Hi-Frequency Boost), dynamic wind noise reduction, and variable gunshot suppression. The compact, in-ear design ensures comfort without interfering with hats or eyewear. Includes three sizes of Sure-Lock sizing fins and foam tips for a customized fit.

You can frequently find them for under $250

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Body Armor

Safe Life Defense FRAS [Flexible Rifle Armor]

Safe Life Defense FRAS® is a Flexible Rifle Armor feels and conceals just like soft armor but is rated to defend against .223, 5.56 and 7.62×39! Flexible Rifle Armor panels provide full front, rear and side coverage while still being lighter than most traditional rifle plates. Guaranteed to be the most comfortable rifle protection you have ever worn or your money back!

You can usually find this armor for around $2000 or less.

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Bleed Control Kit

Curaplex Stop the Bleed Kit

Bleeding Control Kits are compact kits designed to handle injuries caused by immediate life-threatening injuries and bleeding caused by gunshot wounds, stabbing, or crushing. These specialized kits have been developed to stop heavy bleeding.

WHAT'S INCLUDED:

  • (1) Permanent marker
  • (2) Pair of gloves, latex-free, LG
  • (1) C-A-T® tourniquet
  • (1) Emergency bandage
  • (1) Pair of trauma shears
  • (2) Rolls of primed, compressed gauze dressing Kit is vacuum-packed and tamper-proofed

These are super affordable being under $100.

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AED

Philips HeartStart OnSite AED

The HeartStart Onsite AED features a clear, audible, and natural voice that guides the user through simple step-by-step instructions. The voice instructions are fashioned to be detailed enough for a novice user without being overly technical or confusing. In fact, the AED is so intuitive that it can identify if a step is accidentally skipped and can re-word the command in a different manner and ask the user to perform it again. An SCA scene can be chaotic; the HeartStart Onsite makes it easier for a layperson to respond in a crisis.

You can typically find this online for around $1500.

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Amature Radio

UV-5R 5W Dual Band Radio

128 Channels 50 CTCSS and 104 CDCSS Dual-Band Display, Dual Freq.

Display, Dual-Standby, A/B band independent operation | High/Low TX power selectable: Busy channel lock-out(BCLO)

Keypad Lock: Channel

Step:2.5/5/6.25/10/12.5/25KHz | Voice companding: 50 CTCSS/ 104DCS coder & tone searching

Tri-color background light selectable:0-9 grades VOX selectable | FM Radio (65.0MHz-108.0MHz) | Large LCD Display

Emergency Alert:25KHz/12.5KHz Switchable | LED Flashlight: Hight /Low RF Power Switchable

Pick this up today for $25 or less.

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